Garden tips

Garden tips for the Buffalo area.

Serenity of a forest found in City of Buffalo backyard

May 14, 2013
Serenity of a forest found in City of Buffalo backyard

Many people struggle with shady yards, wishing they could grow the plants they see in sunnier gardens. Jeff Lokken is different. He embraces his canopy of trees. The result is a forest-like retreat from the noise of the city. We visited Lokken last year during Garden Walk Buffalo at the home he shares with...
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Plant exchanges set, question on pine chips & more

May 14, 2013
Plant exchanges set, question on pine chips & more

Plant exchanges set Plant exchanges give you an opportunity to trade those extra plants you have in your garden for new varieties that you don’t already have. (I got my first sunchoke at a plant exchange.) If you’re a beginning gardener and don’t have plants to trade, you can still participate in these two...
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Grow attractive fruit bushes & even trees– in containers!

May 7, 2013
Grow attractive fruit bushes & even trees– in containers!

You don’t need a lot of space to grow fruit bushes or even fruit trees. New varieties have been developed to be smaller, more compact and more attractive in the landscape, according to Fred Safford, who is in charge of trees and shrubs at Lockwood’s Greenhouses. Safford will discuss how you can grow your...
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It’s pretty, but invasive– Get rid of lesser celandine

May 7, 2013
It’s pretty, but invasive– Get rid of lesser celandine

Mike Fabrizio, a reader, recently sent along this photo and asked this question: “Just wondering what this weed is called and how to treat it on my lawn. Thanks!” This particular plant has special interest for me because it is growing in my neighborhood. When I first noticed it growing on my neighbor’s lawn...
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Sunchokes are available now, update on celery & more

May 7, 2013
Sunchokes are available now, update on celery & more

Surprise– I have sunchokes to share Normally I don’t share sunchokes until fall when the tubers are ready to harvest. But I happen to have a few plants popping up in a spot where I’ve decided to plant something else this year, so they all have to find new homes. I am offering the...
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Arboretum needs volunteers & mill stone, plus more news and tips

April 30, 2013
Arboretum needs volunteers & mill stone, plus more news and tips

Arboretum in Amherst needs volunteers, mill stone Volunteers are needed to help maintain the Arboretum at Amherst State Park where woody plants are cultivated for educational and ornamental purposes. The arboretum is located at 400 Mill St., Williamsville, between Main and Sheridan at the site of the former St. Mary’s Convent. Work sessions are...
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Follow Buffalo artist’s example to create outdoor living space

April 23, 2013
Follow Buffalo artist’s example to create outdoor living space

If you’re one of us, the few holdouts who don’t have air conditioning, or if you just like the look in the photo above, try painting your window screens. Several beautiful creations, including the one seen above, were done by artist Bruce Marzahn, but the technique could be used by anyone. I saw the...
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Rain barrels, bee festival & wildflower series

April 23, 2013
Rain barrels, bee festival & wildflower series

It’s time to set out your rain barrel or buy a rain barrel If you brought your rain barrel in over the winter, now is a good time to set it out again. And if you don’t have a rain barrel, now is a good time to get one. Not only do rain barrels...
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Pond in Buffalo evolved from space that held garage for Model T Ford

April 16, 2013
Pond in Buffalo evolved from space that held garage for Model T Ford

How this pond was created is a long story that involves a garage built for a Model T Ford, two kids’ fascination with WWI and a couple who know how to rescue great items from the trash. The story starts in 1995 at the home of Michelle and Jim Schmitt at 253 Crowley Avenue...
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Hang feeder now to welcome hummingbirds to Western New York

April 16, 2013
Hang feeder now to welcome hummingbirds to Western New York

Hummingbirds will be arriving soon in Western New York. Get ready for them by hanging your hummingbird feeder now.  “It may still be a bit early, but you really want the feeder up ahead of their arrival so that they find a food source as they are coming through,” said Penny Durnin of North...
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