by KYW's Fran Sorin

Before you know it, spring will have arrived and there will be a mad rush to garden centers to pick the best plants that the season has to offer. Here are a few tips on making good choices.

First, only buy a plant that comes with a label. It’s really important to know the plant’s correct name and its cultural needs.

Rather than selecting a plant with lots of blooms, choose one with buds over blooms and examine its leaves and stems, checking for insects, discolored leaves or powdery mildew.

The shape of the plant is significant. Mature plants have more stems which in turn will give you quicker growth. On shorter plants, look for fullness and lots of crowns.  Finally, examine the roots of the plants to make sure that they are white and healthy, not brown and soft and mushy.

Contact Fran Sorin at fransorin.com.