Here is the latest edition of Digging In, the newsletter published by Master Gardeners of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County. What our gardens teach us Our gardens keep teaching, even as winter approaches. It’s harder to see the lessons when everything feels cold and dormant, but they’re there. Consider vernalization — the way many plants, from native perennials to fruit trees to spring bulbs, need to experience winter’s chill before they can bloom. It’s what makes the seeds we plant during winter…...
Outdoors or indoors: Decorate with plants from Mischler’s
by Connie Oswald Stofko Decorate outside with a patio pot from Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses, 118 South Forest Rd., Williamsville. The pots hold a variety of fresh evergreen branches that are decorated with pine cones, a bow and artificial berries. In addition to displaying them on porches and patios, many people remember their departed loved ones by setting patio pots in cemeteries, said Mark Yadon, vice president at Mischler’s. There is no care needed for the patio pots; they will…...
Ages 60+ can audit horticulture class for free at SUNY Niagara
Horticulture classes begin Jan. 20 at SUNY Niagara (previously called Niagara County Community College). Seniors who are 60 years old or older can audit a class for free. Senior Scholar registration begins Jan. 15. See details here. See Horticulture classes here. See Horticulture Cannabis classes here. For more information, contact Carolyn Stanko, program coordinator, at cstanko@niagaracc.suny.edu…....
Start your holidays at Henry’s Gardens open house this Saturday
by Connie Oswald Stofko “People love cardinals around Christmas because it reminds them of loved ones,” said Barb Henry, who founded Henry’s Gardens with her husband Martin. And with their showy feathers in snowy weather, it’s not surprising that people look to cardinals as the mascot of winter. You can find cardinals on glass ornaments, in snow globes, on pillows and more at Henry’s Gardens open house to be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 29 at Henry’s…...
Listen to talk online: How to rebuild nature in your backyard
by Connie Oswald Stofko We have to start rebuilding nature in as many places as we possibly can, said Doug Tallamy, and you can help right in your own backyard. The conservationist spoke recently on “Nature’s Best Hope” in the Department of Environment and Sustainability at the University at Buffalo. If you weren’t able to attend the lecture, you can–and should!–listen to his talk here. He is a great speaker, easy to understand, and full of information that gardeners need…....
Poinsettias & more at Botanical Gardens
by Connie Oswald Stofko Enjoy the traditional colors of red and green at the annual Poinsettia Exhibit at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. Then–surprise! You’ll also see rows of poinsettias in yellow and pink and peach. The Poinsettia Exhibit is open now from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Jan. 4. The cost is included in admission. Special hours: Below are some of the other events being held at the Botanical Gardens. See even more events here. Poinsettias…...
Are your roses still blooming? Enjoy!
by Connie Oswald Stofko On a gloomy day in autumn, it’s wonderful to see a colorful rose in your garden. But if you have already pruned your roses, you’re missing something beautiful. On top of that, autumn isn’t the best time for pruning. You’re better off cutting roses in spring. See more in the article “Should you cut back roses in autumn?”…...
Share your news on our Events page!
by Connie Oswald Stofko If you want people to come to your plant exchange or hear the speaker at your next meeting, send us the information for that event. On our Events page, we post the information for gardening events in Western New York. If you’re in a nonprofit organization, we’ll post your event for free! The events must be open to the public. If you’re going to have a private meeting in someone’s home or if there’s a holiday party that…...
Your opinion: Is recycling a waste of time?
by Connie Oswald Stoko Last week I published an article on “National Recycling Day is Nov. 15: What to do with electronic devices.” EeVeE from Buffalo responded with this comment: “We at Unity Buffalo’s EarthCare Animal Ministry team are considering bringing more ‘recycling awareness’ to our church and community. I am wondering if there is a program where you can have someone come to our church and give an informed guidance on how the process works and how to get…...
Drought, rain & snow in WNY
by Connie Oswald Stofko Drought & rain Good news! We’re almost out of the drought. The announcement came last Wednesday from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Recent rainfall has improved dry conditions, and all of Western New York is now at the lowest level of drought, called “Drought Watch.” The counties moved from the drier “Drought Warning” to “Drought Watch” are Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara and Orleans. Wyoming County already had been downgraded to…...