Only the Best

WHERE TO LOOK

You can find first-rate plants at just about any place you shop. This list of pros and cons may help you decide which source is right for you.

Mail-order Nurseries

Pros: You’ll often discover a wider selection of seeds and specialty plant varieties than can be found at local garden centers. Most offer a more extensive guarantee policy and have a customer service staff available for answering questions.

Cons: Weather conditions limit when plants can be shipped. Plants usually need time to acclimate to the environment, and the plants themselves are sometimes more costly and usually smaller than what you can find locally. You also miss out on seeing and smelling your selections.

Garden Centers

Pros: Plant selection and size is varied. You can inspect plants firsthand, and many offer display gardens, as well as free classes, lectures and growing information.

Cons: Staff may or may not be knowledgeable about plants, and, like kids in a candy store, gardeners tend to overspend.

Discount Centers (including supermarkets, department stores and home improvement stores)

Pros: One-stop shopping and being closer to home save time. Plants are reasonably priced and often are cheap, cheap, cheap.

Cons: Selection is usually limited to common plants and varieties. Plants often suffer water neglect during busy days, and staff may not be knowledgeable about plants. Seed quality and selection is generally inferior to mail-order sources.

Farmer’s Markets

Pros: Plants often are organically grown, almost always locally, and you can shop from a variety of vendors in one location.

Cons: Shopping is limited to when market is open (often weekends only). Early shoppers get the best selection and the selection is limited, though farmer’s markets may include specialty herbs and varieties unavailable from other local sources.