by Connie Oswald Stofko I was intrigued by this tip. I have rabbits in my yard, and in the spring they munch on everything, including my rose bushes. But here is a way to use the canes from rose bushes to protect your other plants from hungry rabbits. This tip was shared by a reader named Susan: We had problems with rabbits munching our morning glory vines (or any lovely vine, for that matter). When I trimmed the rose bushes,…
by Connie Oswald Stofko Here is a tip about voles from Kathy Guest Shadrack, board member and communication liaison with the Western New York Hosta Society. She has a problem with voles even though hawks, foxes and coyotes visit her gardens. In order to give her garden a fighting chance, she covers the crowns of her hostas with baskets she got from a dollar store. If the crown is really large, she chooses deer netting instead of a basket. She…
My Super Readers show how much they value this online gardening magazine. I appreciate all of you! Connie Oswald Stofko, publisher 2022 Hyacinth Level Susan Szafranski: Thank you to all the gardeners who share their beautiful ideas __________ Daisy Level Anonymous E Timm __________ Iris Level Assunta Ventresca David R. Clark: Happy to be an Iris-level supporter! Anonymous: The photos keep the SAD away. Anonymous Barb B.: I keep trying. __________ Sunflower Level Rick Martinez: ”Who am I kidding…I laugh…
by Connie Oswald Stofko Don’t hurry to plant shrubs in Western New York. That’s one tip from Jen Weber, vice president and manager of Mike Weber Greenhouses, 42 French Rd., West Seneca. We’ll give you more details on when to plant shrubs, as well as a suggestion for a tried-and-true shrub and a couple of shrubs that may be new to you. When to plant shrubs When people lose shrubs, it’s usually because they planted too early. “Wait until Father’s Day,”…
If you weren’t able to make it to the 59-cent Perennial Sale at Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses when it was launched in April, you’re in luck. Rows and rows of those perennials are still available! And the plants are still the same price! Here are the advantages to buying the sale perennials now: The plants are bigger than they were in April. They are healthy and look great. In June, you don’t have to worry about protecting the plants from…
by Connie Oswald Stofko It’s like visiting a home out in the country–depending on what side of the house you’re on. In front, the home of Denise and Don Freedman has a typical suburban landscape. In back, it’s more natural, with fruit trees, a rain garden and trees that were there when they bought the land. They’ve been using permaculture techniques before they ever heard that word. What does permaculture mean to them? “It’s using your land to your advantage,”…
by Connie Oswald Stofko Plantasia is cancelled. The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is closed until at least April 20. Lots of other places and activities are shut down, too. It’s disappointing, but we all need to do what we can do to slow the spread of COVID-19. But here is good news: Spring is arriving on March 19. The weather seems to be getting milder. And there are actually some gardening activities you can do now! I’ll list…
by Connie Oswald Stofko I recently got this question from a reader: Hi Connie! Over here on Maynard, I just saw a possum. Is this something new for Eggertsville? Ellyn K. Demler Since I also live in this part of Amherst, this question was especially interesting to me. A few weeks ago, I saw a deer across the street from my house–the first I had seen in my neighborhood in 30 years–and now we have opossums? I called John Farfaglia,…
by Connie Oswald Stofko Now is the time to place your pre-order for the Great Plant Sale at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. The deadline to order is Friday, April 10, but don’t wait–some plants sell out early. You can order online. You’ll pick up your pre-ordered plants at the Great Plant Sale at the Botanical Gardens from May 14-16. There will be other plants for sale then, too, that you don’t have to pre-order. But if you…
____________________ Levels Hyacinth $5.00 USDDaisy $10.00 USDIris $30.00 USDSunflower $50.00 USDSunny Sky $200.00 USD Name for thank-you page Sentence you’d like published If you prefer, you can use a check instead of PayPal. See details toward the end of this page. ____________________ Are you a Super Reader? Are you inspired by the amazing photos here on Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com? Have you found helpful tips that you can use in your own garden? Do you scroll through our events to see classes,…
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