The October edition of Diggin In newsletter includes an essay on resilience in gardening, an introduction into galls and a garden checklist. Diggin In is published by the Master Gardeners in Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County. by Lydia Fernandez, Master Gardener Volunteer As gardeners, one of the most important things we grow is resilience. Season after season, we learn, we adapt and we try again. Whether we see ourselves as optimists or pessimists in life, we are hopeful in…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko This is just a sample of the bulbs you can find at Urban Roots Cooperative Garden Market, 428 Rhode Island St., Buffalo. If you’ve never planted bulbs, keep reading–there’s a list of previous articles that you’ll find helpful. But if you’re still stumped, stop in to Urban Roots to get the gardening advice you need. Tulip wildflower mixture (species) These wild tulips (also called species tulips) are shorter than the hybrid tulips you usually see, but…...
Two native species of trees, sassafras and spicebush, are at risk of an invasive fungal disease called laurel wilt. The disease has been detected on Long Island. It’s the first detection of the disease in New York State. Note: Mountain laurel, despite its name, is not in the same family and isn’t impacted by the disease. Also, spicebush is relatively small; it can be grouped as a shrub or as a small tree. The groups working on this are: Why we don’t want…...
Wild Ones National is accepting applications for native plant grants to schools, nature centers and youth programs across the country through the Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education (SFE) Program. Grant applications are open through November 15. These small grants, ranging from $100 to $500, help create pollinator gardens, rain gardens, prairies, monarch waystations and more. Any project that engages youth with native plants and natural landscapes qualifies. The funds are designated for acquiring native plants and seeds for outdoor learning…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko Learn about the history of the Erie Canal, tour the gardens and the shoreline restoration, buy a native plant, get answers from Master Gardeners, try kayaking for beginners and listen to music. A wide range of activities will be offered at Celebrate our Beginnings, an event to commemorate the bicentennial of the Erie Canal. It’s sponsored by the North Tonawanda Botanical Garden Organization. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at…...
“Trees for the Future” is the theme of the 2026 Arbor Day poster contest in New York State. The 2026 theme expresses connections between people and trees, the importance of planting trees for future generations, and the role of trees in providing resilience in a changing climate. “Trees are powerful allies in building resilient communities, ecosystems, and a healthier future,” said Amanda Lefton, commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). “As we work together towards our goal…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko Learn about all that and more in a previous video with Lyn Chimera of Lessons from Nature. Autumn is a good time to move or divide perennials See the video here…....
by Connie Oswald Stofko See charming, larger-than-life animal topiaries during Topiary Tales, the newest exhibit at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. The exhibit will open Friday, Sept. 19 and continue through Sunday, Nov. 2 at the Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave. Buffalo. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is free with admission. It’s a lovely exhibit for adults, and children will especially enjoy the Topiary Tales, a series of short stories that you can read…...
The first signs of colorful leaves are here in Western New York! The first I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report came out last week. Salamanca, in the Chautauqua-Allegheny group, had the most significant foliage change in Western New York. A new report will come out on Wednesday (Sept. 17). The I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report relies on more than 90 volunteer field observers to let us know when leaves start to change color and when they will be at…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko I’ve been seeing a lot of brown marmorated stink bugs this past week: hiding inside the umbrella on my patio table, hanging onto the outside of my window screens and walking around inside my house. They’re fairly big (the size of a fingernail) and very ugly (like a creature from a horror movie). Plus, when they get aggravated or killed, they stink. If you aren’t familiar with the brown marmorated stink bug, don’t be worried. When…...