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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A small orchid on the kitchen sink below a south-facing window that is shaded. (Kristie Webber/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Stunning new orchids need to be repotted

I was inspired to try growing orchids after attending the Garden’s Orchid Show last week and would like some advice regarding the three plants I just purchased. — Emily Heideman,...
Shoveling after a snowstorm can be a very satisfying activity. (RJ Carlson / Chicago Botanic Garden)

How to best haul piles of snow

Snow shoveling is strenuous and it’s a good idea to take frequent breaks and prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
Be careful not to damage the bark or the trunk as you are pruning. (RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Go large when pruning tree limbs

There are some large limbs hanging too low over my patio that I need to address before spring. Can I just prune these branches to create more clearance over my...