There's nothing that really compared to NJBG for variety and cost. For variety, Stony Brook Gardens in Pennington on rte 31 is pretty good. For herbs, Well Sweep off of 57 in Warren County has a nice variety too. At both places, though you'll spend $4-10 per plant instead of $1.79 :( At the end of the season, I got some nice deals on named daylilies at Stony Brook.

Ellen

Plant Delights in Raleigh, but no $1.79 plants there (but a 5 acre display garden is outstanding). Mail order;open on special days or by appointment.

Thank you for the suggestions.
I visited Well Sweep for the first time last year & was very pleased with their extensive plant list.
Monica in Hunterdon

Although it's name is Well-Sweep Herb Farm, it DEFINITELY
has more than herbs; in fact, it has one of the broadest
selections of perennials I've seen in this area, and 2-qt.
pots at an average price of $5.00 is pretty reasonable
these days - and plant quality is excellent!
- www.wellsweep.com -

Then there's the really pleasant little Mom-and-Pop operation in Waterford (off Rte. 206) called Popes Gardens.
They have a fairly extensive collection of perennials
(4 for $20), and some surprising little shrubs ($7.50-$9.99); and if you're looking for REAL bargains, they do
a limited selection of 4" starters at just $1.89 apiece.
And just to make your trip even more interesting, they have
a large menagerie! - www.popesgardens.com -

Finally, here in Monmouth County, there is Cicconi Farms;
after an arduous transformation over the past two years,
they have re-emerged as a nursery to be reckoned with.
Originally a wholesale operation, those of us in the know
could pop in (and buy retail) a terrific array of perennials in 4" pots (Quart) for less than $2.00 apiece!
Well, most of us thought they'd go typically retail based
on all the gallon buckets we saw last year; but, I've just been over this past week and I'm happy to report they have
decided to continue with the 4" pots, as well as the larger
sizes, added many new deciduous shrubs, and the staff is
very retail friendly now. Prices? A flat of twelve 4"
pots has gone up slightly to $27.00 - but that's still only
$2.25 per plant! There website hasn't kept pace with their
growth, but for specific questions call: 732-363-1420
- www.cicconi farms.com -

I haven't come across anything that comes close to NJBG plant sale, that's why I always looked forward to it so much every spring. Kingwood Gardens on NJ12 near Baptistown has good prices and quality for annuals. Ubel's across from the Hunterdon County library sometimes has a decent selection of perennials at a good price. If you are looking for more exotic stuff Atlock Farms on Weston Canal Road in Somerset has a great selection, on Father's Day I believe they have an open house with a discount on all their plants.