Night Lights to feature outdoor fire performers on certain days; launch party set, too

by Connie Oswald Stofko To kick off Night Lights, the popular event where the exhibits at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens are illuminated with theatrical lighting, a launch party will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28 at the Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Tickets to the launch party include a cash bar of beer and wine, delicious snacks and special entertainment. Tickets are $15 for Botanical Gardens members and subscribers to Buffalo…...

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Amaryllis is great flower to grow indoors now; see show under way now at Botanical Gardens

by Connie Oswald Stofko The amaryllis is a favorite flower for Western New York gardeners to grow indoors at this time of year because there’s not much going on bloom-wise outdoors. Amaryllis bulbs are popular holiday gifts. My niece, Carrie Hoffman of Cheektowaga, got one and started charting its amazing growth. The plant can grow 1 1/2 inches a day! Amaryllis gets tall and has huge, trumpet-shaped flowers. It’s quite a spectacular plant. Find out how to care for your…...

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Poinsettia, train exhibits continue at Botanical Gardens; Dec. 29 is Dollar Day

Whether you’re looking for something to do with the kids, entertaining out-of-town relatives or just want someplace warm and relaxing to go over the holidays, stop by to see the poinsettia and garden railway exhibits at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday; 10 a.m. to noon Christmas Eve, Dec. 24; closed Christmas day, Dec. 25, and open 10 a.m. to noon New Year’s Eve,…...

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New spring Cherry Blossom Festival in Buffalo needs funding by Dec. 31

A small, informal event–  a Cherry Blossom Viewing Picnic— was held for a single day in May this year to celebrate the blooming of the cherry trees in the Japanese Garden located in Delaware Park. But that was just a taste of things to come. The Friends of the Japanese Garden of Buffalo are planning a full-fledged Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival for 2014 with an entire week of events, including gardening speakers, a Japanese tea ceremony, boat rides so you…...

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Decorate a holiday wreath at Mischler’s

  Learn how to decorate your very own fresh wreath for the holidays in a workshop on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses, 118 South Forest Rd., Williamsville. Workshops will be held at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. Each workshop will begin with a brief explanation and decorating demonstration by a member of Mischler’s staff. Afterward, you will be given a fresh, 24-inch evergreen wreath and red bow. You can choose from a selection of trims. Additional…...

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Gardeners who love birds: Participate in 114th Christmas Bird Count

For many of us, part of the enjoyment of our gardens is watching the birds that come to visit. You can help scientists learn more about the birds in our area by participating in Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count. The census events take place around Christmastime, from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5. The Buffalo Audubon Society and Jamestown Audubon will hold events, and beginners are welcome. The events are: Saturday, Dec. 14 The Jamestown Audubon will hold an event in Warren,…...

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Snap your holiday photo with poinsettias at Mischler’s during Holiday in the Village

Looking for a festive backdrop for your holiday greeting card? Pose with a backdrop of hundreds of colorful poinsettias at Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses, 118 South Forest Rd., Williamsville. This unique opportunity is part of the Holiday in the Village of Williamsville celebration presented by the Williamsville Business Association. The backdrop will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29 and 30, and Saturday, Dec. 7. In addition, beautiful classical and holiday music will be…...

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Learn how to compost indoors using worms– & get worms!– in workshop at Reinstein Woods

by Connie Oswald Stofko Learn how to start composting indoors with red wriggler worms in a workshop at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve & Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew. The workshop is for both children and adults. You can get a starter kit, which includes worms.  The kits are $4 for the public or  $2 for Friends of Reinstein members. Please make reservations so they know how many starter kits to have on…...

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Get a jump on the holidays with Christmas open house at Lockwood’s

Lockwood’s Greenhouses will hold a Christmas open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, November 16, at the garden center, 4484 Clark St., Hamburg. Whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts or decorations for your own home, you’ll find a spectacular array at Lockwood’s. Make your purchases early– A free gift will be given to the first 100 guests with purchase. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with free refreshments including homemade cookies, savory treats and hot spiced cider. There will also…...

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Learn the story of hosta ‘Niagara Falls’ from world-renowned hosta hybridizer

by Connie Oswald Stofko How the hosta ‘Niagara Falls’ was created is the fascinating story of an artist with a love for family and her country. Olga Petryszyn, the world renowned hosta hybridizer who bred ‘Niagara Falls’, will speak at the meeting of the Western New York Hosta Society on Sunday, Nov. 10 at the Aurora Senior Citizens Center, 101 King St. near Oakwood, East Aurora. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 2 p.m. The event…...

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