by Connie Oswald Stofko Just when it seemed like winter was gone and we were solidly into spring, I woke up to snowflakes in the air. But we can always rely on the annual Spring Flower Exhibit at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. It’s always warm inside, there are more flowers than you can squeeze into your gardens, and the deer didn’t eat the plants. Find old photos This year is special because the Spring Flower Exhibit is kicking…...
The Orchid Fest by Niagara Frontier Orchid Society will be the big finale of the Orchid Exhibit at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. Orchid Fest runs from Friday, Feb. 28 to Sunday, March 2. See it during Orchids After Dark on Friday and Saturday or during the day on Saturday and Sunday. This event features award-winning orchids, special displays and showcases, and orchid experts. Vendors are:…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko A completely renovated greenhouse, the Tropical Orchard, will open this Thursday, Jan. 23 at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. I was given a sneak peek yesterday to share with you! The Tropical Orchard features a collection of edible plants from around the world. Some of the plants you’ll see are starfruits, bananas, Australian finger limes, pineapples, chocolate tree, ponderosa lemon, strawberry guava tree and coconut palm. More common plants include peanuts, a peach tree,…...
Are you an artisan—or do you know one—who creates objects with a theme of gardens or nature? It’s time for artisans and vendors to sign up the 15th annual Garden Art Sale. The application deadline is Tuesday, March 25. “This is an exceptional opportunity for artists and creators to connect with our dedicated gardening community,” said Jim Charlier, Garden Art Sale event chair. “We’re calling upon artisans whose works can adorn gardens or evoke the spirit of nature to be a…...
A new seed library called Orleans Community Seed Share is a new program of the Master Gardeners in Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County. The seed share is more than just a collection of seeds—it’s a living library that cultivates community, sustainability and biodiversity, according to the Master Gardeners. The Master Gardeners invite local gardeners to borrow seeds, nurture them in their home gardens and return seeds from their mature plants. This simple act creates a powerful cycle of sharing…...
Sign up now for plant classes at SUNY Niagara (previously called Niagara County Community College). The deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 15. If you don’t want to get credit for the course, you can take a low-cost class through the Workforce Development Program. Here are the Workforce Development traditional horticulture courses. Here are the Workforce Development cannabis courses. There are links on the bottom of those pages for registering and paying. Cannabis courses are $250. The Plant Protection (IPM) class is $200 and includes the option to earn the…...
Erin Grajek has been appointed president and CEO of the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. “It’s an honor to have the board’s trust and support as we enter this transformative chapter in the Botanical Gardens’ history,” Grajek said. “The Botanical Gardens has been a cornerstone of my professional journey and a passion close to my heart. I look forward to continuing our work to inspire, educate and connect this incredible community to our mission.” Grajek served as interim president and…...
by Connie Oswald Stofko I appreciate you! You read the articles in Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com. You tell your friends about the magazine. You leave comments to ask a question, or to answer questions from others. You attend events and learn more about gardening. People smile when they see your garden. In so many ways, you make our small piece of the world a little bit better. I hope you will continue subscribing to Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com for 2025. Tip: Sign up by Jan. 13…...
Grassroots Gardens WNY is taking applications now for people who want to create new community gardens or school gardens in 2025. The deadline for applying is Saturday, Nov. 30. Currently Grassroots Gardens WNY is considering only community gardens and school gardens located in the cities of Buffalo or Niagara Falls, NY. However, if you are a school in one of their nearby suburbs, Grassroots Gardens WNY may be able to support you in 2025. Priority is given to gardens in neighborhoods…...
Erin Grajek, who has been the chief operating officer since 2021 at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, has been appointed interim president and CEO. She has held progressive leadership roles at the Botanical Gardens since 2006. The appointment came one week after the death of Mark Mortenson, the organization’s president and CEO. “Erin has been a trusted leader with the Botanical Gardens,” said Tisha Luciani, board chair of the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, “and we are…...
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