homegrown flowers in centerpiece at Mischler's Florist and Greenhouses in Williamsville NUY

Get homegrown flowers for Thanksgiving at Mischler’s

by Connie Oswald Stofko If you want fresh flowers–very fresh flowers–stop in to Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses in Williamsville. Mischler’s grows many of their flowers right in their greenhouses, then cut the flowers fresh. “I don’t think anyone else in Western New York is doing this,” said Mark Yadon, vice president at Mischler’s. While Mischler’s still buys some flowers, “we’re trying to grow more here,” he noted. The floral staff is always working on new arrangements, such as the new…...

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orchid show at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Enjoy hundreds of flowers at Orchid Show this weekend

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens and the Niagara Frontier Orchid Society will host their popular biannual Orchid Show on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8 and 9. Times are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The show will feature hundreds of exotic and award-winning orchids, expert orchid growers and sellers, as well as other orchid vendors. Exhibitors at the Orchid Show include members of the Niagara Frontier Orchid Society. You will have the opportunity to see hundreds of exotic and award-winning orchids from expert growers, and you can shop…...

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salt with rosemary herb

Cozy herb for autumn & winter: rosemary

by Sarah Sorci Rosemary is my most reliable herb to grow on a winter windowsill–no grow light is needed. While my outdoor garden sleeps, rosemary nestles up with me for the coziest months of the year. Cultivation When nighttime temperatures dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the fall, I move the containers indoors to a bright window. When your rosemary is planted in the ground–especially in heavy clay soils–you should avoid overwatering it. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean; it…...

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pumpkin in Amherst NY

What to do with worn-out pumpkins

by Connie Oswald Stofko Do you think Halloween monsters are horrible? Here’s something more horrible: throwing a jack-‘o-lantern into the trash! When you’re done with your pumpkin, compost it. You can smash it, too. It’s quite entertaining! Before you place your rotting pumpkin in your compost bin, you need to get it into smaller parts so it will decompose more quickly. You could use a knife, but smashing it on a hard surface is faster, easier and more fun. Remember…...

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fallen leaves autumn in Amherst NY by Stofko

What should you do with fallen leaves?

by Connie Oswald Stofko What happens when you rake leaves in fall? That’s what Max Ferlauto, a Maryland State entomologist, wanted to find out. In particular, he wanted to explore what happens to insects in the soil, according to this article from the College of Computer, Mathematical & Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland. Ferlauto was one of the researchers who wanted to answer this question: If you remove the leaves from a lawn in autumn, would that reduce…...

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Floating Fen Preserve in Brocton in Chautauqua County NY

Take a scenic hike at Floating Fen Preserve

Enjoy scenic vistas on a two-mile hiking trail at the Floating Fen Preserve, the newest preserve of Western New York Land Conservancy. The trail takes you around the a bog-like area called the “floating fen,” which gives the new preserve its name. The Floating Fen Preserve, situated in Brocton in Chautauqua County, is home to beautiful sundews—carnivorous plants that sparkle in the sunlight—and awe-inspiring colonies of blue flag iris, highbush blueberry and mountain holly. Small blackgum trees dot the fen, and beautiful…...

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holiday party Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Garden clubs & more: party at the Gardens

Enchant your garden club members, friends, family or other group with a holiday party at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. Enjoy the hundreds of poinsettias, gorgeous lights and the warm, tropical conservatory. Get 20 percent off holiday party bookings for 2025 and 2026. The offer is valid for Sunday-Friday night holiday parties when you book by Nov. 30. The Botanical Gardens can host up to 120 people for formal dining and 175 people for cocktail party style events.  Learn about…...

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backyard garden in Tonawanda NY

Terry Brummett, winner in Celebrity Level drawing, shows her garden

by Connie Oswald Stofko Although this garden isn’t particularly large, it appears spacious because of the many plants and decorative items throughout the area. I had the pleasure to visit the landscape of Terry and Mike Brummett in July. Terry was one of the two winners in our Celebrity Level drawing earlier this year, and I enjoyed what they have created. Tip: If you want a chance of being featured in Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com next year, sign up for the Celebrity Level…....

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illustration of garlic bulbs by Stofko

WNY Gardening Matters: garlic & more

It’s time to plant garlic, and you can learn more in WNY Gardening Matters, the publication of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Erie County. October planting generally results in bigger and more flavorful bulbs, said Peggy Koppmann in the article “This Month in the Garden.” Garlic needs a long period of cold temperatures, so fall planting gives cloves time to sprout and develop established roots. Read about winter watering, a bird buffet and more in “This Month in the Garden.” Other articles…...

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illustration bats in sky

Families can learn about Creatures of the Night in Ellicottville

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Cattaraugus County will hold its first fundraising event, Creatures of the Night, from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Nannen Arboretum, 28 Parkside Drive, Ellicottville. Families can explore the fascinating world of nighttime animals and learn about the science behind them. There will be a host of activities including speakers, educational exhibits and fun photo opportunities. All proceeds from the event will support Cattaraugus Master Gardener programs in key areas, such as Seed to Supper,…...

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