Home and Garden – Page 39

Wait to prune deciduous shrubs such as this dogwood until the plants are entirely dormant, with all their leaves fallen. Dormant pruning time may come later in autumn than you are used to. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

Wait until plants are dormant to prune

By Beth Botts

October 11, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

There’s no safe date when you can assume trees and shrubs will be dormant. As...

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...

Leaving the leaves in garden beds saves cleanup time and helps support pollinators.

Can I leave leaves in my garden bed?

By Tim Johnson

November 18, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I would like to save time removing leaves from my garden and am wondering if...

Even in autumn, after their colorful leaves have fallen and their branches are bare, trees need moisture in the soil from rain or watering.

Don’t put the hose away just yet

By Beth Botts

November 12, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

Winter is coming, but it's not here yet. So don't put the hose away. "Although...

Cut hybrid roses to about 18 inches and mound well-aged horse manure up to 15 inches high over the base of the plants.

How to winterize your roses

By Tim Johnson

November 11, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I will be leaving for a two-week vacation on Nov. 10 and was wondering if...

An accumulation of needles that drop in autumn from the interior of white pines and other evergreens is a normal part of their cycle of growth and renewal.

Needle loss no cause for concern

By Beth Botts

November 5, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

Did your white pine tree lose a lot of needles this fall? Don't worry, it's...

A good way to protect your new bulb planting is to cover the area with plastic garden netting to prevent the squirrels from digging in the area.

How can I protect my garden from squirrels?

By Tim Johnson

November 4, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I had a big problem with squirrels digging up my tulip bulbs last year. Tulips...

With its spreading branches, this stately white oak shows the beauty and strength that make oaks worth celebrating and planting.

Oak trees will bring beauty to a home landscape

By Beth Botts

October 29, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

Of all the magnificent trees that shade our yards and line our streets, the most...

Is it OK to mow fallen leaves? The answers to all your fall lawn questions.

By Tim Johnson

October 28, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

Is it OK to just mow leaves on the lawn throughout the fall season? I...

A crepe myrtle flower is seen within the Mitsuzo and Kyoko Shida Evaluation Garden on Oct. 4, 2023.

Along a path less traveled at the Chicago Botanic Garden, plants are being evaluated on beauty and brawn

By Adriana Pérez

October 23, 2023 at 12:17 p.m.

The dull visual of a long road is interrupted by a gravel footpath that winds...

Leaving the seedheads of coneflowers and other perennials up for winter provides important food sources for goldfinches and other birds.

Rough-looking perennials? Here’s what to do.

By Tim Johnson

October 22, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

A few of the perennials in my garden borders are starting to look a bit...

Autumn leaves are valuable if you make use of them in the garden rather than just tidying them away.

Fallen leaves could be a useful tool in your garden

By Beth Botts

October 21, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

October is treasure time when golden leaves pile up like doubloons in a pirate's chest....