How to treat hydrangea leaftier infestations causing rolled-up leaves
"My Annabelle hydrangeas have some leaves that appear to be rolled up. I am seeing more this year than in past years. Is this something that needs to be treated?"...
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Viburnum leaf beetle is a relatively new pest to Chicagoland gardens. Here’s how to treat an infestation.
"The leaves of my arrowwood viburnums look like they have been shredded, and the small pieces of leaves that remain have turned completely brown. This has not happened in previous...
How to grow plants in containers for patios, outdoor spaces
"I just moved to a home with very limited garden space, but with a large patio. I would like to try gardening in containers this summer. Can you provide advice...
Flowering bulbs don’t require much maintenance
"I bought my home last fall and was pleasantly surprised by lots of flowering bulbs this spring and would like some tips on how to best care for them and...
Expert tips for growing tomatoes in your garden
"I want to try growing tomatoes in my garden this year and would like some advice on how to be successful in doing so." — Larry Zar, Highwood There are...
How to identify and eradicate weeds in especially rainy season
"I am struggling to keep up with the weeds in my garden. Is there a difference between a weed and a garden plant?" — Benjamin Warren, Elk Grove Village The...
How to get rid of grass growing in garden beds
"I am seeing grass growing in my garden beds with perennials and groundcovers and am finding it frustrating to get rid of it. The grass may have gotten a start...
Instead of power raking your lawn this spring, try these best mowing practices
"I have been getting conflicting advice on power raking my lawn in the spring and collecting grass clippings when I mow the lawn throughout the growing season. Can you please...
Use trunk flare to determine how deep to plant a new tree
"My neighbor told me my tree was planted too deeply. How do I determine the proper planting depth?" — Nicole Cramer, Glenview Trees are often planted too deep by homeowners...
Remove — by hand or herbicide — invasive lesser celandine that can take over lawns
"How did the Sure Power herbicide you referenced in a column last year work to control lesser celandine in your lawn?" — Samantha Jefferson, Highland Park Lesser celandine (Ficaria verna)...