by Connie Oswald Stofko I hope you’ve been keeping your eyes open for the invasive spotted lanternfly. In July, a spotted lanternfly was found in West Seneca, but it was dead. Then in September, more than 100 live spotted lanternflies were found in Buffalo. Not only can it damage garden plants, the spotted lanternfly (SLF) can wreak havoc on vineyards. “SLF can have a devastating impact on vineyards, as we’ve seen in neighboring states, so we need everyone’s help to…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko You can subscribe to other gardening magazines, but… Do those magazines show you perennials that you fall in love with, then find out they aren’t suited to Western New York’s climate? Do they write articles so far ahead of time, the information isn’t helpful? (Sure, you can pull weeds in April–unless there’s still snow on the ground.) Do they keep you informed of all the gardening classes and exhibits and garden walks? I started Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com in…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko Want to get bulbs to bloom in spring and summer? Here’s your first tip: Plant in autumn. Every spring, people walk into garden centers expecting to buy tulips and other bulbs to plant immediately in their gardens. It’s understandable, said Patti Jablonski-Dopkin, general manager at Urban Roots Cooperative Garden Market, 428 Rhode Island St., Buffalo. With most other plants, when you see them flowering outside, that’s the time to plant them. With bulbs, you have to plan…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko Do you want New York State to borrow money for projects to help residents have clean air, clear water and green jobs? When you vote in the upcoming election, you’ll see that as New York State’s Proposition 1. Text of Proposition 1 This is the text you will see on your ballot: “To address and combat the impact of climate change and damage to the environment, the ‘Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond…...
Six Western New York counties have been taken off drought watch: Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming. The drought watch was designated in August due to the below-normal precipitation during the previous three months. There have also been low stream flows and low groundwater levels. The status of these counties was changed Oct. 9 because of recent rainfall and higher levels of ground and surface water. Now all of Western New York is is in the normal range. A…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko The gardening season isn’t over yet! You can plant garlic now. Here are six reasons why you should plant garlic. (The first reason is that garlic easy to grow. I can’t grow zucchini, but I can grow garlic!) That article also covers how to plant garlic and how to harvest garlic and garlic scapes…....
by Connie Oswald Stofko With three exhibits going on at once, there’s a lot to see at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Gardening tip: It’s fun to stroll through the exhibits, and while you’re doing that, keep your eye open for something you can replicate in your own garden. Coleus & Creatures Exhibit Colorful creatures made out of live plants are on display during the new Coleus and Creatures Exhibit. The exhibit includes a…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko A garden symposium will be held by the Jamestown Garden Club from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2 at the YWCA Lake Lodge, 185 E Terrace Ave., Lakewood. The doors open at 9:30 for participants to check in, grab a cup of coffee and browse the great items offered for sale at the Chic Boutique. You will find great things for you or for holiday gifts. I will be the first speaker at 11 a.m., presenting…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko The official first day of autumn arrived last Thursday, and immediately, it seemed, Western New York temperatures took a nose dive. An overnight frost advisory was issued last week for Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. This week overnight temperatures may dip into the 30s in many parts of Western New York. That’s significant because frost can occur even if the air temperature is above freezing, according to our previous article. The article also explains why even 36-degree…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko “I’ve planted bulbs, gone into the house, and the squirrels come back ten minutes later to steal my bulbs,” said Patti Jablonski-Dopkin, general manager at Urban Roots Cooperative Garden Market. “They’re viscous little things!” Jablonski-Dopkin offers tips for keeping squirrels away from your newly planted bulbs. You still have plenty of time to buy and plant bulbs. In Western New York, plant bulbs in October or November. The soil should be cool, about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. In…...