Tim Johnson is a senior director of horticulture at the Chicago Botanic Garden and manages operations in the Horticulture division, which includes 28 display gardens, plant production, plant healthcare and general grounds. He has been with the Garden for nearly 40 years in a variety of positions and is an instructor at the Garden’s Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School. His home garden is low maintenance and consists primarily of mixed shrub and herbaceous borders. (RJ Carlson/ Chicago Botanic Garden)

Tim Johnson

Tim Johnson is a freelance writer for the Chicago Tribune and a senior director of horticulture at the Chicago Botanic Garden and manages operations in the Horticulture division, which includes 28 display gardens, plant production, plant healthcare and general grounds. He has been with the Garden for nearly 40 years in a variety of positions and is an instructor at the Garden’s Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School. His home garden is low maintenance and consists primarily of mixed shrub and herbaceous borders.

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Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) are among the easiest orchids to care for in a home. (Jeff Carrion/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Growing orchids is easy at home

I have been admiring orchids for some time and would like to try growing them at home, but I’m worried that orchids are difficult to grow. Can you please help...
Weeding the garden. (RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

What makes a weed?

There is a biological difference between a weedy plant and an invasive plant, a garden expert says.