Sources Of Supply For The Gardener

Three out of every four container plants are purchased at a garden centre

. You can wander about and look at the perennials, trees and shrubs, knowing that at almost any time of the year it is possible to get a container-grown specimen and plant it in your own garden. Selecting a plant is straightforward but getting it home may be difficult - never bend or twist the stems to fit it into your vehicle. Also, keep in mind that a plant could get roasted in the boot or wind burnt if left next to an open window in a moving vehicle. You have several rules to follow in order to ensure trouble-free shopping. Make an effort to go at the beginning of the planting season before shortages occur, and attempt to go midweek avoiding the weekend crowds.

Don't buy on impulse unless you actually know your plants - it is much better to take a list and buy the best specimens that you can find. If you see an attractive plant which is not on the list, make a note of its name and check its suitability in a text book or on they using internet when you get to your house. You can always buy it on your next visit if it is suitable.

Advantages:

You can see what youre purchasing. When possible make your choice when a container-grown plant reaches its greatest display stage - flowering shrubs in bloom, berrying shrubs in fruit, etc.

Container-grown stock may be planted straight away. When your first option is not available, you can immediately pick something else.

Aside from trees it is usually possible to take your plants home with you - no delays, no transport expenses.

Advice is always on hand. However, do check the advice in an expert book when you get home.

Drawbacks:

The varieties on offer are normally the more popular ones - you cannot expect a garden centre to stock a huge number of varieties which may not be bought.

Garden centres are likely to be a long way from the centre of town, which means that your nearest one may be inaccessible if you don't have a vehicle.

Numbers of each variety may perhaps be restricted, so when you are scheduling for a massed planting or a long hedge you might need to order from a large mail order nursery.

The principle stock-in-trade, the container-grown plant is usually more expensive.

If something goes wrong:

If one or more of your plants fail and you are positive that it is not your mistake, take it back to your garden centre and explain what has occurred. You will need proof of purchase so always keep your receipt when buying plants. If your garden centre is a member of the Garden Centre Association (you will see IGC symbol on display) then it guarantees to exchange any container-grown plant which has failed within 6 months of purchase, as long as reasonable care has been taken.

Bedding plants and bulbs as well as house plants can be bought from market stalls all over the UK. Convenient and economical, but do take care. Feel the bulbs to make sure that they are firm and do not buy bedding plants if there are any warning signs that the plant is not healthy.

by: Stephen Drummonsy

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