If you're new to roses, I recommend hardy, easy-care Canadian Parkland and Explorer roses and David Austin English roses over the more finicky hybrid tea roses. Again, look for healthy roots and foliage, as well as three to five sturdy well-spaced canes with swelling buds. Choose potted roses (rather than those in cardboard) and avoid any with soil that is dry, waterlogged, mossy, mouldy or – my pet peeve – sprouting with weeds.
5. Read those plant tags!
These are actually mini instruction manuals that list each plant's hardiness zone, and sun and shade requirements. Some also include information on planting, fertilizing and watering, or suggest companion plants.
6. Don't forget the fertilizer
Soil is the soul of your garden; if it's happy, your plants will be, too. Soil amendments such as bonemeal, coir fibre (an eco-friendly alternative to peat moss) and composted manure may be helpful. And (if you're not composting yet) this might be the perfect time and place to buy a compost bin so you can create your own nutrient-rich soil amendment on-site.
7. Don't be afraid to ask!
There are no stupid questions. Good garden-centre staff are a great source for all kinds of free advice, such as how to plant and maintain whatever's in your pots, and suggestions such as amendments to suit your soil type. They will tell you about their best deals, newest stock and what's coming in soon (ask about the delivery date, so you can have first pick), as well as their hardiest and favourite varieties. If you bring photos of your yard, they'll also give you design tips and advise you on reliable local landscapers. Just remember that staff will have more time to talk if it's not the first nice spring weekend (as busy as the last shopping day before Christmas) and, usually, in off-peak times at the start or finish of the business day.
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