Home & Garden

This summer’s derecho caused massive damage to trees. Now is the time to be proactive and learn about tree management and how best to maintain a resilient urban tree canopy. In the aftermath of storms, there are many unscrupulous people and others with good intentions looking to make money who lack skills and training. When […]

If you’re thinking of spring and can’t wait to see beautiful flowers and a lush lawn next year, consider the following checklist of action items to do now: Fertilize September is the best time to fertilize the lawn and get the root system ready for winter, according to Joan Buckles of Pleasant Nursery, 4234 W. […]

The end of summer does not mean the end of gardening. In fact, fall provides opportunities for planting vegetables, as well as bulbs and hostas that will ensure a colorful and beautiful garden come spring. Mary Hinkle and Patty Lloyd, who serve as the horticulture committee chairs for the Springfield Civic Garden Club, share their […]

It’s happening. The kids are back to school, the temperature is dropping slowly but surely, and I see mums and the occasional pumpkin popping up on people’s front stoops. Whether you are a fall lover like me, or are more like my partner, who considers fall the end of all things living as we slide […]

Monarchs and Me Sep. 16, 10am-12pm. What insect migrates 2,000 miles each year, has a wing span under 4 inches and weighs less than a paper clip? Learn about this magnificent insect, the only butterfly known to migrate such distances annually. Ages 5 to 12. Registration required as class size is limited. Free. Lincoln Memorial […]

“A lawn is nature under totalitarian rule.” – Michael Pollan Low-impact landscaping is a broad term that describes a rethinking of the traditional American lawn. Fading away are the ideals of a weed-free, insect-free emerald green lawn perpetually cut to two inches in height. Coming into focus is the idea that the 40 million acres […]

During the pandemic, I was one of those extremely fortunate individuals whose worst hardship was having too much time on my hands. In hindsight, I can see how I could have more virtuously used that extra time – say, by filling food pantries or checking on elderly neighbors – but as it was happening, it […]

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, over 400 bird species have been recorded as living in or migrating through Illinois. More than one-third of the world’s birds are migratory and will be moving back into their northern nests and perches this spring in order to meet, eat, mingle and mate.  Interest in backyard […]

Smell is one of the most powerful senses we have. Aromas can instantly transport someone back to their grandma’s kitchen or to the scene of first love with a whiff of perfume. Bad aromas have an equally powerful impact, a fact I was reminded of very early one morning a few weeks ago. My friend’s […]

After spending more time than ever indoors over the past couple of years, we have all likely accumulated more dirt, dust and allergens in our homes than usual. Additionally, this extra time at home may have drawn your attention to certain areas that require a little more TLC. This makes spring cleaning especially important this […]