First off, try timing your trip to the nursery. In other words, shop the off times. Instead of weekends, go during the week. Be sure to check the off days of small, family-owned nurseries, though, since they are traditionally closed on Wednesdays or Thursdays. But with the larger establishments with longer hours, consider shopping right after work during the dinner hour.
Besides saving time and your mental health by not having to battle crowds, there's another advantage. Often times, you'll have a better selection on weekdays. Although many larger nurseries are seemingly able to update their stock on the hour, most simply can not keep up with demand on spring weekends. And many plants, particularly bedding plants and already-started vegetable transplants, don't hold up well to the constant picking and prodding of fussy customers.
Whenever you visit, though, your trip will be more successful if you plan ahead. Try to know what you want ahead of time. With that said, I'm going to contradict myself somewhat. You also need to be flexible. I know many gardeners who show up at the nursery with a garden magazine in hand and want to buy exactly what they see in the magazine. Be aware that plant availability varies by region and season. Sure those magazine gardens look great, but the garden you want may be located in upstate New York.
What you may want to bring along are photographs and sketches of your yard. It doesn't have to be a fancy landscape plan. Just something that shows dimensions, so you know how many plants you can use and approximately where you want them.
Be somewhat informed. There's nothing worse than not knowing if that cauliflower plant needs full sun or partial. (Note: for the most part, vegetables need the hottest area of your garden to thrive). Try to ask yourself questions such as these. Approximately how many hours of sunlight does your garden receive? What direction does your would-be planting area face? On which side of the house will that shrub go? How much wind does the area get?
Finally, use common sense. For example, don't try to buy a 15-gallon tree when you have a two-seat sports car. If you know you need to buy a large specimen, use a truck. Borrow a friend's pickup if need be. He'll usually be more than willing especially if you fill it with gas before returning it. Also, leave the high heels and suits at home. Try to wear something comfortable when shopping for your garden needs.
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