Home and Garden – Page 16

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...

Mealybugs are soft-bodied, wingless insects that appear as white, cottony masses on the leaves and stems of houseplants. (RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Mealybugs on your houseplant? Here’s how to get rid of them.

By Tim Johnson

July 27, 2025 at 11:06 a.m.

My uncle, who is an avid gardener, noticed mealybugs on some of my houseplants and...

Nitrogen is the nutrient that promotes leafy green growth. Plants get most of the nitrogen they need from the soil, so fertilize them only when necessary. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

Which nutrients do your plants really need?

By Beth Botts

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

Gardeners are often told how important nutrients are to plants. But what is a nutrient,...

A site surrounded by paving or walls — whether a narrow parkway or a garden bed next to a driveway — is harsh for a tree or any kind of plant because it limits root space and the masonry heats up and dries out the soil. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

Plants near paving need extra help

By Beth Botts

July 20, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Placing plants near masonry is a source of stress, especially if they aren’t getting enough...

Learn more lawn care techniques at the Chicago Botanic Garden. (RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Yellowing, thin grass? It might be rust disease.

By Tim Johnson

July 19, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Rust is a disease that affects slow-growing turf

Lecanium Scale on a bald cypress tree. (RJ Carlson / Chicago Botanic Garden)

For a tree under stress, lecanium scale can be unwelcome guest

By Tim Johnson

July 13, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Lecanium scale attach themselves to the leaves and twigs of trees and feed on plant...

Replacing a small front lawn with native plants, shrubs or ground covers can reduce maintenance, create a wildlife habitat and improve the soil to reduce storm runoff. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

Find a better use for that tiny lawn

By Beth Botts

July 12, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Ground covers, perennials, shrubs or even a slender tree would be easier to care for...

Storm damage to a tree may reveal hidden rot that weakened it. Call in a certified professional arborist to inspect a storm-damaged tree and make it safe. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

Be ready if storms damage trees

By Beth Botts

July 6, 2025 at 2:05 p.m.

Here’s some advice on how to safely deal with a storm-damaged tree.

Branch tips that fell from the oak tree in my backyard. (Tim Johnson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Is there something wrong with my tree?

By Tim Johnson

July 5, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Damage caused by squirrels, twig pruners and twig girdlers is nothing to worry about.

Planting cultivars of blue anise sage (Salvia guaranitica) has been very reliable in attracting hummingbirds, especially when planted in masses. (RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

How can I attract hummingbirds to my garden?

By Tim Johnson

June 29, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Look at the big picture for your garden and make sure there are plants that...

When you water new plants, be sure to place the water right near the stem or trunk where it will reach their limited roots. (The Morton Arboretum)

9 tips for successful summer watering

By Beth Botts

June 28, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Summer brings dry, hot weather that makes life hard for all the plants in your...