a by Eileen K. Sorochty, Master Gardener in Orleans County For any avid gardener, winter is a time of conservation and rehabilitation. I’m glad, in a way, that the toil has ended and I get a bit of rest from all the tasks that feel never-ending. But I’m still drawn to next season’s plan. I’m scouring heritage seed catalogs in an attempt to add some new varieties of veggies. I’m mapping out the new garden addition I started before the…
What’s Growing On Series – Build a Raised Bed
Interested in raised beds gardens at home? Not sure where to start? Join this beginner-friendly class for an exploration of picking the right type of raised bed for you, and then get some hands-on practice in basic power tool use and simple wood carpentry. Please note: attendees will not take home a raised bed, but will learn all the skills needed to make one. Classes are offered in partnership with the Massachusetts Avenue Project, Urban Roots Cooperative Garden Market, and Grassroots Gardens…
Brr! How will this frigid cold affect our gardens?
by Connie Oswald Stofko The predictions were worrying, but Western New York didn’t get much of a storm (yay!). Yes, there was a day with constant snowfall, but the snow fell in teeny, tiny flakes. Here in Amherst, even when the snow piled up, we could shovel easily because the snow was granular and very light. There wasn’t much wind, either, which helped. But things are different today. It’s windy, there’s lots of snow and it’s still super cold. (How…
Houseplants, wildlife & more from Orleans County Master Gardeners
Here is the newest edition of Digging In, the newsletter published by Master Gardeners of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County. Your January Garden Checklist a Garden planning Houseplants Birds and wildlife Upcoming events Second annual seed swap The Orleans Community Seed Share is hosting its annual seed swap from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Cornell Cooperative Orleans Trolley Building, 12690 Route 31 in Albion. It is free. Take home free seeds for your 2026 garden. Enjoy seed demonstrations and activities…
What gardens teach us in winter: ‘Digging In’ newsletter
Here is the latest edition of Digging In, the newsletter published by Master Gardeners of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County. What our gardens teach us Our gardens keep teaching, even as winter approaches. It’s harder to see the lessons when everything feels cold and dormant, but they’re there. Consider vernalization — the way many plants, from native perennials to fruit trees to spring bulbs, need to experience winter’s chill before they can bloom. It’s what makes the seeds we plant during winter…
Outdoors or indoors: Decorate with plants from Mischler’s
by Connie Oswald Stofko Decorate outside with a patio pot from Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses, 118 South Forest Rd., Williamsville. The pots hold a variety of fresh evergreen branches that are decorated with pine cones, a bow and artificial berries. In addition to displaying them on porches and patios, many people remember their departed loved ones by setting patio pots in cemeteries, said Mark Yadon, vice president at Mischler’s. There is no care needed for the patio pots; they will…
Are your roses still blooming? Enjoy!
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?”…
How to choose wildflower seeds, plus more tips from Erie Master Gardeners
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…
Diggin In: Clean your tools & more
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…
Cozy herb for autumn & winter: rosemary
by Sarah Sorci Rosemary is my most reliable herb to grow on a winter windowsill–no grow light is needed. While my outdoor garden sleeps, rosemary nestles up with me for the coziest months of the year. Cultivation When nighttime temperatures dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the fall, I move the containers indoors to a bright window. When your rosemary is planted in the ground–especially in heavy clay soils–you should avoid overwatering it. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean; it…