On 09 Mar 2003 15:04:59 GMT, (Iris Cohen) wrote:

In some states, like California, there are laws governing the information that
must be included on plant labels. Unfortunately, this only applies to outdoor
plants. Therefore, nursery stock which originates in California, like anything
from Monrovia, will be properly labeled.
The local nurseries are not going to do anything they are not forced to do by
law.

I beg to differ. I don't think reputable garden outlets have to be
"forced" to do anything. Many of even the largest businesses
originated with a small operation and 1 or 2 plant enthuiasts. Big Box
stores may be totally uncaring and ignorant, but some 'benefit of the
doubt' should be given to local stores.

And the mom-and-pop nurseries can't afford the time to research the
subject.

One would think smaller operations were just the ones who'd spend time
choosing their wares carefully .

If you want named cultivars of a particular plant, you probably have to
patronize the specialist mail-order houses & pay the extra cost.

This is probably true. Most generic, Big Box or local, gardening
outlets supply common versions of plants most in demand. Thank
goodness we have the web now to get in touch with tomato or tropical
plant or exotic herb specialty outlets.