VOLUME 18, ISSUE 24 • June 16, 2022

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

Gardening becomes a morning and evening hobby in the summer in Texas. I've brought information that can help you get the most out of every minute.

In this issue…
• Diagnosing St. Augustine's problems;
• Fuzzy and friendly;
• This weekend's top tasks;
• Your questions, my answers; and
• Steven Chamblee honors his dad.

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• Covers all aspects of lawns, landscapes, fruit, flower and vegetable gardening.
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Photo: Cooling soft pink crape myrtle in Fairview earlier this week.

Gardening This Weekend

When I talk about mid-June, I'm usually thinking about the time that summer's hot weather officially begins. Well, surprise! It's been here for most of a month. So, let's see what you need to be doing now to help your plants make their way through it.

Photo: Lemon Lollipop is a popular source of summertime color.

Native Son: Magkneeficent

Steven goes back to his roots in more than one way. You’re about to learn more about my very good friend.

Photo: Steven and his dad, Buz, planting a little Japanese maple.

St. Augustine Problem-Solving

Callers to my program last Saturday got started asking about St. Augustine issues. Before I could plug up the levee and move on to other topics almost an hour had passed. So, I know people are wondering. This is in their honor.

Photo: Can you ID this problem? This story will lead you to the answer.

Soft as a lamb's ear

If ever there were an aptly named plant, this is it. It looks like and feels like a gentle lamb's ear. Children giggle with joy when they touch it. And so do grizzled old guys. Best of all, it's a great landscaping plant. Let me tell you about it.

Photo: Even the photo makes you want to reach out to touch lamb's ear!

Q&A
Ask Neil

Questions this time range from passionvine to poke salad, Munchkins to mountain laurels. They're from all across Texas. Take a look for yourself.

And, in closing…

To all the dads, here's hoping you have a wonderful day Sunday.

After more than 15 years of marriage without children, Omer and Lois Sperry adopted me as a baby in 1944.

That smile you see on my face was one of sheer happiness. I didn't know it yet, but I was the luckiest little boy in the world. I lost my dad almost 50 years ago and I still miss him every day. Happy Father's Day.

I'll be back here next week.

Happy Gardening.

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