Ah yes, I understand that situation only too well. In the last few years, I've limited most of my purchases to seeds and plants bought at local nurseries. They are usually cheaper and I don't have to pay shipping. Shipping is a budget killer. It's no fault of the mail order nurseries: the actual shipping costs are just so expensive. That's especially true if the nursery sends good-sized plants.
Thankfully, I live in an area of distribution for the Southern Living Plant Collection and they have several wonderful Salvias. I'm hoping to find these varieties locally in a few weeks:
Salvia microphylla 'Little Kiss'
Salvia 'Ember's Wish'
Salvia 'Love & Wishes'
Salvia 'Amistad'
Another local wholesale grower that sells to the independent garden centers around here always grows Salvia elegans 'Golden Delicious' and Salvia 'Mystic Spires'. I definitely know that I want to get 'Golden Delicious' again this year. Best of all, they are usually only about $3.
I know that you are hesitant to try, but you really should consider growing your Zinnias and Salvia coccinea from seed. They are super-easy and start blooming in only 8 weeks from seed. The seed stays viable for years and you can even save seed from your plants which will come fairly true from most Salvia coccinea and many Zinnias. It might be a good way to be frugal without losing out on your favorite plants.
I'm so glad that you were able to splurge and get some more plants from FBTS!
When you really love plants they can provide you with benefits beyond just their beauty. I'm sure that's true for many people, but especially when you are dealing with chronic health problems. Tending them can help keep you physically active; they can lift your spirits and help your mental and emotional health; they also provide "entertainment" (much cheaper than going to the movies weekly!) You are also making a valuable contribution by growing so many pollinator plants, which has to make you feel good!
I'm sure you have no worries with the shipping. I bet Kermit has the situation well in hand.
Now, if I could order anything that I wanted right now then FBTS would be getting a huge order! What wonderful plants they have!
Okay, sorry, but your typo of "Salvia 'Elmer's Wish' " has me cracking up!
Salvias are often resistant from being eaten by them, but I've never had one that actively hunted down the "wascally wabbits"!!!
