A Buffalo Fling is like no other

elizlicata
11 minutes ago
3 min read

Every city thinks it’s special.

We get that. Likewise, every Fling has its own highlights – each is like no other Fling in no other city.

You need to know about Buffalo’s highlights.

First, this Fling has a concept. We’ve organized it so that participants will really get a sense of what it’s like to experience Garden Walk Buffalo. That will happen every afternoon.

We’ve also made sure that, every morning, participants will get to see fabulous outlying gardens in rural and suburban areas that Garden Walk Buffalo visitors rarely or never see. That’s our concept: bus trips between gardens north, south and east of Buffalo during the morning and then a welcome opportunity for leg-stretching during the afternoon, as Flingers make their way between top urban gardens in Buffalo’s Allentown, Elmwood and Cottage Districts.

And don’t worry–Western New York is compact. Even the daily bus trips will be short and sweet in between stops. As for the walks, we’ll give you all easy maps covering a few blocks of each neighborhood and you can choose your own adventure. Feel free to dawdle and explore.

Just to pique your interest, here are a few spots we’ve included (complete schedule to come):

Day 1 (Fri): This tour of what we call the Southtowns includes the magnificent wooded property of Kathy Guest. Her Smug Creek gardens are bisected by a creek that runs through the gardens and under the house. Sure, hostas (mini and supersized) have always been a thing here, but ask Kathy about the wide range of unusual shrub and perennial hybrids that only she can convince to thrive here.

Day 1 (Fri): Johanna Dominguez’ Allentown garden reflects her adventurous spirit as well as her creative problem-solving as owner of Put a Plant on It, a houseplant emporium we’ll also be visiting. Planted outdoor wall? Check. Catio? Check. Eye-popping use of color? Check. Espaliered fruit trees?? Check. We could go on, but this garden is, quite simply, outrageous.

Day 2 (Sat) includes the Coyne/DiNezza property. A dry-shade enclave with concolor firs, a charming garden house, Japanese maples and perennial pathways surround this 1920s Arts-and-Crafts-style stone house. It’s a beautiful example of how Buffalo suburbs celebrate a distinguished history that goes back to settlement of the region. Elegance is the watchword here.

Day 2 (Sat) also features a wide range of gorgeous Elmwood Village city gardens, but maybe all you need to know is The Shed. Jim Charlier’s hand-fashioned garden structures include at least seven water features, but The Shed is famous. It must be seen in person.

Day 3 (Sun) takes us to the beautiful Draves Arboretum, among several private garden stops. Garden clubs from all over the Northeast flock to this site, which features more than 800 different tree species over 27 acres. It started as a private collection, founded by a renowned arborist.

Day 3 (Sun) finds us back in the city again, touring Buffalo’s renowned Cottage District gardens, where exquisite 19th century homes compete with garden spaces that squeeze every bit of possibility from their limited square footage. These gardens are what put Buffalo on the map as a horticultural destination, but Fling participants won’t have those Garden Walk crowds to deal with. Just to name one spot, Ellie Dorritie’s sidewalk and back yard gardens must be seen to be believed. You'll want to meet Ellie.

And there you have it – six snapshots of a couple dozen Buffalo Fling gardens. Spots are filling up. Make sure you get yours.

Ready to sign up? Apply First, Register Second

Don't delay, start the reservation process now!

Fill out this Garden Fling Qualification Form. Completing the qualification form does NOT guarantee registration. It is to verify your online presence credibility. Visit here for qualifications to attend.
If confirmed, we will send you a link to the Fling Registration Form to reserve your spot by credit card ($300) and make hotel reservations ($199/night). You’ll get a confirmation email. If you don’t receive an email, check your spam folder.