Strategies Garden Store Proprietors Want You Aware of Prior to Purchasing
Ah, nothing quite beats a leisurely weekend stroll at your favorite garden center or flower shop! Picture this: coffee in hand, daydreaming about that new landscaping project you've been brainstorming for ages, surrounded by vibrant greenery that beckons, whispering "your yard could look like this!"
But remember, behind that idyllic scene are the hardworking individuals who tend to these plants and patiently answer questions from dozens of eager gardeners like you. So, what do they wish we all knew before stepping foot in their greenhouse paradise? We put the question to the experts - Jen McDonald, co-founder of Garden Girls in Texas, and Mary Delia Poynter, owner of M Delia Designs in Atlanta, Georgia.
Pro Tips from the Pros
- Time Your Visit: Sometimes we're there for a leisurely browse, but other times we mean business. Knowing the best time to visit can make all the difference. Busier times include weekends during spring or before/after a significant weather event. "Pack patience," advises McDonald, as shop workers often double as unofficial landscape designers.
- Trust the Professionals: These dedicated individuals harbor a passion for their craft and love collaborating with customers to get the perfectresults. When ordering flower arrangements online, Poynter suggests giving creative license to flower designers instead of getting too specific.
- Know What You Need and Where It Will Live: Whether you have a specific project in mind or are starting from scratch, it's helpful to come with some basic knowledge. McDonald recommends snapping photos of the space you're planning to fill to help communicate needs more effectively.
- Leave the Kids (and Dogs) at Home: Serious planning visits are easier without small distractions like dogs and children. Dogs can disrupt delicate plants and create traffic jams, while kids can knock over fragile items.
- Source Healthy Plants: You want the best results, right? Inspect plants before buying - check for healthy leaves, moist soil, and avoid yellow or brown spots. Also, be aware of seasons and discounted items as they may indicate a reason for reduced quality.
- Take Care of What You've Got: Proper care extends the life of your new acquisition. Change flower water regularly, never throw away flower food, and avoid using vodka or soda as substitutes.
- Be Kind: Remember the golden rule. Garden professionals are there to help you, and kind interactions foster positive relationships that can yield invaluable advice and assistance.
Now, armed with these enlightening tips, your next excursion to the local garden center will be nothing short of a beautiful experience! Happy gardening!
[1] Source: Gardening Know-How[2] Source: The Spruce[3] Source: Gardener's Path
- When planning a visit to the garden center or flower shop, consider timing it during less busy periods for a smoother experience, as suggested by Jen McDonald from Garden Girls and Mary Delia Poynter from M Delia Designs.
- To make the most of your experience, trust the expertise of garden professionals, like Jen McDonald and Mary Delia Poynter, who are passionate about their craft and eager to collaborate with customers for perfect results.
- To better communicate your gardening needs, take photos of the space you're planning to fill, as recommended by Jen McDonald, ensuring a successful transformation of your garden.
