by Connie Oswald Stofko We have to start rebuilding nature in as many places as we possibly can, said Doug Tallamy, and you can help right in your own backyard. The conservationist spoke recently on “Nature’s Best Hope” in the Department of Environment and Sustainability at the University at Buffalo. If you weren’t able to attend the lecture, you can–and should!–listen to his talk here. He is a great speaker, easy to understand, and full of information that gardeners need…....
by Connie Oswald Stofko Enjoy the traditional colors of red and green at the annual Poinsettia Exhibit at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. Then–surprise! You’ll also see rows of poinsettias in yellow and pink and peach. The Poinsettia Exhibit is open now from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Jan. 4. The cost is included in admission. Special hours: Below are some of the other events being held at the Botanical Gardens. See even more events here. Poinsettias…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko On a gloomy day in autumn, it’s wonderful to see a colorful rose in your garden. But if you have already pruned your roses, you’re missing something beautiful. On top of that, autumn isn’t the best time for pruning. You’re better off cutting roses in spring. See more in the article “Should you cut back roses in autumn?”…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko If you want people to come to your plant exchange or hear the speaker at your next meeting, send us the information for that event. On our Events page, we post the information for gardening events in Western New York. If you’re in a nonprofit organization, we’ll post your event for free! The events must be open to the public. If you’re going to have a private meeting in someone’s home or if there’s a holiday party that…...
by Connie Oswald Stoko Last week I published an article on “National Recycling Day is Nov. 15: What to do with electronic devices.” EeVeE from Buffalo responded with this comment: “We at Unity Buffalo’s EarthCare Animal Ministry team are considering bringing more ‘recycling awareness’ to our church and community. I am wondering if there is a program where you can have someone come to our church and give an informed guidance on how the process works and how to get…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko Drought & rain Good news! We’re almost out of the drought. The announcement came last Wednesday from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Recent rainfall has improved dry conditions, and all of Western New York is now at the lowest level of drought, called “Drought Watch.” The counties moved from the drier “Drought Warning” to “Drought Watch” are Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara and Orleans. Wyoming County already had been downgraded to…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko If you’re reading this, you’re using an electronic device. At some point that device will be obsolete. What will you do with it then? National Recycling Day is Nov. 15, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) offers two tips here on how to keep your old equipment out of a landfill. Old cell phones In New York State, you can take your old cell phone to any wireless service provider’s retail store…...
You may be looking now for “wildflower” seed mixes to sow later in winter, wrote Peggy Koppmann in “This Month in the Garden,” an article in the newest edition of WNY Gardening Matters. Gardeners may look for wildflower seeds to create a meadow that attracts and supports pollinators, said Koppmann, a Master Gardener. But a meadow is complicated and it’s important to choose the right seeds. Purchase only seed mixtures that list the botanical names, she said. That way you…...
Here is the newest edition of Diggin In, the newsletter published by the Master Gardeners of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County. Articles for November Clean Up in the Toolroom by Nancy Walker, Master Gardener Volunteer November Garden Checklist: A Little More Time to Plant, by Lydia Fernandez, Master Gardener Volunteer You can have a mission, too by Lydia Fernandez, Master Gardener Volunteer When Julia Bender decided to join the Master Gardener Program in 2024, she came with the specific…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko If you want fresh flowers–very fresh flowers–stop in to Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses in Williamsville. Mischler’s grows many of their flowers right in their greenhouses, then cut the flowers fresh. “I don’t think anyone else in Western New York is doing this,” said Mark Yadon, vice president at Mischler’s. While Mischler’s still buys some flowers, “we’re trying to grow more here,” he noted. The floral staff is always working on new arrangements, such as the new…...