Sending additional divisions is fine, as long as one has enough of a given hosta to do so and it is economically feasible. However, some hostas, especially newer varieties, are in high demand, but even after 2 years in the garden may remain large, single divisions. Thunderbolt and Dream Queen are perfect examples, with 2 years growth in the garden, they will be thick, stocky single divisions with very good root systems. Obviously it's not possible to send 2 or 3 divisions for the price of one. Montana Aureomarginata is another example, as it's one of my favorite hostas, but very slow to gain size and add divisions. I routinely have divisions of this one that are 2-3 years old, almost 2 feet tall, but still single divisions with good roots. Oddly enough, Blue Mouse Ears is another variety that is quite slow to throw additional divisions. Most minis are prolific once they are established, but I have a bunch of these that will be 3 years old this spring, and last year I checked and found that these large, stocky single divisions all have roots that are profuse, thick, and up to 12 inches long. Some have 2 eyes, but not a one has put out a second division with it's own root system. Again, this is a situation where one would have to dig up and ship 2 or 3 entire plants in order to send extra divisions. On more common, prolific hostas, most reputable sellers will send multiple divisions, and root systems should be good. However, some of the better known nurseries routinely send a single division, and when you look at the Hosta Finder, the price listed is always for a single division. If you do mail order, always be sure you specifically ask what size plant will be shipped to avoid disappointments. Like most people, I prefer to buy my hostas in person, so I can see exactly what I'm getting. And I'm the sort of customer who does not hesitate to gently tip a hosta out of it's pot to check the root system before I buy a plant. You will too often find that large, lush "bargain" hostas sold by places that don't specialize in hostas will have very poor root systems in spite of having multiple divisions with profuse foliage. This generally indicates that the plants have been treated with a chemical such as DAP that forces heavy foliage growth, but at the expense of root growth. And it's the roots you are really buying, not the foliage. Finally, if you prefer not to receive any free plants with an order, by all means let the seller know. I think most sellers would be delighted not to waste a plant on a customer who doesn't want it.

lori_inthenw: From my very minute experience, the showrooms show manufacturer list prices only. A plumber will often give you a 20% or more discount. Have you contacted any plumbers to get their prices yet? Try that first before you order online, just to see the difference. Lillo: I understand now why the plumber charged you to fix the leak around the screw on your Lowe's toilet. Since you bought it at Lowes and not thru him. That is a good example of what I am kind of worried about - that they will have to charge us to come back and take care of anything wrong with the toilet itself. (I am talking about problems that happen within the the first year or so. ) I finally found a wholesaler who will order Totos here, so I am going to pursue getting a plumber's price on some Totos thru this supply house. Of course, they have NO TOTO toilets on their showroom. floor!! (If they are such good toilets, why do they just about blacklist these toilets?) grrr If I find the plumber's price on the Toto's is not drastically higher, I will order thru him. Otherwise, it looks like I will order online and cross my fingers. :) Finally, It is frustrating to me, and all of us, that the plumbing showrooms seem to carry either Kohler or Toto, not both. And living in Wisconsin, this is almost exclusive Kohler territory!! Nothing wrong with Kohler products - they are gorgeous! I just would prefer a 1.6 Toto vs a Kohler 1.28 flush. (The salesperson at Kohler said they no longer make 1.6.) I am ordering a Kohler kitchen sink, so I am not anti-Kohler. :)) THANKS everyone for your replies. It is helping me learn a lot. I would love to hear from others about their experiences ordering thru a plumber vs ordering themselves online.

my local Sam's Club always beats the online prices i find. plus i can get a contact & glasses eye exam for just $50, i buy enough lens to get me thru 2 yrs. ~ liz

Yes Elmer, my comment was in jest. I am well aware how software/web development is done these days. The developers have little to no input on the final product. It wasn't like that even 15 years ago. Back then I would work directly with the business users when designing and developing software. Now there are many 'layers' of product managers, business analysts, project managers, subject matter experts(me), application architects(me), etc. between the business owners and the developers. I don't even know if my son will accept the WM job offer. He has a few other interviews with job prospects lined up here in the KC area as well. But it is nice to have the WM offer in his back pocket if nothing better is offered locally. He can at least work there for a few years to get some real world work experience before moving on.