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.

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Saturday afternoon of the Buffalo Fling, walking the Elmwood neighborhood

We're back in Buffalo. It's Saturday afternoon, the second day of the '26 Garden Fling. We spent the morning touring gardens north of Buffalo, and now it's time to walk the city gardens of Elmwood. These gardens are open to locals as part of the annual Garden Walk Buffalo, those of us on the Fling got a "sneak peek." My coverage of Elmwood Village will span two posts, today we're visiting Leslie and Jim Charlier's garden, then Gordon Ballard and Brian Olinski's place; Bird Ave Gardens. 

No doubt some of you will recognize the Charlier's garden from Jim's blog; The Art of Gardening as well as his Instagram page. The front garden...

From the Fling program; "The turreted 1897 home includes a garden well-known for its bright color, style sense and handmade decor. The back unveils a garden shed hosting a Harry Potter Garden fronted by a checkerboard garden. A copper coral bell fountain in a bed of heuchera plants is a typically ingenious touch. Jim is the co-author of the books Harry Potter: Herbology Magic and Buffalo Style Gardens. Featured on PlantPop.com." The PlantPop video is here.

At the entrance to the back garden...

Bam! That's some color. Isn't it fabulous?

There really was no shortage of color in this garden.

Coleus sp.

The shed, which even I (as a non Harry Potter fan) could appreciate.

The checkerboard.

Inside the shed.

Back outside and admiring the framed vertical planting on the side of the house.

What a great place to tuck garden prunings.

Another view of the shed.

A bit of hedge formality.

Turning to a large container grouping, and deck off the back of the house.

Covered and private sitting area between the deck and the house.

And back out on the deck.

Looking down to the far back corner of the garden.

Jim makes the tall art posts there on the left. You may have noticed them in several of the Buffalo gardens we've visited.

Louise Nevelson inspired...

Tempting to sit for a bit, but we've got other gardens to see!

Parting shot of a velvety Clematis.

And then on to the Ballard / Olinski garden, which was actually our last stop of the day. One that had agaves...

And plants for sale!

Truth be told there were also beverages of the adult type. Wine. Oh so welcome after a long day of garden touring! 

The garden description: "This tropical party-themed garden started in 1994 as a blank slate. A flagstone patio showcases dwarf Japanese Maples, cactus, and succulents. Salvaged concrete columns are reused as plant stands. Raised island beds, pathways, and sitting areas were added over time, along with a Key West-inspired cantina. A 4-tiered pondless waterfall leads you back to the 8-seat bar cantina. Featured on PlantPop.com."

The same potted agaves from the first shot in this garden, only from the other side, photo taken by Emily after we'd plopped down on the front steps to wait for the buses to come and take us back to the hotel...

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.