• Gardens Buffalo Niagara (GBN) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to create more vibrant and beautiful communities by sharing gardens. GBN empowers communities through grants, education, and inspiration, fostering connections throughout Buffalo Niagara and beyond. 

    GBN champions environmental sustainability, recognizing that no garden is too small to make an impact. Through collaboration, GBN  innovates, grows, and celebrates artistic expression in individuals and neighborhoods. Above all, GBN  uplifts and invites others to join in celebrating thriving, beautiful spaces.

  • Gardens Buffalo Niagara creates more vibrant and beautiful communities by sharing gardens through events like Garden Walk Buffalo, America’s largest garden tour; the East Side Garden Walk; Tours of Open Gardens on Thursdays and Fridays in July; the The Garden Art Sale; Urban Farm Day; Conservation Day; and promoting all garden tours in the region.

  • GBN has its roots in the passionate gardening community of Buffalo Niagara.

    It all began in 1995 when Marvin Lunenfeld founded Garden Walk Buffalo, a grassroots effort to showcase the beauty of city living. What started as a small neighborhood initiative grew into the largest free garden tour in the United States.

    Over the years, this movement expanded into a region-wide effort promoting beautification, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.

    Today, GBN oversees multiple programs, including grants, educational events, and large-scale garden tours, making Buffalo a nationally recognized gardening destination.

  • STAFF

    Executive Director: Audrey Clark

    Clark is Gardens Buffalo Niagara’s first Executive Director. Prior to joining GBN full-time, Clark was the Curator of Exhibits and Interpretive Programming for the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission. Clark has an M.A. in Museums Studies from SUNY Buffalo State University and a B.A. in Art History from Niagara University. 

    OFFICERS

    President: Laurie Ousley, Nichols School, Retired 

    Ousley is president of the Gardens Buffalo Niagara Board and anavid gardener who has developed a passion for ecological gardening. She fell in love with Buffalo and the region’s passion for gardening when attending the University of Buffalo in 1997.

    Vice President: Phil Collins, M&T Bank

    Collins is Senior Vice President, Regional Sales Manager, with M&T Bank. He leads the outreach and onboarding effort for the organization along with serving on the Executive Committee.

    Secretary: Lauren Newkirk Maynard, Freelance writer and editor

    A part-time writer, full-time mom, and apprentice-level gardener. Newkirk Maynard previously volunteered with the Parkside Garden Tour before the tour merged with Garden Walk Buffalo. She helped produce Garden Views, a season-long virtual celebration of Buffalo’s gardening scene that included social media outreach, blog posts, videos, virtual tours and more during the COVID lockdown.

    Treasurer: Beth Kreutzer, Lackawanna Products Corporation

    Kreutzer became co-chair of the Garden Walk Buffalo Committee in 2022 and has served as secretary of the GBN Board of Directors. Her famous “Dragon’s Den” garden appears on the Tours of Open Gardens.

    Assistant Secretary: Elizabeth Foy, MJ Peterson Real Estate

    Foy has participated as a gardener on Garden Walk Buffalo since 2019. She is President of the Fordham Drive Block Club (and actively maintains the flowerbeds on Fordham's islands as well as the President McKinley marker alongside dedicated neighbors), and is President of The Park School of Buffalo’s Parent Association.

    DIRECTORS

    Jo Ann Belliotti, Key Bank, Retired

    Belliotti has consistently and valiantly served on the Garden Walk Buffalo Committee since 2010. Belliotti uses skills gained through her career as a senior payment advisor at KeyBank to organize various events and fundraising raffles.

    Catherine Carr Lincoln, Development and Special Events Consultant

    Carr Lincoln has more than 35 years of professional fundraising experience, which she has put to good use! Carr Lincoln is a resident of Allentown and a proud Garden Walk Buffalo gardener. She assists the East Side Garden Walk Planning Committee and is passionate about helping it grow.

    Barbara Cavanagh, M&T Bank, retired

    Cavanagh has been involved with Garden Walk Buffalo for two decades. Cavanagh serves on several committees. She retired from M&T Bank as an assistant vice president in the corporate procurement department.

    Yolanda Fields, Key Bank

    Fields began her involvement with Garden Walk Buffalo more than 10 years ago. Fields chaired the Garden Walk Buffalo Committee from 2019 to 2021. Fields works as a commercial real estate/closing team leader for KeyBank.

    Ellen Goldstein, Managing Editor, The Jewish Journal of WNY, retired

    Goldstein was the founding editor of the Jewish Journal of WNY. Goldstein has worked as a marketing and community relations director, TV producer, ad agency copywriter, and photographer for The Associated Press. Goldstein’s gardens have been on Garden Walk Buffalo since 2005 and are part of the Tours of Open Gardens since its inception.

    Mara Montante, People’s Park, Director

    Montante serves as Co-Chair of the Lunenfeld Beautification Grants Committee. Montante is the Knowledge Management Coordinator at the WNY Women’s Foundation, where she researches and analyzes data to support their advocacy efforts for policies that promote gender equity and economic mobility. Montante also serves as the director of People’s Park, a community park on Main St. near the Tri-Main Building.

    Tyler Pendleton, Pendleton Capital, CEO

    Pendleton spent over a decade working the Buffalo banking sector. Pendleton uses his financial skills to help GBN. Pendleton’s garden has been a part of the Buffalo Garden Walk since 2021.

    Nikki Ronan, City of Light Consulting, Founder & Consultant 

    Ronan made the jump to City of Light Consulting. when she realized that she'd become the go-to person for not-for-profits with questions, with a firm belief that there is nothing more energizing or fulfilling than helping an organization reach its full potential.

    With a Masters in Community and Economic Development and a second in Organizational Leadership, Ronan brings knowledge and experience to her work with clients and GBN.

    Dorothy Weitz, Buffalo Public Schools, retired

    Weitz worked as a School  Psychologist for the Buffalo Public Schools. After retiring, Weitz went on to work for the University at Buffalo as a Clinical Coordinator in the Counseling, School and Educational Psychology Department.

    Weitz is a Master Gardener and a docent for the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.

    Samantha I. V. White, Esq., WNY Law Center, Supervising Attorney

    White is an attorney, a wife, and mother. White is also an East Side Garden Walk Co-Chair. White received her JD from SUNY University at Buffalo School of Law. As a social justice activist, White organizes community activities and helps to distribute resources to those in need. Through the East Side Garden Walk, White has been a vocal advocate for the revitalization of the East Side. Her efforts have resulted in a NYS $743,000 grant to repair the streetscape surrounding the Freedom Wall. White is president of the Minority Bar Association of WNY. White also serves on the Board of Trustees for Temple Beth Zion, and chairs the Social Action Committee for the Temple.

  • Economic impact*

    Of the 23% of visitors from more than 50 miles from Buffalo:

    • $4.5 Million estimated economic impact of Garden Walk Buffalo**

    • 98% Eat at local restaurants

    • 67% Shop during their visit

    • 46% Stay at local hotels

    Garden Walk Attendees:

    • 55.5 Average Age

    • 82% Female

    • Married 70%

    • $248 Average dollars respondents expected to spend.

    • $83,903 Average household income

    Showing Buffalo Niagara at its best:

    • 96% Of visitors to Garden Walk Buffalo had an extremely favorable overall impression of Buffalo†

    • Visitors gave an average rating of 4.6 with 5 being excellent*

    East Side Garden Walk

    • Since 2018, the Walk promotes visitors and neighbors to walk, drive, or bike Buffalo’s East Side.

    • The Walk encourages visitors to meet its gracious gardeners, experience its historic neighborhoods and wide-ranging architecture.

    • The Walk advances community revitalization and the beautification of the East Side. Equally important are the conversations among gardeners and visitors that bridge notions of differences.

    Why Support Gardens Buffalo Niagara?

    • Since 2005, more than $150,000 has been awarded to more than 200 Lunenfeld Beautification Grant recipients: block clubs, community groups, and nonprofits throughout Buffalo.

    • In 2019, two garden-inspired murals were created in partnership with the Elmwood Village Association and The Albright-Knox Art Gallery’s Public Art Initiative.

    * 2011 Ruth Diamond Market Research, Inc. intercept study commissioned by Visit Buffalo Niagara.
    ** Based on 2,864 zip codes collected by Garden Walk Buffalo, the Visit Buffalo Niagara and interpreted by Dr. Richard Benfield, Professor of Geography and graduate students at Central Connecticut State University, 2010.
    † 2011 Ruth Diamond Market Research, Inc. intercept study commissioned by Visit Buffalo Niagara.

  • Garden Art Sale

    “The Garden Art Sale is a treasure trove of competent and talented artists, with such a variety of original works!”  - A Garden Art Sale vendor

    “I loved vending at the Garden Art Sale! You can’t find a group of friendlier people than garden people.”  - A Garden Art Sale vendor

    East Side Garden Walk

    "The love of gardening transcends race, geography, economics, politics and age." - Verona L. Moody, East Side Garden Walk gardener and committee co-chair

    “This is something that I’ve always done since I was a child growing up with my dad. This was something he enjoyed. It spread on over to me. It’s just the blossoming, the caring, and the nurturing of the flowers that really puts me in a peaceful place… I was really stunned, and to see the reaction. It’s like a little hidden little place in the city that most people are not aware of, especially when  you venture off into my backyard.”  - An East Side Gardener on Sycamore Street

    Urban Farm Day

    “The most inspiring thing I saw on the tour is how much food can be grown on such a small piece of urban property. A small garden bed in someone’s backyard can feed that family. With this knowledge and information, anybody can start (from growing some vegetables) in a five-gallon bucket.”  - A Student at a farming class from CCE at DeeplyRooted, Elizabeth. 

    “What a little farm you have with bunnies, bees, & chickens plus your vegetables, and fruits. Let's not forget your flowers. I love how versatile your garden is. This is wonderful. I would love to have a garden/farm such as yours!”  - A visitor at Rader Garden, Maria F. 

    Garden Walk Buffalo

    “My friends, what I experienced were not spectacular gardens. I did not see manicured estates, nor was any one garden the greatest thing I had ever wandered into. No, what I was seeing was pride of neighborhood, pride of ownership, and pride of a city. Homes were cared for, porches lived on, and the gardens were handsome. No garden was particularly large, none was meant to impress, but all oozed with pride and pleasure. It was as if a large welcome mat was spread from street to street, inviting me for cheese and crackers on the porch. Needless to say, I was impressed.” - Allan Armitage, Greenhouse Grower, Tour of Buffalo Gardens Reveals Hidden Gems And Community Pride,


    “There is something very special about the people who open their private garden spaces so that others may share firsthand the very personal interpretations and manipulation of nature particularly in an urban setting. There are so many reasons to lock ourselves away these days after hours spent behind desks in stressful jobs so many people travel back home after enduring a long commute, drive in the garage, pull down the roller door, and flop into the sanctuary of home, locking the outside world out. Gardeners who share their gardens are the complete opposite, they throw open that garage door and say to the world “Come on in and see what I have done” - Andrea Whitely, Small but Mighty-The (not so) Private Gardens of Buffalo,

    “I couldn’t get over how many eye-catching gardens were in each neighborhood—all on tiny city lots—and each was unique. Some gardeners got really creative—building platforms on their garages for a beehive or to grow veggies — with the latter accessed by either a library ladder in front of the garage or an attic staircase inside. Some used curving pathways, to add interest and to maximize the space in their small yards. Each community’s neighborhoods of gardens brought people together, whether it was a passerby stopping to admire them or neighbors connecting and relaxing together on a summer evening. But what struck me each time we toured a garden was their willingness to share something that brings them a great deal of joy and pride, and the lasting tie they share with their neighbors.“- Susan Mulvihill, Susan’s in the Garden, Travel Stories: Buffalo’s Garden Walk,


    “Here’s what I learned: Buffalonians may be the friendliest people in the country; Individuals can make an enormous difference; Small actions create considerable momentum; and Gardens can save a city.” -     Diana Stoll, Garden with Diana, Buffalo: A City of Gardeners,


    “I’m not sure there could be a bigger garden welcome than the one awaiting visitors to Buffalo, NY, in late July! The energetic citizens of one of America’s greatest northern cities have endured much—from difficult winters to economic decline, yet they have fought back in glorious gardens, restoring community, tourism, triumph, prosperity, and joy to the city. Pleasing, color-filled neighborhood strolls and long walks in city parks are yours to enjoy, dear gardener, in this historical haven…” -     Shelley Cramm, Garden in Delight, A Bible Gardener Visits Buffalo


    “When I visited Buffalo this summer, the annual Garden Walk event was taking place. Basically you can go exploring all the incredible backyards around some of the city’s oldest and architecturally significant neighbourhoods…As cool as getting the behind-the-scenes peek afforded by the event, the thing that struck me is how nice it was to explore Elmwood Village. The landscaping and architecture here puts Toronto to shame…” -    Derek Flack, BlogTO, 17 things to do the next time you visit Buffalo


    “Do you like garden tours?  I try to go to a few local ones each year, but this summer I had the opportunity to attend what can only be described as a garden tour on steroids – Garden Walk Buffalo…some are whimsical, and some appear to be a set borrowed from Hollywood, others feature native plants, but all are creative, and the open arms concept is encouraging a greater sense of pride in this community…” -     Karen Chapman, le jardinet, Small Garden Re-Imagined: Buffalo Style


    “And then we ventured into private yards with Harry Potter Sheds, dozens of colourful potted plants and miniature railways: I was amazed. Finally, the intimate spaces a nosy gardener really wants to visit…Buffalo proves a city can change its profile and face the world one yard at a time. And it’s not the big public gardens that will do it. It is the small yards in neighbourhoods around the city that build interest and excitement…” -     Donna Balzer, Calgary Herald, Secrets of city transformation through private gardens


    “In Buffalo’s case, data from 2010 and 2011 showed the two-day event has a $4.5 million impact, according to an analysis by Richard Benfield, a garden tourism consultant at Central Connecticut State University…” - Jo Ellen Myers Sharp, IndyStar, Hoosier Gardener: Garden tour event could have multimillion-dollar impact


    “The fine folks in Buffalo, New York certainly do know how to garden. And they share their gardens with friends, neighbors, and garden lovers from around the world…” -     Doug Turner, Passions – A Blog, Who’d a Thought Buffalo Would Have Great Gardens?

    “Maybe you have more control over that neighborhood than you think…Each of these gardeners had chosen to pick up a trowel in the midst of urban decay and change their world. They ended up changing a city…‘Buffalo Style Garden’ – It’s a thing…” -Marianne Willburn, The Small Town Gardener, Gardens Bring Buffalo Back to Life: A Story of Urban Renewal,


    “Like most cities, Buffalo has had its share of problems. But as we walked from garden to garden along charming streets, it quickly became apparent that whole communities have embraced gardening, and the result is some astonishingly effective urban renewal…Buffalo is living proof that gardening can be a powerful force for grassroots urban renewal and community building…” -     Martha Swiss, Plant Some Joy!, Buffalo Wins My Heart


    “Neighbors are truly connected in these rejuvenated sections of Buffalo. Instead of fighting boundary lines, these gardeners connect them, building most charming relationships…” -     Linda Lehmusvirta, Central Texas Gardener, Beautiful Ideas I Brought Back from Buffalo


    “I have seen the great gardens of the world, but nothing like I’ve seen in these Buffalo gardens,” he told me at the conference’s closing banquet. “So often I see tired gardens and frustrated gardeners, and great big ‘checkbook gardens.’ But these Buffalo folks – it’s their unparalleled passions we won’t forget. I will plan to come back.” – Allan Armitage signifies horticultural royalty, considered to be one of the most learned people and finest teachers in the field, having written 13 books, among them our most dependable encyclopedic references about annuals, perennials, native plants (and more). When he speaks, gardeners listen…” -     Sally Cunningham, The Buffalo News, The Gardeners came and left impressed


    “It goes back to the very institutionalization of urban green, with the Olmsted parks system which started here in the city and extended now through these later years with Buffalo Gardenwalks,” Association President Kirk Brown said. “We have had an absolutely astonishing 150 year view of ornamental horticulture in America…” -Mike Desmond, WBFO, Garden Writers Association plants roots in WNY for national conference

  • Mailing Address: 371 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202
    Email:  info@gardensbuffaloniagara.com
    Phone: (716) 247-5004

    WEBSITES:

    SOCIAL MEDIA: 

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  • GARDENS BUFFALO NIAGARA

    GARDEN WALK BUFFALO

    • Beth Kreutzer Event Co-Chair, long-time volunteer, and GBN board member.

    • Barbara Cavanagh Event Co-Chair, long-time volunteer, and GBN board member.

    • Greg Gima He’s got a wonderful garden, is on the Elmwood Village Association board, has done mass plantings along Elmwood Avenue In retirement has started his own landscaping company.

    • Ellie Dorritie Has a fantastic colorful garden in the Cottage District. She’s got lots of experience with small-space gardening.

    • Jim Charlier Past President of Garden Walk Buffalo, long-time Walk participant. Garden tourism consultant, garden book author and GBN Emeritus board member.

    EAST SIDE GARDEN WALK


    OPEN GARDENS

    GARDEN ART SALE

    • Jim Charlier Event Chair and past event artist/vendor.

    • Barbara Maze Immediate past event Chair and past Chair of the Allentown Art Festival.

    URBAN FARM DAY

    CONSERVATION DAY

    LUNENFELD BEAUTIFICATION GRANTS

    • Buffalo style Gardens, Create a Quirky, One-of-a-Kind Private Garden with Eye-Catching Designs
      Sally Cunningham & Jim Charlier

      With hundreds of design, planting, and tips, the authors reveal how fences, furnishings, trees, shrubs, art, and whimsy—and the element of surprise—work together to change an ordinary space into something uniquely yours: your own Buffalo-style garden. (St. Lynn’s Press, 2019)

    • Garden Walk Buffalo: A Celebration of Urban Gardens
      Elizabeth Licata
      Photos by Don Zinteck

      The book includes interviews with 27 gardeners, as well as photos of more than 80 additional gardens. It features community gardens, a list of Garden Walk plants (Zone 5), a history of the Walk and its impact on local urban gardens and how it helps rejuvenate city streets, and even how to start your own garden walk. (City of Light Publishing, 2006)

    • Harry Potter, Herbology Magic: Botanical Projects, Terrariums, and Gardens Inspired by the Wizarding World
      Jim Charlier & Jodi Revenson

      27 DIY projects with step-by-step instructions, behind-the-scenes facts, concept art, and film stills showcase how plants from the wizarding world were brought to life for the Harry Potter films. It’s the perfect guide for gardeners and wizarding world fans alike. (Insight Editions, 2023)

    • Great Garden Companions: A Companion-Planting System for a Beautiful, Chemical-Free Vegetable Garden
      Sally Cunningham

      Discover the secrets of a naturally pest-proof vegetable garden. By planting combinations of vegetables, flowers, and herbs, you can minimize pest and disease problems creating a high-yield, beautiful garden. (Rodale Books, 2000)

    • The New Encyclopedia of Hostas
      Michael Shadrack & Diana Grenfell

      The lush, sculptural hosta is loved by gardeners for its ability to both combine well with other plants and project a strong presence when planted alone. This classic book provides growth and cultivation information for 700 cultivated hostas. (Timber Press, 2009)

    • The Color Encyclopedia of Hostas
      Michael Shadrack & Diana Grenfell

      Foreword by King Charles III. This valuable resource provides descriptions and color photographs for more than 750 plants, with sections on classification, botany, ideas, pests, diseases, and a quick-reference list of hostas for different purposes. (Timber Press, 2004)

    • The Book of Little Hostas: 200 Small, Very Small, and Mini Varieties
      Kathy Guest & Michael Shadrack

      Many small hostas are scaled-down versions of classic hostas, others offer new attributes of color, leaf shape, and patterning. Beautifully illustrated and highly informative, these little hostas will inspire! (Timber Press, 2010)

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