A little bit of background about me should precede this four-star review: I grew up in Maine in a family that gardened. Veggies of all kinds, berries, flowering perennials annuals, shrubs, trees -- we grew it all, and these wonderful experiences shaped my childhood. Everywhere I have lived, I have gardened in my yard (when possible) and grown houseplants. I have also worked as a seasonal employee in a first-rate garden center (in NC) so I am what you'd call an Informed Consumer when it comes to garden centers.
Every time I visit Maine, we stay in Turner and drive by Gammon's on Route 4 frequently. It always looks very professional and put-together from the road, so seeing its low Yelp reviews perplexed me. I decided to investigate for myself; in June 2019 I went to Gammon's for my very first visit.
To keep it short, Gammon's is great (Note: see my selection of photos, which will illustrate what I'm talking about). Their perennials section is extensive and impressive. In particular, their selection of astilbe was astonishing. They had variegated clematis that I really coveted. I'm not even a fan of dahlias, but a gorgeous pink one they had just blew me away. Their shrubs and trees section is also extensive. There were all varieties and colors, from a "candy corn" spirea to a gorgeous burgundy ninebark. And lovely lilacs!
We purchased a fuschia ($5.95) and a six-pack of annual impatiens ($4.49) for my mom's yard. The plants themselves looked hardy, with robust stems and healthy foliage, indicating good upkeep by the staff (I know from first-hand experience that attention makes all the difference). For these reasons, the prices are very fair and the quality is *much* better than you'll get at big-box stores.
Only one thing keeps my review of Gammon's from being five stars: wagons to help people shop had been left scattered all over the nursery, having not been gathered up by staff the night before or that morning. A cart corral near the entrance would be a really nice addition and a welcoming first impression.
After our visit, my mom later told me that she has had trees and shrubs installed by Gammon's over the years and has always been very pleased by the service. When I returned to Turner a month later, all the flowers from Gammon's that my mom had planted looked great and had nearly doubled in size.
Give Gammon's your business without hesitation: you'll be supporting a local, family-owned business and your garden will reap the benefits of their quality plants. read more