Beth Botts – Page 14 –

Piling mulch against the trunk of a tree like this can be harmful. Instead, spread it in a wide, flat layer over the soil, which does a world of good for trees and other plants. (Beth Botts)

Spread mulch evenly for plants’ benefit

April 21, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Applying mulch is one of the easiest and best ways to help your trees and other plants, but doing it the wrong way can lead to trouble. “Mulch should be...

Before transplanting a shrub to a new location, plan carefully so that you only have to move the plant once to minimize stress on the plant and give it the best chance to thrive. (Beth Botts / The Morton Arboretum)

Think ahead before transplanting shrubs

April 13, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

When it comes to transplanting shrubs or small trees, the first rule is: Plan first, so you only have to do it once. “Plants can’t stand to be moved repeatedly,”...

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria candensis) is one of the early spring wildflowers that may do well in gardens in a shady spot with light soil rich in organic matter. (Beth Botts)

Wildflowers sparkle in spring woods

April 6, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

You can bring a taste of the forest to your garden by planting a few of the wildflowers that bloom in spring in our native woods. Many woodland plants flower...

Egg masses of viburnum leaf beetle, laid on the undersides of viburnum twigs, are among the insect eggs you can hunt now to reduce pest problems later. (The Morton Arboretum)

Eliminate eggs now for fewer insect pests later

March 30, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

While many children are hunting for candy eggs, gardeners may want to hunt for another kind: insect eggs. “If you can spot those eggs and get rid of them before...

A sheet draped over tender, vulnerable plants will help protect them against freezing nights in spring. Crocuses and other hardy bulbs are more likely to withstand occasional freezes. (Beth Botts)

Be ready to protect early plants against cold

March 24, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Many plants have sprouted, bloomed or spread their leaves early this spring, which is a risky business. “It’s not too late for a hard freeze or a snowfall,” said Sharon...

Wet soil can easily be compacted, making it dense and difficult for plants’ roots. Wait until it has dried out before walking on it or digging in it. (Beth Botts / The Morton Arboretum)

Working wet soil can make it worse for plants

March 17, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Gardeners eager to get outside and work in this year’s early warm weather should take care: It’s all too easy to damage your soil in early spring. “The danger is...

Crocuses blooming in February were one indication of increasingly variable weather that should keep gardeners on their toes. (Kara Silva)

Unusual weather calls for unusual caution

March 9, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Even by Chicago standards, recent weather has been extra erratic.

New plantings normally look sparse for the first year or two, until the plants develop their root systems sufficiently to support more vigorous growth above ground.
- Original Credit: Beth Botts

Be patient until plants leap ahead

March 3, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

“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...

Chicago-area gardeners should be prepared for the emergence of 17-year periodical cicadas this May. The insects are harmless to humans and to most plants other than some young trees or shrubs.
- Original Credit: The Morton Arboretum

Plan ahead to protect young trees from cicadas

February 25, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

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...

Gray-blue fruits and foliage with overlapping scales identify this shrub as a juniper, one of several different kinds of evergreens common in Chicago-area yards.
- Original Credit: Edward A. Hedborn

Get to know your backyard evergreens

February 17, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Here are a few common evergreen shrubs.

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