by Connie Oswald Stofko
“It looks pretty peaceful out here,” Joyce Heath said, surveying her yard on the Snyder-CleveHill Garden View on July 10.
With so much happening in the world, especially in recent weeks, it’s a feeling she tries to convey in her gardens. Rocks in a side garden were inscribed with “Tranquility” and “Peace Love Joy.” A flag emblazoned with “Peace: Back by popular demand” found a prominent spot elsewhere in her yard.
“It’s a happy place,” exclaimed one visitor who stopped by while I was there.
Heath’s garden at 86 Allendale, Cheektowaga, was one garden in a new cluster of gardens on the walk. Several members of her block club decided to participate this year.
Her gardens are balanced between perennials and annuals.
“I like perennials because they keep coming back each year,” Heath said, “but they come and go so quick.”
For more constant color, she fills in with annuals. She still uses some regular impatiens, despite the threat of downy mildew.
Her best overall gardening tip, especially in this dry summer: “Water a lot! Keep your plants watered,” Heath said. She also uses fertilizer on her annuals.
Garden walks coming up this weekend are:
- The City of Tonawanda Garden Walk will hold a Friday Night Lights from 8:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. Friday, July 15 and a daytime walk from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, July 16. The tour is free and self-guided. Maps will be available in the mayor’s office, 200 Niagara St.; the Recreation Department, 291 Kohler St.; the senior center, 35 Main St., and the public library, 333 Main St., City of Tonawanda.
- The Lancaster Garden Walk will be hold a nighttime viewing from 8:45 p.m. – 10:45 p.m. Friday, July 15 and the daytime tour from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 16 and 17. The tour is free and self-guided. Maps for the event can be picked up at Two Chicks and a Rooster, 732 Aurora St.; Petals to Please, 5870 Broadway, and Simply Italiano, 85 Central Ave., Lancaster. On Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting, some gardens will host local artists displaying and selling art as well as working on new pieces.
- The Samuel P. Capen Garden Walk will take place from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, July 16. The walk will feature a night tour called Capen by Night from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday as well. Maps can be picked up at the UB Anderson Gallery, 1 Martha Jackson Pl., Buffalo during the day. After 6 p.m. you can pick them up at St. Andrew’s UHAA Sculpture Garden, 3107 Main St., Buffalo. The tour is free and self-guided.
- The Village of Williamsville Garden Walk will be held from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, July 16. The tour is free and self-guided. Maps for the event can be picked up the day of the walk at the Williamsville Village Hall, 5565 Main St., Williamsville. The garden walk’s Second Annual Mini Fairy Garden Contest will be open to the public. The walk will also feature a basket raffle and tickets will be available for purchase at the welcome tent.
- The South Buffalo Alive garden walk will be held from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, July 17. Maps for the tour can be picked up at the Tim Russert’s Children’s Garden, 2002 South Park Ave., Buffalo. The tour is self-guided. Organizers request a $2 donation. There will also be a farmers market at Cazenovia Park in front of the casino from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- The Orleans County Master Gardeners will hold their Garden Path Tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 16. It will feature six private gardens in the Medina and Albion area. Tickets are $10. To get tickets, call (585) 798-4265, email mgorleanscce@cornell.edu, stop into the Extension office at 12690 State Route 31, Albion, or buy them from a Master Gardener. After you make your payment, you will be given the ticket package, which includes the ticket; a booklet with a few coupons, advertisements and details about the gardens, and a map to the gardens. Proceeds go back to the Master Gardener program, which funds educational workshops, trainings and other various programs.
I am so proud of YOU Ms. Joyce Heath! Beautiful work, love it! Jamaican punch? well you know you have to invite me over for some of your punch. You were hiding, and keeping this best kept secret to yourself…..and I have known you since we were kids. Awesome! again, I say “Beautiful Work” It’s your time to be showcased on “Better Homes & Gardens”. See you soon….peace
I loved my visit to Joyce’s garden! I was not only able to enjoy her charming garden, but I was also able to catch up with an old acquaintance. And her Jo-Jo’s Jamaican punch was to die for!!
Congratulations Joyce! Your gardens were truly beautiful, very peaceful and inviting. Enjoyed the Jamaican punch as well.
She has a lot of conversation pieces in her yard.
The butterfly chair is really neat.