“The first year they sleep, the second year they creep, the third year they leap.” In a leap year — or any gardening year — this old advice is worth remembering. “It tells you what to expect from new plants, whether they’re trees or shrubs or perennials,” said Spencer Campbell, Plant Clinic manager at The […]
The Orchid Show at the Garden has inspired me to try growing orchids at home. Can you offer some advice on where to start? — Jose Alvarez, Highwood Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) are among the easiest orchids to care for in a home and are easy to find in shops and gardening centers. Moth orchids prefer […]
A few weeks ago, I shared a true story with you about my failed asphalt shingle roof. If you remember, it had a 30-year warranty, and after just 12years it began to experience catastrophic failure. Looking back now, I shared the wrong photograph with you. I showed you a picture of my daughter’s new roof […]
Chicago-area gardeners can look forward to a spectacular natural event this May, as periodical cicada s emerge for the first time in 17 years. The good news: Seventeen-year cicadas are harmless to people and to most plants, other than some young trees or shrubs. When the cicadas die, they will fertilize your yard at no cost to you. The bad news: The insects will be plentiful, big, stinky and loud. “If you’ve planned ahead to protect young trees, the cicadas won’t be a problem for the garden,” said Sharon Yiesla, plant information specialist in the Plant Clinic at The Morton […]
Now is a great time to do dormant pruning of trees and shrubs and get an early start on cutting back perennials.
Here are a few common evergreen shrubs.
Prune your trees to keep them healthy and flowering come spring.
Cyclamen provide an easy eight weeks of winter color with the right care.
Cabin fever can be a serious affliction in the middle of a Chicago winter. Fight it by keeping busy with indoor and outdoor tasks to prepare for your spring garden.
The best snowblower for you may be different depending on the size and materials of the sidewalks, driveway or deck you plan to clear.