Tim Johnson – Page 15

If you plan to work outside in winter weather like cold rain and wet snow, choose a waterproof outer layer.

Layer up for winter gardening comfort

January 28, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

I am looking for some suggestions on what to wear for winter gardening. — Samantha Lee, Buffalo Grove Dressing for outdoor gardening is always challenging for Chicago-area gardeners. This past...

African violets grow well and produce lots of flowers when they get enough light.

Create a colorful home with African violets

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

I am interested in growing African violets to add some color in my home and would like some tips on how to grow them. — Angelina Talbert, Morton Grove You...

Crab apples provide fruit for birds in fall and winter.

Embrace the beauty of bird watching in winter

January 14, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

I have become interested in bird watching and would like to attract more birds to my garden and would appreciate some guidance on how to do so. — Jeremy Atkinson,...

A large oak tree that needs to be removed.

How to remove a dead oak tree

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

I have a large dead oak tree to remove. What kinds of issues do I need to consider as I organize the removal of the tree? — Alberto Gonzalez, Highwood...

Ensure wood is properly seasoned before burning it in the fireplace.

Properly seasoned wood is essential for fireplace safety

December 30, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I have some trees to remove in my garden next year and was wondering if I can use the wood in an indoor fireplace. My ash tree appears to be...

Flowering plants such as cyclamen brighten long winter days and make great gifts.

An easy plant to gift and care for this holiday season

December 24, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

We would like to give plants as gifts this winter and would like some advice for purchasing and transporting holiday plants. — Jose Gonzalez, Libertyville Flowering plants such as azalea,...

Check the maturity of the poinsettia by looking at the flowers, which are located above the colored bracts. If the flowers are green or red-tipped and fresh looking, then the plant will hold color longer than if yellow pollen is covering the flowers.

Pointers for purchasing the right poinsettia this holiday season

December 17, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I would like to purchase some poinsettias and need some advice on selecting good plants and caring for them. My friend told me to avoid this plant because poinsettias are...

The Chicago Botanic Garden uses sand on roads and walks to control slippery conditions once the snow is removed with deicing products used minimally in select areas.

What’s the most effective way to remove snow this winter?

December 10, 2023 at 1:53 p.m.

I just moved to the suburbs from a city apartment and will be responsible for removing snow for the first time this winter. How do most people deal with the...

Generally, it should not be necessary to use burlap to overwinter evergreens such as boxwood.

Should I wrap my evergreens in burlap?

December 2, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I planted some new evergreens this summer and a gardening friend told me that I should either wrap them in burlap or spray them with an anti-desiccant for the winter....

Keep mowing lawns in late fall as long as the grass continues growing.

When can I stop mowing my lawn this fall?

November 25, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

My lawn seems to have stopped growing for the year, but it has been three weeks since I last cut it. Since we are in November now, is it OK...

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