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…...
Terry Brummett, winner in Celebrity Level drawing, shows her garden
by Connie Oswald Stofko Although this garden isn’t particularly large, it appears spacious because of the many plants and decorative items throughout the area. I had the pleasure to visit the landscape of Terry and Mike Brummett in July. Terry was one of the two winners in our Celebrity Level drawing earlier this year, and I enjoyed what they have created. Tip: If you want a chance of being featured in Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com next year, sign up for the Celebrity Level…....
WNY Gardening Matters: garlic & more
It’s time to plant garlic, and you can learn more in WNY Gardening Matters, the publication of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Erie County. October planting generally results in bigger and more flavorful bulbs, said Peggy Koppmann in the article “This Month in the Garden.” Garlic needs a long period of cold temperatures, so fall planting gives cloves time to sprout and develop established roots. Read about winter watering, a bird buffet and more in “This Month in the Garden.” Other articles…...
Create a special garden space with benches & fountains
by Connie Oswald Stofko Take a moment to click on the video below. Relax for seven seconds and enjoy the fountain, the water, the plants and the birds at Urban Roots Collaborative Garden Market. a Wasn’t that soothing? Those fountains and others are available at Urban Roots Cooperative Garden Market, 428 Rhode Island St., Buffalo. Add a bench for a seating area to create a comfortable outdoor space in your landscape, said Patti Jablonski-Dopkin, general manager of Urban Roots. Enjoy the…...
Summer tips from Orleans County Master Gardeners
Here are just three of the many tips in the garden checklist for July from the Master Gardeners of Orleans County. Find lots of details within those tips–and more!–here. Do you have gardening questions? Contact the Master Gardeners in Orleans County here. If you live in a different county and have questions, find your Cornell Cooperative Extension office here…....
Scent of flowers brings us joy, brings pollinators to food
This information is from Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners in Orleans County. In June, the rush is on to get our gardens in top shape. But with roses, peonies and other plants soon to bloom, it’s also a great time to stop and actually smell the flowers. Scent is an important feature of flowering plants. Because they cannot get up and relocate themselves, plants use scent to attract pollinators and to deter hungry creatures. Researchers at Purdue University say that plants emit…...
Potted flowers & more gardening tips from Orleans County Master Gardeners
Here’s a bonanza of tips that you can use now from the Master Gardeners of Orleans County. Plus, for folks in Orleans County, the Master Gardeners are launching a program to encourage gardeners to support pollinators Save your spring holiday flowers If you received potted flowers this spring, you may be able to keep them going outside in your garden. See this article by Nancy Walker, Master Gardener. What to do in your garden now See the great list of…...
Backyard conservation for birds & more at Bird-Friendly Buffalo Symposium
Gardeners can learn how to help birds in our area during an event sponsored by the Buffalo Audubon Society. The Bird-Friendly Buffalo Symposium brings together expert environmentalists and advocates to give local residents practical solutions to help build a city where birds can thrive. The symposium will take place 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Friday, May 2 at the New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, 701 Ellicott St., Buffalo. The event is free…....
Wet spot in your yard? Get tips from North Tonawanda Botanical Garden
by Connie Oswald Stofko Does part of your yard turn into a pond in spring? Get some tips from the North Tonawanda Botanical Garden Organization. The organization has been working for about five years to rehabilitate a long-neglected park located at 1825 Sweeney St., North Tonawanda, along the Tonawanda Creek portion of the Erie Canal. The group aims to revitalize the native habitat as well as create a scenic destination. The volunteers also help with educational programs and community activities…....
Want to raise hens for eggs? It may be harder to find chicks this year
by Connie Oswald Stofko If you want to start raising chickens for eggs, don’t be scared off by avian flu (bird flu), said Amy Barkley, the subject matter expert on avian influenza at Cornell University. However, you may face a different problem: finding chicks and pullets to start your flock. (Pullets are females raised by a farmer until the bird is about ready to lay eggs.) “I think it’s going to be more challenging to find chicks and pullets this…...