Amy, Jules and Emily rock a cart of rhododendrons and standard hydrangeas in this pre-covid picture!
My stylish friend Catherine says that she gets frustrated shopping for nursery plants. She knows where to shop and what to buy in Paris and most major airports…but, the garden center leaves her floundering.
As with most things in life, planning and knowledge can take you far on the path to success at the nursery. So, for Catherine and you too, here’s how to shop like a boss for your garden this season.
When to shop
Suns out and everyone is thinking about the May long weekend ahead (note to self: stay the blazes home). Generally, it’s best to plan garden center visits during the week when it is quieter. You can research plants in advance, consider using local nurseries with on-line catalogs or for the least stressful experience, shop where there are curbside pick up or delivery options.
Start small and be prepared
Beginners should start small and have a plan or at least an area in mind before heading out. Do some research beforehand and ask yourself these questions:
is the garden area full sun, part sun or in shade for most of the day and what is my climate zone?
check the tags on all plants for this vital information
what is currently planted around the area I want to plant; what trees, evergreen or deciduous shrubs and perennials are there; what color are they, when do they bloom, what is the texture of the foliage?
once you consider the existing elements, use design principles to create an effective composition: balance, contrast, color, repetition, proportion, etc.
for example, create contrast by planting broadleaf evergreens (like a rhododendron) beside finely textured ones (like a yew or boxwood); consider repeating elements you love (peonies or Russian sage) to balance and create unity in the garden; consider what colors work with your house color (put pale or white blooms against a dark gray exterior), and whether you prefer cool or warm colors…or maybe an all-white garden to brighten a shady spot
how large is the area you want to plant?
how much space do you have; is it suited to one large focal plant or a grouping of three plants of varying sizes (taller varieties to the back); check the tag for the mature size of each plant so your plants have room to grow without being crowded
if you’ve found a perennial you like, it’s usually best to plant in groups of 3; if you plant too many of 1 thing, the garden can be busy and it hard for our eyes to “land”; consider buying three of a single type of plant.
Shop like Jules! Every nursery visit is an opportunity to think about how your garden can positively impact nature and support pollinators.
Take your time
There’s no need to rush! Early in spring, soil temperatures are cooler than air temperatures and wet soil warms up more slowly. The ground needs the sun on it to warm up. The average last frost date in Halifax is May 8…less than two weeks ago and it hailed in Nova Scotia a few days ago!
Remember, nursery plants are coming from a greenhouse where they were coddled under perfect conditions. Prior to early June, plant at your own risk including plant death or potentially impacting the plants ability to become well established during this growing season.
Look for buds not blooms
Plants that are currently in bloom are often featured near the entrance to the garden center. These plants are usually blooming weeks ahead of what you can expect in your garden because they are coming from a greenhouse. While more attractive, plants in full bloom are more likely to incur transplant shock. Instead of bright blooms, look for lots of buds and enjoy how they add color and beauty to your garden after you plant them. And check the roots; if you can’t see any roots in the bottom of the pot, the plant may have been “potted up” to a larger container size recently. On the other hand, if the roots are a dense mass, the plant may need attention to ensure it transplants well.
Shop through the season
Nurseries restock plants throughout the season…azaleas in May, rhododendrons in June…hydrangeas in August. Shopping throughout the season can be a source of inspiration for you to create a garden that is interesting with staggered blooms throughout the year.
Ask for advice
Nurseries typically have greater plant selection, more knowledgeable employees and provide better plant care than big-box retailers. During season startup, nursery staff are very busy but as the season unfolds, they have more time to answer questions and give advice.
Beyond plant tags, use the internet to research each plant before you buy! Make sure it is not invasive and well suited to your needs for size, style and maintenance.
Where to shop
We shop at up to nine nurseries throughout the season but more than 90% of our plants come from one rural Nova Scotia nursery. We value the experience and knowledge of the owners and have confidence in the employees they hire. The size of their operation allows them to source less commonly found varieties and we have found that makes all the difference in our work.
Last season, we planted nearly 10,000 plants…each one carefully considered.
As I get older, I am increasingly interested in helping clients select plants that they will enjoy watching grow. A beautiful garden is one that ages with us…watching our garden becomes a marker of time. And that time is precious…so, plan and plant with intention.