Beth Botts

"Start Here: Basic Steps for the New Gardener"

          Just getting started, in a plot or a pot? Here's how


"What now? Refreshing the Tired Garden -- and Gardener"

How to give an established garden a new look and feel that takes less work to maintain. The key: editing


"Air Rights: Making the Most of Vertical Growing Space" 

When you grow in tight spaces, you can't afford to let the vertical space go to waste. How to garden up to surround yourself in green.


"Spring Beyond Bulbs: The Garden Comes Alive"

As spring gets underway, how your plants and soil rev up

 

"I thought You Were Sleeping: What Happens in the Garden in Winter"

You may be taking the winter off, but your plants, soil and wildlife aren't

                      

"Wonders from the Woods: Native Wildflowers in an Urban Garden"

Plants from the understory of the Midwestern woods are magic in a shady urban garden in early spring


"Gardening in the Dark: What Works in Deep Shade"

Shade is the biggest challenge for most gardeners. Here's how I have a satisfying garden on the north side of a four-story building

 

"Spring in a Minor Key: The Delights of Unusual Bulbs"

Everybody loves tulips, daffodil and crocus. But there are many other fall-planted bulbs that can add sparkling color, texture and charm to the spring garden

 

"Taming the Wild Ones: How to Welcome Native Plants into a Garden"

Many folks think native plants only belong in a meadow garden. But if carefully chosen, these wildlife-welcoming plants can fit into even the most formal of garden styles

 

"Vegetables Anywhere: How to Fit Farming Into Your Life"

Vegetable gardening in small urban spots, courtyards, raised beds, containers, balconies, roofs  and other tight spots   

 

"Pruning Shrubs and Small Trees: Why, How, When and Where Not"

How to prune thoughtfully for beautiful, healthy shrubs and small trees with less work

 

"The Green Garden Tightwad"

 Often, the best ways to reduce our environmental footprint are thrifty too

 

"Where Plants Come From"

It takes a worldwide industry and a lot of high tech to bring you a six-pack of annuals, a hanging basket or a rosebush. See how it's done 

For the horticulture trade: 


 "How to Talk to New Gardeners"
The customers you need for the future of your business are often new to gardening. To become repeat customers, they need good advice, in terms they can understand and in doses they can handle. Here's how you and your staff can have the best interactions with new gardeners. Learn to give them confidence and help them achieve success that will encourage them to keep on gardening and rely on you for advice, products and plants.


" Adapt and Thrive: What Climate Change Means to Your Business"
It's happening. What does it mean to your customers and you? A look at what we can learn from the current scientific consensus about how the changing climate is likely to affect gardening, agriculture, water, weather, energy costs, landscape design and the laws you operate under. 

 


    
    

"Beth is a superb speaker who is invited back repeatedly by our club. She gives practical, enjoyable and colorful presentations."

-- Wil Rutt, president,

 Proksa Park Garden Club

"A big thank you from the Portage Park Garden Club for your wonderful presentation!"

"I always enjoy your talks and I always learn something new."
"Start Here: Basic Steps for the New Gardener"

          Just getting started, in a plot or a pot? Here's how