VOLUME 18, ISSUE 19 • May 12, 2022

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

Welcome to the mid-May edition of e-gardens. Why does it feel like mid-July outdoors? Oh - because it's Texas!

In this issue…
• This weekend's prime tasks (like watering!);
• Pests chewing through our landscapes;
• Tree troubles in Texas;
• This week's Q&A; and
• Diane Sitton shares a tour of stunning gardens.

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Photo: Cora XDR vincas laugh at the heat of Texas summers.

Gardening This Weekend

The heat has been relentless this week. Let's hope it's not a sign of the summer to come. Whatever the case, there are important things to do in the short term. I'll explain this week's assignments.

Photo: It's finally warm enough to plant Cora XDR periwinkles. Raised beds or patio pots are always best.

Sharing some highlights from "Gardenscapes"

Diane Sitton was thrilled that this open-gardens tour was back in action. Wait ’til you see the lovely landscapes she saw.

Photo: Succulents and moss adorn this whimsical figure and her dog companion.

Tree troubles

Sometimes you see trees that are struggling. Occasionally they're beyond repair, but in other cases a little prudent attention can save them. I'll show you two trees I saw a few days ago. They could just have well have been in your landscape. Better read on.

Photo: Can you identify this species? This issue? You need to.

Chomp, chomp, chomp

Two insects. One common symptom - parts of plants are disappearing. But one of the insects is of much greater concern than the other. One has a fascinating story to be told. Click through and I'll tell you about them.

Photo: Leaf cutter bees and tiny, brand new bagworms.

Q&A
Ask Neil

This is your chance to email me your questions. But to avoid the crush that hit me before, we’ve put a meter on the mailbox to accept only the first 25. So it pays to read e-gardens early! Click for details and this week's answers.

And, in closing…

You've read your way almost to the end of another e-gardens. But before you shut it all down, join me in congratulating my longtime friends at Smith's Gardentown in Wichita Falls, named just a few days ago as the SBA Family-Owned Business of the Year for 2022 in the DFW District. (That includes tens of thousands of businesses!) Founded in the 1940s and now in their 4th generation, they're a great inspiration. https://smithsgardentown.com

I'll be back with our next e-gardens right here next week. Tell your friends, but do so right after you water all those new plants deeply.

I'll talk with you on the radio this weekend. Until then…

Happy Gardening!

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