Category: Uncategorized

photo illustration of soil

It’s time for garden talks & classes in WNY

There isn’t a lot to do in your garden right now, so it’s a good time to learn more about gardening and get prepared for spring. Here is a sampling of classes and talks coming up in the next few weeks. We’re constantly adding more activities to our Events page, so check there often to see what’s coming up. Everything listed there, including garden club meetings, is open to the public. Events held by nonprofit groups are listed on Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com…...

Monthly Subscription Membership Required

You must be a Monthly Subscription member to access this content.

Join Now

Already a member? Log in here
Feb 4, 2020
Read More
cut flowers in different color combinations

Soak up gardening ideas during PLANT WNY’s Ed Day Feb. 7

by Connie Oswald Stofko Susan Martin of Michigan was looking through photos she had taken years ago in gardens all over the country. She came across a photo of a hosta in a colorful pot and realized she had planted a hosta in a pot that was the same color as the pot in the picture. She hadn’t done it purposely; she didn’t even remember the photo. Yet “It wasn’t a coincidence,” Martin said. “My brain knew that color when…...

Monthly Subscription Membership Required

You must be a Monthly Subscription member to access this content.

Join Now

Already a member? Log in here
Jan 28, 2020
Read More
amaryllis Star of Holland

Amaryllis with no leaves: can it come back next year?

by Connie Oswald Stofko Here’s a question from a reader: Hi,I bought an amaryllis in a home hardware store. Bulb and container. It is blooming beautiful right now in January. It’s named “Holland Star.’ I have two stalks, lots of blooms but no leaves??? What does that mean? Hope you can give me some advice. So glad I found this site. I have bought these for my mother many years ago. I did not know they would keep from year…...

Monthly Subscription Membership Required

You must be a Monthly Subscription member to access this content.

Join Now

Already a member? Log in here
Jan 28, 2020
Read More
Lunenfeld grant on Willowlawn

Feb. 29 is deadline for Lunenfeld Grants; 2019 recipients announced

Marvin Lunenfeld Beautification Grants, which are awarded to groups within the geographic area of Garden Walk Buffalo, have been awarded for 2019. Applications are available for 2020. Even if you don’t live in that area, mark you calendar for this year’s Garden Walk Buffalo. And did you know you can get a map for that walk mailed to you? 2019 grant recipients The Marvin Lunenfeld Beautification Grants are awarded to block clubs and community groups to help beautify Buffalo through…...

Monthly Subscription Membership Required

You must be a Monthly Subscription member to access this content.

Join Now

Already a member? Log in here
Jan 28, 2020
Read More
snowless garden and snowy garden

How to deal with warm-then-cold winter weather

by Connie Oswald Stofko We got snow in November, then it melted. In late December, the weather was surprisingly warm, with air temperatures reaching the high 50s. The grass looked so green! Then the temperatures hit lows in the teens. This past weekend we got socked with snow. One thing you can say for weather in Western New York– it’s not boring. Here are some things you can do to deal with these changes in winter weather. Protect your plants…...

Monthly Subscription Membership Required

You must be a Monthly Subscription member to access this content.

Join Now

Already a member? Log in here
Jan 21, 2020
Read More
dandelions in lawn

Dandelions aren’t all bad, plus more tips from Master Gardeners

You may know that dandelion leaves can be eaten, but there are even more uses for this plant. The milky sap of a variety of dandelion can be used to make rubber, according to an article by Lyn Chimera in the most recent issue of WNY Gardening Matters. WNY Gardening Matters is produced by the Master Gardeners of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Erie County. Also in this issue: Learn about an invasive pest called the hemlock wooly adelgid, which can…...

Monthly Subscription Membership Required

You must be a Monthly Subscription member to access this content.

Join Now

Already a member? Log in here
Jan 20, 2020
Read More
Lumagination at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

‘Mysterious Minerals’ is theme of Lumagination at Botanical Gardens

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens will host Lumagination, with the interior of the gardens illuminated to excite imaginations, stimulate the senses and entertain all ages. “Mysterious Minerals” is the theme this year. Visitors will experience the extraordinary facets of Earth and minerals. From simulated salt caves and stalactites to wooden sculptures, balancing stones, geodes and crystals, Lumagination will take visitors on a journey like no other. This is part three of a four-part series exploring water, air, earth…...

Monthly Subscription Membership Required

You must be a Monthly Subscription member to access this content.

Join Now

Already a member? Log in here
Jan 20, 2020
Read More
sticks in garden to keep rabbits and cats out

Tip to keep rabbits, cats out of your garden this winter

by Connie Oswald Stofko Do rabbits make nests in your garden? Do cats use your garden for a litterbox? Here is one tip to solve both problems. Make the space less appealing by breaking it up with sticks. In addition to sticks from a tree, you can recycle disposable chopsticks, Popsicle sticks, old plant tags and plastic forks and spoons. In my garden I have a metal spoon that was damaged when it fell into the garbage disposal. Don’t go…...

Monthly Subscription Membership Required

You must be a Monthly Subscription member to access this content.

Join Now

Already a member? Log in here
Dec 17, 2019
Read More
swallowtail butterfly on dianthus

My gardening resolutions for 2020—what are yours?

by Connie Oswald Stofko We’re coming up to the end of the year, a time when we look back at the previous year and make plans for the future. What will you do differently in your garden next year? Here are my gardening resolutions for 2020. Please share yours by leaving a comment below. When I buy plants, I will get them in the ground quickly. To me, “as soon as possible” often means “when I get around to it.”…...

Monthly Subscription Membership Required

You must be a Monthly Subscription member to access this content.

Join Now

Already a member? Log in here
Dec 17, 2019
Read More
yellow hosta and other hostas in garden bed

Last issue of the year, but you can look at past articles & upcoming events

by Connie Oswald Stofko This is my last issue of 2019, but I’ll be back next year with more great gardening tips for Western New York! In the meantime, you can plan for next gardening season by reviewing articles from past years. Use the “Popular Topics” box to get inspiration from gardens on past garden walks, learn how to deal with pests or explore other past articles. If you’re viewing this on our website, you will see the “Popular Topics”…...

Monthly Subscription Membership Required

You must be a Monthly Subscription member to access this content.

Join Now

Already a member? Log in here
Dec 17, 2019
Read More