Getting the Most From Plant Retailers

"That doesn't mean that you have to invite them over to dinner or agree to walk their dog," says James, "but getting to know the employees can pay big dividends, regardless of how much money you spend." The biggest dividend of all is information. "I'll be the first to admit that not all employees are well-springs of knowledge, but it's not hard to figure out which ones are." Some employees may be horticulturists, landscape architects, designers, master gardeners or simply plant fanatics. Regardless of their academic or professional background, they can also be a source of rich gardening information, much of it most likely specific to your area, which is invaluable especially if you're new to the area.

A move from, say, Zone 5 to Zone 8 is a huge move in terms of plant selection. "It's a pretty safe bet that many of the plants that grew well in Zone 5 won't grow well, if at all, in Zone 8. But people who are knowledgeable of plants that grow well in Zone 8--namely, the people that sell them day in and day out--can help steer you in the right direction and help you choose plants that are similar to those you once enjoyed or are ideally suited to the new landscape."

Even if you're native to the area, knowing someone at the retail level means you're likely to get a call when the new and exciting plants are on order or have just arrived. Another benefit of getting to know people in the plant business is that they'll likely be more willing do you a favor now and then. For example, let's say you just read about a really cool plant in a magazine but your favorite retailer doesn't stock it. Chances are, they'll be more than happy to special-order it for you, and if the plant is available from one of their suppliers and you can wait until the retailer places a new order, you probably won't have to pay shipping charges.

You should also be willing to pay for the plants upfront. "Something I learned years ago about the importance of getting to know people in the retail plant biz," James says, "is that they'll let you know when truckloads of plants are scheduled to arrive, and believe me, that's information worth knowing!"

Knowing the shipment schedules means you get first dibs on newly arrived plants. And if you're looking for that perfect plant, being the first in line is all the more important. For example, in a shipment of around two-dozen trees, chances are half of them will be nice looking, but they may have less than desired branching patterns. Another seven or eight may have oddly shaped trunks, and another four or five may be close to perfection, but among those only one is truly perfect. But if you're the early bird, that perfect tree is all yours!

You can also get advance information about plant shipments that are months away. This can be helpful as well, especially if you're doing a little advanced planning yourself in creating a new garden bed. You can go ahead with your plans knowing that the plants you'll need will be available when you need them. And when you need them, it's entirely possible that you can arrange to have them delivered right to your home. There may be a nominal charge, but very often, good customers get good deals on deliveries. Very often good customers also get advanced notice on upcoming sales, and that kind of insider information can save you a bundle of money! Depending on the time of year, the discounts can be up to 50 percent, maybe even more, and it may apply to your favorite plant or plant group.

Last, but hardly least, retailers often remove plants that didn't fare well or haven't sold well for months, and as a result don't look all that hot. If you know somebody on the plant lot, you may be able to take that plant home for pennies on the dollar. "And with a little tender loving care, you just might be able to turn a sleeper into a keeper."

So clearly, having a relationship with plant retailers is a good thing.

Caution: If you take a sample of a diseased plant to a retailer for analysis, make sure it's safely secured in a plastic bag, and don't take it out of the bag! Some diseases can be extremely infectious and may spread rapidly if given the opportunity, and if you infect a retailer's inventory, you'll be remembered for a long time to come, but not necessarily in a good way. And realize that earning the title of good customer isn't necessarily based solely on the amount of money you spend. It's also based on your interests and enthusiasm, your loyalty as a customer, and whether you're the type of person who is fun and friendly to work with or a demanding, grumpy gardener.

There are a few things you shouldn't expect. Don't expect detailed design services at no charge. It's okay to take a rough sketch or photo of your landscape for a few quick tips and ideas, but chances are that the staff won't have time to really give you a full-blown design. In addition, a number of operations offer design services for which they charge even their best customers. "In other words, if you want design services, be prepared to foot the bill," says James.

If you're looking for advice and information, try to avoid peak time, particular weekends. Instead, show up early on weekday mornings when the place isn't so busy. Actually, in terms of cultivating those all-important relationships, James suggests that the best time is during the off season like the middle of winter or middle of summer. While there won't be as many plants to talk about, the employees will certainly have a whole lot more time to get to know you, your needs and your interests. And who knows, you might end up cultivating a true friendship in the process.