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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Annual Winter Photo Contest is back!

It’s officially winter… and time for our annual winter photo contest! After a hiatus last year, we are pleased to roll out a new online submission process. See contest rules and enter here: UGJ Winter Photo Contest page

Upstate Pairing: November-December 2016

Brussel Sprout Carbonara with Fettuccini Yield: 4 servings 8 ounces of dry fettuccini 2 tbsp olive oil 1 lb brussel sprouts, cleaned and chopped (but not too small) 2 shallots, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 4 ounces smoked bacon, chopped into small pieces 2 eggs, slightly beaten 2 ounces grated parmesan cheese 1. …

Arborvitae Stamped Gift Tags

MATERIALS Pre-made blank gift tags, about 2 by 3 inches Ink pad in desired color; I used “pine” Arborvitae cutting about 2–3 inches long A few pieces of scrap paper Piece of wax paper, slightly larger than arborvitae cutting Fine tip marker in desired color STEPS 1. Remove a few rows of foliage from bottom …

Near or Far: November-December 2016

Location: Bovara, a village nestled in the olive groves on the slopes near Trevi, Italy. Name: Sant’ Emiliano (that’s the name of this individual tree—it’s a thing, in Umbria) Genus/species: Olea europaea Common name: Olive tree Age: 1,000 years (Or 700 years, or 1,700 years. Or something) Submitted by: Reynolds Kelly Reynolds says: Umbria in …

Creature Comforts

by Liz Magnanti It’s inevitable: snow, ice, sleet, and cold. Winter will be here before we know it. The days become short and the nights are long. Sometimes I think of how rough we have it here in Upstate New York, but in the winter I take one look out the window and see all …

Almanac: November-December 2016

Preparing for Holiday Decorating Now that you have put your outdoor gardens to bed, it is time to prepare for the upcoming Holiday Season.  Indoor plants can add beauty to your home during the cold and snowy months ahead. Amaryllis:  To plant a newly acquired Amaryllis bulb, place a piece of clay shard over the …

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