Make your next nursery visit count.

Bring a useful picture of home

Photograph the whole area and the surrounding plants. Bring its dimensions, notes on light and drainage, and a list of what you want the planting to accomplish.

Check the exact plant

Ask for the botanical name and cultivar, mature height and spread, and suitability for your location. The USDA map helps assess winter temperature suitability for perennial plants; it is not a planting-date calendar or a guarantee of success.

Ask about ownership, not just purchase

• What watering and care does this plant need while it establishes?
• What maintenance will it need once mature?
• What are the current delivery, planting, return, and guarantee terms?
• Is it available now, and what alternatives fit the same conditions?

Keep your plan flexible

Use a shortlist rather than insisting on a plant that does not fit the conditions or is unavailable. Save its label and receipt, and write down the care instructions. Store policies vary, so check the specific business rather than assuming all nurseries work the same way.