I wouldn't usually defend garden centres, but a plant has to be looked after year round, and if they don't sell, they have to be repotted, pruned and generally titivated, whether they're easy plants or difficult ones. They have to get people through the door to pay for all the overheads, especially over winter, because the vast majority of folk who go to garden centres aren't going to invest in plants for a new border, they go because they can wander about with family or friends, have lunch/coffee, buy fudge or a vase or a set of Christmas lights etc, and generally spend an afternoon, maybe also buying a plant or a packet of seeds. The upkeep of that is therefore completely different to a nursery's upkeep, because a nursery's focus is plants, not the other fripperies and afternoon tea. I can safely say that's the scenario at my local GC.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Surprisingly i have always found Morrisons to be very good valie for plants (albeit mostly small in size). I ve bought Acers, clematises, Lavatera, various bulbs, ivy and bedding plants from there.
I think from all the big supermarket chains, its the one that kind of specilaises in Plants. Other than that Aldi also has good offers on.
The price really depends on lots of different factors. Last year I bought lovely Bowles Mauve plants in Morrisons for £1 each. I use Garden Centres and nurseries for more unusual plants,supermarkets quite often are very cheap for the more common varieties.
“Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
I wouldn't usually defend garden centres, but a plant has to be looked after year round, and if they don't sell, they have to be repotted, pruned and generally titivated, whether they're easy plants or difficult ones. They have to get people through the door to pay for all the overheads, especially over winter, because the vast majority of folk who go to garden centres aren't going to invest in plants for a new border, they go because they can wander about with family or friends, have lunch/coffee, buy fudge or a vase or a set of Christmas lights etc, and generally spend an afternoon, maybe also buying a plant or a packet of seeds. The upkeep of that is therefore completely different to a nursery's upkeep, because a nursery's focus is plants, not the other fripperies and afternoon tea. I can safely say that's the scenario at my local GC.
I dont think the large Garden Centers keep the stock over winter. They mostly buy from the whole sellers in the season and just sell at higher prices.
Rest of the points about higher operating cost etc are valid but essentially its the same scenario as the high street vs On-line retailers.
Just last week I bought a small foxglove plant for £3.99 at a large GC. It was healthy and in a very good condition, but I still thought it was quite expensive for a small plant. But if you buy online, it might be a bit cheaper, but you have to pay p&p and you can’t actually see what quality of plant you are getting. So I guess the prices in GC are not entirely unjustified.
I'm reluctant to pay £10 for a plant, but I will if it's something unusual that I really want and is fairly likely to do well in my conditions. And I will only buy one, and try to choose a specimen that looks like it will split in a year or so. Supermarkets are fine for what they have but it's generally nothing special - I'll get bags of bulbs in autumn, bedding plants for baskets etc from them. Plant fairs, shows etc are fab but usually turn into an expensive day out (how on earth does that happen? ). For perennials I'll buy from garden centres when they reduce stuff that has flowered and been cut back. They usually settle in well at that stage and can often be divided before planting.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
I have bought fruit trees and ferns from GC and paid a slightly higher price just for the chance to pick my own. My best buy just after Christmas a year ago was a blue pine, 3 foot tall and £9. A beautiful specimen plant for the front garden which is a slow grower so I think well worth the price. Last week I went for some Aubergine seeds and while there saw a pot of Gaziania seedlings for £2.95, as last year they were in short supply and I missed out I bought some and now have 21 potted on good value I think.🙂
I've been quite pleased with my recent perennial purchases from the Secret Garden club online (see separate thread for details). They vary from £1.99 to £4.99 ish each, yes they are small but look to be good quality and are postage free if you buy £10 worth or over.
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I can safely say that's the scenario at my local GC.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I think from all the big supermarket chains, its the one that kind of specilaises in Plants. Other than that Aldi also has good offers on.
Last year I bought lovely Bowles Mauve plants in Morrisons for £1 each.
I use Garden Centres and nurseries for more unusual plants,supermarkets quite often are very cheap for the more common varieties.
Rest of the points about higher operating cost etc are valid but essentially its the same scenario as the high street vs On-line retailers.
But if you buy online, it might be a bit cheaper, but you have to pay p&p and you can’t actually see what quality of plant you are getting. So I guess the prices in GC are not entirely unjustified.