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seed packets from Botanical Interests

Start seeds now (or soon) for cool weather veggies in WNY

by Connie Oswald Stofko You can get a head start on gardening in Western New York by sowing seeds for cool weather vegetables such as onions, endive and cabbage. In this article, Patti Jablonski-Dopkin, general manager of Urban Roots Cooperative Garden Market, 428 Rhode Island St., Buffalo, lays out the details on starting cool weather vegetables from seed. Some cool weather vegetables can be started inside now–or soon–depending on the last frost date in your area. Other seeds are sown directly…

Feb 22, 2021
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insects in colored squares

‘What’s Bugging You’ series addresses pest problems

Find out not only how to get rid of pests, but why the pests are there in the first place with What’s Bugging You First Fridays. Get practical advice in this new virtual series. Learn how to use integrated pest management (IPM), a wholistic approach that uses different tools and practices to avoid pest problems, deal with pest problems and promote a healthy environment. The series is being held by Cornell Cooperative Extension Chautauqua County in partnership with the New…

Feb 22, 2021
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container with perennials

Why you should plant perennials in containers, plus 4 tips

by Connie Oswald Stofko Marie and Jerry Wysocki of Hamburg, who shared their landscape on Open Gardens last year, are planting more and more perennials in containers. One reason is that you can save money, Marie said. The perennials can winter over in the container and bloom again the next year, so you don’t have to buy as many annuals. The container in the photo holds three perennials: a euonymus (not visible), a short salvia and a hosta. There are…

Feb 16, 2021
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Spotted lanternfly egg masses

Report egg masses that might be spotted lantern fly in WNY

by Connie Oswald Stofko Now is the time to watch for and report egg masses of the spotted lanternfly (SLF). It’s an invasive pest from Asia that feeds on a variety of plants including grapes, hops and maple trees, posing a severe threat to New York forests and agriculture. You can volunteer with NY iMapInvasives to look for SLF and its preferred host plant, tree-of-heaven, which is also an invasive species. Controlling infestations of the tree can help stop the spread…

Feb 16, 2021
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image for Great Plant Sale

Coleus is new category in Great Plant Sale; order now

Coleus is the newest category to be rolled out in the Great Plant Sale, which is being held by the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. This year, instead of publishing the list of available plants all at once, new categories of plants are being rolled out each month through March. Members of the Botanical Gardens get early access to shopping on the 14th of each month. If you want to make sure you can get popular items before they are sold…

Feb 16, 2021
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American chestnut tree

American chestnut among offerings in tree seedling sales

by Connie Oswald Stofko If you’d like to help perpetuate the native American chestnut tree, check out the tree seedling sales in Western New York. Three counties are offering the native specimens. See details on the tree seedling sales below, and get tips on how to plant your tree seedling to maximize its chances for success. American chestnut The American chestnut seedlings are being offered in sales in Erie County, Niagara County and Genesee County. The American chestnut (Castanea dentata),…

Feb 9, 2021
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hand with flower

Horticulture scholarship available to Erie County students

High school seniors who reside and attend school in Erie County can apply for the 2021 Master Gardener College Scholarship. The application deadline is Thursday, April 1. To be eligible, students must be accepted by a recognized, accredited college or university to study horticulture, botany or a related field. Related fields may include, but are not limited to, agriculture, entomology, environmental sciences, environmental engineering, forestry, genetics, food technology, landscape design, sustainable agriculture, urban geography and urban planning. Get more details here. See…

Feb 9, 2021
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overall garden in snow by Connie Oswald Stofko

How to make your garden look great in winter

by Connie Oswald Stofko Is your garden exciting in winter? Do you enjoy gazing at all its beautiful features? Or are you one of those people who didn’t even know it’s possible to have a garden that looks great in winter? Today we’ll take a look at a Pendleton garden has been featured on Open Gardens. It’s amazing in the summer, but it sparkles in winter, too! Tom and Darcie Homme had lived in Lockport before they moved 11 years…

Feb 2, 2021
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native groundnut

Guide from DEC offers ideas for plants for your water feature

Whether you already have a backyard pond or are just now starting to think about building a water garden, check out the Guide to Water Gardening in New York State from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. This guide includes visuals of some amazing recommended species and tips on avoiding harmful aquatic species. Here are some tips: Place your garden upland and away from waterbodies to prevent storms or flooding from washing away any plants or animals. Before planting,…

Feb 2, 2021
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Tuesday, Mar 09, 2021 | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Garden Faves in Arcangel Gallery

Location: Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
Wednesday, Mar 10, 2021 | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Garden Faves in Arcangel Gallery

Location: Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
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