Trees are important in so many ways. They can shelter your house in summer, provide food for insects and birds, purify our air and so much more. That’s why New York State has set a goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033. If you plant even one tree, your tree can count toward the state’s goal. Enter your tree or trees into the Tree Tracker here. Now is a great time to shop for trees. You can buy tree…
Here is the newest edition of Digging In, the newsletter published by Master Gardeners of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County. Your January Garden Checklist a Garden planning Houseplants Birds and wildlife Upcoming events Second annual seed swap The Orleans Community Seed Share is hosting its annual seed swap from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Cornell Cooperative Orleans Trolley Building, 12690 Route 31 in Albion. It is free. Take home free seeds for your 2026 garden. Enjoy seed demonstrations and activities…
Cornell Cooperative Extension in three Western New York counties will hold classes for gardeners. The Chautauqua classes will be held online; the Orleans and Erie classes will be held in person. Chautauqua: Webinar series starts Jan. 27 Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s Agriculture Program is offering a winter webinar series on environment and agriculture. This free series offers practical tips and fresh insights for gardeners, landowners and nature enthusiasts of all levels. Webinars will be recorded and shared with…
At least we’re getting the occasional bit of sunshine, but we will continue to experience snow, biting wind and below-zero temperatures for awhile. But it’s warm inside the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens! And you can see hundreds of gorgeous orchids! The Orchid Exhibit will begin Thursday, Jan. 22 and go through to Monday, March 9 at the Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Daytime hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The daytime exhibit is included in…
by Connie Oswald Stofko When you think of this year in gardening, what comes to your mind? If weather is the first thing that comes to mind, you aren’t alone. I asked a few gardening folks in Western New York to look back on 2025, and several brought up the wild weather we had this year. And 2026? No one can foresee the weather, but looking at the plans these people have, other aspects of gardening will be amazing! What…
by Connie Oswald Stofko This is my last edition for 2025. I’m taking a break, but I’ll be back on Jan. 20, 2026 with a new edition of Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com. Have a happy New Year!…
There isn’t much to do outside during winter, but indoors you can learn about horticulture through online courses being held by Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE). These non-degree, online courses bring the expertise and experience of CCE educators to you at home or wherever you learn. There is a fee for each course. Courses include: See the catalog here….
“Now is the time to make sure to have nature inside your home,” said Patti Jablonski-Dopkin, general manager at Urban Roots Cooperative Garden Market. “We all garden, not only for the pleasure that it brings, but also for the aesthetics and the calm that nature provides. “Simple items can remind us of our colorful, fragrant outdoor world when we find ourselves inside more than outside.” Here are just some of the items that you can find at Urban Roots for yourself or…
Consider choosing a locally grown and cut Christmas tree this year. “Supporting our local farms is a great way to purchase quality goods and contribute to our local economy,” said Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Farm Business Management Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s Agriculture Program. “For every $1 spent on local agricultural products, $2.29 is generated in the community. “Shop local, not only for Christmas trees, but also delicious food gifts, holiday meal supplies and more.” Visit Chautauqua Grown, the local…
Garden Walk Buffalo, America’s largest garden tour, is looking for submissions of original artwork to promote the 2026 event. The artist chosen for the poster will receive a $1,000 honorarium. Entries are due Saturday, January 31, 2026. This is an opportunity to share your artwork with hundreds of local gardeners and tens of thousands of visitors from around the U.S. and beyond. Submission guidelines: See more information here. See past posters here. Email your entry to aclark@gardensbuffaloniagara.com. Include ART ENTRY in the subject line. If possible, zip your…