Unfortunately, a gorgeous garden doesn’t come naturally. Not only do you have to put a lot of planning into it, you’ve got to pick the right plants, make sure they’re healthy and get them in the ground properly (and at the right time of the year). And even though you’ve put a great deal of thought and effort into your garden design, sometimes issues arise that can’t be avoided. Maybe a cultivar you had your heart set on isn’t available at your local garden center. Or perhaps a certain shrub you were considering won’t work in the location you were hoping to plant after all. In such cases, it’s okay to make a switch – and it’s good to be flexible. But one thing you can’t compromise on is good plant health! No matter what plant you take home to your garden – tree, shrub, bulb, perennial, annual, groundcover, ornamental grass or aquatic – make sure you’re buying the very best quality.
Your garden deserves the best – don’t compromise on plant health. Robust plants will get your new space off to a beautiful start!
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/Doug Dealey
Look for plants that are compact in form, uniformly shaped, vigorous and sturdy. Avoid any that are limp, lanky or stunted.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Examine leaves for even, proper color and symmetrical spacing. Avoid those with broken or damaged stems.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Gently slip the plant out of its container to look for firm, vigorous roots that still have room to grow (as shown here). Plants with circling roots or large roots growing out of the container’s drain holes have been in stock too long and are best avoided.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Start by going to a retailer you can trust. You can tell a lot about a garden center by looking at its plants and seeing how well they’re cared for. Are the plants lush and full, or do they look parched? Do you see employees walking around, taking care of them, or do the plants seem neglected? If the plants don’t look tip-top, find another nursery. If they’re healthy and the staff seems knowledgeable, take a closer look at the merchandise and start examining the plants you’d like to include in your garden.
And don’t hesitate to ask for advice. Knowledgeable garden center employees are there to help! Take advantage of the wide range of available plants at your nursery and garden center to create attractive combinations. Remember to pursue local native plants – they’re tailor-made for your region – but consider well-adapted imports as well.
While looking around your garden center, get in there and touch the plants, pick them up, move through them and choose the best ones of the lot. A young, vigorous plant will get a good start in your garden and can make an easier transition into your landscape. Ask the staff if the plant is available in the size or sizes you’re seeking. Carefully check the plant labels against your planting planner for the correct names (many species appear similar without their blooms). Verify plant height, bloom color and the quantity you require, referring to your planting planner as a guide.
Once you know you’ve got the right plant type, carefully check the foliage, stems and form of each plant. Be on the lookout for stunted growth, as well as signs of pests or disease. Don’t forget to look inside the pot, too. Gently slide the plants out of their plastic containers and check their root systems. Make sure they’re not circling the container or growing out the drainage holes – signs that a plant has been in its pot for too long.
Remember to buy only what you can get in the ground in a few days’ time. If you find yourself with plants waiting to go into the ground for an extended period, set up a holding area. Keep those plants shaded and watered as they wait their turn for planting.
Finally, be sure to follow the proper planting procedure for each species you buy, and water your plants well until they’re fully established in your garden (unless, of course, your natural garden has a desert theme). Then enjoy watching your new garden grow – knowing proudly that by picking the healthiest plants, you’ve given your natural garden the very best start possible.
