Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com

We’ll see you in 2015 after a short break; let’s look back on 2014

by Connie Oswald Stofko This is my last issue for 2014, but I will return Jan. 13 with more gardening tips and hints on Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com. In the meantime, I’ll continue updating the Events page, so you’re welcome to check back to find out about all the great gardening activities in Western New York. This past year had its ups and downs for Western New York gardeners. It started with a bitter winter, but at least all that snow we got…...

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Dec 16, 2014

Gaultheria procumbens wintergreen at Lockwood's in Hamburg NY

Lockwood’s last-minute gift ideas for a gardening friend– or yourself!

by Connie Oswald Stofko Here are some great last-minute gift ideas for gardeners from Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark St., Hamburg. They’re all plants that gardeners can enjoy in the house now for their flowers or berries, then plant outside in the spring and enjoy as perennials for years to come. Of course, you can buy them for yourself, too. The first choice is a wintergreen called Gaultheria procumbens. As she showed it to me, Teresa Buchanan, garden center manager, crushed…

Dec 16, 2014

potted perennials in winter at Mischler's in Williamsville NY

Clever perennial planter from spring still looking good into winter at Mischler’s

We’ve had snow and cold, yet this perennial container that was planted up in the spring is still going strong. Mark Yadon of Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses, 118 South Forest Rd., Williamsville, designed this creation called “Winter Green.” He planted it up as a demonstration at the Lewiston GardenFest in the third week of June this year. As we told you in September, there are two tricks to this planter. First, Yadon chose perennial plants that keep their color after…...

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Dec 16, 2014

daffodil at Buffalo Botanical Gardens by Connie Oswald Stofko

Do you need to refrigerate daffodil, tulip bulbs before forcing them indoors?

I got this question from reader Trudy Stern: “I have a daffodil question: Should I keep them in the deep freeze for awhile before I force them indoors in January or February? Tulips? Any special tips? I am looking forward to having some bulb beauty in my house throughout the winter.” I thought this was a question many readers might be interested in, so I contacted Jeff Thompson, director of horticulture at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. Each…...

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Dec 16, 2014

poinsettia decorations 2014 at Buffalo Botanical Gardens

See the holiday exhibits at Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens

Whether you have out-ot-town company, are looking for something to do with the kids or just want to drink in the colors of the season, stop by to see the holiday exhibits at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Expect the Unexpected, the poinsettia show, is in full swing and the displays are stunning. Admission includes the Garden Railway Exhibit, with a Harry Potter scene as well as a traditional set-up. Hours are 10…...

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Dec 16, 2014

sparkling punch & ice punch poinsettias at Mischler's in Williamsville NY

Enjoy your poinsettias for weeks or months with proper care; see new varieties at Mischler’s

by Connie Oswald Stofko You can enjoy your poinsettia plant for weeks or even months if you care for it properly. “The main thing is don’t overwater them,” said Mark Yadon, vice president of Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses, 118 South Forest Rd., Williamsville. “They don’t need to be watered nearly as much as people water them.” If the plant is in foil, take the foil off, water the plant at the sink, let the excess water drain out of the…...

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Dec 9, 2014

Wreaths don’t have to be round; see creative decorations at Lockwood’s

by Connie Oswald Stofko If you want something a little different for the holidays, choose a wreath that isn’t round. You can find creative shapes at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark St., Hamburg. The handmade wreaths at Lockwood’s can be shaped like a heart, Christmas tree, cross, square or rectangle as well as the traditional circle. You can custom order wreaths, too. Some people come in year after year for the same wreath, said Jill Kisker, grower at Lockwood’s. Others come…...

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Dec 9, 2014

Replace Botanical Gardens’ storm-damaged plants & 4 more ways your donation helps

by Connie Oswald Stofko During the recent Snowvember storm, the wind and the weight of the snow broke 150 panes of glass in two greenhouses at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. The storm destroyed 154 plants indoors. It will cost roughly $6,000 to replace them. That’s not taking into account damage done to plants outside. But you can help by making a monetary donation today. Not only did the Botanical Gardens lose plants in the storm, it lost…...

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Dec 9, 2014

Native-Plant-Guide from Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper

Illustrated guide to native plants for WNY available for free from Riverkeeper

UPDATE APRIL 13, 2023 To see the guide on native plants, go here: https://bnwaterkeeper.org/nativeplantguide/ by Connie Oswald Stofko There are lots of reasons to use native plants in your garden. I like them because they’re low maintenance. Because they have adapted to our climate, they can survive hot, dry summers without me having to get out the hose. They can take cold, snowy winters without any fuss, too. Native plants attract birds and insects, which can help pollinate our plants…....

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Dec 2, 2014

Get creative and decorate a fresh wreath in this hands-on workshop at Mischler’s

Back again this year is a popular hands-on workshop where you can let your creative juices flow and decorate a fresh wreath for the holidays. Workshops will be held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses, 118 South Forest Rd., Williamsville. Each workshop will begin with a brief explanation and decorating demonstration by a member of Mischler’s staff. Afterward, you will be given a fresh, 24-inch evergreen wreath and red bow. You will…...

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Dec 2, 2014