By Mark A. Tonan

Spring is soon to be upon us, and plants are on a lot of people’s minds. Annuals, perennials, woody plants, ground covers, and edibles are all well suited to spring planting and will become widely available as the weather warms. These plants come in many forms and have certain signs to be aware of when making a choice.
Annuals are most often sold in multi packs or in individual pots. In either case, select plants that appear healthy and are preferably not in flower. Look to see that all cells in a multi pack are evenly moist. Weak, light colored or elongated growth will need cutting back or feeding once planted in the proper light for that plant.
Perennials are most often sold potted. Look for strong growth with a comparatively large crown where the plant meets the surface of the soil. Roots that are visible near the bottom drain holes are a good sign that the plant has an adequate root system. Again, select plants that are less in flower.
The flowers can be removed to reduce planting stress, usually delaying bloom slightly, but not preventing eventual blooming. For example, if I know that the days immediately following planting will be hot and dry, I will remove all the flowering buds on geraniums being planted, especially if I know I can’t keep watering them.
Roses and do their best when planted in the spring. They are sold either potted or bare-root. Most roses are grafted, meaning the root system is one species of rose, while the top is another, more desirable species. Check the graft for any dead or brown areas. All growth or swollen buds should be from above this graft. Any growth from below that point should be removed.
Look for brown or black splotches on the stems indicating fungal growth or rot. I usually do not worry about leaf spots, as nurseries and garden centers are notorious for overhead watering, which often causes sun disfiguration. These leaves will grow in again.
Most roses start bare root, even the potted ones at the garden centers, so early spring is not the time to try tipping their pots to check their root systems. If a rose is bought bare-root, avoid those with dried out roots.
Shrubs and trees have the same characteristics to look for whether grown in a container or wrapped in burlap. Check for a strong, well defined trunk system. A three-stem birch with one stem wrapped around another could quickly become a one-stem birch. Another important area to check on the trunk is the flare, which is the point where the trunk widens right above the natural soil line. A plant that is planted too deeply will never thrive. Any small roots growing out above the natural soil level on a trunk is a red flag warning. Avoid plants with girdling roots. These must be removed or they could choke the plant and weaken it. On bigger plants, also look for mechanical damage to the trunk from mishandling, or splitting bark from winter sun.
Once the snow begins to melt, half the fun is looking around at all the choices. Take your time and enjoy the coming season.