Mail-order Gardening...

They're in Niles, MI: http://www.fernwoodbotanical.org/

They have lots of info and brochures on native plants to the Michiana area and demonstration gardens. Also my quick google search didn't turn up a South Bend garden club, but there is one in Buchanan and one in Niles. Contact both through the Chamber of Commerce in their respective cities.

Also, does Menard's have a gardening center? They usually have good prices on other things.

Off the top of my head, I've noticed that hydrangeas and roses seem to do extremely well in your area. Also raspberry canes.

Thanks, I'll look into those places asap, thanks for the ideas. I think we'll visit Fernwood ss a weekend trip, just to see what is possible in this area. I've really been considering one of those English cutting gardens for the front yard, totally eliminating grass, and making sure all of the plants are ones that keep coming back (mostly bulbs, as I seem to have had the best success with them).

Generally speaking, gardeners LOVE to share cuttings, root stock, bulbs, and seeds of their plants with other enthusiasts. If there is a garden club in your area, you'll not only get great advice on mail order gardening but also some great ideas on what grows well near you and maybe some plant sharing will go on.

I've always had good luck with bulbs and rhizomes through the mail. I've not ever ordered regular plants through the mail though. I like to go through my local nursery towards the end of the season and buy the plants they have on clearance. That's how I got my fig tree, oregano, marjoram, sage, and cranberries dirt cheap. Although I don't think the cranberries are going to make it.

Anhata
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