Home and Garden – Page 15

Even spectacular bulbs such as these peony-flowered tulips are most effective groups. Plant them in fall for spring bloom. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

Plant bulbs now for spring bloom

By Beth Botts

October 4, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

There’s no more satisfying way to spend a crisp fall day than planting bulbs for...

Ageratum is a sun-loving annual that can provide color in gardens that are challenged by rabbits. (Jeff Carrion/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Rabbits nibbling your garden? Here’s what to do.

By Tim Johnson

October 3, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The best way to prevent rabbit damage in the growing season is to exclude them...

Geno McKenna, director of the indoor garden at The Hope Center in Blue Island, speaks about hydroponic growing systems on Sept. 29, 2026. (Elena Tittel/Daily Southtown)

Blue Island group harvests hope year-round for those facing food insecurity

By Elena Tittel

September 30, 2026 at 4:56 p.m.

Blue Island's Hope Center is closing in on its goal of donating 2,000 pounds of...

Check your trees for signs of the Asian longhorned beetle, an invasive insect that could be a threat in Illinois since it is present in other states. Look for deep holes in the bark, 3/8 to ½ inch wide, where the insects have tunneled out of the wood. (U.S. Forest Service)

Check your trees for invasive pests

By Beth Botts

August 31, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

The end of summer is a good time to examine your trees for signs of...

Containers in the Buehler Enabling Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden. (RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Bring your annuals back to life with these tips

By Tim Johnson

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

Plants grown in containers need to be watered routinely, especially during summer when the plants...

A magnolia in bloom. (RJ Carlson / Chicago Botanic Garden)

Will magnolia in my garden rebloom?

By Tim Johnson

August 24, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

There’s nothing for you to be concerned about with your magnolia putting out a few...

Plants that bloom in late summer, such as phlox, are important food sources for butterflies and other pollinating insects. (Beth Botts /The Morton Arboretum)

Plant a colorful garden to invite pollinators

By Beth Botts

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

Pollinating insects, especially non-native honeybees, are important for food crops.

Rain may not actually deliver enough water to keep your plants thriving. Check to make sure there is
sufficient moisture in the top few inches of soil. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

Rainfall may not be enough for plants

By Beth Botts

August 17, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Don’t be deceived by soil that looks dark and moist.

Proper watering of plants before and after planting is critical during the hot summer season. (RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Should I wait until next spring to plant?

By Tim Johnson

August 18, 2025 at 12:21 p.m.

There is no reason to stop planting during the summer, a garden expert says.

Sod will quickly compost if left rolled up and piled up in hot weather. (RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Install sod ahead of ground freeze

By Tim Johnson

August 10, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

We just finished an addition on our house and would like to quickly restore our...

Mushrooms growing in a lawn or in mulch are nothing to worry about, but those growing on a tree’s trunk or roots may indicate there is decay in the wood. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

Have expert check a tree marked with mushrooms

By Beth Botts

August 9, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

When a mushroom is growing on the trunk or roots of a living tree, it...

A gall on the leaf of a witch hazel. (RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Leaf galls rarely cause serious harm

By Tim Johnson

August 3, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Insect and mite galls are common on trees and shrubs throughout the Chicago area and...

A stray saucer magnolia bloom in July, rather than April, means the tree has been confused by hot summer weather. It will still have plenty more buds to bloom next spring. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

Blooms out of season are a trick of the weather

By Beth Botts

August 3, 2025 at 10:49 a.m.

Some weather anomalies in summer or fall, such as a stretch of hot days or...