a by Eileen K. Sorochty, Master Gardener in Orleans County For any avid gardener, winter is a time of conservation and rehabilitation. I’m glad, in a way, that the toil has ended and I get a bit of rest from all the tasks that feel never-ending. But I’m still drawn to next season’s plan. I’m scouring heritage seed catalogs in an attempt to add some new varieties of veggies. I’m mapping out the new garden addition I started before the…
See Horticultural Heroes at Botanical Gardens
A new collection called Horticultural Heroes is on display in the Arcangel Gallery at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. Portraits of 30 people who made groundbreaking contributions in gardening, botany, horticulture, agriculture and conservation are on display. Each portrait was created by a different artist. February is Black History month, and 12 influential Black figures across generations are being recognized among the 30 individuals. You can see famous faces such as George Washington Carver and Michelle Obama, as…
Master Gardeners in Erie County to hold Ed Day on March 7
The 2026 Education Day will be held by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County Master Gardener Program. It will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 7 at Classics V Banquet Center, 2425 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst. The event includes a continental breakfast and a hot lunch buffet. Topics and speakers will be: The price is $65 for the public and $55 for out-of-county Master Gardeners. Register here. Space is limited; advance registration is required. Registration…
Brr! How will this frigid cold affect our gardens?
by Connie Oswald Stofko The predictions were worrying, but Western New York didn’t get much of a storm (yay!). Yes, there was a day with constant snowfall, but the snow fell in teeny, tiny flakes. Here in Amherst, even when the snow piled up, we could shovel easily because the snow was granular and very light. There wasn’t much wind, either, which helped. But things are different today. It’s windy, there’s lots of snow and it’s still super cold. (How…
Tree & shrub sales are here
Trees are important in so many ways. They can shelter your house in summer, provide food for insects and birds, purify our air and so much more. That’s why New York State has set a goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033. If you plant even one tree, your tree can count toward the state’s goal. Enter your tree or trees into the Tree Tracker here. Now is a great time to shop for trees. You can buy tree…
Houseplants, wildlife & more from Orleans County Master Gardeners
Here is the newest edition of Digging In, the newsletter published by Master Gardeners of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County. Your January Garden Checklist a Garden planning Houseplants Birds and wildlife Upcoming events Second annual seed swap The Orleans Community Seed Share is hosting its annual seed swap from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Cornell Cooperative Orleans Trolley Building, 12690 Route 31 in Albion. It is free. Take home free seeds for your 2026 garden. Enjoy seed demonstrations and activities…
Gardening classes in Chautauqua, Orleans & Erie counties
Cornell Cooperative Extension in three Western New York counties will hold classes for gardeners. The Chautauqua classes will be held online; the Orleans and Erie classes will be held in person. Chautauqua: Webinar series starts Jan. 27 Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s Agriculture Program is offering a winter webinar series on environment and agriculture. This free series offers practical tips and fresh insights for gardeners, landowners and nature enthusiasts of all levels. Webinars will be recorded and shared with…
Come in from the cold to see orchids–day & night– at Botanical Gardens
At least we’re getting the occasional bit of sunshine, but we will continue to experience snow, biting wind and below-zero temperatures for awhile. But it’s warm inside the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens! And you can see hundreds of gorgeous orchids! The Orchid Exhibit will begin Thursday, Jan. 22 and go through to Monday, March 9 at the Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Daytime hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The daytime exhibit is included in…
Let’s look back to this year in WNY gardening. What will 2026 be like?
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!…