Which do you prefer?

[snowmm]

Wow! Lucky you. I keep looking for that kind of deal.

[ara133photography]

I love to shop at the local places. They tend to have more variety, or at least more unusual plants, than the larger chain stores. Plus, it's nice to get to know the owners... and at quite a few of our local shops there are neat animals - one has bunnies, another has interesting chickens, another has puppies, they're fun to visit!

[jessiebella677]

I go where ever they have what I want. Although catalogs I try to be careful of. I have had some good stuff from them and then had hundreds of dollars worht of stuff die.
Jessie

[ara133photography]

There's a really good catalog review site, Jessie - have you seen it? It's here:

http://davesgarden.com/products/gwd/

I've found it helpful, though of course it's not a guarantee, and not everything's on there, but the reviews on that site have matched my experiences so far!

[ImaTucker]

Looks like all us gardeners have the same problem - it doesn't matter where it is or what it is - and most cases, what it costs! Just say 'plants' and we all go wild!

But my preference is the mom & pop nurseries - they seem to take better care of their plants than the megastores that hire minimum wage workers who (in most cases) have no desire or idea of how to care for the plants.

I have a particular online store where I shop for unusual or 'out of favor' plants, but I'm not sure I'm allowed to post the name of it here.

[Mandy]

Talk about being at the right place at the right time!!!

[tnasee75]

I have to agree, I like them all for different plants, etc. Beautiful page, by the way,
TG

[jessiebella677]

Hi, I also perfer the large, garden center type of store and the bigger the better! Unfortunately none exists locally ....I have to drive thru the woods and over the river to Cincy...

I also have to drive over the river and through the woods and then through some more woods and another river and a lake.
Jessie

[Sunny_1]

LOL

[Shellee]

Ima,
Do tell, please! I don't know of any guidelines that prohibits you sharing the name. I'd love to know.

[Pushin-up-Daisies]

My vote is anywhere I can get what I want at the best price.

[Kittyfang]

I shop in the good ol' nature market! I get cuttings and seeds from neighbours. I walk in the woods and look around. I am by no mean rich and I don't beleive in spending money. In my opinion money does not equal quality or love for what you do.


... Edit... I have been known to go to Lowes and WalMart and grab some plants there. But nothing over $5.

[Shellee]

I mostly go to the chains...though like everyone else...anywhere there is a good deal and great plants, I am there! I don't know when the last time I went through the front door of any Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes or Sutherlands. We have to detour through the garden department, just in case there is something there I can't live without.

[SouthernCharm1]

Jaw dropping some more! $1.oo for all that was on the cart??? I'm so jealous!!! I'm gonna have to ask from now on. We were at Lowes the other day and saw a huge load of pitiful plants but I didn't ask for the prices. lol

[neighbor_nancy]

I love shopping at the County Extension Service sales, early in the season. The plants I've gotten there are unique, often grown by Master Gardeners, and the proceeds go to continuing this wonderful service to the community.

I had a pro do a design for me in my newly adopted NC home (moved from NY Zones 5 and 6 to coastal NC Zone 8). I STILL have plants to plant, and it is too darn hot to get out there for very long! Anyone near Wilmington wanna come plant? LOL

I also shopped in several local nurseries. There are a few good ones (owners are often transplants from up North) in the area, but overall the economy hasn't supported a lot of speciality nurseries here. I cannot say I get the best varieties at the big box stores, and certainly not the best quality, but in a pinch I'll get a few things there. Certainly appreciate having Black Cow compost at Lowes!

I have searched high and low for Christine Hagemann Shasta Daisy -Leucanthemum x superbum 'Christine Hagemann' locally and online both, to no avail. Too late in the season?

I know I won't be buying any more plants from White Flower Farm! The varieties may be special, but the size for the price? C'mon! I received a 2-3 mo. old sprout and paid $20! I learned a valuable lesson. Yes, when it grows enough to share, I will consider sharing this special echinacea, Coconut Lime, when the special patent with WWF has expired...