Plant Labels are Silent Sales People

Walking around a garden center is an opportunity for an education, that is, if the plants are properly identified. A garden center that simply labels a plant “seasonal bedding plant” is a challenge. Some of us read labels in order to learn. We like the stories behind the plants and where and how they grow best. If the plant is known by more than one name, it’s helpful to list the names. Informational aids—silent sales people—are not just courtesies but sales tools — the more you tell people, the more likely they are to buy.

People watching at garden centers is fascinating. You see few lists, unlike a grocery store, but a great deal of intention and focus and while gardeners respect each other’s space, if you have a question that you are unable to find someone at a garden center or nursery to answer, ask a fellow shopper. Solicited advice from fellow gardeners, dirt diggers and soil sisters, has helped my gardening journey.