Staff at the library developed the guide to respond to frequent inquiries for sources of unusual plants. Divided into three sections, the book offers a list of common names for plants and their scientific equivalent, a list of scientific names and the catalogs where they are offered, and a list of catalogs and the mailing address for further information. While admittedly not a complete listing of all of the plant catalogs available, you'll exhaust your supply of stamps before you reach the end of that list. Before leaving the library, thumb through the horticultural magazines and peruse the classified pages in the rear of each. This is the time of year that mail-order firms advertise their catalogs, and you'll probably find several new suppliers with offerings that pique your curiosity.
Many catalogs printed today are almost books in their own right and contain a wealth of information.
It's an inexpensive way to develop your own home horticultural library. Finally, don't neglect to visit your local garden center after the Christmas merchandise has been cleared from the shelves. While garden centers purchase most of their planting stock for the general market, if you let them know of your unique interests in gardening they can help you select plants that meet your needs and also do well locally for wildlife. Plant catalogs, the public library, and your local garden center are good places to start. Plant catalogs, the public library, and your local garden center are good places to start.