Hi Token: I was in our Lowe's in Gloucester VA - no seeds, no racks, no wooden stakes, a few dying pansies, and many Christmas trees.

By late January, shipments of early plants will start rolling in. I always look forward to that ... New beginnings.

That's weird. All Lowe's are supposed to have seed racks all year long. It was in the Nursery Notes. Maybe it's a zonal thing. Get to know your Live Nursery Specialist. They're the ones that order plants. ;)

The only seeds that the nursery sells year round are Renee's Garden, but I think it's because her packets are so beautiful--they make very nice gifts, I like her trio packs.

I haven't bought any seeds at the stores but I'm about to drop a few hundred between NESeed and GourmetSeed too, I think those two have the very best prices for bulk. I like GourmetSeeds for their smaller packs too--they have a lot of top notch European varieties that mainstream catalogues don't carry. And also, not that its seeds, but GourmetSeed also has the bestest kitchen knives--I always get myself one of them too ;-)

Here is a link that might be useful: GourmetSeed

I looked but maybe I didn't see the rack (I was looking for collard seeds). I entered and left through the Garden Center, not the main door.

Get to know your Live Nursery Specialist - thank you for that advice.

The folks who work at Lowe's are unfailingly helpful. If I'm poking around looking for a particular plant, they ask what I'm looking for and check when another shipment is due. If they are out of that plant, they offer to call other stores to see if they have it. Maybe I've been talking to my Live Nursery Specialist and didn't know it!

Thanks, Token! It's hard to imagine this forum without you.

I bought 2009 seeds again today at a feed and seed for 25cents a pack. Lots of common perennials. And lots of annuals. 24 packs for $5.00! I already had some of every one of them but I just couldn't help it:)I mean 25 CENTS! I was actually looking for Chives. Do you think if I put chives around my hollyhocks it would help keep the bugs from eating them alive?

Botanical Interests and Renee's Garden seeds are the two main seed companies who are prepared to have fresh seed for customers all year long. In Atlanta most stores deal with Botanical Interests because the seed rep here, Angel, is certainly an angel indeed. Wonderful, lovely lady (and a budding Wintersower!!!!).
Once I showed her the method of winter sowing she made SURE the store I worked in was never without our seeds, and I sold plenty - we've got loads of winter sowers in Atlanta now!

In regards to the LNS, we're the ones who get the lists from the nurseries of plants that available to bring into our store. We have minimum orders, so we can't bring in just one or three of a certain perennial, usually 84. But, the LNS can tell you if something is available. If they don't know that plant, you should introduce them.

GGG, I've been spreading the word at our store too. I've had lots of customers stop by the house this summer thanks to my coworkers. They walk through the perennial garden next to the street. Some came back this fall to gather seeds when I was home. I've even dug a few things up here and there for others. And cuttings, I have rooted so many cuttings from and for customers, it's not even funny.

Token: When I'm looking for a plant(s), I don't (didn't) want to bother busy people so I crawl around and hunt. I didn't know about Live Nursery specialists or that I could make requests.

From a customer's perspective, visiting Lowe's is different from other big stores. People ask if you found what you were looking for, and if they can help. People look like they are enjoying their work, they kid each other. As a customer, you don't feel like a pain. They (you) even smile!
I love it!

Nope. They are not out yet here in VA Bch. They usually come out after Christmas. So it won't be long now. Don't think I will be buying many flowers this year from the racks. Will scout them for veggies though.