Home and Garden – Page 34

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...

A proper pruning cut starts at the top of the branch collar and ends at the bottom. (RJ Carlson)

Prune while you still can to prevent damage

By Tim Johnson

March 23, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

My trees have a few low branches hanging over my patio and I would like...

Freezing water under the tile caused the tile to lift off the concrete. The tile setter made at least one mistake. (Tim Carter/Tribune Content Agency)

Ask the Builder: Installing ceramic tile outdoors

By Tim Carter

March 27, 2024 at 11:59 a.m.

You may or may not know that water expands by about 9% when it freezes....

Visitors walk through the the Mitsuzo and Kyoko Shida Evaluation Garden at the Chicago Botanical Garden in Glencoe on Oct. 4, 2023. (Trent Sprague/baiduhai)

Chicago Botanic Garden to rebrand

By Daniel I. Dorfman

March 20, 2024 at 11:49 a.m.

Looking to build off its longtime success as a popular North Shore destination, the Chicago...

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 19, 2024 at 4:45 a.m.

Most cleaning services set a regular schedule, such as weekly, biweekly or monthly visits. The...

Wet soil can easily be compacted, making it dense and difficult for plants’ roots. Wait until it has dried out before walking on it or digging in it. (Beth Botts / The Morton Arboretum)

Working wet soil can make it worse for plants

By Beth Botts

March 17, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Gardeners eager to get outside and work in this year’s early warm weather should take...

This ponding water in front of the house foundation can cause many problems.

Ask the Builder: Don’t sign contracts for unneeded work

By Tribune News Service

March 16, 2024 at 8:07 p.m.

Two days before writing this column, I saved an Ohio homeowner $30,000.

A small folding hand saw works well for pruning shrubs. (RJ Carlson / Chicago Botanic Garden)

Don’t be afraid to prune overgrown plants

By Tim Johnson

March 16, 2024 at 8:08 p.m.

I would like to dramatically reduce the size of my very large, overgrown, fragrant viburnums...

A new home brings a new adventure, and with it new maintenance needs.

Ask Angi: What should a new homeowner do?

By Tribune News Service

March 12, 2024 at 2:04 p.m.

Here are eight great steps to make your home your own, whether you’re buying for...

Powdery mildew is a common disease that affects phlox, but ‘David’ is a phlox cultivar that is resistant. (William C. Bishoff)

Which plants should I buy this spring?

By Tim Johnson

March 10, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Choosing the right plants is a very important step toward a successful garden.

Crocuses blooming in February were one indication of increasingly variable weather that should keep gardeners on their toes. (Kara Silva)

Unusual weather calls for unusual caution

By Beth Botts

March 9, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Even by Chicago standards, recent weather has been extra erratic.