When working at a nursery, you are supposed to be an expert on everything. Well, I work at a nursery and I sure don't know everything. However, I am considered an expert on certain plants, fertilizers, and habitats.

Things happen fast this time of year and for the next few months. Flowers, trees and shrubs come and go as if there is a revolving door. Here today, gone tomorrow. Blooms fade in a matter of days. Plants get beat up by customers. ID tags are lost. Often I am asked to ID a certain plant and its growth habits. If you don't trust your local nurseryman or garden center workers, here are a few tips when buying annuals and perennials.

When buying perennials, look for ID tags. What is the name of the plant, what growing conditions are required and what are the plants habits? But it has a pretty flower and I like it! Will you like the same plant next year when it has invaded your prized lilies? The plant you bought was only 2 feet tall and in bloom, why is it 4 feet tall this year? ID tags will assist you in this. A nurseryman may not always know or be as helpful. You may have thought it was something else. Growers pinch or cut back plants to make them bushier and to produce more blooms. Ask questions and read tags.

Look for plants that are budding, not in bloom. This way you enjoy the flowers longer. Look for multiple stems or stalks. Pull the plant out of the pot and check out the root system. Are the roots white and healthy looking? Is the plant pot bound and showing signs of stress? Does the potting soil smell earthy or sour? Is it a plug from a 1qt. pot shoved into a 3qt. pot and selling at a premium price. Most nurseryman don't mind if you put the plant back in the pot.

Annuals grow fast, their sole purpose in life is to reproduce and die. Look for annuals that are full of growth and buds. Is the tray a bit stalky? Look for new growth coming from the bottom of the plant stalk. If there are signs of new growth, then this is a healthy plant. You can cut the top off and the annual with fill out and bloom better then before. Keep deadheading for continual bloom. Continuous blooms will bring butterflies. Blooms also bring insects that bring birds. Zinnias are a prime example. Butterflies love zinnias. Tiny insects congregate in the blooms and you will find hummingbirds hovering over the flowers licking up these tiny bugs.

I dead head perennials that are considered invasive and leave my natives for the birds. Some annuals will go to seed late in the season for my wildlife as well. Plant in groupings for color and to attract wildlife.

Never pay full price for a perennial where there is no ID tag. Plant it in a trial bed to see what you may have for next year. You can always prune back a perennial and pinch back annuals to have bushier more productive plants. Some perennials will give you a second and third bloom if you deadhead while others still will continue to bloom all season if they don't go to seed. Plant native when possible, they are less reliant on artificial food and water. Plant for nature.

Ron Patterson is a Michigan Certified Nurseryman and Wildlife Habitat Naturalist. Ron combines his skills and expertise in plants and nature to help others garden for wildlife. Ron is also an avid backyard birder and writes a weekly newsletter "Backyard Birding Tips" He also speaks at garden clubs and other gatherings on backyard birding and gardening. You can sign up for Ron's FREE NEWSLETTER at: http://www.backyardbirdingtips.com/