You will probably get plants and seeds from retail garden centers (nurseries) or from mail order retailers. Large nurseries usually have a wide range of plants; smaller garden centers usually have a smaller stock of plants to choose from, but you can often find a more relaxed and helpful sales staff. Mail order suppliers may carry hard to find or unique plants, and anything else you want as well.

Nursery stock should be labeled. A good label will tell you the basics: how and when to plant, proper spacing, and the plant’s hardiness zone. It should also list any special features that the plant has such as its color, texture or size.

The following is a brief description of the major plant categories that you will come across at the nursery. At the most general level plants break down into two groups: woody and non-woody plants. The subdivisions are listed below.

Note that some plants can be listed separately from these basic categories, either because they are very popular or because they have special characteristics that they have become known by. Some of these plants are roses, herbs, vegetables, edible berries, groundcovers, shade plants, and vines.