We all look for a good deal when we buy something. Some of us shop around, some clip coupons. Some of us buy in bulk, some look for seasonal sales. When applying these techniques to buying plants, it is important to be careful. A plant that is cheap might not be the best value when placed in a landscape.

The value of a plant is in the effect that it provides in the landscape. In our years in business, we have found that the best plants become established and make a noticeable impact in the landscape within three to five years. The first three years typically make up the establishment period, which is the time needed for the plant to grow a root system capable of supporting itself. There are three variables that must be accounted for when establishing any plant:

-The genetics of the plant and how they correspond with the environment.
The performance of a plant may change in different environments. Some plants can tolerate cold, some are built to tolerate extreme heat. Some need constant irrigation, and some thrive in dry environments. There are also many other considerations, including soil tolerance, sun and pollution exposure, and human interaction with the plant. Plants may work in specific areas, but not nearby climates. We grow our trees in a semi-arid high desert, but we are very close to lower elevation plains and high mountains. Plants that thrive on our farm don't necessarily thrive in nearby environments. It is important to choose plants that have reliably done well in your specific area. As you talk to salespeople at a nursery, do not be afraid to ask questions about how the plant will perform in the conditions where you live.

-The production and handling of the plant.
If you took two genetically identical plants, but withheld a quarter of the necessary water from one of them, that plant would not perform as well as the plant with the correct amount of water. The same principal is true of any plant bought from a nursery. It can be very difficult to tell if a plant has been handled properly, but you can see generally how a nursery handles its plants by its appearance. If a nursery is full of weeds, or it's plants look off color and sickly, you may want to shop around before you buy. If you see the occasional plant in a group that doesn't look quite right, it doesn't necessarily mean the rest of the plants have been mishandled. In any large group of plants, there are always a few that aren't as nice as they should

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