Frogleg wrote:
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.
It depends on the region. Here in the gardening paradise of the PNW, even the
little mom & pop's carry an interesting array of not-so-common plants, and most
larger retail nurseries specialize to some degree on unusual, hard to find or brand
new introductions. It is a very competitive business here and carrying only the
stock stuff will not get you the customer base you need to outperform the
competition.
Living amongst this plant bounty, it is sometimes hard to remember that the rest of
the country is not necessarily as fortunate. I never cease to be surprised at the
amount of mail order and internet plant sales that exist and are discussed so
frequently here on wreck.gardens. I have yet to order anything other than some
specialty bulbs by mail order - everything else you could want is available with no
more difficulty than just a short drive.
pam - gardengal