Just because you read it on the internet, doesn't make it truth. I recently read a FB post that quoted Abraham Lincoln. He said "This internet thing will never catch on."

I love that my gardener-customers are doing research. Surfing trees, plants, information. Maneuvering about, finding the words "new!", "rare!", and "fast growing!" Getting excited!

What my ego/experience is having a blip with is the people who say "But I read it on the internet!" and thereby have lost the ability to hear anything else. They didn't notice the plant they simply must have was described on a website in Texas and it won't grow in Pennsylvania. They didn't see that the website who had those trees, 10 for $10, were going to be sending them in 3" pots. And the "new" word, oh how that follows me around, nipping at my heels. There are so many "new" plants, it isn't possible to find/carry them all. Some "new" plants are actually "old" plants that have had their names changed to make them more marketable. Some "new" plants are totally "new cool" (I can't wait to get the new dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea called 'Ruby Slippers'!!!) Some "new" plants haven't had any kind of real garden testing to see if they even have worthiness. Oh, and, just because you saw it on the internet doesn't mean we can just order one....and, yes, of course you want the largest one I can find.....

I also find the persons who want to argue with the information they found while surfing. Who wrote the info on the internet? What site was it? Bob's Lawn Care and Tacos? That insect you are sure you have in your garden- the one that is only found in remote spots in Brazil? I am all for people empowering themselves, but please notice who your source of information is. Your local independent garden centers, and the .edu sites are the best. There are fabulous, knowledgeable websites full of professionalism and integrity. Then there are the others.

Gardening is a whole lot of knowledge from a whole lot of sources growing together. It is very scientific (Horticulture), it is experience (How long have you been gardening?), it is opinion (But I think if you....), it is art (Landscape Design) and it is reality (your own climate, soil, sun, shade aspects.) And a splash of mystery. Some things just won't be known! Ask around and see who has the answers, ask your neighbors with the great gardens, the best lawns, or the beautiful trees. Look someone in the eye and ask your questions. Know your source.

Proudly answering garden questions for 25 years... ~Erica