Autumn leaves
Shorter days and falling temperatures cue plants to get ready for winter. In the fall, when green chlorophyll production slows, we are finally able to see the colors that were there all along.

Interior Affairs: Ease your way to a new style

As I now stand firmly in my mid-20s, it has become more clear to me that there comes a time when one needs to quit living the college lifestyle.

Covering the bases
Fall is a great time to plant most kinds of trees. If you plant carefully, you'll have fall color for years to come.

Spring forward for color fest
Take a little trouble now and you will thank yourself next March, when your winter-weary eyes behold the masses of colorful blossoms in your yard.  Arboretum experts explain how to plan for color and bloom dates to get maximum impact from your plantings.

Interior affairs: Plaid fad

As we run outside to suck in every last breath of warm air and brace ourselves for another Chicago winter, let us not forget that lovely season that eases us into colder temperatures.

Patience required

By now your seed-grown tomatoes are done, your peppers are picked, your marigolds are browning around the edges. Maybe you've collected the seeds and plan to start again next spring. But consider planting something with more staying power -- like a native tree.