Tim Johnson

1 week ago | theepochtimes.com | Tim Johnson

Lounging by the sea is lovely, but don’t miss out on scuba diving in Boracay, cooking lessons in Jamaica, or tasting life as a local. 5/5/2025Updated: 5/5/2025It was a scene straight out of a technicolor-bright dream or “The Blue Lagoon.” This place was paradise. As I stretched out on a beach chair, book in hand, this graceful tropical spot stimulated multiple senses. The sound of placid waves lapping on the sand while gentle breezes shook the palms above.

1 week ago | theepochtimes.com | Tim Johnson

While Sydney often gets the glamorous spotlight and all the attendant attention, many Aussies will tell you that Melbourne is actually their favorite city. No, the sites aren’t as instantly recognizable. No towering Harbour Bridge or iconic white “sails” on the Opera House.

1 week ago | theepochtimes.com | Tim Johnson

When people picture South Korea, they often think of Seoul, its sprawling capital. But there’s no doubt: Perched at the southernmost tip of the peninsula, Busan has soul too. The country’s second city has grown by leaps and bounds in the last half-century. “This was once just a small fishing town,” a guide told me on a recent visit,  noting that after the Korean War and the 1953 ceasefire, people moved down here in droves, away from the border and demilitarized zone.

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Tim Johnson

My friend’s bed of pachysandra is dark green, but the pachysandra in my garden is more yellow. What can I do to green up my pachysandra? — Dan Bolton, Arlington HeightsAs I travel around our area, I do see lots of pachysandra plantings that have varying shades of yellow in the foliage. In most situations, this is because the plants receive too much sun. Pachysandra needs to be in shade or partial shade to thrive. The more sun exposure, the more the foliage becomes bleached and yellowed.

2 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Tim Johnson

I want to improve the quality of my lawn. Do you think I should core aerate and power rake my lawn this spring? — Jason Kim, Park RidgeCore aeration is an important maintenance task for maintaining a lawn and I prefer it over power raking. A power rake is a machine with rotating tines that mechanically lift and remove thatch, which then needs to be removed from the lawn. You do not need to both core aerate and power rake your lawn.