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 fun ways to get curious…

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. Sponsored by the Silver Creek…

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 celebration where we were supplied…

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 “Perennial of the Year” or…

An eastern gray squirrel 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 out…

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 baby spinach, washed  1 pint…