I have bought from almost all the vendors there and have found the plants to be of superior quality across the board. On Wednesdays on the west side of the square there's a lady who sells organic vegetable seedlings. On the north side there is a vendor with a great selection of beautifully healthy herbs and a small, but impressive in vigor, selection of annuals. On the inner row on both the west corner and the east corner are the two plant vendors I frequent. Both are great and have some beautiful stuff, but whenever I have to order something I tend to use the nursery on the east side (VanHouten) because the owner of the nursery is usually there and I like dealing in person. The nursery on the west side (Hodgsen sp?) will also bring in any plants, but you usually have to call and place an order - which is no big deal, especially if you are stuck at home on a Thursday and are fantasizing about what you want to plant on Saturday.

Incidentely, I also go to Dimitri's on 2nd Ave and 102nd Street. They are extremely friendly, have good prices, and the selection is ok.

Do you know if there are vendors in the Union Square market who might carry hydrangeas? Also, I noticed the hours at the market are from 8am-6pm. Would you suggest getting there early (i.e. before noon)? Or does it not make a difference? Thanks very much.

The plant selection at the greenmarkets will be pretty slim right now, because nobody's planting outside right now, and with the holidays coming up most people want pointsettias and similar "gift plants." I don't think you have to worry about getting there early this time of year. There's a florist shop on 14th and 5th nearby that might carry small potted hydrangeas, but they're not cheap. Get one if you really, really have to have a blooming hydrangea now (hey, I've been hit by the plant bug, I know how it is); otherwise, wait until spring, and they'll be all over!

On the topic of NYC nurseries, don't forget Chinatown! There are a few small shops on Walker Street (right below Canal St.) just east of Centre street, that have some bonsai, citrus, osmanthus and bamboo plants, and the odd exotic. Also, there are a couple of pottery shops on Mulberry just north of Bayard that have great, cheap, bonsai and orchid pots.

Jim

A 2 tube fluorescent fixture or the equivalent in compact fluorescent bulbs (at least 40 watts, more is better), will allow you to flower gesneriads, some begonias, and keep your foliage plants looking happier. Check the houseplants forum and FAQ for more ideas, then hit the places suggested here for samples!

Jim

P.S. Downtown Brooklyn has two OK florist/plant shops on Montegue St., a better one on Lawrence St. off Fulton Mall (Ling's Plant King), and Midtown nursery on Flatbush and Atlantic, which has a good selection of indoor plants and supplies.

Jim