- Even the best garden centers only stock a limited variety of plants, usually those that are popular locally. Many rare and choice plants are available from specialist nurseries that only sell plants for shipment. If you become attached to a certain kind of plant or flower, you may only be able to obtain the precise cultivar through mail order. Often, a newly developed cultivar is available from only a few sources.
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Order early, especially when purchasing a rare or newly introduced plant. Many nurseries have waiting lists for their choicest plants. Even more ordinary plants can sell out quickly.
A good nursery will ask you about your location. This is especially important when a plant is being shipped from one region to another. Nurseries should ship plants so they will arrive at the proper planting time for their destination. They should also make sure the plants are in transit for as little time as possible. -
Open the box and check the condition of the plants as soon as they arrive. Many nurseries guarantee that plants will arrive in good condition, but they cannot be responsible for plants left to languish in shipping boxes.
Check the plant for damage, and prune broken twigs or stems as needed. Most plants are shipped while dormant, but even so the roots and stems should be full and strong, not withered in any way. Bulbs should be full and heavy, not light and shriveled. - Plant as soon as possible after the shipment arrives. If it is necessary to delay planting, hold the plants in a cool, fairly dark place, and keep them moist. Don't delay planting for more than a few days unless it is absolutely necessary.
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Knowing the plants Latin name is the only way to be sure to get what you order. Common names are far too general. For example, several dozen species of plants in three genera are all called "coneflower." (See Resources for a guide to plants).
The most reliable mail order nurseries are conservative in describing the plants they offer, providing detailed advice about the necessary growing conditions. Beginning gardeners should be wary if every plant in the catalog is "easy to grow" and described as having "all summer bloom." Exaggerated claims lead to disappointed gardeners. - All countries monitor the importation of plants as many plant diseases and harmful species can be introduced that way. Don't order a plant unless you are sure it is legal to import it in your location. Many plants are well-behaved in some environments and invasive in others. For instance, purple loosestrife is a useful garden plant in much of the United States, but is wildly invasive in the wetlands of the Midwest. It should never be planted there, since it escapes from gardens and takes over large areas, displacing local native plants. Some states prohibit importation of plants that will be invasive in their area. A reputable nursery will refuse to ship questionable plants to areas where they are likely to create a problem.
