Got garden troubles? Learn to become a discerning plant purchaser Updated Feb 04, 2021; Posted Feb 04, 2021 Facebook Share When it comes to picking plants, variety matters. One big advantage veteran gardeners have over beginners is that they research and seek out the absolute best plant choices (varieties or “cultivars”), while rookies tend to buy whatever they find, figuring that a rose is a rose is a rose. The truth is that all roses aren’t created equal – and neither is any other plant... right down to the specific type of grass blades in your lawn. Genetic variances can make the difference between plants that thrive and ones that croak.