Home and Garden – Page 36

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...

Tan Hua Yao, 10-year-old Kathy Pan and Longping Pan - all from Northbrook - enjoy the Orchid Show of Wonders kick-off event Saturday, replete with big tent carnival music and fun house mirrors, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, creating the whimsical world of a circus full of blooms. Photo by Gina Grillo.

Chicago Botanic Garden celebrates 10 years of the Orchid Show

By Gina Grillo

February 20, 2024 at 4:03 p.m.

Replete with big tent carnival music and fun house mirrors, the Orchid Show of Wonders...

You can increase the yield from backyard fruit trees by regular pruning in the winter dormant season. Be sure to research proper pruning techniques for your tree’s species and cultivar.
(Beth Botts)

Winter is the best time to prune fruit trees

By Beth Botts

February 11, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Prune your trees to keep them healthy and flowering come spring.

Cyclamen make nice flowering houseplants. (Chicago Botanic Garden)

Cyclamen make an easy at-home plant this winter

By Tim Johnson

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

Cyclamen provide an easy eight weeks of winter color with the right care.

Sharpen tools such as pruners and spades to prepare for the spring gardening season. (Michael Hudson)

Fight winter blues with gardening tasks

By Beth Botts

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

Cabin fever can be a serious affliction in the middle of a Chicago winter. Fight...

Snowblowers can be loud, so use ear protection. (RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Choose the right snowblower for Chicago winters

By Tim Johnson

February 4, 2024 at 4:49 p.m.

The best snowblower for you may be different depending on the size and materials of...

Sowing seeds of plants such as milkweed during winter with the help of clean plastic milk jugs can give the wildflowers a head start on spring weather while giving those suffering the winter blues a chance to think spring too.

Butterfly workshop at Plum Creek offers relief from winter blues

By Susan DeGrane

January 31, 2024 at 7:38 p.m.

"Winter sowing offers a way to kick-start gardens when the winter cold is making people...

If you plan to work outside in winter weather like cold rain and wet snow, choose a waterproof outer layer.

Layer up for winter gardening comfort

By Tim Johnson

January 28, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

I am looking for some suggestions on what to wear for winter gardening. — Samantha...

A canker, an area of disease in the wood of a plant, can look like a crack, peeling bark, a change of color of the stem, a sunken area or oozing sap.

Check bare branches for cankers

By Beth Botts

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

When the branches of your trees and shrubs are bare in winter, you have an...

An undated photo from the Blue Island Historical Society shows Sanders School in Blue Island, one of several structures in the city designed by Prairie School architect George W. Maher.

Landmarks: Celebration, preservation on tap as Prairie style architects become a society in Blue Island

By Paul Eisenberg

March 12, 2024 at 11:50 a.m.

Growing up on Blue Island's east side near the old Sanders School building, Kevin Brown...

African violets grow well and produce lots of flowers when they get enough light.

Create a colorful home with African violets

By Tim Johnson

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

I am interested in growing African violets to add some color in my home and...