Beth Botts – Page 21 –

Burlap sheets help plants that need an extra layer in winter — but wrap with caution

December 18, 2022 at 5:00 a.m.

Some kinds of shrubs are especially vulnerable to winter, and gardeners often try to protect them with sheets of burlap. Before you do, "make sure it's really necessary," said Julie...

These facts about your holiday poinsettia may surprise you

December 11, 2022 at 5:00 a.m.

Red poinsettia plants are classic elements of holiday décor in the United States. They adorn many mantelpieces and turn up in table centerpieces and even wreaths. Here are some fun...

Give hand pruners to your favorite gardener this season

December 3, 2022 at 5:00 a.m.

Whether they are for yourself or for a gift, it's worthwhile to shop carefully for hand pruners. "It's a fundamental tool," said Julie Janoski, Plant Clinic manager at The Morton...

Give your plants a boost from below this fall

November 26, 2022 at 5:00 a.m.

As branches go bare, it may seem that plants have shut down to wait out the winter. In fact, there's still a lot of growing going on in our gardens...

8 cleanup tips to help spruce up your garden this fall

November 20, 2022 at 5:00 a.m.

How much do you need to clean up the garden in fall? "Your checklist will be longer if you like a very neat garden," said Sharon Yiesla, plant knowledge specialist...

Conquer composting in your garden by selecting the right bin

November 12, 2022 at 5:00 a.m.

To turn the trees' bounty of autumn leaves into rich, useful compost for your garden, you're probably going to need a bin. "A compost bin is neater than an open...

Burning bush shrubs can provide vibrant yet troublesome color in your backyard

November 5, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

A vivid color pops in autumn from many Midwestern gardens: the scarlet of burning bush (Euonymus alatus). "It's a particularly showy red," said Michelle Beloskur, coordinator of the Midwest Invasive...

Mushrooms are a welcome sign of a healthy garden

October 29, 2022 at 5:00 a.m.

When mushrooms appear, smart gardeners welcome them. "It tells you that you have healthy soil," said Stephanie Adams, a plant pathologist at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. Mushrooms are a...

7 unbe-leaf-able ways to make use of fallen foliage in your garden

October 22, 2022 at 5:00 a.m.

Leaves, glorious leaves! They twirl from the trees, drift on the sidewalk, rustle underfoot. And in your garden, they do wonders. "There are many ways you can use autumn leaves...

While loss is obvious, pine tree needle shed is normal for this time of year, experts say

October 16, 2022 at 5:00 a.m.

Evergreen trees and shrubs often alarm homeowners by losing needles in autumn. There's usually no need for concern. "It's part of the regular life cycle of these plants for some...

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