Types of Plants at Garden Fairs
Garden fairs typically offer a diverse selection of plants for gardening enthusiasts. Whether you're into outdoor gardening, houseplants, or flowers, there's something for everyone. Here's a breakdown of the types of plants commonly sold at garden fairs:
Outdoor Plants: These include various plants suitable for outdoor landscaping, such as shrubs, bushes, and groundcovers.
House Plants: For those who love bringing greenery indoors, garden fairs often feature a range of houseplants, from succulents to tropical varieties.
Flower Plants: If you're looking to add colourful blooms to your garden, you'll find a wide array of flowering plants, including annuals and perennials.
Trees: Garden fairs may offer young trees suitable for planting in your yard. These can range from fruit trees to ornamental specimens.
Annuals: These are plants that complete their life cycle within one year, providing seasonal color and variety to your garden.
Perennials: Perennials are plants that return year after year, offering long-term beauty and often requiring less maintenance.
Specialty Plants: Some garden fairs specialize in hard-to-find or rare plant varieties, making them a treasure trove for collectors and enthusiasts.
Unique Offerings: In certain garden fairs, you might come across unique features like a succulent bar or themed plant sections.
Price Range for Plants at Garden Fairs
The price range for plants at garden fairs can vary widely depending on the type of plant and the vendor. Here are some examples to give you an idea of what to expect:
Garden Club of Fair Haven: This plant sale often offers well-established perennials from members' gardens at attractive prices.
Spring Garden Fair & Plant Sale (Cornell Cooperative Extension): Vendors here provide specialty plants and gardening advice, with prices averaging around $20.
George Washington's Mount Vernon Spring Plant and Garden Sale: You can find heirloom vegetables, herbs, and annual flowers here, with varying price points.
Spring Garden Market & Plant Sale (Fernwood Botanical Garden): Prices for plants range from $3 to $25, catering to different budgets.
Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale (Union County): Perennials and other plants are typically priced from $3 to $25, with larger trees and shrubs sometimes costing more.
FONA Garden Fair & Plant Sale (U.S. National Arboretum): This fair offers a wide variety, including rare and unusual plants, with prices ranging from $5 to $50.
Remember that prices can differ significantly from one vendor to another, so it's a good idea to shop around for the best deals.
Average Price for Perennials at Garden Fairs
The average price for perennials at garden fairs can vary based on the specific plant and vendor. Here are some examples:
The Home Depot: Perennials are sold at varying prices, often when they are in bloom.
Lowes: On average, perennials at Lowes cost around $20, but prices can range from approximately $1.98 to $114.
Houzz Discussion: Potted perennials are typically sold for $4 to $6 each in 5 1/2-inch square pots.
TN Nursery: Offers a Perennials Package for sale at a cost-effective price.
Walmart: Prices for perennials vary, with some plants priced at $8.99 and others at $12.99.
In general, the average price for perennials at garden fairs can range from a few dollars to around $20, depending on factors like plant type and vendor preferences. Always keep an eye out for deals and discounts.
Garden Fairs Specializing in Perennials
If you're specifically looking for garden fairs that specialize in perennials, here are some examples:
Shades of Green Nursery: Located in Frisco, TX, this garden center specializes in native perennials adapted to North Texas conditions.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden: They host Spring & Fall Plant sales that include a variety of plants, including perennials.
Milberger's Landscape and Plant Nursery: Located in San Antonio, they offer a wide selection of perennials among their offerings.
While some garden fairs may not exclusively specialize in perennials, they often have a significant selection of these plants available for purchase. Be sure to inquire with vendors to find the perennials you're seeking.
Tips for Selecting and Buying Perennials at Garden Fairs
- When shopping for perennials at garden fairs, consider these tips to make the best choices:
- Choose Healthy Plants: Select perennials with vibrant, disease-free foliage and no visible pests.
- Assess Plant Condition: Look for well-balanced, symmetrical plants without leggy or lopsided growth.
- Small Buds: Opt for perennials with small, tight buds, ensuring you'll enjoy the full bloom cycle.
- Reputable Vendors: Buy from vendors known for quality, and seek recommendations from other gardeners or online reviews.
- Consider Garden Conditions: Ensure the chosen perennials match your garden's sunlight, soil, and moisture requirements.
- Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask vendors for information about the care and maintenance of the plant.
Following these tips will help you select and purchase healthy, thriving perennials at garden fairs.
Signs of Healthy Perennials at Garden Fairs
Identifying healthy perennials is crucial when shopping at garden fairs. Look for these signs of well-being:
Healthy Foliage: Choose plants with lush, green leaves free of spots or discoloration.
Symmetrical Shape: Opt for perennials with a well-balanced, symmetrical growth pattern, avoiding leggy or lopsided plants.
Small Buds: Plants with small, tight buds just starting to open indicate a healthy, soon-to-bloom specimen.
Firm Stems: Check that the stems are firm and not wilted or limp.
Healthy Roots: Don't forget to inspect the roots; they should be healthy and not mushy or rotting.
No Signs of Pests or Disease: Examine leaves, stems, and buds for any indications of damage or infestation.
Tips for Planting Perennials from Garden Fairs
To ensure the success of perennials purchased at garden fairs, follow these planting tips:
Prepare the Soil: Enhance soil quality by adding compost or organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient content.
Choose the Right Location: Select a planting location that suits the specific needs of your perennials in terms of sunlight, soil type, and moisture levels.
Dig Adequate Holes: Dig holes that are twice as wide and deep as the root ball to provide ample space for root growth.
Plant Carefully: Gently remove the plant from its container and plant it at the same level as the surrounding soil. Fill the hole with soil and tamp it down gently.
Water Thoroughly: After planting, water your perennials well to settle the soil and ensure the roots receive sufficient moisture, especially during the initial weeks.
Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants, leaving a small gap around the base to prevent moisture accumulation and rot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planting Perennials
To prevent common pitfalls when planting perennials from garden fairs, be aware of these potential mistakes:
Lack of Planning: Failure to plan for your garden's specific conditions and requirements can lead to plant mismatches.
Wrong Location: Planting perennials in an unsuitable location in terms of sunlight, soil, or moisture levels can hinder their growth.
Neglecting Maintenance: Perennials require regular care, including watering, fertilizing, and pruning.
Weed Neglect: Allowing weeds to thrive can compete with perennials for essential resources, so keep them in check.
Overcrowding: Avoid planting perennials too close together, as this can lead to poor growth and potential disease issues.
Excessive Mulching: While mulch is beneficial, using too much can lead to root rot and other problems.
By steering clear of these common planting mistakes, you'll set your perennials on the path to success in your garden.
