Page 2 - Beth Botts News Today

There’s still a lot of growing going on in our gardens and woods — but it’s underground.

To turn the trees’ bounty of autumn leaves into rich, useful compost for your garden, you’re probably going to need a bin.

Autumn leaves are too valuable to waste said Julie Janoski, Plant Clinic manager at The Morton Arboretum.

Evergreen trees and shrubs often alarm homeowners by losing needles in autumn. There’s usually no need for concern.

Dry, dormant bulbs for plants such as daffodils, crocuses, tulips and alliums, tucked into the cooling soil of autumn, will spend the cold, gray winter preparing to stir hearts in spring.

“Every autumn day is a new experience," says Morton Arboretum fall color scout Ed Hedborn.

Gardeners are often told to plant new perennials at the same depth as in the pots they came in, but that’s not good advice for trees and shrubs.

March is too early for plants in Chicago gardens, with highly volatile spring weather ahead. Freezing temperatures can damage some plants.

When you’re planning a garden — whether it’s vegetables or an entire redo of your home landscape — the first step is to take measurements.

John Davies thought he was attending the annual induction ceremony for the South Shore Legends as an audience member. Then came the surprise announcement.