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Re: [GWL]: Annuals vs. Perennials

Suzi McCoy wrote:


> Why do gardeners buy annuals over perennials?  Or maybe why would you
> buy annuals?


The size of the space being planted may require the purchase of cell 
paks of annuals to achieve an affordable splash of color that year 
compared to perennials that can take a year of more to establish, and in 
some cases even longer to achieve the desired mature effect.

In many areas the selection of perennial plants is non existent in cell 
paks, a modest selection in 4 inch pots, and a wider selection in gallon 
containers with an associated increase in expense per plant.

A compromise is to plant small perennial plants at the proper mature 
spacing and interplant with annuals to fill in the planted area temporarily.

In zone 10 tulips are treated as annuals and ivy geraniums are perennial 
plants.

Experienced gardeners may have specific species and cultivars in mind, 
but more casual gardeners tend to make impulse purchases of plants that 
are in flowering or have large full color illustrations of the flower.

Ask any nursery owner and they will confirm the effect of plants in 
flower and the increase in impulse sales.


> And what do you think brings people into garden centers -- not the big
> "box stores" but the local independent garden centers.

The independent nursery/garden centers usually offer free delivery if a 
specific amount is purchased. This is extremely important to an aging 
population of gardeners, especially those who do not have access to 
vehicles that can transport large, heavy, or bulky items. This may even 
include the items being moved to the appropriate spot in the garden 
rather than unloaded in the driveway or curbside.

Claude Sweet
San Diego, CA

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