This summer, at a "Let's Go Shopping!" class offered to teach gardeners about selecting Calgary-appropriate plants, I was surprised to hear something from a participant. He said he often chose to buy plants for his garden from other stores — building supply or grocery stores for example — because he found dedicated garden centres intimidating.
Upon reflection, especially for new gardeners, I understand how the spring offerings at garden centres can be daunting. In spring, local garden centres are overflowing with plants.
Sales from this one season, like Christmas sales for other retailers, often determine if they have a successful year.
The volume of plants and the bustle of shoppers may make it seem like it's just chaos, but garden centres are organized. Most garden centres divide their space into areas to help gardeners find plants.
Often, garden centres separate their plants by type: houseplants, vegetables, herbs, annuals, perennials, and trees and shrubs. These large groupings are refined. In the tree lot, for example, fruit trees are grouped.
This group is further segmented by the type of fruit; all apple trees are kept together, and the apple trees are organized so that crabapples are separated from the larger-eating apples. The other trees (and shrubs) are also arranged in categories.
Roses are organized by type. Explorer (hardy roses bred for northern gardens and named for explorers of Canada) and Artist series (Zone 3 hardy roses bred in Morden, MB, and named after Canadian artists) are grouped.
Other subgroupings of roses are also made. It makes choosing what you want easier. Tender roses, such as tea roses, are often available, but in a different area as — unless the gardener wants to take a chance and put in the work to provide appropriate overwintering care —they are annuals here.
It's a bit like being in a grocery store.
Take cookies; all the boxes of cookies can be found in one aisle. The type of cookie or a manufacturer's cookie boxes are grouped, with a few featured items highlighted at the end of the row.
Even annuals are organized. Often the types are grouped; all the varieties of marigolds can be found in one area, etcetera.
Perennials are where the local garden centre organization truly shines. Not only are their shelves organized by type of plant, but they are also grouped to feature height, sunlight needs, moisture needs, and special characteristics. Vining plants are grouped and so are groundcovers. Gardens centres may also feature pollinator-friendly plants and those that attract hummingbirds.
When you visit, how will you know what area you're in? Year-round garden centres have signage, usually hanging from the ceiling or mounted high on a wall, to help visitors find what they need. They also have year-round staff that know what is on their shelves and what is coming in. The seasonal staff can help you find things, too.
If you haven't checked out your local garden centre, you should plan an introductory visit sooner rather than later.
Some greenhouses expand the area open to shoppers in the spring and reduce it as their plant stock is sold, but the basic layouts and signage remain. Take your time to browse and read plant tags. The local garden centres around Calgary have unique characteristics. Some even propagate or grow their own plants.
Visit more than one to learn which one best suits your needs. Become comfortable with their layout during the off-season so you can go in like a pro next spring!
To learn more about gardening resources, visit the Calgary Horticultural Society's website, calhort.org.