Here in the Chicago suburbs, plenty of villages and townships offer mulch to their residents for free, or at a discounted rate. This mulch is the byproduct of seasonal tree trimming, as well as those special yard waste pick up days when we haul...

Fall is an excellent time to plant grass seed or lay sod for a new or improved lawn. With just a little attention to details you can have a new lawn next spring when the snow melts.Grass germinates and grows well in the cooler, wetter fall weather...

I was hired to write a short eBook on the subject of urban gardening. And while doing some background research, I've seen something like this said in too many gardening blogs and articles: 'Loam is the Holy Grail of garden soil.' And...

September 26th is Smithsonian Free Museum Day, and hundreds of museums and public gardens all over the country will open their doors and welcome visitors for free. Take advantage of this annual event to visit a museum or historical garden without...

Thrifty gardeners know it’s economical to keep a few tender perennials over the winter so you don’t have to buy them again in the spring. There are many plants that Michigan ( zone 5-6) gardeners grow in their gardens and outdoor...

I swear I'm not making this up: the latest invasive pests to threaten our native ecosystem are called "crazy worms." Some botanical authorities have been keeping a lookout (or is that an eye to ground?) for these strange invaders...

I confess: I'm not getting any younger, and my memory isn't getting any better. It can be difficult to tell a weed from a precious garden plant when everything first starts growing in the Spring. Seedum and hostas may be easy to identify...

If you've noticed your bulb plants like lilies and irises grow like crazy, but don't flower like they used to, then chances are pretty likely they've become overcrowded. Every year, these plants expand their territory in every...

Having a pleasant place to sit outdoors adds to the enjoyment of your patio or backyard. Whether you love to entertain, or just have a summer weekend morning cup of coffee on the patio, including different kinds of outdoor seating is a great way...

Fall means chrysanthemums in many areas of the country. Potted mums in blazing or soothing colors are outside the doors of every store. Gardeners buy them to pop into beds where annuals have fizzled or have been killed by frost. They are very...

We may not be getting frost just yet but it’s time to start thinking about where and when you are going to bring the tender plants and tropicals back inside. If your plants liked their vacation outside they may have grown tremendously and...

While some gardeners are eagerly collecting and saving seeds they should remember that some seeds and fruits of common garden plants are not your friends. Some plants have devised very effective ways to protect their babies from being destroyed by...

The Monkey Face Orchid (Dracula simia) looks like it has been digitally altered, but rest assured these amazing flowers actually exist in the wild. The blooms come in shades of brown and beige giving them the appearance of a group of happy monkeys...