WASHINGTON — Consumer advocates say there’s often little to no correlation between what you pay and what you get in terms of quality, service and advice.
Still, paying a little more at garden centers and nurseries in the D.C. region tends to be a good investment, according to Washington Consumers’ Checkbook.
A Checkbook survey of area garden centers finds many of the nurseries rated highest for quality have higher-than-average prices.
Independent stores tend to have higher prices and better quality. Checkbook found big chains like Home Depot, Lowe’s and Meadows Farms Nurseries scored, on average, lower for quality than almost any of the independent stores.
However, Checkbook said that big chains have wide plant selections. Some consumers are mostly motivated by lower prices.
Comparing the “all-store average” price for similar items, the Checkbook report on garden centers finds the following:
- 10 percent lower prices at Meadows Farms Nurseries;
- 26 percent lower prices at Lowe’s;
- 37 percent lower prices at Home Depot.
Of all the products and services Checkbook reviews, it finds possibly the greatest disparity in prices among garden centers.
When choosing plants, it pays to shop around. For instance, a dwarf lilac in a three-gallon container ranged between $20 and $70. Checkbook’s researchers found prices for a knockout rose in a three-quart container ranged from $60 to $120.
Checkbook advice for plant purchases:
- Avoid plants that have been placed on hot pavement
- Check that roots haven’t dried out. They should be whitish not brown
- Shrubs and trees should have sturdy branches and no scars on the bark
- Get pruning, feeding, and spraying instructions
- A comprehensive receipt should detail what is guaranteed for plants listed with common and Latin names
An old gardening proverb is that you don’t put a $20 plant in a $2 hole. Before planting, make sure it’s in the correct spot for sun and shade needs, that there’s appropriate drainage, that the soil type and acidity matches the plant, and that the location allows the plant to mature with plenty of space.
Washington Consumers’ Checkbook is providing WTOP.com readers a look at the full ratings for a limited time.
