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Gardening in the Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes has a long history of involvement in the promotion of public gardens, in gardening as a recreational activity and source of nutritious food, in the use of plants as ornamentals, and in the study of plants (botany).

The growing season in the Finger Lakes can begin as early as mid-May and last until as late as mid-October. During the summer months, many cities and towns have garden tours and horticultural organizations have classes. Here is some information to help you get started.

Public Gardens

Horticultural Organizations and Gardening Clubs

Cornell University Cooperative Extension Offices

GARDEN SHOWS

Rochester

Syracuse

GARDEN PARTIES

Seward House--2nd Saturday in July

TOURS

The Backyard Habitat Tour

"Elmira Blooms"

Fall Creek Garden Tour

(check the Ithaca Garden Network blog below for more details)

The Garden Conservancy's "Open Days"

BLOGGING

Ithaca Garden Network

Upstate Gardeners' Journal

REGIONAL GARDENING MAGAZINES

Upstate Gardeners' Journal 

(Publisher's note: If you're new to the Finger Lakes Region, I highly recommend the book The Rudy Baga Garden Book: A Complete Guide to Gardening in the Ithaca Area by Dennis Kolva. This is a pictureless paperback book that is full of helpful information about gardening in the Finger Lakes. It's currently out of print but can be found in used book stores and at Amazon.com.)

Updated 7 July 2010