In a recent article in the Democrat-Herald (Albany, OR), “Spring garden shopping is here,” Sarah Robertson offered several useful tips on shopping for plants at a local nursery.
Here’s a quick summary of some of her tips:
- Bring your notes and a good reference guide.
- Narrow your focus: shop for deck, patio, or container plants one day. Come back another day to shop for a different part of your garden.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Make sure your car is ready to transport your purchases.
“Remember: transporting potted plants is often messy. Keep a tarp, stretchy cords, plastic garbage bags and even a sand bag or two on hand to help prevent spills and wedge plants into place.”
- Don’t leave your plants inside the car while you run other errands — go straight home.
- When you get home, put your plants in a sheltered area until you are ready to plant them. Try to plant them as soon as possible.
If you focus on buying just what you can plant immediately, you will save time and enjoy the experience more.
