Earlier this month, a delegation from GardenRant, including Susan Harris, Scott Beuerlein, and myself, immersed ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Mid-Atlantic Nursery and Trade Show (MANTS) in Baltimore. Alongside 10,900 fellow horticultural professionals, we observed a crucial shift in how vital plant information is disseminated and consumed. What became strikingly clear amidst the displays of innovative new plants, nursery stock, and cutting-edge equipment was a compelling argument: the most informative garden "books" for today's industry professionals are increasingly taking the form of meticulously crafted catalogs.

The Evolving Role of Horticultural Catalogs

For decades, gardening enthusiasts and professionals alike turned to comprehensive encyclopedias and specialized tomes for deep knowledge. While these foundational works remain invaluable for academic understanding and historical context, the rapid pace of plant breeding, technological advancements, and market demands has elevated the status of the humble catalog. Modern nursery and seed catalogs, particularly those presented at major trade events like MANTS, are no longer mere price lists. They are sophisticated compilations of current data, offering insights often absent from conventionally published books.

Beyond Product Listings: A Rich Tapestry of Data

The catalogs distributed by leading growers and suppliers at events such as MANTS serve as dynamic repositories of information. They often contain:

• Detailed specifications for new plant introductions, including precise growth habits, mature sizes, hardiness zones, and ideal growing conditions.
• Insights into pest and disease resistance, often backed by recent trials and observations.
• High-quality, professional photography showcasing plants at various stages of development, providing visual cues that static illustrations cannot match.
• Cultivation notes tailored for specific regions or commercial applications, reflecting the latest best practices.
• Information on propagation methods, liner availability, and specific care requirements for commercial success.

This level of practical, up-to-the-minute detail is paramount for nursery owners, landscape designers, and garden center buyers who need to make informed decisions about inventory, design, and cultivation strategies. Traditional books, with their longer publication cycles, simply cannot keep pace with this rapid evolution.

Advantages of Catalog-Driven Information

The rise of catalogs as primary informational resources stems from several key advantages:

• Timeliness: Catalogs are updated annually, sometimes bi-annually, ensuring the information reflects the very latest plant introductions, breeding advancements, and industry standards.
• Specificity: Each catalog focuses intensely on a grower's or supplier's specific offerings, providing in-depth data relevant to those particular plants or products.
• Direct from Source: Information often comes directly from the breeders, growers, or manufacturers, ensuring accuracy and firsthand knowledge.
• Visual Clarity: Exceptional photography is a hallmark, aiding in plant identification and selection far more effectively than text descriptions alone.
• Practical Application: The content is geared towards practical application, addressing real-world challenges and opportunities for horticultural professionals.

The Shifting Landscape of Garden Literature

While classic garden books will always hold a place for foundational knowledge and inspirational narratives, their role as the sole arbiters of cutting-edge horticultural data has diminished. The digital transformation has further amplified the reach and accessibility of catalog information, with many nurseries offering extensive online databases and digital versions of their printed materials. This convergence of print and digital formats creates an even more potent and immediate resource for professionals.

Summary

The experience at MANTS underscored a significant trend: for the professional horticulturist, the most current, detailed, and practically applicable information is increasingly found within the pages of specialized trade catalogs. These publications, whether physical or digital, offer a dynamic and timely alternative to traditional garden books, reflecting the rapid innovation and evolving demands of the nursery industry. As plant science and market trends accelerate, these catalogs stand as indispensable tools, cementing their position as the leading edge of horticultural intelligence.

Resources

• American Horticultural Society
• Royal Horticultural Society
• National Association of Landscape Professionals