Garden centers start changing gears as summer winds down, and that shift can create some surprisingly good bargains. Plants that looked like premium purchases in June may suddenly land on the clearance rack, while pots, garden supplies, and seasonal merchandise can get price cuts as stores make room for fall inventory.
That does not mean every bargain deserves a spot in the trunk. A half-price plant with root rot remains a bad deal, and a bargain perennial that cannot handle the local winter will not magically become a wise purchase because someone slapped a red sticker on it. The best late-season shopping takes a little inspection, a little timing, and a willingness to leave the truly sad specimens behind.
