Home and Garden – Page 33

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...

When two sets of true leaves develop, transplant small seedlings to larger pots. (RJ Carlson / Chicago Botanic Garden)

Start your annuals indoors this year

By Tim Johnson

April 7, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

I would like to try starting some of my annual flowers at home and would...

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria candensis) is one of the early spring wildflowers that may do well in gardens in a shady spot with light soil rich in organic matter. (Beth Botts)

Wildflowers sparkle in spring woods

By Beth Botts

April 6, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

You can bring a taste of the forest to your garden by planting a few...

Most of the time, you probably don’t think much about your home’s electrical system. As long as the power is flowing into the home and the lights are still on, everything seems fine. But wear and tear over time can put a real strain on your wiring and system. (Caifas/Dreamstime/TNS)

Ask Angi: How should I upgrade my electrical panel?

By Ask Angi

April 1, 2024 at 10:30 p.m.

Most of the time, you probably don’t think much about your home’s electrical system. As...

This sunroom ceiling is suffering from wood expansion issues. (Tim Carter/Tribune Content Agency/TNS)

Ask the Builder: Wood needs room to swell and shrink as moisture level changes

By Tim Carter

April 1, 2024 at 10:00 p.m.

Wood is a true gift from God. We tend not to think of trees as...

Pam Bochucinski of Plainfield checks out house plants at Schaefer Greenhouses in Montgomery on Friday. Like many, she said she can't wait to start gardening this year. (David Sharos / For The Beacon-News)

Fox Valley gardeners itching to get back outside to ‘work the soil’

By David Sharos

April 1, 2024 at 12:42 p.m.

The warmer than usual weather the past couple of months has been a blessing and...

Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that come in a range of colors including pink, black, yellow, green, orange, red and brown. (Julie McCaffrey / Chicago Botanic Garden)

How can I get rid of aphids?

By Tim Johnson

March 31, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

There is a sticky residue on some of the leaves of my houseplants and what...

Egg masses of viburnum leaf beetle, laid on the undersides of viburnum twigs, are among the insect eggs you can hunt now to reduce pest problems later. (The Morton Arboretum)

Eliminate eggs now for fewer insect pests later

By Beth Botts

March 30, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

While many children are hunting for candy eggs, gardeners may want to hunt for another...

A professional housecleaner can add efficiency to your job and catch what you might miss.

Ask Angi: How should I hire for housecleaning?

By Tribune News Service

March 26, 2024 at 11:16 a.m.

Cleaning the house is no one’s idea of a party. You keep up with your...

Marnie Baker, left, and Pat Hayes during an Important Bird Area Designation Celebration Sep. 9, 2017. (Jeanne Stacey)

Marnie Baker, Orland Grassland volunteer, remembered for passion for outdoors

By Alexandra Kukulka

March 24, 2024 at 9:57 a.m.

Marnie Baker and her husband lived about 1 mile from the Orland Grassland, where she...

A sheet draped over tender, vulnerable plants will help protect them against freezing nights in spring. Crocuses and other hardy bulbs are more likely to withstand occasional freezes. (Beth Botts)

Be ready to protect early plants against cold

By Beth Botts

March 24, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Many plants have sprouted, bloomed or spread their leaves early this spring, which is a...