VOLUME 18, ISSUE 37 • September 15, 2022

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

It's been quite warm in most of Texas this week, but fall is near at hand. I've lined up topics fitting for the time. Hope you enjoy them.

In this issue…
• It's time for perennials;
• Your checklist for this weekend;
• My favorite types of bromeliads;
• Special notes from Steven Chamblee; and
• Your questions, my answers.

NEIL SPERRY'S LONE STAR GARDENING
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* Only a few hundred remain at this price.
• 344 pages. 840 of my best photos. More than 25 multi-page charts. Hardback printed in Texas on high-quality paper.
• Self-published so I could finally have exactly the book I always wanted for you.
• Covers every aspect of landscaping, lawns, fruit, flower and vegetable gardening.
• A great multi-page chart on the best perennials for Texas, just as one example.
• Written for every county in Texas.
• I sign each copy as it sells.
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(800) 752-4769

Photo: Neoregelias potted and ready to grow.

Gardening This Weekend

Rains of a couple of weeks ago and cooler temperatures a few days ago let us know that there's hope that fall is on its way. I have this weekend's critical tasks so you can do your nursery shopping to be ready.

Photo: Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha) is stunning, somewhat tender fall-flowering perennial.

Native Son: With a Little Help From My Friends

It’s been a busy month for Steven, but he paused long enough to reflect on his surroundings. Happy Birthday, friend!

Photo: Big ol' perennial hibiscus flowers steal the show.

Best time to start perennial garden

Everybody gets the planting fever in springtime, but truth is, fall is a great time to begin a perennial garden. Let me take you through the steps I follow in the process. Maybe I can provide a couple of useful suggestions.

Photo: Effective perennial gardens require planning.

Neoregelias in the Sperry gardens

These babies are for real. They're beautiful, and they're durable. You'll find them in a wide range of exotic colors, and they'll be happy to stay with you for years. Let me tell you about them.

Photo: A small sample of the Neoregelias I’ve collected.

Q&A
Ask Neil

From Bubbas to ‘biscus, Blue Rugs to bermuda your questions brought us variety. Check in to see how I answered them.

And, in closing…

That's it for another episode of the best weekly gardening newsletter in Texas. (Personal opinion. Can you tell that I’m biased?)

Please note especially our new advertiser York Pecans. I've reordered twice - they're fabulous!

This is our last chance to remind you of North Texas Giving Day. It's next week, but you can give to these three important charities now.

• 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.

So, for now I'll say, "So long for now."

Until next week,

Happy Gardening!

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