Shooting a beautiful garden ...

... today and tomorrow, in Pittsford, for Garden Ideas and Outdoor Living, with my pal Andreas.

Rochester’s Flower City Garden Contest Deadline Extended

The deadline for entering the City of Rochester’s Flower City Garden Contest has been extended to August 7. The efforts of hundreds of City gardeners have been recognized over the last 18 years through the contest which is part of the Flower City Looking Good Program which focuses on urban beautification, environmental stewardship and healthy lifestyles.

Any gardener may nominate his/her own garden or a neighbor’s garden. Recognition and prizes are awarded in the following categories: best container garden, best use of a water feature, best educational garden, best community garden, best wildlife/butterfly garden and new this year best urban farm.

Call 428-6770 or go to www.cityofrochester.gov for more information or to access the garden contest entry form.

Late Breaking Event news: Restoring Ganondagan's Native Beauty (Hike)

Hike Explores Addition of Indigenous Grasses, Reveals Site of Ganondagan's New Arts and Education Center

VICTOR, NY—August 2, 2009-- On Sunday, August 16, Ganondagan State Historic Site will present "Ganondagan's Native Grasses," part of Ganondagan's Savor the Summer Outdoor Recreation Series. On a hike lead by Ganondagan's Site Manager, G. Peter Jemison, participants will learn about the recent sowing of indigenous grasses and discover how Ganondagan would have looked in the 16^th and 17^th Century. Participants will also get a sneak preview of where Ganondagan's Arts & Education Center will be built.

"Earlier this year, we planted grasses that would have been indigenous to this region. Although it will take several seasons for these grasses and plants to be as abundant as they'd have been in the 1600s when Ganondagan was inhabited by 4500 Seneca, participants will learn what we're doing to restore the land to its original native beauty and how that may influence other aspects of the environment."

"Ganondagan's Native Grasses" will start at 9:30 a.m., leaving from the Visitors Center at Ganondagan State Historic Site, located at 1488 State Rte. 444, Victor, NY. Participants are advised to allow about 2 hours, wear hiking shoes and bring a bottle of water. There will be some hill climbing and uneven surfaces on the trail so this walk is appropriate for adults and older children.

Non-members pay the Ganondagan State Historic Site fee of $3 for adults and $2 for children. It is free to Friends of Ganondagan Members, who show their membership card. For more information, visit www.ganondagan.org or call 585.742-1690.