Upstate Gardeners' Journal Sept-Oct 2015

Page 1

buffalo - ithaca - rochester - syracuse

The Call of the Castle Potato Croquettes Trees as Tribute FREE

Volume Twenty-one, Issue Five September-October 2015

Celebrating

Celebrating

YEARS

YEARS

2

2

Celebrating

Celebrating

Celebrating

YEARS

YEARS

YEARS

2

2

upstate gardeners’ journal - 1140 Ridge Crest Drive - Victor, new york 14564

2


SARA’S GARDEN

Can Spring Be Fall? Remember your surge of enthusiasm and energy last May? That feeling is about to return! September and October can bring these feelings right back for every gardener: plants re-arranged, new plants are brought in and the bulbs, the mums...t’s like capturing lightning in a bottle and we wish we could sell it! But instead we will sell you all you need to make it happen. Our Annual Customer Appreciation Days are in full swing. All manner of plant material is on sale, but don’t wait too long, as this autumn weather won’t last and neither with the plant selection! Stone Wall Follies 2015 Change is the agony and ecstasy of gardeners everywhere. We will not have Norman this year for our follies, and he will be much missed...love the Scots! But we love the Irish too. John, master of all things stone, has graciously provided us with another master from over the pond; an author, a master of Irish wall building and sure to be another wonderful teacher for this year’s students. The 2015 session of our dry-laid stone wall class is set for October 3rd and 4th. A two-day event that will give you the knowledge to build your garden dream! Spaces available for students! Anyone can join our students for an evening of inspiration featuring: John Shaw-Rimmington, of the CSWA Patrick McAfee, author of Irish Stone Walls Saturday October 3rd, 7:15 pm (remember, this event is free and open to the public)

Please check out John’s website: CSWA.can We’re asking for a quick call or email to enable us to plan our space requirements, and if you’re ready to take the weekend session here is the contact info, thanks! kkepler@rochester.rr.com or (585)637-4745

35+ Year Mission! It is our greatest desire to provide our customers with top quality, well-grown plant material at a fair and honest price. We will strive to provide an unmatched selection of old favorites and underused, hard-to-find items, along with the newest varieties on the market. We will eagerly share our horticultural knowledge gained from years of education and experience. Lastly, we offer all this in a spirit of fun and lightheartedness.

Sara’s Garden Center | 389 East Ave. | Brockport 14420 | 585-637-4745


BUY A TREE, WE PLANT IT FOR FREE OCTOBER 1-NOVEMBER 15, 2015

ALL REMAINING STOCK AREAS WITHIN A 20 MILE RADIUS OF THE BROCCOLO GARDEN CENTER 2755 PENFIELD ROAD FAIRPORT 14450

MANY VARIETIES AVAILABLE

One

“One is wise to cultivate the tree that bears fruit in our soul” -Thoreau

58585-424-4476 WWW.BROCCOLOTREEANDLAWN.COM

EXPERTS TO GUIDE WITH BEST LOCATION AND VARIETY FOR YOUR PROPERTY


Batavia Turf …

Making New York Green. “The True Breath of Life” A 50’ x 50’ area of sod converts enough carbon dioxide to oxygen to sustain a family of four. East/Central NYS…

call Katie 585.356.0972

West/Southern Tier… call Chuck 585.261.6370

Best Solutions®

Harsh winter conditions can cause serious damage to trees and shrubss

WILT STOP®

Winter cold, dryness and wind causes your plants to loose precious moisture which leads to wind burn, sunscald and winter kill. WILT STOP is an all natural anti-transpirant made from pine tree resin that puts an invisible, flexible film on your plants. With this added protection, moisture stays in and plant damage stays out.

WILT STOP-HOLIDAY

Prevent needle drop and extend the life of Christmas trees, wreaths, boughs and roping.

find a retailer... bonide.com


Publisher/Editor: Jane F. Milliman Associate Publisher: Megan Marsocci Managing EDITOR: Debbie Eckerson Graphic designer: Cathy Monrad Technical Editor: Brian Eshenaur Proofreader: Sarah Koopus

Contents

Western New York Sales Representative:

From the Associate Publisher.....................................6

Contributing Writers:

Stump the Chump.......................................................9

Maria Walczak: 716/432-8688

Marion Morse | Michelle Sutton Cathy Monrad | Luke Miller | Pat Curran

Almanac................................................................10-11 The Call of the Castle....................................... 12--14

1140 Ridge Crest Drive, Victor, NY 14564 585/733-8979 e-mail: info@upstategardenersjournal.com upstategardenersjournal.com The Upstate Gardeners’ Journal is published six times a year. To subscribe, please send $15.00 to the above address. Magazines will be delivered via U.S. mail and or email (in PDF format). We welcome letters, calls and e-mail from our readers. Please tell us what you think! We appreciate your patronage of our advertisers, who enable us to bring you this publication. All contents copyright 2015, Upstate Gardeners’ Journal.

Calendar...............................................................16-21 Trees as Tribute...................................................23-24 Recipe: Potato Croquettes...................................... 26 Cathy's Crafty Corner............................................... 29 Backyard Habitat: Seedless Feeding...................... 30

SUBSCRIBE!

Never miss another issue! Get the UGJ delivered to your door six times a year for just $15.00. It’s our area’s guide to everything gardeners want to know about. To give a gift, simply enclose a note with the gift recipient’s info. We’ll send a notice and start the subscription. WE HAVE BACK ISSUES! Copies are $2.00 each, which includes 1st class postage.

Name ______________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________ City___________________________________State______Zip _______________ Subscriptions_______________x $15.00= ________________________________ Back issues ________x $2.00= __________________________________________ Check enclosed for ___________________________________________________ S-O ’15

Thank you 1140 Ridge Crest Drive Victor, NY 14564 585/538-4980


From the Associate Publisher

dAYliliEs. Daylilies are outstanding, carefree perennials. We grow and sell over 225 top-rated award-winning varieties in many colors and sizes in our Rochester garden. We are also an official national daylily society display garden. We welcome visitors to see the flowers in bloom from June to September. Call 585/461-3317. RoAd sAlEs PosiTion. Prides Corner Farms (PCF) has combined quality plant material with excellent customer service to become a leader in the nursery industry in the northeast. The Road Sales Representative (RSR) is the face of PCF to the customer, and the face of the customer to the company. RSR will need to live in the territory assigned and have a homebased office. Territory includes western NY from Rochester west, western PA, Ohio and Michigan. Duties include visiting customers each week, entering orders, assist in putting together shipments, travelling to trade shows and the farm for sales meetings and tours. Candidate will need to set up an office in their residence. PCF will provide a computer and/or tablet, a cell phone, copier/printer, and a vehicle to perform the tasks necessary. Proficiency in computer skills and program knowledge a plus. Email resume to rdefeo@ pridescorner.com. TREE And shRub sAlEs REPREsEnTATivE. Bristol’s Garden Center, Victor. Experience preferred. Management opportunities available. Email resume to bookkeeper@bristolsgardencenter.com or apply in person to 7454 Victor-Pittsford Road, Victor NY. Also complete company application found on our website bristolsgardencenter.com

PuRE, nATuRAl, loCAl honEY. Award-winning small scale apiary by Lake Ontario. SeawayTrailHoney.com 585-820-6619

RAISING THE STANDARD Are your gardens ready for fall?

Fall. It’s hard to not feel slightly nostalgic when scholars are headed back to start a new chapter in their journey of academic advancement, even for those— like myself—who’ve long since been removed from the hustle and bustle of a grammar school hallway or university quad. It often feels like a time for new beginnings; a fresh start; two feet outside the comfort zone. A conversation I had a while back with a seasoned horticulture veteran, one who has been in the game longer than he’d prefer I mention, lit the same fire I remember from those first days of each school year. A fire that brings me to you, the readers, the heart and soul of our magazine. You want us to continue to grow and thrive. What better way than to give us your feedback on the past 20 years? What have you enjoyed about the publication? What would you like to see more of? Is there anything you’d like to see less of or eliminated? Is there a topic we don’t touch on that you’d like to learn more about? Even though we aren’t “in school," we want to continue to learn, especially about what our readers enjoy most (or least). Please shoot me an email at megan@upstategardenersjournal.com or call 585/301-7181. Maybe your suggestion will be the highlight of an upcoming feature!

ClAssiFiEds

Hire a New York State Certified Professional to get the job done right!

✓ At Your Garden Center or Nursery When You Shop ✓ When You're Planning a Landscape Design, Installation or Renovation ✓ For Seasonal Lawn & Garden Maintenance

&

Nursery

New York State Certified Landscape Professional

Visit plantwny.com to ‘Find a Certified Professional’ Near You!


2015

Fall Lecture Series Sept 2 William and Jane Torrence Harder Lecture Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants Robin Kimmerer, Ph.D. Distinguished Teaching Professor and Director, Center for Native Peoples and the Environment, SUNY ESF Lecture, 5:30 p.m., Call Auditorium Garden Party to follow at the Botanical Garden

Sept 16 Audrey O’Connor Lecture Blame It on Columbus: Chile Peppers Around the World Dave DeWitt, Author and Food Historian Lecture, 7:30 p.m. Statler Auditorium

Sept 30 Elizabeth E. Rowley Lecture From Glaciers to Generations: Climate Change Affects Landscapes and Lives Gary Braasch, Photojournalist Lecture, 7:30 p.m. Statler Auditorium

Oct 14 William Hamilton Lecture Modern Plant Exploration in the Tropics: The Age of Rediscovery

Marc Hachadourian, Director of the Nolen Greenhouses, New York Botanical Garden Lecture, 7:30 p.m. Statler Auditorium

Oct 28 Plant-Based Medicines: Ancient Greece and Rome and Beyond Courtney Roby, Assistant Professor of Classics, Cornell University Lecture, 7:30 p.m. Statler Auditorium

Nov 11 Class of 1945 Lecture Ginkgo: The Tree that Time Forgot Professor Sir Peter Crane, FRS, the Carl W. Knobloch Jr. Dean of the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University Lecture, 7:30 p.m. Statler Auditorium

For more information, please call

Visit our website at:

607-255-2400

cornellplantations.org

The Fall Lecture Series is presented in collaboration with the Statler Hotel


Cayuga Landscape Ithaca, NY

Design OfďŹ ce Hours:

Mon.-Fri., 8 am - 5 pm Garden Center Opens Mar. 16th 2712 N. Triphammer Rd. p. 607-257-3000 www.cayugalandscape.com

Buffalo and Erie County

Botanical Gardens

Orchid Show Nov 14-15

Succulents Sept 5 - Oct 4

Poinsettias Nov 27 - Jan 3

Top: Coralburst Crabapple with Winter Gem Boxwood Hedge

Mums

Oct 17 - Nov 8

Left: Celestial Dogwood

SPECIALIST NURSERY IN BOXWOOD

www.buffalogardens.com

Your favorite gardening magazine is online. Check us out at UpstateGardenersJournal.com.


Q&A

Stump the Chump D

o you recognize this plant? Japanese or Korean? The first person to answer correctly, genus and species please, will win an Upstate Gardeners’ Journal mug! Please call 585/301-7181 or email megan@upstategardenersjournal.com to guess. We will accept guesses starting September 14, 2015, in order to give everyone a fair chance. Good luck! The last issue’s stumper was Quercus robur fastigiata, upright English oak.


Almanac

What to do in the garden in September and October

BOTTOM: Bulbs. Photo courtesy tjmwatson, Flickr.

SEPTEMBER The best time to renovate or install a lawn is late August/ September. Cooler, longer evenings and moist weather encourage root growth. It’s easier to keep the seedbed moist until germination, and hot-weather weeds such as crabgrass are less likely to germinate. Plant colchicum and the true fall crocus "bulbs" as soon as they are received. Otherwise, colchicum may bloom in the bag. (Go ahead and plant them anyway, and they will be OK.) Replace tree guards around vulnerable tree trunks to prevent “buck rub” damage. Start planning to bring houseplants inside, especially tropicals. This allows for an adjustment period, maybe even a quarantine in case they have pests. Holiday cacti and cymbidiums need cool temperatures to set flower buds, but not cold or frost. A cool room inside should suffice. It's your last chance to plant veggies outside—only radishes and maybe spinach are fast growing and hardy enough to get a crop. Consult ccetompkins.org/gardening/ food-gardening/last-planting-dates. Plant a hardy cover crop such as winter rye in vacant garden spaces. You can also sheet-compost them as well using flattened cardboard or a thick layer of newsprint covered by leaves. Consider planting hardy veggies in a cold frame or a tunnel (low or high) for winter crops. Think about overwintering potted herbs on a sunny windowsill. I have had good luck with basil, parsley, and sage. Rosemary needs careful watching and watering because it doesn’t wilt when dry; it just dies. Even the pros have a hard time with this one. Keep up with the weeding, but ease off on deadheading. Roses, for instance, will be better prepared for winter if allowed to set hips. Visit your local nurseries for great sale plants. Divide and replant hardy spring-blooming perennials as soon as possible. You can also move or divide the hardier perennials such as phlox, hosta, or daylilies. Avoid disturbing shallowrooted perennials that are prone to heaving, such as Heuchera. Make maps of your plantings before the first frost hits and the leaves fall. Replace labels if needed. Pencil lasts a long time on plastic labels and doesn’t fade in the sun. Take notes about what needs to be moved/divided/replaced next year. Finish planting container perennials and woodies. Keep them well watered. We mulch right after planting to allow more root growth before the soil cools off too much, despite the usual

1 0 | s e p t e m b e r - O c to b e r 2 0 1 5

recommendation to wait until the ground freezes. OCTOBER October is the best month to move peonies, both herbaceous and tree peonies, if necessary, but this is a big job. We dig, divide, and pot up herbaceous peonies in October for the May Plant Sale, and most of them will bloom in the pots around sale time. It’s also the best month to dig up and divide hardy lilies and to finish planting your spring-flowering bulbs outside. We mulch crocus and tulips with pea gravel to deter digging. Start potting up the hardy bulbs you want to force (you can finish this task in November). Protect potted crocus and tulips from mice. Mid-October is the best time to plant garlic. Be sure to rotate the garlic to a well-drained area, and mulch after planting. It’s recommended to plant the biggest cloves and save the smaller ones to eat. Late October is a good time to start cleaning up around your perennials. Consider cutting down dead stalks (except for mums, Japanese painted ferns, kniphofia, and semi-woody plants like lavender, sage, Russian sage, and butterfly bush, which overwinter better with the protection of the old stalks). You may choose to leave stalks in place for winter interest (e.g., sedum), birdseed (e.g. echinacea, black-eyed Susan), or overwintering beneficial insects, including pollinators. Pull those winter annual weeds that have sprouted. Hairy bittercress is a particular pest because it blooms at such a tiny size. If you see little clumps of circular white objects resembling tapioca, those are snail or slug eggs. Get rid of them (not in the compost). I apply more mulch where necessary; this is my best opportunity because my flowerbeds are full of bulb foliage by early spring. Use your mulching mower on the leaves on the lawn, if possible, and don’t rake under shrubs, since many beneficial insects overwinter in the leaf litter there. Consider collecting leaf bags from your neighbors. We


have a special compost bin for leaves. We leave them in the bags (plastic preferred) until the leaves turn into “leaf mold," which is my main organic soil amendment. Most leaves are wet and dirty enough to compost right inside the bag. Any really light bags contain dry leaves— these are set aside for use as mulch in the veggie garden the next season. Clean up all the old veggie plants, debris from the veggie garden, and fallen fruit. Although most recommendations are to dispose of this in the trash, we have too much to do that. Instead, I put it in a long-term inactive compost pile, so we're isolating diseases and pests that the debris may hold. Applying fresh mulch will help isolate disease organisms. Be sure to protect fruit tree trunks up to 4 or 5 ft. above the ground, from nibbling wildlife. Continue preparing to protect vulnerable plants from deer, rabbit, and rodent damage with fencing, hardware cloth (which is actually wire), plastic tree protectors, and/or repellents. Move a bucket of good garden soil and/or woodchips into a freeze-proof location. This can be used during winter thaws, to cover the roots of frost-heaved, shallow-rooted perennials such as Heuchera. Otherwise, heaving causes the roots to dry out, and generally the ground is still frozen enough a few inches down to prevent replanting. This tip is from Elisabeth Sheldon, author of several excellent gardening books, who used to have a nursery near Ithaca. — Pat Curran and the Tompkins County Master Gardeners

Experience Awesome Autumn Color

at Lockwood’s

Quality Perennials, Shrubs & Trees for Excellent Fall Color ❀

WInter Pansies~Fall Mums~Flowering Kale ❀

Unusual Gourds and Exotic Pumpkins From Our Own Fields ❀ Fall Garden Fair ❀ Saturday, September 12, 9am – 4 pm Sunday, September 13, 10am – 3 pm Vendors, Classes, Food and Plant Specials

See www.WeKnowPlants.com for details

Lockwood’s Greenhouses

4484 Clark St., Hamburg, NY 14075 (716) 649-4684

Fall is for Planting! Trees, shrubs, ornamentals, perennials, and much more! Do you want to be ready for next season? Fall is one of the best times to plant a lawn! Our professionals are ready to help with all of your tree and landscape needs! Call today 585.381.9000 or email inquiries@tedcollinst-l.com


Seasonal Stakeout

The Call of the Castle Rochester Civic Garden Center and Director Christine Froehlich by Michelle Sutton

ABOVE: Historic Warner Castle in Rochester’s Highland Park, photo Jane Milliman INSET: Christine Froehlich, photo Michelle Sutton OPPOSITE: Milli Piccione, top, and Judy Hubbard, bottom, photos Michelle Sutton

A

nyone who attends classes and other programs put on by the busy Rochester Civic Garden Center (RCGC) is surprised to find out that there are only three staff members, all with just part-time appointments. Christine Froehlich, executive director since 2007, Judy Hubbard, education program coordinator since 2003, and Marjorie Focarazzo, administrative coordinator since 2014. The staff works with dedicated volunteers at historic Warner Castle in Rochester’s Highland Park. This piece focuses on director Christine Froehlich, the ways in which RCGC has evolved since she started there, and some of the individuals who have been instrumental in its evolution.

1 2 | s e p t e m b e r - O c to b e r 2 0 1 5

Can you tell us about your education and career pre-RCGC? CF: In the early 70s I studied art in college at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, and at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. I knew I wanted to do something creative and I hated working inside. I applied for a job at Maymont Park, a Victorian era estate with wonderful gardens in Richmond. The superintendent of horticulture told me they weren’t hiring women, saying that “the public wasn’t ready to see women working outside yet,” but he eventually relented and we women got to work outside. This was back when public gardens had lavish budgets. I worked there for a few years and had access to talented people who taught me a great deal.


After Maymont, I went to live in the mountains of Virginia and worked as the horticulturist at Sweetbriar College, which back then had magnificent gardens, and I once again received a lot of good training. Then I moved back to Connecticut where my parents lived and in 1976, I got a job as head gardener on a small estate. This was an amazing job experience; I worked with a designer named Luther Greene who had also been a producer on Broadway. This estate was quite grand, with five or six different garden rooms and a big crew of people for me to manage. It was my first experience on a private estate of such sophistication. I stopped working for a while to have children—Patrick (now 39), Anders (36), and Emily (34). Eventually I started going to work part time here and there on estates, and in 1984, when the kids were bigger, I turned that into a fulltime design/maintenance business, which I ran until 2003 in Ridgefield, CT and then Litchfield County, CT. In the last five years of running the business, I got really burnt out, in part because I never wanted to do that much maintenance and I never wanted to have the responsibility for such a large crew. It just kind of evolved that in order to have the design work I had to provide the maintenance. I wanted to do something else but it took some time to figure out what. During this time I got remarried in 2002 to musician Phil Sanguedolce. We met at a party where his Zydeco band was playing; he’s the lead singer and plays the frottoir (rubboard). (I love Zydeco and Cajun dance especially). We decided to move to the Rochester area, where Phil grew up, and fell in love with a house in Sodus Point, quite close to Lake Ontario. I became friends with Rochester horticulturist Beverly Gibson who introduced me to RCGC by way of the spring garden symposium. In the meantime, Judy and thendirector Susan Latoski had read my article in Fine Gardening about growing perennials in containers and wanted me to teach a class on the subject. That was in 2005. Over time I kept adding to the courses I’d teach. When Susan left the directorship, I applied for the position. I continue to teach and design and install gardens, and I do some writing. One of my favorite courses to teach is a yearly report on new plants in the trade—how they performed for RCGC, for me, and for my clients. When you became director, what did you see as the major challenges and opportunities? CF: The biggest challenge was and remains not having enough funding, which is the lament of all nonprofits. Judy runs the education program and I’m in charge of making sure we have enough money to do it all. Development work on this scale was new for me, but two things helped prepare me for it: running my own business all those years, and helping run dances in Hartford, Connecticut, including some…in my own barn, with fellow volunteers. All the things that went into putting on those dances are experiences that come in handy for me now in putting on RCGC events and raising money. The biggest opportunity I could see then and one that is being well realized is the growth potential and quality of RCGC’s education programs. Judy and I work well together,

Milli Piccione on the Castle Grounds “The estate gardens at Warner Castle have fascinated me for a long time. The most well-known feature, the Sunken Garden, was designed by Alling DeForest in the early 1930s. By the time I became involved [2004], the multiple gardens beds had received minimal attention for many years. I started redesign of the sunny main border in 2011. Working with a dedicated group of volunteers we planted in 2012, beginning the long-term revitalization of the estate’s upper level that guides you gently into the Sunken Garden. Last season RCGC received grant money to install the 180-foot-long historically recommended fence and to rebuild the rock wall, both vital elements of the shade border. This season the rose treillage is being installed which will, once again, connect the two borders both visually and aesthetically. The garden volunteers, with the intermittent help of the Parks Department, plant and maintain the beds. It is an endless delight and satisfaction for me to see these gardens return to life and beauty; the opportunity to guide that work is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Three gardens complete; four to go!”

Judy Hubbard on the Center’s Growth “The RCGC already had a good foundation when I started in 2003, so I guess I would say we’ve worked to improve on what we do best, which is to offer high-quality educational opportunities in gardening and horticulture. The key is identifying instructors with a depth of experience who are also good teachers—and we continue to find them! Rochester also has some wonderful private gardens, and finding great gardens that are new to us is pretty darn exciting. We provide an opportunity for gardeners to spend time in those gardens, meet the homeowners, and learn more about gardening from the pros—that’s definitely how I want to spend a summer evening! And of course technology has changed since I started; we are now able to have a much more interesting and useful website that we can easily keep updated. We can take registrations online, and we send out an email newsletter…All this means we can get out our message more effectively, that it is easier for new people to find us, and easier to sign up.”

For more information: 585-473-5130; rcgc.org

bouncing ideas off each other, then setting about making them happen. The course offerings continue to expand in variety and quality. For Judy and Marjorie and me, this is so much more than a job. Another thing that’s been really exciting is how the grounds are being rehabilitated by volunteers under the direction of garden designer and board member Milli Piccione, and how that enables us to use the grounds for more classes, especially the popular hands-on ones like preparing gardens for spring, midsummer maintenance, and putting gardens to bed in fall. I used to have to go look for other gardens in which to host the classes but now our gardens are more developed and we can teach here. At the same time, Milli and crew are bringing back some of the historical features of the gardens. So in these ways the outside is a better reflection of what we do on the

I have wanted to be outdoors and digging in the dirt for as long as I can remember! Nineteen years ago I founded Perennial Designs, specializing in garden design and maintenance for residential properties. —Milli Piccione

U P S T A T E G A R D E N ER S ’ J O U R N A L | 1 3


TOP LEFT: Japanese anemone, photo Jane Milliman TOP RIGHT AND BOTTOM: Two views of the newly restored sunny and shady borders, photos Jane Milliman

inside, and the gardens just look so much better, they are more joyful, and we get a lot of positive feedback. Milli has helped train volunteers who want to bump up their skills, which is another way that education takes place here. What are some other changes that have taken place of which you and your colleagues are proud? CF: Our board of directors has gotten much stronger, and together we worked on a strategic plan, the main component of which is making the most of this building and the grounds and having them work together. The improvements in the gardens help drive attention to the castle, which can be rented for events, and to the programs that are going on here. With the enhancement of the grounds and the ever-increasing quality of our course offerings, we are getting more recognition and financial support from private donors and people in the regional green industry. We are proud that we’re attracting new homeowners and younger people generally to come and learn about

1 4 | s e p t e m b e r - O c to b e r 2 0 1 5

gardening. (Part of our master plan is to more things with kids and families as well). We’re doing much more with our website and social media. There’s also been an exciting change shepherded by our RCGC Board Vice President Linda Phillips that enables more people to take advantage of our exceptional horticultural library. People used to have to come our library during limited hours to borrow books. Now we have a contract with the Monroe County Library System (MCLS) whereby our catalog is online and you can pick up and return our books to a County library of your choice. That’s huge! Next up is digitizing some of the significant old bulletins and historical documents we have here that we want people to have access to.

Michelle Sutton (michellejudysutton.com) is a horticulturist, writer, and editor living in New Paltz, NY.


Advance your knowledge at the

PLANT WNY Trade Show & Education Conference 2016

Largest grower of perennials and herbs in Central New York 20 Display Gardens to View

Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional Day - Thursday, February 4 Trade Show and Education Conference - Friday, February 5

Salvatore’s Italian Gardens, Depew, NY Join us for two full days of seminars. Friday will feature Dr. Allan M. Armitage and a trade show along with the seminars. Don’t miss this opportunity to network, learn new techniques and gather insights from your peers in the green industry. CNLP and DEC Credits will be available.

New for 2016: Dedicated hardscape room

Saturday, September 26th 11:00am – 3:30pm A family fun day.

For more information:

Visit www.plantwny.com or contact 716-741-8047

www.plantwny.com

Apple Harvest U-Pick Apples & Picked Apples Available (Call for Varieties: 607-533-4653)

Friday, February 5: keynote speaker, Dr. Allan M. Armitage. Dr. Armitage is a perennial guru and author of several books including Herbaceous Perennial Plants, Armitage's Garden Perennials and Armitage's Native Plants for North American Gardens.

Nursery Open: Monday – Friday 8-5 Saturday & Sunday 9-5 Closing Oct. 31st; after Oct. 31st: open by chance or appointment Mail: 1104 Auburn Rd., Groton, NY 13073 (Rte. 34 in N. Lansing bet. Ithaca & Auburn) Tel: 607-533-4653 email: info@bakersacres.net www.bakersacres.net

Let our experience work for you. We help professional landscapers, designers, architects, and swimming pool contractors by seamlessly designing water features into your projects. Contact us today for ALL your water feature needs.

Acorn Ponds and Waterfalls Rochester, NY acornponds.com • 585-442-6373

pond maintenance renovation repair


Calendar BUFFALO REGULAR CLUB MEETINGS African Violet & Gesneriad Society of WNY meets the third Tuesday of the month, March – November, at 7 pm, Lancaster Volunteer Ambulance Corp, 40 Embry Place, Lancaster. Contact: Judy O’Neil, judyoneil1945@gmail.com. Alden Garden Club meets the second Wednesday of the month (except July & August) at 7 pm, Alden Community Center, West Main Street, Alden. New members and guests welcome. Plant sale each May. 716/937-7924. Amana Garden Club meets the second Wednesday of the month (except January) at 11 am, Burchfield Nature & Art Center, 2001 Union Road, West Seneca. 716/668-1100. Amherst Garden Club meets the fourth Wednesday of the month (except December, March, July & August) at 10:00 am, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Main Street, Williamsville. New members and guests welcome. 716/836-5397. Buffalo Area Daylily Society. East Aurora Senior Center, 101 King Street, East Aurora. 716/ 698-3454; info@ buffaloareadaylilysociety.com. Federated Garden Clubs NYS – District 8. October 8: Fall Meeting & Luncheon, Grapevine Banquets, 333 Dick Road, Depew. November 17: Fundraiser, $25, 716/681-0744, Protocal Restaurant, Lancaster. Marcia Becker, District Director. 716/681-3530; marshmelo601@yahoo.com; gardenclubsofwny.com. Friends of Kenan Herb Club meets Monday evenings, Kenan Center for the Arts, 433 Locust Street, Lockport. Meeting dates, times and campus locations: kenancenter.org/affiliates.asp; 716/433-2617. Garden Club of the Tonawandas meets the third Thursday of the month at 7 pm, Tonawanda City Hall, Community Room. Garden Friends of Clarence meets the second Wednesday of the month at 7 pm, September – June, Town Park Clubhouse, 10405 Main Street, Clarence. gardenfriendsofclarence@hotmail.com. Hamburg Garden Club meets the second Wednesday of every month at noon, summer garden tours, Hamburg Community Center, 107 Prospect Avenue, Hamburg. 716/648-0275; droman13@verizon.net. Ken-Sheriton Garden Club meets the second Tuesday of the month (except January) at 7:30 pm, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 576 Delaware Road, Kenmore. Monthly programs, artistic design and horticulture displays. September 8: Bio-Diversity – The Importance of Planting Native Plants. October 13: Eco-Friendly Gardening. November 10: Sowing Seeds in a Milk Jug. New members and guests welcome. 716/8360567. Niagara Frontier Orchid Society (NFOS) meets the first Tuesday following the first Sunday (dates sometimes vary due to holidays, etc.), September – June, Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Avenue, Buffalo. niagarafrontierorchids.org. Orchard Park Garden Club meets the first Thursday of the month at 12 pm, Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, 4369 South Buffalo Street, Orchard Park. President: Joan Sutton, 716/662-4777. Silver Creek-Hanover Garden Club meets the second Saturday of the month at 2 pm, First Baptist Church, 32 Main Street, Silver Creek. Sue Duecker, 716/9347608; duke.sue@roadrunner.com. South Town Gardeners meets the second Friday of the month (except January) at 10:30 am, Charles E. 1 6 | s e p t e m b e r - O c to b e r 2 0 1 5

Burchfield Nature & Art Center, 2001 Union Road, West Seneca. New members welcome. Western New York Carnivorous Plant Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm, Menne Nursery, 3100 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst. wnycpclub@aol.com; facebook.com/wnycpclub. Western New York Herb Study Group meets the second Wednesday of the month at 7 pm, Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Avenue, Buffalo. Western New York Honey Producers, Inc. September 26: Pesticides and Poisons in the Hive, a lecture by Dr. Reed Johnson. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County, 21 South Grove Street, East Aurora. wnyhpa. org. Western New York (WNY) Hosta Society. East Aurora Senior Center, 101 King Street, East Aurora. A group of hosta lovers who have come together to promote the genus hosta. 716/941-6167; h8staman@aol.com; wnyhosta.com. Western New York Hosta Society Breakfast Meetings, a friendly get-together, first Saturday of the month at 10 am, Gardenview Restaurant, Union Road, West Seneca. Western New York Iris Society meets the first Sunday of the month in members’ homes and gardens. Information about growing all types of irises and complementary perennials. Shows. Sale. Guests welcome. Pat Kluczynski: 716/633-9503; patrizia@ roadrunner.com. Western New York Rose Society meets the third Wednesday of each month at 7 pm, St. StephensBethlehem United Church of Christ, 750 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville. September 16: Educational Rose Show. October 21: Preparing the Rose Garden for Winter. wnyrosesociety.net. Wilson Garden Club generally meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 pm, Community Room, Wilson Free Library, 265 Young Street, Wilson. Meetings open to all, community floral planting, spring plant sale, local garden tours. 716/751-6334; wilsongardenclub@aol.com. Youngstown Garden Club meets the second Wednesday of every month at 7 pm, First Presbyterian Church, 100 Church Street, Youngstown.

Frequent hosts BECBG: Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14218. 716/827-1584; buffalogardens.com. CCE/AC: Cornell Cooperative Extension, Allegany & Cattaraugus Counties, 5435A County Road 48, Belmont. 585/268-7644 x12; cc746@cornell.edu; ccealleganycattaraugus.org. MENNE: Menne Nursery, 3100 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst, NY 14228. 716/693-4444; mennenursery.com. REIN: Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY 14043. 716/6835959; dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html.

CLASSES / EVENTS

• Indicates activities especially appropriate for children and families. • Ongoing: Family Walk at Beaver Meadow, Sundays, 2 pm. Naturalist-led walk through the Preserve. Donations appreciated. Beaver Meadow Audubon Center, 1610 Welch Road, North Java. 585/457-3228; 800/377-1520; buffaloaudubon.org.

September 5 – October 4: Succulents, 10 am – 5 pm. Numerous exhibits and displays including a large cobra and under the sea creations. Included with admission. BECBG September 8 – October 6: Beginner Watercolor for Adults, Tuesdays, 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Participants will learn basic watercolor painting techniques and concepts. Instructor: Joan Saba, professional artist and teacher. Series: $60 members; $66 non-members. Single session: $17 members; $18 non-members. Registration required. BECBG September 9 – 30: Adult Drawing Classes, Wednesdays, 8:45 – 10:45 am. All skill levels welcome. Instructor: Joan Saba, professional artist and teacher. Series: $60 members; $66 non-members. Single session: $17 members; $18 non-members. Registration required. BECBG September 10 – November 5: Docent Training, Thursdays, 9 am – 1 pm. Docents lead tours, teach hands-on programs to school-aged children and scout groups, facilitate activities, answer visitor questions and assist staff in programs. $25. Registration required. BECBG September 12: The Basics – Perennials, 11:30 am. Natalie Twining will discuss the basics for incorporating perennials into the landscape along with planting requirements, conditions and care. Free. Registration required. MENNE September 12: Bonsai for Beginners, 2 pm. Demonstration will cover the basics including pruning, re-potting, shaping, watering and fertilizing. Free. Registration required. MENNE September 12 – 13: Fall Garden Fair. Vendors, speakers, food, entertainment. Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark Street, Hamburg. 716/6494684; weknowplants.com. September 12 – November 14: Horticulture I Certificate Program, six Saturdays, 11 am – 1 pm. Botany 101, Plant Propagation, Pest Management & Disease, Shrubs & Trees, Annuals & Perennials, Garden Design. For beginners or gardeners wishing to brush up on their skills. Instructor: David Clark. Series: $105 members; $130 non-members. Single session: $20 members; $25 non-members. Registration required. BECBG September 13: The Basics – Herbs, 1 pm. Learn how to put together a container herb garden, harvest them at their peak, preserve and use in recipes. Includes instruction, demonstration, snacks and beverages. $5. Registration required. MENNE September 14: Master Gardener Talk, 5:30 – 8:30 pm. Welcoming Mycorrhizae, Deborah Bigelow. Mycology (aka mushrooms) 101, Marie Allegretti. Roses, Pam Jones. Inquire for fee. Registration required. CCE/AC September 14 – October 5: Adult Watercolor Classes, Mondays, 8:45 – 10:45 am. For all ability levels. Instructor: Joan Saba, professional artist and teacher. Series: $60 members; $66 non-members. Single session: $17 members; $18 non-members. Registration required. BECBG September 19: Fall Hosta Forum. Through the Looking Glass. Speakers, vendors, auction. Presented by WNY Hosta Society. wnyhosta.com. September 19: Backyard Landscape, 10 am. Gary and Kathy Sokolowski will share ideas on creating an outdoor living area by adding new plantings, patios and water features. Free. Registration required. MENNE September 19: Orchids 101, 2 pm. Potting and pruning demonstration while discussing requirements for growing media, light and maintenance. Free. Registration required. MENNE


• September 19 – October 24: Kids’ Art Classes, 3 Saturdays, 9 – 10:30 am. A different piece of art will be completed at each class. Ages 5-15. Instructor: Joan Saba, professional artist and teacher. Series: $35. Single session: $13. Registration required. BECBG

October 15: Succulent Mushroom Topiary, 6 pm. Craft a living 13” arrangement while learning about succulents and mushrooms and practicing floral design techniques. Materials included. $40 members; $45 non-members. Registration required. BECBG

September 25: Gala at the Gardens, 6 – 10 pm. Cocktail reception, silent auction, baskets, wine wall, sit-down dinner and live auction. Celebrate the Botanical Gardens’ 115th birthday. $175; sponsorships available. Reservation required. BECBG

• October 17: Autumn Fairy Garden, 9 – 10 am. Kids will use their imaginations with found and natural materials to make a miniature garden. Includes container, soil & plants. Pre-made twig furniture, $5 for two pieces. Ages 5-12. $15 members; $20 nonmembers. Registration required. BECBG

September 26: Pesticides and Poisons in the Bee Hive, 9 am – 12 pm. Beekeeping lecture by Dr. Reed Johnson. Hosted by WNY Honey Producers Association. $10. Roycroft Auditorium, 21 South Grove Street, East Aurora. wnyhpa.org. September 26: Autumn in the Garden, 11:30 am. Natalie Twining will discuss perennials, annuals & ornamental grasses containing properties that make them good additions for fall. Free. Registration required. MENNE September 27: Make & Take – Fall Container Garden, 1 pm. Discussion of the elements of a good container garden and combinations of plants that work well together followed by hands-on session. Includes 12” container, soil, fertilizer, designated number of plants and instruction. $25. Registration required. MENNE September 29: Moss Terrarium Workshop, 2 pm or 6 pm. Participants will create their own miniature moss garden, learn about mosses and how to care for them. Choose from a selection of glassware, moss species and decorative supplies. $25 members; $30 nonmembers. Registration required. BECBG October 3: Talking Leaves, 10 – 11:30 am. Naturalist Mark Carra will lead this walk while answering questions about changing leaves. $5. Registration required. Beaver Meadow Audubon Center, 1610 Welch Road, North Java. 585/457-3228; 800/3771520; buffaloaudubon.org. October 3: Bonsai Workshop, 2 – 5 pm. Paul Pearson of the Buffalo Bonsai Society will cover the basics of creating Bonsai including potting, pruning and wiring techniques. Participants will create their own to take home. Purchases required. Registration required by September 30. MENNE • October 3 – 4: Fall Festival. Children’s crafts and face painting. Refreshments available for purchase. $7. MENNE October 5: Master Gardener Talk, 5:30 – 8:30 pm. Vines, Climbers & Twiners, Tamsen Gildard. Engaging Your Community in Composting Activities, Debi Castle-Harvey. Art Elements & Principles of Design in the Landscape, Barbara Ward. Inquire for fee. Registration required. CCE/AC October 7 – 28: Adult Drawing Classes, Wednesdays, 8:45 – 10:45 am. See description under September 9. Series: $60 members; $66 non-members. Single session: $17 members; $18 non-members. Registration required. BECBG October 10: Fungi with a Fun Gal, 10 am. Learn about local fungi, indoor presentation and guided outdoor fungus foray. Free. Registration required. REIN October 10: Make & Take – Fall Container Garden, 10 am or 1 pm. See description under September 27. $25. Registration required. MENNE • October 10: Stories in the Woods, 10:30 am. Kids will hear a nature story followed by a guided walk in the woods. Ages 3-7. Free. Registration required. REIN October 13 – November 3: Beginner Watercolor for Adults, Tuesdays, 5:30 – 7:30 pm. See description under September 8. Series: $60 members; $66 nonmembers. Single session: $17 members; $18 nonmembers. Registration required. BECBG

October 17: The Basics – Herbs, 10 am. See description under September 13. $5. Registration required. MENNE October 17: Autumn’s Peak Hike, 10:30 am. Guided walk to enjoy the beauty of autumn’s trees. Free. Registration required. REIN October 17: Thinking Outside the Pumpkin, 1 pm. Learn some new ideas for decorating with pumpkins including using them as planters and painting on them. Free. Registration required. MENNE October 17 – November 8: Mums, 10 am – 5 pm. Included with admission. BECBG October 19 – November 9: Adult Watercolor Classes, Mondays, 8:45 – 10:45 am. See description under September 14. Instructor: Joan Saba, professional artist and teacher. Series: $60 members; $66 nonmembers. Single session: $17 members; $18 nonmembers. Registration required. BECBG October 24: Winterizing the Landscape, 10 am. Staff members will share and demonstrate professional methods for pruning, mulching and preparing the landscape for winter months. Outdoor session, rain or shine. Free. Registration required. MENNE October 24: Indoor Worm Composting, 10:30 am. Participants will take home a starter kit of red wiggler worms for composting food scraps indoors during the cold months. $2 members; $4 non-members. Registration required. REIN November 2: Master Gardener Talk, 5:30 – 8:30 pm. Botany in History, Patty Sherman. Drip Irrigation, Paul Sumski. Gardening for Elderly and Handicapped, Barbara Null. Inquire for fee. Registration required. CCE/AC November 4 – December 2: Adult Drawing Classes, Wednesdays, 8:45 – 10:45 am. See description under September 9. Series: $60 members; $66 nonmembers. Single session: $17 members; $18 nonmembers. Registration required. BECBG November 5 – 8: A World of Christmas – Grand Opening. Find inspiration and holiday decorating ideas for fireplaces, tables, walls and doors. Over 30 decorated trees. Food, drink and entertainment. MENNE • November 7: Stories in the Woods, 10:30 am. See description under October 10. Ages 3-7. Free. Registration required. REIN • November 7 – 21: Kids’ Art Classes, Saturdays, 9 – 10:30 am. See description under September 19. Series: $35. Single session: $13. Registration required. BECBG November 10 – December 8: Beginner Watercolor for Adults, Tuesdays, 5:30 – 7:30 pm. See description under September 8. Series: $60 members; $66 nonmembers. Single session: $17 members; $18 nonmembers. Registration required. BECBG November 12 – 15: Christmas Open House, 10 am – 5 pm. Chicken Coop Originals, 13245 Clinton Street, Route 354, Alden. chickencooporiginals.com. November 14: Miniature Succulent Garden, 10 am. Natalie Twining will help participants create a miniature garden containing plants such as sedum

and hens & chicks. Includes soil and a selection of plants to fill a 12” container (not included). $22. Registration required. MENNE November 14: Miniature Fairy Garden, 1 pm. Natalie Twining will guide participants in creating a miniature garden. Includes container, soil, plants, a fairy and one fairy accessory. $40. Registration required. MENNE November 14 – 15: Orchid Show, Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm; Sunday, 10 am – 3 pm. Exhibits, educational programs, vendors. Presented by Niagara Frontier Orchid Society. Included with admission. BECBG

Save the Date… November 19 – 22: Christmas Open House, 10 am – 5 pm. Chicken Coop Originals, 13245 Clinton Street, Route 354, Alden. chickencooporiginals.com.

ITHACA REGULAR CLUB MEETINGS

Adirondack Chapter, North American Rock Garden Society (ACNARGS) meets the third Saturday of the month (except December & January), Whetzel Room, fourth floor, Plant Science Building, Cornell University, Ithaca. September 19: All About Seeds – Collecting, cleaning, treatment/stratification, storing, & more, 1 pm. October 17: Alpine & Subalpine Plants of Wyoming, 1pm. November 14: From Front Yard to Rock Garden – Step by Step, 1 pm. Free and open to the public. 607/269-7070; acnargs.org. Windsor NY Garden Group meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 10 am, members’ homes or Windsor Community House, 107 Main Street, Windsor. windsorgardengroup.suerambo.com.

Frequent host CP: Cornell Plantations, 1 Plantations Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. Inquire ahead for meeting locations. 607/255-2400; cornellplantations.org.

CLASSES / EVENTS

• Indicates activities especially appropriate for children and families. Ongoing through September 27: Botanical Garden Tours, Saturdays & Sundays, 1 pm. Enjoy a guided tour through the Botanical Garden’s theme gardens including the herb and flower gardens, groundcover collection, tropical container display and more. Tour content will vary from week to week depending on what is in bloom and interests of the group. Free members, volunteers & Cornell students; $5 nonmembers. CP September 12: Garden to Table – A Passion for Peppers, 12:30 – 4:30 pm. Program will begin with a guided walk through the gardens to view and harvest selected varieties of peppers followed by a cooking demo and three course tasting at Taverna Banfi in the Statler Hotel. $50 members; $55 non-members. Registration required. CP September 16: Fall Lecture Series, 7:30 pm. Blame it on Columbus: Chile Peppers Around the World. Free. Statler Hall Auditorium, Cornell University. CP September 17: Plenty of Peppers, 4 – 5:30 pm. Tour the Pounder Vegetable Garden with landscape designer Irene Lekstutis, author and food historian Dave Dewitt and Eric Szymczak, chef de cuisine at Taverna Banfi restaurant. Learn about some of the many pepper varieties that are available to grow in the home garden and some tips for using them in the kitchen. $10 members; $12 non-members. Registration required. CP U P S T A T E G A R D E N ER S ’ J O U R N A L | 1 7


Calendar ITHACA cont. September 26: Wellness Faire, 10 am – 5 pm. Wild-crafted herbs, massage, energy healing, hypnotherapy, essential oils, Reiki, Tai Chi and more. Little York Plantation, 6088 Route 281, Little York. 607/749-4861; littleyorkplantation.com. September 26: Compost with Confidence, 11 am – 12 pm. Is it done? & Compost Uses. How to know when your compost is ready to use and some suggested ways to use it. Free. Compost Demonstration Site, Ithaca Farmers’ Market, Steamboat Landing, 3rd Street, Ithaca. Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tompkins County; 607/272-2292; tompkins@cornell. edu; ccetompkins.org. September 30: Fall Lecture Series, 7:30 pm. From Glaciers to Generations: Climate Change Affects Landscape and Lives. Free. Statler Hall Auditorium, Cornell University. CP October 3: Plant Sale, 9 am – 12 pm. Perennials including some new additions to the horticulture trade. Free. Cornell Plantations Plant Production Facility, 397 Forest Home Drive, Ithaca. CP October 14: Fall Lecture Series, 7:30 pm. Modern Plant Exploration in the Tropics: The Age of Rediscovery. Free. Statler Hall Auditorium, Cornell University. CP October 28: Fall Lecture Series, 7:30 pm. Plant-based Medicines: Ancient Greece and Rome and Beyond. Free. Statler Hall Auditorium, Cornell University. CP October 31: Compost with Confidence, 11 am – 12 pm. Winter Composting. How to extend the composting season well into the cold months and the preparations necessary to ensure successful composting over the winter. Free. Compost Demonstration Site, Ithaca Farmers’ Market, Steamboat Landing, 3rd Street, Ithaca. Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tompkins County; 607/272-2292; tompkins@cornell.edu; ccetompkins.org. November 11: Fall Lecture Series, 7:30 pm. Ginkgo: The Tree that Time Forgot. Free. Statler Hall Auditorium, Cornell University. CP

ROCHESTER REGULAR CLUB MEETINGS 7th District Federated Garden Clubs New York State, Inc. meets the first Wednesday of the month. 7thdistrictfgcnys.org. African Violet and Gesneriad Society of Rochester meets the first Wednesday of each month, September – May, at 7 pm, St. John’s Home, 150 Highland Avenue, Rochester. All are welcome. Bob or Linda Springer: 585/413-0606; blossoms002@yahoo. com. Big Springs Garden Club of Caledonia-Mumford meets the second Monday evening of the following months: September – November, January – May. New members and guests welcome. 585/314-6292; mdolan3@rochester.rr.com. Bonsai Society of Upstate New York meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Brighton Town Park Lodge, Buckland Park, 1341 Westfall Road, Rochester. 585/334-2595; bonsaisocietyofupstateny.org. Fairport Garden Club meets the third Thursday evening of each month (except August and January). Accepting new members. fairportgc@gmail.com; fairportgardenclub.org. Garden Club of Brockport meets the second Wednesday of every month at 7 pm, Clarkson Schoolhouse, Ridge Road, east of Route 19. Speakers, hands-on sessions. Kathy Dixon: 585/4310509; kadixon@excite.com. 1 8 | J ul y - A ugust 2 0 1 5

Garden Path of Penfield meets the third Wednesday of the month from September through May at 7 pm, Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Road, Penfield. Members enjoy all aspects of gardening; new members welcome. gardenpathofpenfield@ gmail.com. Genesee Region Orchid Society (GROS) meets every month from September through May at the Jewish Community Center, 1200 Edgewood Avenue, Rochester, on the first Monday following the first Sunday of each month (dates sometimes vary due to holidays, etc.). GROS is an affiliate of the American Orchid Society (AOS) and Orchid Digest Corporation. geneseeorchid.org. Genesee Valley Hosta Society meets the second Thursday of the month, April – October, at Eli Fagan American Legion Post, 260 Middle Road, Henrietta. 585/538-2280; sebuckner@frontiernet.net; geneseevalleyhosta.com. Genesee Valley Pond & Koi Club meets the first Friday of the month at 6:30 pm, Adams Street Recreation Center, 85 Adams Street, Rochester, except in summer when it tours local ponds. president.gvpkc@ gmail.com; gvpkc.shutterfly.com. Gesneriad Society meets the first Wednesday of each month, September – May, at 6:30 pm, St. John’s Home, 150 Highland Avenue, Rochester. All are welcome. Bob or Linda Springer: 585/413-0606; blossoms002@yahoo.com. Greater Rochester Iris Society meets Sundays at 2 pm, dates vary, St. John’s Episcopal Church Hall, 11 Episcopal Avenue, Honeoye Falls. Public welcome. September 13: Photo Review of American Iris Society Convention. October 11: Planting Iris Seeds. 585/2660302; thehutchings@mac.com. Greater Rochester Perennial Society (GRPS) meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 pm, Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 1200 South Winton Road, Rochester, except in summer when it tours members’ gardens. 585/467-1678; smag@ rochester.rr.com; rochesterperennial.com. Greater Rochester Rose Society meets the first Tuesday of the month, April through November, at First Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Road South, Rochester. July meeting is a garden tour. September 1: Member Rose Exhibition. October 4: Winterizing Roses, workshop at Maplewood Garden. 585/694-8430; RochRoseSociety@gmail.com; Facebook. Henrietta Garden Club meets the second Wednesday of the month (except May-Aug & December) at 6:30 pm, Main Meeting Room, Henrietta Town Hall, 475 Calkins Road, Henrietta. September 9: The History of Gardening. October 14: Edible Weeds – Food You May Find in Your Neighborhood. November 11: The Sharpest Tool in the Shed. Guests welcome. 585/889-1547; henriettagardenclub@gmail.com; henriettagardenclub.org.

Rochester Dahlia Society meets the second Saturday of the month at 12:30 pm, Trinity Reformed Church, 909 Landing Road North, Rochester, except July – September. Visitors welcome. 585/865-2291; djohan@ frontiernet.net; Facebook; rochesterdahlias.org. Rochester Herb Society meets the first Tuesday of each month (excluding January & February) at 12 pm, Rochester Civic Garden Center, 5 Castle Park, Rochester. June-August garden tours. New members welcome. Rochester Permaculture Center, meets monthly to discuss topics such as edible landscapes, gardening, farming, renewable energy, green building, rainwater harvesting, composting, local food, forest gardening, herbalism, green living, etc. Meeting location and details: meetup.com/rochesterpermaculture. Seabreeze Bloomers Garden Club meets the fourth Wednesday of each month, except January, in East Irondequoit. Some meetings feature speakers and some are visits to local gardens or special events. All are welcome. President, Pat Plunkett: 585/342-5477; grandmapat294@yahoo.com. Stafford Garden Club meets the third Wednesday of the month at 7 pm, Stafford Town Hall, 8903 Morganville Road (Route 237), Stafford, except December and January. Plant auction in May. All are welcome. 585/343-4494. Valentown Garden Club meets the third Tuesday of each month; time alternates between noon and 7 pm. Victor. Kathleen Houser, president: 585/301-6107.

Frequent hosts BRI: Bristol’s Garden Center, 7454 Victor Pittsford Road, Victor, NY. 585/924-2274; customerservice@bristolsgrdencenter.com; bristolsgardencenter.com & Facebook. GLT: Genesee Land Trust, 46 Prince Street, Suite LL005, Rochester, NY 14607. 585/256-2130; info@geneseelandtrust.org; geneseelandtrust. org. RCGC: Rochester Civic Garden Center, 5 Castle Park, Rochester, NY 14620. 585/473-5130; rcgc. org. SG: Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park, 151 Charlotte Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424. 585/394-4922; sonnenberg.org.

CLASSES / EVENTS

• Indicates activities especially appropriate for children and families.

Holley Garden Club meets the second Thursday of the month at 7 pm, Holley Presbyterian Church. 585/6386973.

September 12: Gathering of Gardeners, 8 am – 4 pm. Eisenhart Auditorium, Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester. gatheringofgardeners.com.

Ikebana International Rochester Chapter 53 meets the third Thursday of each month (except December and February) at 10 am, First Baptist Church, Hubbell Hall, 175 Allens Creek Road, Rochester. 585/872-0678; 585/586-0794. ikebanarochester.org.

September 12: Plant Sale, 8:30 – 11:30 am. Presented by Master Gardeners of Orleans County. Rain or shine. Trolley Building, Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds, Albion. Cornell Cooperative Extension Orleans County; 585/798-4265; cce.cornell.edu/Orleans.

Kendall Garden Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7 pm, Kendall Town Hall. 585/ 370-8964. Newark Garden Club meets the first Friday of the month at 1 pm, Park Presbyterian Church, Newark. Guests are welcome.

September 12: Conkey Corner Park Fall Clean-up, 10 am – 12 pm. Volunteer to assist with fall clean-up in the garden beds: weeding, mulching, picking up litter. Bring gloves. Conkey Corner Park, intersection Conkey & Clifford Avenues, Rochester. GLT

Pittsford Garden Club meets the third Tuesday of the month at 11 am, Pittsford Public Library, Fisher Meeting Room, 24 State Street, Pittsford, except in July & August when it visits members’ gardens. 585/425-0766; BKRU888@aol.com.

September 12: Dahlia Show, 1 – 5 pm. Presented by Rochester Dahlia Society. Arrangements available for sale during show hours and Sunday, September 13, 10 am until sold out. The Garden Factory, 2126 Buffalo Road, Rochester. rochesterdahlias.org.


MAXSEA Soluble Seaweed P lan t Foods

GOOD FOR YOUR PLANTS AND KIND TO THE EARTH

MAXSEA

MAXSEA

16-16-16

3-20-20

MAXSEA 14-18-14

ALL PURPOSE

BLOOM

ACID

PLANT FOOD

PLANT FOOD

PLANT FOOD

MAXSEA combines the best of nature and technology. We blend the finest natural seaweed with important secondaries, micronutrients and the purest plant foods available.

MAXSEA's natural brown granules turn dark seaweed green and have the fresh, clean aroma of the sea... a pleasure to use and completely safe for the environment.

The resulting complexes are remarkably effective, easy-to-use concentrates that dissolve instantly and completely in water... for fast acting, immediate results. In solution,

Professional growers and home gardeners alike tell us our MAXSEA plant foods are the finest available anywhere. We're very proud of that.

Find a retail dealer location near you by visiting: www.maxsea-plant-food.com Interested in becoming a dealer? Contact your Sales Rep: Tom Suffoletto / Toms Greenworks 716-225-6891 / tom@tomsgreenworks.com

For Your Garden

HYDRANGEAS’ FALL COLORS Macrophyllas MAX OUT! Oakleafs Go BOOM! Paniculatas Go PINK! Serratas Go VAVOOM!

Rinox pavers and walls at

R.T. Masters Stone Co.

975 Empire Blvd., Rochester NY 14609

585.482.6560

124 Pittsford-Palmyra Road Macedon, NY 14502 (585) 223-1222 www.waysidegardencenter.com Store Hours: Daily 8:30–6 Like us Follow us Pin with us

Hydrangeas and/or Roses: 3 OR MORE—25% OFF Text Copyright © 2014 Trish Gannon


Calendar ROCHESTER cont. September 15: Redesigning and Reworking the Landscape, 6 – 7:30 pm. Professional landscaper Cindy Cali will lead this tour of a large modern country-style property in Pittsford as she describes the process of redesigning and reworking overgrown and overcrowded plantings and maintenance of the gardens including a shady woods garden, border gardens around the wrap-around porch and a large dahlia bed. $18 members; $25 non-members. Registration required. RCGC September 15 – November 12: Master Gardener Training Program, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1 – 4 pm. Subjects include botany, insects, vegetable gardening, organic gardening, diagnosing plant problems and more. Cornell Cooperative Extension Orleans County, 12690 State Route 31, Albion. 585/798-4265; cce. cornell.edu/Orleans. September 19: Fall Garden Gala, 10 am – 1 pm. Plant sale featuring hardy perennials, house plants and locally grown mums, chance auction, free soil pH testing. Presented by Genesee County Master Gardeners. Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main Street, Batavia. September 20: Harvest Dinner, 5:30 pm. Enjoy the gardens and dinner served in the Sonnenberg Mansion. $60 members; $65 non-members. Prepaid reservations required. SG September 22: September Blooms Stroll, 5:30 – 8 pm. Visit Michael Hannen’s display gardens at his homebased nursery to see plants in fall bloom: Colchicums, Lespedeza, some of the Helianthus and Rudbeckias, turtleheads, Leucosceptrums, Boehmerias. Arrive early to shop or preview the gardens. $10 members; $15 non-members. Registration required. RCGC September 23: Visit Rochester’s Castle, 5:30 – 7 pm. Enjoy refreshments and guided tours of the gardens and interior of this historic home, built in 1854 by Horatio Gates Warner to resemble his wife’s ancestral castle in Scotland, now home to the Rochester Civic Garden Center. Visit the Horticultural Library and see the completed rehabilitation of the border gardens behind the Castle. $12. Registration required. RCGC • September 26: Let’s Make a Natural Bird Feeder, 10:30 am – 12 pm. Create a decorative ornament to take home using pine cones, peanut butter and bird seed, perfect for feeding the birds during winter. Class will also talk about other natural ways to help feed the birds, such as decorating trees with fruits and other adornments. Geared for all ages. Per family: $7.50 members; $10 non-members. Registration required. RCGC September 27: Christine Sevilla Wetland Walk, 10 am – 12 pm. Led by naturalist Steven Daniel. Park & meet: south side of Iroquois Road between Wheatland Center & Feely Roads, Caledonia. GLT September 29 – October 15: Basic Professional Floral Design Certificate, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:30 – 9 pm. This comprehensive program will guide students through the basic principles and techniques of floral design. Each class will include lecture and handson workshop. Styles discussed will include round, triangular, vase, symmetrical, elongated, corsages and more. Students will create one or two arrangements to take home at each class. Materials included. $395 members; $495 non-members. Registration required. RCGC October 3: Fall is a Great Time for Propagating, 10 am – 1 pm. Michael Hannen will discuss which plants to divide now and demonstrate how to divide and handle them for fall or spring planting in the ground or in pots. He will also cover collecting viable seed and winter-sowing for spring seedlings. $18 members; $25 non-members. Registration required. RCGC 2 0 | s e p t e m b e r - O c to b e r 2 0 1 5

October 3 – 4: Stone Wall Follies. Two-day, handson course with John Shaw-Rimmington and Patrick McAfee covering the complete skill set required to construct a dry-laid stone wall that will stand the test of time. $275. Registration required. Sara’s Garden Center, 389 East Avenue, Brockport. 585/637-4745; sarasgardencenter.com. October 4: Durand Eastman Park Arboretum Tour, 2 – 4 pm. Route will traverse moderate hills and wooded trails. Conducted by Community Forester Volunteers of Monroe County Cooperative Extension. Free, donations appreciated. Meet: kiosk, Zoo Road, next to park offices lot. Info: 585/261-1665; bob.bea@ gmail.com. October 9 – 10: Ikebana Exhibition. Presented by Ichiyo School of Rochester. Free. Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Road, Webster. October 10: Fall Gardening Symposium, 10 am – 5 pm. Keynote speaker Wayne Cahilly of the New York Botanical Garden will discuss historic landscapes. Lunch included. $75 members; $85 non-members. Registration required. SG October 11: Durand Eastman Park Arboretum Tour, 2 – 4 pm. See description under October 4. Free, donations appreciated. Meet: kiosk, Zoo Road, next to park offices lot. Info: 585/261-1665; bob.bea@ gmail.com.

October 18: Manitou Beach Preserve Work Party, 10 am – 12 pm. Volunteer to assist with pruning ash, gray dogwood, rose and honeysuckle. Bring gloves and pruning tools if you have them. Meet: kiosk near intersection of Manitou Beach Road & Braddocks Avenue. emartin139@earthlink.net; 585/473-1277. GLT October 18: Durand Eastman Park Arboretum Tour, 2 – 4 pm. See description under October 4. Free, donations appreciated. Meet: kiosk, Zoo Road, next to park offices lot. Info: 585/261-1665; bob.bea@ gmail.com.

• October 20: Create an Autumn Wreath for the Birds, 7 – 9 pm. Floral designer Alana Miller will guide participants in creating a bird-safe wreath to hang outside, decorated with a variety of fresh fruit, seeds, millet sprays, nuts and other treats. $30 members; $35 non-members; children free, must be accompanied by a paying adult. Registration required. RCGC October 21: Workshop: Landscape Drawing Made Easy – A Step-by-Step Plan for Success, 6 – 9 pm. Garden designer Christine Froehlich will demonstrate an easy method for drawing a plan to assist with choosing shapes, figuring out how many and what size plants are needed and which ones to choose. Bring a variety of photographs of a project you want to work on, printed on 8 ½ x 11” paper. $32 members; $42 non-members. Registration required. RCGC October 22: Fall Color Soirée, 5:30 – 7 pm. Megan Meyer’s garden includes an extensive collection of containers, shade perennials, unusual shrubs and small trees that extend the garden season into fall, with color from foliage and flowers. Enjoy refreshments and a chance to visit with Megan about designing for fall interest. $12. Registration required. RCGC

October 24: Ikebana Exhibit, 10 am – 5 pm. Hourly demonstrations showing the floral arrangement style of a particular school of ikebana: Ichiyo, Hijiri Ikenobo, Ohara, Sogetsu. Presented by Rochester Chapter of Ikebana International. Free. Barnes & Noble Pittsford Plaza, Community Room, 3349 Monroe Avenue, Rochester. ikebanarochester.org. October 25: Durand Eastman Park Arboretum Tour, 2 – 4 pm. See description under October 4. Free, donations appreciated. Meet: kiosk, Zoo Road, next to park offices lot. Info: 585/261-1665; bob.bea@ gmail.com. • October 25: Haunted Garden Stroll, 6 – 8:30 pm. Be prepared for strange Sonnenberg tales and spooky characters. Family friendly. $5; ages 5 and under free. SG

October 27: Halloween Pumpkin Arrangement, 7 – 9 pm. Fill a real pumpkin with fresh fall flowers, wheat and a variety of seasonal adornments. Materials included. $30 members; $40 non-members. Registration required. RCGC October 28: Propagating Native Perennials for the Home Garden, 6 – 8 pm. Ellen Folts will discuss propagating by division, how and when to collect and sow seeds, conditions for sowing and rules for obtaining seed by collection. Participants will go home with a selection of seeds to start. $18 members; $25 non-members. Registration required. RCGC October 29: Putting the Garden to Bed, 1:30 – 3:30 pm. Christine Froehlich will cover end of season tasks such as what to divide and how, recordkeeping, cutting back, fertilization, cleaning and storing tools and equipment. Outdoor class. $22 members; $32 non-members. Registration required. RCGC November 2 & 4: Intermediate Professional Floral Design Certificate – Bouquets, 6:30 – 9 pm. Styles covered will include vegetative, landscape, botanical, Biedermeier, and bouquets. Students will take home all arrangements created during class. Prerequisite: Basic Professional Floral Design Certificate (see September 29 – October 15) or floral shop experience. $150 members; $225 non-members. Registration required. RCGC November 7: Putting the Garden to Bed, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm. See description under October 29. $22 members; $32 non-members. Registration required. RCGC November 7: Indoor Fairy Garden, 11 am. Create a container garden designed to resemble a miniature world. Includes planter, 3 plants, top dressing & 1 fairy garden accessory. Additional accessories available for purchase. $30; price varies depending on container and scenery chosen. Registration required. BRI November 14: Thanksgiving Centerpiece, 11 am. Use a combination of evergreens and fall accessories to make a Thanksgiving-themed centerpiece. Includes container, oasis, candle, greens, fall accessories and ribbon. $20. Registration required. BRI November 14 – 15: Holiday Sale, 9 am – 5 pm. Seasonal floral arrangements, fully decorated holiday trees from tabletop to 6.5’, wreaths, swags, centerpieces and more, as well as the work of featured local artists. RCGC November 15: Advanced Professional Floral Design Certificate – Sympathy Arrangements, 9:30 am – 3 pm. Class will focus on free-standing easel sprays, large one-sided arrangements for visitation and altar, religious and theme wreaths. Students will take home all arrangements created during class. Prerequisite: Intermediate Professional Floral Design Certificate (see November 2 & 4) or floral shop experience. $150 members; $225 non-members. Registration required. RCGC

Save the Date…

December 5: Holiday Centerpiece, 11 am. Create your own centerpiece using fresh greens, winter berries, twigs, etc. Includes container, oasis, candle, fresh greens, accessories and ribbon. $20. Registration required. BRI December 5: Holiday Wreath, 1 pm. Make your own personalized wreath choosing from a wide range of accessories and ribbons. $25. Registration required. BRI

SYRACUSE REGULAR CLUB MEETINGS African Violet Society of Syracuse meets the second Thursday of the month, September – May, Pitcher Hill Community Church, 605 Bailey Road, North Syracuse. 315/492-2562; kgarb@twcny.rr.com; avsofsyracuse.org.


Central New York Orchid Society meets the first Sunday of the month, September – May, St. Augustine’s Church, 7333 O’Brien Road, Baldwinsville. Dates may vary due to holidays. 315/633-2437; cnyos. org. Gardeners of Syracuse meets the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 pm, Reformed Church of Syracuse, 1228 Teall Avenue, Syracuse. Enter from Melrose Avenue. 315/464-0051. Gardeners in Thyme (a women’s herb club) meets the second Thursday of the month at 7 pm, Beaver Lake Nature Center, Baldwinsville. 315/635-6481; hbaker@ twcny.rr.com. Habitat Gardening Club of CNY (HGCNY) meets the last Sunday of most months at 2 pm, Liverpool Public Library. HGCNY is a chapter of Wild Ones: Native Plants, Natural Landscapes; for-wild.org. Meetings are free and open to the public. 315/487-5742; hgcny.org. Koi and Water Garden Society of Central New York usually meets the third Monday of each month at 7 pm. See web site for meeting locations. 315/4583199; cnykoi.com. Syracuse Rose Society meets the second Thursday of every month (except December) at 7 pm. Public welcome. Reformed Church of Syracuse, 1228 Teall Avenue, Syracuse. Enter from Melrose Avenue. Club members maintain the E. M. Mills Memorial Rose Garden, Thornden Park, Syracuse. syracuserosesociety.org. Williamson Garden Club. On-going community projects; free monthly lectures to educate the community about gardening. Open to all. 315/524-4204; grow14589@gmail.com; growthewilliamsongardenclub.blogspot.com.

the Monarch Butterfly Fund, will present a talk on his latest research on the monarch butterfly, the state of overwintering grounds and migratory corridors and efforts to save monarchs. Sponsored by Habitat Gardening in Central New York chapter of Wild Ones. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip Street, Liverpool. hgcny.org; ourhabitatgarden.org.

Frequent host BWNC: Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus, NY 13108. 315/673-1350; Facebook; baltimorewoods.org.

Classes / Events

October 25: Yard Works, 2 pm. Dr. Josh Cerra, Cornell University Professor of Landscape Architecture, will discuss the YardWorks program, Ecology Via Engagement, working to transform neighborhoods into attractive diverse habitat. Sponsored by Habitat Gardening in Central New York chapter of Wild Ones. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip Street, Liverpool. hgcny.org; ourhabitatgarden.org.

• Indicates activities especially appropriate for children and families. Ongoing: Syracuse Rose Society Volunteer Garden Maintenance, Wednesdays, 8 am – 12 pm. Public welcome, no gardening experience necessary. Mills Rose Garden, Thornden Park, Ostrum Avenue, Syracuse. syracuserosesociety.org. September 10 – 13: Fall National Rose Convention. Hosted by the American Rose Society. Exhibitors, photographers & arrangers. Speakers include: Will Radler, Knockout Rose; Steve Hutton, President/CEO Star Roses; Michael Marriott, Senior Rosarian David Austin Roses; Alain Meilland, Meilland International, France; Thomas Proll, Lead Breeder, Kordes Roses, Germany; and others. Syracuse. newyorkroses.org. • September 26: Sycamore Hill Garden Tour, 11 am – 3 pm. Proceeds benefit Syracuse Rose Society. $5; $10 after September 18; ages 13 and under free. 315/6764850; srstreas@aol.com. syracuserosesociety.org. • September 26: The Wild Side of Tea, 2 – 3 pm. Forage the forest and learn how to create wild, healthful teas. Ages 8 and up. $6 members; $9 nonmembers. Registration required. BWNC September 27: The Endangered Migration of Monarch Butterflies, 2 pm. Dr. Ernest Williams, Hamilton College Professor of Biology and Board Member of

Get ready for mums! We have everything you need to plant a rainbow of color in your garden this autumn. Stop in today and we’ll help you get started!

Ongoing November 14 – Spring 2016: Winter Farmer’s Market, second Saturdays, 10 am – 1 pm. Shop local farm and artisanal food products from top regional producers. Indoors. BWNC

& BEYOND Classes / Events September 24: Cooking the Harvest, 5:30 pm. Ages 5-12. Participants will help harvest vegetables and learn how to use them in easy to make meals. $10. Registration required. Cornell Cooperative Extension, Sullivan County. 845/292-6180; sullivan@cornell.edu; sullivancce.org. Deadline for Calendar Listings for the next issue (November-December 2015) is Friday, October 9, 2015. Please send your submissions to deb@upstategardenersjournal.com.

Your yard is your sanctuary: Feed the choir.

Aspen Song® Just Desserts® Wild Bird Food

No Shells! No Fillers!! No Mess!!!

LOVED BY BIRDS

AND

BIRD LOVERS

Higbie Farm Supplies, Inc. 23 Pannell Circle Fairport, NY 14450 (585) 223-8951 • Fax (585) 486-1551 Hours: Tues-Sun 9-5 • Closed Mon www.lucasgh.com

www.higbiefarmsupplies.com 3440 South Union Street North Chili, NY 585-594-8300 Open year-round Closed Sundays & Mondays


Goodman’s Farm Market Homegrown Apples • Apple Cider from Cherry Bank Farm • Pears Sweet Corn • Tomatoes • Canning Tomatoes • Cauliflower Broccoli • Brussels Sprouts • Potatoes • Squash We also have beautiful Winter Hardy Mums • Pansies • Pumpkins • Gourds Indian Corn • Corn Stalks • Straw • Fall Décor

Niagara Falls Blvd. at Walmore Rd. 716-731-3231 • Open Daily 9am to 6pm FRESH PRODUCE • FRUIT BASKETS

JEFF KOOPUS Cabinet & Chair Maker

118 South Forest Road (between Main and Wehrle) Williamsville, NY 14221

ters r a u q d a e H l a Your oFrloIrnside and Out f Fall Patio Pots . Mums

Ornamental Peppers . Winter Pansies

Full-service Florist . Delivery Available 716.632.1290 Toll-free 877.363.1879 www.mischlersflorist.com

Cross Point Studio 132 Cross Point Road, Edgecomb ME 04556 jskoopus.com • 207/687-2108

Build a Scarecrow Sat., Sept. 26 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

118 S. Forest Rd. Williamsville NY 14221 Oktoberfest in the Village

Garden Workshop pooky Fairy Oct. SSaturday, 24 10 a.m. or 2 p.m.

118 S. Forest Rd. Williamsville NY 14221 632-1290 for reservations


Section name here

Trees as Tribute by Luke Miller

A

lthough flowers often go hand in hand with funerals, trees offer a more lasting tribute. What would you rather have, a spray of roses for a week or an awesome oak for a century? You’ll see trees in arboreta, parks, and other public spaces dedicated to people who have gone before us. Many animal lovers plant a tree as a memorial to a beloved pet. Trees can also mark an important milestone, such as a graduation, wedding, or birth. My dad planted trees for each of his seven children. He liked variety, so by the time he got to his youngest, I was stuck with a silver maple. Heck, we lived next door to the Highland Park arboretum, so he wasn’t lacking for inspiration. At least my silver maple grew faster than any of the other trees in our yard — giving me something to brag about. I enjoy growing trees with special significance. The catalpa, above, is also known as cigar tree because of its slender brown seedpods. I found the volunteer seedling while visiting the University of Notre Dame, my dad’s alma mater. Groundskeepers eventually would have yanked out the interloper, so I brought it home with me. There’s something really satisfying about saving a doomed plant. Then there are the two red oaks I discovered growing on my parents’ gravesite. The seedlings were so small I brought them back on the plane in coffee cups. Today they’re 8 feet tall and awaiting a permanent home. (I just

need to find a special spot that won’t be disturbed for, oh, 200 years or so.) Red oak trees are hardy to Zone 3 so Iowa’s cold winters haven’t been a problem for these Upstate transplants. I do have to cut the roots every other year so they don’t get rootbound. I also mulch the pots with leaves for winter insulation. Both of those extra steps will be unnecessary once the trees are planted for good. By the way, my Rochester-born oaks march to their own drummer. They leaf out later in spring than their Midwestern relatives and take on fall color at their own pace, too. It makes them seem even more special to me. There’s one other symbolic tree I’d like to tell you about: a black walnut seedling I found growing through the side of a raised bed. I dedicated the tree to a young man who’s experienced some teen growing pains. I’ve shown him pictures of the tree and pointed out that — just like him — it’s no quitter. I’m probably more interested in the tree’s symbolism than he will ever be. But it’s a convenient prop when he can use some encouragement. That resourceful seedling has an interesting backstory: I brought a nut back with me from the historic Arbor Day Lodge in Nebraska. The nut lingered in my truck bed for weeks — somehow escaping the attention of foraging squirrels — until I got around to wrapping it in chicken wire and burying it in a raised bed for the winter. I soon forgot about it.

LEFT: Shagbark hickory is a slow grower that rewards the patient with centuries of majestic beauty. RIGHT: Catalpa delights with white flowers in late spring and brown seedpods in winter

U P S T A T E G A R D E N ER S ’ J O U R N A L | 2 3


Grow Your Own Tribute Tree Would you like to grow a tree with special meaning? Search for seeds at the old family homestead, the park where you had your first picnic with your spouse, your alma mater, the hospital where your child or grandchild was born — the possibilities are endless. Many trees ripen seeds in fall, but there are some (such as elms, poplars, and soft maples) on a spring schedule. Oak is a great choice for a tribute tree because it symbolizes strength and can live for centuries. It’s also America’s National Tree. To see the author’s tips on sprouting oaks from acorns, visit www.lowes.com/lci-acorns. LEFT: Red oak has beautiful fall color and is a relatively fast grower RIGHT TOP: Planted too deeply to sprout conventionally, this black walnut forced its way through a seam RIGHT MIDDLE: Tenacity alone was reason enough to save the seedling, so it was liberated from its confinement while dormant. RIGHT BOTTOM: After feisty squirrels removed the top, the black walnut resprouted into a healthy seedling

Black walnuts can take two years to germinate, so an entire season of vegetable gardening went on above the sleeping walnut. It wasn’t until the second summer that a wiry stem started squeezing through a seam so tight it would give a microbe reason to pause. Talk about the will to live! How can you let a tree with that sort of moxie die? I couldn’t. So this spring, when the seedling was dormant, I drilled a couple of holes around the stem to free it from its self-imposed prison. Although the stem was flattened, the roots were in good shape. That turned out to be important because soon after I replanted the tree, a squirrel separated said stem from said roots. Not to worry; nature has provided black walnut seedlings with the means to resprout in such situations. This time I surrounded the sad-looking remnant with spiny chestnut burrs to discourage varmints if they got

2 4 | s e p t e m b e r - O c to b e r 2 0 1 5

through the wire-mesh cage. Talk about killing with kindness: The burrs rested against the broken stem, trapping moisture and causing the replacement bud to become moldy and abort. Could this tree ever catch a break? Yes, indeed. After moving the burrs back and going easy on the water, a brand new shoot arose like a phoenix from the roots. As you can see, it’s quickly developing into a tree—a special tree with a special significance.

Luke Miller is a native Rochesterian now living in Iowa. Visit his public Facebook page featuring tree photography and inspirational quotes at www.facebook. com/OldsmobileTrees. You can also access archives of his philosophical tree blog at www.lowes.com/reflections.


Bee in the Garden • GIFT SHOP •

Summertime and the grilling is easy!

Cast Iron Cookware

Open House September 19th • 10 am – 4 pm door prizes • 50¢ hot dogs fresh baked treats • sales galore

 Browse our 6½ acres 

Genesis eP-330 assorted Models now on disPlay

Visit the

Grillmasters at

MILEAGE MASTER CENTER

2488 Browncroft Blvd. 586-1870

We have a great selection of wood chips & charcoal year ‘round

HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9:00am-5:00pm; Sat. 9:00am-4:00pm

Badding Bros Farm Market

and garden center 10820 Transit Road • East Amherst (716) 636-7824 www.baddingbrosfarm.com

Scarecrow Village

FREE for our customers with purchase Please call for hours and details

• dwarf conifers • one of a kind rockery • specimen trees • perennials for shade & sun • artwork for the landscape • and then there’s our gift gallery...  Landscaping Available 

• cleanups & revamps • patios & walls • foundation & screen plantings LLenroc Landscaping, Inc. 11753 East Main St. East Aurora, NY • (716) 652-8969

Fresh

From Our Greenhouses Garden Mums Fall Bulbs, Winter Pansies Foliage Plants, Pumpkins Hay Bales, Gourds Autumn Decor

*groups by appointment only*

pumpkins • gourds • Halloween décor apples • cider • squash • fall crops

tons of fairy gardening items

2722 Clinton Street West Seneca, NY 14224 (716) 822-9298

Growing the Highest Quality Plants Since 1922.


From the Garden

Potato Croquettes Serves 4–6 2 pounds Russet potatoes, unpeeled 1 egg, beaten ¼ cup crumbled bleu cheese 4 small green onions, sliced thinly 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon white pepper 1 cup crushed buttery cracker crumbs (about 20 crackers) 2 tablespoons butter ½ cup corn or vegetable oil

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake potatoes for 1 hour or until tender. Slice potatoes in half and let cool. Scoop out potato into small bowl. Add egg, cheese, onions, salt and pepper and mix lightly. Shape mixture into 4 - 6 patties. Put cracker crumbs onto a plate and press each patty into the crumbs, making sure they stick, and turn to coat both sides. 2. Line a jelly roll pan with waxed or parchment paper and place the patties on the pan. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. 3. To serve, remove patties from refrigerator and let come to room temperature. In large non-stick pan, melt butter and oil over medium-high heat. When hot, gently place the potato patties at least one inch apart in the pan. Cook both sides until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Serve immediately. Recipe courtesy Marion Morse, Allyn’s Creek Garden Club.

Coldwater Pond Nursery

ask us about using tart cherry juice for ARTHRITIS, GOUT SLEEP AID and SPORTS RECOVERY

Dwarf Conifers Flowering Shrubs Unique Trees Wholesale and Retail Hours by appointment www.coldwaterpond.com 315-331-8068 • info@coldwaterpond.com 600 S. Marbletown Rd, Phelps, NY 14532

we grow over 30 varieties of

S IN GER F AR M

organic garlic www.singerfarmnaturals.com

6 7 3 0 L A K E R D , A PPL E TO N. N Y. 1 4 0 0 8

716-778-7077


Garden Center • Shrubs • Trees • Perennials

Landscape Design • Planting • Walks/Patios • Maintenance

Country Corners Nursery 6611 Rtes. 5 & 20 Bloomfield (585) 657-7165

Roberts

Farm Market

Apples & Apple Cider Annuals • Perennials • Herbs Vegetable Plants • Mulch • Stones

11170 Maple Ridge Rd., Medina NY 14103 585-798-4247 • Open Through Dec. 23 Mon - Sat 9 - 6, also Sundays Oct. only 10 - 4 www.RobertsFarmMarket.com

Chicken Coop Originals A country gift, garden & herb shop featuring hand-painted primitives, country artwork, herbal wreaths & arrangements, oldtiques & collectibles, pine trees, herbs & perennials in season Fall and Christmas Centerpiece Workshops

Christmas Open House Nov 12-15, 19-22

We are open Thursday-Saturday, 10-5

13245 Clinton St., Rte. 354 Alden, NY 14004

Open Most Sundays in November & December 716-937-7837

www.chickencooporiginals.com

other days by chance

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”—Joshua 24:15

H.A.Treichler & Sons “We Grow Our Own” A Family Tradition Since 1854

We Have Mums!...Mums!...Mums! All sizes to 14” and hanging basket mums ...and many varieties of winter pansies

Miracle Gro

Scotts

Don’t forget our Senior Discount every Wednesday! Open everyday: 9 am – 5 pm

Paris & the Heart of Normandy June 26-July 3, 2016

River cruise aboard the Viking Rolf Hosted by Sally Cunningham, Garden Expert/CNLP CUSTOM ITINERARY: ■ Paris ■ Giverny & Vernon ■ Rouen ■ Normandy Beaches ■ Les Andelys & Conflans INCLUDES: ■ 7-nights riverview accommodations ■ Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner service ■ 6 guided tours ■ Onboard entertainment and insightful lectures

From $2755.50 per person

Includes special 2-for-1 cruise pricing* (airfare additional) *Rate listed is per person based on double occupancy and includes port charges. Rate listed includes special 2-for-1 pricing when paid in full by 12/1/15.

2687 Saunders Settlement Rd. (Rte. 31), Sanborn

Reserve your cabin today!

Contact AAA/Horizon Club Tours

hatreichlerandsons.com

716/731-9390

®

800.242.4244 Promo Code: 2015GGT-J

882-15


Borglum’s Iris Gardens 2202 Austin Road, Geneva, NY 14456 585-526-6729

Iris - Peonies - Hosta Potted Peonies 100+ varieties Dig-Your-Own Iris & Daylilies

Sonnenberg Gardens Fall Gardening Symposium October 10, 2015 10 am - 5 pm Keynote Speaker: Wayne Cahilly of the NY Botanical Garden See website for details & registration sonnenberg.org/event/fall-gardening-symposium

Opening by May 15, Sunday - Friday Closed Saturdays

151 Charlotte Street, Canandaigua, NY 585-394-4922 www.sonnenberg.org

Pudgie’s Lawn & Garden Center Fall is for Planting! Trees—Shrubs—Perennials

We Have Hardy Mums! 3646 West Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 Store: 585/343-8352 Office: 585/948-8100 pudgieslawnandgarden.com

sylborg@aol.com • www.Borglumsiris.com

methin “So

g Good for You & Better for Your Gard en.”

Seneca Greenhouse Invites gardeners and friends to our bountiful harvest of fall decorating needs including colorful mums, pumpkins and corn stalks

2250 Transit Rd., near Seneca St. West Seneca, NY 14224 • 716/677-0681

Come Visit Us!

We are a perennial nursery that takes pride in growing healthy, beautiful plants. There is nothing better than taking a little piece of our garden home to your garden!

Much More Than Just Herbs! 1147 Main St., Mumford • zantopiaherbgardens.com One mile north of the Caledonia monument • 585/538-4650

Visit

Eagle Bay Gardens

See: 8 acres of gardens

~ Over 2000 hosta varieties ~ Rare trees & shrubs ~ Unusual perennials Restroom & picnic tables *Hundreds of hosta and other plants for sale Rt. 20, Sheridan, NY PLEASE, call for an appointment 716 792-7581 or 969-1688 E-Mail: rblydell@gmail.com Web: eaglebaygardens.net

Fall is the best time to plant early spring blooming perennials

Amanda’s Garden Native Perennial Nursery Open everyday 9 a.m. until dusk, please call ahead 8410 Harpers Ferry Rd., Springwater, NY 14560 585-750-6288 • amandasgarden@frontiernet.net

www.amandagarden.com


Cathy's Crafty Corner

A-door-able Pumpkin Patch

4

by Cathy Monrad Materials Straw wreath, 15 inches in diameter Dried moss, enough to cover front of wreath 16 guage wire, cut to 6 inch lengths 5 mini pumpkins 3 or 4 inch burlap ribbon, 5 feet long Tool Hot glue gun

1. Dry fit moss, completely covering front of wreath. 2. Attach moss with hot glue. 3. Bend one end of wire to form a slight curve. Push curved end of wire into wreath and out the opposite side. 4. Place pumpkin between wire, then bend and push each end of wire into bottom third of pumpkin until wire is barely visible and pumpkin is tightly attached. 5. Repeat step 4 with remaining pumpkins. 6. Knot ends of burlap ribbon together. Thread through wreath, then loop ends over wreath hanger as shown.

1

5

2

Note: Dried moss is sold by the bag at craft stores. Alternatively, you can harvest and dry your own; there are numerous tutorials on the web describing the process.

Cathy Monrad is the graphic designer and self-proclaimed garden crafter for Upstate Gardeners’ Journal.

3

6

Have you created an autumn insprired wreath you’d like to share? Send pictures and description to cathy@upstategardenersjournal.com or post to the Upstate Gardeners’ Journal Facebook wall. We’d love to share them with our readers!

U P S T A T E G A R D E N ER S ’ J O U R N A L | 2 9


Backyard Habitat

Seedless Feeding What to do when traditional bird feeders are not allowed

by Liz Manganti

I

ABOVE: Chickadee in birdbath. Photo courtesy kennymatic, Flickr.

am frequently asked how to attract more wildlife to yards, other than providing food via feeders. Some people would rather not use birdseed or are bound by the rules of their homeowners association (HOA) and are unable to put out traditional feeders to attract birds and wildlife. Fortunately there are several alternative ways to make your yard wildlife friendly. Adding water to your landscape, especially in the summer months, is crucial for making your yard wildlife friendly. Birds prefer moving water, so adding a fountain as a water feature will help draw in more birds. Moving water can be added to your yard in many ways. There are solar fountain kits that will sit in a birdbath or pond and run a spray of water as the sun hits their solar panel. Plug-in fountains, especially those that have a look of natural rocks, offer a flow of water that songbirds enjoy. Another product, called a water wiggler, is available in both solar and battery-operated models. The water wiggler can be placed in a birdbath to agitate the water, attracting songbirds and also eliminating mosquitos’ ability to lay eggs in the water. Not all birds will come to a bird feeder or nest in a birdhouse, but they all use water for drinking and bathing. Adding a water feature will increase the amount of species, and quantity of birds that will visit your yard. In the winter a heated birdbath will keep the birds coming throughout the chilly months. Although seasonal, birdhouses are a great way to attract birds to your yard. A birdhouse offers certain species a place to build their nest, lay their eggs, and raise their young. Bluebirds, chickadees, nuthatches,

3 0 | s e p t e m b e r - O c to b e r 2 0 1 5

woodpeckers, titmice, sparrows, wrens, and even owls will use nest boxes. When choosing a birdhouse, the size of the nesting cavity, and even more importantly, the size of the entrance hole, will dictate who can use the house. Metal plates are available to keep the entrance hole a certain size, useful if pesky squirrels or woodpeckers are making the holes of your house larger. These metal plates also come in sizes small enough to keep sparrows out of a nest box, but allow for chickadees and wrens to use it. Planting a variety of native trees, shrubs and plants is another effective way of attracting birds to your yard all year. Wild fruits are an important food source to birds, especially migrating birds. Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) is a shrub highly recommended due to the high fat, antioxidant and carbohydrate content of its berries. Arrowwood also attracts native bees to its blooms. Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa), silky dogwood (C. amomum) and red osier dogwood (C. sericea) are also highly recommended for songbirds due to their ability to keep birds energized during their migrations. Hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar of the beautiful blooming cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) and bee balm (Monarda didyma). The hummingbird clearwing moth is often spotted sipping nectar from bee balm as well. Native trees provide space for birds to build their nests and raise their young while also providing habitat for insects to lay their eggs and leaves for their developing larvae to dine on. Oak, serviceberry, and sugar maple trees are known for hosting a wide diversity of species. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) have lovely blooms all summer long and in the fall their seeds feed finches. There are some birdfeeders that can be used that normally aren’t banned by an HOA. In the spring hummingbird and oriole feeders that use nectar or jelly can be put out. Suet feeders, which don’t leave behind much mess, also tend to be acceptable. Suet feeders will attract a variety of woodpecker species, chickadees, nuthatches, titmice and more. Liz Magnanti is the manager of the Bird House on Monroe Avenue in Pittsford. She has a degree in wildlife conservation and has worked as a naturalist at various nature centers.


VENEER BRICK CULTURED STONE BRICK PAVERS MAJESTIC FIREPLACES HARDSCAPE PRODUCTS

585-247-1100 450 Trabold Rd., Rochester NY 14624 www.weckesserbrick.com

We Offer 0% Financing

FALL IS A GREAT TIME TO SOD.

CONTACT YOUR SOD & SEED SPECIALISTS:

$139.00 + tax

You call... We deliver!

6660 Goodrich Road Clarence Center, NY 14032 716-741-2880 800-562-2887 lakesidesod.com turf@lakesidesod.com

WE MAKE IT EASY TO LOVE YOUR YARD.



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.