Why choose mail order for annuals? I often receive raised eyebrows, especially during Garden Walks, when people find out that’s where some of my unique plants come from.

Though I’ve never ventured into seeds (and don’t intend to), I’ve been consistently keen to explore online sources for plants not readily available nearby.

It’s my comfort during the chilly late winter days. Of course, by May, local nurseries and garden centers will have a variety of plants ready for my container gardening. Still, in addition to that, I have my online shipments and my pre-ordered collection from the local botanical garden’s sale.

This approach comes with its exciting benefits and occasional letdowns.

Starting with the drawbacks:

Regardless of how many sweet pea seedlings I purchase, they consistently fail to thrive. I must move on. Certain vintage cottage garden flowers appear far more appealing in catalog photos than in reality. Perhaps the images display the best parts of a large clustered group. When planted in a container, they seem scraggly and demand constant attention. Didiscus caeruleus (blue lace flower) and Orlaya ‘White Lace,’ I’m pointing at you. These might be more suited for meadow enthusiasts. Some colors, like Creme Brulee, should remain as desserts. Pale brown phlox simply doesn’t catch the eye.

On the brighter side:

I can enjoy cosmos without relying on seeds, which rarely flourish in my packed garden beds. I can access a diverse range of heliotrope, not just the standard variety available at local nurseries. The same goes for tall nicotiana. There’s a plethora of zinnias available. I can opt for fragrant petunias. In the world of mail order, aroma is still valued. I can be a trendsetter. Two decades ago, when I first ordered Strobilanthes (Persian Shield), it was a rarity. A couple of seasons post my Garden Walk display, it was suddenly everywhere. Perhaps local sellers got frequent requests for it.

During the freezing days of February, there’s a certain joy in scrolling through email confirmations, imagining the vibrant container garden that awaits in June.

Reality might differ from these winter daydreams, but those dreams certainly add warmth to the colder months.

A few recommended sources include: Select Seeds (offers more than just seeds and is my primary choice), Annie’s Annuals, and White Flower Farms (though I haven’t ordered from them recently).