Home and Garden

Oak trees, like elms, should be pruned only after their leaves have turned and they have entered dormancy for the winter. Winter pruning reduces the risk of infection by serious diseasesspread by insects. (The Morton Arboretum)

Protect oaks and elms by pruning only in winter

Trees should only be pruned during winter, when insects that could spread dangerous diseases aren't...
Tropical hibiscus perform best if left in a container through the summer and then brought inside to overwinter. (Sue Kach)

Where should I plant my tropical hibiscus this winter?

Tropical hibiscus likes hot weather and provides vibrant flowers in summer, but it will not...
White pines drop lots of needles, leaving an attractive pine needle mulch on the beds under the trees. (RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)​

White pine needle loss no cause for worry

The sandy loam soil often found in Evanston gardens is great for growing white pines.
A layer of mulch insulates the soil around plants’ roots so they wait for the right time to sprout in spring. Spread mulch in an even layer and never pile it against the trunk of a tree. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

Make sure plants are cozy in mulch before winter sets in

Before winter closes in, do one last thing for all the trees, shrubs and other...
Shining sumac is a large shrub, native to the Chicago region, that has spectacular red foliage in fall. (John Hagstrom/The Morton Arboretum)

Add pops of autumn color with native shrubs

This autumn, think about places that could use a touch of red, orange and gold.
Oak leaves on a lawn. (RJ Carlson /Chicago Botanic Garden)

Can I leave leaves in my garden beds?

Leaving fallen leaves where they are saves time on cleanup while benefiting the environment.
A grassy expanse near Crete photographed in September is part of a nearly 500-acre acquisition by the Forest Preserve District of Will County. The Book family property will be added to Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, making it the district's second largest preserve. (Forest Preserve District of Will County)

Forest Preserve District of Will County’s 500-acre purchase is second largest land buy in its history

Forest Preserve District of Will County buys 500 acres near Crete, makes Goodenow Grove Nature...
Removing the seeds of trumpet vines by regularly deadheading can help control the plant. (RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)​

Trumpet vine can be a demanding plant for your garden

Trumpet vine is a high-climbing, aggressively colonizing, woody vine that is cultivated for its attractive...
Dead trees and trees with holes in them may look ominous, but they provide valuable habitat for wildlife. (Beth Botts/The Morton Arboretum)

Spooky trees are full of life

Bats, screech owls and many other animals live in holes in dead or living trees,...
Finley O'Malley adjusts the dirt on a fresh grave dug for Walt's Food Center, which recently closed its Homewood store, outside the O'Malley home at 18617 Marshfield Ave., Homewood, Oct. 29, 2025. (Evy Lewis/Daily Southtown)

Homewood ‘cemetery’ evoking ghosts of businesses past among Halloween yard winners

The winners of Homewood's annual Haunted Homewood Halloween decorating contest were drawn from 28 households.
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