1. Start out healthy

• Choose plants with intact foliage and unbound roots.

• Watch out for pests, fungus, mold or injury.

• Smaller container sizes are often healthier, and cost less.

2. Avoid plants treated with pesticides

• Plants are often treated with neonicotinoids that are harmful to beneficial insects, including butterflies. If possible, find a local nursery that can tell you what chemicals have been used in the growing process.

3. Local or specialty nurseries are more likely to have harder-to-find species.