Category: Uncategorized

grassless front yard

New program will replace Garden Walk Buffalo this year

by Connie Oswald Stofko Garden Walk Buffalo won’t be held as a two-day walking tour this year. Instead, a new program called Buffalo Garden Views will feature a variety of activities throughout July suited for these difficult times.  Gardeners from the Buffalo Niagara region–and around the world–can experience these activities from home on social media. And there will be some in-person activities, too, such as touring front-yard gardens. We know that Buffalo has gorgeous front yards. What you might not…...

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May 5, 2020
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four gardening images

More gardening & nature activities you can do during the pandemic

by Connie Oswald Stofko First: Our Events page is back! For awhile, the page was overwhelmed by cancelled events. There was no reason to check it out. But organizers have been creating interesting new events that keep participants safe during the pandemic. I am delighted to be post them on my Events page. On the Events page, you’ll find activities that are being held at a particular time and on a certain date. Most of them are online talks and…...

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May 5, 2020
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deck in backyard in South Buffalo

Secluded deck provides sanctuary in South Buffalo

by Connie Oswald Stofko Today I want to share some photos from the landscape of Sally and Paul Tucker of South Buffalo to give you inspiration for your own gardens. I visited them last July during South Buffalo Alive. Before we talk about the Tuckers’ yard, I know you are wondering what is happening with garden walks this year. My understanding is that two of the garden walks that take place early in the season, Lewiston GardenFest and Springville Garden…...

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Apr 28, 2020
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clay in soil

Clay soil: compost is better than sand

by Connie Oswald Stofko When you have clay soil, should you add compost or sand? Compost. “In the long run, by far, the best thing you could possibly add is organic matter,” said John Farfaglia, extension educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension in Niagara County. Organic matter can be compost, autumn leaves, peat moss or other plant material. Organic matter is better because you have to add so much sand to loosen the clay, it’s not practical, Farfaglia said. I asked this…...

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Apr 28, 2020
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don't use lawn fertilizer with phosphorus

Keep our waterways clean: look for zero on lawn fertilizer

Do you like swimming or fishing or clean water in general? Then help our lakes, rivers and creeks by not spreading phosphorus on your lawn. If you fertilize your lawn, look for a bag with a zero in the middle. Fertilizer labels have three numbers. The number in the middle is the percentage of phosphorus in the product, such as 22-0-15. Excess phosphorus has made many waterways in New York State un-swimmable and un-fishable, according to the New York State…...

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Apr 28, 2020
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Centaurea montana courtesy Ivy Garth

Mischler’s 59-cent perennial sale to start on Friday!

by Connie Oswald Stofko Hurray! One of Western New York’s favorite gardening events is taking place on the planned date! Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses will hold its yearly 59-cent perennial sale starting this Friday, April 24. The plants are sold only in packs of four plants at $2.36 per pack. You will order your plants online. When you order, you’ll indicate what date and time you would like to pick up your plants at Mischler’s, 118 South Forest Rd., Williamsville…....

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Apr 21, 2020
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collage showing gardening resources

Videos, online classes and ongoing resources for WNY gardeners

Although in-person gardening classes and workshops are canceled, there are still many ways you can get gardening information for Western New York. An advantage is that you can get information from other counties without having to drive long distances. If you have a favorite resource, please share by leaving a comment below. Horticulture classes from Botanical Gardens The great series of horticulture classes taught by smart and fun David Clark for the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens didn’t get…...

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Apr 21, 2020
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horticultural student photo illustration in Amherst NY

Amherst Garden club offers scholarship for college students in horticulture

The Amherst Garden Club is offering a $1,000 scholarship for a college student who is a resident of Erie or Niagara County. Applicants should have completed at least one year of study by May 2020. Since the funds are intended to be used for tuition, applicants must be enrolled in an accepted program for the 2020-2021 school year. The student should be studying horticulture, landscape design, floriculture, conservation, ecology or another pertinent program. The deadline to apply is June 20…....

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Apr 21, 2020
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Elle Pots at Mike Weber in West Seneca NY

Mike Weber’s introduces ‘4-packs without the plastic’

by Connie Oswald Stofko You’re probably familiar with four-packs and six-packs, those plastic containers that hold four or six small plants. This year Mike Weber Greenhouses is introducing something called Elle Pots. “Think of a four- or six-pack without all that plastic,” said Jen Weber, vice president and manager of Mike Weber Greenhouses, 42 French Rd., West Seneca. The Elle Pots start with a tube of strong, biodegradable paper that is filled with potting mix. Seeds or cuttings are planted into…...

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Apr 14, 2020
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collage of spring plants

Latest updates on businesses

by Connie Oswald Stofko Garden centers seem to be catching up to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 situation. There aren’t as many changes this week as there have been in the last couple weeks. Here is the information I have for the businesses I work with. Things keep changing, so if you have specific questions about a business’s hours or what they have in stock, please contact them directly. You can see their contact information in our Gardening Directory…....

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Apr 14, 2020
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