 Welcome to Alabama Smart Yards. We're creating beautiful landscapes that protect natural environments. Why? Because it's a smart thing to do. Today, Lucy Edwards will share tips for being a smart shopper. Buying healthy plants is the first step in growing a smart yard. Whether gardening for pleasure or to put food on the table, get the most out of your dollar by selecting a healthy plant. First, know what the plant should look like. Avoid wilted or off-colored foliage. Leaves should be clean, tender and well-formed. The center of the plant should branch uniformly, not be lopsided or uneven. When selecting flowering shrubs, a plant in bud is preferred over a plant in bloom. Budding plants transfer with less stress. Inspect plants for insects and disease. Look on stems and both sides of the leaves. Do not confuse a disease perennial with a plant going into dormancy. It is natural for some plants to lose their leaves, such as this blueberry. Check the soil for weeds or excessive fertilizer. These can indicate a plant may not have been properly cared for. Examine the roots by carefully sliding off the pot. Roots should be white or tan and plump. They should fill the pot, but not grow too thickly around the bottom. Avoid plants with wrapping, circling roots. If the soil around the roots is loose and crumbling, plants have not yet reached their prime. Lastly, look for signs of stress brought on by humans. Broken limbs or soil that is too wet or too dry. Do your research prior to purchasing a plant to ensure it will adapt well to your landscape. Avoid being a home for wayward plants by choosing wisely.