I work for the nursery that supplies & maintains stock at HD's in the MD, OH, PA, VA & NC region. We started 50% reductions on shrubs & trees last week, with more to follow. Markdowns are store-specific, based on inventory ... if there's way too many azaleas on hand, for example, they'll be discounted. The weekly HD flyers almost always feature stock at their regular, not sale, prices. There's been the occasional exception. In the many years I've been gardening, I've always purchased from local independent nurseries for the very reasons Bboy & Mbuckmaster have stated. The economy drove me into my job managing a HD garden center this year, and given the success our center has enjoyed, and the consistantly positive feedback I've been getting from our customers & HD regional managers, it's the boots on the ground in any given store that makes all the difference. The stock we receive is always healthy & vigorous. IF they'd hire dedicated plant people, experienced & knowledgable gardeners to manage their centers, I have no doubt the big box problems could be minimized. Yet, when the nursery supplier execs walk through my center, they snicker and come up just short of discouraging my efforts to care for and present our stock in a thoughtful and intelligent manner - as an independent nursery would do. It's a lot more work to do things right, and to go the extra mile make the plant-buying experience intersting & educational, but the bottom line is it's made a HUGE difference in sales and in establishing a loyal customer base over previous years. I got a good chuckle out of mbuckmaster's comment, because it's often the customers looking at *me* as though I have lobsters coming out of my ears :) I know for certain there's great HD garden centers out there. It's a matter of finding them.

I have huge clumps of WS Digitalis that will bloom this June. Very excited to see how they bloom! I've purchased plants in the past, but this is the first time growing them from seed, and it was SO easy. I did not plant HOS, but as teeny little seedlings in between other perennials. The idea is for the Digitalis to shoot up and flower in a mass, while the surrounding perennials/grasses are still clumps of foliage. Then as they go to seed, I will cut them back. My experience is that they have been easy to move in either the Spring or fall, and it doesn't hurt the blooms. Since yours are HOS, this may not work so well - but if you have lots it worth a try. Dig out carefully because the roots may be intertwined.

Summer Romance spotted at Home Depot in the Seattle area for $12.98 in 1.5 gallon pots, nice sized, probably own root. I planted Summer Romance last fall as a young plant from Roses Unlimited. This spring the plant has grown nicely and is starting to bloom in my Pacific Northwest garden. The scent is incredible. The blooms are beautiful. The bush is really healthy and beautiful. Love this rose.

It is a great feeling, isn't it ? Oh my goodness, I get so excited and observing it daily , until it opens and admire it more . Some are taking forever. Some never bloom but growing. Always a hope :) Jin