I'm after a particular plant, but my local garden centre doesn't stock it. Does it mean I can't get it

A.� Garden centres are big business these days and tend to only stock plants that are reasonably well known, are available in large quantities and that sell relatively quickly. Rarer or more unusual plants are usually the domain of the specialist nursery. These tend to be small concerns and unless you are very lucky you're unlikely to stumble across them by chance.

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A.� The time-honoured way is to buy a copy of the annual serious gardeners' bible the RHS Plantfinder. Every specialist nursery worth their salt submits to it every year. You can either search by plant, with all nurseries stocking it listed, or by area if you just interested in finding out where the nearest of these nurseries are to you.

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A.� Generally no, because specialists tend to concentrate on one or a few plant groups and their products are usually well cared for. However, if you are having to order something from the other end of the country based on a picture or description in a catalogue or price list there is always the risk that it won't live up to your expectations.

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A.� There has been a veritable explosion in rare plant fairs and shows in recent years. Most of the big gardening events of the year, Chelsea, Gardeners World etc will invite breeders of new, rare or unusual plants to sell their wares. However, although these will be some of the top plantsmen in the country, by the time you have paid your entrance fee and helped pay the price of theirs, via the plants, it can be an expensive business.

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