Put A Plant On It, a plant shop in Buffalo (a Fling stop)

Monday's blog post covered our Garden Fling visit to Johanna Dominguez's home garden. Today we're stopping by her shop, Put A Plant On It, which was part of the Fling walking tour of the Elmwood neighborhood on Saturday afternoon.

The description from our Fling program; "Put a Plant On It is a Latina-owned, woman-operated full-service gift shop and plant consultancy. We specialize in botanically themed gifts, rare and common plants, and a range of houseplant services, including sitting, repotting, consultations, and a plant hospital for sick plants. Whether you’re searching for unique gifts or want to transform your space with greenery, Put a Plant On It is your go-to source."

I somehow missed this sign in the window, thanks to Emily for sharing it with me.

Kind of unexpected, Rhamnus frangula 'Ron Williams' (fern-leaf buckthorn). At least that's what I think it is...

I love a shop that can't help but spill out onto the sidewalk.

Especially when they have bins to help their neighbors in need.

And cool plants...

Inside the shop...

Hmmm, I needed to bring home a souvenir from the trip. One of these Hoya crassipetiolata would do nicely.

Or maybe a begonia? (it was the hoya that won that contest)

Fun mirror decorations.

And since I tend to end up in the "off limits" area wherever I go, well it's only right I take a picture too. This was the second shop I'd seen using a stock tank as a working water receptacle or potting tub (I didn't get close enough to see for sure), I like it!

Artsy-craftsy

Put A Plant On It also operates as a bird rescue complete with a flock of shop birds. If you're local you can apply to adopt one of these feathered cuties, visit the Aviary.

Yes, you're adorable.

So many plants!

And stickers...

And even clothing!

Here's Anny (lead planner for the upcoming Portland Fling) making friends with one of the birds at the cash/wrap.

Several blocks after leaving Put A Plant On It (we were walking a "make your own adventure" map of open gardens) we came across this interesting metal tube sculpture / planter on the corner of Elmwood Ave.

That's fun!

So bright!

The Bit at the End

Today I'm sharing a video of my friend Heather's fabulous garden. Another friend, garden designer Darcy Daniels, recently filmed a tour of Heather's back garden. Watching it was so much fun, I felt like I was hanging out with them, admiring plants and Heather's design chops, which she'd claim she doesn't have, but whatever. Watch it and see for yourself!

—   —   —

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.

Valinor, the Allentown garden of Johanna Dominguez —during the Buffalo Fling

I'm turning back to Friday, July 10th—the first day of the '26 Buffalo Fling. The day started as most Garden Flings do. We were on a motorcoach out touring gardens in the Southtowns of the Buffalo area. Things got a change-up however in the afternoon, when we returned to Buffalo proper and were set free to walk open gardens in the Allentown neighborhood. Today I'm sharing one of those gardens, the one called Valinor, belonging to Johanna Dominguez.

Off topic, but I had to photograph this abrupt change in the sidewalk materials in front of Johanna's house. We encountered this all over the Allentown area that afternoon. I couldn't help but think back to the sidewalks of my urban Portland neighborhood, where chunks of concrete are sometimes raised up or sunk down, depending on the surrounding tree roots. While this gravel interruption is a bit incongruent it still feels like less of a tripping hazard.

Okay, back to the garden at hand, Here's the brief description in our Fling program: "Welcome to Valinor: a joyful blend of structure and wild beauty. Out front, sculptural and colorful planters overflow with vibrant annuals in a bold, ever-changing display. Along the side, a peaceful micro meadow of native flowers invites pollinators and celebrates the magic of natural landscapes. A custom water feature and catio are among the must-see elements."

That description made no mention of the parts of the garden I found most appealing, such is the challenge when visiting open gardens and trying to decide what you want to see based on words. 

Check out that hanging cactus! Cleistocactus colademononis (monkey tail cactus), I believe.

Yes I'm a sucker for a potted succulent collection.

But what really got me was the green wall...

I would have definitely called this out in the written description, it's amazing!

Here was someone pushing the envelope, growing things that aren't expected, or hardy, in the area. Lots of houseplants vacationing outdoors, something we didn't see much of in Buffalo.

Later I go the chance to tell Johanna how much I loved this part of her garden and she mentioned that she hadn't yet brought out all the plants that normally live here, on the wall. I can definitely understand that. The Great Migration is not easy! Especially not for someone busy like Johanna, who also owns a retail plant shop—Put A Plant On It—which we'll visit with Wednesday's blog post.

There's Woozle, shop dog at Put a Plant On It, who was helping garden visitors navigate the wilds of the garden.

There's Johanna (R) and a Fling touree, in the back garden.

Some form of Voodoo lily (Sauromatum venosum?) I believe.

Those stone steps down from the back of the house, I was in serious stone lust over them. Why aren't they edged with containers though?

The catio, and cat. Trust me there is a cat, sadly I failed to get a good photo.

Turning to head out of the back garden...

Pond and water spout.

And back out at the vertical green wall, where Johanna is talking with another Flinger. The coleus really add a nice pop of color don't they?

So well done!

The Bit at the End

Did you catch the name of the garden, Valinor? To tell the truth I did not. Not until friends and I were discussing our favorite gardens of the day (this was definitely in my top 2 or 3) and one of them used the name Valinor and referenced Lord of the Rings. I was lost. Completely. Can you tell I'm not a Tolkien fan? In case you aren't either you can learn more about Valinor on Wikipedia. FWIW that friend didn't particularly care for this garden, something I was shocked to learn. It's always interesting to see what other gardeners (especially ones you like and would think might have a similar opinion) are drawn to.

—   —   —

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.