Home and Garden – Page 40

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...

The purple berries of beautyberry are a striking sight in the fall garden. It is one of a number of shrubs that can enliven autumn with attractive berries.

For autumn oomph, consider shrubs with berries

By Beth Botts

October 15, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

One of the most eye-popping sights in autumn gardens is a small shrub with clusters...

The best stage to purchase a garden mum is when the buds are just showing some color.

Mumma Mia! Mums provide a splash of color to your fall garden

By Tim Johnson

October 14, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I am interested in adding some late-season color to my garden and would like some...

When should I move my peonies?

By Tim Johnson

October 8, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

We have several well-established, healthy peonies in the way of an addition to our house...

When you plant a tree, dig a wide, shallow hole, making sure not to plant the tree too deeply.

How to plant a tree in your yard

By Beth Botts

October 7, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

October is a fine time to plant a tree or shrub. "The air has cooled...

When trees and shrubs such as these maples take on brilliant colors in autumn, they are preparing to discard their leaves and slow their life processes in order to spent the winter in a dormant state.

Get ready and get set to enjoy gorgeous fall leaves

By Beth Botts

October 1, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

As you watch leaves turning yellow on buckeye trees, red on Japanese maples and burgundy...

Grubs may be present in a lawn with holes such as these.

How to handle lawn grub infestation

By Tim Johnson

September 30, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I have noticed sporadic holes being dug in a section of my yard and a...

The Roy Diblik Garden on the west side of the Beverly Arts Center exemplifies sustainable gardening practices. It is maintained by the Garden Club of Morgan Park-Beverly Hills, which is hosting an Ask an Expert program Oct. 4 at the Arts Center.

Landscaping ideas, gardening answers expected at Ask an Expert program in Beverly

By Susan DeGrane

September 28, 2023 at 5:06 a.m.

Tucked between the west side of the Beverly Arts Center and its parking lot at...

Break the cycle of bacterial wilt in your garden

By Tim Johnson

September 24, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

What is happening with my cucumbers? Is there something that I can do for them?...

Spring containers at The Morton Arboretum often include bulbs such as daffodils. Hardy bulbs can succeed in large containers if they are adequately chilled over the winter but protected from free-thaw cycles.

Plan for your spring garden in fall

By Beth Botts

September 23, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

Think spring! Late September to early October is prime time for planting spring-flowering bulbs such...

Wait until deciduous trees or shrubs have lost their leaves and are dormant, in late fall, before pruning them. Pruning them while they are still actively growing risks stimulating new growth that would be vulnerable to winter cold.

When will it be safe to prune this fall?

By Beth Botts

September 17, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

There's plenty to do in the garden in early autumn: planting bulbs, dividing perennials, preparing...