Walking the Elmwood neighborhood during the Buffalo Fling—the second half

We're back in Buffalo's Elmwood neighborhood and visiting three different gardens, the remainder of Saturday's Fling visits. First up, the one belonging to Annabelle Irey and Jim Locke...

From the Fling program: "A white picket fence surrounds the main garden, known as “Mary’s Garden”, with a crushed brick path and a pond. Interesting plants include dahlias, tropicals and flowering vines."

Acanthus spinosus (I believe), in the hell strip.

Up into the garden proper, where the plants fill the driveway.

Fairy gardens are not my thing, but I appreciated hearing Annabelle tell stories about how she encourages the kids who visit to rearrange and make these little gardens their own. I was also impressed with the metal, terra cotta and cement accoutrements. No flashy plastic here!

The back garden.

The next garden belonged to Hillary and Matt Turco.

Sauromatum venosum in the front garden.

This exuberant planter was parked at the front of the long narrow walkway to the back garden.

From the Fling program: "This once concrete backyard now hosts a lush wonderland of shrubs, perennials, annuals and trees. Everything from a full shade garden to a fascinating tropical display is included in this typical Buffalo property, where the first look gives no indication of what lies ahead."

Yes indeed! You'd never guess this oasis is at the back of the house...

More lush planters full of Sauromatum venosum, Amorphophallus konjac, bananas and cannas. Be still my heart!

Smaller container garden.

Which included a couple pots of chaya, mexican tree spinach...

There's Sound Gardener, my friend Michelle...

There was a lot of plant goodness tucked into this small back garden.

A few surprises hidden in the mix too.

I love their attention to detail.

Heather, Emily, and Michelle patiently waiting for me, the one who's always lagging behind snapping photos.

Persicaria virginiana 'Painter's Palette'

The last image from the Turco garden...

Now we're at Greg and Judy Gima's Coatsworth Gardens: "This garden showcases a canopy of more than 60 trees amidst a tapestry of hundreds of perennial blooms and flowering shrubs. A fish pond harmonizes with a babbling brook, and cascading waterfalls lend a tranquil charm. Artful garden installations punctuate the space, while a fire pit and gazebo offer relaxing retreats."

Entering we felt a little like we might have got the wrong garden.

Not that it wasn't fabulous, but it just felt like nobody was expecting us.

It turns out that was the case. We heard communication got mixed up somewhere along the line and the garden owners didn't expect the Flingers through that afternoon. 

What is it with Buffalo gardens and dragons I wonder?

I'm glad we got to wander through this very personal garden and appreciate the owners making the best of it. I've got one day of Fling coverage left to share!

The Bit at the End

Check out the wire work on this Instagram page, ss.art___wirecraft. It's fabulous. I think I might need to try my hand at making a wire wreaths this winter.

—   —   —

To receive alerts of new danger garden posts by email, subscribe here. Please note: these are sent from a third party, their annoying ads are beyond my control. 

All material © 2009-2026 by Loree L Bohl. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.