by Connie Oswald Stofko I received this message from Tess in Binghamton: “Red lily beetles have arrived early! Picked a dozen of them out of the flower bed today, March 20, 2020, in Binghamton NY area!!” It’s not too early to start looking for them in Western New York, said John Farfaglia, extension educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension in Niagara County “They do show up early, as soon as the foliage breaks ground,” Farfaglia said. In past years, “I’ve gotten calls…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko Spring keeps teasing us. We get some mild temperatures, then the ground is coated with frost. Still, we are seeing snowdrops and crocuses, which are delightful. Pretty soon the hyacinth and daffodil buds will burst open. Until then, take a look at these gorgeous–and clever– entries from the flower show at Plantasia in 2019. (I know it’s not as good as being able to go to Plantasia this year, but I hope it helps a bit.)…
by Connie Oswald Stofko Tell your friends that today, Tuesday, March 24 is the last day to enter to win a gardener’s prize package worth more than $250. All they have to do to enter is to subscribe to Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com. And it’s free to subscribe! If you are already subscribed, you’re already entered. I love my loyal readers! But if you haven’t subscribed, do it today. You will automatically be entered into our prize drawing. We will choose the winners tomorrow morning (Wednesday, March…...
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 Hurry to enter our spectacular prize drawing! The deadline is a week from today, Tuesday, March 24. To enter, just subscribe to Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com, the online gardening magazine for Western New York. It’s free to subscribe! If you are already subscribed, you are already entered. Hey, I love my loyal readers! If you are one of the three lucky winners, here’s what you’ll get: A low, eight-inch-diameter dish filled with succulents plus a $20 gift certificate from Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses, 118…...
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County Master Gardener Program volunteers are offering a $1,000 scholarship to college-bound seniors who reside and attend school in Erie County. Students must be accepted by a recognized, accredited college or university in New York State to study horticulture, botany or a related field. Related fields may include but are not limited to agriculture, entomology, environmental sciences, environmental engineering, forestry, genetics, food technology, landscape design, sustainable agriculture, urban geography and urban planning. Applications must…...
UPDATE: Plantasia is cancelled From the Plantasia Committee on March 12, 2020: After much deliberation and communication with the proper authorities, due to the ever-growing health concerns from COVID-19, it is with a very heavy heart that we have been left with no choice than to cancel this year’s Plantasia show. We are taking this proactive step for the health and safety of PLANTWNY members, event staff and all of our guests that look forward to our show every year…....
by Connie Oswald Stofko I want to welcome all of our new subscribers who signed up for Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com. Maybe you heard about us from the email sent out by the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. Or maybe you noticed something on social media or heard about us from friends. No matter how you heard about us, we’re glad you joined us! Now that you have subscribed, you’ll receive all of our great gardening tips, plus you are automatically entered…...
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County will hold its 2020 Master Gardeners Core Training Class. Those who successfully complete the 50-hour course may apply to become a Master Gardener volunteer in Chautauqua County or Cattaraugus County. Applications are due Friday, March 20. Class size is limited. You can request an application for the course from Lucia Conti by calling Cornell Cooperative Extension at (716) 664-9502 Ext. 209 or emailing lpc33@cornell.edu. There is a program fee of $125 to help defray…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko When you go on garden walks or visit Open Gardens, it’s nice to just gaze at the beautiful landscapes. It’s also helpful to get new, practical ideas you can use in your own yard. We’ll do both in this article, looking at views from the landscape of Sue and Russell Rich in Hamburg. When they moved in 25 years ago, there was almost nothing in the yard, but now they are surrounded by beautiful garden beds…....