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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May/June, 2019 – Upstate Gardeners’ Journal

Flower Meets Flour

Fun Spring Things

by Valerie Shaw It’s spring! For moms everywhere, this is a triumphant announcement for many reasons—no more itchy, smothered kids complaining about winter coats, the games of tag and pinch your brother can move outside, and the gardening season is in full swing! But how do you convince your tween to switch from building square …

Lilac Facial Toner

by Cathy Monrad Mother’s Day is here. And in Rochester, especially, lilacs are synonymous with this special day. I decided to make a large batch of this lilac facial toner to give as gifts to all the special mothers in my life. This toner can also be added to a bath, used as a hair …

A Brief History of the Delicate and Fragrant Lilac: Highland Park in Bloom

by Donna De Palma Syringa vulgaris (common Lilac) cultivar ‘Flower City’, at Highland Park in Rochester, New York. The information plaque next to this plant reads: “This variety was developed at Highland Park by horticulturist Richard Finicchia. It is a unique variety that has cupped, dark violet-purple florets with a silvery reverse. Some florets display …

Salt City’s Hardy Hostas– Like those of its Perennials, Lan’s Flower Farm’s Roots Run Deep

story by John Ernst; photos provided by Mark Weiss Aerial view of Lan’s Flower Farm Here’s a fact—one of New York’s largest flower farms started with a twelve-year-old girl from China trying to learn English. Today, Lan’s Flower Farm spans four acres managed by five employees. That girl—the daughter of Mark Weiss and Xiao Lan— …

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