Visit Us:
1184 South East Street, Amherst, MA 01002
Hours:
Open 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Daily
Asarum canadense, commonly called wild ginger, is a native spring wildflower which occurs in rich woods and wooded slopes. Basically a stemless plant which features two downy, heart-shaped to kidney-shaped, handsomely veined, dark green, basal leaves (to 6" wide). Cup-shaped, purplish brown flowers (1" wide) appear in spring on short, ground-level stems arising from between the two basal leaves. Flowers are quite attractive on close inspection, but bloom singly on or near the ground and are usually hidden from view by the foliage. Although not related to culinary ginger (Zingiber officinale), the roots of this plant produce a scent that is reminiscent thereof. Fresh or dried roots were used by early Americans as a ginger substitute, but the plant is not normally used today for culinary purposes. The handsome foliage and high shade tolerance make it a great choice for a woodland, shade, or rain garden. Plant it as an edging or border plant and will easily naturalize as a deciduous groundcover in your garden. This plant tolerates deer browsing, wet soils, heavy shade, and erosion. Height .0-1', Spread 1-2'. Zone 4-6
Shelby
Greenhouse Greeter
Andrew’s Greenhouse is a third generation family farm owned by Andy and Jacqui Cowles that now specializes in the propagation and retail sale of a wide variety of perennials, annuals, vegetables and herbs.
The garden center is located on 150 acres in picturesque South Amherst, MA. The farm was established in 1856 and the present barn built in 1871. The Cowles family bought the farm in 1920 and over the years have raised cattle and various crops, including vegetables, strawberries and hay.
Enjoy the website, and please join Andy and Jacqui and their enthusiastic, knowledgeable employees on the farm this spring.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL IN OUR GREENHOUSES
Integrated Pest Management (Biological Control) protects the natural enemies that help keep bad pests (aphids, whiteflies and thrips) that are common carriers of plant diseases and viruses in check. It avoids unnecessary chemical use that may endanger human health, wildlife and the environment. Broad-spectrum chemicals also damage the beneficial soil life and insect predators that keep plants healthy.
We have been using biological controls for pest management in the greenhouses for over 10 years. This program works on a preventive basis. Some beneficial insects are introduced before the first plants are placed in the greenhouse, others are day length sensitive and need to wait for longer days and warmer weather.
Watch for our ‘Good Bugs at Work’ signs designating which plants we are using to either provide a breeding ground for our beneficial insects or a food source.
Using biological controls requires patience, allowing the good bugs the time to do their task of either eating or parasitizing the bad bugs.
We do not use any neonicotinoids, and strongly believe in the importance of protecting our pollinators.
Hours:
Open 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Daily