autumn leaves and sky in Williamsville NY

Keep track of leaf change in WNY

It’s the first day of autumn and leaves are just beginning to change color in the Ellicottville area, according the most recent Fall Foliage Report produced by ILoveNY.com. Ellicottville is the first place in Western New York to report leaves beginning to change color. Reports are obtained from volunteer field observers and reflect expected color conditions for the coming weekend. Reports are issued every Wednesday afternoon, so tomorrow’s report may reflect more WNY areas where the leaves are changing color….

Sep 22, 2020
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plant and seed exchange by Samuel Capen Garden Walk

Coming up: plant sale, plant & seed exchanges

If you want to install some native plants in your garden, or if you just want to try something new, check out these upcoming events. See our Events page for even more gardening activities. Plant & seed exchange Sept. 26 Capen Garden Walk will hold a plant and seed exchange from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 at University Presbyterian Church, 3330 Main St., Buffalo. It will take place rain or shine. Perennials and seeds will be exchanged at this free…

Sep 22, 2020
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montage for early autumn

Six timely reminders for your early autumn garden

by Connie Oswald Stofko Here are some topics from previous issues that may answer a question that has come up for you recently, or may act as a timely reminder. Have you had houseplants outside for the summer? Here is information on how to get rid of bugs before you bring your plants inside. If you want a delightful springtime show of blossoms, plant bulbs now. Find suggestions here on what perennials to plant around tulips to hide the dying…

Sep 15, 2020
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compost in lid

Tip: How to keep worms in your compost pile

by Connie Oswald Stofko I like to have worms in my compost bin to help break down the plant matter that will turn into rich compost. When I harvest my finished (or partly finished) compost from the bottom of my bin, it’s full of worms. I don’t need the worms in my gardens or containers; I’d prefer to keep them in my compost bin, but I don’t want to take the worms out one by one. Here’s a quick way…

Sep 15, 2020
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Logo for Gala at Botanical Gardens

Gala at the Gardens goes virtual this year

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens will hold their Gala at the Gardens virtually this year. You can bid on the silent auction and participate in the basket raffle from 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24. Preview the items now and sign up to participate. Browse and bid at your convenience on your mobile device on both the virtual silent auction and basket raffle, and receive live text updates on your bids. Bid often! Do you have an item…

Sep 15, 2020
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cutting from a coleus

Take cuttings of annuals now while the plant is in its prime

by Connie Oswald Stofko If you want to take cuttings of annuals to take inside for the winter, now is is the time to do it. Cuttings need to be taken while the plants are in their prime, not after they start to fade, said Lyn Chimera of Lessons from Nature. The coleus in the photo can be rooted easily placing the cutting in a glass or small vase of water. Tip: Cut off the leaves on the part of…

Sep 8, 2020
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late blight on tomatoes

Protect tomatoes; late blight detected in Chautauqua County

by Connie Oswald Stofko Late blight, which affects tomatoes and potatoes, is present in Chautauqua County and is expected it to be found fairly soon in Cattaraugus County and Pennsylvania, according to the Cornell Cooperative Extension Vegetable Program. Given the current weather patterns, there is real risk that late blight has already traveled on the storm fronts to new places.  You may not be upset if you lose a few tomato plants, but this disease spreads easily and can be very…

Sep 8, 2020
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daylilies after blossoms

Should you cut leaves off daylilies in autumn?

by Connie Oswald Stofko Local gardeners have been asking whether they can cut down the leaves on daylily plants. The flowers are gone, leaving brown stems. Some of the leaves are browning, too. It’s not a pretty sight. If you need something to do and you would like a tidier garden, pull out the brown bloomstalks and pull off the brown foliage, said Kathy Guest Shadrack, who does communications for the Buffalo Area Daylily Society. But don’t cut back the green daylily…

Sep 8, 2020
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sunflower by Stofko

Thank you to my first group of Super Readers!

by Connie Oswald Stofko I am thrilled by the response to my announcement of Super Readers last week! Thank you! Here’s what being a Super Reader is all about: It’s a way to help me stay in business so I can keep offering you great gardening content every week. I know that gardeners value this magazine because they get timely information that really works in our area, so I considered charging a subscription fee. But no matter what amount I…

Sep 8, 2020
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blue bottles, painted allium and other garden ornaments

Labor Day is approaching, but don’t give up on your garden

by Connie Oswald Stofko It’s September, a time when some gardeners give up on their gardens. But not Patti Zander and Bob Van Hise, who shared their gardens during the City of Tonawanda Garden Walk on Aug. 22. “Oh, I would never give up on my gardens!” Zander said. “We just live for summer. As long as things are alive, we’re out here watering and deadheading.” They have three rain barrels to help keep them supplied with water. No garden…

Sep 1, 2020
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Upcoming Events

Tuesday, Sep 29, 2020 | 9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Garden volunteers at Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village

Location: Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village
Tuesday, Sep 29, 2020 | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Exhibit in Arcangel Gallery at Botanical Gardens

Location: Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
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