Lewiston GardenFest kicks off garden walk season in WNY

birdhouses and garden in Lewiston NY — Nicole Johnson shares this tip: “I have learned over the years to not be afraid to move plants around. If it is not working in a spot in your garden, move it. The plants are more resilient than you may think. Water at the base of your plants to prevent powdery mildew and rust spots.” Photo courtesy Nicole Johnson

The season of garden walks will kick off this weekend with Lewiston GardenFest from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 17 and 18 on Center Street in Lewiston.

Here are some photos–and tips!–from a couple of the gardeners who will be sharing their landscapes during the Lewiston GardenFest. You can see and learn more during the actual event.

“Celebrate summer at Lewiston GardenFest and come away inspired to enhance your own green spaces,” said Mary Ann Yates, chair, Lewiston GardenFest.

The gardens vary in size and style and are located both within walking distance, and a short drive from Center Street. Maps highlighting the featured gardens can be picked up at one of the hospitality booths during the festival.

It’s free to attend.

decorative plates in garden in Lewiston NY — Nicole Johnson said: “Be creative in your gardens. Don’t be afraid to add nontraditional garden features.” Photo courtesy Nicole Johnson

You can participate in the container garden contest. Prepare your arrangement in a traditional container or think outside the planter. Take your container entry and a stand for display to the container garden tent in Hennepin Park by 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 17. Throughout the weekend, festivalgoers can vote for their favorite container garden. Prizes will be awarded to those containers that garner the most votes.

The event includes three speakers:

11 a.m. Saturday David O’Donnell from Eastern Monarch Butterfly Farm will speak about providing an environment that supports the monarch butterfly population.
1 p.m. Saturday Tim Zimmerman from Medford Nursery will share information about plants that thrive in our growing area.
1 p.m. Sunday Sally Cunningham, author, garden columnist and consultant, will share details for tweaking old landscapes into ones that are more pollinator friendly.

iris and beans in garden in Lewiston Gardenfest in Lewiston NY — Katie Beaver offers this suggestion: “This year my husband put up a couple of wire trellises behind the iris for the long beans and the cucumbers to climb. I grow strawberries under my rose bushes and pepper plants next to my spring flowering bushes. I also have an herb garden tucked behind a peony bush with basil, dill, oregano and parsley. So my gardening tip is: Let vegetables find a place in your flower garden!”

Other activities include:

Approximately 70 vendors selling flowers, plants and handcrafted garden art essentials.
Representatives from Cornell Cooperative Extension will be in Hennepin Park to answer gardening questions and provide free soil sample analysis.
Children can decorate flower garden rocks or create colorful tissue flowers, both while supplies last.

The festival is presented by the Lewiston Garden Club. Proceeds support the club’s ongoing beautification efforts and scholarships for local youth.

Leave a Reply