3 Compelling Reasons to Skip the Big-Box Stores When Buying Plants
The “shop local” movement has exploded in just about every direction. Could we agree to also shop local when we need new plants?
All danger of frost is gone. The impulse buying of impatiens and ferns at the grocery store, succulents and majesty palms at the hardware store, will commence.
To buy plants like this—with little forethought, driven simply by our seasonal disposition that matches the smiles on those hot pink Gerber daisies—is just so easy. (I’ve been there!)
And ease is what drives so much of our spending in this country.
The “shop local” movement has exploded in just about every direction.
Could we agree to also shop local when we need new plants? It supports small businesses and makes us better gardeners.
Let me offer three compelling reasons to skip the big-box stores when you’re buying plants:
1. Quality.
The chain stores buy in bulk from nurseries across the country, offering common plants based on marketing calendars rather than local knowledge and seasonal wisdom. Local nurseries often source from regional growers who supply plants adapted to our climate, grown on a smaller scale, and offered at the right time.
2. Uniqueness.
Shop only at big-box stores and you’d be forgiven for thinking there are only blue and pink hydrangeas, vinca and phlox for ground covers, and pansies for winter interest. Local nurseries and plant shops have more variety and more native plant options.
3. Expertise.
In our locals, you’ll find life-long gardeners, horticulturists, landscape professionals, proud houseplant lovers, and arborists who can answer any question you have, and help you make good choices.
If there’s one thing I find common among people who like plants but believe they can’t have a green thumb it’s this: They often bring home plants that already have problems and then get disappointed by their performance.
It’s not just nurseries, either.
You can also find deals on quality plants at the seasonal plant sales offered in spring and fall by groups like the Greenville Master Gardeners, Upstate Native Plant Society, Future Farmers of America clubs at area high schools, South Carolina Botanical Garden in Clemson, and Spartanburg Community College’s horticulture program.
And, dozens of local growers have booths at our area farmers markets, including the TD Saturday Market and the Travelers Rest Farmers Market.
If there’s one thing I find common among people who like plants but believe they can’t have a green thumb it’s this:
They often bring home plants that already have problems and then get disappointed by their performance.
Start with healthy, well-cared for plants and you’ll see much more success. This is especially important if you’re new to gardening—the wins keep you going.
Carve out some time to visit a few local nurseries or farmers markets this spring. You’ll enjoy the search more, and your thumb will turn a shade greener.
And to help you…
I’ve been collaborating with designer Lib Ramos and Charis JB on a new edition in the “Paper Routes” series from Good Printed Things—
It’s a unique and beautiful map of the best places to buy plants locally!
I was beyond honored to be asked to participate in this project. And I had so much fun working on it—visiting plant shops I’d never been to, talking to the staff at the nurseries, and generally trying to avoid buying way to many plants in the name of research!
Paper Routes is a series of collaborative illustrated maps from Good Printed Things — a Greenville-based publishing company. Each guide combines the work of a local artist and writer to highlight places that make Greenville unique, supporting our local economy through art.
Good Printed Things projects facilitate collaboration between writers, designers, and artists, and showcase the good that comes from the intersection of talents.
This special Plants edition is available for pre-order and wholesale orders now, and will be available from local retailers like M. Judson Booksellers on May 14.
I hope you’ll join me in supporting this project! I’m going to frame one in my house. It’s that pretty :)
To celebrate its release, we’re planning a Seeds & Starts Plant Swap! Mark your calendar for May 20, from 3-5pm at Hollowed Earth Pottery in Hampton Station.