[sandim]

I like unusual/variegated plants. I'm not much into the "bread and butter" that most wholesalers sell around here. After much debate, thanks to the advice of this forum we've decided to order our own stock and keep it here until it's sizeable enough to plant. Any suggestions on how to take this next step?

[4seasons]

go to trade shows they are full of nurseries wanting your business.

[sandim]

go figure. Awesome. Thank you. Never been to a trade show but I have in my previous life and they're a lot of fun. I bet that would be awesome. Much thanks for the tip!!!

[Cochran]

The trade show thing is good. Have you looked up your state's Nursery/Landscape Association? They're usually a great source of wholesale nurseries in your state. Find out when your state's Nursery/Landscape Expo is, wholesaler's typically have great specials to take advantage of during that time and some even allow future booking dates. If you are interested in growing your own stock, that's also a great time to search for liners in your area.

If all else fails, there is a plant labeling law (I believe it's a nationwide thing, someone correct me if I'm wrong...)--all plant material must be labeled with the name, size of container, and the nursery where it was grown (some nurseries are cryptic--using initials or shortened forms of name--ex. Greenleaf Nursery Company =- GNC). Find out where all those good specimens come from by visiting the nursery you buy from and checking out the label. If there isn't a label, ask someone who knows about buying plant material they might tell you who they bought the material from.

[sandim]

Hmmm...interesting. I've tried checking the tags, must not be a law here in CT. I think I may have found a couple of nurseries to work with...I've checked all the wholesale nurseries here in CT...two of them I'll be working with. Neither have a couple things I want, but I'm a pretty good investigator and I'm sure I can find them. good points, much thanks!!! It's so hard to be a newbie!

[TrickyDick]

My favorite local nursery doesn't even have tags telling you what stuff is, much less where it came from. That would be sweet.

[plantbroker]

There is a good trade show at the end of this month in Atlantic City called PANTS. There will be plenty of opportunity there to meet nurseries that have more unusual plants. Lots of the growers in NJ and PA have weekly deliveries in your area. At the end of January or beginning of February there is a trade show in Boston called New England Grows!. That will also be a great source of growers for you. I would be glad to help but have gotten out of brokering and now sell equipment.

Good luck and ask lots of questions at the shows. I see many people that just walk around and take catalogs. That is such a wasted trip. Take this opportunity to get to know the growers and they will be more likely to help you during the season after building a personal relationship at the show.

After show hours there are always folks out having drinks and discussing the industry. Go to the closest bar outside the show and meet some folks. I have found this to be the best way to get into the inside of the industry.

[sandim]

Wow, thanks for the info. Where do I find out about PLANTS?? Online?

[Lanelle]

Look here for the PANTS show: PLNA | PANTS