We're all familiar with the alerts for mosquito fogging, but how much do we really know about the process? Patch decided to ask an expert to help us answer some questions from residents about what chemicals are used and how it helps control the mosquito population. We talked with Paul Geery at the Desplaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District who has 33 years of experience controlling these pesky bugs to find out. Many of these questions come from residents, but if you've got a follow up question, ask it in comments and we'll see if we can get you the answers you're looking for. La Grange …

Mulch: this is the subject of some of my most frequently asked questions in the business.  To understand what mulch is and why it is necessary, we should look to the local forest preserves for the answer. Nature’s mulch is vegetative debris including leaves, wood and decaying plants.  Over time all the material is broken down into seasonal layers to become the life source for the forest vegetation.  The natural process of decay adds vital nutrients to the soil while the multiple layers aids in water retention, the prevention of evasive plants and maintains the soil temperature in the winter …

Just back from a glorious week's vacation in Paris, my very dear and very style savvy friend could not wait to fill me in on the fashion she saw on its charming streets.  The biggest trend going, she reports, is scarves.   Yes!  That timeless, classic, Euro chic scarf we have been seeing in  the great urban centers of the world for decades!  But not just on the women this year, says my friend, but on the men and children as well.  Children!  Can you imagine?  Everywhere she looked, she saw scarves. Some colorful with tails like kites struggling to take flight, some in sophisticated neutrals …

Saving for college continues to increase as a major financial concern for most families. Many prospective college students hear about 529 plans—but, what are they and should they be used to save money for college? Ryan Williamson, owner of Horizon Wealth Management and College Horizons in La Grange, is one of 18 Certified College Planning Specialists in Illinois. In an effort to educate parents and make them feel more confident in their college planning strategies, Williamson breaks down 529 plans: What are 529 plans? 529 plans are named after section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. They …

Many women wonder if bare legs are something they can get away with at ages older than 40. If bare legs are OK, many seek a recommendation for a sunless tanning product for legs. Nancy Pipal, a La Grange resident and professional personal style consultant, addresses this topic, and more in her monthly Style File e-newsletter. According to Pipal's expertise: Honestly? Your age does not matter! If your legs are shapely, toned, tanned and flawless, by all means, go ahead and bare those gorgeous gams! But make no mistake about it. For the office, pantyhose with skirts and dresses are a must. Even…

Many hear conflicting reports on using a chemical fertilizer as opposed to an organic fertilizer on lawn. John Ware, who owns and operates a La Grange Park-based landscape architectural firm and landscape construction/maintenance company, explains the pros and cons to these reports and the best way to ensure a healthy lawn this summer: I have always found in suburban America we strive to have a better life for our children and most importantly, a better lawn than our neighbor. To have a healthy lawn we must first understand plants and lawns, like people, need nutrients to survive. For plants …