by Connie Oswald Stofko If you’re reading this, you’re using an electronic device. At some point that device will be obsolete. What will you do with it then? National Recycling Day is Nov. 15, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) offers two tips here on how to keep your old equipment out of a landfill. Old cell phones In New York State, you can take your old cell phone to any wireless service provider’s retail store…
You may be looking now for “wildflower” seed mixes to sow later in winter, wrote Peggy Koppmann in “This Month in the Garden,” an article in the newest edition of WNY Gardening Matters. Gardeners may look for wildflower seeds to create a meadow that attracts and supports pollinators, said Koppmann, a Master Gardener. But a meadow is complicated and it’s important to choose the right seeds. Purchase only seed mixtures that list the botanical names, she said. That way you…
Here is the newest edition of Diggin In, the newsletter published by the Master Gardeners of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County. Articles for November Clean Up in the Toolroom by Nancy Walker, Master Gardener Volunteer November Garden Checklist: A Little More Time to Plant, by Lydia Fernandez, Master Gardener Volunteer You can have a mission, too by Lydia Fernandez, Master Gardener Volunteer When Julia Bender decided to join the Master Gardener Program in 2024, she came with the specific…
by Connie Oswald Stofko If you want fresh flowers–very fresh flowers–stop in to Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses in Williamsville. Mischler’s grows many of their flowers right in their greenhouses, then cut the flowers fresh. “I don’t think anyone else in Western New York is doing this,” said Mark Yadon, vice president at Mischler’s. While Mischler’s still buys some flowers, “we’re trying to grow more here,” he noted. The floral staff is always working on new arrangements, such as the new…
The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens and the Niagara Frontier Orchid Society will host their popular biannual Orchid Show on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8 and 9. Times are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The show will feature hundreds of exotic and award-winning orchids, expert orchid growers and sellers, as well as other orchid vendors. Exhibitors at the Orchid Show include members of the Niagara Frontier Orchid Society. You will have the opportunity to see hundreds of exotic and award-winning orchids from expert growers, and you can shop…
by Sarah Sorci Rosemary is my most reliable herb to grow on a winter windowsill–no grow light is needed. While my outdoor garden sleeps, rosemary nestles up with me for the coziest months of the year. Cultivation When nighttime temperatures dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the fall, I move the containers indoors to a bright window. When your rosemary is planted in the ground–especially in heavy clay soils–you should avoid overwatering it. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean; it…
by Connie Oswald Stofko Do you think Halloween monsters are horrible? Here’s something more horrible: throwing a jack-‘o-lantern into the trash! When you’re done with your pumpkin, compost it. You can smash it, too. It’s quite entertaining! Before you place your rotting pumpkin in your compost bin, you need to get it into smaller parts so it will decompose more quickly. You could use a knife, but smashing it on a hard surface is faster, easier and more fun. Remember…
by Connie Oswald Stofko What happens when you rake leaves in fall? That’s what Max Ferlauto, a Maryland State entomologist, wanted to find out. In particular, he wanted to explore what happens to insects in the soil, according to this article from the College of Computer, Mathematical & Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland. Ferlauto was one of the researchers who wanted to answer this question: If you remove the leaves from a lawn in autumn, would that reduce…
Enjoy scenic vistas on a two-mile hiking trail at the Floating Fen Preserve, the newest preserve of Western New York Land Conservancy. The trail takes you around the a bog-like area called the “floating fen,” which gives the new preserve its name. The Floating Fen Preserve, situated in Brocton in Chautauqua County, is home to beautiful sundews—carnivorous plants that sparkle in the sunlight—and awe-inspiring colonies of blue flag iris, highbush blueberry and mountain holly. Small blackgum trees dot the fen, and beautiful…
Enchant your garden club members, friends, family or other group with a holiday party at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. Enjoy the hundreds of poinsettias, gorgeous lights and the warm, tropical conservatory. Get 20 percent off holiday party bookings for 2025 and 2026. The offer is valid for Sunday-Friday night holiday parties when you book by Nov. 30. The Botanical Gardens can host up to 120 people for formal dining and 175 people for cocktail party style events. Learn about…