Visit Us:
1184 South East Street, Amherst, MA 01002
Hours:
Open 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Daily
A virtually hassle-free perennial, offering three months of vanilla scented, rose pink flowers in large, compact clusters from midsummer to early fall. The flowers, which are heavily laden with nectar and pollen, are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. Deadheading the flowers will stimulate another bloom cycle about a month after the first one. Gather bouquets of Asclepias all summer long; the long stems are wonderful for cutting and are long-lasting. Sear the ends of the cut stems over a flame to stop the milky sap from leaking out. Following the fabulous flowers, typical milkweed seed pods develop which rupture to reveal seeds with long, silvery-white, silky hairs. These are great to use in dried flower arrangements. This species grows in loose clumps by means of slowly creeping rhizomes. It is not invasive and can be safely mixed in with other perennials in the border. Ascelpias incarnata is native to North America. Best planted in a sunny area. Height 36-48", Spread 32-36". Zone 3-8
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