Buffalo Garden Walk: 11 Ideas from a City That Blooms Against the Odds

Buffalo averages nearly eight feet of snow annually, but hardy perennials thrive—it’s the gardeners who itch for green. When spring breaks, Buffalo bursts: tender annuals from seed, tropical tubers from basements, thousands of bulbs on sidewalks. The last weekend in July brings Garden Walk Buffalo, the largest free open garden event in the U.S.—400+ gardens, 65,000 visitors. Here are eleven ideas stolen from Buffalo’s green streets.

1. Driveway Gardens

Jennifer Guercio grows Clematis jackmanii, goatsbeard, and meadow rue in a narrow strip beside her driveway—plants that withstand salt, ice, and severe cold (zone 6a).

2. Fence Flowers

Gardens spill over fences, inviting the visit before the gate opens.

3. Hell Strip Gardens

The compromised strip between sidewalk and street becomes an all-you-can-eat perennial buffet.

4. Frosty Ornaments

Art and statuary define Buffalo style—Jennifer’s frosted hourglass pairs with pink astilbe plumes.

5. Wall Gardens

Jim Charlier plants sedums and Sempervivum in a wooden picture frame, overwintering under canvas.

6. Start with One Plant

Brian Olinski advises new gardeners: “Find a plant you like. Start with one.” For him, castor bean (Ricinus communis)—humble in early summer, roof-height by fall.

7. Tropical Aspirations

Hardy Hibiscus ‘Summer Storm’ produces dinner-plate flowers despite short seasons.

8. Indoor Vines

Buffalo Botanic Garden’s glass houses offer tropical escape; Thunbergia mysorensis drops flowers from overhead trellis.

9. Elegant Clematis

Clematis texensis ‘Princess Diana’—tulip-shaped, re-blooming, dainty.

10. Strange Neighbors

A 2006 October snowstorm felled 30,000 trees, turning shade to sun overnight. Feverfew (sun) now mingles with hostas (shade)—vestiges of the old garden remain.

11. Save Seedheads

Don’t deadhead alliums—seedheads last weeks, add structure. Clematis ‘Liberation’ whorls like ’70s toupees. Opium poppy pods add months of drama. Blue sea holly’s spiny skeleton persists.

Next Garden Walk Buffalo: July 30–31, preceded by weekly Thursday/Friday open gardens. No criteria—any garden welcome.