After a hot, dry summer, your cool-season lawn may be looking a little tired. The good news? Fall is the best time to bring it back to life. In USDA Zone 5, September is the golden month for rejuvenation, thanks to cooler nights, moderate daytime temperatures, and more consistent rainfall. Grass roots thrive in these conditions, repairing summer damage and preparing for winter.  That’s why I like to call this time of year the “-eeds of September”—the three key lawn-care actions that set the stage for a lush, healthy lawn in the year ahead: Feed  Kill Weeds  Re-seed Here’s how and when to tackle each one in September. 1. Feed (September 1–15) Early September is the perfect time to give your lawn a slow-release fertilizer tailored for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, or perennial ryegrass. Fertilizing now helps roots recover from summer stress while promoting thick growth before winter dormancy.  A balanced fertilizer (with a slightly higher nitrogen content) supports both blade growth and underground root expansion.  Healthy fall roots mean a quicker green-up when spring arrives. Pro Tip: Water the lawn after fertilizing to help nutrients soak down to the roots. 2. Kill Weeds (September 10–20) Broadleaf weeds like dandelion, clover, and plantain often make a strong showing in late summer. Cooler fall weather is an ideal time to control them. Apply a selective post-emergent herbicide during mid-September when weeds are still actively growing.  Fall treatments are more effective than spring applications because weeds store nutrients (and herbicide) in their roots at this time of year.  Removing weeds now also reduces competition with young grass seedlings from your re-seeding efforts. 3. Re-seed (September 15–30) As the month winds down, focus on re-seeding thin or bare spots. September’s cooler nights and steady soil warmth create the best germination window for cool-season turf. Choose disease-resistant cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, or perennial ryegrass—these varieties withstand summer stress and reduce long-term disease problems.  Loosen soil before seeding to ensure good seed-to-soil contact, and keep the top 1 inch of soil consistently moist until seedlings establish.  Overseeding the entire lawn can thicken turf and crowd out future weeds. Pro Tip: Cover seeded areas lightly with straw or compost to protect seed and hold moisture. September Lawn Care Calendar (Zone 5) Why the "-eeds of September" Matter The feed, weed, and seed strategy works together to transform a stressed summer lawn into a resilient fall showpiece. Fertilizer restores vigor, weed control clears competition, and seeding ensures a dense, disease-resistant stand of turf for next year.  By following the timing specific to Zone 5—feeding in early September, killing weeds in mid-September, and seeding in late September—you’ll give your lawn the strong foundation it needs to face winter and thrive next spring. Shop our Lawn Care collection online here.

Meet Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), a standout native shrub that brings beauty, biodiversity, and bold summer character to the garden. This deciduous shrub truly comes into its own in July, when its whimsical globe-shaped blooms steal the spotlight — just in time for midsummer garden strolls. Shop Buttonbush. Get to Know Buttonbush Buttonbush is a deciduous shrub that thrives across a wide range of environments, particularly in USDA Zones 4–9. At maturity, it typically grows 6 to 12 feet tall and wide, although dwarf cultivars like 'Sugar Shack' keep a smaller profile for tighter spaces. It performs best in full sun to part shade and flourishes in moist to wet soils, including clay or areas with occasional flooding — making it a perfect solution for rain gardens or tricky low-lying spots. Why It Shines in July July is prime time for Buttonbush, when its unique spherical white flower clusters burst into bloom. These blossoms resemble tiny white fireworks or pincushions, drawing attention from passersby and pollinators alike. The nectar-rich flowers are beloved by butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, turning your garden into a hub of movement and life. They even release a light, sweet fragrance, adding to their sensory appeal near patios and pathways.  Even once blooming ends, Buttonbush keeps the show going. Its button-like seed heads persist into late summer and fall, offering textural interest and feeding songbirds well into winter. Why Chalet-nursery Chose Buttonbush for July We selected Buttonbush as our July Plant of the Month for its all-around performance and ecological value: Native and Sustainable: As a North American native, Buttonbush supports local wildlife and aligns with Chalet-nursery’s commitment to eco-friendly landscaping.  Thrives Where Others Don’t: Buttonbush excels in wet spots, rain gardens, and near ponds, filling a crucial niche in areas where many shrubs falter.  Low-Maintenance Charm: Once established, it’s a reliable, long-lived shrub that needs minimal upkeep. Whether your garden is naturalistic or curated, Buttonbush delivers beauty with ease. A Great Dwarf Option: 'Sugar Shack' For smaller gardens or container spaces, we recommend Cephalanthus occidentalis ‘Sugar Shack’ — a dwarf cultivar that matures around 3–4 feet tall and wide. It blooms earlier than the species and features ornamental red seed headslater in the season. Unlike many moisture-loving plants, 'Sugar Shack' is also adaptable to average garden conditions, making it a versatile addition to sunny borders or mixed native plantings. Garden Inspiration Buttonbush is a natural fit for pollinator gardens and pairs beautifully with fellow native superstars like Monarda, Echinacea, and Asclepias. Use it as a seasonal focal point, a background shrub in native groupings, or an eye-catching accent near water features. Looking for a plant that pollinators and people will love? Buttonbush brings charm, ecological value, and long-lasting interest — all in one package. Add this July firework to your landscape and enjoy the motion, fragrance, and beauty it brings all summer long. Shop Buttonbush.

Gardening is a celebration of life, creativity, and connection to the natural world. For those of us living in the Chicago area, planting a pollinator-friendly garden is not only a rewarding way to support the environment—it’s also much safer than many people imagine. By welcoming bees and other pollinators into our gardens, we help nurture the delicate balance of our ecosystem while creating beautiful, thriving outdoor spaces. If you’re hesitant about attracting bees, let’s explore why a pollinator garden is a safe and joyful addition to any home, and how you can ensure peace of mind for yourself and your family.