Does Your Mum Source Really Matter?
Fall color is here! Does it really matter where you purchase your mums, pansies, and violas from in Midlothian or Prosper?
Are you buying the same thing from a local garden center as you are from a big box store? The answer is a resounding NO!
Three Critical Reasons to Buy Local
Supporting a local business is a good enough reason in and of itself to go with the local garden center. BUT there are two other very important reasons as to why you should avoid the box stores and ALWAYS buy your seasonal color local.
Reason 1: Locally Grown for North Texas Climate
First of all, local garden centers buy from local growers. Local growers obviously work in the same climate as we do, thus their seasonal color is going to be grown in the same climate in which it's being planted. Because of this, it will survive and thrive much better than something that is brought in from a climate that is hundreds or even thousands of miles away.
Benefits of locally grown seasonal color:
- Acclimated to North Texas temperatures
- Adapted to our soil conditions
- Hardened off for our climate extremes
- Better root development for local conditions
- Higher survival rates through season
- More resistant to local pests and diseases
Big box store problems:Many big box stores are not going to buy from local growers. They often buy from large suppliers located all over the state or quite often all over the country.
Why this matters:
- Plants grown in different climates struggle here
- Not adapted to Texas heat or cold snaps
- May require more water or different care
- Higher failure rates and shorter lifespans
- Transplant shock is more severe
Reason 2: Long-Term Quality vs. Instant Gratification
Secondly, these big box stores have one goal in mind when ordering seasonal color: for it to have the biggest, brightest blooms as soon as it hits the shelves!
How do they accomplish this? By purchasing from vendors that will pump the color full of potent chemicals to make it pop at just the right time. While it does make the flowers look great right now, it significantly lowers the lifespan of the color and reduces recurring blooms.
Big box store approach:
- Force blooms with heavy fertilization
- Use growth regulators for immediate appeal
- Focus on shelf appeal, not longevity
- Plants look amazing for 2-3 weeks then decline
- Fewer blooms throughout the season
- Shorter overall lifespan
Local grower approach:Local growers have the long-term game in mind, and their goal is to give you a quality product that will last an entire season.
Benefits of quality-grown seasonal color:
- Stronger root systems
- More sustainable growth patterns
- Better recurring bloom production
- Lasts entire fall/winter/spring season
- More flowers over time (not just initially)
- Healthier plants overall
What This Means for Your Landscape
Buying from big box stores:
- Beautiful for 2-3 weeks
- Rapid decline after initial blooms
- Need replacement mid-season
- Higher total cost (buying twice)
- Frustration with poor performance
Buying from local garden centers:
- Good initial appearance
- Sustained beauty through entire season
- Continuous blooming cycles
- One purchase lasts months
- Better value and satisfaction
Supporting Local Businesses
Beyond plant quality, buying local means:
- Supporting Midlothian and Prosper businesses
- Expert advice from knowledgeable staff
- Better customer service
- Contribution to local economy
- Building community relationships
Local Garden Centers in Our Area
There are local garden centers all over Midlothian and Prosper, so there are no excuses! Buy local!
What to ask when shopping:
- "Do you source from local growers?"
- "Where are these plants grown?"
- "What's the expected lifespan?"
- "Will these rebloom throughout the season?"
Professional Landscape Services
At Vista Lawn and Pest, we provide comprehensive landscape maintenance in Midlothian and Prosper, including seasonal color installation using quality plants from local sources. Our fertilization and weed control programs keep your entire property beautiful year-round, and we understand the importance of using plants adapted to North Texas conditions.
Choose quality over convenience—buy your fall color locally!
Watch the video below to see the difference between locally grown and big box store seasonal color and learn what to look for when shopping.
For professional landscape services and lawn care in Midlothian and Prosper, contact Vista Lawn and Pest.
