INDUSTRY PARTNER: ALLOWAY CREEK GARDENS
Alloway Creek Gardens, a rare jewel among local nursery retailers, is nestled quietly down a long country lane in Littlestown, Pennsylvania. Situated beautifully in the lush native south-central landscape on 55 acres of historic farmland, Alloway is home to a wide selection of herbs and perennials, many of which are native and sometimes challenging to find. Most of the plants sold are grown from seed or propagated from cuttings taken from existing plants. When plants must be purchased for resale at Alloway, they are selected from certified organic growers. The robust health and lush growth of the plant material are remarkable, especially considering that no sprays or chemicals of any kind are used at the nursery (insecticidal soap is used if absolutely necessary, and sparingly at that). Owner Barbara Steele has embraced this natural gardening philosophy from the earliest days of her business –over 30 years ago – long before “organic” was politically correct or culturally hip.
Barbara is gracious, intelligent, enthusiastic, creative – and passionate about her plants. A native of Carroll County, Maryland, she graduated from the Maryland Institute of Art. After teaching art in local public schools, Barb began helping her neighbor prepare and sell plants at the Cylburn Arboretum Association’s Market Day. The two women would wash used milk cartons from the local schools, fill them with plants such as Tansy and Lamb’s Ear, and then transport them to Baltimore to sell.
By 1976, they became “official”, started advertising, attending local craft fairs, and hosting educational seminars in the afternoons on the Alloway grounds. They bought their first greenhouse at auction and re-assembled it without instructions by themselves. Meanwhile, Barb continued to increase her horticultural knowledge and interest (nurtured from childhood by her family) by attending lectures, studying about herbs, and practicing in the greenhouse.
Although Barb is now the sole owner of Alloway Creek Gardens, her husband, Roger, shares her passion and vision with equal depth and ability. And his interest exceeds mere facilities management (although he is known to make nocturnal trips to the greenhouse to check the temperature). He recently rescued some young Catalpa trees (also known as Cigar Tree and Indian Bean Tree) from a heavily shaded part of the farm. Says Barb, “He dug them from a hedgerow where they were overshadowed by larger trees.” These lovely native beauties bloom profusely this time of year, grow to a height of 80 feet with a spread of 40 feet, have a 75-year lifespan, and are recommended lawn and avenue trees. They are hardy to Zone 5, moderately fast growers, and will adapt to most soils. And thanks to Roger, a limited number of them will be available for purchase soon.
Additionally, the Alloway staff gardeners are knowledgeable, courteous, and helpful. They are familiar with the culture and habit of the plants they sell, and can provide culinary tips as well! (Here’s a great tip from Susan: if you run out of Jewish rye bread for your sandwich, just use regular white bread and place a sprig of Caraway Thyme inside – the taste is amazingly similar).
The current plant offering at Alloway includes over 90 different herbs, many available in multiple varieties. For example, there are 8 varieties of thyme, 6 varieties of creeping thyme, 11 varieties of mint, and 10 varieties of basil. The perennial listing is just as impressive, with over 84 entries and, again, multiple varieties for many plants. There are unique perennial ferns and vines; annual vines; flowers (such as creeping zinnia, nasturtium, and scented marigolds); everlastings; and an impressive array of vegetables. There are 12 varieties of heirloom tomatoes alone, in addition to regular hybrids!
Education is a priority at Alloway, so in addition to gleanings from Barb and her staff, instructive signs are planted throughout the plant tables. Customers can also leave with loads of written information about current availability, herb culture and lore, growing requirements for all types of plants, and a comprehensive listing of culinary herbs including their use, specific remarks, and recommendations. There are also lots of books available for purchase in the charming Log Cabin Gift Shop.
Barb’s emphasis on education is also evidenced through numerous workshops offered throughout the season. She will even accommodate private sessions for a group once a minimum number of participants is reached. And an impressive Calendar of Events finds the nursery either participating in or hosting events almost weekly from March through July.
Both the neophyte and the experienced gardener will find abundant satisfaction at Alloway. Make plans to visit soon – regular seasonal hours are in effect through mid-July. Meander through the shaded plant display areas; stroll through the raised bed gardens; talk to Barb and her staff; and stop in the Log House Gift Shop before you leave. A visit to Alloway is a wonderfully enriching way to spend an afternoon. Find directions and hours on the website, www.allowaycreekgardens.com.