About Us

Sugarbush Nursery opened in Spring 2005. Over the years, our mission gradually changed into becoming a native plant nursery. This was a decision driven by ecological concerns, not market forces: native plants play a crucial role in sustaining wildlife, and our over-use of non-native plants for our home landscapes has a direct effect on lowering populations of native birds and butterflies, among other wildlife. We want to be a resource for home gardeners who are looking to make a transition to including more native plants in their landscapes, but either don't know where to begin, or don't otherwise have access to these plants.

Philosophy and Practices

We put a great deal of thought into our inventory. Unlike other nurseries, we don't just stock up on whatever looks good at the time - we carry plants that have been carefully researched as to nativity, wildlife value, and utility and beauty for home landscapes.

At the moment, our plants are sourced from a variety of producers, the majority of whom are based in southeastern PA. We have begun getting local ecotypes of native plants into production, but at this time, this represents only a small portion of our inventory.

We carry both straight species (aka, the wild varieties) and cultivars (the cultivated varieties of native plants that are selected for specific traits, such as a different flower color, height, etc. from the wild variety).

Regardless of whether we are growing the plants ourselves, or buying them from another producer and growing them out, we care for our plants using only organic practices. This is not only better for the environment, it's better for the plants. They speak for themselves with how well they'll do in your garden.

Finally, our goal is to speak to every customer and provide them with excellent advice on choosing the best plants for their home landscape. Or, for those who just wish to browse, our custom-made signage with each plant variety helps customers make informed choices. Either way, customers leave with the right plants for the right place - and that's most of what it takes for garden success!

Meet the Staff

Anne-Marie McMahon is the owner of Sugarbush Nursery. She is a graduate of Longwood Gardens' Certificate Series I and II in Ornamental Horticulture, and a Master Gardener with the Penn State Cooperative Extension in Berks County. Anne-Marie regularly gives talks and presentations on native plants and organic gardening at different venues in the area. If you visit Sugarbush on the weekends, you'll likely meet Anne-Marie, along with other members of her family who have been roped into helping out (thanks, everyone!).

Jan Slater has been gardening for over 25 years. She and her husband, Mike, are involved with native meadow projects at Lancaster Central Park and French Creek State Park, among others, and in the winter of 2009, they launched an ambitious program called the Berks Native Seed Bank. Jan has a special interest in rock gardens, and is active with the North American Rock Garden Society. She has been an exhibitor and a judge at the Philadelphia Flower Show. Jan is at the nursery whenever we're open during the week, and many weekend days, as well.

About our Name

Sugarbush was the name of the McMahon family farm in Crysler, Ontario, owned by some of Anne-Marie's Irish ancestors, who stopped in Canada for some generations before coming to the US. The name refers to a stand of sugar maples that are tapped for maple syrup.