“If you want a splash of color for spring, there’s nothing like pansies,” said Mark Yadon, vice president at Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses in Williamsville. Pansies are usually set outside on the first day of spring at Mischler’s, but not this year. “It’s been so cold out,” Yadon said last week. “I don’t want them to get wilted.” Today his staff is finally putting out pansies in pots and flats. Pansies are quite hardy; they can handle cold weather down to…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko Do you already have a membership at Level 2 or 3? (Level 2 is the annual subscription for $22.79 and Level 3 is the Celebrity Level for $29.79.) If so, you have automatically been entered into this year’s prize drawing from Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com. There will be three winners for the prize packages–each winner will receive a prize package worth nearly $500! An extra chance at the Celebrity Level If you are at the Celebrity Level and aren’t…
“It’s March! There’s hope in this month’s calendar,” said Peggy Koppmann, Master Gardener. “Hope for sunshine, warming temperatures, a hint of green and growing things, and the official start of spring. Pour your beverage of choice at 10:45 a.m. on March 20 and toast the beginning of the season.” Here are some things you can do in March: You can find more uplifting and useful ideas from Koppmann in the article “This Month in the Garden.” Also see the article…...
The free Seed to Supper program, designed for adults gardening on a budget, is returning to Salamanca this spring. Each session includes instruction by a trained Seed to Supper educator, hands-on activities, and discussion with participants who have a variety of gardening experience. The course highlights practical, low-cost techniques making a successful vegetable garden. Sessions will cover fundamentals such as soil preparation, garden planning, planting, maintenance and harvest. All participants receive a free guidebook. Programs are appropriate for any type…...
After this mild, spring-like weather, winter is coming back on Thursday. But don’t worry. Plantasia will be here! Enjoy gardens full of spring flowers, shrubs and trees–and so much more!–at the 24th Plantasia Garden & Landscape Show at the Fairgrounds Event Center, 5600 McKinley Parkway, Hamburg. Times and dates are: There’s so much to do at Plantasia (and so little to do outside), you should consider the new two-day ticket option for $15. One-day admission is: Here are some of…...
We have an increased risk of wildfires now, and New York State will institute the annual burn ban from March 16 through May 14. The annual burn ban prohibits residents from burning vegetation and brush during this period due to: Wildfires can damage our lands, homes, and personal property, and the smoke contains pollutants, such as particulate matter, which can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation; wheezing; coughing, and trouble breathing. Not all burning is banned. Some exceptions, such as small cooking fires…...
Whether you are in your own backyard, a local park, your nearest beach or a trip elsewhere in New York State, you can enjoy the I BIRD NY Challenge, initiated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). To take the challenge, identify any 10 bird species of your choosing anywhere in New York State. Participants who successfully complete the challenge will be awarded a commemorative patch and a completion certificate, and be entered into a drawing for…...
Get gardening tips for March in the Digging In newsletter. It’s published by Master Gardeners of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, Survey your yard and garden Check your houseplants Your houseplants will begin perking up as we have longer daylight. They will need a little more water, and it’s a good time to start fertilizing them again. This is also a good time to consider pruning your houseplants and repotting any that have outgrown their containers. Get ready to…...
The 2026 Erie/Niagara County Rain Barrel and Composter Sale is now underway. You don’t have to live in those counties; anyone may buy the items. You can order now. Orders must be picked up between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, June 6 at ECC North, Parking Lot #5 If you don’t pick up your items, they will be donated for educational purposes. See how to load your car here. Backyard composting is an excellent way to reduce trash going to landfills…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko On March 8, you can go outside after dinner and see your garden in the daylight! But you will have lost an hour of sleep the night before. Daylight Saving Time is this Sunday, March 8. Remember to “spring forward” & move your clocks forward an hour. The idea of Daylight Saving Time is to allow people to make better use of the longer daylight available during summer. That makes sense, I guess. In the summer,…...