I would say that your local nursery people are in the know enough to trust,as a rule. If they aren't, they don't stay in business! They only have one "product", plants! The big box stores are more geared to selling pantyhose, appliances, and 2x4s! They MAY have been lucky enough to find a person to take care of their "outdoor" section, who is an amatuer gardener, and keeps thing watered, and can answer a few questions, but, usually the plants show their lack of care.Too often, I fear, local growers, or nurseries can't compete with big-box prices and close the doors for lack of business. Specialty growers, Iris, Daylilies, whatever, generally have a very good knowledge of "their" plant, it's "care and feeding", zone requirements, etc. Next season, when you're in a Big-Box, ask a question when you are brousing the plants. make it a silly question, like ,does this rose get tall?, or will this hosta do well in the sun? I'll bet the first thing the clerk does is to pull the tag on the plant to see what it says! All they know is what's printed on the tag! When you buy from "grower" or a local nursery, you're also buying their knowledge!!....Arlyn
