How to grow amaryllis bulbs to brighten your winter home
"I would like to grow some amaryllis to brighten up my home this winter. Are they hard to grow?" – Darius Underwood, North Chicago The hybrid amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is a...
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How to treat frozen sidewalks with de-icing products that do the least harm to trees, gardens
"We finally got a snowstorm with accumulating snow, and I noticed my neighbors used salt on their sidewalks. Can you provide some guidance on the best product to use on...
What to wear to stay warm while working in your garden in winter
"I have been seeing staff at the Chicago Botanic Garden working outside now and would like some suggestions on how to stay warm while working in the garden during winter....
How lack of December snow affects your garden
"It has been unusually warm this winter so far, and there has been almost no snow. Do I need to be doing any special maintenance in my garden as a...
How to protect yews, arborvitae from hungry deer in winter
"I just moved to Highland Park from the city and was quite surprised when my neighbors told me about the occasional group of deer that comes through the neighborhood feeding...
How to protect boxwoods from winter burn
"We planted a few boxwood this summer, and I'm wondering if I need to do anything special to protect them this winter." — Alfred Jones, Waukegan There are species and...
How to select and care for a live Christmas tree
"My family has decided to try using a live Christmas tree this year and would like some advice on how to choose and care for one." — Miguel Sanchez, Bannockburn...
Tips for early December watering of evergreen trees
"I had to do a lot of watering this year to get my new plants established. Now that November is over, do I still need to worry about watering?" —...
Anti-desiccant spray can protect evergreens from browning in winter, but it’s not always a good idea
"My gardening friends are advising me to use an anti-desiccant spray on my boxwood and evergreen rhododendrons to help protect them this winter. Is this worth doing?" — Alvaro Hernandez,...
Raking leaves too much work in autumn? A mulching mower could be the answer.
"Do I need to clean up the leaves on my lawn and in my planting beds? My time is limited, and the extra work is daunting." — Jamie Sanchez, Barrington...