As gardeners we love introducing new plants into the garden and one of my favourite things to do is take a stroll around the nursery looking for new plants I haven't seen before. I always get asked for gardening advice on what to look for when choosing plants to buy so I have made a check list below for you to print off and take to the nursery with you:

Roots
To check if the plants roots are healthy can be a bit difficult as they are hidden within the pot they are growing. You want the pot to be filled with roots but not so that the plant is root bound. Hold the plant low down the stem and lift. If the plant falls away and you are left with a mess of soil on the ground, leave the plant (the Nursery should not be trying to sell small plants at big plant prices). If the pot remains on the root ball and is not bulging at the sides the roots are good. A root bound plant is when the roots circle around the pot creating an impenetrable mass of roots so when in the ground the roots cannot expand and help plant growth; this is shown by a bulging pot. Don't be afraid of a few roots growing out of the bottom of the plant pot as this is normal just make sure it's not stuck to the ground!

Soil
Make sure there is no moss or other signs of water logging in the soil. Also check for a lack of nutrients. Weeds do spread so don't be afraid of a few popping up in the soil. Too many or over developed ones can be a problem as they fight for water and nutrients from your new plant. They also can bring in unwanted weed seeds to your garden. Steer clear from soil that has shrunk away from the edge of the pot.

Stems and branches
These should be sturdy, even and spread evenly around the main leading stem. None should be broken and check for any tape or ties restricting growth. Take a look for scar tissue either in the form of ties constricting around the stems or rough frayed stems that have been broken; reject plants with these signs. Standard plants (those with a long stem and a ball of growth on top) should be straight as possible as these will not straighten themselves at your house.

Leaves
Look for a rich shade of green and steer clear of pale or pasty looking leaves. They should be unblemished and have a healthy appearance. Look for pests and diseases and choose plants with minimum damage. Most plants will have some form of pest but do not accept plants with any more than 5 per cent affected areas.

Flowers
If the plant is in flower make sure they look like the picture card that accompanies the plant. They should be bold and projecting, by that I mean make sure they are not withered and turning in on themselves. Don't be too judgmental about the flowers as they may be at the end or beginning of their cycle.