Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Plant Discounts

Plant prices have risen along with gas prices. Yet, landscaping plants remain one of the least expensive ways in which to improve the appearance of your home. Nonetheless, you can save additional money on your plant purchases if you’re willing to wait and think the way the plant vendors do.

While there are bargains to be had at the smaller independent horticultural businesses too, the best bargains on plants are found at the large chains like K-Mart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Walmart. While some of these “big-box” stores send unsold plants back to the vendor for charge-backs, others are only too willing to get rid of those plants that don’t sell by heavy discounting. Keep in mind that time is of the essence in the plant business. People want to get their gardens in early; therefore early spring is not a good time to find bargains. Business is brisk. Plants are quickly snapped up by homeowners eager to set up colorful displays or to get an early start on vegetable gardens. After the initial period of plant buying frenzy, however, there are some plants which are beaten up by a combination of poor care, buyer indifference, or excessive handling. Some of these plants are terminal, but most are not. Look for the discount stand at any of the big box stores. If you don’t see one, find the horticulture manager and ask. Don’t ask the lowly salesperson who has little authority in the matter.

Yesterday, at a Lowe’s, we went to the distressed plant stands and found a variety of plants which were substantially marked down from their original prices. We heralded a “plant manager” and humbled ourselves by asking “how much for the whole thing?” We were offered the entire stand for one dollar each. Here’s a sampling of what we got:

Moudry Fountain Grass: Original Price 24.98
2 Palalenopsis Orchids : Orginal Price 8.88 each
1 China Girl Holly : Original Price 6.98
1 Sweet Potato Vine : Original Price 9.95

Except for the Orchids, all of the plants were in large one or five gallon containers so they were definitely good value at a buck apiece. We took them home and watered them, along with an assortment of smaller plants (marigold, petunias, and impatiense) which we bought en masse for a bulk price of $3.00. We watered them and put them outside. This morning, all look crisp and ready to grow. We might lose one or two, but so what? The value they add to the landscape was well worth the $8.00 we paid for them.