Volume Eighteen, Issue FiveSeptember-October 2012FREE

u p s t a t e g a r d e n e r s ’ j o u r n a l - 3 2 0 0 e a s t a v e n u e - c a l e d o n i a , n e w y o r k 1 4 4 2 3

b u f f a l o - i t h a c a - r o c h e s t e r - s y r a c u s e

NightshadesLockport in bloomBoy meets big food

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30+ 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 under-used, hard-to-find items, along with the newest varieties on the market. We will eagerly share our horticultural knowledge gained from years of edu-cation 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

Autumn’s Splendorsses

Fall is a lovely time to plan and plant. With the summer’s heat a distant memory, we can get out and revive, re-access and return to the garden. We like to use this time of year as an opportunity to thank all of our customers who have been so loyal to us all season by offering our best prices on some of our best plant material. September and October; good weather, good plants, good prices.

Has bulb planting become a thing of the past? We hope not… There is not an easier, more satisfying way to bring color to your garden. Bring in our UGJ ad and we’ll give you 20% off your bulb purchase this fall.

Our Annual Fall Walling Session has Sold Out! But you can still get into the game. Our revered teachers are giving a free presentation on their col-lected works. Join our students for an evening of inspiration featuring John Shaw-Rimmington of the CSWA and Norman Haddow of the DSWA on Saturday Oct 13th at 7:15pm. (Remember, this event is free and open to the public.) Please check out John’s website CSWA.CAN, & Norman’s blog walls-withoutcement.blogspot.com. We’re asking for a quick call or email to enable us to plan our space requirements; thanks! kkepler@rochester.rr.com or (585) 637-4745

We are currently booking Garden Weddings for the summer of 2013. If you are looking for a unique location for your special event, come visit the gardens at Sara’s. kkepler@rochester.rr.com or (585) 637-4745

Broccolo Tree & Lawn Care2059 Brighton-Henrietta Townline RoadRochester, NY 14623585-424-4476www.broccologroup.com

Country Way Garden & Design Center2755 Penfield Road Fairport, NY 14450

585-377-9810www.MyCountryWay.com

Columbus Day Weekend:

Buy any tree... We will plant it free! Delivery charge if more than 20 miles.

DAY LILIES HOSTAS GRASSES

Visit Country Way for these specials:

Buy one, Get one While supplies last...

WE SAVE ASH TREES!585-424-4476

Photo courtesy of Flickr: dichohecho

GA

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PENFIELD RD PENFIELD RD

HERE WE ARE

Visits to London, The Cotswolds, Oxford & More!

Windsor Castle

Tour of London with Expert Guide

Special Guest—Upstate Gardeners’ Journal Publisher, Jane Milliman

Royal Horticultural Society Membership

Hampton Court Palace

Chelsea Garden Show—Member Day

Great Dixter Gardens

Oxford & Blenheim Palace

Day trip to Cotswolds and Hidcote Manor Gardens

For all the fabulous details go to www.travelbuds.net Click on ITINERARIES, and then click on English Garden Tour 2013

Or call Marjorie Case, Tour Director, at 585-261-1144

poetry in planting

Departure Date: May 18, 2013

Return Date: May 27, 2013

Departure City: Rochester

Program Length: 10 days/ 8 nights

Q: what is the grey, lacey type fungus on trees that is causing them to slowly die?  i see it on all the trees in my yard and in many others. this maple tree is about 22 years and limbs are dying.

 a: the grey growth you

described is lichen. it’s one of nature’s dynamic duos in which fungi and algae are in full cooperation! in their symbiotic relationship, the fungus provides the perfect home and raw materials for the algae. the algae, in turn, with their plant-like photosynthetic ability, capture the sun’s energy and produce food, some of which is consumed by the fungus for its growth. they do not derive nutrients from the structure they grow on and can even be found growing on large stones or rocks. Most lichens found in the northeast are grey/green in color, although the hue and form varies according the different fungal/algae pairs. they are adversely affected by air pollution so a

good population of them can indicate clean air in that location.

lichens are often noticed more on trees that are stressed or in decline. this is probably caused by the

lack of a full canopy of leaves. More light can reach the branches, which allows the lichens to thrive.

so the lichens are not the cause of the problem, but what initiated the maple decline? Maple branch dieback and decline has been somewhat common in upstate new york over the past couple of years. several factors can contribute to this. roadway deicing salts are harmful to roots of some trees and sugar maples are particularly sensitive. other stressors such as successive years of drought, heat stress and soil compaction may also play a role.

to help get the tree back on track, prune out the dead wood and make a competition-free zone at the base of the tree with a 3-inch layer of mulch and no turf or weeds. provide water to the tree’s root zone during dry spells.

This issue’s guest expert is Brian Eshenaur, an

educator with Cornell University’s Integrated

Pest Management Program. Eshenaur works with and assists producers

of trees, shrubs and greenhouse crops. His

work emphasis is in plant diagnosis and disease

management.

You ask…the experts answer

Questions and answers

U P S T A T E G A R D E N E R S ’ J O U R N A L | 5

a fresh entry onto the scene, greentopia is upstate new york’s premier sustainibility festival. running Monday, september 10th through sunday, september 16th, it has something for everyone. if you’re into good eats, join greentopia for food link’s festival of food on Monday evening at the rochester public Market. prefer films? tuesday through friday is greentopia | filM, an intriguing and educational film festival that will inspires, transform, and ultimately empower audience members to create sustainable changes in their own lives and communities. running a business or work for a company that wants to be on the cutting edge? attend greentopia | innovation on friday, september 14th, a business-to-business conference that examines the latest and greatest in business, entrepreneurship, sustainability in practice, technology, and innovation. and don’t miss greentopia | Music, featuring classical and americana music on saturday, september 15th and sunday, september

16th. directed by the ying Quartet, the classical series will feature an original piece composed by jeff tyzik, rochester philharmonic orchestra principal pops conductor and grammy award winning composer and arranger. lastly, greentopia | ecofest is the place to be on the 15th and 16th. taking place in rochester’s high falls district, greentopia | ecofest is a celebration of all things green and offers a wide variety of things to see and do including speakers, green vendors, a farmers’ market, how-to’s, an alternative fuel vehicle show, the child care council kids’ Zone, a fashion show featuring garments made from recycled and upcycled materials, wine tasting, music, organic food, and more fun. attendance is free.

for a full schedule of events and locations, visit greentopiafestival.com

—Sam Elliot, Greentopia Program Assistant

Greentopia: Bigger, Better

Ear to the Ground

Sam Elliot has been working with the

Greentopia Festival and GardenAerial since

February, and leaves this month to begin a

Master’s in architecture at the Rochester Institute of

Technology. We wish Sam the best of luck!

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Almanac

What to do in the garden in September and October

LawNsMany upstate new york lawns have experienced dry

or drought conditions from this summer’s lack of rainfall. september is the best month to fertilize a lawn, with its cooler nights and (usually) ample precipitation. use a slow-release fertilizer.

if, however, the fall is lacking rain, a lawn should receive the equivalent of 1 inch of irrigation per week.

september is also an excellent time to sow grass seed. The best time in upstate new york is from august 15th to september 15th. Make sure to water the newly sown area frequently so it grows in well.

rake or mow over fallen leaves soon after they accumulate on the lawn.

dethatching a lawn is best performed during the early fall months. Thatch is a tightly intermingled layer of dead and living stems, leaves, and roots that form between the soil surface and the blades of grass. dethatch a lawn by power raking, vertical mowing or core aeration practices. Thatch development in a lawn is normal; excessive amounts of thatch can hinder grass growth.

fall is an excellent time to control broadleaf perennial weeds such as dandelions and plantains. try these methods first if you have more weeds than you can tolerate:

• set your mower at the proper height of 3 inches or at highest setting. Mowing higher helps desirable turf to shade weeds out.

• reduce soil compaction around areas of heavy traffic wear and adjacent to paved areas.

• weed by hand, best when soil is slightly moist.• if lawn is thin, fertilize and overseed to improve

density.• herbicides can be effective on broadleaf weeds

when used in september as long as the weeds are still actively growing. follow product recommendations.

VEgEtaBLEsseptember is the time to pick warm season

vegetables such as squash, melons, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers before the frost hits.

squashes, pumpkins and gourds can be harvested. store in a cool and dry cellar. to prevent molds from forming during storage, wash the produce with a weak bleach solution.

harvest herbs to preserve by drying or freezing. pick on a cool dry morning after the morning dew has dried.

dig up tender herb plants such as rosemary, thyme and transplant in containers to continue growth and enjoy adding to culinary dishes throughout the winter

months.brussel sprouts, kale, and kohlrabi are cold –tolerant

vegetables and are best harvested when temperature are much cooler when they are more flavorful.

plant garlic cloves through early november.beets, carrots, leeks and turnips will survive into

early winter if mulched with straw or leaves.lettuces and mixed greens can be sown in early fall

and enjoyed during the autumn season.

gENERaL gaRdENiNgadd spring flowering bulbs such as snowdrops,

crocus, daffodils, and tulips to existing flower gardens. bulbs are best planted during the months of september and october.

september is the time to divide daylilies after flowering.

dahlias blooms make nice cut flowers in early september. once a heavy frost has hit, cut the foliage back to ground level and dig up the dahlia tubers. wash or brush off the soil from the bulb and air dry. store tubers in a cardboard box between layers of vermiculite, peat moss, saw dust or wood shavings. The bulbs can also be transplanted into containers of soilless mix and stored in the cellar or heated garage. do not water the container until mid-May. store in a cool and dry location that is between 35 to 45 degrees f.

canna bulbs must be dug up once a heavy frost has occurred. cut back the foliage to the ground and then dig up the bulb. wash off soil from the bulb and air dry. place in airy containers with peat moss or rice hulls to help maintain bulb moisture levels.

transplant trees and shrubs. if it’s dry make sure you water them so the roots can become established in the soil before winter.

prevent some of next year’s fruit disease problems by gathering up fallen leaves, twigs and infected fruit.

divide and plant spring-blooming perennials in september, especially if separation hasn’t been done in three to five years.

remove spent annual plants.cut back spent perennial foliage to 3 inches from the

ground level. houseplants that were kept outside during the

summer months should be washed before bringing in to make sure any pests have been removed.

for additional gardening information 24/7 visit counties.cce.cornell.edu/oneida and click on home and garden section. — Holly Wise, Extension Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County

Practice good sanitation in a vegetable garden by cleaning up old plant debris so that diseases or insects do not overwinter in the garden.

Plant a cover crop to help add natural organic matter back into the soil and increase beneficial organisms such as earthworms and microorganisms. Cover crops for tilled groundcover include ryegrass, winter rye, winter wheat, oats, white clover, sweet clover, buckwheat and other legumes. These crops help retain the soil, prevent mineral leaching, reduce soil compaction, and competitively shade out weeds. For more information on cover crops or green manures check out the (PDF) fact sheet at http://bit.ly/Pd1Zhp or do a search from CCE of Oneida County’s website.

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S - O ‘12 Thank you

PuBLishER/EditoR: Jane F. Milliman aRt diREctioN: Dean S. Milliman

MaNagiNg EditoR: Debbie Eckerson gRaPhic dEsigN: Cathy Monrad

tEchNicaL EditoR: Brian EshenaurPRooFREadER: Sarah Koopus

wEstERN NEw YoRk saLEs REPREsENtatiVE: Maria Walczak: 716/432-8688

coNtRiButiNg wRitERs: Brian Eshenaur | Holly Wise | Marion Morse

Michelle Sutton | Rich Finzer Mary Ruth Smith | Christina Le Beau

3200 East Avenue, Caledonia NY 14423phone: 585/538-4980; fax: 585/538-9521

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All contents copyright 2012, Upstate Gardeners’ Journal.

contentsEar to the ground ................................................... 5

You ask... the experts answer ................................. 5

What to do in the garden in September and October ........................................ 6

Can I be blunt? Horticulture sans niceties ............................................10-12

Nightshades ....................................................14-15

Tex–Mex casserole ...............................................17

Lockport in bloom A lovely old town shows off its gardens .............................18-19

Calendar ..........................................................22-32

Boy meets big food..............................................34

Fill Your Garden With Color...Come See Our Selection

3038 Ewings Rd, Newfane, NY 14108(716) 778-0026

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and is a growing tradition among Western New York gardeners.

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Landscape Design & Build | Organic Lawn Care | Landscape Care | Landscape StructuresMake CoMing HoMe a VaCation

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1 0 | S E P T E M B E R - O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2

Almanac

Can I be blunt?horticulture sans niceties

there is as much to study and know about horticulture as there is to know about engineering or medicine. it’s a lifelong pursuit,

and i will always regard myself as a student of horticulture, not some infallible master.

That said, i’ve encountered some specific situations so many times that i have a 30-second bullet-point type reflection or opinion on them. This kind of drive-by advising isn’t ideal but sometimes that’s all there’s time for, as when someone asks me a gardening question with three little kids bouncing around us, or when it’s so noisy in a restaurant we can’t really hear each other, or when i am literally walking out the door and someone shoots me an inquiry about something that’s actually pretty complicated.

These short answers may come across as flippant or even a bit obnoxious. That’s not how i intend them. This is pithiness, bluntness, and being opinionated. but not irreverence—i adore horticulture, and i enjoy teaching people what i know. and people who embark on gardening willing to embrace their failures as well as

their successes get big props from me. Q: How much money will I save growing my

own vegetables? a: you won’t, at least not for many years. grow for

other reasons, like freshness and the satisfaction of it, and a means of connecting with other people. try not to buy too many garden gadgets and knick-knacks. you don’t need a tiller (see no-till question) and you only need a few tools: shovel, hand pruners and a trug for carrying stuff.

Q: How much topsoil do I need?don’t buy “topsoil,” as this is a meaningless

designation. it says nothing about texture or fertility or weeds that may be hidden in the bulk topsoil. buy compost instead. check it out first, and talk to people who have used the bulk or bagged product you are thinking about using.

Q: I’d like to start a wildflower garden with this “wildflower-garden-in-a-can” product.

a: Throw it away. Those products don’t work. you won’t be able to discern which seedlings are weeds and which are the wildflowers you want. germination will be uneven. plants will struggle to establish from seedlings if your seed bed is less than perfect. you need a clean bed of soil that’s free of weed seed or that you are willing to weed vigilantly the first two years at least, and you should start with good-size plants, not with seed.

Q: How can I save this patio peach tree [or other plant-X-in-the-rose-family]?

a: you can’t. it’s too far gone and not worth poisoning our groundwater to try to save this sinking ship. plants in the rose family are susceptible to so much stuff. and in that same vein, if you ask me about your troubled roses, i will say, pull them out and plant knockout roses and/or rugosa roses.

Q: My bank is covered in crown vetch (or goutweed, or chameleon plant). How do I get rid of it so I can put in some nice gardens?

a: you don’t. They are covering the bank because soil insists on being covered and these groundcovers do it exceptionally well. embrace them. Mow walking paths through them if you want, and add garden statues as focal points. pretend you meant to do this all along. put your energy into another part of your property that’s

Story and photographs by Michelle Sutton

aBoVE: Mini tulip time

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

not yet covered in invasive groundcovers. Q: Are you sure I should cut this purple

smokebush/spirea/barberry/forsythia back this hard?

a: yes, they need the rejuvenation at least every few years. just be sure to do it at the right time of year.

Q: Did I order too many bulbs? a: never. Q: Which bulbs are the critters going to leave

alone?a: My go-to’s are daffodils, scillas, little species tulips (not hybrids), alliums. critters may still unearth them as they’re playing around in your freshly planted earth, but they are unlikely to eat them. just replant.

Q: What kind of tiller should I buy? in 90% or more of the situations, don’t till. tilling

is bad for most soils and not necessary. it brings up more weed seeds and creates more than one kind of pollution. see my story about no-till linked to my website, michellejudysutton.com.

Q: Can you put down weed mat when you put in that garden?

a: i have only used weed mat once, underneath pebbles around a pool patio. weeds grow through and germinate on top of it and it always creates a mess. solarize the site to get rid of weeds before you plant, weed extra vigilantly for the first few years until things establish, and mulch with 3 to 4 inches of quality mulch or weed-free compost.

Q: I’m going to plant this weeping cherry right here on the corner of the house.

a: go see some mature weeping cherry trees. They should be in the middle of the yard, as they can get quite large!

Q: Why is this tree in my yard failing? a: are the tree roots getting compacted by foot or

vehicle traffic? is the tree in a very extensive mulched bed and do you water it in dry times?

Q: How much fertilizer do I need to green up these shrubs?

a: water is the best fertilizer. try watering deeply first. i have found that, eight or nine times out of ten, that’s what pale-looking shrubs really need.

Q: Best cut flowers?a: The rocket series of snapdragons; plant from

plugs. ‘state fair’ zinnias; plant from seed. Q: Do deer repellents work?a: They do, but some work better than others, and

you have to vigilantly reapply during peak browsing times. and some people recommend switching them up so the deer don’t get used to them.

Q: Should I use those hydrogel crystals in my pots so I don’t have to water so often?

a: research disputes their effectiveness in containers. one theory is that when containers get super dry, the hydrogel crystals actually hold on to any remaining water too well. do some reading and decide

for yourself. i don’t use them in containers or in the ground.

Q: I want a low- or no-maintenance garden. a: pick out some nice stones and statues, and call

it a day. Q: How can I grow organic apples? a: ho boy. i have not been ambitious enough to try

this, preferring to stick with small fruits in my home garden. see cornell’s A Grower’s Guide to Organic Apples.

Q: What can I get to grow under this maple tree?

a: if it’s norway maple, nothing. for other maples, give hostas and other plants that handle dry shade a try.

toP: Verbena reseeds

BotttoM: Growing veggies satisfying - But

doesn’t save most people a lot of money

1 2 | S E P T E M B E R - O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2

you will need to water well to get them established. and you can add compost before planting but don’t pile on so much that you suffocate the tree roots or make it so that water is being held against the tree trunk/root flare.

Q: Should I put a sprinkler on this new garden?

a: no. Most water from sprinklers evaporates or waters things that don’t need watering, like your sidewalk. roots of newly planted plants dry out fast. newly planted gardens need to be hand watered deeply, and not with a sprinkler-like nozzle. take the nozzle off and direct the water right to the roots—unless you’re talking newly sown seed; for that, a nozzle that provides sprinkling effect is appropriate for this delicate situation.

Q: Should I buy some ladybugs for my garden, to eat the plant predators?

a: are there enough aphids (their favorite food) to keep the ladybugs around? how are your plants currently being stressed? because that’s what makes them susceptible to insect predation.

Make the plants stronger—that’s your best hedge against pests.

Q: How far out should I go with this ring of mulch around my tree?

a: as far as you can! it’s best if it goes to the edge of the canopy and beyond, as the roots are beyond the canopy line.

Q: Why is my pine/chamaecyparis/rhododendron losing so many needles/leaves? a: They shed some every year. no need to be alarmed unless the loss dramatically changes the plant’s appearance and is correlated with other symptoms of stress, like dieback.

Q: What are some good reseeding annuals? a: poppies, spider flowers, sunflowers, and Verbena

bonariensis. Q: What if I disagree with your advice?

a: That’s fine. your experience may be different from mine. plus, horticulture is fun, but friendship is more important. we can talk about something else instead, and i’m content to keep any future opinions to myself. :)

toP LEFt: Daffodils resist critters

toP cENtER: Snapdragons are good cut flowers

toP Right: Hostas for dry shade

BottoM LEFt: No-till veg garden

BottoM Right: Rhodies lose some leaves each year

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Natural selections

NightshadesBy Rich Finzer

Quickly now, what do eggplant, tobacco and horse nettle have in common? easy. all three belong to the nightshade or

potato family (solanaceae) of plants. the common characteristic shared by all nightshades is the production of drug-like chemicals known as alkaloids. some of these compounds are used in the manufacture of legitimate pharmaceuticals such as atropine, while others such as nicotine are used in commercial pesticides. so it’s perhaps best not to think of nightshades as a monolithic plant family. it’s probably better to think of them as either “good guys” or “bad guys,” with one very common variety falling squarely in the middle.

NightshadE VEgEtaBLEs

commonly grown vegetables such as eggplant, tomatoes and potatoes each represent edible nightshades, and the flesh of all three contain some concentration of alkaloids. as an example, eggplant contains minute quantities of nicotine, but don’t panic over that. for while nicotine is toxic, you’d need to eat 20 pounds of eggplant in a sitting to absorb the same amount of nicotine found

U P S T A T E G A R D E N E R S ’ J O U R N A L | 1 5

Natural selections

in a single cigarette. our friend the tomato is much the same. all tomatoes, both ripe and green, contain the toxic alkaloid tomatine, however it is present in such small quantities that human consumption of tomatoes, either raw red, or fried green will not upset the nutritional applecart. for dogs, it’s another matter. tomatine is highly toxic to canines, meaning bowser should never be fed any leftover lasagna. [Experts have differing opinions on this. —Ed.] fortunately, most tomatine present in tomatoes is concentrated in the stems and leaves, which nobody consumes anyway.

rounding out the nightshade veggie trio is the potato. solanine is the toxic alkaloid found in potatoes. it is concentrated in the stems and fruit of the plants as opposed to the tubers; which is the part we consume. we know that now, but during elizabethan times potatoes were only beginning to make their way into the british isles. folklore has it that sir walter raleigh gifted elizabeth i with a quantity of potatoes, but unfortunately did not explain how to cook them. the royal chefs discarded the tubers and boiled the greens, which were eaten like spinach, resulting in an epic bout of solanine poisoning. raleigh kept his head (literally) but the queen issued a royal decree banning potatoes from her entire realm. but for a legendary culinary miscue, today we might be ordering english fries along with our burgers. keep in mind that solanine is present in any portion of the potato plant which is green in color. if exposed to sunlight, even harvested potatoes will gradually take on a greenish cast indicating the presence of the chemical. so never eat any potatoes that have turned green and be certain to remove any sprouts or eyes when preparing them.

thE “Bad guYs”

the usda has identified over 100 species of nightshade, and many are highly toxic. here in upstate new york, two of the worst and most common offenders are carolina horse nettle (Solanum carolinense) and climbing nightshade (Solanum dulcamara). both species are invasive and extremely difficult to eradicate.

carolina horse nettle, also known as bull nettle or devil’s tomato, prefers sunny locations with rich soil. it’s commonly found growing along the perimeter of cultivated farmland and as mentioned is quite poisonous. horses, being picky eaters, generally won’t consume the plant, but smaller grazing livestock such as sheep and goats will. if ingested in quantity, the solanine present in the plant tissues can cause respiratory failure, internal hemorrhaging and death.

horse nettle is easily identified. the leaves are alternate, elliptic-oblong to oval. each is irregularly lobed or coarsely toothed. as the plant matures, both the upper and lower leaf surfaces develop fine hair-like spines. the blossoms have five petals, usually white or purple with yellow centers. the plant reproduces through both seeds and runners, making it extremely difficult to eliminate. Mowing it close to the ground

will help control its spread, or repeated applications of herbicide may do the trick. if you decide to dig out the plant, try to remove as much of the root system as possible. when doing so, be sure to wear a stout pair of gloves, for direct contact with the spines will most certainly irritate your skin. in all likelihood, it’s a battle you’ll fight more than once, so be both patient and diligent.

truth be told, while researching this article, i discovered a lone horse nettle growing in, of all places, my own horse’s pasture! the plant was quite young and while covered with buds, had yet to flower. after snapping a few photos, i treated it to a big dose of commercial herbicide. i intentionally chose this method because the product kills the entire plant, including the root system. after the foliage blackens, i’ll cut it off at the ground line. for a better look at a mature horse nettle and its flowers, surf to the usda web address listed in the additional information section.

rounding out this dastardly duo of poisonous invasive nightshades is horse nettle’s evil climbing cousin. climbing nightshade, also known as european bittersweet or fellen wort can be found growing across much of the continental u.s. and southern canada. native to europe, this invasive pest reached our shores during the mid-eighteenth century and quickly became established. lacking a strong central stem, the plant is classified as a woody vine. it will commonly be found growing up pasture posts or utility poles and by summer’s end may reach a height of 12 feet. equally unfortunate, the plant is quite visually attractive, producing clusters of 5-petal purple blossoms sporting bright yellow stamens.

following pollination, each bloom will transform into a tomato-red berry resembling a miniature roma tomato. the poisonous berries contain the alkaloid solanine. and while most adults won’t eat something simply because it’s eye appealing (with the possible exception of doughnuts) small children might be tempted to pop a ripe berry into their mouths. so if you encounter climbing nightshade, cut it off at the ground line or blast it with a commercial herbicide.

having discussed the nightshades we consume as foodstuffs as well as their nasty brethren, we’re left with one nightshade variety, which while poisonous, is neither a mealtime staple nor an invasive menace. in fact, upstate gardeners purchase and plant literally millions of them every spring. which nightshade am i referring to? simple, it’s the petunia. so feel free to enjoy the daylights out of your petunias, just keep them out of your tossed salad!

additioNaL iNFoRMatioN:

plants.usda.gov/java/ClassificationServlet?source=display&classid=SOLANCarolina horse nettle: plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=soca3 Climbing nightshade: plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SODU

Above: Carolina horse nettle, courtesy author.

Left and below: Climbing nightshade, Jane

Milliman.

Large Selection of Hardy Trees & Shrubs

Over 3 acres of fresh hardy nursery stock from the common to the hard to find.

CLOVERNURSERY & GARDEN CENTER

Est. 1927

DELIVERY & PLANTING SERVICES AVAILABLE

www.CloverNursery.comMonroe County’s Oldest Nursery

Located near Ellison ParkOpen 7 Days a Week

485 LANDING ROAD NORTH(585) 482-5372

Annuals • Perennials • Fertilizer Seed • Bulk Mulch

Bagged Mulch • Stone Large Selection of Fine Pottery

LANDSCAPE DESIGNInstallationWalkways/PatiosFlagstoneUnilockBrickPaverstonesKeystoneFoundation PlantingRetaining WallsExcavation & GradingWater GardensWater Features

MAINTENANCE

GardeningMulchingTopsoilRototillingTree PlantingTree RemovalStump GrindingShrub PruningTheme GardensPerennial GardensLawn CareLawn Maintenance

We offer a variety of lawn and landscaping services.

For an estimate please call (585) 244-1626www.CloverNursery.com

• GIFT SHOP •

Located atMILEAGE MASTER

CENTER“The Grillmaster’s Mecca”

2488 Browncroft Blvd.586-1870

The Grilling Season Never Ends—Open Year ‘Round!

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

Bee in the Garden

Genesis eP-330 assorted Models now on disPlay

Something for Everyone...

Stop in to see the Big Green Egg

and become an EGG

head today!

Cast Iron Cookware

Woodstock ChimesIbis & Orchid Floral

Vases & CandlesGarden Tools & Gloves

Mailbox Covers & Yard DeSignGrilling Accessories,

Cookbooks & Sauces....

U P S T A T E G A R D E N E R S ’ J O U R N A L | 1 7

largest selection of “rare & unusual”Japanese maples

Dwarf conifers

Bamboo—plants and fencing

Perennials & more

carved granite garden features

www.orientalgardensupply.com

orientalgardens@aol.com

448 west bloomfield roadin pittsford585 586 3850

open daily 9 - 4

after 6/30 closed Sundays

other times by appointment

Serves 4 – 6

4 ears fresh cornButter3 medium, onions, thinly sliced6-7 medium zucchini, thinly sliced1 large tomato, seeded, chopped and drained8 oz. can tomatillos or 1 cup fresh tomatillos, husks removed2 Anaheim chili peppers, seeded and chopped1 small Jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped1 ½ teaspoons fresh oregano or ¾ teaspoon driedSalt, pepper and butter1 cup grated Jack or Cheddar cheese

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees.2. using sharp knife, cut corn from the cobs and

set aside. 3. in large sauté pan, heat 1 tbsp. butter and

sauté the onions and zucchini for 3-5 minutes over medium heat. remove.

4. add more butter, 1-2 tbsp., to pan and sauté tomato and tomatillos for 3-5 minutes.

5. lightly grease large casserole. combine all vegetables, season with oregano, salt and pepper, and place in casserole. sprinkle with the grated cheese and dot with a little butter.

6. bake casserole, covered with lid or foil, for 30 minutes. run briefly under broiler to brown top before serving.

Recipe courtesy of Marion Morse, Allyn’s Creek Garden Club

Tex–Mex casserole

From the garden

1 8 | S E P T E M B E R - O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2

Behind the Gate

Lockport in blooma lovely old town shows off its gardens

By Mary Ruth Smith

the town of lockport, new york, on the erie canal west of buffalo, has a well-kept secret. in addition to lovely old houses, beautiful churches,

a thriving downtown, and a historic movie theater, the town is full of beautiful gardens. i had a chance to visit some of them recently and to learn about lockport in

bloom, which showcases its gardens to visitors from near and far.

one of the gardens i visited belonged to john ottaviano, who founded lockport in bloom after visiting another town’s gardens on a tour and thinking that lockport, too, had many gardens that people should see. he was the city attorney and went to town leaders with his idea, drummed up financial support for it, and found volunteers to carry out the idea. That was in 2005, and this year lockport in bloom held its eighth tour, welcoming over 2500 visitors on july 7 and 8 to see 40 gardens in the lockport area.

Mr. ottaviano’s garden surrounds his 1918 brick mansion on a one-and-a-half acre lot with magnificent old trees, including a 200+ year-old sycamore and two 150 year-old copper beeches. his back yard features a view of the golf course next door from the top of the niagara escarpment. plantings surround the formal patio, and a rock hearth, gazebo, and playhouse at the back of the lawn draw visitors out to discover the piece de resistance of this garden – a waterfall going over the side of the escarpment to a koi pond below. The pond was built by the original owners and discovered buried under debris by the ottaviano’s dog! after much clearing of brush and debris, some original steps were also uncovered. Mr. ottaviano added the waterfall, remaining stairway and plantings. The garden is located at 707 east ave.

The garden of anthony and barbara dimino, at 4521 sharon drive, was created around the new house they built nine years ago at the base of the niagara escarpment. with a backdrop of old forest and that amazing rock wall, their garden is largely in sun and stars over 500 varieties of daylilies, which steal the show in july. because the site was rocky, they had to bring in topsoil for the extensive gardens. They love color and have filled their garden with a wide variety of plants, always looking for something new and unusual. because the niagara escarpment is a flyway,

aBoVE: John Ottaviano’s koi pond

U P S T A T E G A R D E N E R S ’ J O U R N A L | 1 9

they attract many birds to their numerous feeders. “The baltimore orioles only come for grape jelly,” they said. two koi ponds, with a wandering stream between them, are flanked by ornamental grasses and interesting perennials. annuals and flowering shrubs add color all summer. tropicals such as brugmansia decorate the large stone patio, and unusual flowers and vines hang from the pergola. a conservatory attached to the house shelters the tropical plants during the winter. not content with what is already a huge garden, they are clearing under the trees at the rear of the yard and starting to plant hostas and other shade-loving plants. a unicorn statue looks down from the cliff, which i expect will be their next planting project.

on the opposite end of the size scale is the garden of nan Macfarlane at 31 pound st. her yard is an example of what can be done on a fairly small city lot. she has a small, and shrinking, patch of grass in the back, but all the rest is garden. it’s an eclectic mix of perennials, annuals, vegetables, roses, fruit trees, and tropicals, the very definition of a cottage garden. tucked in among the plants are the painted hypertufa leaves she creates, using leaves from her garden as molds. The paths are lined with rocks collected on her travels and those of her friends. “bring me a rock,” she tells them. bird feeders and garden ornaments add to the cottage-garden style.

donna and bob harrer have gardened on their medium-size lot at 10 euclid ave. for twenty-four years. a colorful mix of annuals, perennials, and evergreens create an inviting entry garden. arbors covered with bittersweet and clematis lead to a brick patio and the tree-shaded back yard. vegetables grow among the flowers in sunny areas, and hydrangeas and hostas thrive under the tall pine trees. an autumn clematis has climbed nearly to the top of one pine tree. colorful potted plants adorn the patio, including a special geranium, big red, which donna has saved for years. in a hidden corner, she made a play area for their

grandchildren. Michael and betty kistner’s 1860 victorian home

at 329 pine st. sits majestically on two and a half acres with the original carriage house at the rear. it is a mirror image of the house next door, both of which were built by a father for his two sons. The kistners believe that the original owner may have been a nurseryman, because of the variety of specimen trees that surround the house. sadly, they lost a 150-year-old copper beech in the front yard a few years ago. They have lived there for twelve years and added most of the gardens. a heart-shaped boxwood border next to the shared driveway contains an exuberant planting of perennials and peegee hydrangeas. a formal parterre in front of the house complements its style and features an antique fountain, boxwood and topiaried dwarf lilac bushes. The rear garden is shadier and less formal with hostas, hydrangeas, and other shade lovers under the huge old trees. an extensive rock garden fills the slope near the carriage house, with the original stone steps leading to it. a potting shed next to the carriage house has been turned into a playhouse any little girl would love. a visitor on the lockport in bloom tour in july had written on the chalkboard there, “i love your garden.”

These are just five of the many gardens that have been on the lockport in bloom garden tour over the years. anyone living in or near lockport may apply to be on the tour, and all are accepted. There is no judging and no fee to see the gardens. The tour was held on july 7th and 8th in 2012 in conjunction with the buffalo garden walks. The volunteer co-chairmen of the tour, charlene bowers and bridgitt borek, believe that the tour has encouraged more people to spruce up their properties, and we saw many lovely front-yard gardens as we drove around town. i found myself wishing that my hometown had just such a tour. perhaps other communities will be encouraged to copy the idea and bring visitors to see their lovely gardens.

iF You go:

Lockport is located on Rt. 31 about half an hour

east of Buffalo. There is more information

and directions at lockportinbloom.com.

Locks and the Erie Canal Museum round out other

attractions in Lockport.

LEFt: The garden of Anthony and Barbara

Dimino

Right: Michael and betty kistner’s home

We still have a great selection of Perennials and Nursery stock for Fall & Winter color.

124 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Macedon, NY 14502

(585) 223-1222 www.waysidegardencenter.com

Open Year-round • Fall Hours: 8:30–6 daily

AOLP Certified Outdoor Lighting DesignerAOLP Certified Low Voltage Lighting Technician

Recipient of Lighting Design Awards in 2007 & 2012

withWelcome the Night!

by

Niggli Associates, Inc. 585-426-5940

Low Voltage Landscape and Architectural Lighting SystemsDesign/Consultation, Installation and Service

Antique Reclaimed Street BricksThese pavers are reclaimed from over 100 year old streets. The surfaces of the pavers are beautifully worn, but the pavers are still as strong as new.

• More durable than concrete—Guaranteed!• No sealing is required. Pavers are naturally waterproof. • LEED qualified Green Product.• Price competitive with concrete imitations.• Delivered on pallets, ready to use. • We also buy your used bricks.

Cobblestone, curb and other materials are also available. www.exbricks.com • 716-691-3061

Add Unique Character to Your Project!

2 2 | S E P T E M B E R - O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2

calendarBuFFaLo

REguLaR cLuB MEEtiNgs8th district Federated garden clubs of New

York state inc. Adrienne Pasquariello, District Director: 716/681-1047; gardenclubsofwny.com.

african Violet and gesneriad society of wNY meets the third Tuesday of each month, September - June, at 7:30 pm, LVAC Building, 40 Embry Place, Lancaster. avgswny@verizon.net; gesneriadsociety.org/chapters/wny.

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.

Buffalo area daylily society. East Aurora Senior Center, 101 King Street, East Aurora. 716/ 649-8186; buffaloareadaylily@hotmail.com.

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.

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.

Niagara Frontier Pond & koi club meets the second Friday of each month at 7 pm, Zion United Church of Christ, 15 Koenig Circle, Tonawanda. nfkpc.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: Beverly Walsh, 716/662-7279.

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, 716/934-7608; duke.sue@roadrunner.com.

south town gardeners meets the second Friday of the month (except January) at 10:30 am, Charles E. Burchfield Nature & Art Center, 2001 Union Road, West Seneca. New members welcome.

western New York carnivorous Plant (cP) club meets the first Tuesday of the month, 6:30 pm. wnycpclub@aol.com; facebook.com/pages/WNY-Carnivorous-Plant-Club.

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 8: Plastic Foundation & Design and use of bait hives, 9 am – 12 pm. $10. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County, 21 South Grove Street, East Aurora. wnyhpa.org.

western New York hosta society, contact for meeting dates and location. 716/941-6167;

h8staman@aol.com; wnyhosta.com.

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 7:30 pm, St. Stephens-Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 750 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville. September: Small Educational Rose Show. October: Winterizing Your Rose Garden. No December meeting. wnyrosesociety.org.

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.

cLassEs / EVENts• indicates activities especially appropriate for

children and families.

• ongoing through october: Family walk, Sundays, 2 pm. Free. Beaver Meadow Audubon Center, 1610 Welch Road, North Java. 585/457-3228; 800/377-1520; buffaloaudubon.org.

• ongoing: after-school Escape, Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 pm. Kids enjoy a different outdoor activity each week. Grades K-5. Free. REiN

september 8: Fall garden Fair, 9 am – 4 pm. Vendors, seminars, refreshments. 9:30: Best in show: trees, shrubs and Flowers, sally cunningham, plants from the National garden Festival’s nearly 1000 gardens; plant list and door prizes. 11:00: Putting the garden to Bed, garden writer, radio & tV personality ken Brown will discuss harvesting, planting, bulb selection, preparing beds and plants for winter. 1:00 (a): growing Plants from seed, ken Brown will remove the mystery of seed-starting. or 1:00 (b): design a welcoming Entry, Mary gurtler & samantha Platt will fashion three different styles for a home entrance: hanging baskets, swaths & wreaths, containers; using gourds, grasses, fresh and dried materials. 2:00: Edible wild Plants and the Edible home Landscape, ken Parker will discuss edible plants found in the wild and grown at home; recipes, sample teas, tastings.

Event: free. talks: $10 each; $35 for four. Registration required for talks. Lockwood’s greenhouses, 4484 clark street, hamburg. 716/649-4684; weknowplants.com.

september 8: designing the Backyard Landscape, 2 pm. Gary Sokolowski will share ideas on creating an outdoor living area by adding new plantings, patios and water features providing privacy, fragrance, color, and sound. Free. Registration required. MENNE

september 8: Fall hosta Forum. Off to see the Wizard. Riverside Inn, Cambridge Springs, PA. Mike Shadrack: 716/941-6167; h8staman@aol.com.

september 8 – october 7: succulent show, 10 am – 5 pm. Featuring many different types of cacti and succulents from common landscape succulents such as Sedums and Sempervivums to unusual plants such as the Split-Rock plant native to Africa. BEcBg

september 14: Landscape tour - Plants, People & design, 10:30 am – 12 pm. Join Martin House Horticulturist Nellie Gardner and Director of Operations Margaret Stehlik for a stroll through the Martin House estate. From the landscape of Toshiko Mori’s 21st Century Greatbatch Pavilion, to the Victorian influence at the turn of the century, to the planned Floricycle (or Hemicycle), learn about the common thread uniting the dwelling with the landscape. $20 members; $25 non-members. Registration required. Darwin Martin House, 125 Jewett Parkway, Buffalo. 716/856-3858; darwinmartinhouse.org.

september 15: orchid Basics, 10 am. Peter Martin will demonstrate potting and pruning while discussing requirements for growing media, light and maintenance. Bring your orchid for consultation and advice after class. Free. Registration required. MENNE

september 15: Master gardeners at the gardens, 10 am – 1 pm. Master Gardeners of Erie County will answer questions. $5 soil testing, up to 3 samples. BEcBg

• september 15: Fall Festival, 10 am – 4 pm. Exhibits by nature and environmental organizations, activities, crafts, food, music and more. $2 donation requested. REiN

september 15: harvesting & using herbs, 2 – 3:30 pm. Learn how to harvest herbs at their peak and preserve them for future flavor and fragrance. Lee Schreiner will discuss using herbs in a variety of ways including vinegars, jams, jellies and potpourri. Free. Registration required. MENNE

september 21 – 22: Fall Plant sale, 9 am – 7 pm Friday; 9 am – 2 pm Saturday. Perennials, flowering shrubs, bulbs and more. BEcBg

september 22: canning Basics 101, 11 am – 12:30 pm. Joyce Gallagher, home economics teacher with Buffalo Public Schools, will discuss and demonstrate the basics of traditional hot water bath canning including sterilization techniques, recipes and preparing foods for processing. Free. Registration required. MENNE

september 22: Fall Plant hike, 2 pm. See the plants of fall on this guided walk. Free. Registration required. REiN

september 22: autumn in the Perennial garden, 2 pm. Plants featured in this class have properties that make them good additions for fall and winter viewing, including ornamental grasses. Free. Registration required. MENNE

• september 23: seed gathering activity, 11 am

FREQuENt hosts

BEcBg: Buffalo & Erie county Botanical gardens, 2655 South Park Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14218. 716/827-1584; buffalogardens.com.

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. 716/683-5959; dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html.

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

– 1 pm. Ages 4-10. Included with admission. BEcBg

september 27: autumn angel Vine hydrangea wreath, 6:15 pm. Fashion a dried wreath for your door or entryway. Approximate size: 12-16” in diameter. $35 members; $40 non-members. Registration required. BEcBg

september 28: gala at the gardens, 6:30 pm. Cocktail reception with silent and basket auctions followed by sit-down dinner. Fundraiser to benefit The Gardens. Registration required. BEcBg

september 29: secrets of the old-growth Forest, 10 am. Take a guided tour among Reinstein woods’ oldest trees and learn about this historic forest. Free. Registration required. REiN

september 29: success with spring Bulbs, 10 am. Lana Bilger will share information on how to select, plant and care for spring blooming bulbs. Free. Registration required. MENNE

september 29: Master gardeners at the gardens, 10 am – 1 pm. See description under September 15. BEcBg

october 6: Native Plants – trees & shrubs, 10 am. During this slide show Lana Bilger will introduce native trees and shrubs to use in the landscape, along with modern cultivars available today. Free. Registration required. MENNE

october 6: things gardeners should know But don’t, 1:30 – 2:30 pm. Join WBEN’s Garden Show host Ken Brown as he discusses soil quality, disease resistant plants, garden nutrients and more. $8 members; $10 non-members; $5 students. Registration required. BEcBg

october 6: Bonsai – timely tips, 2 pm. Peter Martin will cover preparing Bonsai for fall and winter along with basic care including watering and fertilizing. Free. Registration required. MENNE

october 13 – 14: orchid show, 10 am – 4 pm Saturday; 10 am – 3 pm Sunday. Displays, judged competition, demonstrations, vendors. Presented by Niagara Frontier Orchid Society. Included with admission. 716/835-2132. BEcBg

october 16: spectacular succulent wreath, 6:15 pm. Create a living wreath of desert plants. $35 members; $40 non-members. Registration required. BEcBg

october 20: winterize Your Landscape, 10 am. Lana Bilger will share the latest products and discuss pruning, mulching and preparing your landscape for the winter months; includes winterizing roses. Free. Registration required. MENNE

october 20: Fall tree id, 10:30 am. Learn how to identify local trees along the trail. Free. Registration required. REiN

october 20 – November 11: chrysanthemum show, 10 am – 5 pm. Enjoy the colors of fall with many different varieties of mums. BEcBg

october 20 – March 2: horticulture i certificate series, 6 Saturdays, 11 am – 1 pm. For gardeners of all levels. Basic Botany and Plant Environment, Basic Propagation, Pest Management and Disease, Shrubs and Trees, Annuals and Perennials, Garden Design. Certificate series: $105 members; $130 non-members. Single class: $20 members; $25 non-members. Registration required. BEcBg

october 27 – March 9: horticulture ii certificate series, 6 Saturdays, 11 am – 1 pm. Soil Science, Advanced Propagation, Practical Principles

of Pruning, Hydroponics, Water Gardening, Landscape Design 2. Certificate series: $105 members; $130 non-members. Single class: $20 members; $25 non-members. Registration required. BEcBg

• october 28: Pumpkin crafts, 11 am – 1 pm. Ages 4-10. Included with admission. BEcBg

November 1 – 4: world of christmas. Decorating ideas, gift selections, one-of-a-kind decorator accents and miniature village displays. MENNE

November 3: Nature’s gathering: an Evening of art, wine and cheese, 5 – 8 pm. Regional wines, cheese, hors d’oeuvres. Nature-themed artwork available for purchase. Fundraiser to help support Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve. $12 advance; $15 door. REiN

November 15 – 18: christmas open house, 10 am – 5 pm. Chicken Coop Originals, 13245 Clinton Street, Alden. 716/937-7837; chickencooporiginals.com.

saVE thE datE…November 23 – 25: christmas open house,

10 am – 5 pm. Chicken Coop Originals, 13245 Clinton Street, Alden. 716/937-7837; chickencooporiginals.com.

ithaca

REguLaR cLuB MEEtiNgs

adirondack chapter, North american Rock garden society (acNaRgs). Free and open to all. September 16: Alpine plants of the Austrian Alps & Plant Hunting in South-Western Turkey. October 20: Gardening with Deer. November 10: Jerry Kral. acnargs.blogspot.com.

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.

cLassEs / EVENts• indicates activities especially appropriate for

children and families.

ongoing through september 23: arboretum highlights tour, Sundays, 1 pm. Enjoy a guided tour through the F.R. Newman Arboretum to see tree and shrub collections and diverse ornamental garden plantings. Tour content will vary from week to week. Meet: Sculpture Garden, F.R. Newman Arboretum. Free; donations welcome. cP

ongoing through september 29: Botanical garden highlights tour, Saturdays, 1 pm. Enjoy a guided tour through the Botanical Garden’s numerous theme gardens. Tour content will vary from week to week. Meet: Brian C. Nevin

Welcome Center, Botanical Garden. Free; donations welcome. cP

september 8: Rain gardens, 10 am – 12 pm. Learn how stormwater from impermeable surfaces can be redirected through dry creek beds, vegetated swales, or drain pipes into rain gardens designed with native plants. $20 members; $24 non-members. Registration required. cP

september 12: Lecture: Earth’s Beautiful ancient Forests: can there be a happy ending?, 7:30 pm. Dr. Joan Maloof, author, ecologist and environmental advocate will summarize the condition of our forests from global and national perspectives, focusing mainly on old-growth forests. Statler Hall Auditorium. cP

september 13: Fischer old growth Forest Preserve hike, 10 – 11:30 am. See trees over 150 feet tall in this example of pre-European settlement forest. Moderately strenuous 1.25 mile hike, some steep slope climbing. Rain or shine. Free. Pre-registration required. cP

september 16: smartphone Photography, 1 – 4 pm. Learn basic techniques, photo apps, equipment and file management strategies. All smartphones welcome, emphasis will be on iPhone capabilities. Indoor instruction and hands-on practice in the botanical garden. Bring your own smartphone. $30 members & students; $36 non-members. Registration required. cP

september 22: Fall Plant sale, 9 am – 4 pm. Take home some of Plantations gardeners’ top picks for your own home landscape. cP

september 23: Exotic Flavors: delicious international Foods, 1 – 4 pm. Walk through the International Crops Garden and learn about the wide range of food grown there; followed by demonstration and sampling of ethnic dishes made from these international foods. $40 members & students; $45 non-members. Registration required. cP

september 26: Lecture: thomas Jefferson’s Revolutionary garden, 7:30 pm. Speaker: Peter J. Hatch, Garden Historian and Monticello’s Director of Gardens and Grounds Emeritus. Mr. Hatch will discuss how some of Jefferson’s favorite vegetables were grown and prepared at Monticello plus their history and place in the horticultural world of early nineteenth-century Virginia. Mr. Hatch will explain the vegetable garden restoration and Jefferson’s legacy in food and gardening today. Call Alumni Auditorium, Kennedy Hall. cP

september 29: the art of stone-walling, 10 am – 4 pm. Hands-on class will cover types of walls, foundations, general rules, tools and materials. Learn basic construction techniques, including how to put up batter boards, make a foundation, chip and cut stone, and lay quarried stone. $60 members; $72 non-members. Registration required. cP

• october 6: apple harvest, 11 am – 3:30 pm. Fun for the entire family. Bakers’ Acres, 1104 Auburn Road (Route 34), Groton. 607/533-4653; bakersacres.net.

october 10: Lecture: Bringing Back the Pollinators: what we can all do to protect these essential creatures, 7:30 pm. Scott Hoffman Black, Executive Director, The Xerces Society for Inverteberate Conservation, will discuss the importance of insect pollinators, outline the groups of insects that provide pollination services in North America and present straightforward actions that every one can take to protect and provide habitat for pollinators. Statler Hall Auditorium. cP

FREQuENt hosts

cP: cornell Plantations, 1 Plantations Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. Inquire ahead for meeting places. 607/255-2400; cornellplantations.

Lockwood’s Greenhouses 4484 Clark St, Hamburg, NY 14075

(716) 649-4684

❀Quality Perennials, Shrubs & Trees for Excellent Fall Color

❀ Winter Pansies~Fall Mums~Flowering Kale~ Fall Marigolds

❀ Unusual Gourds and Exotic Pumpkins from Our Own Fields

❀Fall Garden Fair ❀Saturday, September 8, 9am – 4 pmVendors, Classes, Food and Plant Specials

See www.WeKnowPlants.com for details

Experience Awesome Autumn Color at Lockwood’s

CHRISTMAS TREESWholesale

LOCALLY GROWN IN SPRINGVILLE, NY

CONCOLOR, FRASER, GRAND, CAANAN FIRS

BOUGH MATERIAL OF ALL VARIETIES FOR FLORAL USES

DOUGLAS FIR TREATED FOR NEEDLE RETENTION

ARBORETUM ON BLUE HILL

Treehaven Evergreen Nursery981 JAMISON RD. ELMA, NY 14059

716-652-4206WWW.TREEHAVENNURSERY.COM

Celebrate our 5th Anniversary at the Fall GatheringSept. 14-15th: 10am - 5pm & Sept. 16th, noon - 5pm

Shop for fall décor and pre-holiday gifts.

“The Shop Where You’ll Never Leave Empty-Handed”

381 Main St., Elma NY 14059 • 716/668-2655(1/2 Mile from Clinton & Transit roads)

Regular Store Hours: Weds-Sat 10-5, Thurs. ‘til 8, Sun 12-5

Borglum’s Iris Gardens2202 Austin Road, Geneva, NY 14456

585-526-6729

Iris - Peonies - HostaPotted Peonies 100+ varieties

Dig-Your-Own Iris & Daylilies

Opening May 13, Sunday - FridayClosed Saturdays

sylborg@aol.com • www.Borglumsiris.com

DAVID L. FRANKELANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

585 343-8200

4423 N. Bennett Heights, Batavia, NY 14020

Design and Management of Distinctive Landscapes

Chicken Coop OriginalsA country gift, garden & herb shop featuring  

hand-painted primitives, country artwork, herbal  wreaths & arrangements, oldtiques & collectibles,  

pine trees, herbs & perennials in season

Painting, wreath-making & pine arrangement classes

We are open  Thursday-Saturday, 10-5  

other days by chanceOpen Most Sundays  

in November & December716-937-7837

Christmas Open HouseNov 15-18, 23-25

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

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

Garden Center• Shrubs• Trees

• Perennials

Landscape Design• Planting

• Walks/Patios• Maintenance

Country Corners Nursery

6611 Rtes. 5 & 20Bloomfield

(585) 657-7165

upstategardenersjournal.com• get current with our blog, ear to the ground • check our calendar for up-to-date event listings• check our index for articles you may have missed• subscribe, renew and order back issues using your

credit card• find out where you can pick up a copy• see listings of area jobs in the green industry

THE BEST RESOURCES FOR YOUR GARDEN ONLY AT

upstategardenersjournal.com

V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E

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ithaca continued

october 13: Magic in a glass: Beer Making at home, 1 – 4 pm. Glenn Bucien will cover the history of beer, scientific principles behind its production, tips on how to grow your own hops, and basic tools, equipment, and materials needed to start creating your own. Several home brews will be available for tasting. Must be 21 or older. $30 members; $36 non-members. Registration required. cP

october 24: Lecture: whispering willows and lying lillies: the chemical dialogues of plant behavior, 7:30 pm. Speaker: Robert Raguso, Professor, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior. Biologists have begun to appreciate that plants play far more active, strategic roles in their own survival and success than was formerly thought, through adaptive responses to environmental stress and complex above and below ground communication networks, mediated by chemistry. Statler Hall Auditorium. cP

November 7: Lecture: the garden of six Friends: designing a contemporary East asian garden, 7:30 pm. Landscape architect Marc Peter Keane will discuss his ongoing project to design a contemporary garden for Cornell Plantations that is based on the cultures of China, Japan and Korea. Statler Hall Auditorium. cP

RochEstER

REguLaR cLuB MEEtiNgsafrican Violet 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.

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 thirrd 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: 585/431-0509; kadixon@excite.com.

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.). The GROS is an Affiliate of The American Orchid Society (AOS) and of The Orchid Digest Corporation. geneseeorchid.org.

genesee Valley chapter of the North american Rock garden society (gVc NaRgs) meets monthly from April through October. Information: jsamolis@rochester.rr.com; gvnargs.blogspot.com.

Newsletter: jhoeffel@aol.com.

genesee Valley hosta society meets the second Thursday of January, March, May, September & November at Monroe County’s Cornell Cooperative Extension, 249 Highland Avenue, Rochester. 585/538-2280; sebuckner@frontiernet.net.

genesee Valley Pond & koi club meets the first Friday of the month at 7 pm, Rochester Civic Garden Center, 5 Castle Park, Rochester. bobwheeler58@gmail.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, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County, 249 Highland Avenue, Rochester. Public welcome. September 9: How to Grow and Care for Irises. October 14: Getting Started with Iris Seeds. 585/599-3502; eschnell@rochester.rr.com.

greater Rochester Perennial society (gRPs) meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 pm, Monroe County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 249 Highland Avenue, Rochester, except in summer when it tours members’ gardens. laburt@rochester.rr.com; rochesterperennial.com.

greater Rochester Rose society holds monthly meetings at the Rochester Civic Garden Center, 5 Castle Park, Rochester. Public seminars, June rose show, garden adventures. 585/621-8780; info@rocrose.org; rocrose.org.

henrietta garden club meets the third Wednesday of the month (except July and August) at 6:45 pm, Riparian Conference Room at Rivers Run, 50 Fairwood Drive, Rochester, 14623. Open to all interested in gardens, flowers, and sharing information about plants. henriettagardenclub@gmail.com.

holley garden club meets the second Thursday of the month at 7 pm, Holley Presbyterian Church. 585/638-6973.

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.

kendall garden club meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7 pm, Kendall Town Hall. 585/659-8289; justadesignabove.com.

Rochester dahlia society meets the second Saturday of most months at 1 pm, Trinity Reformed Church, 909 Landing Road North, Rochester, except in the summer, when it tours members’ gardens. Visitors welcome. 585/249-0624; 585/865-2291; gwebster@rochester.rr.com; rochesterdahliasociety.com.

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.

soil, toil & thyme garden club. 585/589-1640; elfreda.stangland@gmail.com.

Valentown garden club meets the third Tuesday of each month; time alternates between noon and 7 pm. Victor. Kathleen Houser, president: 585/301-6107.

cLassEs / EVENts• indicates activities especially appropriate for

children and families.

ongoing through september: historic garden tours. Docent-led tours share historic photographs and details about the landscape during George Eastman’s residency, 1905-1932. gEh

ongoing through september 30: the Lost Bird Project. George Eastman House gardens will host Todd McGrain’s 6-foot bronze sculptures of extinct birds, each showing the last place the bird was seen. gEh

september 8: gathering of gardeners, 8 am – 4 pm. Big Ideas: Hot Pots, Small Lots, Garden Plots! Featuring Kirk Brown and Steve Foltz. Presented by Master Gardeners of Monroe County. Rochester Museum & Science Center, Eisenhart Auditorium, 657 East Avenue, Rochester. 585/461-1000 x225; gatheringofgardeners.com.

september 8: Fall Plant sale, 10 am – 4 pm. Buy perennials and woody plants grown from seeds or cuttings from the historic Eastman House gardens. Free. gEh

september 8: Make & take – Fall container garden, 11 am. Participants choose from a large selection of containers in which to create a fall arrangement of live and dry fall décor. $15; may be higher based on container chosen. Registration required. BRi

september 9: diY Landscape design workshop, 2 pm. Free. Registration required. waY

september 10 – 16: greentopia Festival. week-long festival to celebrate, educate and promote sustainability in all its forms. Exhibitors, speakers, workshops, vendors, artists, music, refreshments, special events. high Falls, Rochester. greentopiafestival.com.

calendar

FREQuENt hosts

BRi: Bristol’s garden center, 7454 Victor Pittsford Road, Victor, NY. 585/924-2274; bristolsgardencenter.com.

LEt: Letchworth state Park interpretive Program, 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427; 585/493-3625.

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.

tas: thousand acre swamp sanctuary, 158l Jackson Road, Penfield. 585/425-9561; 585/586-6677. facebook.com/thousandacreswamp.

waY: wayside garden center, 124 Pittsford-Palmyra Road (Route 31), Macedon, NY 14502. 585/223-1222 x100; trish@waysidegardencenter.com; waysidegardencenter.com.

Growing the Highest Quality Plants Since 1922.

Fresh From Our Greenhouses

Garden MumsFall Bulbs, Winter PansiesFoliage Plants, Pumpkins

Hay Bales, GourdsAutumn Decor

2722 Clinton StreetWest Seneca, NY 14224

(716) 822-9298

Choose from our selection or bring your own design. We will carve it deep into the stone. They are used for doorstops, addresses, garden, pet memorials, and room decor. Smallest $12.50 handsized rocks with one name make excellent gifts.

505 FILLMORE AVENUETONAWANDA 716-743-8007

Carved Rocks

H Open House HInventory Reduction Sales

Hot Dogs, RefreshmentsSeptember 22nd 10am - 4 pm

New Halloween, Fall & Christmas Lines

- Dancing Witches - Skeletons & Ghosts - World’s Largest Spider’s Web

Raspberry Swirl Stone - Flagstone - Decorative Boulders - Wallstone

Landscaping - Fall Cleanup - Patios - Foundation Plantings - Evergreen/Deciduous Trees

LLenroc Landscaping, Inc.11753 East Main St.

East Aurora, NY • (716) 652-8969

WE GROW OUR OWN!

1347 Union Rd., W. Seneca, NY 14224(716) 674-2608

Open Every Day

EbenezergreenhousesCOME TO THE GROWER:

GARDEN MUMSThousands to choose from

9” mums $6.99 each or 5/$30.00

also 5” & 12” sizesHARDY ASTERS • WINTER PANSIES

ORNAMENTAL KALE

Don’t Forget!...as always, we have a large selection of

NEW YORK STATE APPLES

Pines Garden CenterThe Gardening Destination!

formerly Majeski’s Nursery

Pines Christmas Club: each $10 you spend now until october 31, 2012, earns you one pines christmas buck. use your bucks from Thanksgiving through december 24, 2012, for up to 50% of the cost of your live christmas tree.

September... Mums / pumpkins / straw / cornstalks / fall decor

October is Fall Festival Month at Pines! weekends in october there will be festival events with plenty of activities for young and old alike. check out our website for schedule of activities. come join the fun activities and earn pines christmas bucks as well.

Military Mondays10% off

senior tuesdays10% off

“flash your badge” everyday law enforcement get 10% off

We appreciate your business!

Pines Garden Center117 French Rd.West Seneca, NY 14224

716-844-8083

pinesgardncentr.com

Apple HarvestSat. Oct. 6th 11:00am - 3:30 pmA family fun day—Call for details

Nursery Open Monday-Friday 8-5

Saturday & Sunday 9-5After Oct. 31st, open by chance or appointment

Mail: 1104 Auburn Rd., Groton, NY 13073(Rte. 34 in N. Lansing bet. Ithaca & Auburn)

Tel: 607-533-4653email: info@bakersacres.net

www.bakersacres.net

Largest grower of perennials and herbs in Central New York

20 Display Gardens to View

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

Open Monday - Saturday 9 am - 6 pmSunday 9 am - 5 pm

Don’t forget our Senior Discount every Wednesday!

Miracle Gro Scotts

2687 Saunders Settlement Rd. (Rte. 31), Sanbornhttp://hatreichlerandsons.com

716/731-9390

Unusual OrnamentalsTrees, Shrubs, Grasses, Perennials

Holmes Hollow Farm2334 Turk Hill Rd, Victor, NY 14564 • (585) 223-0959 tree4u@frontiernet.net • www.holmeshollow.com

Directions: from Turk Hill turn on Whisperwood, go 100 yds, turn R on gravel rd, L past greenhouse and down hill.

Pudgie’sLawn & Garden Center

3646 West Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 Store: 585/343-8352 Office: 585/948-8100

pudgieslawnandgarden.com

Fall is for Planting!Trees—Shrubs—Perennials

We Have Hardy Mums!

Apples & Apple CiderAnnuals • Perennials • Herbs

Vegetable Plants • Mulch • Stones11170 Maple Ridge Rd., Medina NY 14103

585-798-4247 • Open Through Dec. 23Mon - Sat 9 - 6, also Sundays Oct. only 10 - 4

www.RobertsFarmMarket.com

Roberts Farm Market

Much More Than Just Herbs!

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!

1147 Main St., Mumford • zantopiaherbgardens.comOne mile north of the Caledonia monument • 585/538-4650

Japanese maples Over 500 varietiesIn container & in ground

Topiary Gardens“A garden for all seasons”

Specialists in & growers ofJapanese maples & rare & unusual trees, shrubs & perennials

topiary-gardens.com • plantmom2@msn.com315-575-9298 2250 Transit Rd., near Seneca St.

West Seneca, NY 14224 • 716/677-0681

Seneca Greenhouse “Something Good for You & Better for Your Garden.”

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

Seneca Greenhouse

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

RochEstER continued

september 11 – 27: Basic Professional Floral design certificate, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:30 – 9 pm. Instructor Alana Miller has over 30 years experience in the floral industry. This 15-20 hour comprehensive program will guide students through the basic principles and techniques of floral design. Each intensive class will include a lecture and hands-on workshop. Flowers and materials included. $395 members; $495 non-members. Registration required. Rcgc

september 14 – 23: italy – grapes & gardens. Travel with Marjorie Case of Travel Buds to visit Rome, Tuscany & the Lake District. travelbuds.net.

september 15: harvest gala, 10 am – 1 pm. Plant sale, auction, soil testing. Presented by Genesee County Master Gardeners. Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main Street, Batavia.

september 15: dahlia show, 1 – 6 pm. Presented by Rochester Dahlia Society. Perinton Square Mall, Fairport. rochesterdahliasociety.com.

september 15 – 16: wine country Ramble. Women’s 2-day bicycle tour to benefit Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion. winecountryramble.com.

september 16: dahlia sale, 10 am – 12 pm. Sale of show flowers. Rochester Dahlia Society. Perinton Square Mall, Fairport. rochesterdahliasociety.com.

september 16: Fungi with Fun guys, 2 pm. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon walk while discovering and identifying mushrooms and other fungi. Led by Dave Wolf, Carl Wolf & Don Wolf. tas

september 16: Bringing Birds to Your garden, 2 pm. Free. Registration required. waY

september 19: Edible Plant walk, 10 am – 12 pm. Focus will be on edible and medicinal plants. Meet: Snake Hill Overlook, Main Park Road. Free. LEt

september 19: stroll in the garden at Michael hannen’s Nursery, 5:30 – 7 pm. Visit Michael Hannen’s gardens to see fall blooms, Colchicums, Lespedeza, Helianthus, Rudbeckias, turtleheads, Leucosceptrums, Boehmerias. Arrive early to shop or preview the gardens. $10 members; $15 non-members. Registration required. Rcgc

september 19: an Evening with terry Ettinger, 6:30 pm. Helping your Lawn, Landscape and Garden Recover from the Summer of 2012. 6:30 pm: refreshments & mingling; 7 – 8 pm: presentation. Presented by Henrietta Garden Club. Free. Registration required. 585/292-5440. henriettagardenclub.org.

september 22: thousand acre Fall work day, 9 am. Volunteer to help keep Thousand Acre’s trails in good condition. Bring gloves, boots, rakes, and shovels. Refreshments provided. tas

september 22: Make & take – autumn wreath, 11 am. Using a background of grapevine, weave in natural materials to create an autumn-themed wreath. $15-$20. Optional: make matching napkin holders, $3 each. Registration required. BRi

september 22: Fall Plant sale, 11 am – 3 pm. Homegrown plants including mums, flowering kale, perennials. Presented by Henrietta Garden Club. Tinker Nature Park, 1525 Calkins Road, Henrietta. henriettagardenclub.org.

september 23: adding Fall & winter color to Your Landscape, 2 pm. Free. Registration required. waY

september 23: harvest Progressive dinner, 5 pm or 6:30 pm. $50 member; $55 non-member. Fundraiser to benefit Sonnenberg Gardens.

Advance registration required. sg

september 28: garden walk with dr. allan armitage. dr. armitage will lead an intimate garden walk through sonnenberg gardens with special attention to the old-Fashioned garden comprised of over 150 species of perennials. wine and hors d’oeuvres reception to follow. advance registration required. sg

september 29: Mushroom Foray, 10 am – 2 pm. Meet: Parade Grounds shelter. Free. LEt

september 29: gardening symposium featuring dr. allan armitage, 10 am – 4:30 pm. topics for discussion will include: tales from the garden, perennials, annuals, and crazy Plants for crazy gardeners. $50 members; $60 non-members. Registration required. sg

september 30: Fallscaping: design & tasks, 2 pm. Discussion will cover many of the design and maintenance ideas from Fallscaping by Nancy J. Ondra et al. Free. Registration required. waY

october 2: orchid workshop, 6:30 – 8 pm. Joe Gallea will guide participants through transplanting an orchid using a special container and planting medium. He will discuss when and how to divide, fertilizing, disease and insect control, and different recommended varieties. Materials included. $60. Registration required. Rcgc

october 3: Mushroom walk, 10 am – 3 pm. Meet: Highbridge parking lot. Bring lunch. Free. LEt

october 3: advanced Floral design – orchids, 7 – 9 pm. Floral designer Alana Miller will demonstrate the advanced method of securing flowers with an armature. She will guide participants in the creation of a contemporary, high-end arrangement with orchids to take home. Materials included. $45 members; $55 non-members. Registration required. Rcgc

october 4: Perennials Event, 5:30 pm. Special guest speaker Kerry Mendez of Perennially Yours. Auction of rare and unusual plants by Ran Lydell of Eagle Bay Nursery. Presented by Greater Rochester Perennial Society. Fee. Registration required. 585/594-8311; iris031@rochester.rr.com.

october 6: Brush hour, 10 am. Enjoy autumn’s show of color and add to your knowledge of trees and shrubs. Walk led by Frank Crombe and Rick Iuli. tas

october 6: ikebana Exhibit, 10 am – 5 pm. Hourly demonstrations showing the floral arrangement style of a particular school of Ikebana: Ichiyo, Hijiri Ikenobo, Ohara or Sogetsu. Presented by Rochester Chapter of Ikebana International. Free. Barnes & Noble @ R.I.T., 100 Park Point Drive, Rochester. ikebanarochester.org.

october 6: Make & take – autumn Bouquet, 11 am. Choose from a wide selection of branches, seed pods, autumn blooms and grasses to design a long lasting cut display. Bring your own vase, or purchase before class. $15-$20. Registration required. BRi

october 9 & 11: intermediate Professional Floral design certificate – Bouquets, 6:30 – 9 pm. Instructor Alana Miller has over 30 years experience in the floral industry. Styles covered will include vegetative, landscape, botanical, Biedermeier, and bouquets. Students will take home all arrangements created during class. Prerequisite: Basic Professional Floral Design (see September 11) or floral shop experience. $150 members; $225 non-members. Registration required. Rcgc

october 10 – November 17: tree identification certificate – trees up close & Personal. Useful for both amateur and professional gardeners as

well as those who would like to know more about trees they see on a walk in the woods. Taught by naturalist Carol Southby. October 10 & 13: Leafy Tree ID. November 14 & 17: Conifer ID. $80 members; $100 non-members. Registration required. Rcgc

october 10 & 13: Leafy tree identification, October 10, classroom instruction, 6 – 9 pm; October 13, outdoor session, 10 am – 12:30 pm. Learn how to distinguish the leafy trees of our region using characteristics like leaf shape, arrangement of leaves on twigs, and shape and arrangement of buds. Hands-on class with naturalist Carol Southby. $45 members; $55 non-members. Registration required. Rcgc

october 11: tropical Plant workshop, 6:30 – 8 pm. Joe Gallea will discuss when and why plants need to be repotted, lighting requirements, fertilizer and insecticides, bringing plants outside and back indoors over the seasons, and which plants are recommended to purify the air. Participants will choose a 4-inch potted plant to transplant into a 6-inch decorative pot. Materials included. $35. Registration required. Rcgc

• october 14: Family Fall hike, 10 am. See signs of fall. Paced for families. Walk led by Jean Squire-Gefell and Lynn Hettel. tas

october 14: arboretum tour, 2 – 4 pm. Enjoy a guided tour of historic Durand Eastman Park Arboretum. Led by Monroe County Cooperative Extension, in conjunction with Monroe County Parks. Be prepared to traverse moderate hills and wooded trails. Meet: kiosk on Zoo Road, next to park offices lot. Free; donations accepted. bob.bea@gmail.com; 585/261-1665.

october 16: it’s time to Plant garlic!, 6:30 – 8 pm. Garden professional Jarmila Haseler has had several seasons’ experience in commercial organic garlic production. She will cover the basics of soil prep, culture, harvest, storage, the pluses and minuses of different varieties, and sources. Everyone will go home with samples to plant. $19 members; $22 non-members. Registration required. Rcgc

october 17: Make an Everlasting wreath, 6:30 – 8 pm. Sue Lang and Sheryl Roets will guide participants in creating a large everlasting wreath using a base of salal (lemon leaf) embellished with a selection of dried, fresh and silk floral materials such as baby’s breath, dried roses and hydrangea. Materials included. $65. Registration required. Rcgc

october 18: introduction to Permaculture, 12:15 – 1 pm. Permaculture is a design system that creates the harmonious integration of people and landscape, providing their food, energy, shelter, material, and non-material needs in a sustainable way. Patty Love will introduce the ethics, principles, and some methods used in permaculture gardening. Free. Registration required. Rcgc

october 18: Botanical drawing, eight Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Deb VerHulst-Norris, a horticulturist with a B.S. in Fine Arts, will teach participants to draw plants and flowers in accurate detail. Drawing skills will be developed by closely observing the structure and textures of the plants and flowers. Class will explore the use of graphite pencils, with colored pencil added to give depth and definition to drawings. No previous experience needed. $86 members; $105 non-members. Registration required. Rcgc

october 19: Botanical drawing, eight Fridays, 9 am – 12 pm. See description under October 18. $99 members; $120 non-members. Registration required. Rcgc

calendar

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RochEstER continued

october 21: alien Pods, 2 pm. Search for interesting fall seed heads of non-native and native wildflowers. Walk led by Carl Herrgesell and Carol Southby. tas

october 21: arboretum tour, 2 – 4 pm. See description under October 14. Meet: kiosk on Zoo Road, next to park offices lot. Free; donations accepted. bob.bea@gmail.com; 585/261-1665.

october 23: collecting and growing seed of Native trees, shrubs and Forbs: an Easy way to Restore Native Vegetation, 6 – 9 pm. Jim Engel will cover general propagation of woody and herbaceous plants from seed, with special attention to native plants and plant communities and their use in restoring natural areas. Topics discussed will include how and when to collect seed of various native plants, seed treatments, storage and stratification techniques, planting methods and strategies to improve germination and survival under natural conditions. Samples of seeds will be available for hands-on demonstration. $28 members; $38 non-members. Registration required. Rcgc

october 23: using Polyculture Principles for a thriving, Low-Maintenance garden, 6 – 9 pm. Patty Love will discuss concepts and tools used in designing polycultures, mutually beneficial groupings of plants that increase garden health and yield while minimizing maintenance. Students will work on designing polyculture systems for class discussion. $30 members; $35 non-members. Registration required. Rcgc

october 27: Forever green auction, 6:30 – 9:30 pm. An evening of food, music, silent and live auctions. All proceeds support the preservation work of Genesee Land Trust. Registration required. Genesee Land Trust. 585/256-2130; geneseelandtrust.org.

october 28: arboretum tour, 2 – 4 pm. See description under October 14. Meet: kiosk on Zoo Road, next to park offices lot. Free; donations accepted. bob.bea@gmail.com; 585/261-1665.

November 3: advanced Professional Floral design certificate – sympathy arrangements, 9:30 am – 3 pm. Instructor Alana Miller will focus on free-standing easel sprays, large one-sided arrangements for visitation, and altar, religious, and theme wreaths. Students take home all arrangements created during class. Prerequisite: RCGC’s Intermediate Professional Floral Design program (See October 9) or floral shop experience. $150 members; $225 non-members. Registration required. Rcgc

November 3: Putting the garden to Bed, 10 am – 12 pm. RCGC Executive Director Christine Froehlich will cover dividing & cutting back perennials, what to leave up for winter interest and wildlife, recordkeeping, fall fertilization, cleaning and putting away tools and equipment. Outdoor demonstration. $22 members; $32 non-members. Registration required. Rcgc

November 6: organic composting, 6:30 – 8 pm. Jarmila Haseler will discuss how and where to set up a compost bin as well as a few simple steps to speed up the process of achieving a humus-rich medium. Examples of different home-made composting bins and commercial composters will be shown. $19 members; $22 non-members. Registration required. Rcgc

November 7: Bringing Nature home – Preserving Biodiversity in your Yard and surroundings, 7 – 9 pm. Drawing from Douglas Tallamy’s book Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in our Gardens, Jim Engle will explain the role of native plants in supporting local wildlife, best plants to use, ecological role of insects, and a few

basic landscape principles that can be put to use to help support nature locally. Reading the book is highly recommended, not a prerequisite, available in the RCGC Library. $22 members; $32 non-members. Registration required. Rcgc

November 8: Make Your wedding Magical, 7 – 9 pm. Floral designer and wedding planner Alana Miller will demonstrate quick and easy techniques for making boutonnieres, corsages, and nosegays. Learn how to set up dessert stations, preserve flowers and more. $20 members; $25 non-members. Registration required. Rcgc

November 14 & 17: conifer identification, November 14, classroom instruction, 6 – 9 pm; November 17, outdoor session, 10 am – 12:30 pm. Learn to distinguish the main groups of conifers in our area. Hands-on class with naturalist Carol Southby. $45 members; $55 non-members. Registration required. Rcgc

November 15: create an autumn centerpiece, 6:30 – 8 pm. Sue Lang and Sheryl Roets will guide participants in making an autumn centerpiece using fresh greens and flowers that will last through the holiday season into January. Materials included. $50. Registration required. Rcgc

saVE thE datE…November 17: Make & take – thanksgiving

centerpiece, 11 am. Long-lasting centerpieces created in oasis. $15. Registration required. BRi

November 24: holiday greens workshop, 8:30 am – 12 pm. $30. Advance registration required; opens October 1. CCE Wayne County, 1581 Route 88 North, Newark. 315/331-8415; counties.cce.cornell.edu/wayne.

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. October 28: Nature photography, suitable for all levels. 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. 315/458-3199; cnykoi.com.

syracuse Rose society meets the second Thursday of every month (except December and February) 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. crbau@aol.com; 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; grow-thewilliamsongardenclub.blogspot.com.

cLassEs / EVENts• indicates activities especially appropriate for

children and families.

september 16: EnviRoNmental chef homegrown, 3 – 6 pm. Chefs cook-off in a culinary competition using local foods. Sous chefs are chosen from patron ticket holders, the audience is the judge. Fundraiser. $75 general; $100 patron. Registration required. BwNc

• september 29: campfire cooking 101, 6:30 – 8 pm. Learn a wide range of techniques, pick up a few recipes and enjoy samples. $7 members, $20 family; $10 non-members, $30 family. Registration required. BwNc

september 30: artist Reception, 2 – 4 pm. Welcome artist Lynette Blake; enjoy an afternoon of art, conversation, and snacks in the Weeks Gallery. Free. BwNc

october 26 – 27: african Violet show & sale, 1:30 – 5 pm Friday; 9 am – 4 pm Saturday. Violets Hit the Road. Holiday Inn, 75 North Street, Auburn. 315/829-3679; kgarb@twcny.rr.com.

& BEYoNd

cLassEs / EVENts• indicates activities especially appropriate for

children and families.

september 7: Late summer wildflowers, 12 – 1 pm. Enjoy a hike to observe the wildflowers of late summer that adorn the Albany Pine Bush. Free. Registration required. PiNE

september 8: Nature’s Bounty, 11 am – 12 pm. Learn more about the plants of the Pine Bush and participate in collecting seeds to be used for habitat restoration. One mile hike over rolling terrain. Rain or shine. $3; $5 family. Registration required. PiNE

Deadline for Calendar Listings for the next issue (November-December) is Friday, October 12, 2012. Please send your submissions to deb@upstategardenersjournal.com.

calendar

FREQuENt host

BwNc: Baltimore woods Nature center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus, NY. 315/673-1350; baltimorewoods.org.

FREQuENt host

PiNE: albany Pine Bush discovery center, the best remaining example in the world of an inland pine barrens. 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY. 518/456-0655; albanypinebush.org.

Eagle Bay GardensEagle Bay GardensVisit

See: 8 acres of gardens~ Over 2000 hosta varieties ~ Rare trees & shrubs ~ Unusual perennialsRestroom & picnic tables * Hundreds of hosta and other

plants for saleRt. 20, Sheridan, NY PLEASE, call for an appointment 716 792-7581 or 969-1688 E-Mail: ranbl@fairpoint.net

For free catalogue and information, contact: Amanda’s Garden • 8410 Harpers Ferry Road, Springwater, NY 14560

(585) 750-6288 • amandasgarden@frontiernet.net

amandagarden.com

Bring Excitement to

Your Garden!Use Ecologically Sound,

Sustainable Native Plants

Amanda’s Garden has the plants you need to create a native,

earth-friendly garden full of eye-catching perennials. Whether you’re looking for pollinator-friendly plants, luscious colors or want to make your

landscape more sustainable we have the perfect plants for you.

Amanda’s GardenNative Perennial Nursery Specializing in Woodland Wildflowers

Leon GinenthalOWNER

190 Seven Mile Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850607-273-8610

www.derrosenmeister.com

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MODERN ROSENURSERY

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Produceharrington’s

5282 Clinton St., Rd., Batavia, NY • 585/343-08057550 Lewiston Rd., Oakfield, NY • 585/948-8055

Open 7 days—10 am - 6 pm

Eat LoCaL Eat FrEsh

Always the freshest produceCorn, beans, Swiss chard, beets, melons, apples, & more.

Mums, pumpkins, corn stalks, & fall décor.

Poinsettias at Christmas time.

cLassiFiEdsdaYLiLiEs. 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 wel-come visitors to see the flowers in bloom from June to September. Call 585/461-3317.

stoNE. For sale: field stone, Medina sandstone, landscape boulders. Architectural salvage. Stone $60 per ton. Call 585/478-5970.

3 4 | S E P T E M B E R - O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2

Boy meets big foodRooted

By Christina Le Beau

i started my blog, spoonfed, because i want people to rethink

their assumptions about kids and food. i want kids to get credit for having brains and tastebuds. amid rampant food-industry manipulation and misinformation, our best hope for raising healthy children is to raise food-literate children – kids who think critically, challenge the

status quo and make smart choices even when we can’t choose for them.

birke baehr is proof that kids not only can learn this stuff – they can own it. birke is a 13-year-old from tennessee who, at age 8, began researching the industrial food system. at age 11, he gave a five-minute tedx talk that went viral, wowing the internet with his succinct yet provocative assessment of how we got ourselves into this mess.

birke’s talk prompted the predictable backlash and accusations that his parents were using him as a mouthpiece for their crazy liberal views. but it was birke who influenced his parents, not the other way around. see? kids really are smart.

and now birke has written and self-published a children’s picture book about his journey. “birke on the farm: the story of a boy’s search for real food” follows birke from curious third-grader to full-blown activist. whimsically illustrated by wynnie gea, the book has plenty of visual interest for pre-readers and a simple yet powerful message for older kids. this is

a story not only about the importance of eating real food, but also about the value of kids speaking out and making a difference.

i read the book with my daughter, who’s 8, the same age birke was when he had his epiphany. tess is pretty food-savvy, so she already knew about high-fructose corn syrup, genetically modified organisms, marketing tricks and unpronounceable ingredients (all things he covers in the book). but birke tells his story from a child’s point of view, using simple text and explanations, so even kids new to these topics will find the book accessible.

one item in the book – about mercury in high-fructose corn syrup – isn’t as simple an issue as it appears. there’s actually a lot of controversy around the accuracy of that research, and its meaning. but birke presents it primarily as the catalyst that got him interested in the food system in the first place. so i’m ok with that.

there are plenty who will call this book propaganda, and i suppose in a way it is. but big food propaganda hits kids hard from every angle, so i’m all for a counterattack. especially one as common sense as this. as birke writes in the book (and also said in his tedx talk), in response to claims that organic food is too expensive: “we can either pay the farmer, or we can pay the hospital.”

this 13-year-old once dreamed of being an nfl football player. now he plans to become an organic farmer. i told you he was a smart kid.

Christina Le Beau lives in Rochester. She writes about raising food-literate kids at www.spoonfedblog.net. A version of this essay originally appeared on Spoonfed.