Beth Botts – Page 38 –

Wet spring may have hurt some plants, but yards should be drying out now. And it might be time to …. water.

July 11, 2019 at 9:18 a.m.

Gardening in Chicago this year has sometimes felt more like wading in a swamp. "In spring and early summer, it was extremely wet," said Sharon Yiesla, plant knowledge specialist in...

Sudden oak death pathogen found in Illinois, but don’t panic yet

July 8, 2019 at 8:11 a.m.

The recent discovery that some plants sold at Illinois retailers carried the pathogen that causes sudden oak death is cause for concern, but not for panic, according to Patricia Bethke...

Large, old trees are an important part of the history of our country and communities

July 4, 2019 at 4:00 a.m.

The history we share is in our celebrations — fireworks, flags, hot dogs, parades. It's in our treasured old buildings and grand old parks. And it's in our trees. Large,...

Don’t pile it on when mulching around a tree

June 29, 2019 at 4:00 a.m.

To help a tree or shrub, spread mulch over its roots the right way — as a layer, not a mountain. "All too often, you see mulch heaped up around...

Supply extra water to trees, shrubs, perennials after transplanting

June 21, 2019 at 8:00 a.m.

Spring storms have delayed planting not just for farmers but for many Chicago-area gardeners. Is it too late to plant now that summer has begun? "You can keep on planting...

Think about home security when planting, maintaining garden

June 18, 2019 at 4:00 a.m.

When we plan our yards and gardens for beauty, curb appeal, shade, privacy and outdoor enjoyment, we may not think about security. But how we plant and maintain trees and...

Act quickly to fight bagworm caterpillars

May 31, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.

The rich, green foliage that cloaks trees after a long, wet spring is more than a treat for the eyes. It can also be a feast for bagworm caterpillars, according...

Don’t move firewood to a new location. You risk spreading tree-killing pests and diseases

May 27, 2019 at 8:41 p.m.

Sitting around a campfire on a summer evening is magical, whether it's at a faraway campground or by a fire pit in your own backyard. "Just be sure the firewood...

Prune spring-blooming shrubs right after the flowers fade

May 22, 2019 at 8:00 a.m.

As the flowers of spring-blooming shrubs fade to memory, it's time to prune them. "The general rule is to prune these shrubs soon after they finish blooming," said Sharon Yiesla,...

Choose plants carefully for garden areas that tend to hold water

May 23, 2019 at 9:03 a.m.

Like cats, most plants don't like to get their feet wet — or not for long. "Plants' roots need oxygen," said Sharon Yiesla, plant knowledge specialist at The Morton Arboretum...

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