I've been on an announcement roll lately, mostly because it's the time of year when my inbox get flooded with these types of things. I'll be picking my favorites and posting periodically, so if you know of any local gardening events, drop me a line.

Every year the Long Island Native Plant Initiative holds a plant sale in the greenhouse at the Suffolk County Community College's Riverhead campus....

Looking for farm-fresh produce in Nassau, where one typically doesn't stumble upon farmers selling their crops on the side of the road? There are several farmers markets about, and the Cornell Cooperative Extension has just added its own to the short list of offerings. Located at the extension's new horticultural center at 832 Merrick Ave., East Meadow, the market will be open from 9 a.m....

Been to the Bronx lately? There's more to see than just the zoo and Arthur Avenue. Wave Hill is one of New York's horticultural gems, and no garden enthusiast within driving distance should miss a chance to step inside it's blooming gardens this summer. In addition to all they eye candy at the 28-acre gardens overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades, you'll also find lectures, guided walks, and...

So, last year Proven Winners sent me a trial plant of a brand-new, unreleased-at-the-time daylily called "Going Bananas'. If you follow me on Facebook, you're familiar with my raves from last summer.

This yellow beauty is so much prettier than the go-to Stella de Oro, and bloomed more or less continuously — as opposed to repeatedly — all summer long. It's more of a muted yellow, creamy...

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is opening its new 20,000-square-foot visitor center, marking the completion of a key component of the most significant renewal effort there since the BBG was founded more than a century ago. The project was recognized back in 2008 by the New York City Public Design Commission with an Award for Excellence in Design.

There will be a lot of excitement and fanfare...

Reader Matthew Barcia from West Hempstead, a verteran of the Challenge, has thrown his hat back into the ring! “Recently I purchased Big Zac seeds, as well as Australian seeds from an internet site located in Utah,” he writes. “It is my hope that finally I will be able to compete with a winning giant tomato.” Barcia started his seeds this year in a cleverly recycled 10-gallon lighted fish tank!

Are...

It's time for the fourth annual Garden Poetry Contest, so brush off your quills, ponder your garden and embrace your inner bard. This year's topic is "Good gardens come in small packages." Send in your original poem of 10 lines or less that expresses your appreciation for a small plant or item in your garden.

The best submissions will be published in Newsday, and Garden Detective...

It's tomato time!

The 2012 Great Long Island Tomato Challenge will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 24 at Newsday, 235 Pinelawn Rd., Melville.

Strategize now and nurture your plants all summer long, then bring your biggest, heaviest fruit to the event, where I will weigh tomatoes and name this year’s Tomato King or Queen.

In the meantime, send a photo of yourself with your tomato...

Here's one from the mailbag that probably will be of help to many of you who got antsy because of all the warm weather and jumped the gun.

Hi, Jessica,

I planted some tomatoes and eggplants in pots, but I am afraid I started a bit too soon. I probably should have waited another week. Any suggestions?  — Loyda Fiorenza, Seaford

If they are outdoors, bring them in and keep them...

Friday, April 27, is Arbor Day in New York, which always falls on the last Friday of April. Wondering why I just said, "New York"? You're not alone. Most people I've spoken with about this holiday of sorts have no idea that the date varies according to where you live. The date for your local Arbor Day is determined by the best time to plant trees in your region. There's also a generic,...