by Connie Oswald Stofko This is our last issue for 2013, but we’ll be back with more great gardening tips for Western New York on Tuesday, Jan. 21. In the meantime, I’ll be posting any new events I receive on the Events page. I’ll also post to Facebook and Pinterest, so you can follow me there. I think 2013 has been a great gardening year. It wasn’t without its challenges, of course. We had some wild swings in temperature during…...
What can you do about pesky fruit flies? Please help this reader
by Connie Oswald Stofko Here’s a question from a reader: Dear Connie, We are annoyed by fruit flies. I have a few in every room. I have put out small dishes of apple cider vinegar, commercial “fruit fly trap,” sprayed the dirt in my plants with bug spray, no change. I have no fruit or food on counters. Actually, I think there are none in the kitchen, however, they are in the bathroom (no plants there). There is no one…...
Poinsettia, train exhibits continue at Botanical Gardens; Dec. 29 is Dollar Day
Whether you’re looking for something to do with the kids, entertaining out-of-town relatives or just want someplace warm and relaxing to go over the holidays, stop by to see the poinsettia and garden railway exhibits at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday; 10 a.m. to noon Christmas Eve, Dec. 24; closed Christmas day, Dec. 25, and open 10 a.m. to noon New Year’s Eve,…...
Houseplants gone wild: It’s fascinating to see them in nature
by Connie Oswald Stofko When my nephew got married this spring in his bride’s home state of Hawaii, I had the pleasure of traveling there for the big event. Besides the beaches and mountains and, of course, the beauty of the bride, one of the things that impressed me was being able to walk around outside and see plants that we know only as houseplants. The first time I had experienced this kind of thing was when we visited friends…...
Celery update: It’s not going strong, but amazingly, it’s still growing!
by Connie Oswald Stofko Back in March I told you how to start a new celery plant from the celery stump. In September I harvested some of the stalks, but then I left the plant outside to see what it would do. We had a long and mild autumn, and through most of November, the celery plant looked pretty much the same way it did in September– see photo at right. Then we got that cold snap with temperatures in…...
New spring Cherry Blossom Festival in Buffalo needs funding by Dec. 31
A small, informal event– a Cherry Blossom Viewing Picnic— was held for a single day in May this year to celebrate the blooming of the cherry trees in the Japanese Garden located in Delaware Park. But that was just a taste of things to come. The Friends of the Japanese Garden of Buffalo are planning a full-fledged Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival for 2014 with an entire week of events, including gardening speakers, a Japanese tea ceremony, boat rides so you…...
Good news: Funding completed for scenic overlook in Town of Aurora
Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians will be able to enjoy the view at a scenic overlook to be constructed on Mill Road in the Town of Aurora thanks to the successful conclusion of a three-year fundraising effort. The Friends of Mill Road, in partnership with the Western New York Land Conservancy and the Town of Aurora, announced that the John R. Oishei Foundation has awarded the Mill Road Scenic Overlook project $75,000, completing the fundraising for the project. The Mill Road…...
When it comes to Christmas trees, fir is the new pine in Western New York
by Connie Oswald Stofko When you ask someone what kind of tree is used at Christmastime, they will immediately reply: pine. But pine isn’t as popular for Christmas as it used to be. According to Steve Lockwood, owner of Lockwood’s Greenhouses, Fraser fir is the top seller. Lockwood’s Greenhouses grow their own Christmas trees, which they cut and sell in the garden center at 4484 Clark Street, Hamburg. They grow only firs now. Pine, as well as spruce, used to…...
Decorate a holiday wreath at Mischler’s
Learn how to decorate your very own fresh wreath for the holidays in a workshop on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses, 118 South Forest Rd., Williamsville. Workshops will be held at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. 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 can choose from a selection of trims. Additional…...
Gardeners who love birds: Participate in 114th Christmas Bird Count
For many of us, part of the enjoyment of our gardens is watching the birds that come to visit. You can help scientists learn more about the birds in our area by participating in Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count. The census events take place around Christmastime, from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5. The Buffalo Audubon Society and Jamestown Audubon will hold events, and beginners are welcome. The events are: Saturday, Dec. 14 The Jamestown Audubon will hold an event in Warren,…...