by Connie Oswald Stofko
Clouds and drizzle couldn’t dampen the spirits of visitors in the opening hours of the 2010 Lewiston GardenFest, which was held Saturday and Sunday, June 26 and 27.
BuffaloNiagaraGardening.com visited the garden of Dominic and Susan Hofert at 400 Plain St. The new homeowners are working toward a formal garden that’s still friendly and has lots of curb appeal. 
The gardens that wrap around the large front porch are beautiful and well planned, with shrubs and perennials.
Notice in the top photo that while the plantings appear newer, the garden doesn’t feel empty. What would have been bare spots are covered by mulch, which adds a nice accent.
It isn’t until you start analyzing the design that you realize how much the container plantings contribute to the welcoming atmosphere of the landscaping. 
There are containers on each side of the porch steps, and plants hang from the porch roof. Large flower boxes perch on the railings on the side of the porch. In several locations on the porch, a pot holds a single large plant.
While many of the plants are colorful blooming annuals, some are green plants. The container itself adds to the look. 
The Lewiston GardenFest included 50 vendors of garden-related products. Activities included two talks. Carol Ann Harlos, president of Herb Gardeners of the Niagara Frontier, spoke on “Herb Gardens in June,” and Sally Cunningham, a certified nursery and landscape professional, spoke on “Superior Plants for your Summer Garden.”
The event was made possible with generous financial support from the Town of Lewiston, Niagara Falls Bridge Commission and First Niagara Bank.
It was also supported by by the Village of Lewiston, Niagara Frontier Publications, Niagara Gazette, DiMino’s Lewiston Markets, DiCamillo Bakery, Tim Hortons, Lewiston Music, HSBC Bank, KeyBank, Upstate Gardener’s Journal and Lewiston Boy Scouts of America Troop #855.
