Bill's Picks for January

As the January cold sets in, it's comforting to sit in the warmth of the house and enjoy the frosted, skeletal shapes of the winter garden.  Here are Bill's picks for January.

Golden Weeping Willow (Salix Niobe):  A mature weeping willow with its long cascading branches almost touching the ground is something to behold.  Not only does the form of this tree offer a lot of winter interest, it is an ideal choice for a wet area or near the edge of a pond.  This is a fast growing tree and needs lots of room to spread out. 

                                  

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick (Corylus):  These plants, from the hazelnut   family, are tough and durable.  The contorted branches in winter are spectacular; be sure to place them where you can see them from the warm comfort of your home.  I am a fan of the straight species with its abundance of nuts in the fall which are great for wildlife.  There are many new choices some with leaves of yellow or red.  Harry Lauder's Walking Stick is a nice focal point for a small garden or perennial border.

In the Northeast, I'm sure many of us don't think of perennials for winter interest, but there are really many to choose from--especially for wildlife.  I have seen many perennial gardens left to go to seed making a perfectrefuge with abundant food for wild life and birds.  Here are a few good choices.

• Coneflower (echinacea)
• Black-eyed Susan (rudbeckia)
• Holly Hock (alcea)
• Sedum (stonecrop)
• Lavender (lavendula)-Pictured
• Japanese Spurge (pachysandra)-an evergreen ground cover
• Grasses (most varieties)

Bill's Picks for Winter Interest: December

Winter is a long season in Maine, so be sure to plant trees, shurbs, and perennials that will give your landscape interesting focal points during the winter months.  Here are some of Bill's favorites. 

In the Beginning

In the Beginning

In 1911, Allen, Sterling & Lothrop opened a farm supply and seed store on Exchange Street in Portland, Maine, later moving to the triangle at Federal and Middle Streets. In 1969, due to an urban renewal project we relocated on Route 1 in Falmouth.

Over the years we have evolved into what we are today - a four season garden center, seed house and nursery.

Our wholesale department serves the needs of the greenhouses and garden centers in southern Maine and parts of New Hampshire as well as supplies Maine's many landscapers.

We welcome your visit to our retail garden shop, greenhouse, and expanded nursery where you will find a large selection of accessories for your garden and home. You will also find gift giving for your gardening friends fun and easy.