by Connie Oswald Stofko I was going to say that the drought is probably what Western New York gardeners will remember most about 2016, but we may have to get used to summers like this. Our climate patterns have changed, and Western New York gardeners should expect more hot, dry summers, according to Cornell University. By June of this year it was already dry. By the beginning of August, Western New York was under a drought warning and gardeners were asked…
Artwork is being sought to create the the official poster that will advertise the 2017 Samuel P. Capen Garden Walk. The “Beauty in Our Backyard: 2017 Gardening Art Competition,” produced by the University Heights Arts Association (UHAA), will offer three cash prizes plus an exhibition of the top 25 finalists’ work. The first-place winner’s art will be used to create the official poster. The cash prizes are first place, $100; second place, $50, and third place, $25. Participants will be…
Forest fires raged out of control in several southern states last month, but fire, when controlled, can also be used as a conservation tool. The Western New York Land Conservancy did that on Nov. 7 when it burned a grassland at the Niagara Escarpment Preserve on Leete Road in Lockport. It was the first the first prescribed burn to be done in Niagara County. The 10-acre grassland was healthy, brimming with tall native grasses that gave wildlife a place to…
by Connie Oswald Stofko An Asian theme and new features are in store when Houses 2 and 3 at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens finally reopen after extensive renovations. The goal is to have the buildings open to the public on Jan. 14, said David J. Swarts, president and CEO of the Botanical Gardens. The tall waterfall in House 3 will be back with a different look. The old waterfall had a Mayan feel to it, and that…
Your original artwork could be used to promote Garden Walk Buffalo in 2017. The deadline to submit your artwork is Tuesday, Jan. 31. You may enter any form of a painting in any medium, a photograph, a drawing, an illustration or a mixed media work. Your submission is limited to five entries. Keep your artwork simple; it needs to reproduce well on a variety of materials. Do not put any type/logos over the artwork. All details of the event will…
PLANT WNY, the association for green businesses in Western New York, presented its 2016 Landscape Awards at its Harvest Dinner in November. The winners are: Best of Show: T. O’Donnell Landscaping for the Brunner Residence Large Residential: Jacrist Gardening Services, Inc. for the Albrecht Residence Large Hardscape: Scott’s Lawn & Landscape Services for the Potter Residence Small Hardscape: Murray Brothers Nurseries, Inc. for the Woodig Residence Save Save…
A webinar to explain how to apply for Community Impact Grants to mitigate environmental and public health threats in low-income and minority communities will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30 by the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Office of Environmental Justice. Not-for-profit community-based organizations are eligible to apply. Register for the webinar here. Previous projects have included citizen science, water/air quality monitoring, urban farming, alternative energy projects, curriculum development, green infrastructure installation and more. A list of previous projects and…
Applications are available for Marvin Lunenfeld Beautification Grants, named for Garden Walk Buffalo’s founder. Completed applications are due Feb. 17, 2017, with anticipated funding awards announced in early spring of 2017. You can find applications and eligibility requirements here or call (716) 247-5004 and they will mail you an application. The organizers say the application process is easy and they will offer help if you have any questions. The grants have helped fund dozens of garden beautification projects across the…
Scholarships are available for college or technical school students who are interested in pursuing a career in garden writing, photography or blogging. The scholarships are awarded by the GWA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable subsidiary of the GWA: The Association for Garden Communicators. The application deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 20. View the full scholarship guidelines and criteria here. The scholarship awards will range from $500 or $2,000 per student and include a complimentary full-year membership to GWA. Students must be enrolled…
by Connie Oswald Stofko PLANT WNY, the trade association for the professional landscape and nursery trades in Western New York, has announced two awards, and one goes to Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com! The awards will be presented Nov. 18 at the group’s Harvest Dinner. Chris Zeisz: 2016 Person of the Year First let me tell you about Chris Zeisz, CNLP, who was named the 2016 Person of the Year. This is the second time he has received this award. Only two other people…
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