Obviously, this will take a lot of work. First I must choose only from those mail order catalogs that are reputable and supply top quality plants. This will make my stack somewhat smaller than it is at present. One way to find out which catalogs are really good is to check Cyndi's list (see resources). Many of the catalogs on this list are rated by online gardeners as to plant quality, price and service.
Another way to weed out the bad ones is to take a good look at the catalog copy. If the plants are listed by common names, without their botanical names, take it as a bad sign. Botanical names are important. Because of regional customs and differences, many different plants may bear the same common name. Unless you can check the Latin, you may not be getting the plant you really want. And believe me--if a company in the business of plants doesn't know the Latin name--they're not ones you want to do business with.
Check to see that the catalog lists hardiness zones. Do they seem to be accurate? I have some catalogs on my stack that list a plant as hardy to zone 4--neglecting to mention that this is only true if I dig that plant up each fall and bring it in for the winter. Obviously the company doesn't care much whether or not my plant survives. If you aren't sure about hardiness zones, and which plants thrive in which zones, check the "Best Web Sites" for The Virtual Garden, where you can find not only the climate zone for your area, but a plant encyclopedia which will let you check the catalog's accuracy.
A reputable company will also include some cultural information to help you decide whether the conditions on your property are right for a particular plant. If a catalog is short on this information, their product may also be short on quality.
