Looking for spring plants: find expert advice at local nurseries

A Tallahassee gardener recommends buying from local nurseries for personalized advice, plants adapted to the local climate, and classes, while noting online and big-box purchases can bring unsuitable species, pests, or misleading hardiness information.

Spring is approaching in Tallahassee, where the last frost typically falls in March, and the article compares buying plants locally with ordering online or purchasing from large garden centers. The author favors local nurseries and outlines reasons including advice, plant resilience, biodiversity, environmental and economic benefits, and educational offerings. The piece draws on personal gardening experience and examples from area nurseries such as Native Nurseries and Tallahassee Nurseries. It also discusses problems the author and neighbors encountered when buying plants or insect predators online. What the article reports: - Local nursery staff provide personalized advice, help with planting and pest issues, and may offer plant guarantees or carry heavy items for customers. - Plants grown locally or by nearby growers are often better adapted to local soil and climate and may need less water and fewer pesticides. - Native plants support local wildlife and pollinators; the article notes endangered species such as Georgia calamint are sometimes available. - Buying locally can reduce shipping-related carbon footprint and supports the local economy and small businesses. - Online purchases can be misleading about hardiness zones and plant origin; examples include shrubs unsuited to Zone 9a and sedum shipped from distant growers that declined. - Some imported plants or insect predators sold online or by large stores can introduce pests or nonnative species that may harm local ecosystems, and big-box outlets can be impersonal. Summary: The article emphasizes local nurseries as sources of tailored information, locally adapted plants, educational classes, and community support, while noting risks tied to online or large-store purchases such as wrong hardiness matches or unintended pests. With spring planting season approaching, availability of specific plants may vary and local nurseries report ongoing activities like classes and stocking native selections.