Why Choose a Nursery Over a Big Box Retailer?
Tammy Sons, CEO at TN Nursery, explains the difference between purchasing plants from a big box retailer and buying plants from a plant nursery. Tammy's biggest complaint she hears from her customer's about big box retailers is the condition of the plants when purchased. After all, Tammy states, " the plant's health after the nursery delivers plants to these retailers is in the hands of people who probably don't have proper knowledge about plants to keep them irrigated on a cycle and to protect them from too much sunlight."
1. Plant Quality & Healthier Stock
Nurseries typically cultivate, care for, and nurture plants more attentively than big‑box stores, which rely on large-volume shipments and often neglect individual plant needs. As a result, nursery plants tend to be healthier, better rooted, and often locally adapted.
2. Richer, More Unique Selection
Local and specialty nurseries offer diverse and often rare or native species tailored to your region—something big-box chains seldom carry. This supports biodiversity and gives your garden a distinctive, thriving character.
3. Expert Guidance & Personalized Service
Nurseries employ knowledgeable staff who can guide you on plant selection, care practices, and landscaping techniques—all tailored to your climate and goals. Big-box centers typically lack this depth of expertise.
4. Better Adaptation to Local Climate
Nursery-grown plants are often raised in local conditions, giving them a leg up when transplanted. Big-box store plants, on the other hand, may come from distant greenhouses and struggle to adapt.
5. Community, Education & Support
Many nurseries offer workshops, planting services, care instructions, and even follow-up support—building long-term gardening success. These personalized services are rarely found in big-box chains.
Spotlight: TN Nursery (Middle Tennessee’s Family-Owned Mail-Order Nursery)
A Legacy of Trust & Quality
- Family-run for decades, TN Nursery has grown from a modest mail-order business to a nationwide trusted source for native and sustainably grown plants since 1959.
- Located near McMinnville, in Tennessee’s “Nursery Capital of the World,” they benefit from prime growing conditions and a deep horticultural heritage.
Wide Selection & Tailored Planting
- They offer a broad catalog: perennials, ferns, shrubs, trees (including fruit-bearing varieties), moss, groundcovers, vines, and more—many native and regionally adapted.
- Favorite trees include hickory, river birch, redbud, and many others suited for Middle TN climates.
Superior Support & Services
- TN Nursery stands out with full-service planting options for local customers—everything from soil prep, proper planting, staking, pruning, watering schedules and ongoing care tips .
- They also host educational workshops, maintain a rich online idea center, and foster an active gardening community.
Convenient & Quality Shipping Nationwide
- Home gardeners everywhere benefit from TN Nursery’s online store, offering plant zone guidance, thorough planting instructions, and eco-friendly packaging to ensure plant health upon arrival.
Summary Comparison
FeatureNursery (e.g., TN Nursery)Big Box Retailer
Plant Quality: Generally higher, locally-adapted. Often mass-produced, less climate-specific
Selection Variety Wide, rare, native species Common, mainstream varieties only
Expert Guidance, Tailored, knowledgeable support, Limited, general advice available
Ongoing Services: Planting help, workshops, community support Minimal or none
Shipping Options: Mail-order nationwide with care & instructions, In-store only, or limited delivery
Price Higher—but reflective of quality and expertise Lower, but may compromise plant health or adaptability