Cider Chat

Saint Lawrence Nurseries is a specialized tree nursery in New York state, renowned for its expertise in cold-hardy fruit and nut trees with a committment to sustainable and organic practices. The nursery, which was originally founded in the 1920s by Fred L. Ashworth of Heuvelton, NY, was initially more of a hobby and experimental station for Ashworth. Bill MacKentley met Fred in 1971 and they developed a strong, almost familial relationship. After Fred’s death in 1977, Bill and his wife Diana purchased the land in Potsdam, NY, where Fred had done much of his grafting and breeding. In 1981, they produced the first official St. Lawrence Nurseries catalog. For 34 years, the MacKentleys cultivated Saint Lawrence Nurseries into a unique and well-loved business, carrying on Fred Ashworth’s passion for growing and propagating fruits and nuts suitable for northern climates. The MacKentley, were planning their retirement and phasing out their business around 2015. Connor Hardiman who began working at Saint Lawrence