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Low-maintence impatiens may still need saving from downy mildew

Downy mildew attacks common impatiens, but planting a resistant breed can be a workaround.

August 27, 2023

‘Freakish’-looking galls are largely harmless

Some galls may look weird, but the overwhelming majority do no harm.

August 26, 2023

Swing safely in your summer hammock

A hammock sounds lovely on a lazy summer day, but there's a way to hang one without damaging your tree.

August 20, 2023

English ivy leaves turning yellow? Here’s what to do.

Sprays with fungicides can be effective against both bacterial and fungal leaf spot diseases if the problem continues to progress.

August 19, 2023

Powdery mildew is easy to spot, yet tougher to control. Here’s how.

Damage from powdery mildew is mostly aesthetic and, in most situations, will not harm the long-term health of the plant.

August 13, 2023

Buy plants on sale with caution

Here are some tips from the Plant Clinic for shrewd sale shopping.

August 12, 2023

Wood rot could hide your tree’s decay

Shelf-like fungi growing from your tree could be "the tip of the iceberg," plant experts say.

August 06, 2023

Spotting black patches on your leaves? It may be anthracnose.

Anthracnose rarely kills a tree or seriously affects its health, but it will probably weaken it.

August 05, 2023

Clamping down on crabgrass should be top of mind this summer

The best way to prevent crabgrass is to maintain a healthy, thick lawn that outcompetes and excludes crabgrass, according to plant expert Tim Johnson.

Collecting roadside blooms can sprout chaos in your garden

Taking home beautiful wildflowers can also bring major problems to your garden.

After moving back to her family home in Beverly, a gardener restores an oasis in the city to 1940s glory

“I’m trying to make my garden as much like a farmer’s open space as I can,” said Beverly homeowner Meredith Horn, who moved from Steger just before the pandemic.

Former teacher teams with Sauk Village church in Victory Garden effort to connect people and healthy food

Just Roots Chicago, which operates the It Takes a Village Community Farm in Sauk Village and the Saint James Community Farm on Chicago’s South Side as way to expand access to local, sustainably grown food.

Trees trunks come in all shapes and sizes

The line between trees and shrubs can be murky, plant experts say.

Liquid fertilizer can help get your plant’s color back

It is likely that your containers just need to be fertilized, Tim Johnson of the Chicago Botanic Garden writes.

Grow hibiscus to get double takes on your yard

Looking for a plant that will knock off socks with showstopping bloom, while supporting pollinators and other native wildlife? Consider hibiscus.

Don’t bother controlling leaf galls

Leaf galls rarely cause serious harm.

Put a stop to aphids sucking the life from your garden

Crumpling leaves and bending tips at the tops of plants are indicators of damaging aphids.

To deal with drought in your garden, water with precision

Most of Northern Illinois is in moderate or severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor website.

Hardy clematis vine can climb high in your garden

The most familiar clematis blooms are the big purple saucers of Jackman’s clematis, a common sight in summer in Chicago-area gardens.

Garlic is an easy and delicious crop for home gardeners

Your garlic shoots should be ready to harvest by late July.

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