by Connie Oswald Stofko Although this garden isn’t particularly large, it appears spacious because of the many plants and decorative items throughout the area. I had the pleasure to visit the landscape of Terry and Mike Brummett in July. Terry was one of the two winners in our Celebrity Level drawing earlier this year, and I enjoyed what they have created. Tip: If you want a chance of being featured in Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com next year, sign up for the Celebrity Level….
It’s time to plant garlic, and you can learn more in WNY Gardening Matters, the publication of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Erie County. October planting generally results in bigger and more flavorful bulbs, said Peggy Koppmann in the article “This Month in the Garden.” Garlic needs a long period of cold temperatures, so fall planting gives cloves time to sprout and develop established roots. Read about winter watering, a bird buffet and more in “This Month in the Garden.” Other articles…
Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Cattaraugus County will hold its first fundraising event, Creatures of the Night, from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Nannen Arboretum, 28 Parkside Drive, Ellicottville. Families can explore the fascinating world of nighttime animals and learn about the science behind them. There will be a host of activities including speakers, educational exhibits and fun photo opportunities. All proceeds from the event will support Cattaraugus Master Gardener programs in key areas, such as Seed to Supper,…
by Connie Oswald Stofko It’s hard to keep up with the weather in Western New York. Yesterday it was sunny and hot, around 80 degrees Fahrenheit in Amherst, and I was focusing this article on drought and the possibility of fires. Today it’s been raining off and on, so we have to look at the rain when we look at the drought. And tomorrow we can expect frost, so we need to squeeze that in, too. Let’s take these one…
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…