Home and Garden – Page 35

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...

This new home in central New Hampshire has 2 x6 exterior walls.

Ask the Builder: Beware of how-not-to-do-it videos on YouTube

By Tribune News Service

March 8, 2024 at 3:18 p.m.

If you follow the advice in these videos without doing the math, you’ll be in...

Ask Angi: What is the best way to deep clean a couch?

By Tribune News Service

March 12, 2024 at 2:05 p.m.

Regular cleaning is both preventative maintenance and a home improvement task. It helps prolong the...

New plantings normally look sparse for the first year or two, until the plants develop their root systems sufficiently to support more vigorous growth above ground.
- Original Credit: Beth Botts

Be patient until plants leap ahead

By Beth Botts

March 3, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

“The first year they sleep, the second year they creep, the third year they leap.”...

Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) are among the easiest orchids to care for in a home.
- Original Credit: RJ Carlson/ Chicago Botanic Gard

Everything you need to know about growing orchids at home

By Tim Johnson

March 2, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

The Orchid Show at the Garden has inspired me to try growing orchids at home....

Ask the Builder: Beware egotistical and closed-minded contractors

By Tribune News Service

March 1, 2024 at 4:40 p.m.

A few weeks ago, I shared a true story with you about my failed asphalt...

Chicago-area gardeners should be prepared for the emergence of 17-year periodical cicadas this May. The insects are harmless to humans and to most plants other than some young trees or shrubs.
- Original Credit: The Morton Arboretum

Plan ahead to protect young trees from cicadas

By Beth Botts

February 25, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Chicago-area gardeners can look forward to a spectacular natural event this May, as periodical cicada...

Some plants have started to bloom early, including witch hazels.
- Original Credit: Chicago Botanic Garden

Prune now before cool temps set back in

By Tim Johnson

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

Now is a great time to do dormant pruning of trees and shrubs and get...

This is a new luxury vinyl plank floor that looks like travertine stone. The area rug adds a delightful splash of color and helps to absorb sound. Don’ t be afraid to introduce bold colors or patterns.

Ask the Builder: Luxury vinyl plank plus area rug equals a winning combination

By Tribune News Service

February 20, 2024 at 2:59 p.m.

Several months ago I shared a story about my first experience with luxury vinyl plank...

In the Shida Evaluation Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden, scientists study plants to determine which are best suited for midwestern gardens and those in similar climates.
- Original Credit: RJ Carlson/ Chicago Botanic Gard

How important are hardiness zones?

By Tim Johnson

February 18, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Choosing plants that are well-suited to the local climate is an important step to having...

Gray-blue fruits and foliage with overlapping scales identify this shrub as a juniper, one of several different kinds of evergreens common in Chicago-area yards.
- Original Credit: Edward A. Hedborn

Get to know your backyard evergreens

By Beth Botts

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

Here are a few common evergreen shrubs.