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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Around the garden

BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY BOTANICAL GARDENS INTRODUCES “PLAYSPACE”  On March 26 the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens opened Playspace. Playspace is an interactive exhibit where kids and families can learn about the important connections between people, plants, and pollinators.  Playspace features interactive and educational signage, imaginative play stations, hands-on activities, busy boards, and other …

Calendar

SPONSORED LISTINGS May 17: 15th Annual Garden Faire, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., the village square: Central Ave. and Main St., Silver Creek. This event will feature a variety of craft and plant vendors, along with food available for purchase. Raffles will be available at each of the vendor booths, with tickets for purchase at the gazebo. …

Wildflowers of the Cyclades

In April 2023 I went to Koufonisia, two small, beautiful islands in the Cyclades of Greece. The weather was wonderful, with a daily high in the mid-seventies and abundant sunshine. The crowds were almost nonexistent on some days, and the locals embraced us wholeheartedly. In fact, we were even invited to a St. George’s Day …

Dandelions . . . more than weeds

The First Dandelion  by Walt Whitman  Simple and fresh and fair from winter’s close emerging,  As if no artifice of fashion, business, politics, had ever been,  Forth from its sunny nook of shelter’d grass-innocent, golden, calm as the dawn,  The spring’s first dandelion shows its trustful face. No one has ever chosen the dandelion as …

Keeping little critters out of birdfeeders

If you ever put up a birdfeeder, you might find that soon enough you are getting more than just birds. Squirrels are very good at finding sources of food, and they can easily maneuver onto most bird feeders to get their fill of seed. But believe it or not, there are ways to keep squirrels …

Spring spinach and strawberry salad

This fresh salad is the perfect light lunch on a nice spring day. Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp and a loaf of crusty bread to make a complete meal. This pretty dish is also fun to bring to a potluck; wait to dress it until just before serving. SALAD INGREDIENTS  10–12 oz. fresh …

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