red lily leaf beetle

Had damage to your lilies? You might have a new invasive bug called lily leaf beetle

by Connie Oswald Stofko Margaret Raupp, coordinator of Open Gardens, alerted me to a couple of problems with disease and pests that she noticed while touring the gardens. We’ll talk about the first one, lily leaf beetle, today. Raupp said that when she visited an Open Garden in Lockport, the garden of John Taylor and Mary Brennan-Taylor, almost all of the Asiatic and Oriental lilies were lost to the lily leaf beetle, an invasive species that’s fairly new to Western…...

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lilacs and dome at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens developing master plan for architecture, exhibits

by Connie Oswald Stofko A new, larger events space. A new admissions area. A new cafe. A new gift shop. How can the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens create those areas, possibly constructing new buildings, without disturbing the domed buildings that are architectural and historical gems? “And we have to do something with the garage and those greenhouses that obstruct the view of one of the Olmsted Parks,” said David J. Swarts, president and CEO of the Botanical Gardens,…...

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displays of perennials at Mishler's

Tent sale starts Friday at Mischler’s; go early for best selection

There’s still time to plant perennials, and you can get bargains on beautiful, healthy perennials at the end-of-season tent sale to be held from Friday, Aug. 21 through Saturday, Aug. 29 at Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses, 118 South Forest Rd., Williamsville. Hours are  8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and  9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. August is Perennial Month at Mischler’s, and during the tent sale all perennials  in 3 ½-inch pots will be buy one get one free. Select perennials…...

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bird getting drop of water

Spectacular photos won prizes in Jamestown Audubon contest

Amazing nature shots from around the world were entered in the Jamestown Audubon Nature Center’s 2015 Nature Photography Contest. All winners received a $100 prize. You can see the winning photos here. The photographs are also on exhibit at the Jamestown Audubon Nature Center, 1600 Riverside Rd., one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown, NY, and Warren, PA. The building, with its collection of live animals, interactive exhibits and Blue Heron Gift Shop, is open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and…...

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black-eyed Susans in Amherst

Help this reader: What’s a good perennial for sun?

by Connie Oswald Stofko Here’s a question from a reader: “I’m considering removing my Stella de Oro daylilies (I have seven in a very sunny location) since they are no longer rewarding me with blooms. They are a great deal of work and not much reward. “Wondering what perennial you would recommend for full sun?” Linda Liberi, Williamsville This is the kind of question I think would benefit from a wide range of opinions. What would you suggest for Linda?…...

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red tire container garden in Buffalo NY

Vertical garden made from old gutters draws attention on last garden walk of year

by Connie Oswald Stofko “We just really like recycling,” said Carrie Madigan, who gardens with her mother Patty Connors at 180 Crowley Ave., Buffalo. “I don’t want to buy something super expensive if I can make it.” Visitors saw many examples of her creative gardening on a budget during the 11th annual Black Rock & Riverside Tour of Gardens held Aug. 1. The Starry Night Garden Tour was held during the evening. It was the last garden walk of the…...

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docent leading tour at Buffalo Botanical Gardens

You can be a docent at Botanical Gardens; training starts Sept. 10

by Connie Oswald Stofko It was her love of plants that led Donna Ludwig of Hamburg to become a docent at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. “It was just a place that called to me,” she said. “I have a chance to give back and there’s always something new to learn.” Docent training classes will be held 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thursdays Sept. 10 – Nov. 5, excluding holidays, at the Botanical Gardens…....

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Artwork made from old road signs to be discussed by artist at Jamestown Audubon

How old road signs are being converted into artwork that will be displayed at the entrance to the Audubon Nature Center will be discussed by the artist in a talk from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug, 13, at the center, 1600 Riverside Rd., one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown, NY and Warren, PA. Amara Geffen, artist and Allegheny College professor, will present a lecture and workshop on “Community-based Art: From Sign Art to Public Art.” She will describe…...

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flower arrangement

Floral design class offered at NCCC; seniors can audit for free

Anyone can take the floral design class offered this fall at Niagara County Community College, and those over age 60 can audit the class for free. “Seniors can audit any horticulture class for free,” said Carolyn A. Stanko, CNLP, Horticulture Program coordinator & assistant professor. “It is one of the best kept secrets out there.” See a list of NCCC horticulture courses here. HRT 111 Floral Design I is a hands-on class. It will meet Mondays from 9-11 a.m. and…...

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Lakeside Paisley Print hosta

Register now for regional Fall Hosta Forum set for Sept. 19

Register now for the 18th annual Fall Hosta Forum to be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 at Edinboro University, 219 Meadville St., Edinboro, PA. The registration deadline is Sept. 5. Hotel arrangements should be made as soon as possible and no later than Aug. 19 to get a discounted rate. The event is organized by the Western New York Hosta Society along with the Daffodil and Hosta Society of Western Pennsylvania. The program will include…...

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