Buffalo’s Erie Basin Marina is home to one of the few test and trial gardens in the Eastern United States.  In total, the plantings feature more than 3,000 plants coming to Buffalo from all over the world.  The plantings add beauty to Buffalo’s harbor and exist as a part of a larger North American effort to learn which plants might thrive in our climate.

The gardens feature new specialty trials on an annual basis, with all specimens well-labeled to help educate visitors.  Visitors can also view specialty cultivars that are grown and evaluated for the coming years, all within view of the water’s edge, City Hall, Canada, and Naval Park ships.

The Test Gardens are supported by Buffalo Green Fund (providing both funding and financial oversight) in collaboration with Smith Boys Marina, Garden Master Stan Swisher, and the City of Buffalo.