Tim Johnson

Tim Johnson is senior director of horticulture at the Chicago Botanic Garden and manages operations in the Horticulture division, which includes 28 display gardens, plant production, plant healthcare and general grounds. He has been with the Garden for nearly 40 years in a variety of positions and is an instructor at the Garden’s Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School. His home garden is low maintenance and consists primarily of mixed shrub and herbaceous borders.

A green pachysandra plant.(RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Pachysandra needs shade to thrive

May 5, 2025 at 2:02 p.m.

Pachysandra can only tolerate moderate sun, garden experts say.

Core aeration is done with a machine that puts holes in the lawn, brings up plugs of soil, and leaves them on the surface. (Bill Bishoff/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Choose to core aerate over power raking your lawn

April 26, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

You do not need to both core aerate and power rake your lawn.

Crabgrass can be identified by its wide leaf blade and light green color. (RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

How to cultivate a crabgrass-free lawn this spring

April 20, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

The best way to prevent crabgrass is to maintain a healthy lawn that is thick and outcompetes crabgrass.

Consider buying materials, such as mulch, in bulk for larger areas to save money. (RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Calculate your garden needs for savvy shopping

April 13, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

The garden buying season is about to begin in earnest, and with a few calculations in mind, it’ll be easy for you to purchase the right amounts.

When Magnolias are infested with scale, the leaves turn black from a sooty mold that grows on the clear sticky liquid that the insects secrete. (Julie McCaffrey / Chicago Botanic Garden)

Should I spray my trees after magnolia scale infestation?

April 6, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Many gardeners had issues with magnolia scale last year, and it’s a pest to watch closely for in 2025.

It may take one to four weeks for branches to bloom. (RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

How to force branches to bloom indoors

March 30, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Some good plant choices for forcing branches indoors include magnolias, lilacs and viburnum.

These two spades are my favorites — one is lightweight with a fiberglass handle and the other is medium-weight and all metal. (Tim Johnson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Looking for a garden upgrade? These tools could help.

March 22, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Most home gardeners do not pay enough attention to selecting and maintaining their gardening tools.

Bright colors work well when planted in locations with full sun exposure. (RJ Carlson / Chicago Botanic Garden)

Vibrant colors can enhance your garden

March 16, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

This is a great time of year to design your annual displays.

A small orchid on the kitchen sink below a south-facing window that is shaded. (Kristie Webber/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Stunning new orchids need to be repotted

March 10, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.

I was inspired to try growing orchids after attending the Garden’s Orchid Show last week and would like some advice regarding the three plants I just purchased. — Emily Heideman,...

Shoveling after a snowstorm can be a very satisfying activity. (RJ Carlson / Chicago Botanic Garden)

How to best haul piles of snow

March 2, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Snow shoveling is strenuous and it’s a good idea to take frequent breaks and prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids.

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