Thanks to the wonders of the internet It’s never been easier to find any plant or tree you want for your garden. That exotic ornamental tree you’ve always wanted? That delicious dwarf fruit tree? Or those amazing plants you hear gardening experts raving about on TV but can never find in your local nursery? You’ll find them all with a quick browse of the internet. Buying plants online really is the best way to create the perfect planting scheme no matter whether you’re creating a whole new garden or simply looking for something new.

It may surprise the younger generation but at the dawn of the internet age people used to say shopping online will never catch on. That shoppers wouldn’t buy items they can actually see or physically touch. Well, those doubts were quickly erased and millions upon millions of pounds are now spent online. Shopping on the internet is second nature to most of us. And buying plants online has never been easier. Or more rewarding.

Why buy plants online?

There are three very good reasons (known as the 3Cs) why buying garden plants and trees online is so popular.

• Choice.
• Cost. 
• Convenience.

It’s as simple as that. There will, of course, always be a place for small local nurseries or farm shops selling some plants along with their fresh produce. But you can’t beat the internet for great value and the massive number of plants available. And of course, your purchases are delivered straight to your door. You can read more about the 3Cs here.

Things to look for when buying plants online

So, we know buying plants online is a good idea. But here’s a few thinks to look out for to make sure you get the best plants for your money when you shop on the internet.

Reviews

Reviews on sites like Trustpilot are a useful way to see what other customers think. However, reviews on some e-commerce platforms can be manipulated by unscrupulous traders. Look for video reviews like this one or independently written articles such as this.

Get in touch

Some online traders seem to make it a point to avoid contact with their customers. At best they’ll be an anonymous contact form – at worst no means of contact at all. Ethical online sellers will have their phone number and email address front and centre on every page of their website as well as a dedicated contact page. They will also have their physical location prominently displayed.

Secure website

When you shop online you need to know you are doing so securely. Make sure the website is secure – most browsers will display a small padlock next to the domain name – this shows you your credit or debit card details will be perfectly safe when you buy plants from that website.

Shop with trusted websites

Word of mouth is as important as it’s always been. When buying plants online follow the advice of people you trust or if you’ve had a great experience with a trader shop there again. You know you’ll get great service.

Easy returns

Make sure there is a clear and easy to understand returns policy. Sometimes things go wrong or there is a problem with the plant. For your own peace of mind, you need to know there is an easy way to rectify any issues. A website should have a dedicated delivery and returns page. If you can’t find this on a website move on.

Direct Plants grow thousands of plants, shrubs and trees on their Norfolk nursery and supply home gardeners and professional horticulturists across the country.