Garden shop owners have seen it all – from shoppers who don’t prepare before visiting to those who don’t take good care of their purchased plants. In this article, we’ll explore the top mistakes garden shop owners see shoppers make and provide tips on how to avoid them.
Few things in life are better than a leisurely Saturday morning trip to your local nursery, plant shop, or flower house. However, garden shop owners have identified several common mistakes that shoppers make, which can lead to a less-than-ideal experience. According to Southern Living, these mistakes include not preparing before a visit, not shopping at the right time, and not taking good care of purchased plants.
Key Takeaways
- Arrive prepared with information on your garden.
- Shop at the right time and make sure your schedule allows you to browse.
- Ask questions and be kind to the associates.
Time Your Visit
Sometimes it really is just a leisurely pass through a shop, but other times, we go in meaning business: We’ve got things we want to accomplish and plants we plan to return home with. In those moments, choosing the best time to visit is crucial, since some days are busier than others. As Garden Girls co-founder Jen McDonald notes, “Understand that the busiest times will be on weekends during spring or right before (or after) a significant weather event. Pack your patience.”
Trust The Pros
Whether it’s flowers or plants, the people who work in these shops are passionate about their product, and they love collaborating with customers to get the final result just right. As M Delia Designs owner Mary Delia Poynter suggests, giving creative license over to flower designers rather than getting too in the weeds (that’s a little botanical pun for you!) can lead to better results.
Know (Roughly) What You Need And Where It Will Live
It’s helpful to come prepared if you have a specific project in mind. But the pros are there to help, even if you’re starting from scratch. As McDonald notes, “If you’re unsure of exactly what you’re looking for, take a few photos of the space you need to fill.” What kinds of questions should you be able to answer? “Whether the area receives little sun (less than two hours per day), partial sun (2-4 hours a day), or full sun (6-8 hours per day).”
Leave Dogs (And Kids!) At Home
For serious planning visits, McDonald says it’s much easier to focus without caring for other small creatures. Dogs can create traffic jams, cause (or worse, have) accidents in narrow aisles, and disrupt delicate plants on display.
Source Healthy Plants
The best results start with the best ingredients. As McDonald notes, “The first thing I look at is the color of the leaves. If they are turning yellow or have brown spots or holes, I keep walking. I look for the fullest transplant regardless of size—from 4-inch herb transplants to 100-gallon trees.”
Take Good Care Of What You’ve Got
It’s so much easier to maintain than it is to start over. As Poynter notes, “Flowers are expensive to grow, to raise, and to artfully arrange, and though they aren’t as much maintenance as plants, you do still have to take good care of them if you want to enjoy them.” Change their water every other day or so, and never throw away the flower food!
Above All, Be Kind
What seems like the simplest rule is often also the easiest to forget: Be kind. As McDonald notes, “The golden rule of ‘do unto others’ is not lost on those in customer service, and a ‘Thank you for your help!’ goes a long way.” Professionals in this industry chose it because they love what they do, and they’re deeply knowledgeable about it, which makes their time precious and valuable.
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