Lockwood's Greenhouses has a commitment to environmentally sound, responsible stewardship of our land, and to the health of our staff and customers. For that reason we make every effort to educate ourselves and our customers about organic and earth-friendly gardening products, and nature-supporting plants.
We offer a great soil-enhancing compost called Bumper Crop. The 2 cubic foot bag is super charged with mycorrhizae, worm castings, kelp meal, composted lobster shells and dehydrated poultry manure. Last season Coast of Maine also introduced organic fertilizers to compliment the compost for ideal planting and garden maintainence. Bonide (Neem Oil) and Pharm Solutions organics products work well against pest and disease problems.
Lockwood's participates year-round in an IPM program using biological controls – beneficial insects that manage pest insects – whenever possible, to keep pests in check. "Greenhouses are the perfect environment for pest insects to thrive," says Jill Kisker, biological control scout, "and it's a constant struggle to select and encourage the beneficials so they are there at the precise moment a pest is emerging. It's not simple!"
We carry a large selection of native plants, from perennials to trees. Garden writer, Sally Cunningham, explains: "It's crucial to provide native plants in the cities and suburbs because there is so little natural habitat left. We know everyone won't go all native, but we can aim to increase knowledge about these beautiful plants, and maybe we could all have 20 percent native plants on our properties. It would make a huge difference!"
The garden center and greenhouse industry is notorious for wastefulness, with thousands of plastic containers and innumerable other products that fill up landfills. We are determined to recycle and avoid waste to the greatest extent possible. We recycle cardboard, plastic, cans and paper and accept returned plant pots from our customers. "Every little bit helps. We can offer no less than a full commitment," says Wes VanDeWater, who instituted the Lockwood's recycling policy.
Throughout the year, teachers and workshop leaders explain organic gardening practices. The focus is on composting and encouraging organic practices in the home garden by using companion plants and environmentally safe pest controls.