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    Lyn Chimera is a Master Gardener, consultant and lecturer.

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May 2025 Tips

5/1/2025

 

Dear Gardening Friends,  


April has been an interesting month. We had a little winter, a little spring and even a few summer like days. The good thing about the cool weather is the spring blooms have been fabulous and lasting a long time. Don’t be concerned about some perennials that haven’t shown themselves yet. The cooler weather has delayed some plants. Because of this be super careful where you step and especially dig.
 
The following are a few tips for May:
 
  • Patience is still the best approach. The soil is quite cold and it’s way too soon to even think about planting annuals. Hopefully by mid to end May. If you are tempted and purchase plants that can’t be planted now, keep them in a sheltered place. If the annuals are in flats spread them out so there is good air circulation. Storing them crowded in a flat invites fungal disease and makes even watering difficult. (I speak from experience)
  • If you leave a footprint on the soil that’s a sign the soil is too wet to work in. It’s easy to compact the soil with every footfall so stay off until things dry out.
  • It’s helpful to have paths or steppingstones in gardens so you can navigate without harming the soil. If a path isn’t appropriate a few rocks or steppingstones placed appropriately are practical and attractive.
 
-     Early May is an ideal time to divide or move perennials already in your gardens. Signs they need dividing are: overcrowding, less bloom the previous season, and if plant has a bare spot in the center known as the donut hole. If after 3 years in a location a plant isn’t thriving, try moving it to a more suitable spot or share it with a friend.
 
  • However, don’t move perennials when the soil is too wet. “Workable” soil means the soil will break apart easily after you make it into a ball in your hand. Clumpy soil won’t settle around the roots well and cause air pockets which can dry out the roots.
 
-     Weeding should be a priority. Perennial weeds are up now and will be much easier to remove when small. If removed now you also prevent the weed from developing seeds and spreading even more.
  
-     The soil is still much too cold to plant greenhouse grown perennials, annuals, and vegetables. Wait until the soil is above 50 degrees. As an example, tomatoes planted too soon don’t do as well as those planted at the end of May. Remember Patience! The final average frost isn’t until late May so don’t get fooled by a few warm days. Here in E Aurora, we had frost this AM and it probably won’t be the last this month.
 
  • There are lots of deer and critter sprays available. Basically, there are two types, those that smell bad or taste bad. I always prefer the smelly types as I don’t want deer to munch a bit before they realize it tastes bad. It stinks while you’re spraying but dissipates by the next day. There are also products/granules you spread on the ground. Try a variety of products and rotate the ones that work the best for you.
 
When buying plants look for ones that are deer resistant. There are many excellent lists online including the one from Cornell below:
 
warren.cce.cornell.edu › gardening-landscape › deer-resistant-plants
 
RECYCLE pots, trays. I can use pots 4 inches and up and flat carrying trays. No 6 packs. Also, if you are discarding any Venetian blinds or see some in the garbage, please save them for me. I cut up the blinds to make price tags for my plant sale.
 
Now is the time to make changes and improvements to your garden. I can help improve your garden and gardening practices and guarantee to save you time and money. Contact me for an onsite consultation. Also check out my website for past Garden Tips and articles: lessonsfromnature.biz.
 
Upcoming Plant Sales: Put them on your calendar now!
 
Lessons from Nature and Amanda’s Native Garden and Perennial Plant Sale.
Saturday, May 17th, 9:00 – 2:00.
  170 Pine St., E Aurora, corner of Pine & Lawrence. Park on Lawrence.
 
Clients and those of you who get my tips can come at 8:00 and beat the rush. We will have a larger variety of native plants on that one day than anywhere in WNY.  All plants are dug fresh from my garden and those from Amanda’s Native Garden are started from seed by Ellen Folts, the owner. Check out her website for availability. Ellen will take orders and deliver on the day of the sale. This year Carrie Kling will be returning to sell Dahlia tubers. We will also have a wonderful selection of hand painted garden themed greeting cards. There will be something for everyone!
 
I’ve been busily potting up when the weather has permitted. This is looking to be a bumper year for the plant sale. A list of available plants will be emailed the week before the sale.
Note: all my plants will be root washed and potted in soilless potting mix due to the threat of the Asian jumping worm. If you’re not aware of this threat, you can get information at: http://ulster.cce.cornell.edu/environment/invasive-pests/jumping-worm
 
Master Gardener Plant Sale, Friday May 23, 8:30 – 3:00, Saturday May 24, 8:30 – 2:00, First Presbyterian Church, 1 Symphony Circle, across from Kleinman’s. Perennials for sun and shade, natives, annuals, succulents, hypertufa and draped concrete pots, vegetable starts, herbs, shrubs, house plants and garden art. Plants are from MG gardens and donated by local nurseries. pH soil testing will also be available. The cost is $2 per sample or 3 samples for $5.
 
East Aurora Garden Club Perennial Sale, Saturday, May 24th 8:30 – till sold out.
This year the sale is located in the parking lot between Fisher Price Toys and the Ice Rink on Gray St. in the Village of E Aurora. A great selection plants from Garden Club member’s gardens. They will also have Atlas garden gloves and beautiful photographic greeting cards.
 
Don’t forget to contact me for a garden consultation. I can help improve your garden and gardening practices.
           

Happy gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 
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Williamsville, NY 14221

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April 2025 Tips

4/1/2025

 

Dear Gardening Friends,  


Spring has been trying to come but it’s been a slow, cold and windy slog! As I write this (Thurs 3/27) The snow has finally melted but yesterday it was snowy although it didn’t stick for long. Who knows what April will bring?! There are things to be done in the garden, but patience is still required.
 
  • It’s best for nature not to remove too much leaf litter and plant stems left up over the winter as they are both good habitat for beneficial insects. So, when do you clean up? The best advice is to wait for a week of consistently above 50 temps. This gives the insects and larva a chance to come out.
  • It’s OK to leave leaves in the garden as long as they aren’t smothering the crowns of plants/bulbs and prohibiting their growth.
  • Thanks to the cool March there is still plenty of time to prune thanks to the slowdown of budding. Remember not to prune any spring blooming shrubs until after they bloom. If you need advice on pruning, call for a consultation. We can work through it together and you will learn proper pruning techniques for the future. You can also look up pruning advice on specific trees and shrubs at any “.edu” or botanical Garden site. Don’t go to chat rooms to get advice, it may not be accurate.
  • If your tree/shrub has broken or damaged branches those should be pruned back to a main branch or stem. Don’t leave stubs is one of the basic rules of pruning. 
  • Many damaged shrubs can just be cut back, and they will regrow. My Oak Leaf Hydrangea is so badly damaged from rabbits I’m going to cut the whole thing back about 8 inches from the ground and hope for the best.
  • Before starting any pruning or gardening chores clean and sharpen your tools. It makes a HUGE difference. Even your shovels will dig better after cleaning and sharpening. You can use a regular knife/pruner sharpening blade for shovels. Give it a try, you’ll be amazed.
  • Be mindful not to walk on the soft wet ground. If you leave a footprint, stay off. Whatever it is can wait till the soil dries out a little. As I write this there has been very little rain and the soil is firm.
  • Rake or sweep up the road grit from the driveway and road edges. You can also rinse the area down with a hose to dilute the salt and road chemicals.
  • There seems to be a lot of black knot fungus on flowering cherry and plum trees. It can affect ornamental and fruit bearing trees. The affected sections look like swollen black knots on the branches and should be pruned out 8 inches away from the “knot”. This is a highly contagious fungal disease so don’t ignore it. Disinfect your tools after working on an infected tree. For information go to:      http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/blackknot.pdf
  • Ornamental grasses should be cut back before the new growth starts so now is a good time. Wear long sleeves as they have “razor” edges which is why deer don’t eat them.
  • Don’t be in a rush to divide or move perennials. The soil should be above 50 degrees and form a loose clump in your hand before you start any moving or dividing. Again, patience pays off in the end. It’s doubtful we will be able to do anything other than clean up for the next few weeks. A lot will depend on how much rain we get and how wet the soil is.
  • If you’re dying to do some gardening, work on your houseplants. This is a good time to repot, trim and give them a good washing/dusting.
    • If there is a whitish/yellow crusty surface on the top of the soil, it’s a good clue to repot and replenish with fresh soil. The buildup is a concentration of salts which is not good for the plant.
    • This can also occur on the outside of the pot. If so, it can be scrubbed off with a wire scrubber or brush.
    • Check your houseplants for any insect or disease problems. Identify what the problem is before trying to treat it.
    • An easy way to ID the problem is to GOOGLE possible problems on that specific plant. Select a “.edu” site to do the research. That way you’re getting scientific results.
 
 
Garden Consult:
 
It’s not too early to start planning changes and improvements for your garden. Just contact me for an appointment to get a head start on the season.
 
I’m also available for a pruning consult. You can learn proper pruning techniques so you can do it yourself in the future. A garden or pruning consult will save you time and money in the long run.
 
Lessons from Nature and Amanda’s Garden Perennial Plant Sale will be Saturday, May 17th 9:00- 2:00. Put it on your calendar so you won’t miss it. More details will be in the May Garden Tips along with a list of available plants. Carrie Kling will also be here with unusual dahlia tubers for sale.

Happy gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 
Copyright © 2025 Lessons from Nature, All rights reserved.
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37 N Union Rd
Williamsville, NY 14221

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March 2025 Tips

3/1/2025

 

Dear Gardening Friends,  


This has been a wintry winter that’s for sure. Look on the bright side, it’s actually good for plants to have constant snow cover. The blanket of snow helps protect plant roots from temperature fluctuations, helps prevent heaving, and the melting snow in spring adds moisture to the soil.
 
We have no idea what March will bring. It could be spring or more winter. The following are some tips for late winter.
 
Snow damage:
 
Depending on where you live you had a relatively normal (if long) winter, or a lot of snow. Whatever your situation the following suggestions should help reduce snow damage.
 
     If you have salt and road grit covered snow piles near gardens, groundcover or lawn, shovel      off some of the crusty residue into the street as the piles melt. That will prevent much of the salt and grit from winding up on your vegetation. I have to do that along my driveway and even though it’s a way to the street I still haul it away from the garden beds. Once the snow is melted any left over grit can be raked off and salt residue washed down with a hose.
 
     Any branches from shrubs or small trees that are stuck in snowbanks or just deep snow (as some of mine are) don’t try and pull them out. That just causes damage/breakage. Let the snow melt naturally. Even then it will take a while for the branches to right themselves. Don’t try and push it.
 
     Don’t rush out on the wet/soft soil or lawn. As the top of the soil thaws and softens you will easily compact the soil by walking on it when it’s too wet. A good cue is, if you leave a footprint it’s too soft.
 
     This is an ideal time to prune. Due to the fearsome winds we had this winter there are a lot of damaged branches around. Some trees and/or shrubs may need some shaping or reducing. Trees and shrubs that bloom in the spring like rhododendrons, forsythia, and lilacs should be pruned AFTER they bloom. Ideally for the other plants they should be pruned before their buds open. For information on pruning look at Cornell’s information on pruning particular trees & shrubs. If you would like to learn how to prune contact me for a pruning consult. We would do the pruning together while I demonstrated proper techniques. Better to be safe than sorry when you prune.
 
 
Upcoming Garden Events:
    
     Master Gardener Education Day, March 8th – SOLD OUT
 
     Plantasia, the annual WNY Premier Garden Show will be held at the Hamburg Fair Ground Thursday, March 13 – Sunday, March 16, 2025. This is a wonderful opportunity to see what’s new in the gardening world and visit with numerous vendors and landscape designers. There are also daily informative presentations free with admission and many garden related organization booths to learn from. For more information go to: https://plantasiany.com/
 
I’ll be making two presentations:

     Sat. 15th at 4:00 PM – Sustainability: Garden Smarter with Less Work & Support Nature at the Same Time
 
     Sun. 16th at 11:00 AM – Native Flowers and Foliage Plants for WNY
 
Ithaca Native Landscape Symposium Friday, March 21st. Available in person or on Zoom. An incredible day of learning about utilizing native plants. For information go to: https://www.ithacanativelandscape.com/
       
Contact me for a garden or pruning consultation. I can help improve your gardening and pruning skills and practices as well as saving you time and money! It’s never too late for improvements.

Happy gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 
Copyright © 2025 Lessons from Nature, All rights reserved.
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Lessons from Nature
37 N Union Rd
Williamsville, NY 14221

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Febuary 2025 Tips

2/1/2025

 

Dear Gardening Friends,  

This sure has been a wintry winter so far. If you live south of Buffalo like we do, you have had feet of snow over the last 2 months. North, not so much. It’s like 2 different worlds. There are advantages to a solid snow cover. It’s a protective blanket to prevent temperature fluctuations which can damage plants and their roots. Some winter tips are below.
 
Garden Tips:
 
  • If you are having ice build-up in driveways and sidewalks, be cautious of what you use to melt the ice. Salt can be very damaging to the soil, plants, and the environment in general. Check the contents of any product you use.
  • It would be wise to shovel the black nasty salt laden “gunk” in the driveway somewhere other than garden beds. My back garden abuts the driveway, so this is always an issue for me. I used to wonder why the plants along the drive never did well! It’s a little more effort, but worth it. 
  • If you have some trees or shrubs bent or frozen to the ground, just keep being patient and let them melt out naturally. It’s more damaging to try and remove the branch.
  • When there is a heavy snow build up on beaches you can gently brush it off. If the snow is frozen on the branch it’s best to leave it and let it melt naturally.
  • If you didn’t clean and sharpen your tools last fall now is a perfect time. They will be ready to go when you need them in the spring. Most places that sell garden supplies have sharpeners. You can use steel wool to remove rust and Goo Gone to remove the sticky sap build up. Don’t forget to clean and sharpen shovels also. It makes a huge difference and your tools will last a lifetime.
 
Pruning:
 
  • This is a good time to prune. Any day that’s nice enough to work outside is fine. It’s not too early. First check for wind/storm damaged or dead branches. It’s best to remove torn or broken branches. A nice clean pruning cut is much easier for the tree/shrub to heal in the spring. 
  • The ideal time to prune non spring blooming trees & shrubs is while they are still dormant, and their buds have not begun opening. Anything that blooms in the spring should be pruned AFTER they bloom.
  • Usually, spring pruning can be done well into March. Once the buds start to open it’s past the ideal time. Some years that was May! It all depends on the weather. That being said, if you don’t get to it before the buds open you won’t hurt the plant.
  • The basic pruning rule is don’t leave stubs. Make clean cuts close to a bud, branch divide or outside the branch collar on the trunk. Sharpen and clean those pruners and loppers before starting. It really makes a difference.
  • For details on pruning specific plants check online at an “.edu” site or contact me for a pruning consultation.
 
Houseplants:
  • Now is a good time to spend some time with your houseplants. A mid- winter “shower” in the sink or bathtub will wash off the accumulated dust and make for a healthier plant. If a plant is too large to move, you can use a damp cloth or soft sponge to wipe down the leaves.
  • Now that the days are getting longer you can resume a light plant food application. If you use fertilizer look for a natural rather than chemical formula. Just read the ingredients and follow the directions. I tend to use half strength. Over fertilization is counter productive.
  • You can also start spring repotting houseplants that have become pot bound. If the water drains right through when you water it or if the roots are pushing the plant out of the pot, those are good signs that the plant is pot bound.
  • Another sign to indicate repotting is crusty salt build up on the top of the soil. This residue may be on the outside of terra cotta pots as well. The pots can be scrubbed off before repotting. If the soil crust isn’t severe the top few inches of crusted soil can be removed and replaced with fresh potting soil.
  • Also check for aphids, mealybugs, spider mites and other houseplant pests. Feeling a sticky residue or seeing webbing around a plant is a good sign there is an insect problem. A good soapy water bath is a solution to many problems.
Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale:
 
The Soil & Water Conservation annual seedling sale is available for ordering now. This is a great way to get inexpensive tree and shrub seedings. The sale runs through mid May with pickup mid April-May. Order early as some things sell out. Go to their website (below) for order forms and compete information on what’s available and how to plant seedlings.
 
https://www.ecswcd.org/html/treeshrub.html
 
Educational Opportunities: There are lots of events coming up that will help you learn and get into the mood for spring.
 
 
Communities in Bloom Classes (February 2023)
 
The 20th Annual Community in Bloom Classes: There will be two different topics each day. Cost is $25 per day. Registration is required. To register go to: erie.cce.cornell.edu/events or contact [email protected] or (716) 652-5400 ext176. Time: 9:00 - 11:45 AM. Registration starts at 8:30 AM.
Saturday, February 8
Aurora Senior Center,101 King Street, East Aurora 14052
9:00 – 10:15 am          ‘Building a Climate Resilient Garden’
As our climate changes, gardeners can look to increasing biodiversity, selecting the “right plant for the right place”.
                                   
10:30 – 11:45 am        ‘Critter Management’
Strategies to deal with hungry critters who think your yard is a buffet and some plants they typically avoid. 
                                   
Saturday, February 22
Location TBD
9:00- 10:15 am            ‘A New Invasive Pest: Box Tree Moth’
Management of the box tree moth requires a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control methods in an Integrated Pest Management plan. 
 
10:30 – 11:45 am        ‘Plant Propagation Methods’
Techniques covered: leaf, stem and softwood cuttings, layering, and division as methods of expanding your collection of indoor and outdoor plant varieties            
                                   
MG Education Day:
 
This year MGED is Saturday March 8, 2025 at Classics V Banquet Center on Niagara Falls Blvd. The day runs from 9:00 – 3:00 including a hot lunch buffet. Cost: $60. Those of you who have attended in the past know what a fun and educational day this is. We have 2 outstanding presenters:
 
Kim Eierman - environmental horticulturist and landscape designer specializing in ecological landscapes. She is also the author of numerous books. She will give two presentations:
Keynote: Beyond Sustainability: Using Our Landscapes as a Source of Environmental Change
Creating a Succession of Bloom in the Native Garden
Margaret Lapp - Director of Planning & Curation - Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. She is also a Landscaper and certified Arborist. Her topic will be:
 Purposeful Plant Selection for Sustainable Garden Design
 
Trust me, you won’t want to miss this amazing and fun day. To register go to: erie.cce.cornell.edu/events or contact [email protected] or (716) 652-5400 ext176.
 
 
Trust me, you won’t want to miss this amazing and fun day. To register go to: erie.cce.cornell.edu/events or contact [email protected] or (716) 652-5400 ext176.
 
Garden Consult: It’s not too early to start planning for spring gardening, changes and improvements. Just contact me for an appointment to get ahead start on the season.

Happy gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 
Copyright © 2025 Lessons from Nature, All rights reserved.
You're receiving this message because you requested to receive Lessons from Nature newsletters.

Our mailing address is:
Lessons from Nature
37 N Union Rd
Williamsville, NY 14221

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January 2025 Tips

1/1/2025

 

Dear Gardening Friends, 


Happy New Year!! Let’s hope the New Year brings you good health, happiness, peace and a successful gardening season.
 
If you live in the south towns you’ve had a good protective snow cover for the last month, north, not so much. We can’t predict what the rest of the winter will bring so need to protect our garden plants from temperature fluctuations over the winter.
 
Anything newly planted this past late summer or fall and shallow rooted perennials will need protection from temperature fluctuations which causes heaving of plants.  Some types of winter mulch will do the trick.
  • Pine boughs make an easy mulch. When people discard their Christmas trees, lower branches can be pruned off and placed over plants covering the crowns and root zones. These boughs are easily removed in the spring and discarded.
  • If you have snow cover now keep the boughs for when it melts. If there is just a little snow you can put the boughs right over the snow where the plant is.
  • Leaves are nature’s mulch. If you don’t have any leaves now, remember to leave them in your garden beds next fall or save some up for use as mulch.
  • If leaves or boughs aren’t an option, you can use straw. One bale of straw will cover quite a number of plants.
 
There has been a lot of wind so picking up fallen branches is a good winter job. The soil is soft so be mindful of walking on the soft ground especially in garden beds.
 
January is when we start getting all those gardening catalogues and dream of the spring to come. Catalogues can be very informative about plant types and their growing conditions. Pay close attention and don’t order a plant because it looks beautiful in the catalogue. Carefully match the plant’s growing conditions to those that exist in your garden including final size.
 
Also, if you’re looking for native plants, pay careful attention to the botanical names. Plants with an English name attached to the Latin, are usually cultivars. Many popular plants like Echinacea purpura (coneflower) have been modified for color, size and even shape of petals. If you’re planting natives to support nature the straight species is always best. Many cultivars are sterile which means they don’t make pollen, nectar, or seed. Basically, they may look pretty but don’t feed nature.
 
January is a good time to pamper your houseplants. Check them carefully for any pests like mealy bugs, whitefly and scale. If they are portable take them to the sink or bathtub for a clean off shower. Dust accumulates on the leaves, so you must provide a “rain” to clean them off. If a plant is too large to move wipe off the leaves with a damp soft cloth. Houseplants are resting this time of year so it’s best not to feed or repot them.
 
If you’re interested in improving your gardening, you will want to attend one or both of the upcomming Master Gardener events listed below.
 
Spring Bloom Classes:
 
The 20th Annual Community in Bloom Classes: There will be two different topics each day. Cost is $25 per day. Registration is required. To register go to: erie.cce.cornell.edu/events or contact [email protected] or (716) 652-5400 ext176. Time: 9:00 - 11:45 AM. Registration starts at 8:30 AM.
 
Saturday, February 8
Aurora Senior Center,101 King Street, East Aurora 14052
9:00 – 10:15 am          ‘Building a Climate Resilient Garden’
As our climate changes, gardeners can look to increasing biodiversity, selecting the “right plant for the right place”.
                                   
10:30 – 11:45 am        ‘Critter Management’
Strategies to deal with hungry critters who think your yard is a buffet and some plants they typically avoid. 
                                   
Saturday, February 22
Location TBD
9:00- 10:15 am            ‘A New Invasive Pest: Box Tree Moth’
Management of the box tree moth requires a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control methods in an Integrated Pest Management plan. 
 
10:30 – 11:45 am        ‘Plant Propagation Methods’
Techniques covered: leaf, stem and softwood cuttings, layering, and division as methods of expanding your collection of indoor and outdoor plant varieties            
                                   
MG Education Day:
 
This year MGED is Saturday March 8, 2025 at Classics V Banquet Center on Niagara Falls Blvd. The day runs from 9:00 – 3:00 including a hot lunch buffet. Cost: $60. Those of you who have attended in the past know what a fun and educational day this is. We have 2 outstanding presenters:
 
Kim Eierman - environmental horticulturist and landscape designer specializing in ecological landscapes. She is also the author of numerous books. She will give two presenttions:
Keynote: Beyond Sustainability:  Using Our Landscapes as a Source of Environmental Change
Creating a Succession of Bloom in the Native Garden

Margaret Lapp - Director of Planning & Curation - Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. She is also a Landscaper and certified Arborist. Her topic will be:
 Purposeful Plant Selection for Sustainable Garden Design
 
Trust me, you won’t want to miss this amazing and fun day. To register go to: erie.cce.cornell.edu/events or contact [email protected] or (716) 652-5400 ext176.

Happy gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 
Copyright © 2025 Lessons from Nature, All rights reserved.
You're receiving this message because you requested to receive Lessons from Nature newsletters.

Our mailing address is:
Lessons from Nature
37 N Union Rd
Williamsville, NY 14221

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December 2024 Tips

12/1/2024

 

Dear Gardening Friends, 


I hope all of you have a HAPPY, SAFE and HEALTHY Holiday season and New Year!! Let’s hope for a good upcomming garden season.
 
Mother Nature came through with some rain at the end of November which will help our trees, shrubs and plants get through the winter. A good snow cover will also help protect plants by keeping the soil from freezing and thawing with temperature fluctuations. If there is a lack of consistent snow cover, it’s important to protect your plants from these fluctuations. An easy way to do this is to lightly cover plants that were new this year or have shallow roots. A few options are:
  • Pine boughs – they make an easy and excellent winter mulch. As soon as people discard their Christmas trees I go around and clip the larger branches from the bottom then place them over plants that needed protection. You can also check out your local dump (where the village/town takes all the trees) and cut enough for the whole yard in a short time. It’s a wonderful way to get some quick and easy mulch that works well. So, take advantage of this free resource. (Just don’t collect from my neighborhood!)
  • Large pine boughs can also be used around small shrubs to keep the deer from munching. Simply stick the stems in the ground so the boughs are upright and cover the sides and top of the shrub. Works like a charm, it’s free and easy to do.
  •  Straw can be used as winter mulch and purchased at a garden or farm supply store. The important thing is not to use hay which would drop seeds and turn your garden into a hayfield. Trust me, I speak from experience!
 
Houseplants: This is the time of year when some houseplants are probably needing a little attention along with any annuals you are wintering over.
 
  • Trim off yellowing/ browning leaves or branches.
  • Give your plants a shower to wash off the dust. Either in the sink or tub. The leaves of larger plants can be wiped down with a natural sponge or damp soft cloth.
  • Check for insects. If there is sticky residue on leaves or areas under a plant that is a sign of scale, aphid or white fly. I just discovered some mealy bugs on one plant and will examine all the plants carefully. Check online at a”.edu” site for what to do with a particular pest.
  • If your plant has a white crusty residue on the soil or water runs right through the pot when you water, the plant should be repotted later in the winter when the days get longer. Use a good lightweight potting mix. Meanwhile, you can scrape the crusty soil off and cover with some fresh potting soil. 
  • It’s best to wait on repotting and taking cuttings of overwintering annuals or houseplants until late Feb. Right now, they are resting for the winter and best not to disturb their “nap”.
 
Educational Opportunities:
 
MG Education Day: save the date!

 
This year MGED is Saturday March 8, 2025 at Classics V Banquet Center. Those of you who have attended in the past know what a fun and educational day this is. We have 2 outstanding presenters:
 
Kim Eierman - environmental horticulturist and landscape designer specializing in ecological landscapes. She is also the author of numerous books. She will give two presenttions:
Keynote: Beyond Sustainability:  Using Our Landscapes as a Source of Environmental Change
Creating a Succession of Bloom in the Native Garden
Margaret Lapp - Director of Planning & Curation - Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. She is also a Landscaper and certified Arborist. Her topic will be:
 Purposeful Plant Selection for Sustainable Garden Design
 
Save the date. Registration will begin January 1st. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this amazing and fun day. More detailed registration information will be in January Garden Tips.
 
     Gift suggestion:
Lessons from Nature gift certificates for  garden consults or perennials from the plant sale next May would be enjoyed by any gardener. Simply contact me and I can email you the gift certificate.
 
Winter Garden Consultations: Yes, I do winter consultations. If you’re planning changes in your landscape this coming season getting an early start planning now will be helpful. Having a Garden Consultation in the winter is a good way to start. Just call me for an appointment.

Happy gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 
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37 N Union Rd
Williamsville, NY 14221

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November 2024 Tips

11/1/2024

 

Dear Gardening Friends, 

 
What an amazing, beautiful and long lasting fall! There’s been plenty of time to get end of season chores done. Then why am I still catching up?! With the warmer weather many of the plants are still growing and some asters and monks hood are still blooming, so I hated to do any clean up. Luckily there is still time. The following are some tips for November:
 
  • Save yourself some time and leave the leaves in your garden beds. They are a wonderful winter protective blanket for the plants and also provide a much needed habitat for beneficial insects.
  • Leaves can also be left in ground cover plants like pachysandra and myrtle. The leaves will trickle down and help protect the roots over the winter, decompose and feed the soil in spring. If there’s an area with thick piles of leaves, they can be easily dispersed by sweeping them into the ground cover with a broom. (I know that looks funny, but it works)
  • Many perennials can be left up for winter. Anything with seed heads provides much needed food for winter birds. Also, many beneficial insects winter over or lay eggs in the stems. Besides I love how they look in winter with snow on them. Perennials with disease or insect infestation should be cut back and discarded.
  • If you have extra leaves, they can be mulched with your lawn mower, bagged or piled whole and saved for use as mulch next season. The piles of leaves will naturally decompose and turn into “leaf mold” which is not moldy but is an excellent soil amendment.
  • Bring in garden ornaments, plant stands, pots, hoses, or anything else that’s best not kept outside all winter. Concrete or terra cotta planters & bird baths will crack during the winter, so be sure to get those put away. (I speak from experience) 
  • Hoses should be emptied and brought into the garage or basement. To empty the hose, start at one end and lift it up waist high before coiling it on the ground. Keep lifting and coiling until the whole hose is empty and coiled. This forces the water out the other end. Leaving hoses outside to freeze can cause sections to burst and leak.
  • A handy way to store hoses is to coil the hose up and tie with twine in 2 or 3 places. That prevents the hose from getting all tangled and you can stack or hang them easily. This is easier to do on a warmer day as the hose won’t be as stiff to coil. If it is sunny lay the hose in the sun for a while and it will be more pliable.
  • Now is the time to make winter critter protection a priority. Depending on how the weather goes I’m waiting a while to put on the shrub coats. Shrubs protected with deer mesh fencing have already been installed. The mesh keeps deer from munching but is not good as winter wind protection.
  • Shrubs that need protection from winter cold & winds should be wrapped in burlap or a shrub coat. Waiting until the leaves drop for shrub coats is OK.
  • If you have any products in an unheated garage like deer spray, liquid fertilizer or anything that would be exposed to freezing temps move them to the basement or other location where they will not freeze. Freezing ruins the effectiveness of some products. 
  • Tools should not be stored while dirty. Clean off tools before you store them as any dirt left on over the winter will cause them to rust or corrode. You can sharpen them now or in the winter when you’re dreaming of spring.
  • Check stored firewood for insect infestations. Remember not to use or move firewood out of your area to help prevent the spread of invasive insects like the Spotted Lantern Fly. It’s illegal to move firewood more than 50 miles in NYS.
  • If you have a rain barrel, drain it before freezing sets in. A good idea is to use the water that’s left to siphon the water out and use it to water house plants during the winter. I attach a hose to the faucet on the rain barrel and run it from the rain barrel into 2 large, covered garbage totes in the basement. Gravity does the work for you and your houseplants will thank you all winter.
  • Lucky us, there’s still plenty of time to weed! Every weed pulled now won’t be there in the spring.
 
Kathy Filipski has a 5ft. by 5 ft. hibiscus plant in her home that she no longer has room for and is looking for a good home. If you’d like to “adopt” this plant contact her at 716-698-2096.
 
Gifts for gardeners:
Lessons from Nature offers gift certificates for Garden Consults or perennials. Both are the perfect gift for any gardener. Just contact me for details. I can send the gift certificates to you via email or directly to you or the person you’re giving it to.

Happy gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 
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October 2024 Tips

10/1/2024

 

Dear Gardening Friends, 

 
Fall is officially here even though summer weather  is continuing. This gives us some extra time for end of season chores before the weather changes. The following are a few tips:
  • The temps have been below 50 a few nights so if you haven’t brought in your plants for the winter do it now. While the cooler temps won’t necessarily kill a houseplant or annual it makes the transition to indoor living and dry furnace heat less of a shock and they may not do as well. Be sure to wash them off well with soapy water and check for critters before bringing in.
  • Another tip on bringing plants in is to keep them on the dry side for 2-3 weeks. Fungus gnats always seem to come in with the plants. Their larva live in the top few inches of the potting soil. If you keep that dry their cycle is stopped.
  • Weed, weed, weed, you’ll thank yourself in the spring when those perennial weeds aren’t there.  Any annuals you can’t remove, at least cut off the seed heads (and remove) to reduce the seedlings next season. Besides weeding is a great way to notice things that need attention in the garden.
  • Cut back and remove any perennial that has had a disease like black spot or powdery mildew and remove any leaves left on the soil. Do not compost diseased plant material, dispose of it.
  • As far as moving perennials now, they need at least 4 weeks to settle their roots in before the soil gets below 50 degrees. That’s the iffy part. It’s impossible to predict. I moved some ground cover a week ago and am hoping for the mild weather to last. Anything transplanted this fall should be kept well watered until the ground freezes and mulch it well after the ground does freeze.
  • Many perennials can be left up over winter. The crowns help protect the roots from temperature fluctuations and birds eat the seeds. There are also many beneficial insects which overwinter in the leaf litter or lay their eggs in the stems.
  • If you have any potted perennials that you don’t get planted  you can store them in a garage, dig the pot into the soil or place it among ground cover and cover with leaves. The important thing is to prevent the roots from freezing. If you have an open compost pile you can dig them in there and cover with leaves. It’s a good idea to hold the leaves down with deer or bird netting so they don’t blow away over the winter. This also helps prevent small critters from digging in.
  • As your annuals fade, pull them out roots and all. It’s easier to remove them before the frost makes them mushy. They can be added to the compost, soil on the roots as well.
  • Although fall isn’t the best time to prune many trees and shrubs, any dead or damaged branches should be trimmed. This will eliminate the possibility of them breaking during a winter storm, and damaging home, garage, etc. Any branches that have grown large enough to be in the way or in danger of poking someone in the eye should also be removed.
  • That being said, if a dead branch or tree, is not in the way of harming anything you can leave it up. Dead trees and branches are a wonderful habitat for beneficial insects and a natural bird feeder for woodpeckers and other insect eating birds.
  • There’s still time to plant bulbs but do it soon as it’s best of they have time to set roots and make them strong for spring bloom. If you have trouble with critters digging up the bulbs, put a layer of pea gravel or small chicken wire just under the soil level as you fill the planting hole. This will keep them from digging.
  • When you do the last mowing of the season leaves the mulched leaves on the lawn along with the grass clippings. It’s good “food” for the lawn.
  • Speaking of leaves…SAVE THOSE LEAVES! Let the leaves protect your gardens, you can remove them in the spring if needed. Save any mulched leaves for use as mulch next spring. You can store them in a pile outside or in leaf bags. I keep my bags of mulched leaves under some trees for the winter and it’s ready to use in the spring. Mulched leaves are proving to be the most beneficial garden mulch as it helps improve the soil as well as keep the weeds down.
  • Rain has been below normal for some areas this fall and average in others. It’s very important to keep your plants hydrated going into the winter. Anything planted this season is especially important to keep well watered.
 
You can still contact me for a garden consult. Having plans in place for improvements next spring is ideal.

Happy gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 
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September 2024 Tips

9/1/2024

 

Dear Gardening Friends, 

 
Can’t believe it’s September! August went by in a blur. Don’t think this is the end of the gardening season. Fall is for gardening!! It’s finally getting cooler and is a perfect time to do lots of garden chores like dividing, planting and transplanting.
 
What to divide/transplant when is always a question. Basically, spring blooming plants are best divided in fall. Avoid moving or dividing plants that are blooming in fall. Moving a plant in bloom is very stressful for the plant. Those are best done in early spring.
 
Some indications a perennial needs dividing are: reduced bloom, a “doughnut hole” or bare spot
in the middle of the clump, has outgrown it’s spot, needs a more appropriate site (sun, shade, etc.), is blooming less or you just don’t like it there. If a perennial hasn’t done well after 3 years you might want to try a different spot or share with a friend. Perennials you move this fall need to be kept well watered until the ground freezes,
 
My strategy is to walk around the garden and make notes on what needs to be done.  A notebook is helpful as all your info is in one place. Note what should be divided, moved, or eliminated as well as what changes you would like to make for next season.
 
Then prioritize chores into things to be accomplished this fall and those that can wait until spring. Some of which depend on the weather and of course how long your energy lasts! Somehow, I never get everything done I’d planned. That’s what next season is for!
 
I tend to leave up perennials that don’t have disease or insect infestation. The seed heads feed the birds and the crowns of the plants help protect them from winter temperature fluctuations.
-Plants with powdery mildew or other fungal disease like black spot should be cut back to the base and all stray leaves cleaned up from the ground. This is important as the fungal spores can winter over.
- Plants that had 4 lined plant bug damage (small lines of black spots on the leaves) should be cut to the base as the insect lays its eggs in the stems of affected plants.
-Make sure to discard all infected plant parts. Do not compost.
- When cutting blossom stems back leave the crown (leaves at the bottom) intact
 
When to prune is always a question. Fall is NOT the best time to prune most things. Trees and shrubs are heading into dormancy and will not heal cuts as well. Early spring/late winter is the best time to prune most things. The exception is spring blooming trees and shrubs like forsythia and rhododendron. They should be pruned right after blooming.
 
Early September is a good time to take cuttings of annuals or bring in whole plants to winter over. This should be done very soon when the annuals are in their prime. It will be less successful if you wait until the plants are starting to diminish. An easy way is to take a cutting and root in water. After roots form, they can be planted in potting soil. When bringing in whole annuals or cuttings follow the procedures below to clean them before bringing them in the house.
 
When the nighttime temperatures get around 50 or you turn the furnace on, it’s time to bring in house plants that have spent the summer outside.
  • Check them well for insets and signs of disease – A good soapy water bath is very
helpful. (a squirt of Dawn in water works well) Then rinse with the hose.
  • Remove weak or damaged leaves.
  • Give them a few days on the porch or other sheltered area where they can start adjusting to indoor light conditions.
  • Watch carefully after they’re inside in case any hitchhikers came along.
  • Then there is always weeding! Anytime is the right time to weed. The seeded annual weeds you remove now won’t be dropping seeds for next spring and the perennial weeds will be removed before they get larger and harder to deal with. This will be a chore until the first freeze. Definitely time well spent.
 
 
Upcoming Gardening Events:

 
Master Gardener Fall Gardening Classes: This Fall we have an excellent choice of 3 classes all taught by Master Gardeners. I’m doing the one on 9/28. Check out the topics below. There’s something for everyone.
 
September 10, 6:30 – 8:00 pm, East Aurora Senior Center
            Garbage to Gold: Create Your Own Compost
Using compost as a soil amendment adds nutrients to your soil and improves its texture, condition and drainage. Learn about the ratio of nitrogen and carbon sources and how to maintain moisture and temperature levels to produce “black gold” for your garden.
 
September 18, 6:30 – 8:00 pm, Parkside Lodge
            Eight Rules for Overwintering Plants

Many garden plants can be overwintered as houseplants or by allowing them to go dormant in a protected spot. Others can be dug up and stored, including dahlias, begonias, cannas, and geraniums. Learn the best practices for helping your plants survive until the next season.
 
September 28, 10:00 – 11:30 AM, Roswell Park Community Center

Fall Gardening: Tips for a Productive Garden Next Year (I’ll be doing this class)

What should I do in the garden this fall? What jobs can wait until spring? Can I plant trees now? What perennials should I leave standing and which should I cut back? Get the answers to these questions and more to get a head start on next year’s garden.
 
$15 for one class -$45 for all 3 classes
 
Register at: erie.cce.cornell.edu/events
 
Contact me for a garden consultation. I can help improve your garden and gardening practices as well as save you time and money! It’s not too late for improvements.
 
Happy Gardening!
Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 
 
 
 


Happy gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 
Copyright © 2023 Lessons From Nature, All rights reserved.
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August 2024 Tips

8/1/2024

 

Dear Gardening Friends, 

 
I’m ready to turn the page on July. The heat has been intense and the deer hungry. Am hoping August will be better.
 
Boxwood Tree Moth, a relatively new damaging invasive species, has arrived with a vengeance. Keep a close eye on your boxwoods. If you see any browning or leaves being eaten take action right away. You can pick off the caterpillars which do the damage and drop them in some water with alcohol. Check this website for more detailed information:

https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/fact-sheets/box-tree-moth
 
It’s important with the heat, not to forget watering trees and shrubs. They need water too. When you water keep in mind that tree’s feeder roots start at the edge of where the leaves reach and go out from there. Unless it’s a newly planted tree you need to water deeply and well away from the trunk.
 
Many of my woodland perennials are showing signs of heat stress. Some have already died back for this season. If a plant has leaves browned from the dry heat cut the leaves off. I had to do this for blood root and trillium among others. If they haven’t dropped their seeds yet you can leave them up until they do. It is less stressful for the plants to try and survive than to go dormant. Not to worry, they should be fine next year. The same thing is happening in nature.
 
Some plants need more water than others. Astilbe is one. If you see the leaves curling, water them right away. Once they crinkle up and turn brown, they will not come back until next season.
 
Powdery mildew had started showing up on susceptible plants like phlox. If it hasn’t shown up yet spray with an environmentally safe product for powdery mildew. Once it shows up those leaves can’t be helped. Remove affected leaves and spray the healthy leaves. The fungus can be spread by our hands and tools so be sure to disinfect with a spray of Lysol or whatever disinfectant you use before moving to another plant.
 
Check your plants regularly for signs of insects or disease. Determine the cause, and if any action is necessary, BEFORE you arbitrarily spray a pesticide or herbicide. Remember pesticides kill ALL insects, and herbicides kill ALL plants, the good with the bad. Always look for a nontoxic product.
 
A few holes in your leaves are not necessarily a disaster. Beneficial insects have to eat too. Remember butterflies and moths come from caterpillars so they are not necessarily the bad guys. Birds and many insects rely on caterpillars and other larva for their food and to feed their young.
 
By mid August discontinue fertilizing all plants except annuals. Perennials, trees and shrubs are starting their slow down into winter dormancy. They need to rest, not try and push out new growth.
 
Wait until the temps moderate to do any transplanting and dividing. It’s very hard on the plants to be moved in the heat. There’s lots of time.
 
With the rain and high humidity, it’s been a bountiful year for slugs.  By accident I discovered you don’t need to sink a container of beer to soil level to catch the slimy buggers. I left a 5 lb. plastic coffee container with alcohol & water out overnight on the walkway, not even on the soil. The next morning there were a lot of slugs in it. My new strategy is putting cottage cheese containers with water and rubbing alcohol sitting right on the soil. They climb up the sides and into the container. Lots easier!
 
Upcoming Gardening Events:
 
8/10, 10 – 2, WNY Hosta, Iris and Daylily Sale, Lake Erie Italian Club, 3200 South Park Ave, Buffalo.
 
Master Gardener Fall Gardening Classes:
 
September 10, 6:30 – 8:00 pm, East Aurora Senior Center
            Garbage to Gold: Create Your Own Compost

Using compost as a soil amendment adds nutrients to your soil and improves its texture, condition and drainage. Learn about the ratio of nitrogen and carbon sources and how to maintain moisture and temperature levels to produce “black gold” for your garden.
 
September 18, 6:30 – 8:00 pm, Parkside Lodge
            Eight Rules for Overwintering Plants

Many garden plants can be overwintered as houseplants or by allowing them to go dormant in a protected spot. Others can be dug up and stored, including dahlias, begonias, cannas, and geraniums. Learn the best practices for helping your plants survive until the next season.
 
September 28, 10:00 – 11:30 AM, Roswell Park Community Center
Fall Gardening: Tips for a Productive Garden Next Year (I’ll be doing this class)


What should I do in the garden this fall? What jobs can wait until spring? Can I plant trees now? What perennials should I leave standing and which should I cut back? Get the answers to these questions and more to get a head start on next year’s garden.
 
$15 for one class -$45 for all 3 classes
 
Register at: erie.cce.cornell.edu/events
 
Garden Consultation:
August is a good time to think about gardening successes, failures and make plans for improvement. Contact me for a garden consultation. I can help improve your garden and gardening practices as well as save you time and money!
 

Happy gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 
Copyright © 2023 Lessons From Nature, All rights reserved.
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June 2024 Tips

6/1/2024

 

Dear Gardening Friends, 


Thanks to all who came to our Plant Sale. It was so much fun to see everyone, and things sold quickly. Now I’m trying to catch up. How did it get to be almost June?! May was certainly a strange weather month. Lots of rain and soggy soil. As a result, I’m way behind on my garden chores and I’m sure I’m not the only one.
 
The following are a few priorities for me and probably you as well.
 
  • With all the rain plants are really large, and so are the weeds. I have some dandelions that look like they’re on steroids. Weeding is a priority.
    • When digging a weed, make sure to get all the roots. Don’t just pull from the top unless it’s the type of weed that pulls easily, roots and all.  I just spent much of today pulling forget-me-nots as they were all over this year and were about to drop seed.
    • If you can’t get to weed, at least remove the seed head. This also goes for perennials that have a tendency to seed all over. Another chore I just completed was cutting back the seed heads on a few spring blooming perennials that seed readily.
 
  • The soil has been wet more than dry and it has been difficult to plant, move & divide. It’s best for the plant to wait until the soil is more crumbly so the soil covers the roots well. If the soil is wet and clumpy this will not happen.
 
  • Now that it’s much warmer it’s best to protect newly planted perennials or annuals from the hot sun. It’s helpful to cover them with a box, bushel basket or large pot to protect them from the heat and hot sun for a few days. It really cuts down on plant shock.
 
  • Anything newly planted or moved should be watered almost daily depending on your conditions. Containers and hanging baskets need frequent watering as well if we don’t get rain.
 
  • When you plant a new annual, it’s best to cut off any blooms. This gives the plant energy to set in roots as opposed to trying to keep flowers going. Make a bouquet out of the flowers so you can enjoy them. The annuals will send up more blooms.
 
  • Early to mid-June is the ideal time to cut back perennials that get very tall to about 1/3 to  ½ to reduce the final height and promote branching and increase bloom. Common plants for this are phlox, asters, mums and sedum. Make sure to cut back to a leaf join and not leave stubs.
 
  • With all the rain, slugs and snails are everywhere. There are many products on the market that are not toxic, yet effective at getting rid of slugs and snails. I hand pick everyone I see but with gloves or a paper towel. The slug slime is extremely difficult to wash off your hands. I can attest to this firsthand! Once you make that mistake you won’t do it again. You can also sprinkle a little salt on them, and they will die. The best times to scout for slugs is early morning or evening. Plants with random holes are a good clue there are slugs around. Beer traps also work. It’s a real battle this year. For more info on slug control go to: https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/fact-sheets/slug-and-snail-control
 
  • Keep your eye out for insects and diseases. It’s always best to first identify what it is and then what to do about it. I’ve already seen Powdery Mildew on my nine bark.
 
  Please recycle your pots and trays here. I’m almost out after the plant sale. Just put them in front of the garage. I don’t use 3, 6 or 8 packs. Just drop them in front of the garage whenever it’s convenient. Our garage is off Lawrence as we are on the corner of Pine and Lawrence in E Aurora.  Yellow house, 170 Pine Street. THANKS!!
 
Now is the time you may be having problems or questions about your garden. Contact me for a Garden Consult. I can answer your questions and help improve your garden and gardening practices which will save you time and money.
 
Upcoming Garden Events:
 
Lewiston Garden Fest, Center Stret, June 15 & 16 10-5.
         Lots of great vendors, Open Gardens, speakers and more.
http://www.lewistongardenfest.com/
 
Buffalo Garden Art Festival at the Botanical Gardens, June 29, 10-3 & 30, 10-2.
This fun event kicks off the various garden activities and tours that are happening this summer. Plus, it’s a great place to find just the right artful addition to your garden.
https://www.gardensbuffaloniagara.com/buffalo-style-garden-art-sale

Happy gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 
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May 2024 Tips

5/1/2024

 

Dear Gardening Friends, 


April sure has been interesting. We’ve had winter, spring, summer and fall weather all in one month. Nature is so confused and so are we! What to do in the garden and when to do it is a daily decision. Patience is still the best advice. The following are some Garden Tips.
 
     -Wet soil is the key to some of those decisions. If your soil is still wet and clumpy it’s best to wait to divide and replant as the wet clumpy soil won’t settle around the roots properly. That can change with the weather and the amount of moisture your soil retains. There have been a few days when I did some dividing. Just use your good judgement.
 
  • Weeding is also best done when the soil is not very wet. It’s harder to get all the roots out of the soil when it is a clump of mud.
  • Mowing is another issue in this wet weather. If you leave a footprint on the lawn it’s best to stay off. Just think of the tracks your riding lawnmower (if you have one) will make in the soft soil.
  • Unless your grass is long enough to leave big piles of grass clippings, it’s best to leave the clippings on the grass. It will decompose, feed the grass, and not cause thatch.
  • It’s much too soon to put out annuals or vegetable starts.  For example, tomatoes planted too soon don’t do as well as those planted at the end of May. Remember Patience! The final average frost isn’t until late May so don’t get fooled by a few warm days.
  • Due to the fluctuating temps many perennials are up early. Be careful when you are working in your gardens as there are a lot of plants that aren’t up yet and stepping on one or digging a shovel into the crown are things you want to avoid.
  • If you are tempted and purchase plants that can’t be planted now, keep them in a sheltered place. If the annuals are in flats spread them out so there is good air circulation. Storing them crowded in a flat invites fungal disease. 
  • Once the soil warms and is workable May is an ideal time to divide or move perennials already in your gardens. Signs they need dividing are: overcrowding, lower bloom the previous season, and if plant has a bare spot in the center known as the donut hole. If after 3 years in a location a plant isn’t thriving, try moving it to a more suitable spot or share it with a friend.
  • If you have problems with deer, rabbits and other critters start your spraying, fencing, caging or whatever you do. I’ve already had damage and quickly put up some caging and got out the deer spray. Since the plants are growing fast now, I spray susceptible plants every week until they reach full size then cut back to every 3-4 weeks. It’s a battle!
  • When buying plants look for ones that are deer resistant. There are many excellent lists online including the one from Cornell below: warren.cce.cornell.edu › gardening-landscape › deer-resistant-plants
  • RECYCLE pots & trays. I can use pots 4 inches and up and flat carrying trays. No 6 packs. Also, if you are discarding any Venetian blinds or see some in the garbage, please save them for me. I use the blinds for price tags for the plant sale.
  • When plant shopping look for resistant plants. Ther are tomato plants resistant to blight, Phlox resistant to powdery mildew & roses resistant to black spot to mention a few.
  • When looking for native plants be sure to look for the species name in Latin. If there is an English name (usually in parenthesis) after the name that means it’s a cultivar and may not produce the nectar, pollen and seed that pollinators and birds need. An example is Echinacea purpures, “Autumn Sunset”. The more we ask for true natives the more nurseries will offer them.
 
Now is the time to make changes and improvements in your garden. I can help improve your garden and gardening practices and guarantee to save you time and money. Contact me for an onsite consultation. Also check out my website for past Garden Tips and articles: lessonsfromnature.biz.

Upcoming Plant Sales & Events: Put them on your calendar now!
 
Lessons from Nature and Amanda’s Native Garden and Perennial Plant Sale.
Saturday, May 18th, 9:00 – 2:00.  170 Pine St., E Aurora, corner of Pine & Lawrence.
 
Clients and those of you who get my tips can come at 8:00 and beat the rush. We will have a larger variety of native plants on that one day than anywhere in WNY.  All plants are dug fresh from my garden and those from Amanda’s Native Garden are started from seed by Ellen Folts, the owner. Check out her website for availability. Ellen will take orders and deliver them the day of the sale.
 
I’ve been busily potting up when the weather has permitted. This is looking to be a bumper year for the plant sale. A list of available plants will be emailed the week before the sale.
Note: all my plants will be root washed and potted in soilless potting mix due to the threat of the Asian jumping worm. If you’re not aware of this threat, you can get information at: http://ulster.cce.cornell.edu/environment/invasive-pests/jumping-worm
 
Master Gardener Plant Sale, Friday May 24, 8:30 – 3:00, Saturday May 275, 8:30 – 2:00, First Presbyterian Church, 1 Symphony Circle, across from Kleinman’s. Perennials for sun and shade, natives, annuals, succulents, hypertufa and draped concrete pots, vegetable starts, herbs, shrubs and garden art. Plants are from MG gardens and donated by local nurseries.
 
East Aurora Garden Club Perennial Sale, Saturday, May 25th 8:30 – till sold out.
In the Village Plaza on Grey Street where Tops is. The sale is located under the roof overhang between TJ Max and Pet Smart. A great selection plants from Garden Club member’s gardens.

Happy gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 
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April 2024 Tips

4/1/2024

 

Dear Gardening Friends, 


Hopefully this week will be the REAL start of spring. As I write this (Mon 25th) the snow is starting to melt and I can see ground in a few places. There are things to be done in the garden but patience is still required.
  • Don’t remove your leaves or winter mulch just yet. There are a lot of beneficial insects that overwinter in the ground duff (leaves and plant material on top of the soil). If some spring bulbs are trying to push through just rake some away and leave a light covering that the shoots can grow through.
  • If you’ve left plant stems up from last fall don’t be in a hurry to cut them back. Many beneficial insects overwinter or lay their eggs in the stems and litter around the crown.
  • There is still plenty of time to prune thanks to the slow down of budding during the cold last week. Remember not to prune any spring blooming shrubs until after they bloom. If you need advice on pruning, call for a consultation. We can work through it together and you will learn proper pruning techniques for the future.
  • Before starting any pruning chores clean and sharpen your tools. It makes a HUGE difference.
  • Be mindful not to walk on the soft wet ground. If you leave a footprint, stay off. Whatever it is can wait till the soil dries out a little.
  • Rake or sweep up the road grit from driveway and road edges. You can also rinse it down with a hose to dilute the salt and road chemicals.
  • There seems to be a lot of black knot fungus on flowering cherry and plum trees. It can affect ornamental and fruit bearing trees. The affected sections look like swollen black knots on the branches and should be pruned out 8 inches away from the “knot”. This is a highly contagious fungal disease so don’t ignore it. Disinfect your tools after working on an infected tree. For information go to:      http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/blackknot.pdf
  • Ornamental grasses should be cut back before the new growth starts so now is a good time. Wear long sleeves as they have “razor” edges which is why deer don’t eat them.
  • If the freezing temps last week browned the tips of perennial foliage like day lilies that may have started growing, you can just cut the tip off. The new foliage should be OK.
  • Don’t be in a rush to divide or move perennials. The soil should be above 50 degrees and form a loose clump in your hand before you start any moving or dividing. Again, patience pays off in the end. It’s doubtful we will be able to do anything other than clean up for the next few weeks. A lot will depend on how much rain we get and how wet the soil is.
  • If you’re dying to do some gardening, work on your houseplants. This is a good time to repot, trim and give them a good washing/dusting.
    • If there is a whitish/yellow crusty surface on the top of the soil, it’s a good clue to repot and replenish with fresh soil. The buildup is a concentration of salts which is not good for the plant.
    • This can also occur on the outside of the pot. If so, it can be scrubbed off with a wire scrubber or brush.
    • Check your houseplants for any insect or disease problems. Identify what the problem is before trying to treat it.
    • An easy way to ID the problem is to GOOGLE possible problems on that specific plant. Select a “.edu” site to do the research. That way you’re getting scientific results.
 
Garden Consult:
 
It’s not too early to start planning changes, and improvements for your garden. Just contact me for an appointment to get a head start on the season.
 
I’m also available for a pruning consult. You can learn proper pruning techniques so you can do it yourself in the future. A garden or pruning consult will save you time and money in the long run.
 
Lessons from Nature and Amanda’s Garden Perennial Plant Sale will be Saturday, May 18th 9:00- 2:00. Put it on your calendar so you won’t miss it. More details will be in the May Garden Tips.

Happy gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 
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March 2024 Tips

3/1/2024

 

Dear Gardening Friends, 


It sure has been a strange winter and looks like spring is trying to come early. The following are some Gardening Tips.
 
            -The tree and shrub buds have started swelling from all the warm weather, so pruning is a perfect job to do now. It should be done before the buds open.
 
  • Before starting any pruning chores clean and sharpen your tools. It makes a HUGE difference.
    • If pruners and loppers are sticky and don’t open and close smoothly rubbing alcohol will loosen and remove the gummy substance.
    • If the pruners/loppers come apart easily that is the best way to clean them.
    • Sharpening pruners/loppers is also essential for clean cuts that don’t damage or tear the branches. Most blade sharpening tools will work although there are sharpeners made specially for pruners and loppers.
    • Steel wool helps remove rusty sections on pruners and shovels.
    • Try using the blade sharpener on your shovels too. It makes a huge difference.
  • It’s not too early to prune non spring flowering shrubs. Spring flowering shrubs should be pruned after they bloom.
  • Broken or snapped branches should be pruned off back to the main trunk or nearest branch. DON’T LEAVE STUBS. That’s a basic rule of pruning.
  • Make cuts just over the place where a bud is coming out or if it’s a branch make the cut just outside the branch collar. (a rough section of bark where one branch joins the trunk)
  • Dead or damaged branches can be removed anytime along with branches that are in the way. Also check for branches that are crossing each other and creating a wound from the rubbing.
  • There seems to be a lot of black knot fungus on flowering cherry and plum trees. It can affect ornamental and fruit bearing trees. The affected sections look like swollen black knots on the branches and should be pruned out 8 inches away from the “knot”. This is a highly contagious fungal disease so don’t ignore it. Disinfect your tools after working on an infected tree. For information go to:
http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/blackknot.pdf
 
Other timely tips:
 
  • Rake or sweep up the road grit from driveway and road edges.
  • Gently rake up mulch/leaves that may be over areas where bulbs and early perennials like daylilies are poking through. It’s good to leave some leaves as protection for late season snow & frost. We are bound to have some of both before consistently warmer weather arrives.
  • Ornamental grasses should be cut back before the new growth starts so now is a good time. Wear long sleeves as they have “razor” edges which is why deer don’t eat them.
  • This is a perfect time for “wishful thinking”. What changes do you want to make, plants to add, move, divide, or remove? First consider the site, light, type of soil etc. THEN research plants suited to that site. Consider a native plant for the site.
  • It’s too soon to plant or divide perennials. The soil is too wet and cold and who knows what the weather will be like in March. It’s questionable we will be able to do anything other than clean up and prune by the end of the month.
  • If you’ve left plants up from last fall don’t be in a hurry to cut them back. Many beneficial insects overwinter or lay their eggs in the stems and litter around the crown. The same goes for leaf litter in the garden. There are a lot of insects and larva living in the ground litter. Just let it be for now.
  • If you need advice on how to transplant, divide, prune, what to plant etc. contact me for a consultation.
  • It’s going to be interesting to see what March brings. It could be Spring or Winter.
  • Patience is the basic recommendation. We’re all anxious to get going but doing things under the wrong conditions can cause damage.
 
Garden Consult:
 
It’s not too early to start planning for spring gardening, changes and improvements. Just contact me for an appointment to get a head start on the season.
 
I’m also available for a pruning consult. You can learn proper pruning techniques so you can do it yourself in the future.
 
A garden consult or pruning consult will save you time and money in the long run.

Happy gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 
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February 2024 Tips

2/1/2024

 

Dear Gardening Friends, 


Hopefully you didn’t have much damage from our weeklong snow storm. Some tips on storm damage are below. For those of you longing for spring there are some great gardening events coming up. Details are at the end of this Garden Tips.
 
Garden Tips:
  • As the snow melts lots of downed branches and debris shows up. Be very careful of walking on the soft ground to pick up branches. They can wait till the ground firms up. Anything you can reach from walkways, driveway etc. are fine to tackle.
  • If you still have some trees or shrubs bent or frozen to the ground, just keep being patient and let them melt out naturally. I still have a shrub in front near the street, that the snow mound hasn’t melted yet.
  • Broken branches should be pruned off just outside of where the branch meets the tree. This is called the branch collar and is a raised section of the bark. If a branch has been pulled down but didn’t break off it also needs to be removed. If left the next snow may cause it to rip down further.
  • If you have ice build-up in driveways and sidewalks, be cautious of what you use to melt the ice. Salt can be very damaging to the soil, plants, and the environment in general.
  • It would be wise to shovel the black nasty salt laden “gunk” in the driveway somewhere other than garden beds. My back garden abuts the driveway, so this is always an issue for me. I used to wonder why the plants along the drive never did well! It’s a little more effort, but worth it. 
  • If you didn’t clean and sharpen your tools last fall now is the perfect time. They will be ready to go when you need them in the spring. Most places that sell garden supplies have sharpeners.
 
Pruning:
  • This is a good time to prune. Any day that’s nice enough to work outside is fine. It’s not too early. First check for wind/storm damaged branches. It’s best to remove torn or broken branches. A nice clean pruning cut is much easier for the tree/shrub to heal in the spring. 
  • The ideal time to prune non spring blooming trees & shrubs is while they are still dormant, and their buds have not begun opening. Anything that blooms in the spring should be pruned AFTER they bloom.
  • Usually, spring pruning can be done well into March. Once the buds start to open it’s past the ideal time. Some years that was May! It all depends on the weather. That being said, if you don’t get to it before the buds open you won’t hurt the plant.
  • The basic pruning rule is don’t leave stubs. Make clean cuts close to a bud, branch divide or outside the branch collar on the trunk. Sharpen and clean those pruners and loppers before starting. It really makes a difference. 
  • For details on pruning specific plants check online at an “.edu” site or contact me for a pruning consultation.
 
Houseplants:
  • Now is a good time to spend some time with your houseplants. A mid- winter “shower” in the sink or bathtub will wash off the accumulated dust and make for a healthier plant. If a plant is too large to move, you can use a damp cloth or soft sponge to wipe down the leaves.
  • Now that the days are getting longer you can resume a light plant food application. If you use fertilizer look for a natural rather than chemical formula. Just read the ingredients and follow the directions. I tend to use half strength.
  • You can also start spring repotting houseplants that have become pot bound. If the water drains right through when you water it or if the roots are pushing the plant out of the pot, those are good signs that the plant is pot bound.
  • Another sign to indicate repotting is crusty salt build up on the top of the soil. This residue may be on the outside of terra cotta pots as well. The pots can be scrubbed off before repotting. If the soil crust isn’t severe the top few inches of crusted soil and be removed and replaced with fresh potting soil.
  • Also check for aphids, mealybugs and other houseplant pests. Feeling a sticky residue around a plant is a good sign there is an insect problem. A good soapy water bath is a solution to many problems.
 
Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale:
 
The Soil & Water Conservation annual seedling sale is available for ordering now. This is a great way to get inexpensive tree and shrub seedings. The sale runs through mid May with pickup mid April-May. Order early as some things sell out. Go to their website (below) for order forms and compete information on what’s available and how to plant seedlings.
 
https://www.ecswcd.org/html/treeshrub.html
 
Educational Opportunities: There are lots of events coming up that will help you learn and get into the mood for spring.
 
 
Spring Bloom Classes:
 
Once again, the Master Gardeners will be presenting Spring Bloom Classes. The classes will be on 2 Saturdays, each day having 2 different topics. The day runs from 9:00 AM to 11:45.
 
February 10th – Orchard Park Community Center
  • Cut This Not That, Lessons in Pruning (I will be presenting this topic)
  • Want to Start Your Own Seeds? This class will cover a variety of easy methods Including Winter Sowing 
February 24th – Roswell Park (907) Michigan Ave
            - Gardening Tool of the Future: Your Smart Phone
            - PRISM I-Map for Mapping Invasive Species
 
Fees:
  • 1 day/2 classes $20 (MG) $25 (public)
  • 2 days/4 classes $35 (MG) $45 (public)
 
To register go to: erie.cce.cornell.edu/events
 
MG Education Day:
 
MGED is Saturday March 9, 2024 at Classics V Banquet Center, 9-2:30. Those of you who have attended in the past know what a fun and educational day this is. We have 2 outstanding presenters:
 
Heather Holm, noted garden writer and presenter will talk about:
Attracting Bees and Beneficial Insects with Native Plants: Creating and Managing Landscapes for Native Bees

Tom Mitchell. Hort professor at NCCC will present:
Dumb Things Not To Do In Your Landscaping
 
Save the date. Registration opened January 1st .Trust me, you won’t want to miss this amazing and fun day and we’re already close to half way sold out! To register go to: erie.cce.cornell.edu/events
 
Plantasia will run from March 14-17th at the Hamburg Fairgrounds. More info on this will be in the March Garden Tips.
 
Garden Consult: It’s not too early to start planning for spring gardening, changes and improvements. Just contact me for an appointment to get a head start on the season.

Happy gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 
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January 2024 Tips

1/1/2024

 

Dear Gardening Friends, 


Happy New Year!! Let’s hope the New Year brings you good health, happiness, and peace in the world.
 
Since there has been little to no snow cover there are some things you can do to protect your plants from temperature fluctuations. Anything newly planted this past late summer or fall and shallow rooted perennials will need protection from temperature fluctuations which causes heaving of plants.  Some types of winter mulch will do the trick.
  • Pine boughs make an easy mulch. When people discard their Christmas trees, lower branches can be pruned off and placed over plants covering the crowns and root zones. These boughs are easily removed in the spring and discarded.
  • Leaves are nature’s mulch. If you don’t have any leaves at this point in time, remember to leave them in your garden beds next fall or save some up for use as mulch.
  • If leaves or boughs aren’t an option, you can use straw. One bale of straw will cover quite a number of plants.
There has been a lot of wind so picking up fallen branches is a good winter job. The soil is soft so be mindful of walking on the soft ground especially in garden beds.
 
January is when we start getting all those gardening catalogues and dream of the spring to come. Catalogues can be very informative about plant types and their growing conditions. Pay close attention and don’t order a plant because it looks beautiful in the catalogue. Carefully match the plant’s growing conditions to those that exist in your garden.
 
Also, if you’re looking for native plants, pay careful attention to the botanical names. Plants with an English name attached to the Latin, are usually cultivars. Many popular plants like Echinacea purpura (coneflower) have been modified for color, size and even shape of petals. If you’re planting natives to support nature the straight species is always best. Many cultivars are sterile which means they don’t make pollen, nectar, or seed. Basically, they may look pretty but don’t feed nature.
 
If you’re interested in improving your gardening, you will want to attend one or both of the upcomming Master Gardener events listed below.
 
Spring Bloom Classes:
 
Once again, the Master Gardeners will be presenting Spring Bloom Classes. The classes will be on 2 Saturdays, each day having 2 different topics. The day runs from 9:00 AM to 11:45.
 
February 10th – Orchard Park Community Center
  • Cut This Not That, Lessons in Pruning (I will be presenting this topic)
  • Want to Start Your Own Seeds? This class will cover a variety of easy methods Including Winter Sowing
 
February 24th – Roswell Park (907) Michigan Ave
            - Gardening Tool of the Future: Your Smart Phone
            - PRISM I-Map for Mapping Invasive Species
 
Fees:
  • 1 day/2 classes $20 (MG) $25 (public)
  • 2 days/4 classes $35 (MG) $45 (public)
 
To register go to: erie.cce.cornell.edu/events
 
 
MG Education Day:
 
MGED is Saturday March 9, 2024 at Classics V Banquet Center, 9-2:30. Those of you who have attended in the past know what a fun and educational day this is. We have 2 outstanding presenters:
 
Heather Holm, noted garden writer and presenter will talk about:
Attracting Bees and Beneficial Insects with Native Plants
            Creating and Managing Landscapes for Native Bees
Tom Mitchell. Hort professor at NCCC will present:
Dumb Things Not To Do In Your Landscaping
 
Save the date. Registration will begin January 1st. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this amazing and fun day. To register go to erie.cce.cornell.edu/events

Happy gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 
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December 2023 Tips

12/1/2023

 
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Dear Gardening Friends, 


I hope all of you have a HAPPY, SAFE and HEALTHY Holiday season and New Year!! Let’s hope for a good upcomming garden season.
 
Mother Nature came through with some rain at the end of November which will help our trees, shrubs and plants get through the winter. A good snow cover will also help protect plants by keeping the soil from freezing and thawing with temperature fluctuations. If there is a lack of consistent snow cover, it’s important to protect your plants from these fluctuations. An easy way to do this is to lightly cover plants that were new this year or have shallow roots. A few options are:
  • Pine boughs – they make an easy and excellent winter mulch. As soon as people discard their Christmas trees I go around and clip the larger branches from the bottom then place them over plants that needed protection. You can also check out your local dump (where the village/town takes all the trees) and cut enough for the whole yard in a short time. It’s a wonderful way to get some quick and easy mulch that works well. So, take advantage of this free resource. (Just don’t collect from my neighborhood!)
  • Large pine boughs can also be used around small shrubs to keep the deer from munching. Simply stick the stems in the ground so the boughs are upright and cover the sides and top of the shrub. Works like a charm, it’s free and easy to do.
  •  Straw can be used as winter mulch and purchased at a garden or farm supply store. The important thing is not to use hay which would drop seeds and turn your garden into a hayfield. Trust me, I speak from experience!
 
Houseplants: This is the time of year when some houseplants are probably needing a little attention along with any annuals you are wintering over.
 
  • Trim off yellowing/ browning leaves or branches.
  • Give your plants a shower to wash off the dust. Either in the sink or tub. The leaves of larger plants can be wiped down with a natural sponge or damp soft cloth.
  • Check for insects. If there is sticky residue on leaves or areas under a plant that is a sign of scale, aphid or white fly. I just discovered some mealy bugs on one plant and will examine all the plants carefully. Check online at a”.edu” site for what to do with a particular pest.
  • If your plant has a white crusty residue on the soil or water runs right through the pot when you water, the plant should be repotted later in the winter when the days get longer. Use a good lightweight potting mix. Meanwhile, you can scrape the crusty soil off and cover with some fresh potting soil. 
  • It’s best to wait on repotting and taking cuttings of overwintering annuals or houseplants until late Feb. Right now, they are resting for the winter and best not to disturb their “nap”.
 
Educational Opportunities:
 
MG Education Day: save the date!

 
This year MGED is Saturday March 8, 2025 at Classics V Banquet Center. Those of you who have attended in the past know what a fun and educational day this is. We have 2 outstanding presenters:
 
Kim Eierman - environmental horticulturist and landscape designer specializing in ecological landscapes. She is also the author of numerous books. She will give two presenttions:
Keynote: Beyond Sustainability:  Using Our Landscapes as a Source of Environmental Change
Creating a Succession of Bloom in the Native Garden
Margaret Lapp - Director of Planning & Curation - Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. She is also a Landscaper and certified Arborist. Her topic will be:
 Purposeful Plant Selection for Sustainable Garden Design
 
Save the date. Registration will begin January 1st. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this amazing and fun day. More detailed registration information will be in January Garden Tips.
 
     Gift suggestion:
Lessons from Nature gift certificates for  garden consults or perennials from the plant sale next May would be enjoyed by any gardener. Simply contact me and I can email you the gift certificate.
 
Winter Garden Consultations: Yes, I do winter consultations. If you’re planning changes in your landscape this coming season getting an early start planning now will be helpful. Having a Garden Consultation in the winter is a good way to start. Just call me for an appointment.

Happy gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 
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November 2023 Tips

11/1/2023

 

Dear Gardening Friends, 


As I write this I’m looking out at a beautiful day after Halloween snow fall.  Unfortunately, I was caught with some of my garden chores yet to be done but hopefully we’ll get some more nice days to finish up. The following are some tips for November.
 
  • Save yourself some time and leave the leaves in your garden beds. They are a wonderful winter protective blanket for the plants and also provide a much needed habitat for beneficial insects.
  • Leaves can also be left in ground cover plants. The leaves will trickle own and help protect the roots over the winter, decompose and feed the soil in spring. If there’s an area with thick piles of leaves they can be easily dispersed by sweeping them into the ground cover with a broom. 
  • Many perennials can also be left up for winter. Anything with seed heads provide much needed food for winter birds. Besides I love how they look in winter with snow on them. Perennials with disease or insect infestation should be cut back and discarded.
  • If you have extra leaves, they can be mulched with your lawn mower, bagged or piled and saved for use as mulch next season. 
  • Bring in garden ornaments, plant stands, pots, hoses, or anything else that’s best not kept outside all winter. Concrete or terra cotta planters & bird baths will crack during the winter, so be sure to get those put away. (I speak from experience)
  • Hoses should be emptied and brought into the garage or basement. To empty the hose, start at one end and lift it up waist high before coiling it on the ground. Keep lifting and coiling until the whole hose is empty and coiled. This forces the water out the other end. Leaving hoses outside to freeze can cause sections to burst and leak.
  • A handy way to store hoses is to coil the hose up and tie with twine in 2 or 3 places. That prevents the hose from getting all tangled and you can stack or hang them easily. This is easier to do on a warmer day as the hose won’t be as stiff to coil. If it is sunny lay the hose in the sun for a while and it will be more pliable.
  • Now is the time to make winter critter protection a priority. Depending on how the weather goes I’m waiting a while to put on the shrub coats. Shrubs protected with deer mesh I’ve already started covering. The mesh keeps deer from munching but is not good as a winter wind protection. Shrubs that need protection from winter winds should be wrapped in burlap or a shrub coat. Waiting until the leaves drop for shrub coats is OK.
  • If you have any products in an unheated garage like deer spray, Neem oil, liquid fertilizer or anything that would be exposed to freezing temps move them to the basement or other location where they will not freeze. Freezing ruins the effectiveness of some products.
  • Tools should not be stored while dirty. Clean off tools before you store them as any dirt left on over the winter will cause them to rust or corrode. You can sharpen them now or in the winter when you’re dreaming of spring.
  • Check stored firewood for insect infestations. Remember not to use or move firewood out of your area to help prevent the spread of invasive insects like the Spotted Lantern Fly. It’s illegal to move firewood more than 50 miles in NYS.
  • If you have a rain barrel, drain it before freezing sets in. A good idea to use the water that’s left is to siphon the water out and use it to water house plants during the winter. I attach a hose to the faucet on the rain barrel and run it from the rain barrel into 2 large, covered garbage totes in the basement. Gravity does the work for you and your houseplants will thank you all winter.
 
Gifts for gardeners:
Lessons from Nature offers gift certificates for Garden Consults or perennials. Both are the perfect gift for any gardener. Just contact me for details. I can send the gift certificates to you via email or directly to the person you’re giving it to.

 

Happy gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 

 
 

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October 2023 Tips

10/1/2023

 

Dear Gardening Friends,


It seems like we’ve had October weather in September and now they are predicting a warmer than average October. This makes gardening decisions difficult. Even though there have been many nights below 50 I haven’t brought my houseplants and annuals in the house. Just couldn’t seem to make myself do it. They all look so happy outside.
 
Tips on bringing in plants:
  • It’s probably too late to take cuttings from annuals but if you have some healthy plants give it a try.
  • When you bring in any annual or houseplants, remove any damaged leaves. Rinse them off thoroughly with a gentle spray hose and check for insects.
  • You can wash the leaves with a Dawn or other mild detergent mixed with water. This can also be used to douche the soil to help get rid of small insects in the soil. Then rinse well. 
  • Give the plants time to adjust to the move from outside to inside by putting them in a sheltered place for a few days. Ideally the plants can be moved into the house on a day when the outside and inside temps are close.
  • Expect some yellowing and/or leaf drop as the plants adjust to being inside.
  • Bringing any plant in usually is accompanied by the appearance of fungus gnats, those pesky little flies that fly in your face. Keep the soil dry and water from the bottom if possible. They reproduce in the top few inches of damp soil. Letting your plants dry out between waterings really helps.
 
True confessions… I stopped my deer spray program (every other week) thinking the deer were used to NOT coming into my yard and I hate mixing that stinky stuff. WRONG! The first 3 weeks were fine but in the last 3 days they have eaten so much I started spraying again last night.
 
  • Start planning now for protection from rabbits, deer, and cold winds. As winter approaches you will be ready to take the appropriate steps.
 
Weeding is still an issue. After the rain, weeding is a much easier task.  You’ll thank yourself in the spring when those perennial weeds aren’t there. Besides, weeding is a great way to notice things that need attention in the garden. If you can’t weed at least remove the seed heads to prevent more weeds next season.
 
Take advantage of fall leaves.
 
  • Leave the ones that fall in the gardens. Leaves make an effective and free winter mulch. They help protect the crowns from temperature fluctuations.
  • Gather mulched leaves for use in compost or save for mulch next spring. They can be stored in large plastic bags.
  • If you have a mulching lawn mower leave the mulched leaves and grass in place after the last mowing of the season. It will decompose and feed the grass. If the leaves are really thick in spots spread them around.
 Dividing and moving perennials can be done as long as the weather holds. Once it gets cold, I’d wait till spring. They need the soil to be warm enough to set in roots to survive the winter. Any perennials you move this fall should be well watered until the ground freezes and give them a good leaf cover to protect them from heaving.
 
  • If you have to move a perennial but don’t know where to plant it, pot it up in potting soil and winter over in a protected area.
  • If you have an area of groundcover that is out of the wind, put the potted plants right in the groundcover and cover with leaves. Burying the pot in the compost pile and covering with leaves also works well.  If your garage isn’t heated that is another option, again cover with leaves.
  • Cut back and remove any perennial that has had a disease like black spot or powdery mildew and remove any leaves left on the soil. Do not compost diseased plant material, dispose of it.
  • Many perennials can be left up over winter. The crowns help protect the roots from temperature fluctuations and birds eat the seeds. There are also many beneficial insects which overwinter in the leaf litter or lay their eggs in the stems. In winter I really enjoy seeing the plants peeking up through the snow.
 There’s still time to plant bulbs but do it soon as it’s best if they have time to set roots and make them strong for spring bloom. If you have trouble with critters digging up the bulbs, put a layer of pea gravel just under the soil level as you fill the planting hole. This will keep them from digging. You can also use small chicken wire.
 
Upcoming Gardening Events:
 
  • The Town & Country Garden Club is sponsoring my program on Using Native Plants in Your Garden, Thursday, October 12, from 2-4pm, at the Audubon Public Library, 350 John James Audubon Pkwy.  Seating is limited.  If interested call the library at 716-689-4922 to reserve a seat.
  • October is a big month for University Express classes. Check out their full schedule online at: https://www4.erie.gov/universityexpress/  All classes are free and open to the public. I will be offering Fall Is For Gardening at the following locations:
    • 10/2 – 1:00 PM at W. Seneca Sr. Center
    • 10/16 – 1:00 PM at Town of Tonawanda Library
    • 10/20 – 10:30 AM at Orchard Park Senior Center
Don’t forget to contact me for a garden consultation. It’s the perfect time to plan improvements for next year.

Happy gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 

 
 

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September 2023 Tips

9/1/2023

 

Dear Gardening Friends,


Can’t believe it’s September! August went by in a blur. Don’t think this is the end of the gardening season. Fall is for gardening!! Once the heat lessens is a perfect time to do lots of garden chores like dividing, planting and transplanting.
 
I will be having a fresh dug, by appointment, perennial sale starting mid-September. See Lessons from Nature events at the end of this Garden Tips for details.
 
What to divide/transplant when is always a question. Basically, spring blooming plants are best divided in fall but almost any perennial can be done. Avoid plants that are blooming in fall. Moving a plant in full bloom is very stressful for the plant. Those are best done in early spring.
 
My strategy is to walk around the garden and make notes on what needs to be done.  A notebook is helpful as all your info is in one place. Note what should be divided, moved, or eliminated as well as what changes you would like to make for next season.
 
Then prioritize chores into things to be accomplished this fall and those that can wait until spring. Some of which depend on the weather and of course how long your energy lasts! Somehow I never get everything done I’d planned.
 
Some indications a perennial needs dividing are: reduced bloom, a “doughnut hole” or bare spot in the middle of the clump, has outgrown it’s spot, needs a more appropriate site (sun, shade, etc.), or you just don’t like it there.
 
Perennials you move this fall need to be kept well watered until the ground freezes, It’s also a good idea to mulch newly moved plants well to protect their crowns from heaving over the winter.
 
I tend to leave up perennials that don’t have disease or insect infestation. The seed heads feed the birds and the crowns of the plants help protect them from winter temperature fluctuations.

-Plants with powdery mildew or other fungal disease should be cut back to the base and all stray leaves cleaned up from the ground. This is important as the fungal spores can winter over.

- Plants that had 4 lined plant bug damage (small lines of black spots on the leaves) should be cut to the base as the insect lays its eggs in the stems of affected plants.

-Make sure to discard all infected plant parts. Do not compost.
 
When to prune is always a question. Fall is NOT the best time to prune most things. Trees and shrubs are heading into dormancy and will not heal cuts as well. Early spring/late winter is the best time to prune most things. The exception is spring blooming trees and shrubs like forsythia and rhododendron. They should be pruned right after blooming.
 
Then there is always weeding! Anytime is the right time to weed.
 
When the nighttime temperatures get around 50 it’s time to bring in house plants that have spent the summer outside.
  • Check them well for insets and signs of disease
  • Remove weak or damaged leaves
  • Wash well with soapy water (a squirt of Dawn in water works well)
  • Give them a few days on the porch or other sheltered area where they can start adjusting to indoor light conditions.
  • Watch carefully after they’re inside in case any hitch hikers came along.
 
 Upcoming Gardening Events:
 
Master Gardener Fall Gardening Classes: This Fall we have an excellent choice of 3 classes all taught by Master Gardeners. I’m doing the one on 9/30. Check out the topics below. There’s something for everyone.
 
            Tues. Sept. 12th, 6:30- 8:00 PM at the CCE Power House
I’m For The Birds by Carol Ann Harlos
Why feed birds? Making your yard bird friendly, the why, how and what of feeding birds as well as types of feeders and nesting boxes and bird identification will all be covered.
 
            Wed. Sep 20th, 6:30- 8:00 PM at the CCE Poer House
Heirloom Gardening by Peggy Koppmann.
The gardens of our parents and grandparents were filled with pass-along plants like peonies, lilac, and iris.  Heirloom varieties of flowers and vegetables have a long history and have been handed down through the generations.  They help connect us to our cultural past by preserving the traditions, flavors, and fragrances of long ago.
 
            Sat. Sept. 30th, 10:00 – 11:30 AM at the Parkside Lodge
            Shrinking Your Lawn, Benefits and Strategies, by Lyn Chimera
If you want to reduce your lawn but not sure how to do it this class will give you lots of ideas as well as understanding why lawn reduction is important and how to go about it.
 
Cost:  $15/class, 3/$45
 Register at: erie.cce.cornell.edu/events
 
Lessons from Nature events: Fall Perennial Sale
 
My garden runeth over this fall. As a result, there are many perennials that need to move or be divided. Starting mid-September there will be a fresh dug perennial sale by appointment only. The list of available perennials is below. If there’s something you’d like, call or email (contact info at bottom of Garden Tips) and we can set up an appointment. These will be dug fresh and bagged, not potted.
 
Shade: small & mini hosta, curly ginger, dragon arum, white and yellow corydalis, persicaria, kosiana primrose, candelabra primrose, and perennial begonia
 
Part Sun: white wood aster, gold star (ground cover), dwarf astilbe, medium astilbe, lace cap hydrangea shrub, and flowering raspberry
 
Sun: Joe pye weed, curly anemone, aster, zig-zag goldenrod, and butterfly weed
 
Contact me for a garden consultation. I can help improve your garden and gardening practices as well as save you time and money! It’s not too late for improvements.
 
Happy Gardening!


Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
716- 652-2432
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

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August 2023 Tips

8/1/2023

 

Dear Gardening Friends,   

I sure hope August is cooler than July with more regular rain. I’m ready to turn the page on July.
 
As hot and dry as it has been don’t forget to water trees and shrubs. They need water too. When you water keep in mind that tree’s feeder roots are at the edge of where the leaves span and out from there. Unless it’s a newly planted tree you need to water deeply and well away from the trunk.
 
Many of my woodland perennials are showing signs of heat stress. Some have already died back for this season. If a plant has leaves browned from the dry heat cut the leaves off. I had to do this for blood root, trillium among others. It is less stressful for the plants to try and survive than to go dormant. Not to worry, they should be fine next year. The same thing is happening in nature.
 
Some plants need more water than others. Astilbe is one. If you see the leaves curling, water them right away. Once they crinkle up and turn brown, they will not come back until next season.
 
Powdery mildew had started showing up on susceptible plants like phlox. If it hasn’t shown up yet spray with an environmentally safe product for powdery mildew. Once it shows up those leaves can’t be helped. Remove affected leaves and spray the healthy leaves. The fungus can be spread by our hands and tools so be sure to disinfect with a spray of Lysol or whatever disinfectant you use before moving to another plant.
 
Check your plants regularly for signs of insects or disease. Determine the cause, and if any action is necessary, BEFORE you arbitrarily spray a pesticide or herbicide. Remember pesticides kill ALL insects, and herbicides kill ALL plants, the good with the bad. Always look for a nontoxic product.
 
A few holes in your leaves are not necessarily a disaster. Beneficial insects have to eat too. Remember butterflies and moths come from caterpillars so they are not necessarily the bad guys. Birds and many insects rely on caterpillars and other larva for their food and to feed their young.
 
By mid August discontinue fertilizing all plants except annuals. Perennials, trees and shrubs are starting their slow down into winter dormancy. They need to rest, not try and push out new growth.
 

 
 
 
Upcoming Gardening Events:
 
8/12, 11 – 2, WNY Hosta, Iris and Daylily Sale, Lake Erie Italian Club, 3200 South Park Ave, Buffalo.
 
Master Gardener Fall Gardening Classes:
 
             Tuesday, September 12, ‘I’m for the Birds’ –
                        6:30 – 8:00 pm, Roycroft Campus Powerhouse
                         
            Wednesday, September 20, Heirloom Gardening    
6:30 – 8:00 pm, Roycroft Campus Powerhouse
                       
            Saturday, September 30, Shrinking Your Lawn: Benefits and Strategies    
10:00 – 11:30 am,, Parkside Lodge 
                       
Cost:  $15/class, 3/$45
 Register at: erie.cce.cornell.edu/events
 
 
Garden Consultation:
August is a good time to think about gardening successes, failures and make plans for improvement. Contact me for a garden consultation. I can help improve your garden and gardening practices as well as save you time and money!
 
Happy Gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
652-2432

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July 2023 Tips

7/1/2023

 

Dear Gardening Friends,   


This has to have been one of the weirdest spring/early summers as long as I can remember. We’ve had all sorts of weather; cold, hot, dry, wet but lately mostly dry. Three major issues for July will be watering, plant disease and insect damage. Whatever insect or disease you have, find out what it is BEFORE any treatment.

 Watering has to be a priority and the way you water is important.

--Most pots in the sun will need watering every day. If it is a very full pot possibly 2/day. Ones in the shade probably less. Watering until the water runs out the bottom of the pot ensures the whole pot is moistened. The way to tell if a pot needs watering is to poke your finger into the soil down a few inches. If the soil is moist you don’t have to water. Overwatering in pots can be as harmful as underwatering.

- For vegetables, annuals, and perennials, watering long once or twice a week is better than daily short watering. The water needs to soak into the soil down where the roots are. To check take a trowel or shovel and make a divot. If it’s moist in the root zone (5-6 inches) you don’t need to water. The standard is an inch a week but in this heat that may not be enough, especially in a sunny area. There are water meter probes available at Garden Centers that will show you how much moisture is in the soil. They can be very helpful.

-Don’t worry if your grass starts to turn brown. Grass naturally goes dormant in dry periods, and it doesn’t harm the grass. It will green up with the next rain.

-The amount of watering will depend on the amount of sun and wind the area gets and how porous the soil is. In my garden some places in this extreme heat need watering every 4 days others in the shade maybe once a week or less.

-For those recently planted perennials and annuals, they will need water more often than established plants as their roots aren’t well established.

- Keep your eye out for Japanese beetles. If you get the first ones, you will decrease the total amount that find you. Check the plants you know they prefer. Get out a container with a few inches of soapy water and knock the little buggers in. Gives me
great satisfaction. For more info: https://blogs.cornell.edu/willow/files/2014/10/Japanese-Beetle-Popillia-japonica-fact-
sheet-16vi6b4.pdf


- An insect that is in abundance this season is 4 lined plant bug. It’s a small yellow/green and black striped true bug that has a piercing mouth part that leaves small round dark circles in the leaves. Fortunately, this doesn’t kill the plants, but it is
unsightly. They lay their eggs in the stems of the effected plants so at the end of the season cutting down those stems helps reduce the infestation next year. For more
info: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/four-lined-plant-bug/

- If any of you are having problems with the lily leaf beetle (a small red beetle on true lilies) try a squirt of Dawn dish liquid in a spray bottle of water. A few people have said that helps. I’ve seen them on tricyrtis (toad lily) this year so check out those as
well. For more information check: http://news.cornell.edu/stories/2001/07/cornell-cooperative-extension-master-
gardeners-spot-invasive-unpleasant-beetles-new


A squirt of Dawn & water works well for aphids as well.

- I’ve also seen signs of powdery mildew. This is a whiteish coating on the leaves. For plants like phlox that are susceptible to fungal disease you can start treatment before it shows symptoms. Treat with an environmentally safe fungicide specific to your problem. Remove affected leaves and disinfect your pruner and hands before moving to another plant. For more info: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/powdery-mildew/

- If you fertilize your plants, it’s best to do it when the soil is moist. Natural fertilizers are much better for plants and soil than chemical ones. Chemical fertilizers contain salts which kill the natural microbes in the soil which are what feed the plants.
Chemical fertilizer is OK for pots as that soil is discarded each year.

- Because of the intense heat it’s best to wait till fall to do any transplanting. It’s very stressful for the plants. If you have to move something now, give the plant some shelter from the sun with a box or umbrella for a few days and keep it well watered.

- Then there’s weeding… Just when you think you’re finished more pop up. Try and keep up or at least remove or deadhead weeds before they drop seed. If you haven’t mulched this will help control the weeds.

Gardening events in July:

Garden Walk Buffalo, Open Gardens and the weekend community garden walks are up and running. Open Gardens are every Thursday and Friday in July. Come visit me on Fridays between 10 – 2.

For information and schedules go to https://www.gardensbuffaloniagara.com/ or
buffaloniagaragardening,com. The Open Garden books, which include all activities, are also available at select nurseries and some of the Open Gardens.

The East Aurora Garden Walk will be July 15 & 16, 10:00 – 3:00.

Lessons from Nature events:

I will start hypertufa and concrete birdbath and steppingstone classes in a few weeks. (providing it’s not hot and humid). Each class is $30 and you get to make 2. Contact me and we can set up a class of up to 4 people.

Contact me for a garden consultation. I can help improve your garden and gardening practices as well as save you time and money! It’s not too late for improvements.

Happy Gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
652-2432

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June 2023 Tips

6/3/2023

 
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Dear Gardening Friends,   

Sorry, this is a little late. Once again June snuck up on me. Let’s hope June is cooler and wetter than May! Watering has been a major issue with all this heat and high temperatures. The following are some watering tips.
  • Watering deeply is the key. The moisture must go down where the roots are. The top of the soil can appear moist or dry depending on the circumstances but don’t be fooled by the top few inches of soil. Take a trowel or shovel and make a divot to see if the soil is moist down 6-8 inches.
  • The soil in a sunny area can dry out quickly so it’s important to check the moisture where the roots are. There are moisture probes you can purchase that are very helpful.
  • I’m not lucky enough to have a drip irrigation system so use a sprinkler. It’s helpful to put a can or jar out near the sprinkler so you can tell how much water is being spread. An inch a week is typical but in this heat it’s definitely not enough. My sprinkler is on for about an hour in the shady areas and almost 2 hours in the sunny, dry sections. Sounds like a long time but you won’t have to water as often.
  • Mulching is an excellent way to help the soil retain whatever moisture it gets. Without that protective covering the water evaporates quickly.
  • Now that we’ve covered watering it will probably be a rainy June. That would be fine with me.
  • Because of the weather I’m not moving/dividing perennials anymore. Had many more plants on the list to be moved &/or divided but now those chores will have to wait till fall. 
  • For newly planted perennials or annuals it’s helpful to cover them with a box, bushel basket or large pot to protect them from the heat and hot sun for a few days. It really cuts down on plant shock.
  • Anything newly planted or moved should be watered almost daily depending on your conditions. Containers and hanging baskets need frequent watering as well.
  • When you plant a new perennial, it’s best to cut off any blooms. This gives the plant energy to set in roots as opposed to trying to keep flowers going. Make a bouquet out of the flowers so you can enjoy them.
  • Early to mid-June is the ideal time to cut back perennials that get very tall to about ½ to reduce the final height and promote branching and increase bloom. Common plants for this are phlox, asters, mums and sedum. Make sure to cut back to a leaf join and not leave stubs.
  • Watch out for slugs and snails. There are many products on the market that are not toxic, yet effective at getting rid of slugs and snails. I hand pick everyone I see but with gloves or a paper towel. The slug slime is extremely difficult to wash off your hands. I can attest to this firsthand! Once you make that mistake you won’t do it again.
  • Keep your eye out for insects and diseases. It’s always best to first identify what it is and then what to do about it.
  • Weeding is a huge priority. Don’t let them get ahead of you. Once they are well established weeds are much more difficult to remove and they drop seeds to make more weeds for you to deal with. Once you weed, a good layer of mulch will help hold down the weeds and keep moisture from evaporating as quickly.
 
Now is the time you may be having problems or questions about your garden. Contact me for a Garden Consult. I can answer your questions and help improve your garden and gardening practices which will save you time and money.
 
Upcoming Garden Events:
 
Lewiston Garden Fest, Center Stret, June 17 & 18 10-5.
         Lots of great vendors, Open Gardens, speakers and more.
 
Buffalo Garden Art Festival at the Botanical Gardens, June 24, 10-3 & 25, 10-2.
         This fun event kicks off the various garden activities and tours that are happening this summer. Plus, it’s a great place to find just the right artful addition to your garden.
 
Happy Gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
652-2432

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May 2023 Tips

5/4/2023

 
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Dear Gardening Friends,   


Don’t know about you but I’m ready to turn the page on April. The good thing about the cooler weather is the spring blooms have been fabulous and lasting a long time. Don’t be concerned about some perennials that haven’t shown themselves yet. The cooler weather has delayed some plants. Because of this be super careful where you step and especially dig.
 
The following are a few tips for May:
 
  • Patience is still the best approach. The soil is quite cold and it’s way too soon to even think about planting annuals. Hopefully by mid to end May. If you are tempted and purchase plants that can’t be planted now, keep them in a sheltered place. If the annuals are in flats spread them out so there is good air circulation. Storing them crowded in a flat invites fungal disease.
  • If you leave a footprint on the soil that’s a sign the soil is too wet to work in. It’s easy to compact the soil with every footfall so stay off until things dry out.
  • It’s helpful to have paths or steppingstones in gardens so you can navigate without harming the soil. If a path isn’t appropriate a few rocks or steppingstones placed appropriately are practical and attractive.
 
I’ve started moving and dividing some perennials. Early May is an ideal time to divide or move perennials already in your gardens. Signs they need dividing are: overcrowding, lower bloom the previous season, and if plant has a bare spot in the center known as the donut hole. If after 3 years in a location a plant isn’t thriving, try moving it to a more suitable spot or share it with a friend.
  • However, don’t move perennials when the soil is too wet. “Workable” soil means the soil will break apart easily after you make it into a ball in your hand. Clumpy soil won’t settle around the roots well and cause air pockets which can dry out the roots.
 
Weeding should be a priority. Perennial weeds are up now and will be much easier to remove when small. If removed now you also prevent the weed from developing seeds and spreading even more.
  
The soil is still much too cold to plant greenhouse grown perennials, annuals, and vegetables. Wait until the soil is above 50 degrees. As an example, tomatoes planted too soon don’t do as well as those planted at the end of May. Remember Patience! The final average frost isn’t until late May so don’t get fooled by a few warm days.
  • There are lots of deer and critter sprays available. Basically, there are two types, those that smell bad or taste bad. I always prefer the smelly types as I don’t want deer to munch a bit before they realize it tastes bad. It stinks while you’re spraying but dissipates by the next day. There are also products/granules you spread on the ground. Try a variety of products and rotate the ones that work the best for you.
When buying plants look for ones that are deer resistant. There are many excellent lists online including the one from Cornell below:
 
warren.cce.cornell.edu › gardening-landscape › deer-resistant-plants
 
RECYCLE pots, trays. I can use pots 4 inches and up and flat carrying trays. No 6 packs. Also, if you are discarding any Venetian blinds or see some in the garbage, please save them for me. I use the blinds for price tags for the plant sale.
 
Now is the time to make changes and improvements in your garden. I can help improve your garden and gardening practices and guarantee to save you time and money. Contact me for an onsite consultation. Also check out my website for past Garden Tips and articles: lessonsfromnature.biz.
 
Upcoming Plant Sales & Events: Put them on your calendar now!
 
Lessons from Nature and Amanda’s Native Garden and Perennial Plant Sale.
Saturday, May 20th, 9:00 – 2:00.  170 Pine St., E Aurora, corner of Pine & Lawrence.
 
Clients and those of you who get my tips can come at 8:00 and beat the rush. We will have a larger variety of native plants on that one day than anywhere in WNY.  All plants are dug fresh from my garden and those from Amanda’s Native Garden are started from seed by Ellen Folts, the owner. Check out her website for availability. Ellen will take orders and deliver them the day of the sale. I will also have a selection of hypertufa containers, draped concrete planters and birdbaths.
 
I’ve been busily potting up when the weather has permitted. This is looking to be a bumper year for the plant sale. A list of available plants will be emailed the week before the sale.
Note: all my plants will be root washed and potted in soilless potting mix due to the threat of the Asian jumping worm. If you’re not aware of this threat, you can get information at: http://ulster.cce.cornell.edu/environment/invasive-pests/jumping-worm
 
Master Gardener Plant Sale, Friday May 26, 8:30 – 3:00, Saturday May 27, 8:30 – 2:00, First Presbyterian Church, 1 Symphony Circle, across from Kleinman’s. Perennials for sun and shade, natives, annuals, succulents, hypertufa and draped concrete pots, vegetable starts, herbs, shrubs and garden art. Plants are from MG gardens and donated by local nurseries.
 
East Aurora Garden Club Perennial Sale, Saturday, May 27th 8:30 – till sold out.
In the Village Plaza on Grey Street where Tops is. The sale is located under the roof overhang between TJ Max and Pet Smart. A great selection plants from Garden Club member’s gardens.
 
Special Event:
The Western New York Land Conservancy is thrilled to host world-renowned author Tony Hiss, one of the strongest advocates for land protection in the United States, to discuss his seminal book Rescuing the Planet: Protecting Half the Land to Heal the Earth.  The free event will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 25th at the Montante Cultural Center on the campus of Canisius College (2001 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14208). For individuals unable to attend in person, the event will also be livestreamed, but registration is required to get the link.
 
Don’t forget to contact me for a garden consult. I can help improve your garden and gardening practices.

Happy Gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
652-2432

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April '23 Tips

4/1/2023

 
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Dear Gardening Friends,   

Spring has sprung, well almost. It has been trying anyway. Even though we are all anxious to get out there and work in the soil, wait a while. Remember patience!
  • If you’re dying to do some gardening work on your houseplants. This is a good time to repot, trim and give them a good dusting.
    • If there is a whitish/yellow crusty surface on the top of the soil it’s a good clue to repot and replenish with fresh soil. The buildup is a concentration of salts which is not good for the plant.
    • This can also occur on the outside of the pot. If so, it can be scrubbed off with steel wool.
    • Check your houseplants for any insect or disease problems. Identify what the problem is before trying to treat.
    • An easy way to ID the problem is to GOOGLE possible problems on that specific plant. Select a “.edu” site to do the research. That way you’re getting scientific results.
 
  • There’s lots you can do outside. Whatever you do be mindful of not walking on the soft soil. If you can see your footprint don’t go on the soil.
    • Lots of sticks and branches are down after our damaging winter. Pick up the ones you can reach.
    • This is the ideal time to prune most trees or shrubs (that don’t bloom in the spring).
    • If your tree/shrub has broken or damaged branches those should be pruned back to a main branch or stem. Don’t leave stubs is one of the basic rules of pruning.
    • If a shrub, like an arb, is splayed you can try wrapping it up with twine (not plastic cord). It should be OK.
    • Some trees may just have to be removed. Check with an arborist for an assessment of the damage.
    • Many damaged shrubs can just be cut back, and they will regrow. My Bottle Brush Buckeye is so badly damaged I’m going to cut the whole thing back about 6 inches from the ground and hope for the best.
    • Before starting any pruning chores clean and sharpen your tools. It makes a HUGE difference.
 
  • Other timely tips
    • Rake or sweep up the road grit from driveway and road edges.
    • There seems to be a lot of black knot fungus on flowering cherry and plum trees. It can affect ornamental and fruit bearing trees. The affected sections look like swollen black knots on the branches and should be pruned out 8 inches away from the “knot”. This is a highly contagious fungal disease so don’t ignore it. Disinfect your tools after working on an infected tree. For information go to: http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/blackknot.pdf
    • Gently rake up mulch/leaves that may be over areas where bulbs and early perennials like daylilies are poking through. I always leave some leaves as protection for late season snow & frost. We are bound to have some of both before consistently warmer weather arrives.
    • Ornamental grasses should be cut back before the new growth starts so now is a good time. Wear long sleeves as they have “razor” edges which is why deer don’t eat them.
    • The soil should be above 50 degrees and form a loose clump in your hand before you start any moving or dividing. Again, patience pays off in the end. It’s doubtful we will be able to do anything other than clean up by the end of the month.
    • If you’ve left plants up from last fall don’t be in a hurry to cut them back. Many beneficial insects overwinter or lay their eggs in the stems and litter around the crown. The same goes for leaf litter in the garden. There are a lot of insects and larva living in the ground litter. Just let it be for now.
  • If you need advice on how to transplant, divide, prune, what to plant etc. contact me for a consultation
 
Garden Consult:
 
It’s not too early to start planning, changes and improvements for your garden. Just contact me for an appointment to get a head start on the season.
 
I’m also available for a pruning consult. You can learn proper pruning techniques so you can do it yourself in the future.
 
A garden or pruning consult will save you time and money in the long run.

Happy Gardening!

Lyn Chimera
Lessons from Nature
170 Pine St.
E. Aurora, NY 14052
[email protected]
652-2432

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