Home and Garden – Page 32

A bed of lily-of-the-valley that recently died back. (Tim Johnson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Anthracnose is not a fatal plant disease

By Tim Johnson

October 10, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

This disease is not usually fatal, but it does weaken the plant.

A monarch butterfly climbs on verbena blooms 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 9, 2026 at 9:52 a.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...

Microgreens at the seed leaf (cotyledon) stage. (RJ Carlson/ Chicago Botanic Garden)

Seeding microgreens simple work for at-home chefs

By Tim Johnson

April 27, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

I am interested in using more microgreens and would like some advice on how to...

Volunteers Rod Lewis and Michael Shymanski stand in front of Americo Lisciotto's former home at 11121 S. Champlain Ave. in Chicago's Pullman neighborhood. Tours of the home highlighted Lisciotto's role in helping save the historic neighborhood from being demolished as part of a 1960s redevelopment plan. (Janice Neumann/Daily Southtown)

Pullman House Project spotlights resident who fought off city bulldozers

By Janice Neumann

April 25, 2024 at 9:36 a.m.

A Pullman group opened up the home of Italian immigrant Americo L. Lisciotto, who led...

A reading nook offers many options for customization.

Ask Angi: Are built-in fixtures right for me?

By Ask Angi

April 22, 2024 at 10:30 p.m.

Whether you’re installing bookshelves, a wall-mounted Murphy bed or full-on built-in furniture, you set your...

Piling mulch against the trunk of a tree like this can be harmful. Instead, spread it in a wide, flat layer over the soil, which does a world of good for trees and other plants. (Beth Botts)

Spread mulch evenly for plants’ benefit

By Beth Botts

April 21, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Applying mulch is one of the easiest and best ways to help your trees and...

A declining Douglas fir tree. (Bert Gaide)

How can I rescue my declining tree?

By Tim Johnson

April 20, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

I have this 35-year-old tree in my front yard in Lake Zurich that is not...

Herb seeds have replaced book information in an old card catalog cabinet drawer at the Blue Island Public Library, where a variety of flower and vegetable seeds are available for gardeners to plant. (Melinda Moore/Daily Southtown)

Growing idea: Libraries repurpose card catalogs for garden seed exchanges

By Melinda Moore

April 18, 2024 at 3:50 p.m.

Area libraries, including those in Homewood, Park Forest and Blue Island, are repurposing old card...

Multiple lighting methods, such as a chandelier and recessed accent lights, can create a splendid and custom look for your home.

Ask Angi: How can I improve my home’s lighting?

By Ask Angi

April 15, 2024 at 5:37 p.m.

Just as you use paint to spruce up your walls, light acts as visual paint...

Bare root trees and shrubs are shipped and planted in early spring. (Chicago Botanic Garden)

How should I plant my bare root tree?

By Tim Johnson

April 14, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

I received some bare root trees and shrubs as a gift and would like to...

Before transplanting a shrub to a new location, plan carefully so that you only have to move the plant once to minimize stress on the plant and give it the best chance to thrive. (Beth Botts / The Morton Arboretum)

Think ahead before transplanting shrubs

By Beth Botts

April 13, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

When it comes to transplanting shrubs or small trees, the first rule is: Plan first,...

Roof inspection cost is determined by size of house, number of floors, the complexity of the roof, and other factors.

Ask Angi: Do I need a roof inspection?

By Ask Angi

April 9, 2024 at 11:30 a.m.

You should also have a roof inspection if you suspect any storm damage, if you’re...