Beth Botts – Page 5 –

Even when branches are bare, plants in midwinter are already preparing for the leaves and blooms of springtime. (Hailey Hoffman/The Morton Arboretum)

Plants are looking for the light

December 27, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Even in cold, dark times, life goes on and spring will come.

A plastic spiral tree guard can help deter deer from rubbing their antlers on the bark of a young tree, but the best protection against animals that rub or eat bark is a barrier of wire mesh. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

Itchy deer, hungry rabbits can threaten young trees, shrubs

December 21, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Hardy trees and shrubs are naturally well armored against winter weather, but they have fewer defenses against animals.

Shrubs with bright bark, such as this blood-twigged dogwood, have the most vivid color on newer branches. Pruning out some of the oldest branches regularly will keep the shrub colorful. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

Regular pruning keeps color coming in dogwoods

December 14, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.

For the best chance of color, certain shrubs need regular pruning, garden experts say.

Any gardener would appreciate a give of a really high-quality pair of hand pruners. Choose bypass pruners, which have blades that slide past each other like a pair of scissors. (Jeffrey Ross)

Good tools make good gifts

December 6, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

There’s no better gift for a gardener than a good, high-quality pair of pruners.

The magnificent trees that grace our communities from spring through autumn provide a host of ecological and human benefits. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

Give thanks for all that trees give us

November 30, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

When we list the things we have to be thankful for -- family, friends, home, traditions, community, hope, nature -- let’s include trees.

Oak trees, like elms, should be pruned only after their leaves have turned and they have entered dormancy for the winter. Winter pruning reduces the risk of infection by serious diseases

spread by insects. (The Morton Arboretum)

Protect oaks and elms by pruning only in winter

November 23, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Trees should only be pruned during winter, when insects that could spread dangerous diseases aren't active.

A layer of mulch insulates the soil around plants’ roots so they wait for the right time to sprout in spring. Spread mulch in an even layer and never pile it against the trunk of a tree. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

Make sure plants are cozy in mulch before winter sets in

November 15, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Before winter closes in, do one last thing for all the trees, shrubs and other plants in your garden: Make sure they have a cozy layer of mulch over their...

Shining sumac is a large shrub, native to the Chicago region, that has spectacular red foliage in fall. (John Hagstrom/The Morton Arboretum)

Add pops of autumn color with native shrubs

November 13, 2025 at 1:48 p.m.

This autumn, think about places that could use a touch of red, orange and gold.

Dead trees and trees with holes in them may look ominous, but they provide valuable habitat for wildlife. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

Spooky trees are full of life

November 1, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Bats, screech owls and many other animals live in holes in dead or living trees, or overwinter nestled deep in the furrows of their bark.

Because most potted chrysanthemums are chosen and grown to be enjoyed for just a few weeks in fall, they may not be winter-hardy in the garden. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

Enjoy colorful mums while they last

October 26, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Even though chrysanthemums are biologically perennial, not all of the mums you buy in pots in September or August will be winter-hardy if planted.

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