Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com

Christmas Open House at Lockwood’s

9:30 a.m.

The Amherst Garden Club will meet at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 6540 Main St., Williamsville. The program will be “How to Grow & Show Houseplants” by Mischler’s Florist & Greenhouses. The horticulture presentation will be “Bulbs and their Proper Care” by Linda Zeder. Guests and newcomers are welcome.

Wednesday, Nov. 16

Federated Holland Garden Club meeting

11 a.m.

The Federated Holland Garden Club will meet at the Brink Memorial Community Center, Legion Drive, Holland. Following a business meeting and luncheon, Dorothy Julius, member of the Federated Lancaster Garden Club, will present a workshop entitled, “Making a Mini Arrangement.” For more information, call 652-2539. New members are always welcome.

Tuesday, Nov. 15

African Violet & Gesneriad Society of Western New York meeting

7:30 to 9 p.m.

The African Violet & Gesneriad Society of Western New York will meet at 40 Embry Place, Lancaster.

Monday, Nov. 14

Meeting of the East Aurora Garden Club

Noon

Members of the East Aurora Garden Club will demonstrate techniques for decorating for the holidays at the meeting at St. Mathias Episcopal Church, 374 Main St., East Aurora. The presenters will be Gloria DeFilippo, wiring cones and fruit for wreaths as well as bow making; Carol Hasselback, assembling baskets of fresh greens; Mary Ann Jackson and Judy Dembinski, making plaques on oasis forms; Lynn Wilkins, using hydrangeas in holiday decorating, and Chris Hartmann, boxwood, apple and other topiaries. There will be many simple but clever ideas– you may want to bring your camera.

Sunday, Nov. 13

Western New York Hosta Society meeting

1:30 p.m.

Western New York Hosta Society will meet at the East Aurora Senior Citizens Center, Oakwood and King St., East Aurora. The topic will be “The Hosta Garden.” All Garden enthusiast are welcome to attend.

Saturday, Nov. 12

10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Come Enjoy Christmas music and festivities while you find items to decorate for the holidays and give as gifts. It’s all at the Christmas open house at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark St., Hamburg. A free gift will be presented to the first 100 guests who make a purchase.There will be homemade cookies, savory treats, hot spiced cidar, decorated wreaths, boxwood trees, poinsettias and seasonal flowering plants. You can also sign up for Lockwood’s fall classes.

Saturday, Nov. 12

Standard Flower Show & Fashion Show set by Orchard Park Garden Club

11 a.m.

The Orchard Park Garden Club will hold a Standard Flower Show & Fashion Show at Michaels Banquet Facility, 4885 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg. The doors open at 11 a.m. featuring our Standard Flower Show and theme basket raffles. Pressed flower night lights will be available to purchase. Fashions will be by Dress Barn. A lunch will be served. Tickets are $25 per person. All tickets will be pre-sold only; no tickets will be available at the door. Tickets may be purchased by calling Alice Holmes at 662-6997.

Saturday, Nov. 12

Free event sponsored by Silver Creek-Hanover Garden Club
2 p.m.

Sophie Hodorowicz Knab, author of Polish Customs, Traditions, and Folklore, as well as other books, will present a slide show and speak about herbs and flowers at 72 Burgess St., Silver Creek. Her books will be available for purchase. The hostess will be Donna Metzger. For more information, call Sue at 934-7608.

Saturday, Nov. 12

Class on Trees and Shrubs (HCP 104 )

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This is the fourth class in the Horticulture I Certificate Program offered by the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. These classes are for the serious gardener as well as those who just want to know more than gardening basics. To earn the certificate, you must attend all six classes. Basic Botany is a prerequisite for the other five classes, which may be taken in any order. The classes will be repeated in 2012 if you need to make up a class. See the list of all the classes in the certificate program as well as information on fees. You can register online or call 827-1584.

Wednesday, Nov. 9

Youngstown Garden Club meeting

7 p.m.

Colleen Gaskill will speak on “Garden Pathways” at the meeting of the Youngstown Garden Club at the First Presbyterian Church, 100 Church St., Youngstown. Potential members are invited to attend. For more information, please call Garda O’Keefe, membership chair at 745-9590 or email GardaOK@aol.com.Youngstown Garden Club is on Facebook, too.

Wednesday, Nov. 9

Federated Lancaster Garden Club meeting

7 p.m.

The Federated Lancaster Garden Club will meet at St. John’s Lutheran Hall, 55 Pleasant Avenue, Lancaster. The program, “Boxwood Teacup Arrangement,” will be presented by David Clark of Sieck’s Wholesale Florist. It will include a hands-on workshop .

Through Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011

Special coupon offer from Perry’s Nurseries

A coupon just for readers of Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com is available by clicking here. The coupon entitles you to half off trees and shrubs at Perry’s Nurseries and Garden Center, 5203 Seneca St., West Seneca.

Tuesday, Nov. 8

Kenmore Garden Club meeting

10 a.m.

Theresa Marone of Floral Accents in North Tonawanda will design a fall arrangement suitable for your Thanksgiving table and a Christmas arrangement at our meeting at Kenmore United Methodist Church on Landers Rd. at Delaware Rd. in Kenmore. (Entrance is through the church parking lot door.) These arrangements will be raffled during lunch. Guests are welcome.

Monday, Nov. 7

“What’s New for the Holidays” presented by Bowmansville Garden Club

6:15 p.m.

“What’s New for the Holidays” will be presented by the Bowmansville Garden Club in the Bowmansville Fire Hall, 36 Main St., Bowmansville. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m., refreshments begin at 7 p.m. and the program begins at 7:30 p.m. “Innovative Holiday Ideas” will be presented by Tim Walters from Flowers by Johnny. There will be theme baskets and a Share the Wealth raffle. Tickets are $8 and are available by calling Kathy K. at 407-3218. No tickets will be sold at the event.

Monday, Nov. 7

Monday Morning Adult Art Classes: Fall Series 2

8:45-10:15 a.m.

Whether you’re a novice or expert, you will learn a lot from Joan Saba, professional artist and teacher in these classes at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. The cost for Botanical Gardens members is $54 for the series or $15 per class. The cost for non-members is $60 for the series or $16 per class. A list of suggested supplies can be obtained by calling 827-1584 ext. 291. Pre-registration is required.

Sunday, Nov. 6

Speakers Series with Stan Radon

2 to 4 pm

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the Western New York Land Conservancy will co-host a talk at the Kenan Center, 433 Locust St., Lockport. Stan Radon, geologist with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, will discuss the geology of Western New York and the Niagara Escarpment. Popular for his gripping tours of local rock formations, Radon will speak about time, climate and the evolution of the geology and landscape of Western New York. This talk will describe the geologic resources and formations of Western New York, discuss sand and gravel deposition and mining, and discuss how salt, oil and gas deposits are formed and then mined. Radon has been a geologist with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for the past 20 years and teaches geology and environmental sciences at UB and Daemen College.

Saturday, Nov. 5

Hosta Conversation & Breakfast

10 a.m.

Saturday, Nov. 5

Waffle or Worm Plate fundraiser

9 am-noon

Central City Cafe’, a soup kitchen at 200 East Eagle St., Buffalo, needs 80 cubic yards of good quality soil to build vegetable gardens for its neighbors. (Central City Cafe’ began growing fresh vegetables. As the garden grew, so did the curiosity of the neighbors; they wanted to know how they could grow vegetables for their families.) To raise money for the new garden plots, the Cafe’ is holding a Waffle or Worm Plate fundraiser. Contributors can purchase a waffle breakfast for $5, or they can purchase a worm for $20, which will be eaten by the Cafe’s garden manager and other friends of the Cafe’. The Cafe’ has been serving meals for 20 years. It provides a free lunch and shower for anyone who stops in Monday-Friday. The kitchen is run by a volunteer staff. If you would like to volunteer or contribute in other ways, please contact Caesandra Seawell at caesandra@gmail.com.

Saturday, November 5, 12 & December 3

Saturday Kids’ Art Classes (Series B)

9-10:30 a.m.

Join Instructor Joan Saba, professional artist, for a fun Saturday morning as you explore different art mediums at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. All supplies provided. Cost is $11 per class or $30 for the series.

Saturday, Nov. 5

Pest Management and Disease Class (HCP 103 )

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This is the third class in the Horticulture I Certificate Program offered by the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. These classes are for the serious gardener as well as those who just want to know more than gardening basics. To earn the certificate, you must attend all six classes. Basic Botany is a prerequisite for the other five classes, which may be taken in any order. The classes will be repeated in 2012 if you need to make up a class. See the list of all the classes in the certificate program as well as information on fees. You can register online or call 827-1584.

Saturday, Nov. 5

Exploration Earth for youth: Reduce

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Exploration Earth is an environmental stewardship program for youth ages 10-14 that uses hands-on learning to build an understanding of conservation ethics and solutions to the critical environmental problems we face. It is held at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. This day’s class helps participants discover how changing and reducing our consumption habits can help the environment and make this world a better place. Use creative thinking power to formulate nature cartoons and advertisements. The cost for members of the Botanical Gardens is $24 for the program or $8 per class, and the cost for non-members is $30 for the program or $10 per class.

Thursday, Nov. 3

Girls Night Out

5:30–9 p.m.

Join Lockwood’s for the second year of this special event at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens for a fun evening with your friends. Proceeds from this event benefit Child and Family Services – Haven House. There will be many vendors offering everything from jewelry to massages. Lockwood’s will be there with a special preview of some of the amazing Christmas ornaments they will be featuring at their Christmas Open House on Saturday, Nov. 12 at the store. They will also have their seasonal favorites from the Thymes – Fraser Fir Candles and more.

Wednesday, Nov. 2

Western New York Carnivorous Plant Club

6:30 p.m.

The Western New York Carnivorous Plant Club will get together. There will be a field trip or there will be a meeting at Menne’s, 3100 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst. For more information, email wnycpclub@aol.com.

Thursday, Oct. 27

Hands-on seminar: “Pumpkin Flower Arrangement”

6:30 p.m.

Halloween is just around the corner. Bring home a fresh pumpkin filled with dried and fresh flowers you make during this hands-on seminar held by the Niagara Floral Center & Greenhouse at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, 2510 Niagara Falls Blvd., Wheatfield (between Sy and Witmer Roads). Payment of $25 includes complete step-by-step instructions as well as all materials to create your own arrangement. No experience is necessary. Register by October 13. Paid reservations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. The class is limited to 40 people and a minimum of 20 people is required for the class. A special group rate for six or more attendees is available. Registration may be done with credit card, check or cash either in person at the Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse, 2510 Niagara Falls Blvd., Wheatfield, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or by calling 504-2617, ext. 244. E-mail questions to info@opportunitiesunlimited.org. Proceeds benefit the Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, which offers training and horticulture therapy to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities from across Niagara County and neighboring communities. These individuals nurture the plants and create the arrangements for sale year-round.

Wednesday, Oct. 26

Sunday Afternoon Kids’ Activities

9:30 a.m.

The Amherst Garden Club will meet at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 6540 Main St., Williamsville. The program will be “Cornucopias” by Mary Ann MacDonald of Shelley’s Florist & Gift Shop in Williamsville. This will be a hands-on workshop. Contact Nan Rung at 639-3947 for a list of supplies. Guests and newcomers welcome.

Tuesday, October 25

African Violet & Gesneriad Society of Western New York meeting

7:30 to 9 p.m.

The African Violet & Gesneriad Society of Western New York will meet in the LVAC Building, 40 Embry Place, Lancaster. A presentation by Barbara Donsky will cover the basics of potting, grooming, watering and fertilizing Mini and Semi-Miniature African Violets. Everyone is invited to bring in their plants for assessment and help with problems. A leaf exchange, blossom display board and 50/50 split drawing will also be available. Everyone is welcome, refreshments will be served. For further information, please call Paul Kroll at 652-8658.

Tuesday, Oct. 25

Energy-efficient lighting options for the holidays

7 p.m.

A presentation on energy-efficient lighting options for your household and for your holiday decorating will be given in the Community Room at the Philip Sheridan Building, 3200 Elmwood Ave., Town of Tonawanda. You don’t have to be a Tonawanda resident to attend. This is the last of four presentations in the 2011 annual Environmental Speakers Series sponsored by the Town of Tonawanda Commission for Conservation of the Environment. This event will kick off the application process for the Town of Tonawanda’s annual “Energy Smart” Holiday Decorating Contest.

Saturday, Oct. 22

Exploration Earth: Birds’ Turf

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Exploration Earth is an environmental stewardship program for youth ages 10-14 that uses hands-on learning to build an understanding of conservation ethics and solutions to the critical environmental problems we face. It is held at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. This day’s class focuses on bird habitat conservation. Participants can discover some challenges birds face through an active game and take home a bird feeder. The cost for members of the Botanical Gardens is $24 for the program or $8 per class, and the cost for non-members is $30 for the program or $10 per class.

Sunday, Oct. 23

Saturday, Oct. 22 to Sunday, Nov. 13

Chrysanthemum Show

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A Chrysanthemum Show will be held at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. It is sponsored by John & Carol Kociela. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors & students, $4 for children ages 3-12, and free for members of the Botanical Gardens and children under 3.

Saturday, Oct. 22

Class on Propagation – Basic and Advanced (HCP 102 )

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This is the second class in the Horticulture I Certificate Program offered by the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. These classes are for the serious gardener as well as those who just want to know more than gardening basics. To earn the certificate, you must attend all six classes. Basic Botany is a prerequisite for the other five classes, which may be taken in any order. If you attended the propagation classes in the spring, you will receive credit toward the certificate course and do not need to repeat this class. The cost of the entire program will be prorated accordingly. The classes will be repeated in 2012 if you need to make up a class. See the list of all the classes in the certificate program as well as information on fees. You can register online or call 827-1584.

Thursday, Oct. 20

Film: If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front

7 p.m.

The Buffalo Film Society presents If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front at the Screening Room, 3131 Sheridan Dr., Amherst. The film tells the remarkable story of the rise and fall of the Earth Liveration Front by focusing on the transformation and radicalization of one of its members. Part coming-of-age tale, part cops-and-robbers thrilller, the film interweaves a verite chronicle of Daniel on house arrest as he faces life in prison, with a dramatic recounting of the events that led to his involvement with the group. And along the way it asks hard questions about environmentalism, activism, and the way we define terrorism.

Thursday, Oct. 20

Sea Glass Jewelry : Make-it, Take-it Worshop for adults

6 to 8 p.m.

Create a sterling silver wire wrapped sea glass pendant and earrings under the expert tutelage of Diana Traver of Exotic Gemmery at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Chain for the pendant is not included. Bring wire cutters and needle nose pliers if you have them. The cost is $45 for Botanical Gardens members and $50 for non-members.

Tuesday, October 18

African Violet & Gesneriad Society of Western New York

Meeting date moved to Oct. 25.

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 15 and 16

Orchid Show

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

An American Orchid Society (AOS) judged show will be held at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. It is being sponsored by the Niagara Frontier Orchid Society and the Botanical Gardens. The plant judging is against previously judged and awarded plants that represent the best standard for that particular species or hybrid plant. As the teams judge each category, they will grant ribbons for first, second and third place in each category, best in category, best in show, as well as plants deemed worthy of AOS awards and show awards. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors & students, $4 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for Botanical Gardens members and children under 3.

Saturday, Oct. 15

Free program sponsored by Silver Creek-Hanover Garden Club
2 p.m.

Lyn Chimera will speak on “Gardening On A Dime With Less Time” to help you save time and money in your garden. The event will be held in First Baptist Church, 32 Main St., Silver Creek. For more information, call Sue at 934-7608.

Saturday, Oct. 15

Deadline for Master Gardener Training Program

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County is offering the Master Gardener Training Program this fall. You can read more details here. Cooperative Extension asks that students pay the tuition by Oct. 15. Classes start Oct. 29.

Friday, Oct. 14 to Sunday, Nov. 20

“The Gardens Inside-Out”: Exhibit in the Arcangel Gallery

John Gerovac will exhibit his work in the Arcangel Gallery at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. He writes: “When I visit the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, I observe all of it. I see inside & out, beds & buildings, flowers & facilities, ponds & pools, etc., etc., etc. Of course, you will see flower photographs too. But hopefully, you will experience so much more. ”

Thursday, Oct. 13

Deadline to register for hands-on seminar: “Pumpkin Flower Arrangement”

See details at the Oct. 27 listing.

Wednesday, Oct. 12

Youngstown Garden Club: Forcing Bulbs for the Holidays

7 p.m.

The Youngstown Garden Club is holding open meetings this fall. Guests and newcomers are welcome. This workshop will show you how to force bulbs for the holidays. Reservations are required. For more information, please call Garda O’Keefe, membership chair 745-9590 or email GardaOK@aol.com Youngstown Garden Club is on Facebook.

Monday, Oct. 10

East Aurora Garden Club meeting

Noon, with new member orientation at 11:15 a.m.

The East Aurora Garden Club will meet at St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 374 Main St., East Aurora. Kerri Li of Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper will speak on “Water Conservation in Your Own Backyard.” As part of the new member orientation series, Florence Mergenhagen, design chair and flower show judge, will give a short presentation on “Designing for Pleasure.”

Saturday, Oct. 8

Volunteers needed to spruce up pocket park

9 a.m. to noon

Groundwork Buffalo is looking for volunteers to help neighbors spruce up a pocket park in Buffalo in preparation for the National Preservation Conference, which is coming to Buffalo later this month. Volunteers will assemble at 420 Wohlers, just near East Ferry/Goulding. They will repair flower beds and plant fall perennials, tulips and other plants to make sure the pocket park looks great year round. They’ll also prune shrubs and trees, collect refuse and plant some curbside trees. If you’d like to come out and lend a hand, bring a pair of work gloves (or mittens).

Saturday, Oct. 8

Exploration Earth for youth: Endless Existence

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Exploration Earth is an environmental stewardship program for youth ages 10-14 that uses hands-on learning to build an understanding of conservation ethics and solutions to the critical environmental problems we face. It is held at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. This day’s class looks at what biodiversity is and why it’s important. Participants can enjoy a diverse scavenger hunt and take home some exotic plants . The cost for members of the Botanical Gardens is $24 for the program or $8 per class, and the cost for non-members is $30 for the program or $10 per class.

Thursday, Oct. 6

The Unstill Life of Plants

7 p.m.

Dr. Roger Hangarter, professor of biology at Indiana University will use time-lapse photography techniques to demonstrate the remarkable dynamics of plant life at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Dr. Hangarter is the author of a compelling website, recipient of many teaching awards and a fascinating presenter. Gardeners, artists, photographers and botanists won’t want to miss this. The event is sponsored by the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of Erie County and 8th District Federated Garden Clubs of New York State. Admission is $20 for members of the sponsoring organizations, $25 non-members, and $10 for students with ID.

Wednesday, Oct. 5

Western New York Carnivorous Plant Club meeting

6:30 p.m.

The Western New York Carnivorous Plant Club will meet at Menne’s, 3100 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst. For more information, email wnycpclub@aol.com.

Sunday, Oct. 2

Victorian Tea

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A Victorian tea will be held at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. There will be a light lunch of finger sandwiches, fruit, scones, desserts and of course, a variety of teas. Thepresenter will be the ebullient, effervescent and entertaining horticulturist, David Clark. Victorian hats are encouraged! Admission is $20 for members of the Botanical Gardens and $22 for non-members. This event will fill up fast, so don’t wait until the last minute to register. Pre-registration is required.

Saturday, Oct. 1

Fall plant sale at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A fall plant sale will be held at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. The sale includes perennials for fall and winter interest, flowering shrubs, tropical house plants and more. See a list of available plants, along with photos, at the Botanical Gardens’ website.

Saturday, Oct. 1

Basic Botany and Plant Environment class (HCP 101 )

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This is the first class in the Horticulture I Certificate Program offered by the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. These classes are for the serious gardener as well as those who just want to know more than gardening basics. To earn the certificate, you must attend all six classes. Basic Botany is a prerequisite for the other five classes which may be taken in any order. The classes will be repeated in 2012 if you need to make up a class. See the list of all the classes in the certificate program as well as information on fees. You can register online or call 827-1584.

Saturday, Oct. 1

Soil testing and Q&A with master gardeners at Lancaster Village Market

9 a.m. to noon

Master gardeners will be present at the Lancaster Village Market, Broadway and Aurora in Lancaster, for ph soil testing and for questions & answers. Bring a dry soil sample and testing will be done while you wait. Soil remediation strategies will be suggested based on the findings. The fee is $2 for one sample or $5 for three samples. For instructions on how to take a soil sample, visit the Cornell Cooperative Extension Erie County website and look for “Resources” on the right hand side.

Saturday, October 1, 8 & 22

Saturday Kids’ Art Classes (Series A)

9-10:30 a.m.

Friday, Sept. 30

Fall plant sale at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

3 to 7 p.m.

Now through Friday, Sept. 30

Sale on shrubs and trees at Lockwood’s

Get 30 percent off shrubs and trees at Lockwood‘s, 4484 Clark St., Hamburg. Sale includes hydrangeas, Japanese maples, butterfly bushes, and some really amazing shrubs for fall color (Itea, Callicarpa (Beauty berry), Fothergilla, and Viburnums.) They also have a wide selection of special small to medium-sized yard trees–Stewartia, Chionanthus (did you ever see the dark purple berries?), Seven-sons tree, and disease-resistant crapabbles. The hard-to-find native Washington Hawthorne is also available–not much to see now, but someday a gorgeous perfect oval with flame red color in autumn.

Thursday, Sept. 29

Hands-on seminar: “Dried Fall Arrangement”

6:30 p.m.

Enjoy the beauties of the upcoming season by creating a unique arrangement of dried flowers during this hands-on seminar held by the Niagara Floral Center & Greenhouse at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, 2510 Niagara Falls Blvd., Wheatfield (between Sy and Witmer Roads). Payment of $25 includes complete step-by-step instructions as well as all materials to create your own arrangement. No experience is necessary. Register by September 15. Paid reservations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. The class is limited to 40 people and a minimum of 20 people is required for the class. A special group rate for six or more attendees is available. Registration may be done with credit card, check or cash either in person at the Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse, 2510 Niagara Falls Blvd., Wheatfield, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or by calling 504-2617, ext. 244. E-mail questions to info@opportunitiesunlimited.org. Proceeds benefit the Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, which offers training and horticulture therapy to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities from across Niagara County and neighboring communities. These individuals nurture the plants and create the arrangements for sale year-round.

Wednesday, Sept. 28

Monday Morning Adult Art Classes: Fall Series 1

9:30 a.m.

The Amherst Garden Club will meet at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 6540 Main St., Williamsville. The program will be “Flower Arranging Made Simple” by Sylvia Fredricks. The horticulture presentation will be “Pruning Perennials” by Linda Zeder. Guests and newcomers welcome.

Monday, Sept. 26

8:45-10:15 a.m.

Sunday, Sept. 25

Sunday Afternoon Kids’ Activities

Saturday, Sept. 24

Gala at the Gardens: A Celebration of Herbs

7 to 10 p.m.

The flavors and essence of herbs will be celebrated throughout the evening at this gala at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Individual tickets are $100. Members of the Western New York Herb Society provided their time and expertise. Call 827-1584, ext. 203 for more information.

Now through Sept. 24

Summer Sweepstakes at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

You could win $2,500 cash or a trip to England in the Summer Sweepstakes held by the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. Raffle tickets are $50 each and only 500 will be sold. Early Bird Winners will be drawn every Friday for 10 weeks at 10 a.m. beginning July 15. Early Bird prizes are $250 cash. These winners are still eligible to win more Early Bird prizes and the Grand Prize. Every ticket has up to 11 chances to win! The Grand Prize winner will be drawn on Sept. 24 and the winner must choose one Grand Prize. You can buy tickets online.

Now through Friday, Sept. 23

You can vote online in Show Us Your Garden contest at Zehr’s

Who has the best garden? You decide in the Show Us Your Garden photo contest at Zehr’s On the Lake. Prizes are $150 gift card for first place, $100 gift card for second place and $50 gift card for third place. Voting runs from Sept. 1 to 23, and the winners will be announced on Sept. 24.

Wednesday, Sept.21

Western New York Rose Society meeting

7 p.m.

The Western New York Rose Society will meet at St. Stephen’s Church, 750 Wehrle Dr., Cheektowaga. (The meeting is downstairs.) The group meets on the third Wednesday of every month.

Tuesday, Sept. 20

African Violet & Gesneriad Society of Western New York meeting

7:30 to 9 p.m.

The African Violet & Gesneriad Society of Western New York will meet at the LVAC Building located at 40 Embry Place, Lancaster. (Embry Place runs south off Walden Avenue, one block east of Central Avenue.) Everyone is invited to bring in their plants for assessment. Demonstrations and discussions will be held on the basics of repotting, grooming, watering and fertilizing. A leaf exchange, blossom display board and 50/50 split drawing will also be available. Everyone is welcome, refreshments will be served. For further information, please call Paul Kroll at 652-8658

Tuesday, Sept. 20

Make-it, Take-it workshop for adults: Garden Stepping Stones

5:30-7 p.m.

Create two 7”x 7” stepping stones for your garden in this workshop at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Bring baubles, stones, shells or anything else you’d like to use to decorate your stones, as well as plastic to cover the floor of your trunk. The cost is $11 for members of the Botanical Gardens and $14 for non-members.

Monday, Sept. 19 through Friday, Sept. 30

Sale on shrubs and trees at Lockwood’s

Thursday, Sept. 15

Deadline to register for hands-on seminar: “Dried Fall Arrangement”

See details for event at its Sept. 29 listing.

Wednesday, Sept. 14

Youngstown Garden Club meeting

7 p.m.

Terry Yonker will speak on “Migratory Birds in Niagara” at the meeting of the Youngstown Garden Club at the First Presbyterian Church, 100 Church St., Youngstown. Potential members are invited to attend. For more information, please call Garda O’Keefe, membership chair at 745-9590 or email GardaOK@aol.com. Youngstown Garden Club is on Facebook, too.

Wednesday, Sept. 14

Federated Lancaster Garden Club meeting

7 p.m.

The Federated Lancaster Garden Club will meet at St. John’s Lutheran Hall, 55 Pleasant Avenue, Lancaster. The program, “The Women and Gardens of Forest Lawn,” will be given by Sandy Starks.

Monday, Sept. 12

Herbal wreath workshop at meeting of East Aurora Garden Club

Noon

An herbal wreath workshop will be held at the meeting of the East Aurora Garden Club at St. Mathias Episcopal Church, 374 Main St., East Aurora. Janice Frasier from the Amana Garden Club will lead the workshop. You need to bring a wreath form made of wire, grapevine or straw no larger than 8-10” in diameter. The larger the form, the more plant material you need to bring. Also bring thin spool wire, a wire cutter, clipper and fresh or dried herbs. Suggested plant material includes sweet Annie, artemisia, sage, lamb’s ear, mints, thymes, rosemary, lavender, yarrow, marjoram, oregano, southernwood and dusty miller. Don’t bring basils or parsley– they shatter when dry. Small strawflowers, baby’s breath, globe thistle, nigella and sea holly can be added for interest. For more informaion, call Chris at 655-1042.

Saturday, Sept. 10 to Sunday, Oct. 2

Succulent Show at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Many different types of cacti and succulents will be exhibited during the Succulent Show to be held at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. They include common landscape succulents used in rock gardens such as sedums and sempervivums (hens and chicks). The event will also showcase many unusual or not so common plants such as the Split-Rock plant native to Africa. There will be many different types of succulents such as echeverias, aeoniums and euphorbias. Designs will include a succulent bedroom as well as a dog house with a “green roof” and a dog made from pots to occupy it. The event is sponsored by John and Carol Kociela. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors & students, $4 for children ages 3-12, and free for members of the Botanical Gardens and children under 3.

Saturday, Sept. 10

Buffalo Audubon Society’s annual Homestead Festival

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Buffalo Audubon Society will hold its annual Homestead Festival at the Beaver Meadow Audubon Center, 1610 Welch Road, North Java. The festival focuses on pre-industrial life and will include many exhibitors demonstrating old time arts and crafts like blacksmithing, candle making, flint knapping, broom making, hearth cooking, woodcarving, and basketry. Actors will be dressed as settlers, rangers, mountain men, Charles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln. Activities for children include making corn husk dolls and other crafts. There will be homemade ice cream and other foods made the traditional way, all to the sound of live bluegrass music. The 400-acre Beaver Meadow Audubon Center is only 15 minutes south of East Aurora. Visitors can walk 8 miles of trails during the festival and experience a range of habitats and environments while reconnecting with nature. The cost is $7 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under and free for children 3 and under.

Now through Saturday, Sept. 10

Perennial sale at Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses

Buy any one perennial at the regular price and get the second perennial of equal or lesser value free at Mischler’s Florist, 118 South Forest Rd., Williamsville (between Main Street and Wehrle Drive). The sale continues while supplies last.

Saturday, Sept. 10

Fall Garden Fair at Lockwood’s Greenhouses

9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Fall Garden Fair is a day of special speakers, great food and 20 vendors featuring gardening themed items, jewelry and art at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, . Admission free; classes are $10 each. Talks feature Sally Cunningham on “Your Garden and Landscape: To Do and Not to Do in September,” Carol Ann Harlos on bulbs for spring bloom, and demos on dried and fresh flower arrangements and autumn wreaths. Pre-register after Aug. 15.

Wednesday, Sept. 7

Western New York Carnivorous Plant Club meeting

6:30 p.m.

The Western New York Carnivorous Plant Club will meet at Menne’s, 3100 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst. The main presentation will be on Venus Fly Trap care. For more information, email wnycpclub@aol.com.

Saturday, Sept. 3 to Monday, Oct. 10

Cacti and Other Treasures: Exhibit in the Arcangel Gallery

Eileen Graetz, a photographer and artist, will exhibit her work in the Arcangel Gallery at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. She discovered a passion for the southwest through her travels and finds inspiration in cacti and succulents.

Saturday, Sept. 3

Soil testing and Q&A with master gardeners at Lancaster Village Market

9 a.m. to noon

Thursday, Sept. 1 to Friday, Sept. 23

You can vote online in Show Us Your Garden contest at Zehr’s

Now through Thursday, Sept. 1

Sale on perennials at Zehr’s on the Lake

All perennials are buy one get one 50% off at Zehr’s on the Lake Farm Market and Nursery, 5353 West Lake Road (Rt. 18) in Burt. The sale excludes Bonus Bucks and cannot be used with other coupons. You can subscribe to Zehr’s e-newsletter for free by going to their website. You’ll see the “Subscribe” box in the left column.

Now through Wednesday, Aug. 31

Submit photos to Show Us Your Garden contest at Zehr’s

You can show off your garden and have the chance to win a great prize when you enter the Show Us Your Garden photo contest at Zehr’s On the Lake. Prizes are $150 gift card for first place, $100 gift card for second place and $50 gift card for third place. Everyone who enters receives a free mum. Even if you don’t enter, you can participate by voting. Voting runs from Sept. 1 to 23.

Mondays, Aug. 29 and Sept. 12, 19 & 26

Monday Morning Adult Art Classes: Fall Series 1

8:45-10:15 a.m.

Saturday, Aug. 27

Pick-up date for flower sale with mums and native plants

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Western New York Land Conservancy is holding its annual flower sale fundraiser. Order by Aug. 17 and pick up your order Aug. 27 at Orchard Glen Retirement Community. Contact the Land Conservancy for more information.

Sunday, Aug. 28

Russell’s 2nd Annual Plant Auction to benefit the American Cancer Society

Item preview begins at noon; auction starts at 1 p.m.

Plants, trees, tools, garden supplies and more will be auctioned off to benefit the American Cancer Society at Russell’s Tree and Shrub Farm, 9800 Transit Rd., East Amherst.

Sunday, Aug. 28

Kids’ activities at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

11:30 a.m.

Bring the kids ages 3-12 to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo, for fun and educational activities. Activities vary and children must be accompanied by an adult. Activities are free with admission. Ice Cream Sundaes will be for sale as well.

Now through Saturday, Aug. 26

Sale at Russell’s Tree and Shrub Farm

Free palletized stone delivery with coupon, and up to 50 percent off on maple trees. See more specials here.

Through Aug. 21

Art show: “A Walk in the Garden”

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“A Walk in the Garden,” a juried exhibit, is being held at the Kenan Center, 433 Locust St., Lockport. The show features works with garden-related themes created by 28 local artists working in photography, watercolors, ink drawings aquamedia and pastels.

Saturday, Aug. 20

Public Daylily Sale

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Buffalo Area Daylily Society will hold its annual Public Daylily Sale at the Harvey D. Morin Post, 965 Center Rd., West Seneca. Daylilies of all shapes sizes and colors will be available at reasonable prices.

Saturday, Aug. 20

Garden Party fundraising event

Noon to 3 p.m.

An informal fundraising event is being held at Sunset Bay on Lake Erie to benefit the Silver Creek Hanover Garden Club so that it can continue to bring the beauty of flowers to its area. The event includes a wine tasting with wines produced by Merritt and Willow Creek Winery, a basket auction and a silent auction. The event will take place at Cabana Sam’s, 1028 South Shore Dr., Irving. Tickets are $5 presale and $6 at the door. For more information, contact Sue Duecker at 934-7608.

Saturday, Aug. 20

Geology hike at Kenneglenn Nature Preserve

10 am to noon

This hike is sponsored by the Western New York Land Conservancy. Hikers Led by Stan Radon, this hike features views of the gorge walls and a beautiful waterfall. Please be prepared to walk in the creek with shoes that have great traction. This is a great family hike on a hot August day. Please register early as this hike fills to capacity very quickly. Hike leader Stan Radon has been a geologist with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for 20 years. He also teaches geology and environmental studies at UB, Buffalo State College and Daemen College. Reservations are required because space is limited. Please call (716) 687-1225 or email info@wnylc.org for directions and reservations. The hike is free.

Saturday, Aug. 20

For middle school students: Exploration Earth, “What’s in the Water?”

10 a.m. to noon

Exploration Earth is a new program for kids ages 10-14 at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Each session includes hands-on activities, games, lessons and explorations into our natural world while working to build a better understanding of how we can better protect our earth. “What’s in the Water?” will explain pond ecosystems and water pollution through microscopes and fun activities. Exploration Earth is taught by the Botanical Gardens Education Department. Sessions are $8 per day or $24 for all four days for Botanical Garden Member’s children or grandchildren and $10 per day or $30 for all four days for non-members. Register for Exploration Earth at the Botanical Gardens’ website or by calling (716) 827-1584, ext. 292.

Now through Friday, Aug. 18

Sale on flowering shrubs at Zehr’s on the Lake

All flowering shrubs are buy one get one 50% off at Zehr’s on the Lake Farm Market and Nursery, 5353 West Lake Road (Rt. 18) in Burt. The sale excludes Bonus Bucks and cannot be used with other coupons. You can subscribe to Zehr’s e-newsletter for free by going to their website. You’ll see the “Subscribe” box in the left column.

Wednesday, Aug. 17

Ordering deadline for flower sale with mums and native plants

The Western New York Land Conservancy’s annual flower sale fundraiser will feature plants for fall landscaping, mums in assorted colors and a variety of native plants that include Cardinal Flower, Eastern Purple-Coneflower, Gentian, Willow Blue Amsonia and Woodland Phlox. Native plants are those that evolved naturally for particular areas, and thus provide essential and beneficial habitat for butterflies, insects, hummingbirds and other small birds and animals we know and need. They are vigorous and hardy and, once established, require no irrigation or fertilization. Order by Aug. 17 and pick up your order Aug. 27 at Orchard Glen Retirement Community. Click here for a list of plants and ordering information. Contact the Land Conservancy for more information.

Thursday, August 18

Hands-on seminar: “Cactus Garden”

6:30 p.m.

Bring a southwestern flare to your home or office when you create a festive assorted cacti and succulents planter during this hands-on seminar held by the Niagara Floral Center & Greenhouse at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, 2510 Niagara Falls Blvd., Wheatfield (between Sy and Witmer Roads). Payment of $25 includes complete step-by-step instructions as well as all materials to create your own arrangement. No experience is necessary. Register by August 4. Paid reservations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. The class is limited to 40 people and a minimum of 20 people is required for the class. A special group rate for six or more attendees is available. Registration may be done with credit card, check or cash either in person at the Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse, 2510 Niagara Falls Blvd., Wheatfield, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or by calling 504-2617, ext. 244. E-mail questions to info@opportunitiesunlimited.org. Proceeds benefit the Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, which offers training and horticulture therapy to people with developmental disabilities from across Niagara County and neighboring communities. These individuals nurture the plants and create the arrangements for sale year-round.

Thursday, Aug. 11

Pittsburgh Day Trip

Visit Longwood Gardens, the Nemours Mansion and Gardens and Winterthur Museum and Country Estate in a trip sponsored by the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. Travel will be by luxury motor coach. Lunch will be atop Mt. Washington, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the City of Pittsburgh. All meals, admissions, tours, transportation, tips and taxes are included. The cost is $99 for members of the Botanical Gardens and $114 for non-members. See the Botanical Gardens site for more information.

Tuesday, Aug. 9

Protecting Our Trees From The Emerald Ash Borer

7 to 8:30 p.m

The Town of Tonawanda Commission for Conservation of the Environment continues its 2011 Town Environmental Speaker Series with “Protecting Our Trees From The Emerald Ash Borer” in the Community Room in the Philip Sheridan Building, 3200 Elmwood Ave., Tonawanda. Patrick Marren of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Jack Schifferli from the Tonawanda Town Highway Department will give an update on the emerald ash borer’s presence and current activity in Erie County as well as discuss strategies to minimize the impacts of this aggressive pest.

Monday through Friday, August 15-19 CLASS IS FULL

Summer Art Camp for Kids at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

9 a.m. to noon

Multi-medium Art is the theme for this camp at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. The instructor is Joan Saba, professional teacher and artist. The cost for Botanical Gardens members is $80 per child for the week or $17 per day. The cost for non-members is $90 per child for the week or $19 per day. To register, go to the website or call 827-1584 ext. 291.

Wednesday to Sunday, Aug. 3 to 7

Niagara County Fair

Hours are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

The Niagara County Fair is sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension Niagara County. It is held at 4487 Lake Avenue (Route 78), Lockport, NY. Admission is $2 per person.

Saturday, Aug. 6

Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness Garden at Buffalo Central Terminal

A fundraiser for the Buffalo Federation of Women’s Clubs’ Breast Cancer Awareness Garden at the Buffalo Central Terminal will be held from noon to 5 p.m. at the terminal, 495 Paderewski Dr., Buffalo.

Saturday, Aug. 6

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Western New York Iris Society annual rhizome and plant sale

The Western New York Iris Society will hold its annual rhizome and plant sale at Galley Greenhouses, 2722 Clinton Street, West Seneca. Featured will be bearded and beardless iris including some of the latest in Japanese iris, Siberian iris and species/cross iris. For more information, contact pattygardens@gmail.com.

Saturday, Aug. 6

Black Rock & Riverside Tour of Gardens; Starry Night Garden Tour

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the Starry Night Garden Tour from 8 to 10 p.m.

The seventh annual Black Rock & Riverside Tour of Gardens and the Starry Night Garden Tour are free, self-guided tours and will be held rain or shine. The event features more than 60 day gardens and 20 well-lit evening gardens. Maps, t-shirts, and information will be available at the two day headquarters: St. Mark’s Church, 311 Ontario St., and Renovation Church, 567 Hertel Ave., both in Buffalo. Maps also will be available at area businesses, or by calling Councilman Joe Golombek’s office 851-5116 in advance, or by downloading it online at the walk’s website.

Saturday, Aug. 6

Soil testing and Q&A with master gardeners at Lancaster Village Market

9 a.m. to noon

Saturday, August 6

Hunters Creek Ridge hike at Kenneglenn Nature Preserve

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This hike is sponsored by the Western New York Land Conservancy. Hikers will meet hike leader John Sly at the parking lot of Hunters Creek County Park off Centerline Road and follow the western ridge of Hunters Creek to Kenneglenn, the headquarters of the Western New York Land Conservancy. This is a special, by reservation only, guided hike with an experienced hike leader, as the trails in Kenneglenn are not yet fully developed. Hikers may be hiking in staggered small groups leaving about five minutes apart. There will be frequent stops with short talks about the areas and a lunch stop. Bring a bag lunch and water for the trail. Mr. Sly is a Land Conservancy volunteer and long-time volunteer program leader for the Buffalo Audubon Society. Reservations are required to attend because space is limited. Please call (716) 687-1225 or email info@wnylc.org for directions and reservations. The hike is free.

Saturday, Aug. 6

For middle school students: Exploration Earth, “Intense Energy”

10 a.m. to noon

Exploration Earth is a new program for kids ages 10-14 at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Each session includes hands-on activities, games, lessons and explorations into our natural world while working to build a better understanding of how we can better protect our earth. “Intense Energy” on August 6 will encourage kids to explore alternative energy sources and the benefit they have for our environment. Exploration Earth is taught by the Botanical Gardens Education Department. Sessions are $8 per day or $24 for all four days for Botanical Garden Member’s children or grandchildren and $10 per day or $30 for all four days for non-members. Register for Exploration Earth at the Botanical Gardens’ website or by calling (716) 827-1584, ext. 292.

Monday through Friday, August 1-5

Summer Art Camp for Kids at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

9 a.m. to noon

Drawing is the theme for this camp for children ages 6 to 12 at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. The Drawing Camp will teach shading, values, positive and negative space, perspective and composition. The instructor is Joan Saba, professional teacher and artist. The cost for Botanical Gardens members is $80 per child for the week or $17 per day. The cost for non-members is $90 per child for the week or $19 per day. To register, go to the website or call 827-1584 ext. 291.

Now through Friday, Aug. 5

Sale at Zehr’s on the Lake

All hibiscus and echinacea are buy one get one 50% off at Zehr’s on the Lake Farm Market and Nursery, 5353 West Lake Road (Rt. 18) in Burt. The sale excludes Bonus Bucks and cannot be used with other coupons. There are only 150 baskets left out of 2,250. All baskets $20 each until they are gone!

Thursday, Aug. 3

Deadline to register for August 18′s hands-on seminar: “Cactus Garden.” See details at August 18 listing.

Tuesday, Aug. 2

Western New York Carnivorous Plant Club meeting

6:30 p.m.

The Western New York Carnivorous Plant Club’s first meeting will be held in Picnic Shelter #5 (near the tennis courts) at Lincoln Park, 299 Decatur Rd., Tonawanda. Co-founders of the club will have live carnivorous plants on hand and basic care requirements will be covered. There will also be a discussion on club officers, future meeting sites and this year’s monthly topics and themes. Please RSVP on Facebook or e-mail the group at wnycpclub@aol.com.

Saturday & Sunday, July 30-31

Garden Walk Buffalo

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or as long as the yellow sign is out

Garden Walk Buffalo is the largest garden tour in America. It is a free, self-guided tour of more than 350 Buffalo gardens that draws between 45,000 and 50,000 visitors. Pick up maps at the Richmond Summer Senior Center, corner of Richmond and Summer, Buffalo; Buffalo Seminary, 205 Bidwell Parkway, Buffalo, and Aids Community Services, 206 S. Elmwood Ave. at corner of Chippewa, Buffalo.

Sunday, July 31

Open gardens, part of National Garden Festival in Buffalo

One of Buffalo’s first landscaped green spaces, this cemetery contains well-tended gardens and more than 200 varieties of trees, including seven Bald Cypress trees that were originally on display during the Pan-Am Expo in Buffalo in the early 1900s. Walking tours and trolley tours are available.

Friday, July 29

Private gardens are graciously made available to the public on a particular day at a particular time. Visitors are allowed to simply drop by. Open gardens are listed here by neighborhoods and by day.

Friday, July 29

Bus tour: The Darwin Martin House of Frank Lloyd Wright and Private Gardens of Historic Parkside & Amherst

The tour host will be Mary Van Vorst, Master Gardener. You’ll see the traditional plantings of the Darwin D. Martin House, which is an architectural jewel and considered by many to be the finest achievement of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. You’ll also see wonderful private gardens in Amherst and Tonawanda. Lunch will be at DiGiulio & Company. The price is $79 per person. Please register on or before July 19. (It may be possible to get a reservation after that, but if you wait until the last minute to try to reserve a seat, you may miss out. If a tour doesn’t have the required minimum number of reservations 10 days ahead of time, the tour will be cancelled.) Click here for pick-up times and other details.

Thursday, July 28

Hands-on seminar: “Sizzling Fresh Flower Arranging”

6:30 p.m.

Make a hot-colored assorted fresh flower arrangement in this hands-on seminar held by the Niagara Floral Center & Greenhouse at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, 2510 Niagara Falls Blvd., Wheatfield (between Sy and Witmer Roads). Payment of $25 includes complete step-by-step instructions as well as all materials to create your own arrangement. No experience is necessary. Register by July 14. Paid reservations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. The class is limited to 40 people and a minimum of 20 people is required for the class. A special group rate for six or more attendees is available. Registration may be done with credit card, check or cash either in person at the Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse, 2510 Niagara Falls Blvd., Wheatfield, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or by calling 504-2617, ext. 244. E-mail questions to info@opportunitiesunlimited.org. Proceeds benefit the Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, which offers training and horticulture therapy to people with developmental disabilities from across Niagara County and neighboring communities. These individuals nurture the plants and create the arrangements for sale year-round.

Thursday, July 28

Talk:“Outside the Bungalow:America’s Arts & Crafts Garden”

7:30 pm

Paul Duchscherer, author, speaker and arts & crafts expert, will speak at the Roycroft Inn, 40 South Grove St., East Aurora. Admission is $10. The restaurant will be open for dinner prior to the lecture. The event is presented by The National Garden Festival and the Roycroft Inn. For more information, call (716) 652-5552.

Thursday, July 28

Open gardens, part of National Garden Festival in Buffalo

Private gardens are graciously made available to the public on a particular day at a particular time. Visitors are allowed to simply drop by. Open gardens are listed here by neighborhoods and by day.

Wednesday, July 27

Tour of Forest Lawn organized by Amherst Garden Club

The Amherst Garden Club will take a trolley ride and tour of Forest Lawn followed by lunch at Pano’s restaurant, 1081 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo. Meet at Forest Lawn. Tour begins at 10 a.m. RSVP to Nan Rung at 639-3947 by July 6. Tour is $25 per person. Checks should be made payable to Amherst Garden Club and sent to Nan Rung.

Wednesday, July 27

Teddy Bear Picnic

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A Teddy Bear Picnic will be held at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. It is co-sponsored by the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site. Mama Earth’s Kitchen Band Show will use music and song to help spread the message of respect towards all of Earth’s creatures. Mama Earth sings about composting, gardening, hiking, bird-watching, fossil hunting, and recycling. A visit from Buffalo Clown Alley, yummy picnic food, games, stories and other good things will all be part of the fun. Don’t forget a blanket to sit on and your favorite teddy. The cost is $5 per person and includes a picnic lunch of grilled hot dog, snack & beverage. Pre-registration is required! Please call 884-0095 to register.

Sunday, July 24

Kids’ activities at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

11:30 a.m.

Sunday, July 24

For middle school students: Exploration Earth, “Re-Create”

Saturday, July 23

Amherst Garden Walk

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Amherst Garden Walk is primarily a driving route. The Town of Amherst will be divided into quadrants this year for the purposes of mapping, with north, south, east and west quadrants. Our gardeners offer a wide variety of gardens including prolific perennial presentations, country style gardens, gardens tucked into wooded paths, traditional English gardens, bountiful vegetable gardens, fragrant herb gardens and beds splashed with colorful annuals. Many features such as pergolas, waterfalls, ponds and fountains can be found among Amherst’s gardens. The walk is free, and maps can be downloaded at http://www.amherst.ny.us They can also be picked up at the information table in Island Park during Old Home Days July 12-15. For more information, e-mail gardenwalk@amherst.ny.us.

Saturday, July 23

10 a.m. to noon

Exploration Earth is a new program for kids ages 10-14 at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Each session includes hands-on activities, games, lessons and explorations into our natural world while working to build a better understanding of how we can better protect our earth. “Re-Create”will explore the path of trash and how reduce, reuse and recycle can save our earths precious resources. Exploration Earth is taught by the Botanical Gardens Education Department. Sessions are $8 per day or $24 for all four days for Botanical Garden Member’s children or grandchildren and $10 per day or $30 for all four days for non-members. Register for Exploration Earth at the Botanical Gardens’ website or by calling (716) 827-1584, ext. 292.

Saturday, July 23

Soil testing at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Master gardeners from Cornell Cooperative Extension, Erie County will test soil samples at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Bring a dry soil sample and testing will be done while you wait. Soil remediation strategies will be suggested based on the findings. The fee is $2 for one sample or $5 for three samples. For instructions on how to take a soil sample, visit the Cornell Cooperative Extension Erie County website and look for “Resources” on the right hand side.

Saturday and Sunday, July 23 and 24

Ken-Ton Garden Tour

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a night tour on Saturday

This self-guided tour will take place in the Village of Kenmore and the Town of Tonawanda. The event’s very first night tour, titled “Saturday Night Lights,” will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday. A map and garden descriptions will be available online at www.tonawanda.ny.us toward the end of June.

Friday, July 22

Open gardens, part of National Garden Festival in Buffalo

Private gardens are graciously made available to the public on a particular day at a particular time. Visitors are allowed to simply drop by. Open gardens are listed here by neighborhoods and by day.

Thursday, July 21

Open gardens, part of National Garden Festival in Buffalo

Private gardens are graciously made available to the public on a particular day at a particular time. Visitors are allowed to simply drop by. Open gardens are listed here by neighborhoods and by day.

Now through Thursday, July 21

Sale at Zehr’s on the Lake

All butterfly bushes, upright phlox and baskets are buy one get one 50% off at Zehr’s on the Lake Farm Market and Nursery, 5353 West Lake Road (Rt. 18) in Burt. The sale excludes Bonus Bucks and cannot be used with other coupons.

Monday through Friday, July 18 to 22

Summer Art Camp for Kids at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

9 a.m. to noon

“Strictly Water Color” is the theme for this camp for children ages 6 to 12 at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. The instructor is Joan Saba, professional teacher and artist. The cost for Botanical Gardens members is $80 per child for the week or $17 per day. The cost for non-members is $90 per child for the week or $19 per day. To register, go to the website or call 827-1584 ext. 291.

Sunday, July 17, through Friday, July 22

Front Yard Contest: Voting week

Members of the Western New York Nursery & Landscape Association will compete in a front yard makeover competition, part of the National Garden Festival in Buffalo. The contest will take place on Newman Place in South Buffalo and will include 15 front yards facing the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Cazenovia Park . Voting takes place this week.

Now through Thursday, July 21

Sale at Zehr’s on the Lake

Tuesday, July 19

Early registration date for July 29 bus tour of t he Darwin Martin House of Frank Lloyd Wright and Private Gardens of Historic Parkside & Amherst

It may be possible to get a reservation after that, but if you wait until the last minute to try to reserve a seat, you may miss out. If a tour doesn’t have the required minimum number of reservations 10 days ahead of time, the tour will be cancelled. Click here for pick-up times and other details.

Sunday, July 17

South Buffalo Alive Garden Tour

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The South Buffalo Alive Garden Tour features a variety of about 60 gardens featuring koi ponds, master gardeners’ displays of talent and many amateurs’ creations of rock, perennial and annual gardens, plus several South Buffalo public gardens cared for by volunteers. Maps will be available July 14-16 at Caz Café Coffee Shop, 688 Abbott Rd., Buffalo, 825-7806. Maps will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the day of the walk at the Tim Russert Children’s Garden, 2002 S. Park Ave (between Choate & Whitfield), Buffalo. The fee is $2.

Sunday, July 17

Lancaster Garden Walk

Saturday and Sunday, July 16 and 17

10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The eighth annual Lancaster Garden Walk is a free self-guided walking tour of gardens at homes throughout the Village of Lancaster and the Town of Lancaster. Programs will be available in the Lancaster Bee on Thursday, July 14, or you can pick them up on Friday, July 15 at Two Chicks and a Rooster, 732 Aurora Street, Lancaster, and at Petals to Please, 63 Central Ave., Lancaster, or you can print maps from the website. The event is free.

Saturday, July 16

Samuel P. Capen Garden Walk

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2011 marks the 10th year of the Samuel P. Capen Garden Walk. It is a free self-guided tour of more than 60 private gardens and carefully nurtured public spaces surrounding the University at Buffalo South Campus, including University Heights, Buffalo, Eggertsville and Amherst. The Minnesota Avenue Block Club will again present its “Gardens on the Median” showcasing four blocks of city landscape representing the community garden project of the Minnesota Avenue Block club members. You can pick up maps at the University Community Farmers Market (Main St. at Kenmore Ave., Buffalo); 38 Brinton St., Buffalo; 135 Capen Blvd., Amherst; 178 & 201 Minnesota Ave., Buffalo, and theTool Lending Library, 3083 Main St., Buffalo. For more information, contact Anne Tarantino at CapenGardenWalk@ourheights.org.

Saturday , July 16

Herb symposium at Lockwood’s Greenhouses

Details to come

Culinary, cosmetic and medicinal uses of herbs will be discussed at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark St., Hamburg.

Saturday , July 16

Historic Niagara Falls Garden Walk

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Historic Niagara Falls Garden Walk is presented by the Main Street Business and Professionals Association, Niagara Falls, NY. It will showcase gardens in the city’s Historic Main Street core neighborhoods, as well as the urban gardens of the businesses that line the friendly and walkable tour. Spend your morning exploring gardens from formal to cottage, native to allergy free, gathering scads of ideas and information. Then stop into one of our many downtown restaurants for a delicious lunch, before exploring the many wonders of the Niagara Falls State Park. The city’s first garden festival, to be held the same day, will feature local nurseries, artists and garden-centered vendors. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer any of your plant questions or to help with your garden woes, and a staff of volunteers will be scattered amongst the neighborhoods to help guide you. Start your self-guided tour at Niagara Fall’s Historic City Hall building, located at 745 Main St., a central spot to the mile long tour, where you’ll find your map, vendors, information and parking. For more information, e-mail historicniagarafallsgardenwalk@gmail.com.

Saturday, July 16

Arts in the Park

Noon to 5 p.m.

Gardening-related activities are part of the multi-art celebration to be held in Schoellkopf Park, Portage Road and Pine Street, Niagara Falls, NY. It’s just down the street from the Historic Niagara Falls Garden Walk, which takes place the same day. (See information above.) The stage schedule is: 1 p.m. Joy Kuebler, nationally acclaimed landscape architect, will speak on the redesign of Schoellkopf Park; at 2 p.m. Dave Bauer will speak on sustainable earth solutions; at 3 p.m. will be Carol Ann Harlos from Herb Gardeners of the Niagara Frontier; at 3:30 p.m. will be Lorna MacDonald Czarnota, storyteller and musician, and at 4 p.m. will be Jill Clause and Manny Yellow on Native American Culture. Around the park will be garden experts, free pony rides and many other vendors and demonstrations.

Saturday, July 16

Master Gardeners of Erie County at the University Community Farm Market

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Master gardeners will be present at the University Community Farm Market, UB South Campus, for pH soil testing and for and questions & answers. Bring a dry soil sample and testing will be done while you wait. Soil remediation strategies will be suggested based on the findings. A small fee will be charged for pH soil testing: $2 for one sample or $5 for three samples. For instructions on how to take a soil sample, visit www.cce.cornell.edu/erie , click on the link for Master Gardeners and look for Resources.

Friday, July 15

Open gardens, part of National Garden Festival in Buffalo

Private gardens are graciously made available to the public on a particular day at a particular time. Visitors are allowed to simply drop by. Open gardens are listed here by neighborhoods and by day.

Friday, July 15

Bus tour: Buffalo’s Famous Private Gardens

The tour hosts will be Jim Charlier, president of Garden Walk Buffalo, and Sally Cunningham, director of the National Garden Festival. You’ll see selected gardens of the famous Garden Walk Buffalo in the Cottage and Elmwood Village districts. You’ll miss the crowds of the garden walk while seeing some of the most interesting gardens Buffalo has to offer. Lunch will be at Cabaret. The price is $75 per person. Please register on or before July 5. (It may be possible to get a reservation after that, but if you wait until the last minute to try to reserve a seat, you may miss out. If a tour doesn’t have the required minimum number of reservations 10 days ahead of time, the tour will be cancelled.) Click here for pick-up times and other details.

Thursday, July 14

Deadline to register for July 28′s hands-on seminar: “Sizzling Fresh Flower Arranging.” See details at July 28 listing.

Monday, July 11, through Saturday, July 16

Front Yard Contest

Now through Thursday, July 14

Sale at Zehr’s on the Lake

Baskets, astilbes and hydrangeas are buy one get one 50% off at Zehr’s on the Lake Farm Market and Nursery, 5353 West Lake Road (Rt. 18) in Burt. The sale excludes Bonus Bucks and cannot be used with other coupons.

Thursday, July 14

Open gardens, part of National Garden Festival in Buffalo

Private gardens are graciously made available to the public on a particular day at a particular time. Visitors are allowed to simply drop by. Open gardens are listed here by neighborhoods and by day.

July 8 through Friday, Aug. 21

Art show: “A Walk in the Garden”

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, July 11, through Saturday, July 16

Front Yard Contest

Monday, July 11

East Aurora Garden Club meeting

Noon

The East Aurora Garden Club will meet in St. Mathias Church, 374 Main St., East Aurora. Thomas Roach, president of the Western New York Honey Producers Association, will give a presentation on “The Buzz About Bees.” The club’s September meeting will be a workshop on making wreaths with dried or fresh herbs. You can begin drying herbs now. Some that dry well include oregano, sweet marjoram, thyme, mint, sweet Annie, rosemary, sage and lavender. You might also dry yarrow, artemesia, gomphrena, sea holly and nigella. The easiest way to dry herbs is to tie a small bundle together with a rubber band (which will contract as the stems dry). Hang the bundle upside down in a dark dry place like an attic or closet for a few weeks.

Sunday, July 10

Snyder-CleveHill Garden View

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The 9th annual Snyder-CleveHill Garden View includes approximately 30gardens in the the Snyder and Cleveland Hill neighborhoods. Included on the tour will be gardens in the 1920′s “Audubon Terrace” neighborhood, the entrance to which is distinguished by stone arches and wrought iron street markers having historic landmark status. Maps will be available at the Trillium’s Courtyard Florist (corner of Darwin Dr. and Kensington Ave., Amherst) on the day of the event. $3 donation appreciated. Car or bike recommended. The tour is sponsored by Univera Healthcare and the HKC Community Association. For further details, visit the association’s website.

Sunday, July 10

House and Garden Tour presented by Landmark Society of Genesee County

1 to 5 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for Landmark Society members and $20 for non-members and are available at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia, (585) 343-6802; Harrington’s Greenhouse in Elba (585) 757-2450, or Harrington’s Greenhouse in Batavia (585) 343-0805. The event includes a dessert reception, a presentation by Master Gardeners and door prizes. Proceeds will benefit the St. James Episcopal Church Restoration Fund.

Sunday, July 10

Garden Path Tour 2011 of Orleans County

Saturday and Sunday, July 9 and 10

Buzz Around Hamburg Garden Walk

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pick up your map and guide at the Memorial Park Band Stand located on the corner of Lake and Union Streets in the Village of Hamburg. There will again be a Garden Fair, where visitors can purchase garden-related items and talk to gardening professionals. The Hamburg Festival of the Arts will also be in the park both days.

Saturday and Sunday, July 9 and 10

Lockport in Bloom

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The seventh annual city-wide garden tour features more than 45 historic homes and gardens throughout the City of Lockport. Also included in this tour are city parks containing well maintained flowerbeds and trees. The tour runs rain or shine. Starting in mid-June, map/brochures will be available at Niagara County Federal Credit Union, Kenan Center, Faery’s Nursery (Ransomville), Badding Brother’s Nursery, Zehr’s Nursery on the Lake, Larose’s Nursery, Boka Farms, Stedman Nursery, Lockport City Hall, Tom’s Diner, Art and Soul, Hahn’s Sales and Service (Ponds), and Heimiller Greenhouses. The day of the tour, you can pick up maps at the Kenan Center, 433 Locust St. or at City Hall, 1 Locks Plaza. For more information, e-mail blumgarden@roadrunner.com. The tour is free.

Saturday, July 9

Soil testing and Q&A with master gardeners at Lancaster Village Market

9 a.m. to noon

Saturday, July 9

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This is the Master Gardener Garden Tour Fundraiser, brought to you by Master Gardeners/Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County. Call (585) 798-4265 for tickets.

Saturday, July 9

Splash hike hosted by the Western New York Land Conservancy

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Western New York Land Conservancy is hosting a Hunters Creek Splash Hike at the Kenneglenn Nature Preserve in the Town of Wales. Hikers will meet hike leader John Sly at the parking lot of Hunters Creek Park off of Centerline Road. Hikers will slosh hike to the creek bed from the Centerline Bridge to the office of the Land Conservancy at Kenneglenn Nature Preserve. This is a special, by reservation only, event. There will be frequent stops with short talks about the creek and a lunch stop at the base of Mossy Point. Bring a bag lunch and water. The creek bed may be slippery with sharp shale. Wear sturdy footwear. Sly is a Land Conservancy volunteer and long-time volunteer program leader for the Buffalo Audubon Society. Reservations are required to attend as space is limited. Please call (716) 687-1225 or email info@wnylc.org for directions and reservations. The hike is a public event and is free of charge.

Saturday, July 9

For middle school students: Exploration Earth, “Rainforest Riches”

10 a.m. to noon

Exploration Earth is a new program for kids ages 10-14 at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Each session includes hands-on activities, games, lessons and explorations into our natural world while working to build a better understanding of how we can better protect our earth. “Rainforest Riches” explores what we use everyday from the rainforest and how we can protect it. Exploration Earth is taught by the Botanical Gardens Education Department. Sessions are $8 per day or $24 for all four days for Botanical Garden Member’s children or grandchildren and $10 per day or $30 for all four days for non-members. Register for Exploration Earth at the Botanical Gardens’ website or by calling (716) 827-1584, ext. 292.

Saturday, July 9

Soil testing at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friday, July 8

Open gardens, part of National Garden Festival in Buffalo

Private gardens are graciously made available to the public on a particular day at a particular time. Visitors are allowed to simply drop by. Open gardens are listed here by neighborhoods and by day.

Friday, July 8

Bus tour: Southtowns Bouquet

Mike Shadrack, international hosta expert and author, will be the tour host. You’ll see the Boston hosta and shade garden of Mike and Kathy Shadrack, who wrote The Book of Little Hostas: 200 Small, Very Small, and Mini Varieties. You’ll also see outstanding private gardens in Hamburg and Eden. Lunch will be at Lockwood’s Greenhouses. The price is $75 per person. Please register on or before June 28. (It may be possible to get a reservation after that, but if you wait until the last minute to try to reserve a seat, you may miss out. If a tour doesn’t have the required minimum number of reservations 10 days ahead of time, the tour will be cancelled.) Click here for pick-up times and other details.

Thursday, July 7

Open gardens, part of National Garden Festival in Buffalo

Private gardens are graciously made available to the public on a particular day at a particular time. Visitors are allowed to simply drop by. Open gardens are listed here by neighborhoods and by day.

Wednesday, July 6

Reservation deadline for tour of Forest Lawn organized by Amherst Garden Club

On Wednesday, July 27, the Amherst Garden Club will take a trolley ride and tour of Forest Lawn followed by lunch at Pano’s restaurant, 1081 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo. Meet at Forest Lawn. Tour begins at 10 a.m. RSVP to Nan Rung at 639-3947 by July 6. Tour is $25 per person. Checks should be made payable to Amherst Garden Club and sent to Nan Rung.

Tuesday, July 5

Early registration date for July 15 bus tour of Buffalo’s famous gardens

Sunday, July 3

Western New York Iris Society annual Japanese Iris Show “Spectacular Elegance”

Noon to 4 p.m.

The Western New York Iris Society will hold its annual Japanese Iris Show called “Spectacular Elegance” at Rudolph Galley and Son Greenhouses, 2722 Clinton Street, West Seneca. Society members will exhibit beautiful Japanese iris show-quality specimens and floral designs. Ikebana International Buffalo Chapter 50 members will also present floral exhibits using the Japanese iris. For more information, contact irisjudy@aol.com.

Sunday, July 3

Open gardens, part of National Garden Festival in Buffalo

Friday, July 1

Private gardens are graciously made available to the public on a particular day at a particular time. Visitors are allowed to simply drop by. Open gardens are listed here by neighborhoods and by day.

Friday, July 1

Bus tour: Buffalo’s Celebrated Olmsted Parks

Brian Dold of Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy will be the tour host. You’ll see all six of the Olmsted Parks (Cazenovia, Delaware, Front, Martin Luther King Jr., Riverside and South) and the parkways connecting them. Learn more about America’s oldest coordinated system of public parks and parkways. Lunch will be at the Lunch Box at Parkside Lodge, Delaware Park. The price is $65 per person. Please register on or before June 21. (It may be possible to get a reservation after that, but if you wait until the last minute to try to reserve a seat, you may miss out. If a tour doesn’t have the required minimum number of reservations 10 days ahead of time, the tour will be cancelled.) Click here for pick-up times and other details.

Thursday, June 30

Open gardens, part of National Garden Festival in Buffalo

Private gardens are graciously made available to the public on a particular day at a particular time. Visitors are allowed to simply drop by. Open gardens are listed here by neighborhoods and by day.

Now through June 29

Garden Railway Exhibit

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

The exhibit is held at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. It is brought to you by the Botanical Gardens and the Western New York Garden Railway Society. The price is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (55+) & students (13+ with ID), $4 for children ages 3-12 and free for Botanical Gardens members and children under 3.

Wednesday, June 29

Starry Night in the Garden, fundraiser for Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens

The event features live music, food from many of Buffalo’s best restaurants, wine tasting, and of course, the beautiful gardens. For more information or to make reservations, call (716) 827-1584 or go to the Botanical Gardens’ website.

Wednesday, June 29

Documentary film The Garden and panel discussion

7 p.m.

As part of Building A Movement: A Nickel City Film Series, Heart of the City Neighborhoods, Inc. will show The Garden. The documentary that looks at a neighborhood’s struggle to keep the land that is home to a 14-acre community garden in South Central Los Angeles. The screening will take place in the Theatre of Youth/ Allendale Theatre, 203 Allen St., Buffalo. Admission is free. Following the screening, a panel discussion will take place to explore how land-use policies and community gardens affect the City of Buffalo. The panel will be moderated by the Buffalo News’ Maki Becker, with panelists including Susannah Barton of Grassroots Gardens, Erin Sharkey of the Massachusetts Avenue Project and Mark Stevens of Wilson Street Urban Farm.

Tuesday, June 28

Early registration date for July 8 bus tour called Southtowns Bouquet

Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26

Lewiston GardenFest

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tour beautiful gardens in historic Lewiston during the Lewiston GardenFest. Sponsored by the Lewiston Garden Club, the event is located on Center Street, Lewiston. The event includes speakers, vendors, master gardeners from Cornell Cooperative Extension to test soil samples, and floral societies to answer questions. You can also vote in a container garden contest. The tour is free.

Sunday, June 26

14th Annual Parkside Garden Tour

10am-4pm

The Parkside garden tour is a major fund-raising effort to support the numerous educational and arts activities of the Parkside Community Association. A $5 donation to Parkside Community Association is encouraged. Pick up maps for the walk at Church of Good Shepherd, Jewett Parkway & Summit Avenue, the day of the event. New this year is a free visual presentation of the history of Parkside, in addition to an optional walking architectural tour ($7 fee) of the neighborhood. The historic street layout is the design of Frederick Law Olmsted, and is an integral part of his “landscape architecture” vision for Buffalo, Delaware Park. For more information, go to the Parkside Garden Tour’s website. The Parkside Garden Tour is also part of Buffalo Citybration, a celebration of our city, from June 23 to 26. Check out all the Buffalo Citybration events at its website.

Sunday, June 26

Perennial Day at Lockwood’s Greenhouses

Saturday , June 25

Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark St., Hamburg, is kicking off the National Garden Festival with a day of great speakers. The day includes a delightful

catered luncheon under the tent.

Topics:

• 9:30 Sally Cunningham, Western New York garden expert, author and columnist will present “Designing with Flowers for Front Yard Curb Appeal.”

• 10:45 Kerry Ann Mendez, author of The Perennial Gardenerʼs Top Ten Lists, will speak on “Blue Ribbon Perennials for your Winning Garden.”

• 1:00 Tony Post pf Valleybrook Greenhouses will speak on “Rock Stars for Alpine or Miniature Gardens.”

• 2:00 Ken Parker, founder of Sweet Grass Gardens (North Americaʼs first native plant nursery), will speak on “Native Perennials, Grasses, and Wildflowers for Western New York Gardens.”

Fees:

Four talks with luncheon: $50

Morning or afternoon only without luncheon: $25

Saturday, June 25

8th Annual Village of Williamsville Garden Walk

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The 8th Annual Village of Williamsville Garden Walk is free. A donation gets a ticket on a basket of gifts and gift certificates usually valued at over $600. Maps for the walk can be picked up the day of the event at Village Hall, 5565 Main St., Williamsville. There are usually about 30 gardens participating in the one-square-mile event. For more information, send an e-mail to gardenwalkvow@aol.com.

Saturday, June 25

Soil testing at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Master gardeners from Cornell Cooperative Extension, Erie County will test soil at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Bring a dry soil sample and testing will be done while you wait. Soil remediation strategies will be suggested based on the findings. The fee is $2 for one sample or $5 for three samples. For instructions on how to take a soil sample, visit the Cornell Cooperative Extension Erie County website and look for “Resources” on the right hand side.

Friday, June 24

Opening events for National Garden Festival in Buffalo

3 p.m. A Walk in the Garden with Kerry Mendez and Sally Cunningham: Join garden experts Kerry Mendez and Sally Cunningham for an informative tour of the perennials and shrubs of the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. They will walk and talk with you, show you the garden’s selection of superior cultivars of great plants for Western New York, and answer your questions.
4 p.m. Book sale/signing opportunity
4:30 p.m. in the Botanical Garden meeting room: Tips for Low-Maintenance, High Impact Perennial Gardens from Kerry Mendez:Learn to create and care for great looking, ever-blooming gardens using organic practices. Recommendations include plant selection, design tips, mulch, fertilizer, maintenance shortcuts and more. (An opportunity for book signing and sales follows the talk.) For registration information and fees, see below.
5:30 p.m. press conference/tour inside the Botanical Gardens
6 to 8:30 p.m. Welcoming Reception at Botanical Gardens: You’ll have the opportunity to register early (with price breaks) for limited-seating bus tours, seminars, and pick up a schedule for all the other festival activities. You’ll also be able to purchase our signature “Great Green Umbrella,” a tee shirt or terra cotta plant pot coffee mug. Door prizes throughout the evening!

Registration and Fees: Pre-registration is required for this event, in order to calculate our seating arrangements and food. You can register at BuffaloGardens.com .

Before June 10: Entire program including Walk & Talk,keynote presentation, and party: $24. (Party only: $6)
After June 10: Entire program: $28. Party only: $10.

Friday, June 24

Bus tour: Forest Lawn Cemetery and the Botanical Gardens

Sandy Starks, Interpretive Program Director at Forest Lawn Cemetery, will be the tour host. You’ll see the gardens and ancient trees of Forest Lawn Cemetery, tour the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens and enjoy a“Walk & Talk in the Perennials Garden” with Kerry Ann Mendez, where you’ll be able to chat with her and ask her questions. Mendez, a frequent contributor to HGTV and many national magazines including Fine Gardening, is the author of The Ultimate Flower Gardener’s Top Ten Lists (2010), and has a really new book—just released this month—on shade gardening. Lunch will be at Curly’s Grill. The price is $79 per person. Please register on or before June 14. (It may be possible to get a reservation after that, but if you wait until the last minute to try to reserve a seat, you may miss out. If a tour doesn’t have the required minimum number of reservations 10 days ahead of time, the tour will be cancelled.) Click here for pick-up times and other details.

Tuesday, June 21

Early registration date for July 1 bus tour of Buffalo’s Celebrated Olmsted Parks

Wednesday, June 22

Annual June Rose Show by Western New York Rose Society

9:30 a.m.

The Amherst Garden Club will meet at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 6540 Main Street, Williamsville. Program: The basics of planning and participating in a flower show by Joan Peard, National Garden Club Master Flower Show Judge, and Mary Ann Mache, Amherst Garden Club Member. Horticulture presentation: Perennials easily grown from seeds by Linda Zeder. Guests and newcomers welcome.

Saturday , June 18

Standard Flower Show held by Town and Country Garden Club

Noon to 5 p.m.

Town and Country Garden Club will hold a Standard Flower Show at the Amberleigh Retirement Community, 2330 Maple Road, Williamsville. For further information contact irisjudy@aol.com.

Saturday, June 18

1 to 5 p.m.

The Western New York Rose Society will hold its Annual June Rose Show at the Galleria Mall, One Walden Galleria, Cheektowaga. Information on roses will also be available.

Saturday , June 18

Hosta talk at Lockwood’s Greenhouses

10 a.m.

Mike and Kathy Shadrack, authors of The Book of Little Hostas: 200 Small, Very Small and Mini Varieties, will speak at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark St., Hamburg.

Saturday , June 18

Kids’ workshop: Garden toad abode

10 to 11 a.m.

Delight Dad on his day by making a hand-painted house from a clay pot at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. When placed on its side and partially buried in a moist and shady spot, the pot will welcome insect-eating amphibious creatures to your yard. The cost is $7 for Botanical Gardens members and $8 for non-members. To register, go the Botanical Gardens website or call 827-1584 ext. 291.

Wednesday, June 15

Meeting of the Western New York Rose Society

7 p.m.

The Western New York Rose Society will meet at St. Stephens-Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 750 Wehrle Dr. (near Union Road), Williamsville. Presentations will be “How to Show Roses” by Steve Styn and “How to Create Arrangements” by Camille DiGregorio. Meet on the lower church level.

Tuesday, June 14

Early registration date for June 24 bus tour of Forest Lawn Cemetery and the Botanical Gardens

Saturday, June 11

Plant sale by Wheatfield Garden Club

9 a.m. to noon

Wheatfield Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale at the Wheatfiled Town Hall and Community Center, 2800 Church Road, Wheatfield. Perennials and garden items will be available.

Saturday, June 11

Summer tree identification hike at Beaver Meadow Audubon Center

10 a.m. to noon

The Western New York Land Conservancy is co-hosting a summer tree identification hike with Beaver Meadow Audubon Center at 1610 Welch Rd., North Java. John Sly will lead hikers from the Audubon Center to the Arboretum, sharing information on how to identify trees in the summer. Sly is a Land Conservancy volunteer and long-time volunteer program leader for the Buffalo Audubon Society. Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear for protection from thorns and poison ivy. The hike is a public event and is free of charge, but space is limited and reservations are required. Please call (716) 687-1225 or email info@wnylc.org for directions and reservations.

Saturday, June 11

Soil testing at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesday, June 8

Live auction sponsored by Alden Garden Club

6 p.m.

The Alden Garden Club will hold a live auction of plants and garden accessories at the Alden Community Center, 13116 Main St., Alden to benefit its scholarship fund for two local students. A large variety of items will be available, including beautiful plants from local nurseries, perennials grown by club members, fun garden accessories, and homemade window boxes and deck planters decorated by club members. Refreshments will be served. Admission is a donation for the Alden Food Pantry.

Wednesday, June 8

Lancaster Garden Club Meeting

7 p.m.

The Federated Lancaster Garden Club will meet at St. John’s Lutheran Hall, 55 Pleasant Avenue, Lancaster. The program, “At Risk Medicinal Botannicals,” will be given by Marion Prezyna. It will describe growing plants for medicinal purposes.

Mondays, June 6, 13, 20 & 27

Monday morning watercolor classes at Botanical Gardens

8:45-10:15 a.m.

Taught by Joan Saba, professional artist, these classes are styled to meet the needs of novices and the experienced painter. They are held at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $54 for the series or $15 per class for Botanical Gardens members and $60 for the series or $16 per class for nonmembers. For those new on the scene, a suggested list of supplies may be obtained upon registration. To register, go the Botanical Gardens website or call 827-1584 ext. 291.

Saturday and Sunday, June 4 and 5

Tree Peony Festival at Linwood Gardens

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The tree peonies are expected to be in bloom for the last weekend of the Tree Peony Festival at Linwood Gardens, 1912 York Rd., Pavilion (about an hour from Buffalo). The suggested donation is $8, which will be used for garden preservation. Guided tours cost $10. For more information, go to the Linwood Gardens site.

Saturday, June 4

Plant a summer container or windowbox at Lockwood’s

In this workshop, you will choose among the newest and longest-flowering annuals and plant a container full of blooms at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark St., Hamburg. Gardening expert Mary Gurtler will offer tips about the plants and their care. The cost is $35.

Saturday, June 4

Carnivorous plant class at Lockwood’s

1 p.m.

David Clark will lead a class on “Insect-Eating Plants: Carnivores of the Plant World” at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark St., Hamburg. Learn how to keep your Venus flytrap snappy, your pitcher plants filled, and Sundews sticky. Fabulous specimens will be for sale after class, with plant discounts for youth. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for youth ages 7 to 12.

Saturday, June 4

Western New York Iris Society annual show and exhibition

1 to 5 p.m.

The Western New York Iris Society will hold its annual show and exhibition called “Kaleidoscope of Iris” next to the Food Court at the Eastern Hills Mall, 4545 Transit Rd., Clarence. An exhibition of Ikebana floral arrangements using iris will be an added feature of this show. For more information, contact irisjudy@aol.com

Saturday, June 4

Youngstown Garden Club annual plant sale

9 a.m. until all plants are gone

The sale will take place at the gazebo at 311 Main St., Youngstown. Items for sale include perennials from members gardens, flowers, tubers, bulbs, houseplants & herbs, garden decor and seeds.

Saturday, June 4

Soil testing and Q&A with master gardeners at Lancaster Village Market

9 a.m. to noon

Saturday, June 4, 18 & 25

Kids’ Watercolor Classes at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

9-10:30 a.m.

Kids’ artistic abilities will blossom under the tutelage of Joan Saba, teacher and artist, at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. The cost is $30 for Botanical Gardens members and non-members, or $11 per class. To register, go the Botanical Gardens website or call 827-1584 ext. 291.

Thursday, June 2

Orchard Park Garden Club meeting

Noon

The Orchard Park Garden club will meet at the Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, 4360 S. Buffalo St., Orchard Park. Following a business meeting, Matthew Gura, 2010 Scholarship winner, will speak. Also, members will exchange perennial plants.

Wednesday, June 1

Registration deadline for Victorian Tea and Fashion Show

Eighth District Garden Clubs will hold a Victorian Tea and Fashion Show from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, June 23 in the elegant splendor of a garden setting at Banchetti by Rizzo’s Pavilion, 550 North French Rd, Amherst. The menu includes scones with cream, tea sandwiches and an incredible assortment of desserts. During tea you can enjoy a lovely informal fashion show featuring Dr. Ellen De Wind’s Angel Restorations Vintage Clothing. A “People’s Choice Awards” will be held for a Victorian-themed table design contest; winners will be chosen by the attendees who vote for their favorites. Garden clubs wishing to enter a design may do so but are limited to one entry per club. Entries must be in place by 11 a.m. The cost for the event is $22 per person. Please RSVP by June 1 to Rosemary at gardenrow@hotmail.com.

Saturday, May 28

Perennial Sale by East Aurora Garden Club

9 a.m. to noon

The East Aurora Garden Club will hold its perennial sale in front of the former Ames Store in the Village Shopping Center, 123 Grey St., East Aurora.

Saturday, May 28

Plant sale by Forest Stream Garden Club and Town and Country Garden Club

8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Forest Stream Garden Club and Town and Country Garden Club will hold a Plant Sale in the Evanstown Plaza on Sheridan Dr. and Hopkins Rd. in Amherst. Annuals, perennials, hanging plants and more will be available and members will be on hand for information and gardening questions. For more information, contact irisjudy@aol.com.

Saturday, May 28

Spring wildflower hike sponsored by the Western New York Land Conservancy

10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The hike, led by Mary Alice Tock, will be held at Franklin Gulf Park in Eden. Careful searching will reveal a surprising variety of wildflowers and shrubs. Along the way hikers might discover a salamander, migrating warblers or other wildlife. Tock has led walks in a variety of settings from the Adirondack Mountains to the streets of downtown Buffalo. She is a past president of the Niagara Frontier Botanical Society. The hike is free, but space is limited and reservations are required. Please call (716) 687.1225 or email info@wnylc.org for directions and reservations.

Saturday, May 28

Soil testing at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Master gardeners from Cornell Cooperative Extension, Erie County will test soil samples for a nominal fee. You can drop your samples off at the time above at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. You will receive your results later. To find out the proper way to take a soil sample, contact Lynn Wieser, director of education at the Botanical Gardens, at lwieser@buffalogardens.com or 827-1584, ext. 291.

Friday and Saturday, May 27 and 28

Perennial and annual plant sale by Master Gardeners of Erie County

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Master Gardeners of Erie County will hold a perennial and annual plant sale at 1071 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY. Highlights include plants from the master gardeners’ private gardens.

Wednesday, May 25

Author Amy Stewart to speak on Wicked Bugs at Clearfield Library

6:30 p.m.

Amy Stewart’s latest of five New York Times bestsellers is Wicked Bugs: The Louse that Conquered Napoleon’s Army and other Diabolical Insects, a comical look at the sinister side of our relationship with the natural world. She will give a lecture and have a book signing at Clearfield Branch Library, 770 Hopkins Rd., Amherst. Talking Leaves Books will have copies of her book available for purchase.
The event is free, but registration is required. Call (716) 688-4955 to register. Stewart has tracked down more than 100 of our worst entomological foes-creatures that infest, infect, and generally wreak havoc on human affairs. From the world’s most painful hornet, to the flies that transmit deadly diseases, to millipedes that stop traffic, to the “bookworms” that devour libraries, to the Japanese beetles munching on your roses, Wicked Bugs delves into the extraordinary powers of six and eight-legged creatures. Amy Stewart spoke at the downtown Central Library in Buffalo last year as part of the National Garden Walk Festival. She is the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship, the American Horticulture Society’s Book Award, and a California Horticultural Society Writer’s Award.

Wednesday, May 25

Amherst Garden Club meeting and performance

9:30 a.m.

The Amherst Garden Club will meet at St. John Lutheran Church, 6540 Main St., Williamsville. The program will be “Women in History.” There will be a presentation by Denice Reichard, performance artist, who will give a performance based on one of our First Ladies. There will also be a “bring one, take one” plant exchange. The horticulture program of the day will be “Bird watching garden & suggestions” by Linda Zeder. Guests and newcomers are welcome.

Monday, May 23

Monday morning watercolor classes at Botanical Gardens

8:45-10:15 a.m.

Taught by Joan Saba, professional artist, these classes are styled to meet the needs of novices and the experienced painter. They are held at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $15 per class for Botanical Gardens members and $16 per class for nonmembers. For those new on the scene, a suggested list of supplies may be obtained upon registration. To register, go the Botanical Gardens website or call 827-1584 ext. 291.

Tuesday, May 24

“Imagining Buffalo in the 21^st Century” lunchtime series

12:10-1 p.m.

Jim Charlier of Garden of Walk Buffalo will speak as part of this series in the Ring of Knowledge, First Floor of the downtown Central Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo. The event is free.

Saturday, May 21

Organic Gardening Day at Lockwood’s Greenhouses

9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Learn how and why to grow and eat organic foods in this event at at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark St., Hamburg. Featured guest speakers will be Anita da Fonte from Coast of Maine Organics and Elizabeth Henderson, a pioneer organic farmer who was instrumental in establishing organic standards and popularizing CSAs and the locavore movement. Other speakers will include Sally Cunningham and David Clark. The event includes an organic foods luncheon. The cost is $50 to attend all day, $35 for the morning only and $15 for the afternoon only. See the website for detailed program. For reservations, call 649-4684 after March 19, or visit the shop.

Saturday, May 21

Orchard Park Garden Club Annual Spring Plant Sale

8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Orchard Park Garden Club will hold its annual spring plant sale at the Orchard Park Railroad Depot (behind the Orchard Park Library, 570 South Buffalo St., Orchard Park ). Annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, accent plants, and hanging baskets will be available. To purchase gift certificates, please call 662-5248.

Saturday, May 21

Lancaster Garden Club Plant Sale

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Lancaster Garden Club will hold a plant sale in the Save-A-Lot parking lot, Aurora St. and Pleasant Ave., Lancaster. The event will include homegrown perennials, annual plants and a garden flea market.

Saturday, May 21

Free Plant and Seed Exchange sponsored by Samuel P. Capen Garden Walk

9 a.m. to noon

The Samuel P. Capen Garden Walk will hold a free plant exchange at the Farmer’s Market at Main St. at Kenmore Ave., Buffalo.

Saturday, May 21

Birding Hike sponsored by the Western New York Land Conservancy

9:30 to 11 a.m.

The hike, led by Board President Gregory Coniglio, will be held at the Kenneglenn Nature Preserve in the Town of Wales. Mid-May is the peak of spring migration and the best time to see migrating warblers, vireos, thrushes and more. In addition, many of our summer residents, such as the Baltimore oriole and ruby-throated hummingbird, have returned. The hike is free, but space is limited and reservations are required. Please call (716) 687-1225 or email info@wnylc.org for directions and reservations.

Saturday, May 21 & 28

Kids’ Watercolor Classes at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

9-10:30 a.m.

Wednesday, May 18

Perennial Plant Sale and Auction held by Garden Friends of Clarence

Sale noon to 6 p.m., auction at 6:30 p.m.

The Garden Friends of Clarence will hold its legendary Perennial Plant Sale and Auction at the Clarence Town Park Large Pavilion, 10405 Main St., Clarence. There will be several varieties of plants, including some rare and unusual items from the members’ gardens. Master gardeners will be on hand to do soil testing from 12-8 p.m., so bring your soil sample to the sale. The public is welcome to attend. For more information please email gardenfriendsofclarence@hotmail.com

Saturday and Sunday, May 14-15

Bonsai Show at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bonsai masters and novices will display their prized trees at their peak during this annual show at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. This event is brought to you by the Buffalo Bonsai Society and the Botanical Gardens. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors aged 55 and over and for students 13 and older with ID, $4 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for members and children under age 3. For more information, call 827.1584 or go to the Botanical Gardens website or to the Buffalo Bonsai Society website.

Saturday, May 14

Soil testing at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sunday, May 15

Mecca Meeting of the Buffalo Area Daylily Club

2 p.m.

The Buffalo Area Daylily Club will hold its annual Mecca Meeting at the East Aurora Senior Center, 101 King St., East Aurora. Barry Matthie of Bloomfield, Ontario will speak about his hybridizing program. After the talk, there will be a sale of daylilies at discounted prices. The public is invited.

Friday and Saturday, May 13 and 14

Holland Garden Club Standard flower Show

7 to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

The Holland Garden Club presents a standard flower show at Brink Memorial Community Center, Legion Drive, Holland. The show takes place during the Holland Tulip Festival. There will be a parade on Main Street at 2 p.m. Saturday, so to avoid traffic, arrive at the flower show before 1:30 or after 3 p.m.

Friday, May 13 only for Botanical Gardens members and volunteers from 4 to 7 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, May 14 and 15 for public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Great Plant Sale at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens will hold its annual Great Plant Sale at the Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Highlights include hanging baskets, annuals, perennials, ornamental trees & shrubs, rare and unusual plants, deer resistant plants & flowers, native plants, tropical plants, Japanese maples and herbs. For more information, go the the Botanical Gardens website or call 827-1584.

Saturday, May 14

Take Charge of Your Own Landscape class at Lockwood’s Greenhouses

9:30 a.m. to noon

Sally Cunningham will give instruction in basic landscaping and plant selection for homeowners at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark St., Hamburg. The class includes design, planting, care, dealing with problems, and recommendations for trees and shrubs with tour. For reservations, call 649-4684 or visit the shop.

Saturday, May 14

Roses for Western New York Gardens at Lockwood’s Greenhouses

1 to 2:30 p.m.

David Clark, professional horticulturist, will discuss “Roses for Western New York Gardens: Growing and Tending Roses” at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark St., Hamburg. Gardeners can learn successful and earth-friendly methods for pest management, pruning, fertilizing and watering roses. The cost is $12. For reservations, call 649-4684 or visit the shop.

Saturday, May 14

All About Herbs at Zittel’s Country Market

2 p.m.

Growing, harvesting,drying, uses – almost everything you ever wanted to know about herbs will be covered in this talk! Join our guest speaker to get all the herbally delightful information on these versatile plants! Look for the red barn on Route 20 between South Park Avenue (Route 62) and McKinley Parkway in Hamburg. For reservations, call (716) 649-3010 or go to the Zittel’s website.

Saturday, May 14

CANCELLED Native plant sale by Wild Ones CANCELLED

Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled.

Saturday, May 14

Willow Ridge Garden Club Small Standard Flower Show

1 to 5 p.m.

The Willow Ridge Garden Club will hold its small standard flower show at Zion United Church of Christ, corner of Parker and Koenig Rds., Tonawanda. Admission is free.

Monday, May 9

East Aurora Garden Club monthly meeting

Noon

The East Aurora Garden Club will meet in St. Mathias Church, 374 Main St., East Aurora. Mary Gurtler of Lockwood’s Greenhouse will give a presentation on creating summer containers.

Saturday, May 7 to Sunday, May 29

Coleus Show at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A Coleus Show will be held at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Once you see these multi-colored jewels, you will have to have them as part of your seasonal planting. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors over age 55, $7 for students ages 13 and up with ID, $4 for children ages 3-12 and free for Botanical Gardens members and children under 3. For more information, go the Botanical Gardens website or call 827-1584.

Saturday, May 7

Class for kids: Teacup flower arrangement

10 to 11 a.m.

Delight Mom on her day with a lively fresh floral arrangement you make in a pretty teacup with saucer at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. The cost is $15 per child or $12 for Botanical Garden members. To register, go the the Botanical Gardens website or call 827-1584, ext. 291.

Saturday, May 7

The Basics of Birding with the Buffalo Audubon Society

9 a.m. – Noon
Brett Ewald will lead a class on the basics of birding at USA Bird Supply, 11163 Main St., Clarence. It is sponsored by the Buffalo Audubon Society. Ewald is a naturalist and biologist who runs his own guided birding and nature tours company, Lakeshore Nature Tours, and has been involved with many research projects and conservation efforts. The cost for the class is $27 per person. Pre-registration is required. To register, call (585) 457-3228. No children under 14 unless accompanied by a parent.

Saturday, May 7

Kids’ workshop at Zittel’s Country Market

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Want to make something special for mom of grandma for Mothers Day? We’ll help you put together a special flowery gift that they’ll just love! You choose the container and plants from our preselected assortment, and we’ll guide you in the assembly process! No charge for soil, drainage material, topdressings and help; just for the container and plants. If it’s a surprise, mom can browse in the market while our experienced staff assists with the planting process. Look for the red barn on Route 20 between South Park Avenue (Route 62) and McKinley Parkway in Hamburg. For reservations, call (716) 649-3010 or go to the Zittel’s website.

Saturday, May 7

Pot up a plant for Mom at Zehr’s

9 a.m. to noon

Kids choose a plant and pot it for mom or grandma at Zehr’s on the Lake Farm Market and Nursery, 5353 West Lake Rd. (Rt. 18) in Burt. You provide the love, and we’ll provide the how to. Plant, pot, soil and fertilizer are provided. The cost is only $6.99.

Saturday, May 7

East Aurora Farmers Market opens for the season

The East Aurora Farmers Market, located on Grey St., East Aurora, is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. It features everything from plants to fruits & vegetables to honey, maple syrup and baked goods.

Saturday, May 7

Lancaster Village Market opens for the season

The Lancaster Village Market is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays starting May 7. It is located at Broadway and Aurora in Lancaster and features local produce and wines.

Saturday, May 7

Buffalo Indie Market at The Gardens

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission is free to the market and to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Shop local. Shop hand-made. Discover handmade items from local artists and designers producing the most current, high quality, handmade items from the always growing Buffalo Indie Market community. For more information, go to the Botanical Gardens’ website or call 827-1584 or go to the Buffalo Indie Market website.

Friday, May 6

Black Friday – Spent Spring Bulb Sale at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Time: 8 a.m.

The staff is pulling thousands of bulbs and they all must go! They provide a bag and you fill it with many different varieties. The cost is $7 per bag. Limit four bags per person. The sale is in the garage behind the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. For more information, Go to go the Botanical Gardens’ website or call 827-1584.

Thursday, May 5

Class on cooking with herbs at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

7 to 8:15 p.m.

Tired of cooking the same old stuff? Spice up your cuisine with some tips and recipes from Carol Ann Harlos, Master Gardener, at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. The cost is $12 for members of the Botanical Gardens and $15 for nonmembers. For reservations, go the Botanical Gardens’ website or call 827-1584.

Wednesday, May 4

2010 Annual Dinner of the Buffalo Audubon Society

5:30 p.m.

Lee Harper of Riveredge Associates in Massena will speak on ” Restoring Common Terns to New York’s Great Lakes and Rivers” at the 2010 Annual Dinner of the Buffalo Audubon Society at the Protocol Restaurant, 6766 Transit Road, Williamsville. Mr. Harper has worked extensively along the Niagara River and in the Buffalo Harbor in a project sponsored by the New York Power Authority. A cash bar at 5:30 p.m. will be followed by dinner at 6 p.m. The cost is $30 per person. To make a reservation or for additional information call (585) 457-3228 or (800) 377-1520.

Mondays, May 2, 9, 16 & 23

Monday morning watercolor classes at Botanical Gardens

8:45-10:15 a.m.

Monday, May 2

Western New York Land Conservancy Speakers Series: Talk on invasive species

5:30 pm

Paul Fuhrmann of Ecology & Environment and the NYS Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management will speak about how our region has been impacted by invasive species and how we, as ordinary citizens, can preserve our native habitats. He brings more than 20 years of environmentally friendly landscaping experience with a specialty in native plant communities. The talk will take place at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, 641 Delaware Ave., Buffalo. The event is free, but please make reservations by calling (716) 687-1225 or e-mailing mmhoffman@wnylc.org. This is the final talk in the series.

Saturday, April 30, May 21 & 28

Kids’ Watercolor Classes at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

9-10:30 a.m.

Sunday, May 1

Zehr’s opens for the season

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Zehr’s on the Lake Farm Market & Nursery, 5353 West Lake Road (Rt. 18), Burt, NY, opens for the season. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. See their website for specials and a coupon for $5 off any plant purchase of $30 or more. In the meantime, you can shop online at Zehr’s website.

Saturday and Sunday, April 30 and May 1

African Violet & Gesneriad Society show and sale

Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday

The African Violet & Gesneriad Society of WNY will hold its 2011 Judged Show and Sale on the second floor of the the Galleria Mall, Cheektowaga. There will be plants and leaves for sale as well as a full display of all the judged plants. Educational literature will be available and members will discuss the growing and care of African Violets and Gesneriads.For more information please call Paul Kroll at 652-8658.

Saturday and Sunday, April 30 and May 1

Spring Open House at Zittel’s Country Market

A chicken barbecue, classes, specials, kids’ stuff, flowers, garden art and more will be part of the spring open house at Zittel’s Country Market. Look for the red barn on Route 20 between South Park Avenue (Route 62) and McKinley Parkway in Hamburg. For details on the event, go to the Zittel’s website.

Saturday, April 30

Make and take workshop at Lockwood’s Greenhouses

11 a.m.

Make a Mother’s Day basket or spring planter in this workshop with designer Mary Gurtler at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark St., Hamburg. Guests will also be treated to coffee and handmade pastries by food stylist Mary Trifunovic. The cost is $35. For reservations, call 649-4684 after March 19, or visit the shop.

Saturday, April 30

Birding hike at Nature View Park

9 to 11 a.m.

Join Bill Broderick, an avid and experienced birder, who will share his international birding expertise in identifying the wide range of bird species native to this 1,254-acre natural park. Mr. Broderick is a long-time member of the Western New York Land Conservancy, which is sponsoring the hike. The park is in the midst of Amherst, which is Western New York’s second-most populated community. Located in the northwest corner of the Town of Amherst, the park is bounded by Tonawanda Creek Road, Campbell Boulevard, North French Road and Sweet Home Road. The hike is free, but reservations are required. Please call (716) 687-1225 or email Megan Mills Hoffman at mmhoffman@wnylc.org for directions and reservations.

Saturday, April 30

Class on native plants at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Learn what plants take less work and resources since they have spent centuries adapting to our Western New York climate in this talk at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. The presenter is Lyn Chimera, master gardener. The cost is $10 for members of the Botanical Gardens or $12 for nonmembers. To register, go the Botanical Gardens website or call 827-1584 ext. 291.

Thursday, April 28

Community Discussion:The Future of Our Landscapes

7 to 9 p.m.

In celebration of Arbor Day, the Burchfield Penney Art Center and the Western New York Land Conservancy invite you to attend a community discussion on the Future of Our Landscapes. Participants include Tullis Johnson of the Burchfield Penney Art Center; Darren Kempner with Erie County Environment & Planning; Loren Smith of the Buffalo Audubon Society; Joseph Territo, Olmsted Parks Conservancy arborist; Sharon Webber, board president of Grassroots Gardens, and Margaret Wooster, author and habitat planner for Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper. The event will be held at the Burchfield-Penney Art Center, 1300 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo.

Wednesday, April 27

Amherst Garden Club meeting and hands-on workshop

9:30 a.m.

The Amherst Garden Club will meet at St. John Lutheran Church, 6540 Main St., Williamsville. There will be a hands-on workshop by club members: table designs by Eleanor Wolford and flowers by Sylvia Fredricks. The horticulture presentation of the day will be on wildflowers. Guests and newcomers are welcome.

Wednesday, April 27

Make It, Take It workshop at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

6 to 7 p.m.

Plant herbs in a strawberry jar at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. With herbs at your fingertips, you are on your way to create culinary delights. You can pot up the most popular herbs in these attractive garden planters. The cost is $30 for members of the Botanical Gardens and $35 for nonmembers. For reservations, go the Botanical Gardens’ website or call 827-1584.

Saturday, April 23

Easter Egg Hunt at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

11 a.m.

The hunt sells out every year, so register early. Pre-registration only. In addition to the Easter egg hunt, fun activities include a scavenger hunt, games, a petting zoo and prizes. For details, go to the website or call 827-1584.

April 22-24

Dress Your Easter Best

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Celebrate spring tradition and wear an Easter bonnet or Easter tie to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. The Easter Bunny’s helper will choose many winners throughout the day and winners will receive a prize. You can make it, borrow it or buy your bonnet or tie! For more information, go to www.buffalogardens.com or call 827.1584.

Friday, April 15 through Saturday, April 23

45-cent Perennial Sale at Mischler’s Florist

More than 75 varieties of perennials will be available in packs of four plants at $1.80 per four-pack at Mischler’s Florist, 118 South Forest Rd., Williamsville. Several new items will be offered this year.

Wednesday, April 20

Make It, Take It workshop at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

6 to 7:30 p.m.

Fashion a beautiful spring arrangement to grace your family’s dinner table at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Bring scissors, hand clippers and a box to transport your masterpiece. The cost is $30 for members of the Botanical Gardens and $35 for nonmembers. For reservations, go the Botanical Gardens’ website or call 827-1584.

Monday, April 18

Orchard Park Garden Club herb interest group meeting

10 a.m.

The Orchard Park Garden Club herb interest group will meet in the Orchard Park Municipal Center basement, 4295 South Buffalo St., Orchard Park. The group normally meets on the third Monday of the month.

Saturday and Sunday, April 16 and 17

Corning Glass Flameworking Demos

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Watch as flameworkers turn plain glass rods into fanciful shapes at the torch during the Spring Flower Show at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. For prices, see Spring Flower Show above. For more information, go the Botanical Gardens’ website or call 827-1584.

Saturday, April 16

Easter workshops with professional floral designers at Lockwood’s Greenhouses

11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Two different sessions will be held at 4484 Clark St., Hamburg. At 11 a.m., Mary Trifunovic will conduct the session on making an Easter gift basket. At 1 p.m. David Clark will conduct the session on making a floral centerpiece. Each session costs $35. For reservations, call 649-4684 after March 19, or visit the shop.

Saturday, April 16

Rose care seminar at Zittel’s Country Market

Southtowns Rose and Garden Society will present a seminar on rose care and culture at Zittel’s Country Market. Look for the red barn on Route 20 between South Park Avenue (Route 62) and McKinley Parkway in Hamburg. Come and see what’s shaking in the world of these aromatic beauties and meet some of the areas’ most knowledgable rose gardeners. For reservations, call (716) 649-3010 or go to the Zittel’s website.

Saturday, April 16

Earth Day activities with Buffalo ReUse

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Buffalo ReUSE will offer an opportunity to safely dispose of old TVs, computers, and other electronics at their retail store, 298 Northampton St., Buffalo. This event is held in honor of Earth Day and in partnership with Sunnking, a local electronics recycler. In addition to reusable building materials and unwanted household items, Buffalo ReUSE will accept the following e-waste: computers & laptops, printers, keyboards & mice, monitors (CRTs) all sizes, televisions, microwave ovens (non PCB), copiers, typewriters, fax machines, cellular phones & pagers, audio & video equipment, telephone equipment, laboratory & test equipment, circuit boards (any kind), cables/wire, any item with a circuit board,batteries (charges may apply) and most home appliances (no refrigerators). All material donations are tax-deductible. Receipts are available at the time of donation. The event will also showcase worm composting, Tool Library tours and sign-up for the Patchwork Garden. Raised garden bed materials & rain barrels will be available for purchase.

Saturday, April 16

Buffalo Audubon Society’s Annual Earth Day Festival

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Buffalo Audubon Society will hold its annual Earth Day Festival at the Beaver Meadow Audubon Center, 1610 Welch Road, North Java. Exhibitors include the Cornell Cooperative Extension, Eagle Dream Rehabilitation Center, For the Birds! Niagara, GLOW, Foot Hills Trail Club, Green Options Buffalo, Habitat for Humanity/ReStore Buffalo, the Buffalo Astronomical Association, HIP/HIM, Solar Liberty and West Herr Automotive. A free vegan lunch will be available. Participants can drop off electronics for recycling by Maven Technologies (computers and peripherals, phones and TV’s , but no home appliances or refrigerators), see live birds of prey, learn about solar power and alternative energy technologies. There will be guided nature walks, crafts, workshops, a treasure hunt and other games. Participants can also contribute to a trail cleanup or a habitat restoration project. In the spirit of Earth Day please carpool or consider bicycling to Beaver Meadow. If you are interested in cycling from East Aurora, there will be an organized ride leaving at 10:30 a.m. Bikers should call Beaver Meadow for details and to sign up, or e-mail the ride leader, Natalie, at ndking@buffalo.edu. Anyone bicycling to the event will be admitted at half-price. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children, and free for kids under 3.

Saturday, April 16

Spring shoreline sweep with Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper

9 a.m. to noon

More than 1500 volunteers and the Buffalo Sabres Green Team partner with Buffalo Niagara RIVERKEEPER to clean up 77,000 linear feet of shoreline throughout the region. More than 40 sites are badly in need of clean up. You could win a free rain barrel by sharing your finds on Facebook and Twitter. All volunteers will receive a free stainless steel water bottle and are invited to the Volunteer Appreciation Picnic at noon. To register, call 852-RIVER, extension 19, or visit the RIVERKEEPER website.

Saturday, April 16

Spring into Gardening Education Day with Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension

9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The event includes your choice of four sessions and a homemade buffet luncheon. The event will be held at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Education Center at the 4H Fairgrounds, 12690 NYS Route 31, Albion. The pre-registration cost is $25 or $20 for seniors. The cost for walk-ins is $30. To register or to receive a brochure, call Kim at (585) 798-4265, ext. 26.

Friday, April 15

Boom Days party to benefit Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper

8 to 11 p.m.

Live music, food and Flying Bison’s Ice Boom Bock will be available at a fund-raiser for Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper at McCarthy’s Restaurant at 73 Hamburg St., Buffalo. A $10 entry fee is good for free food and one drink. Boom Days celebrates the lifting of the Ice Boom.

Monday, April 11

Western New York Land Conservancy Speakers Series

5:30 pm

Stan Radon, geologist with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, will speak about time, climate and the evolution of the geology and landscape of Western New York. He is popular for his gripping tours of local rock formations. He has been a geologist with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for the past 20 years and teaches geology and environmental sciences at the University at Buffalo and Daemen College. The event is free, but please make reservations by calling (716) 687-1225 or e-mailing mmhoffman@wnylc.org. The series continues through May.

Monday, April 11

“Windowsill Wonders” at East Aurora Garden Club meeting

Noon

Design a miniature flower arrangement for a windowsill or other small space at the meeting of the East Aurora Garden Club in St. Matthias Church, 374 Main St., East Aurora. You must take a container, such as a spray can lid, detergent bottle top, votive container, small can with pin holder or foam inside. Also take small bare or budding branch for line material; stems of small foliage such as taxis, boxwood or Japanese holly, and small fresh or dried flowers. The workshop will be led by Judy Tucholski-Zon, National Garden Club master judge.

April 9 – May 1

Spring Flower Show

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thousands and thousands of spring flowers will fill the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. The Easter Bunny visits from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24. Farmer Brown’s Petting Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Visit baby bunnies, chicks, lambs, pigs, a donkey, goats and more. The price is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors aged 55 and over and for students 13 and older with ID, $4 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for members and children under age 3. For more information, go to the Botanical Gardens’ website or call 827-1584.

Saturday, April 9

Houseplant Potting/Repotting Event at Zittel’s Country Market

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Purchase a new plant and pot, or bring your own pot. Zittel’s will provide the soil and drainage material and help to get your new plant potted, OR bring your own plant(s) to repot into a new pot (purchased at Zittel’s). Zittel’s provides everything you need to repot and they clean up the mess. The event will be held at Zittel’s Country Market. Look for the red barn on Route 20 between South Park Avenue (Route 62) and McKinley Parkway in Hamburg. For reservations, call (716) 649-3010 or go to the Zittel’s website.

Saturday, April 9

Flower Gardening Basics at Lockwood’s Greenhouses

9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

This symposium on flower gardening basics includes lunch and will be held at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark St., Hamburg. In the morning session, Sally Cunningham will cover design & culture and superior perennials for difficult sites. In the afternoon session (beginning at 12:45 p.m.), Roxanne McCoy will discuss lilies and other summer blooming bulbs. Marge Vogel will discuss popular & new annuals and give a tour of the growing area. The cost is $50 for the full-day sumposium and $30 for one session without lunch. For reservations, call 649-4684 after March 19, or visit the shop.

Saturday, April 9

Soil testing at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friday, April 8

Paradise Under Glass

6 to 9 p.m.

Escape the frosty temperatures and step into the gorgeous tropical oasis at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Tropical attire is encouraged but not required. Tickets include a preview of the Spring Flower Show; Dundee ale & lager; Seagram’s Escape; delicious tidbits from Lucarelli’s, Chef Binks, Ilio DiPaolo’s, Obviously Avi Catering, Curly’s, Quaker Bonnet and Tandoori’s; free mini garden tours, free parking and more. Tickets are $25 for members and $28 for nonmembers. After March 30, the price is $30. For reservations, go to the Botanical Gardens’ website or call 827-1584.

Thursday, April 7

Doug Tallamy, author of book on native plants, will speak

7 to 8:30 pm

Doug Tallamy, author of Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants, will speak at Our Lady Of Victory Neighborhood Center. He will discuss the impact of alien plants on native ecosystems, interactions between plants and insects and conservation of biodiversity. Copies of Dr. Tallamy’s book may be pre-ordered at the time of registration for $19.52 (includes tax). A book signing and reception will follow his presentation. This event is sponsored by the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of Erie County and the 8th District Federated Garden Clubs of New York State. The cost to attend is $20 for members of the sponsoring groups and $24 for non-members.

Thursday, April 7

Orchard Park Garden Club meeting and presentation on “Flowers for Pressing”

Noon

The Orchard Park Garden Club will meet at the Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, 4369 South Buffalo St., Orchard Park. The meeting will be followed by a guest speaker, Susan Laughran, who will present a program on “Flowers for Pressing.” The club will also meet at the end of April to fill village hanging baskets.

Monday, April 4

Garden Walk Buffalo’s first ever free Beautification Night
7 p.m.
Garden Walk Buffalo will hold its first Beautification Night at the Richmond Summer Senior Center, 337 Summer St., Buffalo. Kathy Guest Shadrack and Michael Shadrack, members of the American Hosta Society and British Hosta & Hemerocallis Society, and authors of the recently released The Book of Little Hostas and the classic The New Encyclopedia of Hostas, will give a talk about hostas, answer questions and have a book signing. Books will be available for sale (cash or check only!). Garden Walk Buffalo will announce its Beautification Award recipients for 2011. The event is free and no reservations are necessary.

Saturday, April 2

“Grow Your Own” Seminar at Zittel’s Country Market

10 a.m.

Growing your own vegetables and flowers from seeds is easy, healthy and fun. Learn all about the best ways to start seeds, when and how to transplant and how to prepare your garden or container to ensure a bountiful harvest. Choose from many varieties of seeds– from organic to gourmet, eat what you grow! The seminar will be held at Zittel’s Country Market. Look for the red barn on Route 20 between South Park Avenue (Route 62) and McKinley Parkway in Hamburg. For reservations, call (716) 649-3010 or go to the Zittel’s website.

Saturday, April 2

Workshop on “Demystifying Orchids” at Lockwood’s Greenhouses

11:30-12:30am

Learn about culture, re-potting and choosing a winning orchid at the workshop “Demystifying Orchids” with David Clark at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark St., Hamburg. Cost is $12. For reservations, call 649-4684 after March 19, or visit the shop.

Friday, April 1

Pre-orders due for Great Plant Sale at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Sunday, March 27

Souper Bowl Meeting of Buffalo Area Daylily Society

2 p.m.

The Buffalo Area Daylily Society will hold its annual Souper Bowl Meeting at the East Aurora Senior Center, 101 King St. Mary Collier Fisher, president of the society, will speak about the hybridizing program of George Doorakian,the man who brought us Rose F. Kennedy. A variety of soups and chili will be served. The public is invited.

Sunday, March 27

Kids Activities at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

11:30 a.m.

Bring the kids ages 3-12 to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo for fun and educational activities. Activities vary and children must be accompanied by an adult. The cost for the activities is free with admission.

Saturday, March 26

Wake Up Your Garden

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Champing at the bit to get into your garden? Find out what you can do indoors to get ready for the outside garden season during this class at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Bring in two dry soil samples taken at a depth of 6 inches (if the ground isn’t frozen) from two different areas of your yard or garden and let us test them for you. The presenter will be David Clark, horticulturist. The cost is $10 for members and $12 for nonmembers.

Thursday, March 24 to Sunday, March 27

Join us at Plantasia!

10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com will exhibit at Plantasia, Western New York’s premier garden and landscape show. It will be held at the Fairgrounds Event Center and Expo Hall, 5820 South Park Ave., Hamburg. Stop by and say hello– we’d love to meet you in person!

Sunday, March 20

Spring Fling Victorian Tea & The Victorian Language of Flowers

11a.m.-1 p.m.

Don your best hat for a light meal of tea sandwiches, scones, fruits, desserts and of course, a variety of teas, at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Following the tea, delight in Nancy Kalieta’s presentation on the mysterious nuances associated with particular flowers during Victorian Times. Seating is limited so registration is a must! Go to the Botanical Gardens’ website or call 827-1584. Price is $20 for garden members and $24 for nonmembers.

Saturday and Sunday, March 19 and 20

Maple Harvest Festival hosted by Buffalo Audubon Society

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Buffalo Audubon Society will hold its annual Maple Harvest Festival at the Beaver Meadow Audubon Center, 1610 Welch Road, North Java, NY. Activities include demonstrations of tapping maple trees, making fresh syrup at the sugar shanty, maple sugar made the Native American way (with red hot rocks), tasting jack wax, sugar-on-snow and backyard sugaring. Visitors can enjoy a nature walk (on snowshoes if weather permits) and fuel up with a pancake breakfast. There will also be a Chinese auction. The cost is $8 for adults, $6 for kids 12 and under free for children under 3.

Saturday , March 19

Pruning Seminar & Pizza at Lockwood’s Greenhouses

9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Lockwood’s reopens for the season on March 19 with a pruning seminar. Two sessions will be offered at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark St., Hamburg. The session on pruning shrubs will run from 9:30 a.m. to noon and the session on pruning and care of small trees will run from 1 to 3 p.m. It is recommended that you attend both sessions since each session contains important information applicable to the other class and information won’t be repeated. Lunch is included for those who register for both sessions. Instructors will be Rex Weber, CNLP, arborist at Bradley Tree, and Sally Cunningham, CNLP. The cost is $45 for both sessions or $25 for one session. You can make payment after March 1 in person or by phone at 649-4684.CNLP credits are available.

Saturday, March 19

Down and Dirty Birdy Dilemma

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Learn how to turn your yard or patio into a welcome haven for our feathered friends during this class at the Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo . Attract orioles and hummingbirds to your garden when you get the inside scoop on feeders and their location, nectar recipes and ratios and color attractants. The presenter will be David Clark, horticulturist. The cost is $10 for members and $12 for nonmembers.

Friday, March 18– Ordering deadline

Tree and shrub seedling sale

The Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District is holding its annual conservation sale of evergreen and deciduous seedlings and transplants. Wildflower seeds are also available. The purpose is to conserve natural resources and enhance forestry resources, wildlife habitat and economic development in Erie County. The order form is available at the district’s site. The deadline to order is Friday, March 18 and orders must be picked up on Saturday, April 16.

Thursday, March 17

Zittel’s Country Market opens for the season

Saturday, March 12

Basic Propagation

11 a.m. to12:30 p.m.

Have fun as you learn basic propagation techniques through hands-on learning at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Bring a carton to take your freshly propagated plants to your home and watch them grow. The presenter will be David Clark, horticulturist. The cost is $12 for members and $15 for nonmembers.

Saturday, March 12

Advanced Propagation

1 to 2:30 p.m.

Get into the nitty-gritty of advanced propagation techniques through hands-on learning at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. The presenter will be David Clark, horticulturist. The cost is $12 for members and $15 for nonmembers.

Monday, March 7

Western New York Land Conservancy Speakers Series

5:30 p.m.

Margaret Wooster, habitat planner for Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, will speak on the importance and value of the watershed surrounding Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, and how ordinary citizens can help ensure that our watersheds are protected for generations to come. Wooster is also author of Living Waters: Reading the Rivers of the Lower Great Lakes and Somewhere to Go on Sunday, a guidebook to the natural treasures of the bi-national Niagara bio-region. The talk will take place at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, 641 Delaware Ave., Buffalo. The event is free, but please make reservations by calling (716) 687-1225 or e-mailing mmhoffman@wnylc.org. The series continues through May.

Until March 6

New Photography Exhibit at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens by James Sedwick

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Photographs of the Gardens is the new exhibit by James Sedwick in the Aracangel Gallery at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. While he hasn’t abandoned film, Sedwick integrates digital tools into his photography. He shows his work with the Buffalo Society of Artists and the WNY Artists Group/Art Dialogue Gallery. In addition, his photographs have been published in The Sun and Orion magazines. When not doing photography, he works as a clinical mental health counselor. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, $4 for children ages 3-12, free for members and children under 3.

Saturday, March 5

Garden Conservation

11 a.m. to Noon

Join Dr. Fran Evans, master gardener, as he tackles this timely environmental topic at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Dr. Evans is a retired chemist who has been a long-time local garden speaker favorite. The cost is $10 for members and $12 for non-members.

Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 26 and 27

Niagara Frontier Orchid Society Display and Sale

The Niagara Frontier Orchid Society Display and Sale will be held at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. The times are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Orchid workshops will be held at noon and 3 p.m. Saturday and at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday. Orchid plants and supplies will be on sale.

Thursday, Feb. 24

Adult Stress Relief

8:45-10:15 a.m.

Learn how to relax, feel more energized and reduce stress in classes at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Experience progressive and deep muscle relaxation, autogenic phases and guided imagery meditation. Gentle yoga and breathing exercises will be practiced at each class with instructor Joan Saba The cost is $7 per class or $25 per series for members and $8 per class or $30 per series for nonmembers.

Wednesday, Feb. 23

Free seminar on Emerald Ash Borer and other pests

6 to 8 p.m.

The Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy will hold a free seminar to help residents with the detection, identification, and reporting procedure of pests such as the Emerald Ash Borer and the Asian Long horned Beetle. It will be held in the Marcy Casino, 199 Lincoln Parkway, Buffalo. The seminar includes refreshments, a PowerPoint presentation and a question-and-answer session. Reservations can be made only by by e-mail at sal@bfloparks.org.

Monday, Feb. 21 (Presidents Day)

Dollar Day at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is just $1. Enjoy the Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo, including the Amaryllis & Cymbidium Show.

Through Feb. 21

Amaryllis & Cymbidium Show at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

The show takes place at at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors 55 and older, $7 for students 13 and older with ID, $4 for children 3 to 12, and free for children under 3.

Three weekends until February 19

Night Lights at the Gardens

5:30 to 9 p.m.

The interior of the Gardens will be illuminated with theatrical and interactive lighting over weekend nights in February at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. A music soundtrack will add to the experience, with some of the lights synching with the sounds. Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for garden members, seniors and students; $5 for children ages 3-12, and free for children under 3.

Thursday, February 17

Stories From the Niagara Frontier

Noon to 1 p.m.

Growing Green in Buffalo, a short documentary video by Meg Knowles, will be presented as part of the Stories From the Niagara Frontier series at the downtown Central Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo. In this short video, Growing Green youth participants are followed throughout the year as they plant tomatoes, build a straw-bale green house, and educate themselves and others about growing and eating healthy foods in their community. Diane Picard from the Massachusetts Avenue Project will give a presentation following the video and lead a discussion. The series is presented by Squeaky Wheel/Buffalo Media Resources in cooperation with the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library.

Monday, Feb. 14

East Aurora Garden Club Meeting

Noon

Lyn Chimera, master gardener, will give a lecture and PowerPoint presentation on “Gardening and Pruning with a Natural Balance” at the monthly meeting of the East Aurora Garden Club. It will be held at St. Matthias Church, 374 Main St., East Aurora.

Saturday, Feb. 12

Dash for the Dome

10 a.m.

A race to benefit the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens will be held at the Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. The entry fee is $20 for members, students & sponsor employees;$22 for non-members, and $25 for all registrations after Feb. 2. Awards will be given in several categories.

Wednesday, Feb. 9

Soil, Toil & Thyme Garden Club

1 p.m.

Annual planning meeting in Albion followed by a Valentine Tea. If you are interested in joining, please call Fredi at 585-589-1640.

Thursday, Feb. 10

Photography Meetup

5:30 to 9 p.m.

The Buffalo Photography Meetup Group and the WNY Photographers Meetup Group will hold meetups for Night Lights at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Photographers of all skill levels share tips and learn from each other.

Monday, Feb. 7

Land Conservancy Speakers Series with Lynda Schneekloth

5:30 to 7 p.m.

The source of our contemporary land ethic (or lack thereof) and ways in which we, as ordinary citizens, can revitalize our urban and rural Western New York places for future generations, will be discussed by Linda Schneekloth, professor emeritus of the School of Architecture and Planning at the University at Buffalo. Her professional work as a landscape architect revolves around the issue of placemaking– how people daily transform their world to make it a home. This is the second in the Western New York Land Conservancy‘s 2011 Winter/Spring Speakers Series, which is co-hosted with the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site. The event will take place at the Inaugural Site, 641 Delaware Ave., Buffalo. The event is free, but please make reservations by calling (716) 687-1225 or e-mailing mmhoffman@wnylc.org. The series continues through May.

Saturday, February 5

Winter Tree Identification Hike

1 to 2:30 pm

The Western New York Land Conservancy is hosting a winter tree identification hike at the Kenneglenn Nature Preserve in the Town of Wales. John Sly, a Land Conservancy volunteer and long-time volunteer program leader for the Buffalo Audubon Society, will lead hikers along the Kenneglenn Ridge to Mossy Point, sharing information on how to identify trees in the winter, with tree samples available for viewing after the hike. Mr. Sly will focus special attention on the native trees that are prevalent in the forests of the 131-acre preserve. Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear as trails will likely be snow-covered. The hike is free, but reservations are required because space is limited. Please call (716) 687-1225 or email mmhoffman@wnylc.org for directions and reservations.

Saturday, Jan. 29

Tool Library Info Session at Buffalo ReUse

11 a.m.

Get a tour of Buffalo ReUse’s Tool Library and a brief explanation of their lending policy. Learn how you, your family or your block club can gain access to the resources you need to get that big project finished. Meet at The ReSource, 298 Northampton St., Buffalo.

Monday, Jan. 24

Land Conservancy Speakers Series with Sharon Webber

5:30 to 7 p.m.

The Western New York Land Conservancy presents the first event of its 2011 Winter/Spring Speakers Series, which is co-hosted with the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site. The topic will be the importance and value of prime soils in our region and how ordinary citizens can help ensure these soils are protected for generations to come will be discussed by Sharon Webber, Grassroots Gardens board president, horticulturist, consultant, and New York State certified nursery & landscape professional. The event will take place at the Inaugural Site, 641 Delaware Ave., Buffalo. The event is free, but please make reservations by calling (716) 687-1225 or e-mailing mmhoffman@wnylc.org. The series continues through May.

Saturday, Jan. 22

Seed Starting Demonstration Part 1 sponsored by Buffalo ReUse

11 a.m.

Get ready for spring by learning how to make an A-frame to support a light so you can start seeds on a card table in the basement. The demonstration will be held at The ReSource, 298 Northampton St., Buffalo.

Jan. 22 to Feb. 21

Amaryllis & Cymbidium Show at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

January 22 – March 6

New Photography Exhibit at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens by James Sedwick

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Photographs of the Gardens is the new exhibit by James Sedwick in the Aracangel Gallery at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. While he hasn’t abandoned film, Sedwick integrates digital tools into his photography. He shows his work with the Buffalo Society of Artists and the WNY Artists Group/Art Dialogue Gallery. In addition, his photographs have been published in The Sun and Orion magazines. When not doing photography, he works as a clinical mental health counselor. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, $4 for children ages 3-12, free for members and children under 3.

Gardening Events in Buffalo, NY area for 2010

Now – Jan. 2

Holiday Festival at the Botanical Gardens

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Dec. 24 10 a.m.-noon, Dec. 31 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

A Holiday Festival will be held at the Erie County Botanical Gardens at the Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Includes the largest exhibit of pointsettias in Western New York as well as well as an exhibit by the Western New York Garden Railway Society. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, $4 for children 3-12, and free for Botanical Gardens members and children under 3.

Deadline Dec. 31

Photo contest

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo, is holding a photo contest for amateurs. The deadline is Dec. 31. Winners will receive a certificate and a prize from Botanical Gardens. Awards will be posted on the Botanical Gardens’ web site in early 2011. Click here for more information on rules.

Sunday, Dec. 26

Dollar Day at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is just $1. Enjoy the Holiday Festival at the Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo, which includes the largest exhibit of pointsettias in Western New York as well as well as an exhibit by the Western New York Garden Railway Society.

Monday, Dec. 22

Make It, Take It Series: Fresh Floral Christmas Arrangement

6 p.m.

Fresh flowers bring the colors of the season to your table. Make a fresh floral arrangement at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo.The cost is $35 for members and $40 for nonmembers. Bring hand clippers, a pair of scissors and a large box to transport your masterpiece. If you have a lazy Susan, bring that too! It will help with the balance of the design.

Saturday, Dec. 18

10:30 a.m.

Holiday Centerpiece Workshop with Mary Trifunovic

Mary Trifunovic, designer with Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark Street, Hamburg, will lead this workshop. Mary will help you design a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table or buffet, using a choice of natural and some artificial materials. If you have particular design colors in your in your table setting, bring examples to help us choose bows and baubles. The fee is $35. Pre-registration is required. To pre-register, call 649-4684.

Thursday, Dec. 16

6 p.m.

Kissing Ball Workshop, taught by Sally Cunningham

The kissing ball is a really fun alternative to a swag on the porch, and the winter equivalent of a hanging basket. It’s a round ball that traditionally was placed over doorways to encourage kissing! Ours will be made of short evergreen pieces cut up and inserted to make a perfectly round green ball that we will then decorate with red bows. The process is fun solo, since you’ll be meeting great people, or with friends. Couples have even come to make one together. These kissing balls are for outdoor decorating (or very short-term inside), and will last long past the holidays. The workshop takes place at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark Street, Hamburg. The fee is $35. Pre-registration is required. To pre-register, call 649-4684.

Saturday, Nov. 27

Basic Wreath-making at Lockwood’s Greenhouses

10:30 a.m.

Join Jeane Farrell at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark Street, Hamburg, for a fun session making an evergreen wreath (hand-tied), the old-fashioned way. The wreath is complete with a bow of your choice. While you will learn a wreath-making skill that you can always use in the future, many people come back year after year just to get together and have fun. The fee is $25 and pre-registration is required. To pre-register, call 649-4684.

Thursday, Dec. 2

Basic Wreath Workshop, conducted by Sally Cunningham

6 p.m.

This class takes less than an hour for most people, but you won’t be rushed if it takes you longer. If you can’t quite make 6 p.m., just let us know you are coming. This is a fun, relaxing opportunity to create with your own hands, and all garden talk and discussions are welcome. It will be held at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark Street, Hamburg. Fee is $25 and includes bow. Pre-registration is required. To pre-register, call 649-4684.

Thursday, Dec. 2

Horticulture Class: Indoor Gardening 102

6:30 p.m.

Continue where you left off in the Indoor Gardening 101 class. You’ll delve a little deeper into the various techniques of indoor gardening in this class at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Pre-registration is required, and the cost is $10 for members and $12 for nonmembers. Joe DiDominico, retired teacher and president of the Niagara Frontier Orchid Society, is the instructor.

Saturday, Dec. 4

Outdoor Container Workshop, taught by Mary Gurtler

10:30 a.m.

Mary Gurtler, the principal merchandizing and display artist at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, makes great decorative containers for any season. She will help you create a one-of-a-kind container for your doorstep, deck or front porch. The workshop takes place at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark Street, Hamburg. The fee is $35. Pre-registration is required. To pre-register, call 649-4684.

Saturday, Dec. 4

Make Fancy Mixed-greens Wreath with Sally Cunningham

1 p.m.

Make an evergreen wreath with a variety of natural materials including incense cedar, holly and other berrying plants, which supply interesting texture and fragrance. A basic bow is included, but some participants prefer this wreath without a bow. These wreath-making sessions are good for relaxing with friends, or making new ones. Garden questions welcome! The workshop takes place at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark Street, Hamburg. The fee is $35. Pre-registration is required. To pre-register, call 649-4684.

Saturday, Dec. 4

Make It, Take It Series: Decorated Boxwood Tree

9 a.m.

The holidays wouldn’t be the same without a classic boxwood tree, so kick off your holiday decorating fun at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. The cost is $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Bring hand clippers, a pair of scissors and a large box to transport your little tree! If you have a lazy Susan, bring that too! It will help with the balance of the design.

Saturday, Dec. 4

Make It, Take It Series: Fresh Greens Wreath

11:30 a.m.

Bring the fragrance of fresh greens to your home as you fashion a beautiful 14-inch wreath at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. The cost is $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Bring hand clippers, a pair of scissors and a large box to transport your wreath.

Saturday, Dec. 4

Make It, Take It Series: Fresh Greens Swag

2 p.m.

Let the fresh scent of greens fill your home when you make a fragrant swag to hang above your mantel or over your lintel. Cost is $35 for members and $40 for nonmembers. Bring hand clippers, a pair of scissors and a large box to transport your swag. Workshop will be held at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo.

Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4 and 5

Open House at Elaine’s Flower Shoppe

Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The annual open house at Elaine’s Flower Shoppe is a great opportunity to see all the great Christmas merchandise Elaine brought back from her buying trips to Dallas and Atlanta. You can cross off gift buying from your to-do list, and get into the holiday spirit. The shoppe is located at 2365 George Urban Blvd., Depew.

Wednesday, Dec. 8

“Champagne & Herbs” Holiday Brunch

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens will hold its annual holiday party at Romanello’s. It’s an opportunity to spend an afternoon with friends, enjoy a delicious brunch and learn all kinds of things about herbs from the WNY Herb Study Group. Don’t miss the great basket raffle and the opportunity to grab some holiday gifts. See the order form or call 827-1584, ext. 204 for details. Cost is $24 for members of the Botanical Gardens and $27 for non-members.

Thursday, Dec. 9

6 p.m.

Mantle or Buffet Arrangement Workshop

A choice of materials will be available for you to create an arrangement for your mantle or buffet in this workshop led by Mary Gurtler and Mary Trifunovic of Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark Street, Hamburg. The fee is $35. Pre-registration is required. To pre-register, call 649-4684.

Saturday, Dec. 11

10:30 a.m.

Boxwood Tree Workshop

Mary Trifunovic, designer with Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark Street, Hamburg, will lead this workshop. This boxwood tree is a classic, made by cutting up pieces of boxwood and putting them all together to make a textured, adorable miniature tree. Most people love them with a simple box on top (or nothing at all). Everyone can succeed at this, but you’ll learn a new respect for professionals who turn them out quickly. The fee is $35. Pre-registration is required. To pre-register, call 649-4684.

Saturday, Dec. 11

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Holiday Celebration and Indie Market

The Holiday Celebration and Indie Market will be held at Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. A group of wonderful local artisans will display their work for a great shopping experience. The Holiday Celebration will also include kids’ activities and crafts from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ($2 per child) and photos with Santa from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ($5 per photo).

Monday, Nov. 22

Make It, Take It Series: Fresh Floral Thanksgiving Arrangement

6-7:30 p.m.

Set off your Thanksgiving table with a beautiful fresh flower arrangement you make yourself at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Pre-registration is required, and the cost is $35 for members and $40 for nonmembers. Bring hand clippers, a pair of scissors and a large box to transport your masterpiece! If you have a lazy Susan, bring that too! It will help with the balance of the design.

Monday, Nov. 15

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens CLOSED

The Botanical Gardens will be closed to the public on Monday, Nov. 15. Due to new construction, electrical service updates will take place. The Gardens will re-open on Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 16

Horticulture Class: Indoor Gardening 101

6:30 p.m.

You don’t have to wait for spring to have new plants in your home. Learn how the pros produce plants year ’round in this class at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Pre-registration is required, and the cost is $10 for members and $12 for nonmembers. Joe DiDominico, retired teacher and president of the Niagara Frontier Orchid Society, is the instructor.

Thursday, Nov. 18

Horticulture Class: Orchids 102

6:30 p.m.

Uncover the secrets of orchid growing at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Visit the orchid growing houses and experience the Niagara Frontier Orchid Society in action. Pre-registration is required, and the cost is $10 for members and $12 for nonmembers. The instructor is Joe DiDominico, retired teacher and president of the Niagara Frontier Orchid Society.

Saturday, Nov. 20

Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshop at Lockwood’s Greenhouses

10:30 a.m.

Make a Thanksgiving centerpiece with the talented floral designer and great personality Mary Trifunovic at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark Street, Hamburg. Your centerpiece, made of natural materials, will last long past Thanksgiving. The fee is $35 and pre-registration is required. To pre-register, call 649-4684.

Until Sunday, Nov. 14

105th Chrysanthemum Show

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Held at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens at the Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. New additions this year. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, $4 for children 3-12, and free for Botanical Gardens members and children under 3. Read article.

Sunday, Nov. 14

Open House at Lockwood’s Greenhouses

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

See all the new Christmas lines for home decorating, gifts and pleasure indoors and out at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark Street, Hamburg. There will be cookies and other homemade treats made by a few of the Lockwood’s staff, cider, music, gift baskets, scavenger hunts and prizes. It’s a great place to spend some time and get into the holiday spirit.

Tuesday, Nov. 9

Make It, Take It Series: Pine Cone Wreath

6-8 p.m.

Welcome the holiday season by making an all-natural fall wreath at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Pre-registration is required, and the cost is $35 for members and $40 for nonmembers. Bring hand clippers, a pair of scissors and a large box to transport your creation!

Monday, Nov. 8

East Aurora Garden Club Meeting

Noon

The East Aurora Garden Club will meet at St. Matthias Church, 374 Main St., East Aurora. Ann Kingsbury will lead members in a hands-on project, decorating Yule log centerpieces. Members are asked to bring clippers, three 12-inch taper candles and a $2 project fee.

Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 6 and 7

Orchard Park Garden Club Standard Flower Show

Noon to 5 p.m.

The Orchard Park Garden Club will hold its standard flower show at Fox Run, One Fox Run Lane (20A and California Roads) in Orchard Park. Admission is free. Read article.

Thursday, Nov. 4

Beer, Bratwurst and the Buffalo Meridian

5:30 to 7 p.m.

Ed Dore, beer and botany afficianado, takes participants on a whirlwind tour of countries– and their beers– on the Buffalo Meridian at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Enjoy a bratwurst, sauerkraut, chips and pickles as you learn about and taste these different brews. The cost is $12 for Botanical Gardens members and $15 for nonmembers.

Wednesday, Oct. 27

Horticulture Class: Orchids 102

10 a.m.

Thursday, Oct. 21

Horticulture Class: Orchids 101

6:30 p.m.

Joe DiDominico, retired teacher and president of the Niagara Frontier Orchid Society, takes the mystery out of growing orchids in this class at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Pre-registration is required, and the cost is $10 for members and $12 for nonmembers.

Tuesday, Oct. 19

East Park Garden Club Meeting

7 p.m.

Judith Topolski-Zon, a director of the 8th District Federation of Garden Clubs, will speak on how a garden club can run a flower show. A short business meeting will follow. The meeting will be held at 1285 W. River Rd., Grand Island.

Saturday and Sunday, October 16 and 17

Orchid Show & Sale

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Hosted by The Niagara Frontier Orchid Society & the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens at the Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, $4 for children 3-12, and free for Botanical Gardens members and children under 3. The show will highlight hundreds of orchids through live displays and breathtaking photography. Ribbons will be awarded to creative orchid displays and orchid photography. The displays are designed by members of the Orchid Society and photos selected by the Twin City and the Buffalo Museum of Science photography clubs. Orchid vendors will have many seedling, flowering orchids and growing supplies available for purchase. Orchid growing workshops will be given throughout the show and Orchid society members will also be available to answer your orchid questions.

Saturday, Oct. 16

North Buffalo Garden Club Meeting

6 p.m.

The North Buffalo Garden Club will meet at Cafe Allegro, 137 Hertel Ave., Buffalo. There will be a demonstration on making a fall centerpiece. Meetings for the rest of the year are Nov. 20 and Dec. 18.

Thursday, Oct. 14

Horticulture Class: Nature in Western New York’s Future

7 p.m.

Gerry Rising, Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus at UB, discusses how wildlife and plants are influenced by our changing climate and weather. The talk will be held at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Pre-registration is required. Cost is $10 for Botanical Garden members and $12 for Non-Members. Stay and have light refreshments after his talk. Gerry Rising’s column has appeared each week since April 8, 1991 in The Buffalo News. Formerly appearing on Mondays, the column is now published on the newspaper’s Sunday Science Page of the Viewpoints Section.

Monday, Oct. 11

East Aurora Garden Club Meeting

Noon

Ray Markiewicz, conservationist and Northeast regional coordinator of Project Healing Waters will give a lecture and slide presentation on “Attack of Foreign Plant and Animal Species in the Great Lakes.” The meeting will be held at St. Matthias Church, 374 Main St., East Aurora.

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 9 and 10

Straw Bale Workshop

Dawn to dusk

Singer Farms is hosting a free Straw Bale Workshop. It offers a unique, hands-on learning opportunity in modern-day straw bale construction technique. The farm is renovating its 180-year old barn at 6730 Lake Rd., Appleton (It’s near Olcott. On Lake Road you’ll see a sign for Singer Farm and what looks like a house, but go past that to get to the red Eco Barn). Attendees will have the chance to apply straw bale construction techniques by stacking locally sourced straw bales to form an insulating wrap around the old barn. The event is free, but attendees must pre-register by sending an e-mail to claire@singerfarmnaturals.com. You may attend either or both days.

Thursday, Oct. 7

Make It, Take It Series: Dried Hydrangea Wreath

6-8 p.m.

Using dried hydrangeas, you can fashion a delicate wreath to accent your fall décor at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. Pre-registration is required, and the cost is $35 for members and $40 for nonmembers.

Bring hand clippers, a pair of scissors and of course, a large box to transport your masterpiece! (Size: Approximately 12 -16”). If your hands are sensitive, bring gardening gloves.

Wednesday, Oct. 6

Horticulture Class: Orchids 101

10 a.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 5

Hands-on Ikebana Workshop

10:30 a.m.

The public is invited to”Discover Ikebana: Ikebana Now and in the Future,” a hands-on workshop by Takako Michii in the Cumming Room at the Buffalo Museum of Science, 1020 Humboldt Parkway, Buffalo. The cost is $5 per person. For more information, call Norma at 688-6691

Sunday, Oct. 3

Victorian Tea

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This wonderful full English tea experience includes Victorian history, a presentation on ivies and tussie mussies and a light lunch of finger sandwiches, scones, fruits, dessert and, of course, a choice of teas. The Western New York Ivy Society will provide their expertise. Victorian hats are encouraged. Tickets are $20 for members of the botanical gardens and $22 for nonmembers. Pre-registration is required. Purchase tickets online or call (716) 827-1584.

Sunday, Oct. 3

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens has the biggest public ivy collection in the world, which it will display for everyone to enjoy at the botanical gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. It is brought to you in part by the Western New York Ivy Society. Admission is adults, $8; seniors, $7; students 13+ with ID, $7; children 3-12, $4, and children under 3 and members, free.

Saturday, Oct. 2

10 am-5 pm Monday through Sunday

Friday, Oct. 1

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 30

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 29

Bulb Planting

2 – 5 p.m.

Need a break in your week? Wednesday is a hump day and if you need a little outdoor pick-me-up, you can join us out in the gardens. We’ll be working in a different greenspace each Wednesday. On this date, bulb planting is scheduled. If it’s raining, we’ll work on garden projects in our basement! Meet at 158 Eaton, Buffalo. Bring your water bottle, garden hat and gloves if you’ve got them!

Wednesday, Sept. 29

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 28

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 27

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 26

Fall Shoreline Sweep

Noon to 3 p.m.

Buffalo Niagara Riverkeepers is looking for volunteers to clean up the shorelines at 26 sites across Erie and Niagara Counties. Sites in great need of volunteers include Scajaquada Creek, Broderick Park, Amherst State Park, Ellicott Creek Park and South Park. For a complete list of sites and dates for each and to register, please visit www.bnriverkeeper.org or call Brooke Rickettson at (716) 852-RIVER (7483) ext. 19.

Sunday, Sept. 26

Fence Installation Workshop

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 25

Fall Plant Swap

A fall plant swap will be held at noon at the Amherst Main Library at Audubon, 350 John James Audubon Parkway, Amherst. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. so you can chat and get organized. Please bring plants in tidy, easily exchangeable units.

Saturday, Sept. 25

Gala at the Gardens

7 to 10 p.m.

Cocktail event to raise funds for the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo. It will feature a silent auction, basket raffle, special ivy exhibits, entertainment, education, favors and food from Lucarelli’s Catering that honor the gardens’ ivy collection and Victorian architecture. Tickets are $100.

Saturday, Sept. 25

Fall Shoreline Sweep

9 a.m. until noon

Friday, Sept. 24

11 a.m.

Buffalo ReUse is offering a fence installation workshop at 298 Northampton, Buffalo.

Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18 and 19

Two-day writing workshop at the Kenneglenn Nature Preserve

Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Join writer and teacher Rick Ohler of Right Field Writing Works for a two-day writing adventure at Kenneglenn Nature Preserve, a property of the Western New York Land Conservancy. Using directed writing exercises and gentle feedback, participants will spend the weekend writing about place. Over the two sessions, each writer will craft a unique Sense of Place essay that, when finished, can be published on the Land Conservancy’s web site. There will plenty of time for freewriting as well as time to explore the Land Conservancy’s headquarters, a beautiful 131-acre nature preserve. The workshop is limited to 12 participants, so sign up today. A fee of $125 includes breakfast and lunch on Saturday, refreshments on Sunday. For more information, go to http://www.rightfieldwritingworks.com/

Thursday, Sept. 16

North Buffalo Garden Club Meeting

6 p.m.

A meeting of this new group will be held at Cafe Allegro, 1374 Hertel Ave., Buffalo (across the street from St. Margaret’s School). For more information, contact Mary Ellen Glynn at 877-8114.

Friday, Sept. 10

Building Cold Frames

1 p.m.

Buffalo ReUse will hold a workshop on building cold frames at 158 Eaton, Buffalo. A cold frame is like a mini-greenhouse and can be used to protect a plant or extend the growing season.

Saturday, Sept. 11

CANCELLED: In the Garden: The Creative Gardener

Saturday, Sept. 11

Pickup for native plants and mums sale

A sale of native plants and mums is being held to benefit the Western New York Land Conservancy. (You must have ordered by Sept. 4.) Pickup is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 at Orchard Glen Retirement Community, 6055 Armor Duells Rd., Orchard Park. Native plants are vigorous and hardy and, once established, require no irrigation or fertilization.

Wednesday, Sept. 1

Tomato Canning Workshop

Buffalo ReUse will hold a tomato canning workshop from 3 – 6 p.m. at 320 Northampton, Buffalo.

Learn how to put up some tasty tomatoes.

Monday, Aug. 30

Gardening Mondays Lunchtime Series at Central Library

Noon to 1 p.m.

A talk on “Native Plants and Eco-friendly Landscapes” will be given by Sally Cunningham, horticulturist, author and garden consultant. Gardening and home landscaping sound nature-friendly, except that so many people do things that thwart or harm the natural systems that could be working for us. Consider how we might take a few steps in a new direction. Cunningham will help you choose some plants you might not know (native and suitable non-native), and see ways to use them in attractive home landscapes. You will also hear why we all need to do so, as habitat for wildlife is rapidly disappearing. Native plant lists for urban and suburban landscapes included.The Gardening Mondays series is presented in support of the Library’s current exhibition, “In the Garden: The Art of Botanical Illustration” through September 26.

Monday, Aug. 23

Gardening Mondays Lunchtime Series at Central Library

Noon to 1 p.m.

A talk titled, “Water, Water, Everywhere?” will be presented by Buffalo Niagara Riverkeepers. It’s summer and we’re watering our gardens. But are we doing it correctly for the plants? And how about the environment—how long can we keep doing this? A speaker from Buffalo Niagara Riverkeepers will share how to save your rainwater and make the most of this precious, depleting resource—our next, serious environmental challenge. The Gardening Mondays series is presented in support of the Library’s current exhibition, “In the Garden: The Art of Botanical Illustration” through September 26.

Monday, Aug. 23

Annual Harvest Dinner of Friends of Kenan Herb Club

6:30 p.m.

The event will be held in the Kenan Mansion, 433 Locust St., Lockport. Bring a dish to pass. The event is free, but please call 433-2617 for reservations. The club is dedicated to the study and enjoyment of herbs.

Saturday, Aug. 28

“Friendship Through Flowers” by Ikebana International Buffalo Chapter 50

1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Ticket deadline is Thursday, Aug. 19

Ikebana International Buffalo Chapter 50 is celebrating 50 years with a special event at Transit Valley Country Club, 8920 Transit Rd., East Amherst. The celebration, themed “Joy,” will include an Ikebana-Japanese Floral Art demonstration by Sogetsu School Master Gregory Williams and a cocktail reception. Tickets cost $20 and are advance sale only. For ticket information call 688-6691. Read article.

Saturday, Aug. 21

Annual Plant Sale by Buffalo Area Daylily Society

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Buffalo Area Daylily Society is having its annual plant sale at the Harvey D. Morin Post 2940, 965 Center Rd., West Seneca. Join the club to get 10 percent off purchases.

Saturday, Aug. 7

Black Rock & Riverside Tour of Gardens; Starry Night Garden Tour

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Maps and more will be available the day of the tour at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 311 Ontario St.; Renovation Church, 567 Hertel Ave.; both in Buffalo. Maps also available at local businesses; Councilman Golombek’s office 851-5116; or by downloading from website.

E-mail: brrtourofgardens@yahoo.com

Fee: none

The 6th annual Black Rock & Riverside Tour of Gardens will take place rain or shine. The self-guided tour features about 90 gardens from 10am until 5pm. And later that same day from 8pm to 10 pm is the Starry Night Garden Tour, which will feature some 25 well-lit gardens.

Saturday, Aug. 7

Sip N Shop

11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The third annual fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Awareness Garden of the Buffalo Federation of Women’s Clubs will be held at the Buffalo Central Terminal, 495 Paderewski Dr., Buffalo. It is a wine tasting experience featuring wines from at least 10 New York State wineries, craft vendors, music by the Pocket Change Trio, a farmers market, snacks and a basket raffle. Doors open at 11:30 am. and the wine tasting starts at noon. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door or online at BrownPaperTickets.com. There is plenty of parking.

Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 7 and 8

Ken-Ton Garden Tour

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pick up maps at Ken-Ton Aquatic Center, Sheridan Drive & Delaware Rd.; Kenmore Municipal Building, Delaware Ave. & Delaware Rd.; available Wednesday, July 28.

Fee: none

More than 45 Town of Tonawanda and Village of Kenmore residents shared their love of gardening with visitors from across Western New York in the 2009 Garden Tour. We estimate that tens of thousands of visits occurred among the designated gardens throughout our community. This year marks our 8th annual tour, and will feature a variety of different landscapes, including many with unique water features.

Sunday, Aug. 8

Plant auction to benefit American Cancer Society

1 p.m.; preview at noon

A plant auction to raise funds for the American Cancer Society will be held by Russell’s Tree & Shrub Farm LLC at the garden center, 9800 Transit Rd., East Amherst. Auction items include trees, shrubs, tools, perennials, annuals, statuary, pottery, fertilizer, mulch and tree delivery. The plants will be organized into categories such as annuals, shade or color. A $5 donation to the American Cancer Society is requested in order to participate. All items must be set up for delivery or taken at the end of the auction, which will run about two hours. 100 percent of the proceeds of several lots will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Food and American Cancer Society clothing will also be sold at the event.

Saturday and Sunday, July 31-Aug. 1

Poetry and Posies Flower Show (East Aurora)

Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday

Event is being held at Stonegate Mansion, 270 Buffalo Rd., East Aurora

Fee: none

The East Aurora Garden Club combines the beauty of poetry and flowers in the club’s Poetry and Posies Flower Show. The show will feature two divisions. One will consist of floral arrangements for dining, reception and exhibition tables, as well as arrangements showcasing roses, mantles featuring garlands, and a design class mix of potted plants and cut blooms called pot-et-fleur. The second division will be dedicated to horticulture specimens. There will be miniature landscapes grown in wooden boxes, as well as a variety of plants in window boxes, hanging baskets and containers. The Ode to a Vegetable category will feature displays of a range of vegetables. Because it is a Federated Garden Club Standard Flower Show, two education exhibits are included. “Dear, Deer’, What Can the Matter Be” deals with preventing deer damage; “The Green Scene” promotes recycling.

Saturday and Sunday, July 24 and 25

Garden Walk Buffalo

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pick up maps at Richmond Summer Senior Center, corner of Richmond and Summer; Buffalo Seminary, 205 Bidwell Parkway; AIDS Community Services, 206 S. Elmwood Avenue, corner of Chippewa.

Fee: none

Garden Walk Buffalo is a free, self-guided tour of more than 340 Buffalo gardens. It is one of the largest garden tours in America. Held annually on the last weekend of July, Garden Walk Buffalo has become one of Western New York’s most anticipated summer happenings. Tens of thousands of visitors join us each year, as we show off our city’s beautiful homes and gardens. You will leave refreshed, entertained and inspired.

Thursday, July 22

Monday, July 19

Front Yard Competition Voting– Final Day

Sunday, July 18

South Buffalo Alive

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pick up maps at Caz Coffee Café, 688 Abbott Rd, South Buffalo on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, July 15, 16, 17. On the day of the event, they’re available the in gazebo at Tim Russert’s Childrens Garden, next to the Dudley branch library which is at 2010 South Park.

Fee: $2

Front yard gardens galore – magnificent side and backyard gardens – ponds – hillside gardens – we’ve got it all.

Sunday, July 18

You can vote for your favorite makeover in the Front Yard Competition, the first event of its kind in the country. A block of turn-of-the-century homes in Buffalo have received customized makeovers courtesy of the Western New York State Nursery & Landscape Association members. You can tour the gardens and cast a vote for your favorite garden makeover. Physical ballots will be available outside each home on North Parade Ave. between Fillmore Ave. and Northampton St. Online voting will take place at www.nationalgardenfestival.com. The homes face Martin Luther King Jr. Park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead.

Saturday and Sunday, July 17 and 18

Lancaster Garden Walk

10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Pick up maps at Lancaster Deli, 155 Lake Ave; Broadway Deli, 5430 Broadway; Lancaster Bee; Depew Bee; available Thursday, July 15.

Fee: none

The 7th Annual Lancaster Garden Walk is a self-guided tour created to help bring community together by showing and sharing beautiful gardens all over Lancaster. This is a family friendly event, truly a wonderful way to meet some of the nicest residents of Lancaster. This year we should have 50 plus garden to show! Come out and enjoy a great weekend!

Saturday, July 17 (Rain date: Sunday, July 18)

Amherst Garden Walk

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pick up maps the day of the walk at Amherst Town Hall, 5583 Main St. Amherst, 9am-3pm; Williamsville Meeting House, 5658 Main St., Williamsville 9am-3pm; 1445 Maple Rd., 9am-4pm

E-mail: gardenwalk@amherst.ny.us

Fee: none

The Town of Amherst is honored to be a part of the National Buffalo Garden Festival, and to sponsor a Garden Walk. We are especially honored to recognize the dedication of our hundreds, if not thousands, of homeowners who devote their time to the fine “Art of Gardening.” It is with that in mind that we invite you to visit our community.

Saturday, July 17

Clarence Hollow in Bloom

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pick up maps at Clarence Hollow Farmers Market, Main St. between Ransom Rd and Salt Rd; 9 a.m. day of tour.

Fee: $5

Clarence Hollow in Bloom is a driving and walking tour that showcases 22 gardens of tantalizing pleasure. Here you’ll discover rich colors and textures, intertwined among the colorful floral tapestries and unique gardening styles. A truly magnificent day awaits gardening enthusiasts who enjoy being in a quiet rural setting. The Clarence Garden Club will be hosting the event, and will be at the Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. selling tickets for $5 per person. The Market opens at 8 a.m., so come early to get your fresh produce, fruits, flowers and plants.

Saturday, July 17

Grand Island Garden Tour

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets available ahead of time; call 773-4946 or 773-2421. The day of the event, pick up maps at Historic Trinity Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island, exit 19 off 190, go east.

Fee: $12 before 7/15; $15 after

A leisurely self-guided tour will be held rain or shine. A Grand Island map will be provided in the tour-ticket booklet secured on the day of the tour. Free refreshments are provided as you study your tour booklet, enjoy the Historic Trinity Chapel and shop the plant sale. Welcome to Grand Island!

Saturday, July 17

Samuel P. Capen Garden Walk

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pick up maps at University Community Farmers Market on Main St. at Kenmore Ave. from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. maps are available at 38 Brinton St., 135 Capen Blvd., 22 Larchmont Rd., 17 Maynard Dr., 178 Minnesota Ave., 201 Minnesota Ave.

Fee: none

Contact info: Jessica Biegaj at 829-6145 or jbiegaj@buffalo.edu or Anne Tarantino at 838-1793 or prinalt53@yahoo.com

Samuel P. Capen was the first full-time, salaried chancellor of the University of Buffalo. The Samuel P. Capen Garden Walk showcases the neighborhoods surrounding the UB South Campus, including University Heights, Eggertsville and Amherst. Now in its ninth year, the walk offers more than 60 private gardens and carefully nurtured public spaces. It is presented by the University Heights Collaborative, the Eggertsville Community Organization and the University at Buffalo.

Saturday, July 17

You can vote for your favorite makeover in the Front Yard Competition, the first event of its kind in the country. A block of turn-of-the-century homes in Buffalo have received customized makeovers courtesy of the Western New York State Nursery & Landscape Association members. You can tour the gardens and cast a vote for your favorite garden makeover. Physical ballots will be available outside each home on North Parade Ave. between Fillmore Ave. and Northampton St. Online voting will take place at www.nationalgardenfestival.com. Voting will continue until Sunday, July 18. The homes face Martin Luther King Jr. Park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead.

Friday, July 16
North Towns Gardens – Clarence & Akron Bus Tour
The tour includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation, an experienced tour host, sit-down lunch including all taxes and gratuity and driver gratuity.

Tour Host: Sandy Barnes C.N.L.P
Visit: Akron Tree Farm, Clarence Hollow Gardens, Clear Light Studio
Lunch: Brookfield Country Club
Price: $55 per person

Friday, July 17

You can vote for your favorite makeover in the Front Yard Competition, the first event of its kind in the country. A block of turn-of-the-century homes in Buffalo have received customized makeovers courtesy of the Western New York State Nursery & Landscape Association members. You can tour the gardens and cast a vote for your favorite garden makeover. Physical ballots will be available outside each home on North Parade Ave. between Fillmore Ave. and Northampton St. Online voting will take place at www.nationalgardenfestival.com. Voting will continue until Sunday, July 18. The homes face Martin Luther King Jr. Park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead.

Thursday, July 15

Thursday, July 15

You can vote for your favorite makeover in the Front Yard Competition, the first event of its kind in the country. A block of turn-of-the-century homes in Buffalo have received customized makeovers courtesy of the Western New York State Nursery & Landscape Association members. You can tour the gardens and cast a vote for your favorite garden makeover. Physical ballots will be available outside each home on North Parade Ave. between Fillmore Ave. and Northampton St. Online voting will take place at www.nationalgardenfestival.com. Voting will continue until Sunday, July 18. The homes face Martin Luther King Jr. Park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead.

Wednesday, July 14

You can vote for your favorite makeover in the Front Yard Competition, the first event of its kind in the country. A block of turn-of-the-century homes in Buffalo have received customized makeovers courtesy of the Western New York State Nursery & Landscape Association members. You can tour the gardens and cast a vote for your favorite garden makeover. Physical ballots will be available outside each home on North Parade Ave. between Fillmore Ave. and Northampton St. Online voting will take place at www.nationalgardenfestival.com. Voting will continue until Sunday, July 18. The homes face Martin Luther King Jr. Park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead.

Tuesday, July 13

You can vote for your favorite makeover in the Front Yard Competition, the first event of its kind in the country. A block of turn-of-the-century homes in Buffalo have received customized makeovers courtesy of the Western New York State Nursery & Landscape Association members. You can tour the gardens and cast a vote for your favorite garden makeover. Physical ballots will be available outside each home on North Parade Ave. between Fillmore Ave. and Northampton St. Online voting will take place at www.nationalgardenfestival.com. Voting will continue until Sunday, July 18. The homes face Martin Luther King Jr. Park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead.

Monday, July 12

Monday, July 12

Native & Invasive Species Hike

You can vote for your favorite makeover in the Front Yard Competition, the first event of its kind in the country. A block of turn-of-the-century homes in Buffalo have received customized makeovers courtesy of the Western New York State Nursery & Landscape Association members. You can tour the gardens and cast a vote for your favorite garden makeover. Physical ballots will be available outside each home on North Parade Ave. between Fillmore Ave. and Northampton St. Online voting will take place at www.nationalgardenfestival.com. Voting will continue until Sunday, July 18. The homes face Martin Luther King Jr. Park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead.

Sunday, July 11

2-4 p.m.

Join hike leaders Paul Fuhrmann and Jason Sorens for a native and invasive plants tour and discussion at the Kenneglenn Nature Preserve, a protected property of the Western New York Land Conservancy, located outside of East Aurora in the Town of Wales. Participants will gain an understanding of the benefits of plants that are native to the Western New York area, as well as the challenges of invasive species that are taking over the natural landscape, to the detriment of our native birds, wildflowers, and wild life. Tips and hints will be shared with gardeners for how they can landscape their own backyard with native plants, for the protection and preservation of native wildlife.

Reservations are required as space is limited. Please call (716) 687-1225 or email mweaver@wnylc.org for directions and reservations. The hike is a public event and is free of charge.

Sunday, July 11

A BLOOMIN’ SHOW

Three area plant societies have partnered to offer the public an educational and unusual show as part of the National Garden Festival. The Western New York Hosta Society’s Hosta Blooms Show will be the first accredited hosta bloom show in the nation, as new rules and procedures are formulated for the American Hosta Society. Judging of hosta blooms is open to the public, and the show officially opens at 1 p.m. In addition, the Western New York Iris Society will offer a Japanese Iris Show, and the Buffalo Area Daylily Society will offer a Daylily Bloom Exhibit with Ikebana floral arrangements. Members of the three societies will be available for questions, and there will be educational displays. The Buffalo Chapter 50, Ikebana Society will use Japanese iris, hosta blooms and daylilies in a design workshop at 2 p.m. The event takes place at Rudolph Galley & Sons, 2722 Clinton Street at French Rd., West Seneca.

Sunday, July 11

Front Yard Competition Voting

A block of turn-of-the-century homes in Buffalo have received customized makeovers courtesy of the Western New York State Nursery & Landscape Association members. You can tour the gardens and cast a vote for your favorite garden makeover. Physical ballots will be available outside each home on North Parade Ave. between Fillmore Ave. and Northampton St. Online voting will take place at www.nationalgardenfestival.com. Voting will continue until Sunday, July 18. The homes face Martin Luther King Jr. Park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead.

Sunday, July 11

Snyder-CleveHill Garden View

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pick up maps at the Trillium Flower Shop, 2195 Kensington Ave., on the day of the event.

Fee: $3 donation per person

The Garden View tour takes place in the Snyder and Cleveland Hill neighborhoods where the architecture dates from the 1920s through the 1950s. The 20 or so gardens offer a broad mix of flowers, vegetables, water features and lush landscaping ideas. Of special interest are the landmark-status stone arches and wrought iron street markers of the Audubon Terrace area. This one by two mile tour is easily navigated by car or bike.

Saturday & Sunday, July 10 & 11

Lockport in Bloom

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pick up maps at the Kenan Center, 433 Locust St.; City Hall, 1 Locks Plaza; many nurseries and businesses.

E-mail: blumgarden@roadrunner.com

Fee: none

Lockport in Bloom will hold its 6th annual city wide garden tour in historic Lockport. Last year we featured 46 private and public gardens, and brought more than 600 visitors each day to our lovely historic city. This is a self-guided walking/driving tour, held rain or shine.

Saturday and Sunday, July 10 and 11

Buzz Around Hamburg Garden Walk

1o a.m.-4 p.m.

Pick up maps at Memorial Park, Lake & Union.

Fee: free

Like Monet, Hamburg is combining art and beautiful gardens. The 6th Annual Buzz Around Hamburg Garden Walk and Fair is teaming up with the Village of Hamburg Festival of the Arts. (The Art Festival will be held on Sunday only.) More than 30 private gardens will be open to the public. In addition, garden vendors and talented local artists will be showing and selling their work at Memorial Park on Lake and Union Streets. Also included will be a self-guided walking tour of the creative landscaping in the village’s new roundabouts, street bumpouts, and creek overlook, as well as a multitude of oversized pots brimming with vibrant flowers. For further information, call Marg Rust at 648-7544 or e-mail at info@hamburggardenwalk.com

Saturday, July 10

Orchard Parkway Garden Walk (Niagara Falls)

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pick up maps at 1302 Main St., corner of Orchard Parkway & Main on day of event; “Look for smiling gardeners at the white tent.”

Fee: none

Set among perhaps the most beautiful landscape in the downtown core with whispering thunder from Niagara Falls just a five-minute walk away, there are now more than 60 gardens of different shapes and complexities all within a quarter-mile walk on two city streets. The walk aims to share the potential that can be found within a few seeds and a pile of dirt. That, paired with our hope of spreading the beautification efforts, is the main reason the organizers keep the walk free, with the help of the Orchard Parkway Block Club and the Niagara Block Club Council.

Friday, July 9

Urban Farms, Rose & Community Gardens Bus Tour
The tour includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation, an experienced tour host, sit-down lunch including all taxes and gratuity and driver gratuity.

Tour Host: Sharon Weber
Visit: Seneca Babcock Community Garden, Massachusetts Avenue Project, Urban Roots and Special Event Japanese Gardens
Lunch: Marcy Casino at Delaware Park
Price: $55 per person

Friday, July 9

Delaware Park Japanese Garden Celebration
It’s a celebration of Buffalo’s Japanese Gardens. Tours will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in Delaware Park. Enter on the east side of the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society Museum.

Thursday, July 8

Front Yard Competition Kickoff

Wednesday, July 7

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Free Summer Concert in the Delaware Park Meadow
(Zoo side of the park)
7 pm

Free, bring your lawn chairs. Call 838-1249 ext. 23 for details.

Tuesday, July 6

10 a.m.

Turn-of-the-century homes on a block of North Parade in Buffalo (near Martin Luther King Jr. Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead) will receive customized makeovers courtesy of the Western New York State Nursery & Landscape Association members. Each home will be paired with a professional landscaper who will come up with a design and planting plan that suits the homeowner’s tastes and the home’s style. Work will end on Saturday, July 10, and the public will be invited to visit the neighborhood, tour the gardens and cast a vote for their favorite garden makeover. Individual gardens will be honored with a variety of awards at the Western New York State Nursery & Landscape Association annual picnic in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park on Wednesday, July 21.

Monday, July 5

Friday, July 2
Niagara Wine Trail Bus Tour
The tour includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation, an experienced tour host, sit-down lunch including all taxes and gratuity, wine tasting, and driver gratuity.

Tour Host: Bryan Calandrelli of Freedom Run Winery
Visit: Freedom Run Winery, Arrowhead Springs, Marjim Manor
Lunch: Freedom Run Winery
Price: $68 per person

Thursday, July 1

The Open Gardens project of the National Garden Festival is modeled on the successful, long-standing tradition open gardens in England. Private gardens are graciously made available to the public on a particular day at a particular time. Visitors are allowed to simply drop by. The open gardens are listed by neighborhood. Please note the specific day and time that the garden is open. See two articles on Cheri St. Pierre’s gardens that we toured during an Open Garden evening: how she is still dealing with the aftermath of the October Storm of 2006, and why she got rid of all the grass in the front and backyards.

Wednesday, June 30

Starry Night in the Garden, a fundraiser for the Botanical Gardens.

6-9 p.m.

The event is starring Collective Soul and featuring Serena Ryder, The Calling’s Alex Band and Melanie Fiona. Tickets are $40 for general admission and $100 for VIP tickets. To purchase tickets, go to www.tickets.com The ticket price includes food and wine sampling, a commemorative Star 102.5 wine glass and a uniquely intimate live music experience under the stars. New this year: special VIP seating with private catered food, wine, front stage access and meet-and-greet opportunities!

Monday, June 28