by Connie Oswald Stofko This is the last week to visit gardens in Western New York, and there are so many to see! First, don’t forget about Open Gardens this Thursday and Friday, your last chance to tour about 100 select gardens this year. You’ll also be able to see Artists in Open Gardens, where visual artists will be creating art in gardens in Alden, Buffalo, Cheektowaga, East Aurora, Eden, Grand Island, Hamburg, Lockport, Tonawanda, West Falls, West Seneca and…...
We’re the proud sponsor of Gardeners Night! by Connie Oswald Stofko The theme for the Market at Graycliff this Thursday is Gardeners Day, and it’s sponsored by Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com! It takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 25 at Graycliff, 6472 Old Lake Shore Rd., Derby. It’s free to attend. The Market at Graycliff continues 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 29. The Market is a producer-only market, meaning that the re-selling of items is not permitted. All…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko The Asian longhorned beetle, an invasive insect, has been a problem in the New York City area. The good news is that it has been eradicated in some of those areas, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. We hope that the ALB isn’t in Western New York, but we have to be on the lookout in case it is. It’s important to identify it immediately so we can control its spread and…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko This isn’t the end of the growing season—or the planting season—in Western New York. In fact, there are new offerings of fruit plants at Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses, 118 South Forest Rd., Williamsville. You can plant them now and as long as you keep them watered, “They’ll do fine,” said Mark Yadon, vice president at Mischler’s. Tip: When planting these or any perennials, water them properly in the heat of summer, said Jessica Limardi, staff member…...
Did you know there are other parts of the country that have only one garden walk for an entire region? Or even no garden walk at all? In Western New York, we had seven garden walks last week. And three before that. And another seven are coming up this weekend! There’s only one problem with all these garden walks: You won’t be able to visit every single garden. Such a nice problem to have! PS: The largest garden tour in…...
Ladybugs aren’t bugs at all. They’re beetles. That’s just one thing you’ll learn in the newest edition of the Optimistic Gardener. The publication is produced by the Master Gardeners of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties. Find the newsletter on the gardening page of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Chautauqua County (on the lefthand side) and in Cattaraugus County (on the righthand side)…....
by Connie Oswald Stofko It’s the time of year when Western New York gardeners may be finding Japanese beetles in their gardens. If you have Japanese beetles, you will see them; they’re easy to spot. About half an inch long, they’re big enough to see, plus their coloration catches your eye. They are green and copper, and they’re shiney. The damage they do may catch your eye as well. They feed on rose petals— and on about 300 other kinds…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko “Your garden is yours, but you’re sharing it with other creatures,” said Laurie Ousley, president of Gardens Buffalo Niagara. That’s the message Conservation Day wants to share with gardeners. “Gardening of any kind, style or size has an impact on our environment,” Ousley said. “What kind of an impact do you want to make?” Conservation Day will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 13 at the north end of the Elmwood Village…...
There will be seven garden walks this weekend for you to enjoy. Two nighttime tours will also take place: one in Lockport on Friday and the other on the Capen Garden Walk on Saturday. Lockport in Bloom Lockport In Bloom Free walking/driving tour of the gardens and public parks throughout Lockport. Twilight tour: 7-10 p.m. Friday, July 12 Daytime tours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 13 & 14 Maps: Pick up maps here: North Tonawanda Garden Walk North…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko “It’s funny that many people think we have a double lot,” said Beth Kreutzer. I thought the same thing when I visited her and her husband Brian, but she said their Cheektowaga lot is the usual suburban size: about 50 feet wide and 100 feet long. Their backyard probably feels so much larger because of how much there is to see. There’s a large koi pond, streams, waterfalls, grass paths, a boardwalk, and lots of shrubs…...