I'm overhauling my shrub bed, but my landscaper plans to source plants from a local farm that won't provide tags indicating temperature, light, or maintenance needs. This worries me because I won't know how to care for them. I understand that even with tags, it's not a guarantee. Additionally, I think plant traits can vary by grower, as I've noticed differences among brands like Proven Winners and Southern Living. I could ask my landscaper for brand name plants at a higher cost, but I'm also inclined to support local businesses. What do you think? Should I trust local farms or stick with recognized brands?
5 Answers
I've dealt with local tree farms and I've often received plants without labels. Identifying plants correctly is my job, and even though mistakes happen, I just send them back if they're wrong. But that responsibility lies on the buyer. Make sure you’re comfortable with the risk before buying from a local source.
You might still get some ID tags with local purchases, but honestly, a tag shouldn't be your only source of care info — we've all got smartphones! A decent landscaper should have a list of plants for different conditions and be able to give you specifics. If you have an idea of what you want, you could always do a bit of research and provide them with a list of your preferred plants. Just make sure you’re not going with someone who’s not reputable!
As someone who runs a wholesale nursery, I can tell you that we label plants with basic info like common and botanical names, even if we don’t have tags detailing light and water needs. That info is easy to find online. Local plants are often better suited for your climate, plus Proven Winners often sources from local nurseries too. So don't feel like you have to go for the more expensive option just because it comes with a fancy label.
It really depends! I've bought plenty of plants from local farms, and while they might lack certain details, they know their species. One time, I got a mixed lot of flowers for a steal — 200 plants for the price of just 12 brand name ones! Don’t overlook the potential savings for some really good plants.
Honestly, if you have no idea what plants you're getting at all, it's a big red flag. You should always know the species to choose the right plants for your space. It's easy to confuse plant characteristics with cultivars; hybrids can differ a lot from straight species. Don’t trust a name brand blindly, as some just hold patents without guaranteeing quality.