Hi! You might get more info if you post your question at either of these other Gardenweb links. Good luck! Links that might be useful: http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/market/ http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/carolgard/

I'm convinced that the success of WWF is based on very wealthy people purchasing incredibly overpriced plants because it makes them feel as though they're ordering from what they perceive as a reputable and exclusive company. The success of this model is also based on wealthy wannabees and those who care way too much about image and money (think Hyacinth from "Keeping up Appearances"). The quality of their plants is mediocre at best and don't do what I did last year and waste a road trip up that way. I was so excited to see the gardens and what a mess! Geez. I can't tell you how disappointed I was. They really don't take very good care of those beautiful garden beds that Traci Sabato designed and created. Very sad. Who ever mentioned this is absolutely right. There are so many wonderful nurseries around. Why order from these turkeys? It's like many of the other beautiful catalogs we get ... the pics are great and they're very useful for planning and winter plant dreaming. Other than that, they're good for recycling.

This year i ordered many catalogs. Not that I am going to buy anything, just to drool over them and also to justify all the jug/bottle mess I have created in the backyard and tell DH, see how beutiful plants are and see much each of those plants would have cost if I had bought from catalog. Don't know if it is going help, but I am preparing for the big surprise (shock???) he is going to get this weekend when he will be back and first time see all my adventure! I will print White Flower Farm online version. This has amazing pictures and good prices to show :D

Diane, I found Colonial Nursery on a fluke "nj plant nursery" search last year. Went over there and was happy to find patient, accomodating service. It's literally around the corner from my father's place off Phalanx Road. Their place is so neat, clean and organized when I've been there. I bought an Astilbe 'Fanal" and another Aruncus aethusifolius there. The Aruncus almost disappeared late last year but I already see two tiny new green sprouts at crown. Don't see any new growth on Astilbe yet but it's early. This was my first year overwintering perennials and sometimes I move the pine needle mulch aside twice a day to check for new growth if there's enough light AM & PM...LOL. Carl, I'm disappointed to hear Morganville Flower Farm has the "buy 6 get one free" deal. I MUST exert some fiscal restraint! I need some Lantana, Pentas and Phlox for butterflies/hummingbirds. I got too ambitious and have too many other seeds to start. I know they're tender here so don't know if they consider them technically perennials or sell as annuals. Don't have a place with enough sun or protection from deer for Phlox paniculata so will probably just get Phlox drummondii to put in pots to hang on very tall shepherd's hook in sunny spot. I do need healthy starts of some herbs particularly fennel so I'm ready for the early Black Swallowtail butterflies to lay their eggs. Will start my own seeds also but like to have early availabitity of fresh herbs until my seedlings grow...some not very well last year. There were some fluffy snowflakes this morning which has turned to rain. Gentle reminder I have to be patient. Not my strong suit. Leslie