Joanne Tyree

June marks a pivotal time for perennial gardens in the Chicago area. As the growing season gains momentum, your perennials need focused care to thrive through summer and beyond. Proper maintenance in June sets the stage for healthy plants, vibrant blooms, and a garden that rewards your efforts well into fall. This guide offers practical, region-specific advice to help you keep your perennial garden flourishing during this crucial month. A thriving perennial garden in Chicago with summer...

Spring in Chicagoland is famously unpredictable. One day, you might enjoy warm sunshine and gentle breezes, and the next, a sudden cold snap or heavy rainstorm can disrupt your plans. This roller coaster weather can challenge even the most experienced gardeners, especially when it comes to planning and caring for perennial beds. Understanding how to work with these shifting conditions will help your garden thrive throughout the season. This guide offers practical advice for gardeners in...

Every spring, many of us in Chicago’s suburbs experience the same emotional roller coaster. A stretch of warm, sunny days arrives. Lawns start greening. Buds appear on trees. Garden centers fill up. We think: “This is it—spring is finally here.” And then, winter reminds us who’s in charge. That sudden return of cold is called false spring , and it’s becoming one of the biggest challenges for gardeners in our area. 🌸 What Is False Spring? A false spring happens when we get unusually warm...