Shopping at a retail garden center in the spring can be fun & overwhelming.There is so much to see & you are eager to start those spring projects NOW! After 16 years working in horticulture, I am happy to share some of the "secrets" of bargain shopping at a retail garden center.
Step1 In springtime, a retail garden center's job is to excite you with color in all the new annuals, perennials, and shrubs displayed. There is a "season & reason" for every plant in the garden center. Plants are purchased by garden centers based on the availability from their wholesale growing sources. Some plants are available on a limited basis each season. For example, flowering dogwood trees are best purchased when they first arrive at the garden center. Flowering Crepe Myrtles arrive later in northern climate garden centers. Always ask the retail personnel if they can get more of specific varieties for you EARLY in the season. Many garden centers have tried & true suppliers they depend on for their stock. Often,they can bring in more for you.Sometimes, at the end of the season, there are huge markdowns on trees and shrubs.Take advantage of these deals.
Step2 Look at the trees and shrubs FIRST. They are freshly dug & ready to go to your yard. Many garden centers will give discounts if you are planting multiples.Don't be afraid to request a discount. Ask their planting advice. Do you have sun/shade? What is your soil like? Are you landscaping a new home? The more you know, the better answers these folks will give you. Write down the plants you like & do some research to make sure they will grow well in your climate zone. Sunset Western Garden Guide is "the Bible" for the western gardeners.
Step3 Annuals often come into the nursery early and may not be ready to go outside. Ask your garden center professional if the hanging basket will survive outside. A customer with a dead geranium is not going to come back again. If you are mass planting annuals, buy by the flat & request a price break.
Step4 There are so many perennials & ornamental grasses available today. Many perennials are grown as repeat crops. Buy them as you need them. Ask your garden center folks about new varieties & their opinion of them. New varieties may have very high first season costs due to royalties & marketing fees. Sometimes, the tried and true variety works just as well for much less money.
Step5 Support your local retail garden center, especially those growing their own plants. Locally grown plants have the advantage of being hardy in your climate zone. Vegetable plants raised in your area are tried and tested varieties garden center growers know will perform well. These folks work hard to produce flowers and vegetables right for your area.Many garden centers reward your loyalty with special sales and discounts. Sign up to take advantage of the deals they offer.