Buying local flowers/plants

[lilac05]

I've seen several comments on this board about buying local plants/seeds and other landscaping stuff.  I'm admittedly very uneducated about this, but would like to learn.

Could someone point me in the right direction for information/reasons why this is a good thing?  Or just fill me in on the basics?  (I'm assuming the cost is at least a little more and I'll have to justify the cost to myself and my H.)  Is buying from my local nursery enough, or do I need to do more?  Does this mean I shouldn't be buying stuff from Walmart/Menard's/Lowes, etc?  What about seed packets?  How do I know?

Tagging pixy0stix and treedimensional since you're the two I think I've noticed commenting on this issue.

[pixy0stix]

treedimensional probably knows more than I do. I talk to my local nursery about plants. I also tend to google plants before buying them for my landscape to make sure they're not classified as invasives in my area.

[lilac05]

Apr 23, 2015 19:47:23 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

treedimensional probably knows more than I do. I talk to my local nursery about plants. I also tend to google plants before buying them for my landscape to make sure they're not classified as invasives in my area.

Thanks! 

A quick google of invasive plants in my area showed the "winged burning bush."  I'm not sure how many kinds there are, but burning bushes are a staple of landscaping around here.  Interesting.  I need to do more research.

[munkii]

Do a quick search to see if your state has a state native plant association. Indiana's, for example, is INPAWS (Indiana Native Plant & Wildflower Society), and they have so much information on their website. Additionally, they have an annual plant sale. I'm sure there are other states that have organizations like this.

[Redpoppy]

Apr 23, 2015 19:55:34 GMT -5 lilac05 said:

Apr 23, 2015 19:47:23 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

treedimensional probably knows more than I do. I talk to my local nursery about plants. I also tend to google plants before buying them for my landscape to make sure they're not classified as invasives in my area.

Thanks! 

A quick google of invasive plants in my area showed the "winged burning bush."  I'm not sure how many kinds there are, but burning bushes are a staple of landscaping around here.  Interesting.  I need to do more research.

I was looking that up today too, by way of seeing if the ornamental grass my coworker said was invasive actually is.  I couldn't find info on that, but saw burning bush.  There are at least 10 next to the pool at the new house.  Should I rip them out?  They are banned in MA now.

[treedimensional]

You're on the right track by doing your homework.
I've bought plants at Walmart, Lowes and HD, but not frequently, and mainly that's due to of lack of selection. The fact is that they just never have what I'm looking for. I buy from NURSERIES. Places that specialize in plants. Even then, many times I still can't find anything I need. Sometimes I have to settle for mail order, and I hate doing that because I can't SEE the plant. I'm very picky about species and quality.

[auntie]

I buy all over, but I try to be mindful of invasive species. I am fortunate to live a few miles from a few garden wholesalers including one who specializes in "rare" specimens.

Two of my local parks have curated native plant sales- it's easy to buy something from them that is suited to out area and will do well once planted. Plus, sales help support the parks and the programs they offer.

When I was working with the Eagle Scout candidates in DS's troop, a few did projects that included significant landscaping pieces. Some of the parks the boys worked in were quite draconian in their rules around plant vendors which was frustrating and added to the costs associated with the projects. The two parks that offer plants sales also have rules that all materials planted have to be cultivated in PA. In most instances the plants have done really well, in others the quality wasn't great (other factors like being planted in summer when scouts are not in school) and they died.

[2curlydogs]

Generally if you're buying from a local grower, the plants are going to be more geared for your zone and area's growing conditions. That, to me, is the biggest plus because a lot of times what I'm buying isn't cheap.

[TBM]

Apr 24, 2015 6:47:32 GMT -5 auntie said:

I buy all over, but I try to be mindful of invasive species.  

This.  We do try to shop local, but sometimes convenience or opportunity wins out.

We haven't figured out this zone, and we haven't found any one nursery that we love yet, but there are a couple of local nurseries that are pretty good, with knowledgeable staff.   Our nearest Lowes used to have a master gardener on staff...she was a huge help.

Both Lowes and HD here carry plants that are grown in FL and are varieties chosen to actually grow here.  The only problem with that is that they market them as great for Florida, but there are very different climate zones throughout the state, so some of the plants aren't really a good fit for our area.     



I try to buy local as much as possible...not just for the garden.  I like to support local businesses and reduce our carbon footprint.   I am not a zealot, just mindful.

[Deleted]

Agree with PP - most states have some good resources both on invasives and on recommended natives.

I'm not sure if you mean local in terms of small mom & pop or nurseries or local in terms of plants in the area. We tend to get a lot of our landscape plants from a local hardware store chain (6 stores) and rarely go to the big box stores (and pretty much never for plants).

If you mean local in terms of plant type, there are a lot of good reasons to include a good portion of native plants in your landscaping. 1) They'll be the most perfectly adapted to your area which means the lowest water & maintenance costs. 2) They are integrally a part of your local fauna (for instance, there is an endangered moth that is quite pretty in its area and its larva ONLY eats a native violet so I leave that violet alone anywhere I find it as its also pretty).

[pixy0stix]

Apr 23, 2015 20:14:22 GMT -5 Redpoppy said:

Apr 23, 2015 19:55:34 GMT -5 lilac05 said:

Thanks! 

A quick google of invasive plants in my area showed the "winged burning bush."  I'm not sure how many kinds there are, but burning bushes are a staple of landscaping around here.  Interesting.  I need to do more research.

I was looking that up today too, by way of seeing if the ornamental grass my coworker said was invasive actually is.  I couldn't find info on that, but saw burning bush.  There are at least 10 next to the pool at the new house.  Should I rip them out?  They are banned in MA now.

If they are invasive the answer is always yes. Destroy the plants and put in something better.

[adhdfashion]

I live in the hippy dippy mecca of Washington. Local products, seeds, and plants are promoted as a selling feature. In giant green letters like Organic. I haven't really had to hunt. The local Homedepot even has a section in the garden department for locally produced green products.
I haven't noticed a price difference at all with gardening. Sometimes local stuff is cheaper. Less shipping and packaging costs. Less waste, plants are suited to this area. Local money, going back into the local economy and creating local jobs. It's basically the best way to shop if possible.
We have a fresh foods revolution group out here. It works with local mini farms that get together to sell plants and foods right here in my community.
Start looking for stuff like that online in your area. : )