Saving money at the Nursery

Last Updated on Saturday, 8 October 2011 11:29 Written by Phillip Saturday, 8 October 2011 11:29

The other day I saw a post on Facebook that showed a sign reading ‘The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago….the second best time is now.’ This isn’t a new saying; as a matter of fact you’ve probably heard it before. Seeing it again got me thinking how it is probably truer today than when it was originally stated. We all know these are tough economic times, economic times, and everyone is trying to make their dollars go further. I have seen first hand here at Viola Nursery, how peoples buying habits have changed in the last few years. Five years ago customers had no hesitation purchasing a tree for $100.00 or more. The last few years people seem to take more time in researching purchases of over 100 dollars. As the owner of high quality plant material, I applaud these shoppers. When people take the time to check out different sources of these plants, they are usually going to end up making a smarter decision. In my opinion trees are one of  the most economical purchases someone can make. Whether you are buying a small $50.00 fruit tree or a large balled and burlapped shade tree, your one time purchase is going to give you something that will continually increase in value. People don’t generally think of a tree in the perspective of their investment increasing in value. There have been many studies that show a home that has more mature trees and landscaping, generate a higher value when the home is being sold.

So when you are thinking you would sure like to have a tree or two, or three in your yard….take your time and do some research. Start out on the internet, it’s a great resource. When you think you know what kind of tree would look nice and serve a purpose at your home, check out your local independent garden centers. A IGC is where you can be assured of finding trees that have been cared for like plants, not just a product on a shelf. Talk to the people that work there and ask questions. If the people working there don’t take the time to help you with your questions, go on to the next Garden center. If they don’t care about the people who are taking their trees home, they probably don’t really care how their trees have been taken care of.

Locally Grown Means more than Vegetables

Last Updated on Friday, 2 September 2011 07:38 Written by Phillip Friday, 2 September 2011 07:38

Usually when garden centers advertise locally grown items, you assume they are talking about vegetables. I believe locally grown is also important for any item purchased at your local garden center. When you purchase a plant that is locally grown, you should be getting something that is already acclimated to your area. All to often the grocery store parking lot “garden center” and box stores, have plants that are shipped in from all over the country. Many of these plants have a tag on them saying they are appropriate for your growing zone. What you need to do, is look closely at the tag and see where these plants were grown. Very often, perennials and nursery stock that was grown in a warmer climate, have difficulties adapting to the more severe cold of northern winters. This causes people to have failures with their purchases and they think to themselves, “I’m not a green thumb….I just can’t grow plants.” The truth is, that it usually is not your fault at all. So when purchasing plants or produce, think locally. Go to a local garden center that grows their own plants. Ask questions…if they can’t answer those questions they probably didn’t grow the plants themselves. They are hundreds of reasons to buy locally…..this is just one of them!