The Twin Cities Ballet celebrates 35 years of performing The Nutcracker ballet in Bloomington/Normal.

We plant trees, we nurture them along, and we watch them grow through the season, putting down roots in our gardens and our hearts. So when the day comes that the tree fails, we're faced with a painful truth: It has to come down.

When the growing season is done, that's the time to make plans for the future of your garden -- that's the time to collect seeds. Careful collection and storage of seeds in the fall ensures new plants for the spring, said Patrick Murphy, host of GLT's Grow.

It's been a pretty mild fall, particularly in the Midwest, so there's still time to get some loveliness into the ground before winter gets here. Patrick Murphy, host of GLT's Grow, has a few suggestions.

Having raspberry bushes in your backyard is a real bonus -- they produce a healthy and delicious treat that's versatile in the kitchen. But, according to Patrick Murphy, host of GLT's Grow, keeping the plant healthy in the yard takes some work.

Many, many years ago, prairie grasses covered much of the Midwest. The grasses lost the battle to cultivated crops -- corn, wheat, soybeans. But now everyday gardeners are trying to bring prairie grass back where it belongs.

Our attention is going to the leaves this time of year as they change into their glorious colors of autumn. But Ray in Bloomington isn't concerned with the changing hues, but with some mysterious holes that have appeared in the leaves of his otherwise healthy Canadian Red Cherry tree.

Late bloomers can add some delightful color to our yards this time of year. But a sudden turn in the weather can put the flowers in danger. Patrick Murphy, host of GLT's Grow, said you've got to have your plant in the right space to avoid such problems.

Autumn is the perfect time of year to put a new tree in the ground. With milder weather, your new addition has a fighting chance to put down roots and firmly establish itself as a star in your yard. Patrick Murphy, host of GLT's Grow, has some advice on tree planting.

Autumn offers many pleasures, from crisp weather to colorful leaves. But one favorite thing about fall that Patrick Murphy can't get enough of is fall fruits. There's plenty to enjoy, and now is a wonderful time to get planting.