BUFFALO                        REGULAR CLUB MEETINGS African Violet & Gesneriad Society of WNY meets the third Tuesday of the month, September–August, at 7 p.m., Greenfield Health & Rehab Facility, 5949 Broadway, Lancaster. av*****@***il.com.  Alden Garden Club meets the second Wednesday of the month (except July and August) at 7 p.m., Alden Community Center, West Main St., Alden. New members and guests welcome.…
3.09.2026
When I was asked to create a recipe for this issue, focaccia felt like a natural choice. Over the past year, working in the Wegmans pizza department has given me a much bigger appreciation for dough. It’s not just something one makes; it is a foundation for everything you put on top of it. Making this recipe for Upstate Gardeners’…
3.09.2026
During my Pinterest surfing adventures, I stumbled across a new-to-me technique called anthotype, defined by alternativephotography.com as “…a photographic process using plant-based emulsions and sunlight.” This unique art form is created by placing objects on paper coated with an emulsion made from a plant-based pigment mixed with alcohol. The paper is then placed in full sun until the emulsion not…
2.09.2026
Common Raven; Photo courtesy Wikicommons CCSA 3.0: Accipiter (R. Altenkamp, Berlin) There is a new trend in the bird feeding world, and it is one that I am excited to write about—attracting Crows to the backyard! Crows can be found in a large range of habitats, are intelligent and curious, and are even known to leave small objects for humans…
2.09.2026
Do not prune off the triangular seed heads of P. obovata when they are done blooming. In the fall, the pods open up to display a colorful sight. The open seed pods of P. obovata reveal stunning vibrant seeds in the fall. During mid spring through early summer, five distinct groups of peonies are the stars of my garden. They…
2.09.2026
Cosmos flowers will bloom until first frost; it is best to gather seeds before hard frosts to avoid seed damage. Ah, the -ber months are here! While I am looking forward to a weeding respite and enjoying cozy indoor time of the colder months, there are a few autumn traditions I like to do before tucking the garden beds in…
2.09.2026
 Anemone blanda; Photo by Marco Photo by Marco Schmidt CC by SA 3.0, Schmidt CC by SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons.  GARDEN COACHES AND CONSULTANTS—SHOULD YOU HIRE ONE? If you are planning a garden from scratch, or you have an existing garden but you need hands-on help and advice, a coach could be just what you’re looking for. Unlike a landscaper…
2.09.2026
Lavender I like to think of this year’s gardening season as the season of lavender. I have never had so many lavender flowers, and I’ve made sure to dry as much as possible. I’ll use them as little tussie-mussie gifts, decor, tea, cooking, and aromatherapy. I think lots of people have used or at least smelled lavender essential oil, but…
1.09.2026
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July/August, 2016 – Upstate Gardeners’ Journal

Reprint: Step it up

This wooden ladder, a hand-me-down from my husband’s grandfather, was literally on its last leg when my husband decided to throw it out, but I rescued it to reuse as a plant stand. With a little love, our old ladder was transformed into something grandpa would be proud of. MATERIALS Wood ladder, painted or stained if …

Reprint: The Artful Gardener

Jean Westcott: A horticulturist, garden designer, and animal-loving T’ai Chi instructor embraces retail Jean Westcott, owner of The Artful Gardener in Rochester’s South Wedge neighborhood, has been designing gardens for more than 30 years. She earned a degree in Horticulture and Landscape Design from Temple University (1985) and a degree in Landscape Architecture from Rutgers …

Upstate Pairing: July-August 2016

Nestled in the heart of New York’s beautiful Finger Lakes Region, Ithaca Beer Company demonstrates its pride by brewing world-class craft beer inspired by its home. In addition to year-round favorites, you can also choose from seasonal selections on rotation. Our recipe this month is paired with Hopkist, one of their summer offerings. It’s a …

Outdoor Foot Rinse

This summer, the gardening grime will stay outside—thanks to this handy idea I found online. The entire project took less than a half hour to build and set up. As a bonus, when placed in a sunny spot, the heated rocks feel like a hot stone foot massage.     Materials Four 1×4 boards (like …

The Amazing Bat

by Liz Magnanti With recent mosquito-borne illnesses making headlines, I have been getting a lot of questions about ways of controlling pests naturally without using harsh chemicals or pesticides. Attracting wildlife to your yard can help with insect issues. While birds will eat a lot of insects during the day, another winged creature, bats, will …

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