Sources Of Supply For The Gardener

Three out of every four container plants are bought from the garden centre. You can wander around and look at the perennials, trees and shrubs, knowing that at almost any time of the year you can get a container-grown specimen and plant it within your own garden. Selecting a plant is simple but getting it home may be difficult - never bend or twist the stems to get it into your vehicle. Also, remember that a plant could get roasted in the boot or wind burnt if left next to an open window in your moving vehicle. There are several rules to follow in order to ensure trouble-free shopping. Try to go at the beginning of the planting season before shortages occur, and try to go midweek avoiding the weekend crowds. Do not buy on impulse unless you really know your plants - it is much better to make a list and buy the best specimens you can find. When you see an attractive plant which is not on your list, make a record of its name and check its suitability in a text book or on the\by using internet when you get to your home. You can always buy it on your next visit if it is suitable. Advantages: You can actually see exactly what you’re purchasing. Whenever possible make your choice when a container-grown plant is at its greatest display stage - flowering shrubs in bloom, berrying shrubs in fruit, etc. Container-grown stock can be planted straight away. If your first choice is not available, it is possible to immediately choose something else. Except for trees it is normally possible to take your plants home with you - no delays, no transport expenses. Advice will always be 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 large quantity of varieties which might not sell. Garden centres are normally a long way from the middle of town, this means that your nearest one may be inaccessible when you don't have a car. Numbers of every variety may perhaps be limited, so when you are scheduling for a massed planting or a long hedge you may need to order from a large mail order nursery. The main stock-in-trade, the container-grown plant is generally more expensive. If something goes wrong: If one or more of your plants fail and you are confident that it is not your mistake, return it to your garden centre and explain what has occurred. You will require proof of purchase so always keep the receipt when buying plants. If the 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, if 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 affordable, but do take care. Feel the bulbs to make sure they are firm and don't buy bedding plants if there are any warning signs the plant isn't healthy.

I have been involved with the Do-It-Yourself and Gardening industry for over 30 years. So I think now is the time to spread the word a bit about Home improvement within the companies operating in the UK.