To ensure that your plants make it through the winter, it is important that they receive adequate moisture now. In autumn, plants repair their roots, grow their tree trunks and develop flowers for a beautiful display next spring. You can sustain the health of your plants by watering well this fall. Trees, shrubs, evergreens [...]
Here's a late bloomer that is well worth the wait. Spring and summer fly by, and this seemingly plain shrub looks like it wants to hide in the garden unnoticed. But when summer ends, watch out. Early Amethyst Beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma 'Early Amethyst') is about to take center stage. Why do we love this plant? For one, it's low [...]
A mortared stone fire pit with limestone coping is integrated into a crazy quilt limestone patio. Sitting around a roaring fire while sipping cider and roasting marshmallows is a great way to enjoy the cool and crisp evenings of autumn. A metal fire pit or clay chimenea can provide heat, but it often ages [...]
Late August-early September is a challenging time in the garden between the Hydrangeas of summer and the Asters of fall. For some areas of the country, it can mark the beginning of the transition into the dormant season. There are, however, certain plants that do peak during this time in the Chicago area. Many of these [...]
Another summer's behind us, and autumn is the time to be preparing your garden for winter. Our winters can be long, dry and brutal. Here’s what you can do now and in the coming weeks to help your garden endure the cold and snowy months ahead. Lawns: If you fertilize only once a year, now is the [...]