ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, May 16, 1996 TAG: 9605160123
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: Hoein' & Growin
SOURCE: DIANE RELF
Recently, I made a quick stop at one of the mass merchandising garden centers and found a large number of annual bedding plants so dry that most could never recover and those that did survive would be severely stunted in their growth. This is not the first time that this has happened, nor is this problem exclusive to a particular chain of stores. Also, it happens to hanging baskets and other plants.
The plants seem to cry out for help
It is extremely frustrating to me to find this situation for two reasons. First, I can practically hear the plants calling out to me for help, and there is nothing I can do. At times, I would grab the hose and water them myself if I had a clue as to where it was stored. Second, I know that many people who buy these plants after they have been resuscitated from near-death have very poor success in growing the plants and blame themselves. I hate to see a store sell failure and cause people to lose interest who could have gained many years of health and pleasure from gardening.
In the interest of both plant and people health, I have, on several occasions, searched out an employee of the garden section of the store and pointed out the problem. Responses have been very interesting.
Real service includes a good product
For example, one employee explained that customer service was top priority with the chain, therefore, employees could not water plants when there were customers to be served. That policy in a plant store does present a real dilemma. It implies that the best customer service includes selling poor-quality, damaged goods. I mean, really, would the people in the kid's wear department allow clothes to accumulate on the floor and be walked on in the interest of good customer service?
At another chain, the employee explained that the reason they had not watered a shipment of plants was that it came in earlier than was expected. By way of further explanation, he went on to state that the plants had to be shipped dry to conserve on weight and that as the temperature was to drop near freezing, the manager would not let him water because the wet soil would hurt the plants.
Say what? The main cause of cold injury is desiccation. The roots drying and freezing are the real source of problems. The water in soil gives off heat as it is frozen, thus protecting the roots.
Misinformation and misunderstandings abound!
Gardeners to the rescue
So, I am enlisting your help to conquer the wilted plant syndrome. What do I want you do?
When you see wilted plants:
* Draw it to the attention of manager. Obviously, the staff cannot do anything without the authorization of their boss.
* Having requested help for the poor plants, walk on by. If the plant is truly wilted, don't pay good money for poor quality.
* If you succumb to the urge to save the plant or decide to buy it anyway, save the receipt. Most of the chain stores have a money-back guarantee. Odds are you'll need it.
Dr. Diane Relf is a consumer horticulture specialist with Virginia Cooperative Extension and is a member of the Virginia Tech faculty based in Blacksburg.
LENGTH: Medium: 68 linesby CNB