Before you make any decisions about boycotting, I'd make sure that you let Nick's know what's wrong. They won't fix anything unless they know it's broke! I daresay they get deliveries of umpteen thousand plants at a time, and it can't be expected that they'd double-check each and every one of them. However, once an anomaly like this is discovered, they can take steps to notify their supplier(s) and take whatever action they deem fit.

You can always ask them for the name(s) of the supplier(s) and contact them as well, expressing your displeasure.

I don't think it's taking things too far to use the word 'fraud' somewhere in your complaint! After all, someone along the production line is fobbing people off with an imposter!

I agree with Daisy in that you should talk with the people at Nick's. Everybody makes mistakes, businesses are no exception. Talk to them calmly and respectfully - be sure to use the "Golden Rule." Explain what you had happen. And see how they respond to you. That is more telling of the business than if they had a plant mislabeled - which if you go through the back posts here is a *very* common occurrence.

FataMorgana

Well, after reading y'alls suggestions, and a similar suggestion on the RMG forum, I went back to Nicks today and spoke to one of their managers, Randy.

I introduced myself, and said up front how much I like Nicks and have always had great experiences with their products and especially their service. I then carefully explained what I had discovered with the tarragon. He listened carefully, then asked me to show him what I was talking about. We looked at the starts they had for sale, and I again explained why the plant was Russian & not French Tarragon, and that it was clearly mislabelled. He said that they do indeed get most of their starts from a grower, and that they came already labelled. He was courteous and understanding, and thanked me for bringing it to his attention. We ended the conversation with my desire to remain a Nick's customer, and his apologies for my feelings of "betrayal," and his desire that I be able to continue to trust their products.

So, I'll go back over there in a week or so, and see if they're still offering the same plants with the same labelling. If they are, no more Nick's for me! If they're not, I will continue to shop there, albiet with a critical eye.

Thank you all for your suggestions and advice. I'd hate to lose a so-far great relationship with a good garden center over something they couldn't control.