Bulbs are those beautiful perennials that grow from a fleshy root, bloom each year, and die back to the root. Some bulbs are “hardy,” which means they survive our winter. Others are “tender,” meaning they won’t overwinter in Illinois without some help. Which ones are...
A healthy tree in our yard does more good for us than we can imagine, but when it starts to show signs of decay, it becomes a major hazard. Sometimes a tree can be saved by pruning off the problem. Other times the whole thing needs to come down. So how do you tell if...
Refreshing, easy-to-grow, and abundant—that’s garden zucchini for you, as well as all summer squash. With only a few plants, you’ll have your fill of zucchini cake, baked zucchini, and fresh salad all summer long. The main challenge is knowing when to harvest summer...
Do you notice yellow leaves on your trees or shrubs? It’s not fall yet! They may be turning from a lack of water, disease, insects, or a nutrient deficiency—or it might be a case of “iron chlorosis.” It sounds quite technical, but really, it just means your plant is...
It is the perfect time to overseed your lawn! Our grass seed experts recommend overseeding August 15th to September 15th in the Chicagoland area. When seeding lawns, use grass seed appropriate to your site. The best choice for most lawns in northern Illinois is a mix...
Bee Balm is a fragrant perennial flower, also known as Wild Bergamot, the sweet-smelling leaves recall the bergamot spices in Earl Grey tea, but this flower actually comes from the mint family. It’s a favorite for pollinators and an easy summer bloomer to grow...
