More Plants And Pals From Buffa10

Continuing with the theme of sharing with you, dear readers, the folks and flowers seen in the lovely garden city of Buffalo, New York this July…

…Inspired planting combination were in abundance. This window box that was seen in the Cottage district echoed the colors of the foundation plantings below it so well, it needed to be shared.

Sedums and Sempervivums planted in wood-like shelf fungus hanging along this fence illicited excited exclamations. Perilla ‘Magilla’ at the base makes the perfect guardian. Monardas are peeking up above the wooden slats for additional punctuation.

The serene Olmsted Park’s Delaware Park Japanese Garden was picture perfect in a light drizzle…

…But I feel the scene is greatly enhanced by the addition of the ever chic Helen Yoest of Gardening With Confidence.

Also on the itinerary for Friday was a visit to the Urban Roots Community Garden Center. At first I thought this was a community garden, not reading the literature with full attention. Rather it is a local resource for plants and much more that is owned and operated by members of the community. The tally of members stands at 656 as this is written, quite impressive. It was a result of no nurseries close to the burgeoning gardens of Buffalo’s garden walk district. Elizabeth and Jim are both members.

The mission statement: Urban Roots Community Garden Center is a consumer cooperative business whose mission is to provide quality products for gardening in the City of Buffalo and be an active and enriching member of the community.

Well done.

Totally undaunted by pouring rain, only occasionally wiping the water build up from his face, co-owner Brian (Gordon was on duty in the cantina serving drinks and chatting under the thatched canopy) enthusiastically answered questions, explained the processes and even demonstrated the compost tumbler for us in the amazingly lush gardens. Walking around with an umbrella seemed unfair as he was without cover. The passion he felt for the plants within his tending was contagious. A big thank you is extended to Brian and Gordon for allowing us into their private piece of heaven on earth.

This garden was brimming with perfect specimens of perennials, especially lilies. These appear to be L. regale an oriental, might be L. ‘Pearl’, thanks Elizabeth!, with a charming Dahlia backed by a stained wooden fence. Simply scrumptious!

Delightfully delicious Layanee of Ledge And Gardens wisely was umbrella prepared and color/pattern coordinated.

Saturday found the sun shining brightly at the Erie Basin marine test gardens. At first the horticulturist in charge of the testing by seed companies Ball, Proven Winners and others thought we, the garden bloggers, would not wish to be put to work analyzing and voting for our favorite plants. How wrong he was! We were given four flags each, one for each company’s display grouping, although I am not sure that message was internalized by all, to make our selections of best of the best. In the above photo Carol of May Dreams Gardens, in the green blouse, is studying the charms of each plant, using body language to help her decide who will win her coveted red flags.

Later that day it was out into the country on the tour buses to see the fabulous acreage of Mike and Kathy Shadrack who offered us a real English cream tea, clotted cream and scones included, served in flowery tea cups. He is a hosta officianado, she takes care of the sun lovers, with an emphasis on daylilies. This was such a treat, we wish to thank the Shadracks for their generous hospitality. The setting was sublime with shady seating areas, a rocky creek and well labeled gardens. The sun illuminated the Miscanthus in the middle of the hillside bed like a spotlight on a performing diva onstage, sensationally sizzling! Pam of Digging, left and Jim of Art Of Gardening are chatting with owner Kathy in the shot.

The Union Jack was proudly displayed in the Shadrack garden since Mike hails from those splendid isles. Meeting up again with my good buddy Christopher of Outside Clyde is always a joyful reunion. Now that Interstate 40 has been cleared of rock slide debris between Knoxville and Asheville, we hope to visit him much more often to see how the cozy cabin and accompanying gardens are coming along.

Friendships such as these are often the result of the blogger meets. To all garden bloggers out there in the blogdom, save your pennies for wherever 2011 takes us. It will be well worth it. Added: Rumor has it that 2011 will see us meeting in Seattle!

There are more photos that need to be shown before we wind up the Buffa10 postings. I think a page to corral them will be in order.
The Page:
Garden Blogger’s Meetups

My other posts:

Plants And Pals From Buffa10

Final Plants And Pals From Buffa10

To see all the postings about this event, click here.

Frances