| |||
Summertime in the BelgradesContentsfor Printing
Article Summaries |
Longfellow's: The Biggest Greenhouse Business In Maine
"It's been a passion of mine ever since I was in high school," says Scott Longfellow. "I can't think of anything else I'd really rather do. I like the people, the product, the challenge, the Scott and his wife Sandy own and oversee the twenty-one greenhouses, an extensive gift and dry goods shop, and outdoor displays that draw visitors from all over the state and New England to the award-winning Longfellow's Greenhouses — three times voted favorite garden center in People, Places and Plants magazine. From beginning gardeners to avid hobbyists to those seeking a peaceful and pleasant destination, visitors to Longfellow's on Puddledock Road (off Route 202) in Manchester enjoy the friendly shopping experience. A large selection and variety, high quality, and more diversity in perennials, annuals, trees and shrubs than most places are all Longfellow's claims to fame, as are the classes, workshops, and special events (including sales the last two weeks in August and the last weekend in September, holiday Open House the weekend before Thanksgiving, the Cabin Fever Art Show in early February, and spring Open House the first weekend in April). But the biggest claim, Scott says, is customer satisfaction and for that he credits the employees. From a core staff of 28 in January to 80 (many part time) in May, the employees are "a good, pleasant bunch." 
As customers browse through the displays selecting purchases, asking questions, and admiring the beauty and tranquility, they are made to feel welcome by everyone who works there. Historically, Longfellow's Greenhouses dates to 1977 when Scott's parents moved from a seasonal business in Farmingdale to a full time operation with 12 greenhouses. "It was a huge jump," Scott describes. For Scott, the timing was right. "When I finished college (the University of Maine at Orono), the industry exploded. It opened up the door for me," he says. "People started enjoying plants." As for Longfellow's future, there's still plenty of room for growth. The average consumption of plants in the United States is only one fourth that in Europe, Scott points out. Scott plans to keep the business basically the same. "The goal is to grow in income and profitability within the same facility and product," he states. "We're never satisfied; we're always asking what can we do better." Will the business stay in the family? "I'd love to see it happen," says Scott. His three children range in age from 7 to 14, and it's too soon to tell. In the meantime he is doing what he would rather do more than anything else, with obvious enjoyment and with a passion. Longfellow's is open seven days a week. For more information call | ||
