by Connie Oswald Stofko Autumn leaves are beginning to change color across Western New York, according to the most recent Fall Foliage Report produced by ILoveNY.com. We’ve been getting a lot of rain lately, which we need to make up for our dry summer, but it can dim the colors of autumn leaves. For the most spectacular color displays, the best weather conditions are a succession of warm, sunny days, according to “Science of Fall Colors” from the US Forest Service. Cool but…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko “Who doesn’t have Japanese anemones?” Margaret Raupp asked as we toured the flower gardens at her home in Eden. Me. I don’t have Japanese anemones, and I bet many of you don’t have then either. Why? Because we don’t visit gardens when they are blooming. That’s why I asked Raupp, who shares her landscape on Open Gardens, to show me some of the flowers that bloom in September. I visited her about 10 days ago, on…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko What great tips have you found on Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com? This hot, dry summer, maybe you appreciated the article on how to properly water your garden, or perhaps you found the article on how to choose a healthy plant helpful. How about the timely reminders I’ve been posting throughout the year? Were you planning to get a head start on your veggies before you found out that you shouldn’t rush to plant tomatoes on Mother’s Day because it…...
Your photo or other artwork could be used on New York State’s 2023 Arbor Day poster. The deadline to enter is Dec. 31. Entries must feature trees within New York State. See the contest rules here. The competition is held annually to highlight the importance of trees in the lives of people in New York State. In addition to their scenic beauty, trees improve water quality, help mitigate stormwater, benefit our ecosystems, benefit public health, work against climate change and provide…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko Yeah, yeah, yeah. You know where all your perennials are–now. But what about next spring when all the plants–perennials and weeds alike– are tiny? You can take a guess on what’s in that spot. Or you can invest some time now so that, in spring, you’re not weeding out your beloved flowers. First, take photos of your gardens now while your perennials are still standing. See more here. Second, label your plants. Tip: I have used…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko Freshen up your landscape with autumn annuals. From traditional mums to a newer variety of ornamental peppers, Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses has plants to brighten up your autumn landscape. Let’s start with mums. There are early-season, mid-season and late-season mums. They bloom at different times, depending on the variety. Early-season mums are available now. When I took these photos last week, the flowers were just opening. Some people like to choose a plant whose flowers aren’t…...
The Genesee County Master Gardeners will host their annual Fall Garden Gala from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia. This plant sale features hardy garden perennials, most grown by Master Gardeners. Arrive at 10 am for the best plant selection. No early birds please. Fall is a good time to plant many perennials because there is still time for them to grow a strong root system…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko More than one-third of native pollinators in a recent survey are at risk of becoming extinct in New York State. “It is a sobering finding,” said Erin White, zoologist and project coordinator with New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP). The recently released Empire State Native Pollinator Survey 2017-2021 confirms concerns about the health of some pollinator populations in New York State, but there are things we gardeners can do to turn things around. Some findings about…...
Learn more about gardening in two sets of classes starting this month. The series at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens starts on Sept. 10. The classes from the Master Gardeners in Erie County start Sept. 20. Horticulture classes at Botanical Gardens Introduction to Horticulture classes will be delivered by David Clark, CNLP, who is a nationally known garden educator. These classes will give you the basic education and skills you’ll need as a beginner, and it’s a great…...
The deadline is Friday, Sept. 16 to enter the judging of fruit, vegetables, flowers and more in the Agricultural Fair at Genesee Country Village and Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford. It will take place from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 and 2. There are categories in fruits, vegetables, flowers, largest pumpkin, baking, jellies and jams, butter and cheese, beverages, sewing, knitting and crocheting, weaving, embroidery, candles, industrial arts and photography. There are also youth…...