The summer is sizzling with a sweltering heat here in Houston Texas but the fresh display of spring bulbs and perennials are just enough to help me cool off as I indulge in an afternoon of spring bulb shopping.

With all the striking and appealing pictorials, choices of bulbs to select from, plant providers will compete with one another varying from economical prices to their many cultivars at dirt-cheap prices. Even more than that are the numerous choices we, as gardeners, have to make in choosing either the warmer hues to warm up those chilly spring days or in my case, the selective lightly muted tones of pastel color in my garden. Although my spring garden was nothing deserving a “yard of the month” display, due to late planning and planting and if that was not enough the warm temperatures surely did not reciprocate with any assistance in that “cooling effect” spring bulbs certainly require.

Nevertheless, I am all set to attempt this gardening challenge again and am encouraging you too, to start browsing through those catalogs for ideas for your landscape. As you glance through the many catalogs that will somehow end up in your mailbox from a huge mailing list, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Number One: question the authenticity of the provider. Some of us may not be avid or mature gardeners, therefore, it is necessary to mention this information and somehow shed light, give insight and perhaps two cents worth of knowledge of what to expect with mail order, plant catalogs. Catalogs will bombard our mail boxes so be prepared before you order.

Number Two: The more reputable providers are usually very informative with ideas, knowledge, and present many plant varieties that your local nursery may not carry. Choices of many diverse cultivars are a good thing to look for in a reputable plant catalog. It gives the difference between providers with less or more knowledge concerning bulbs and gardening practices.

Number Three: some of them will provide the most wanted selections at cheaper prices. It may appear you can get a better deal with the less reputable providers. All kinds of trees, plants, and bulbs purchased at a bargain a bag. With this comes a small, tell-all planting guide with information concerning how to care for what was ordered in little detail. So then, if all this is provided what can be so bad about these type of garden catalogs?

Simply put, their goods, products and service are not reputable and will be very needy in the process for maintenance purposes. The temptation to buy so many available plants is quite alluring with the hard to beat deals. Reputation apparently is not a concern instead, selling many plants to newcomers every year for prices hard to beat.

An excess of over 100 plants purchased for under $50, is quite the captivating headliner later, proven deceptive. Speaking from experience, I’ve lost lots of money in my earlier years as a gardener attempting to build a garden overnight with a small amount of money but the reality is, landscaping and gardening are expensive hobbies. It is better to buy a healthy plant for what is not viewed more economical than an unhealthy, smaller version and a lot of them for a few bucks. It will not last but will take even more money for soils, fertilizer, etc… just to get it to the point of a much healthier version one could have purchased from the beginning.

Number Four: when looking for reputable catalogs, look for plant botanical or scientific names. This exhibits the knowledge and horticultural experience of the provider. Instead of seeing bridal wreath spirea, look for Spiraea plenaflora 'Plena' for bridal wreath spirea termed as such in this plant description. In other words the more information concerning a plant the better. Beware of airbrushed, perfected photos (this does not mean it will look like that once grown in your garden). Watch out for plants that look oh, so beautiful but you are quite unfamiliar with; do a quick search online or through various library books and get some quick information for that particular desired plant.

Number Five: be on the look out for plants that will take over your garden, if you have not the time to keep them in moderation. Watch for terms like spreader, naturalize, and multiples. Also, look for specific terminology guidelines such as “drought-tolerant once established" instead of just “drought tolerant.” Every plant needs to be watered regularly at least the first year of life. In addition, there is a big difference in a partial shade plant and one demanding full sun. Full sun exposure differs greatly with its intensity of heat in the southern garden versus the northern one. .

Point to be taken: An informative plant catalog is very important before economical captivation. Shipping, handling, warranties, guarantees, discounts, and especially customer service are several other aspects to consider. There are several things to look out for while eyeing garden candy in the plant store. As a kid is in a candy store, later he finds out that not all-sweet candy is good candy.

So, grab a cool drink, cuddle up in a hammock under a tropical palm and shop ‘til you drop for the best spring bulbs for your upcoming spring display. I cannot make it snow or get below 30 degrees for too long here in Houston, but I do know a lot about plant catalogs and hope this article is quite beneficial.

Tell me what you think on our bulb gardening forum that is available 24/7. Until the next article, keep gardening to keep smiles and lasting fragrances in the world.