Organics & Sustainable

Bumper Crop - Compost to Improve your soil

Organic and Sustainable—Our Commitment

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.

Organic Gardening Products

We offer a full line of soil-enhancing compost (Bumper Crop Compost) and probiotic fertilizers and soil stimulants (Dr. Earth), as well as the Pharm Solutions pest management line.

Biological Controls in our Greenhouses

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 Marge Vogel, 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!" 

Native Plants

We carry a large selection—at least half the shrub department—of native plants, from perennials to trees.  Garden writer and Lockwood's employee, 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!"

Recycling and Re-use

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.

Education

Throughout the year, teachers and workshop leaders explain and encourage organic gardening practices, including an Organic Garden Day each spring with multiple speakers and an organic lunch.