I know there is a place in the Elba Hwy. (or used to be). I can't remember the name but it is on the right kinda across from the skating rink. They probably do not have very much quality material though. Maybe someone else from the neighboring areas can help you more.

I was born and raised in Opp but now live in Montgomery. My parents and sister still live there though.

As for the mulch. Most people in the south use pinestraw because it is more available. I don't know of anyone down that way that sells it.

To address your question about hardwood mulch, I think most people prefer pine straw or pine bark mulch because of the termite threat in the south. I know that people also use cypress mulch down here. All of these are available from your local Home Depot or Lowes. Walmart also carrys most of them. :)

Sue's Nursery located on Hwy 27 South(Geneva Hwy) out of Enterprise.

i live in ozark but we drive to all the area nurseries. Pat's Petals in Ozark 231 north about 5 miles from mcdonalds.
another we like is PC nursery in midland city
http://pcsnursery.com/
these have healthy and reasonably priced plants

Thank you for your suggestions. Much appreciated. I hope to have a chance to visit these places soon.

Since posting my question, I've visited Four Seasons right here in Opp and was very pleased with the plants I found there. A beautiful fuchsia hanging basket, some pretty lime-colored coleus, something called a mexican firecracker I think, some very healthy tomato plants, salvia, ornamental peppers, and the cutest little white zinnias.

Just wanted to sing the praises of Four Seasons again. I mentioned to the lady there I was hoping to find persian shield (strobilanthes) plants and she said although they didn't have any, she would order a tray for me if I wanted the whole thing. Trying to wait patiently...

Found a great ornamental pepper with black leaves and purple flowers, several varieties of coleus, some other veg pepper plants, some type of alternanthera, 3-pack of tomato seedlings. If you're in Opp, stop by, Adams Rd. about 1/2 mile south of Rt. 52, right in town.

From north central Alabama. Welcome to Alabama! Enjoy the warm / hot weather down there!

Thanks! And whew - no doubt! It's 95 right now.

Got the tray of 8 persian shield plants the last week of April & they are fantastic! Glad she ordered a 2nd tray, had to go back for 2 more last week, 1 more for me, 1 for a mother's day present. Also found some Plumbago that I apparently overlooked the other visits. Excellent!

Now to find some streptocarpella, heliotrope...