How to prevent pooling water in your yard, garden
"It has been a frustrating spring, with all the rain leaving me with a yard that has been consistently wet and nearly unusable. Water will also pool in a back...
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Divide and conquer those encroaching garden perennials in April
"We are planning to sell our house later this year and I am trying to spruce up the garden without spending much money. I would like some advice on dividing...
Spring cleaning: Cut perennials back before new growing season
"My work schedule has been keeping me out of my perennial garden and now I will be on vacation until early April. Will I be too late to clean up...
How-to guide on growing plants from seeds this spring
"I am a new member of a garden club, and I learned about other members starting plants from seeds for their gardens. I am interested in trying to do this...
An expert’s guide to caring for houseplants in winter
"Are there some maintenance practices more specific to winter for my houseplants?" – Abigail Jackson, Chicago During the winter, most houseplants will not be actively growing because of short day...
How to grow amaryllis bulbs to brighten your winter home
"I would like to grow some amaryllis to brighten up my home this winter. Are they hard to grow?" – Darius Underwood, North Chicago The hybrid amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is a...
How to treat frozen sidewalks with de-icing products that do the least harm to trees, gardens
"We finally got a snowstorm with accumulating snow, and I noticed my neighbors used salt on their sidewalks. Can you provide some guidance on the best product to use on...
What to wear to stay warm while working in your garden in winter
"I have been seeing staff at the Chicago Botanic Garden working outside now and would like some suggestions on how to stay warm while working in the garden during winter....
How lack of December snow affects your garden
"It has been unusually warm this winter so far, and there has been almost no snow. Do I need to be doing any special maintenance in my garden as a...
How to protect yews, arborvitae from hungry deer in winter
"I just moved to Highland Park from the city and was quite surprised when my neighbors told me about the occasional group of deer that comes through the neighborhood feeding...