Home and Garden – Page 21

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...

A small orchid on the kitchen sink below a south-facing window that is shaded. (Kristie Webber/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Stunning new orchids need to be repotted

By Tim Johnson

March 10, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.

I was inspired to try growing orchids after attending the Garden’s Orchid Show last week...

Pruning raspberry bushes in late winter or early spring will clear the way for them to bloom and bear fruit in summer. (John Hagstrom/The Morton Arboretum)

Prune your backyard raspberries yearly

By Beth Botts

March 8, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Raspberries and blackberries are pruned in late winter or early spring to get rid of...

Shoveling after a snowstorm can be a very satisfying activity. (RJ Carlson / Chicago Botanic Garden)

How to best haul piles of snow

By Tim Johnson

March 2, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Snow shoveling is strenuous and it’s a good idea to take frequent breaks and prevent...

When a bare-root plant is delivered, open the wrapping and make sure the roots have not dried out. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

Consider buying plants with their roots bare

By Beth Botts

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

If you have chosen trees, shrubs or perennials you’d like to add to your garden...

A poly snow pusher works well to clear large areas of light snow quickly. (RJ Carlson / Chicago Botanic Garden)

Choose the right shovel for heavy snow

By Tim Johnson

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

Shoveling snow is hard work and can lead to injury even if you are in...

As the first step in removing a large tree branch, make a cut on the underside about 8 inches out from the trunk. This will prevent the heavy branch from tearing away bark from the trunk as it falls. (Jeffrey Ross/The Morton Arboretum)

3 steps to safely remove a tree branch

By Beth Botts

February 22, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

To avoid danger to yourself and damage to the tree, plan carefully before you cut.

FILE – Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, speaks during South by Southwest Conference in Austin, Texas, on March 8, 2024. (Photo by Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP, File)

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, unveils new lifestyles brand As Ever

By Associated Press

February 18, 2025 at 4:28 p.m.

Au revoir, American Riviera Orchard. Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has rebranded her fledgling company...

Choosing an apple variety that is resistant to common diseases will reduce the amount of work it takes to get a crop and the need for pesticides in a home orchard. (Deborah J. G. Brown/The Morton Arboretum)

Disease resistance matters most in apple trees

By Beth Botts

February 16, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

If you’re considering adding an apple tree to your home landscape this spring, it’s important...

Protect plants from cold winter temperatures when bringing them home. (RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

How best to gift a plant this winter

By Tim Johnson

February 16, 2025 at 9:29 a.m.

It is important to protect plants from cold winter temperatures when bringing them home.

A plant’s hardiness zone numbers tell you the geographic area in which it can be expected to survive the average winter. This Molly Schroeder doublefile viburnum (Virburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Molly Schroeder’) is rated for Zones 5 through 8, which means it is hardy in northern Illinois (Zone 5) and

Chicago (mostly Zone 6). (Beth Botts / The Morton Arboretum)

Know your numbers to tell if plants are hardy

By Beth Botts

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

When you’re shopping for trees, shrubs or perennials, the hardiness zone should be one of...