Allen Sterling and Lothrop's Seed Talk

Work In Process

2011-10-05T11:40:00.000-07:00

As many of you know our web-site was having problems and we needed to remove it from the web. We are in the process of having it rebuilt. We'll keep you posted on the progress.

In the meantime, you can reach us by phone: 207-781-4142

By email: lallensterlothrop.com

Hours:

Mon-Sat: 8:00am-5:30pm

Sun: Closed--we spend this day with God and our families.

Bill's Picks For February

2011-02-09T11:51:00.000-08:00

AS&L's nursery manager, Bill Kennie, has some special picks for February--these plant are sure to cheer the winter landscape.

Elm (Ulmus): There has been a big push to reintroduce the elm back into the landscape with most of the new varieties showing very good resistance to Dutch Elm Disease. My family's farmstead has a very old specimen which has a long straight trunk and a contorted canopy...it is really a tree that offers interest for all four seasons. I truly hope this tree will be used much more in the future.

Dowood (Cornus Alba, Sericea, etc.): When I think of winter interest for shrubs this one comes in mind first. There are so many varieties of these hardy shrubs with colorful stems; red, yellow, orange, etc. Against the backdrop of snow make these plants stand out in you're winter landscape. Varieties range from dwarf to variegated foliage--dogwood offers blossoms for the bees, and berries for the birds. These plants can find a home in any landscape--additionally, they are great for naturalizing an area.

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 perfect refuge 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) --pictured
Lavender (lavendula)
Japanese Spurge (pachysandra)-an evergreen ground cover
Grasses (most varieties)

Bill's Picks for January

2011-01-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-23T12:38:00.000-08:00

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.

Beech (Fagus Sylvatica): These trees have long been one of my all time favorites with their smooth gray bark and pointed buds. As these beauties mature their trunks take on an almost mystical quality. There are many cultivars from weeping, to tri-colored, and red foliage. I particularly like the way the leaves hold on long into winter...almost in defiance of the winter winds.

Winterberry (Ilex Verticillata): The name says it all! Winterberry has an abundance of colorful berries which are great for wildlife and for holiday season decorations. The Bright colored fruits truly stand out in winter especially after an icy storm. These are a great choice for wetland areas and are very adaptable. I, personally, have planted them in sandy, well drained soil and had good success. Definitely one for the winter landscape.

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 a perennial garden left to go to seed, this creates a great, natural food source for birds etc.

Here are a few good choices:
Coneflower (echinacea)
Black-Eyed Susan (rudbeckia)

Holly Hock (alcea)

Sedum (stonecrop)

Lavender (lavandula)
Japanese Spurge (pachysandra)- evergreen ground cover
Grasses (most varieties), etc.

Bill Kennie has worked in the "green industry" for over thirty years. He is the nursery manager here at Allen, Sterling, and Lothrop

In the Beginning

2010-11-16T08:24:00.001-08:00

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.