Home and Garden – Page 19

A monarch butterfly climbs on verbena blooms Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in Oak Park. Land managers of rights-of-way throughout the area are increasingly implementing monarch-friendly practices such as installing native plants and mowing less frequently. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

As monarch butterflies head south, they’re getting an assist along utility rights of way, roadways

By Susan DeGrane

October 8, 2026 at 2:51 p.m.

The Illinois Department of Transportation, ComEd and other agencies are implementing practices along rights of...

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...

Bob Zeni, of La Grange Park, displays some of the thousands of heirloom tomato plants he grew in this 2019 photo. Zeni, who calls the operation Chicago Tomato Man, said he will distribute about 15,000 tomato seedlings this year. (Diane Dachota/Pioneer Press)

Landmarks: Chicago Tomato Man shares love of ‘real’ produce thousands of plants at a time

By Paul Eisenberg

May 5, 2025 at 3:37 p.m.

La Grange Park resident Bob Zeni's alter ego, Chicago Tomato Man distributes, 15,000 heirloom tomato...

Some trees that grow relatively quickly, such as this tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), can be good choices for home yards, but many fast-growing trees have weak wood and require extra maintenance. (The Morton Arboretum)

Choosing a tree? Not so fast.

By Beth Botts

May 4, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Taking the time to select the right kind of tree can save homeowners substantial expense...

A green pachysandra plant.(RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Pachysandra needs shade to thrive

By Tim Johnson

May 5, 2025 at 2:02 p.m.

Pachysandra can only tolerate moderate sun, garden experts say.

Liz Varmecky put in native plants in place of grass in the front yard of her Homewood home in an effort to attract pollinator insects. (Liz Varmecky)

Homewood cuts out No Mow May, encourages other options to help environment

By Mike Nolan

April 30, 2025 at 2:19 p.m.

Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld was unaware the village opted out of No Mow May, and...

The Lake Forest Showhouse becomes a revelation of the designer’s ability to honor and interpret the history while adding a freshness to the interpretation. Designers like George Markoutsas, CEO, Ablaze Design Group in Highland Park, (pictured here far left), and his multisensory and nature-textured kitchen, reimagined with elements of Biophilic design, like an air purification system, concealed appliances, and light fixtures that mimic the body’s natural circadian rhythm. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)

Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens showcases 50 interior and exterior spaces

By Gina Grillo

April 30, 2025 at 1:54 p.m.

The Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens, opened Saturday, offering a sublime showcase of the transformation...

Pay attention to the trees on your property throughout the year so you can keep them in good health. Large, mature trees provide the lion’s share of benefits to people, such as providing shade, capturing stormwater, handling air pollution and making our communities more beautiful, safer and more restful. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

Get to know your trees to keep them healthy

By Beth Botts

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

For a healthier landscape and a greener community, taking care of the trees you have...

Core aeration is done with a machine that puts holes in the lawn, brings up plugs of soil, and leaves them on the surface. (Bill Bishoff/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Choose to core aerate over power raking your lawn

By Tim Johnson

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

You do not need to both core aerate and power rake your lawn.

Crabgrass can be identified by its wide leaf blade and light green color. (RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

How to cultivate a crabgrass-free lawn this spring

By Tim Johnson

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

The best way to prevent crabgrass is to maintain a healthy lawn that is thick...

When you plant a tree, double-check that the root flare, the point where the trunk curves out into the roots, is at the level of the surrounding soil and no lower. Planting a tree too deeply can keep it from surviving. (Jeffrey Ross/The Morton Arboretum)

Take care when planting for a healthy tree

By Beth Botts

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

Here are some tips from the Morton Arboretum Plant Clinic for planting trees and shrubs.

Consider buying materials, such as mulch, in bulk for larger areas to save money. (RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Calculate your garden needs for savvy shopping

By Tim Johnson

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

The garden buying season is about to begin in earnest, and with a few calculations...