Plant sales and other activities will be held by the Cornell Cooperative Extension programs in Chautauqua, Genesee, Niagara and Erie Counties.
See more events on our Events page as well as on the websites of Cooperative Extension in the various counties.
Chautauqua County, May 14
The Chautauqua County Master Gardeners will hold a sale of plants and yard art as well as gently used gardening tools, clothing and books from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 14 at the Frank Bratt Agricultural Center, 3542 Turner Rd., Jamestown.
A special feature this year is a free container gardening demonstration at 10 a.m. in the Bratt Agricultural Center’s large meeting room. No reservations are required.
Each year Master Gardener volunteers donate a wide variety of plants for the sale, including perennial flower, grass and shrub divisions, as well as annual flowers and vegetables grown from seed, and a few young trees. Native plants are grouped together and clearly marked for shoppers interested in the benefits of landscaping with these hardy, eco-friendly species. Most plants are priced from $2 to $5, with payment by cash or personal check only.
Genesee County, May 14
Genesee County Master Gardeners will host their annual Spring Garden Gala from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 14 at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
There will be a plant sale featuring many kinds of perennials, house plants and geraniums, most grown by Master Gardeners, as well as garden art and other interesting things for your garden. The plant sale starts promptly at 10 a.m.; no early birds.
Other scheduled activities are:
- Take a soil sample from your garden for free soil pH testing.
- Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions.
- A basket auction drawing starts at 12:30 p.m.
- There will be a container garden demonstration at 11 a.m. Find out how to create and take care of an herb container garden.
- At 11:30 am, learn how to create a simple, easy to make bee house to help our native bees.
For more information, contact Brandie Schultz at (585) 343-3040, ext. 101, stop by the Extension office, visit the website or like them on Facebook.
Niagara County, May 14
Two environmentally-themed gardening classes will be offered to the public on Saturday, May 14 at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County, 4487 Lake Ave., in Lockport.
A selection of plants from the Cornell Cooperative Extension greenhouse will also be on sale.
Participants in the classes can take a soil sample from their garden to be tested for free.
Master Gardener Maxine Grimmer will present “The Plight of The Monarch Butterfly” at 9 a.m. The presentation will address why monarch butterfly populations are declining and what individuals can do to provide food sources and attract monarchs to their garden.
Master Gardener Karen Cavanaugh will present “Ecological Gardening” at 10 a.m., which will cover environmentally safe gardening practices that will encourage beneficial insects and native pollinators to visit gardens as well as methods to grow healthy plants that are more resistant to pests.
There is a cost of $10 for each class and preregistration is required by calling 433-8839, ext. 226 or emailing jaf21@cornell.edu.
Erie County, May 27 and 28
The annual plant sale will be held by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County Master Gardener Program from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday, May 27 and 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, May 28 at the First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo, One Symphony Circle, Buffalo.
This annual event is in a new location this year in the heart of Allentown. It’ll be wonderful opportunity to obtain great plants at great prices.
The sale includes a choice selection of sun and shade perennials, natives, herbs, annuals, shrubs and vegetables direct from the gardens of Master Gardener volunteers as well as plants donated from area horticultural businesses.
Master Gardeners will be on hand throughout the sale to provide advice on selecting and growing plants.
Master Gardeners will also offer a soil clinic to measure pH level for those who bring in soil samples. The cost per sample is $2.
Check the Cooperative Extension website for directions on collecting a soil sample before you come.
Funds raised by this annual event help support the Master Gardener outreach programs in our local communities.
For more information, go to the Erie County Master Gardener site or call (716) 652-5400, ext. 177.
