Hubby had to go to Lowes and I ALWAYS tag along for a nursery run. Didn't notice any bargain bins so I asked the cashier about them. The girl signaled towards the parking lot. They had over 500 plants (trees, shrubs, roses, bedding) for 75% off. The sale is supposed to last thru June 19th, but at 102 degrees, I give it another 2-3 days, max. before all the stuff is merely compost material.
I'm talking about the Lowes on Hwy 59 and Hwy 36, near Greatwood, but it's probably the same everywhere.
This message was edited Jun 14, 2006 10:04 AM
So sad, but great for bargain hunters
I was in Lowes in Waco yesterday. They had two large racks of plants for a quarter each. Included Fushia hanging baskets. All out in the direct sun. So sad to see lovely plants killed. Knew better than risk buying any of them. I did pick up a quart size plant that still looked fair.
Patsy
Last Fall I picked up a couple of planters for real cheap. The plants were a'goners, went into the compost pile. I just bought them for the containers and soil, they worked out great for my sweet peas.
I hate to see plants die a slow, painful death like that!
The Lowes in Allen had some good deals on Friday. They had 5 gallon pots of Bananas for 50% off and several other plants for 75% off, including fair looking Gallon pots of Clematis. The last thing I need is another plant to baby so I was a good girl and bought none. No more until I get the beds prepared! I did buy a Jade plant to put in the sunny breakfast room window though. :) It was a replacement for a struggling pothos that had been moved from less sun.
The growers are so desperate for shelf space that they give these retailers incentives such as credit for dead plants and/or next to nothing prices. Retailers have very little incentive to care for the plants of adequately train personnel.
all in all, though, I doubt that nurseries are profit centers for these stores. They mainly have them for shoppers' convenience. Yes, they will sell a stupid plant for $20 at the beginning of the season, but the remaining inventory of the same plant will be sold for 75% off or thrown away. quite sad indeed.
Home Depot at 75 and Forest in Dallas have a ton of double knock out roses on sale for 50% off. They don't look too healthy. I restrained from purchasing, because they would be planted full sun in my yard. But if someone had a climate controlled greenhouse or a large water supply, they could nurse the plants back to health. I'm going to wait until September before I plant anything else.
I tend to stop planting sometime in April and then just mulch/weed/water/compost until autumn. I did plant wild woodland strawberry and violetta odoratta late April and they are doing well in 20% sun/ almost full shade. Oh, and herbs planted by seed do great in Texas summers. Basil, oregeno, Dill etc love dry heat. Sage does Ok. Cilantro likes it cooler, in fact, Cilantro does really well over the winter in Texas.
This message was edited Jun 14, 2006 12:47 PM
Collin, I love that particular Lowes. When I go to Dallas I make it a point to stop there. BTW, those beat up K.O. would recover no problem, with just a tiny bit of TLC, usually just a steady supply of water, til they bounce back in about 2 weeks.
I agree; a great store because it's kind of hidden. Can't really see it from 75 or Forest. (Same goes for the Academy Sports next door). They have a huge plant and garden section. Due to the hidden local, there are less people to compete with for the goods. I've also noticed that they tend to take care of the plants a bit better than most. They always have great bargains and huge quantities of plants/gardening supplies/equipment. I have the feeling that they do a lot of business with contractors/landscapers.