On Our Cover
Blue-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago caesia)
By Robin Carlson for the Chicago Botanic Garden

Features

Final Flourish
The prairie in fall is a sight to behold, colorful, richly textured and full of plants that can make our gardens equally glorious. By Rose Rankin

Garden Whit and Whimsy
A beloved Downers Grove librarian builds a colorful yard by following her instincts. By Lori Flanagan Moore

Chicago By Design
Elmhurst homeowners create a private garden along the side of a century-old house on a busy intersection—a retreat that’s always welcoming to visitors. By Penny O’Neill

Gardening for the Middle View
Without a tier of medium-sized trees and shrubs, a garden can look strangely bereft. Here are 20+ plants you can use to fill it up. By Ed Lyon

Columns

The Gardens at Cantigny
New Native Plant Garden

Gardening 101
Dealing With Dogs

The Indoor Garden
Citrus Plants

Know Maintenance
An Easy-care City Garden

The Edible Garden
Growing Potatoes

The Hands-On Gardener
Create a Garden Bench

Chicagoland Natives
Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Neighborhoods
Western Springs

The Garden Classroom
A Word from Your Weeds

Mike Nowak

Special Sections

Landscape Guide
Got a garden project? Big or small space, find the right pro for you.

Fall Festivals
‘Tis the season for ghosts, goblins and gourds! Find a Fall Fest near you.

Departments

Editor's Letter

Q and A

Ask Our Experts
Which spring-blooming bulbs have you found to be superior?

What to Do in the Garden

Regional Reports

Savvy Shopper

Potpourri
Gardening News and Views

Calendar of Gardening Events