by Connie Oswald Stofko When you think of this year in gardening, what comes to your mind? If weather is the first thing that comes to mind, you aren’t alone. I asked a few gardening folks in Western New York to look back on 2025, and several brought up the wild weather we had this year. And 2026? No one can foresee the weather, but looking at the plans these people have, other aspects of gardening will be amazing! What…...
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 Stofko Do you think Halloween monsters are horrible? Here’s something more horrible: throwing a jack-‘o-lantern into the trash! When you’re done with your pumpkin, compost it. You can smash it, too. It’s quite entertaining! Before you place your rotting pumpkin in your compost bin, you need to get it into smaller parts so it will decompose more quickly. You could use a knife, but smashing it on a hard surface is faster, easier and more fun. Remember…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko See charming, larger-than-life animal topiaries during Topiary Tales, the newest exhibit at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. The exhibit will open Friday, Sept. 19 and continue through Sunday, Nov. 2 at the Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave. Buffalo. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is free with admission. It’s a lovely exhibit for adults, and children will especially enjoy the Topiary Tales, a series of short stories that you can read…...
Sharon Webber, Lifetime CNLP, was inducted in the 2025 Court of Honor Hall of Fame by PLANT NYS, the Professional Landscape and Nursery Trades across New York State. The ceremony took place Wednesday, Aug. 20 at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. Webber’s horticulture career started more than 30 years ago in Long Island where she worked for the legendary Lois Woodhull at The Plantage, Inc. She returned to Western New York and started Earth Lines, a landscape design,…...
Are you interested in helping your community adapt to our changing environment? Become a Cornell Climate Steward! Cornell Cooperative Extension in Cattaraugus County will participate in the statewide Cornell Climate Stewards program. Volunteers will be trained, then they will work on local climate change projects. Previous projects have included organizing a public education event, hosting repair cafes and supporting local task force initiatives – there are many options to choose from. Cornell Cooperative Extension in Cattaraugus County is taking applications…...
Join Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County Master Gardener Program volunteers as they host three in-person fall gardening classes in September. The cost for the public is $15 per class or three classes for $45. The cost for Master Gardeners in any county is $15 per class, or three classes for $40. Register online here. For more information, contact (716) 652-5400, ext. 176 or jah663@cornell.edu. For accommodations for persons with special needs, contact (716) 652-5400, ext. 176 or jah663@cornell.edu at least five days prior…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko I’m so happy to announce the two lucky winners of our inaugural Celebrity Drawing—an exclusive prize drawing for our valued Level 3 Celebrity subscribers! These two gardeners will soon be featured right here on Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com! You’ll be able to glimpse their gardens and hear their gardening wisdom. Our winners get a personal visit where I: Every garden has a story worth telling, and I can’t wait to share these two special stories with you. Want to…...
The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens has been growing for years and, like a plant in a pot that’s too small, it has grown beyond its space. Last week, ground was broken for a major expansion. “We are writing history for the next generation,” said President and CEO Erin Grajek. “We look forward to creating a Botanical Gardens that serves the community in ways never imagined before.” Some of the features include: This will be a huge expansion. The…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko It’s a heady time for gardeners—plant sales and plant exchanges from nonprofit groups are popping up all over Western New York! These plant sales are a great way to find bargains, connect with friends and neighbors and find out what other gardeners in WNY are planting. Some of the plants in the sales come straight from the gardens of the members in the organizations. Since those gardeners have extra plants to share, it’s a good sign…...
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