advertisement
A general goal of pruning a fruit tree is to thin the canopy of the tree to increase sunlight and improve air circulation.

Early March is a good time for pruning fruit trees

Prune fruit trees in our area between late February and early March before the buds begin to swell. The branching habits are easy to see, and the weather is generally more conducive to outdoor work.

Vatican removes salty white film coating Michelangelo’s ‘The Last Judgment’

Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgement” is getting a facial, with restorers removing a chalky white film of salt that has accumulated over the Renaissance masterpiece since its last major renovation three decades ago.

Books and clothing, yes; old TV sets, no. Organizations such as Goodwill and Salvation Army have different rules about what kinds of donations they will accept. The Goodwill store in Batavia is on Randall Road.

Spring cleaning? Do’s and don’ts for dropping off items at donation centers

For those doing some spring cleaning and decluttering, here are some do’s and don’ts for donating items to organizations such as Salvation Army and Goodwill.

Forsythia, tulips, kale, and hypericom brighten an ikebana flower arrangement. Learn more about this flower design technique with the Prospect Heights Garden Club on March 5.

Home & garden calendar, Feb. 23 to March 7

Upcoming gardening club meetings and events in the Chicago suburbs, covering topics like the cultural history of birds, Ikebana, designing with color, and more.

The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate fell to 5.98% from 6.01% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. One year ago, the rate averaged 6.76%.

For the first time since 2022, average US long-term mortgage rate dips below 6%

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate slipped this week below 6% for the first time since late 2022, good news for home shoppers as the spring home-buying season gets rolling. The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate fell to 5.98% from 6.01% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. One year ago, the rate averaged 6.76%.

Geneva Wine Cellars and Tasting Room owner Al Buchanan is pictured in the wine store and wine bar at 227 S. Third St. Buchanan recently announced the store is closing.

Geneva Wine Cellars closing after nearly 13 years

Geneva Wine Cellars and Tasting Room owner Al Buchanan announced in the business’ online newsletter that it is closing after nearly 13 years.

Studies have shown that playing games like chess and checkers later in life can help postpone Alzheimer’s symptoms.

‘This is a hopeful message’: Study shows certain activities could postpone Alzheimer’s by 5 years

The hours you spend tracing countries on a globe or puzzling over a chessboard may add up to more than idle time. According to a new study, such mentally stimulating pursuits are linked to years-long delays in Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment.