by Connie Oswald Stofko There are two kinds of thistles you might have in your garden now: the Canada thistle and the bull thistle. Both have these harmful traits: The bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is fairly easy to dig up with a shovel. You can see more at WNY PRISM about the bull thistle and what it looks like. On the other hand, the Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) is a gardener’s nightmare, so we’ll concentrate on that. (See more here…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko You love your garden—and we can’t wait to see it! It’s time for our brand new prize drawing: the Celebrity Drawing. This prize drawing is an exclusive perk for our paid subscribers at Level 3, the Celebrity Level. There will be two winners! If you are a winner, I will come to your home, interview you and take photos, then publish an article about you in Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com! All of our readers will enjoy your interesting gardens…...
Here’s a bonanza of tips that you can use now from the Master Gardeners of Orleans County. Plus, for folks in Orleans County, the Master Gardeners are launching a program to encourage gardeners to support pollinators Save your spring holiday flowers If you received potted flowers this spring, you may be able to keep them going outside in your garden. See this article by Nancy Walker, Master Gardener. What to do in your garden now See the great list of…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko The rabbits killed half of my blackberry bush; only three healthy canes, or stems, are left. My neighbor’s five-foot rose of Sharon that she has been nurturing for ten years looks like a skeleton. Many gardeners around Western New York have the same question: Why was there so much damage from rabbits this winter? First of all, we have a lot of rabbits in Western New York, said John Farfaglia, extension educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension in…...
The Forest Health Research Lab is available year-round to help your tree health problems at no cost. This isn’t just for forests; you can ask questions about pests or diseases for a few trees or a single tree. The folks at the research lab can identify the problem and provide recommendations. Start by submitting a report form. The more information you provide, the easier it will be for them to identify the problem and help you find a solution. They will…...
If you live in the areas for the Ken-Ton Garden Tour, Lockport in Bloom or North Tonawanda Garden Walk, now is the time to sign up and showcase your landscape. Ken-Ton Garden Tour Registration for the Ken-Ton Garden Tour will continue through Friday, June 6. Residents in Kenmore and the Town of Tonawanda can register their gardens here. The Night Lights tour will take place from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 18 and 19. The daytime tour…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko It’s a heady time for gardeners—plant sales and plant exchanges from nonprofit groups are popping up all over Western New York! These plant sales are a great way to find bargains, connect with friends and neighbors and find out what other gardeners in WNY are planting. Some of the plants in the sales come straight from the gardens of the members in the organizations. Since those gardeners have extra plants to share, it’s a good sign…...
You’d be embarrassed if your whole neighborhood lost their cable because you were digging and cut the line. Even worse, if you hit a gas or electrical line, people–including you–could be injured or even killed! It’s easy–and free–to find out where buried lines are in your yard. See all the details in this previous article…....
If you live within the footprint of the East Side Garden Walk or Garden Walk Buffalo, you can showcase your garden. For both events, the deadline for signing up is Thursday, May 15. There are no strict criteria, site visits, judging or entry fees. Bring pride and joy, whether it’s a sprawling backyard, a cozy front porch, or a charming storefront display. Your garden doesn’t need to be perfect—no one’s is! East Side Garden Walk If your garden is within…...
“The primrose is one of the very first signs of spring—even before they show up in our gardens,” said Lyn Chimera, Master Gardener in Erie County. “I know spring is coming when the displays of primrose are in the supermarkets. “Given the proper growing conditions, these vigorous plants will multiply each year, adding stunning colors to the spring garden.” Use primrose in garden beds, borders and containers as well as for naturalizing areas in a woodland setting. You can find…...