by Connie Oswald Stofko When you think of this year in gardening, what comes to your mind? If weather is the first thing that comes to mind, you aren’t alone. I asked a few gardening folks in Western New York to look back on 2025, and several brought up the wild weather we had this year. And 2026? No one can foresee the weather, but looking at the plans these people have, other aspects of gardening will be amazing! What…...
See you next year!
by Connie Oswald Stofko This is my last edition for 2025. I’m taking a break, but I’ll be back on Jan. 20, 2026 with a new edition of Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com. Have a happy New Year!…...
Learn during winter in online courses
There isn’t much to do outside during winter, but indoors you can learn about horticulture through online courses being held by Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE). These non-degree, online courses bring the expertise and experience of CCE educators to you at home or wherever you learn. There is a fee for each course. Courses include: See the catalog here…....
During winter, bring color & scent inside
“Now is the time to make sure to have nature inside your home,” said Patti Jablonski-Dopkin, general manager at Urban Roots Cooperative Garden Market. “We all garden, not only for the pleasure that it brings, but also for the aesthetics and the calm that nature provides. “Simple items can remind us of our colorful, fragrant outdoor world when we find ourselves inside more than outside.” Here are just some of the items that you can find at Urban Roots for yourself or…...
Caring for fresh Christmas tree; consider buying local
Consider choosing a locally grown and cut Christmas tree this year. “Supporting our local farms is a great way to purchase quality goods and contribute to our local economy,” said Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Farm Business Management Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s Agriculture Program. “For every $1 spent on local agricultural products, $2.29 is generated in the community. “Shop local, not only for Christmas trees, but also delicious food gifts, holiday meal supplies and more.” Visit Chautauqua Grown, the local…...
$1,000 prize for art on Garden Walk Buffalo poster; enter by Jan. 31
Garden Walk Buffalo, America’s largest garden tour, is looking for submissions of original artwork to promote the 2026 event. The artist chosen for the poster will receive a $1,000 honorarium. Entries are due Saturday, January 31, 2026. This is an opportunity to share your artwork with hundreds of local gardeners and tens of thousands of visitors from around the U.S. and beyond. Submission guidelines: See more information here. See past posters here. Email your entry to aclark@gardensbuffaloniagara.com. Include ART ENTRY in the subject line. If possible, zip your…...
What gardens teach us in winter: ‘Digging In’ newsletter
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…...