VOLUME 18, ISSUE 36 • September 8, 2022

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

Gardening This Weekend

I for one am liking the rains that have been moving across Texas these past couple of weeks. Send in some more. And from that, I've lined up the critical tasks you'll want to put on the checklist for this coming weekend. Take a second to look.

Photo: Gregg's mist flower is a great pollinator plant. Butterflies love it, too.

Adding supersized appeal to pint-size spaces

Beautifully illustrated: Diane Sitton shows how we can get maximum enjoyment out of small garden spaces.

Photo: A long, narrow rug anchors two chairs and a table on a patio not more than 6 feet wide. A cohesive color theme increases the appeal.

Just waiting for a rainstorm

Maybe that's why some call it "hurricane lily." These bulbs sat patiently dormant and waiting for the rains to arrive, and as soon as they did, out popped their flowers. Quite a surprise. I have a story to tell about these.

Photo: White-flowering spider lilies.

Mums non-stop now through Thanksgiving

Thanks to great plant breeders and outstanding growers, we can enjoy the rich fall colors of chrysanthemums for the next 10 or 12 weeks - and for years to come. They're America's favorite fall-flowering perennial, and I'll tell you about them.

Photo: Mums come in all shapes, sizes – and common and uncommon forms.

Q&A
Ask Neil

From turnip greens to poppy seeds, boxwoods browning to red oak leaning, we have quite an assortment of inquiries this week. Happy scanning.

And, in closing…

Thanks for reading, and thanks to all who are pitching in to help three of my favorite charities as they seek funds to further their causes. Here they are once again.

North Texas Giving Day will be Thurs., Sept. 22. Three charities I'm proud to support are looking for help:

• The Humane Society of Dallas County takes no funding from government, local or national organizations. Donations are their critical lifeline. Two of my very good friends volunteer there, and I wanted to help.

• The Denton State Supported Living Center (formerly the Denton State School). You've heard me broadcasting Christmas is for Caring for 42 years. This may be a state facility, but there are so many needs that the state does not fulfill.

• The SPCA of Texas. You've heard me doing their Pets of the Week each week on my radio programs for 40 years. As an adopted "animal" myself, my heart has always gone to these dogs.

Until next week's e-gardens, thanks for giving us a read. Let our advertisers know that you're grateful. Tune me in on the radio, and I'll see you in church! Until then…

Happy gardening!