Neil's Notes Archives - Neil Sperry's GARDENS

Companions for Pansies

By Neil Sperry • December 28, 2015

Pinks are among the most cold-hardy of our wintertime annuals. If you need something to accompany pansies, these might be the ticket.

Winter Protection for Tender Plants

By Neil Sperry • December 28, 2015

It’s been a really unusual winter, but you never know when a late frost might blow in. A lightweight covering for tender new plants or for succulent new growth of normally hardy plants can make a big difference.

Neil’s Personal Appearances in December

By Neil Sperry • December 2, 2015

Neil has scheduled five book sale/signings and pen sales for December. Click for dates, locations. (Remember that his new book is not sold in stores – only here on the website, by calling our office 800-752-4769 or at an appearance.)

2016 Landscape School

By Neil Sperry • October 6, 2015

Register now for our 22nd annual Home Landscape School. All day Saturday, March 5 in Plano. Learn how to draw your own plan to scale. Leave with a working drawing of your own project. It always sells out.

Best Fall Color Trees for Texas

By Neil Sperry • October 2, 2015

If you choose your trees carefully, fall color is achievable even here in Texas. It will vary from one year to the next, but here is a list of the best candidates.

Mushroom Photos

By Neil Sperry • May 27, 2015

I came across a handsome mushroom in the woods along our driveway two weeks ago. I posted a photo of it on my Facebook page and invited the FB community …

Best Fruit Crops for North Texas

By Neil Sperry • February 2, 2015

TAMU fruit specialist Dr. George Ray McEachern was my guest on Sunday, February 1, 2015, and for the entire program on DFW-based WBAP, we spoke about growing fruit crops in a backyard home setting. Click to see his list of the best choices.

Cyclamen for Winter Color

By Neil Sperry • December 31, 2014

These cool-season flowers have really come of age in the past 10 or 15 years. Growers now produce a wide assortment of colors, plant sizes and even some variation in winter hardiness. They’re great for a cool windowsill or sunroom, or you can use them to decorate the winter entry or patio.