BEWARE THE GARDEN CENTRE

It is the time of the year when we all flock to our nearest Garden Centre to stock up on plants to make our garden bloom. Well, there are some ‘tricks’ that you should be aware of which might not make your ambitious plans successful. Here are some ‘mistakes’ to look out for

1. BUDS NOT BLOOMS
Look for plants that have lots of healthy buds as plants already in bloom may be past their best and only last a short time.

2. CHECK THE ROOTS
Before buying, lift the pot and inspect the roots. They should be firm and white as they are the foundation of your plant’s success. If they are brown and mushy then you may end up with an unhealthy and root bound plant.

3. LOOKS CAN DECEIVE
Although there may be plants that look pretty and catch your eye, don’t be tempted until you check a couple of things. Always check that they are suitable for your climate and its hardiness to survive in those conditions.

4. DETAILS MATTER
So often, tempted by the look of plants, we overlook the information on the tag attached to the plant. Make sure you pay attention as it will give you all the information you require to ensure the plants success. Look out for plant size and spread to make sure it will fit the space it is intended for in your garden.

5. BUY LOCAL
We may assume that the plants in our garden centre are grown locally. This is not always the case and some are transported long distances. This can be traumatic for the plants and they may find it difficult to adapt. Buy local varieties which will ensure that your plants are acclimatised and are growing well in their environment. Supporting your local independent garden centre helps the community and help to maintain sustainability.

Choose wisely and your garden will bloom for many years to come.