by Connie Oswald Stofko “I hated mowing,” said Peter Nightengale, “and I wanted my yard to look like nobody else’s.” That’s why he got rid of all the lawn in his South Buffalo property. In the front yard, white stones cover an area that used to be grass. There isn’t any lawn in the backyard, either. Even the hellstrip (the area between the sidewalk and street) has no grass—it’s all flowers. You can see this landscape and many others on…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko Wednesday, July 3 is the deadline to subscribe to a Summer Vegetable CSA or Cut Flower CSA—or both—from Henry’s Gardens. CSA is short for community-supported agriculture. When you subscribe for a CSA share, you get vegetables or cut flowers every week from Henry’s Gardens during the growing season. The CSA shares are available for pickup only. Summer Vegetable CSA The Summer Vegetable CSA will run for eight weeks, starting Saturday, July 13 and ending Saturday, Aug…....
by Connie Oswald Stofko How many times have you looked at a landscape on Garden Walk Buffalo and thought, “Oh, my yard doesn’t look anything like this!” Well, their yards didn’t start out like that, either. See photos—before and after—of some of the most visited landscapes on Garden Walk Buffalo. You’ll find the photos and more in Garden Walk at 30, a commemorative magazine to celebrate the event’s three decades of changing the world through gardening. You can buy Garden…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko There’s a heat advisory for Western New York through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. (There might also be thunderstorms and damaging winds, so watch the forecast in your area.) What do high temperatures mean for your garden–and for yourself? Protect your garden in heat wave Watering is a high priority for your garden during a heat wave. High temperatures will quickly dry out the soil, so it’s important to keep watering your plants. Which…...
Transform your garden with one-of-a-kind pieces from over 75 vendors during the The Garden Art Sale on the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens front lawn, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 29 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 30. Admission is free; no tickets or reservations are required. There is an unprecedented lineup of artisans and vendors this year—more than 30 new ones! See nature-themed artworks in mediums including sculpture, metalwork, paintings, woodwork, architectural remnants, found art, ceramics…...
Did you paint a fence or garage? Did you coat a deck? What will you do with the leftovers? Paint products can harm the environment if not managed properly and there have been few options for reuse or recycling, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Now there’s a network of paint retailers, local government facilities and reuse stores where you can drop off your leftovers. It’s provided by New York State’s Paint Stewardship Program. The DEC oversees…...
If you want fragrant roses in your garden, what variety should you choose? Find out at the annual Rose Show to be held by the Western New York Rose Society from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 15 at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. The Rose Show is included in admission. Enter the front doors of the conservatory to pay, then exit through the back door and walk to the Administration Building…...
The first garden walk of the season, the Lewiston GardenFest, will be held take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16 along Center Street in Lewiston. The event is held by the Lewiston Garden Club. “Part of the fun is that we offer plenty of ideas, no matter what level of gardener you may be,” said Mary Ann Yates, Lewiston GardenFest chair. “Gain inspiration from our open gardens and speakers, find the right plant for your front porch, or accentuate…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko The bad news: Giant hogweed is a nasty invasive plant that can cause severe burns on your skin if you touch it. The good news: In many areas of New York State, giant hogweed has been eradicated. The bad news: Western New York has the most giant hogweed in the state. The good news: If giant hogweed is on your property, you can get advice on what you should do. Even better, staff from the Department…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko Jen and Joe Weber moved their family into their new home three years ago. When they got there, they found that the previous owners had planted bishop’s weed (also called goutweed), a nasty, very aggressive plant that spreads easily and is hard to get rid of. The bishop’s weed is still there, stretching 66 feet along one side of the house. Other projects, such as fixing “the path to nowhere,” haven’t been started yet, either, and…...