How to Be a Successful Garden Center Shopper: Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just getting your hands dirty for the first time, visiting a garden center, greenhouse or plant nursery can feel like stepping into a green paradise… or a jungle. With rows of vibrant flowers, lush foliage, and endless possibilities, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to start. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

Here are our top tips to help you shop smarter, stress less, and leave with exactly what you (and your garden) need.

🌿 1. Have a Plan… Sort Of

While spontaneity is part of the fun, a little planning goes a long way. Think about:

• Your space: Is it sunny, shady, or a mix? Know where your plants will live.

• Your goals: Are you looking for color? Pollinator-friendly picks? Veggies for your raised beds?

• Your schedule: Be honest—how much time can you dedicate to watering, pruning, and care?

Bringing a few photos of your garden space can help us guide you to the right choices.

🌿 2. Ask Questions—We’re Here for That!

Don’t be shy. We love talking plants, and we’re here to help. Unsure if a plant is deer-resistant? Want something low-maintenance? Need help reading a plant tag? Just ask. There's no such thing as a silly gardening question.

🌿 3. Pay Attention to the Tags

Those little tags are full of valuable info! They tell you:

• How much sunlight the plant needs

• How tall and wide it will grow

• When it blooms

• How to care for it

🌿 4. Think Beyond Flowers

Great gardens have layers—texture, foliage, structure. Don’t forget to browse:

• Ornamental grasses

• Shrubs and small trees

• Groundcovers and vines

These can add depth, height, and lasting impact to your space.

🌿 5. Don’t Forget the Dirt (and a few other essentials)

Good soil is everything. If you're planting in containers or raised beds, grab a high-quality potting mix. For in-ground beds, you may want to pick up compost or soil amendments to help your plants thrive. Healthy soil = happy plants.

• Klasen's Greenhouse and many other garden centers offer other garden essentials such as planters, tools and fertilizers.

🌿 6. Get Inspired, But Stay Grounded

It’s easy to fall in love with all the plants. (We get it—we do too!) But remember your space, your budget, and your time. It’s better to leave with a few well-chosen, healthy plants than a cart full of impulse buys that may not make it to the ground.

Bonus: You can always come back. We’re open all season, and every trip brings something new to discover.

🌿 8. Join the Club

Many garden centers (like ours!) have email newsletters, workshops and more! Be sure to sign up for our e-newsletter to stay in the loop.

Shopping at a garden center, greenhouse or plant nursery should feel like a breath of fresh air—not a chore. With a little prep and the right mindset, you can make your trip fun,

rewarding, and filled with blooming potential. We’re here to cheer you on every step of the way. So grab your gloves and your wishlist—we can’t wait to help you grow something beautiful.

Take care,

Ricki