Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com

Buddha's Hand citron at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

See ‘Buddha’s Hand’ when new exhibit opens at Botanical Gardens

by Connie Oswald Stofko “We’re reimaging everything,” said Joe Mannion, director of Horticulture & Operations at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. The multi-million-dollar expansion plan that the Botanical Gardens started several years ago is gaining momentum, and Mannion gave me a sneak peek at the next transformation: Greenhouse 12 will become the home for a new collection of fascinating edible plants. Other revamped exhibits will include a seasonal pollinator exhibit and a family play space inside the existing…...

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Dec 5, 2023

cannabis conference in Niagara Falls NY: chef using cannabis and vendor at table

Cannabis conference set in January at Niagara Falls Community College

by Connie Oswald Stofko Experts will discuss the latest research and opportunities in cannabis at the second annual, two-day 2024 SUNY Cannabis Conference to be held January 8 and 9 at Niagara County Community College and the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. Sessions include plant genetics, sustainable practices, medical cannabis research and human resources. See speakers here. You don’t have to be a professional to attend. Culinary uses of cannabis A half-day program on the culinary uses of cannabis will take…...

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Dec 5, 2023

tiny Laricobius Nigrinus beetles that eat the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Thousands of native beetles set off to combat insects that threaten hemlocks

1,700 tiny native beetles called Laricobius Nigrinus (or affectionately called Larry, short for Laricobius), were released at Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area in November. It’s hoped that the beetles will find and eat the hemlock woolly adelgid, an invasive insect that threatens native eastern hemlock trees. Over time, the woolly adelgid can kill the hemlocks, which are an important tree species in Zoar Valley. The hemlock is a foundational species; it’s key to the ecosystem. By protecting the hemlocks, we’re protecting…...

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Dec 5, 2023

early winter gardens in Amherst NY and East Aurora NY on the same day

Early winter (late autumn?) gardening tips for Western New York

by Connie Oswald Stofko I often write articles about what you can do your garden right now. But today, what you can do in your garden depends on whether you live in the northern part of Western New York or the south. Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie counties are getting heavy lake effect snow. The rest of Western New York is looking at a few flurries. But as we gardeners know, the weather in Western New York can fluctuate…....

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Nov 28, 2023

poinsettia 'Christmas Mouse' at Mischler's Florist and Greenhouses

So cute! Poinsettia ‘petals’ shaped like mouse ears at Mischler’s

by Connie Oswald Stofko We gardeners tend to look for color when we choose plants, but shape can add interest, too. Let’s take a look at three varieties of poinsettias at Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses, located at 118 South Forest Rd., Williamsville. All three are red, but each has “petals” with different shapes. Tip: What we think of as flower petals on poinsettias aren’t really petals. They’re bracts, a kind of leaf. Technically, the flower isn’t the colorful part; it’s…...

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Nov 28, 2023

egg clusters of spotted lanternfly on tree

What do spotted lanternflies look like now in WNY?

Spotted lanternflies (SLF), invasive pests that have been identified in Western New York, look different in different seasons. Right now you should look for egg masses. The adults lay eggs from September through November or until the first killing freeze. The egg masses start out white and change colors over a few weeks to pinkish and then to brown. The egg masses are about one inch long. Eggs can be found on any outdoor surface from October through June. Good…...

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Nov 28, 2023

USDA plant hardiness zone map comparing Western New York in 2012 to 2023

Your Western New York garden may be in a new plant hardiness zone

by Connie Oswald Stofko What plants will last through the winter in your garden? You can figure that out by knowing what hardiness zone you are in. And you may be in a warmer zone than you thought. A new version of the Plant Hardiness Zone Map was released last week by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature. The zones go from coldest to warmest; 5 is colder…...

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Nov 21, 2023

Gardeners, let’s be thankful when things go right

by Connie Oswald Stofko This spring, my wonderful neighbor gave me several sunflower seedlings. I was excited (and thankful!) because my husband and I love sunflowers. We had given up on planting sunflowers because rabbits love our gardens. It became too difficult to try to defend—then lose—these wonderful flowers to the rabbits. But this year I decided to try one more time, and I was very careful. I planted the seedlings in large pots and placed the pots outside on…...

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Nov 21, 2023

poinsettia show at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Poinsettias fill Botanical Gardens; see them at night, too

Thousands of brilliant poinsettias, from ‘Christmas Joy Reds’ to ‘Princettia Pure Whites’, will be on display at the annual Poinsettia Exhibit at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. The exhibit takes place now through Monday, January 1, with these exceptions: This year’s Poinsettia Exhibit features a new installation called Dimensions. Large reflective orbs and mirrors are arranged to showcase never-before-seen angles. Experience this exhibit in a new light on select evenings during Poinsettias After Dark. See the…...

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Nov 21, 2023

wildflower garden in Tom Homme landscape in Pendleton NY

Rewilding: See how this WNY gardener turned lawn to wildflowers

by Connie Oswald Stofko The decorative gardens of Tom and Darcie Homme in Pendleton look great in winter, spring, summer and fall. I shared them with you in 2021. What I didn’t show you was the area where he was starting a wildflower garden. It didn’t look like much then, but it’s maturing now. He’s rewilding; turning some of his lawn back to nature. We can see the wildflower garden, as well as the decorative gardens, thanks to a video produced…...

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Nov 14, 2023