That’s what found when they analyzed more than 100 garden centers in the D.C. region.

“You generally have to pay more to get higher quality products,” says Kevin Brasler, executive editor of Washington Consumers’ Checkbook.

Large chain stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s tend to have lower prices. But Brasler says you can find a larger selection and more knowledgable staff at smaller, independent stores — if you’re ready to pay up.

“Some stores charge prices that are five, even six times higher than their lowest price competitors,” he says.

For the most part, customers are satisfied with the pricey plants.

But what if you get a dud?

“Even the big chains have pretty generous return policies for these things,” Brasler says.

Washington Consumers’ Checkbook is partnering with 草莓传媒 to offer their report on more than 100 local garden centers until the end of March. You can find it. 聽Just enter your email address in the designated spot.

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The chain wants to build a 24-hour store in the Duvall Village Shopping Center. It hopes to expand a vacant grocery store near the intersection of Annapolis Road and Glenn Dale Road.

The Prince George’s County planning board unanimously approved the plan Thursday, but neighbors say it could ruin their quiet neighborhood.

“We just feel that this is not an appropriate location for a 24-hour super Wal-Mart. My house is just 150 feet from it and I can see the back of the building from my living room. A lot of us have been living there for quite some time and we like our peaceful quiet, residential neighborhood,” Jennifer Dwyer told .

Dozens of neighbors protested the board’s decision, saying the development could bring traffic, crime and stormwater runoff to the neighborhood.

Wal-Mart supporters argue the Supercenter will revitalize a vacant lot and bring life back to a dying strip mall. Businesses in that shopping plaza have been waiting years for a new anchor store.

“I am biased. We have a business and we have a business to run. And to run a business you need clientele,” said Devin Anthony, a manager at the Bowie 1 Barber Shop.

Wal-Mart says the plan will create new jobs, bringing more than $240 million to the community each year. Wal-Mart does have a store on Crain Highway in Bowie.

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D.C. residents could face fines for leaving slippery walkways — but clearing those sidewalks is nearly impossible for some聽older citizens or those with聽physical challenges.

That鈥檚 why the city organizes the D.C. Citizen Snow Team, a group of good-Samaritans that shovels snow for the city鈥檚 most vulnerable residents.

鈥淲e鈥檙e shoveling homes for the people who need help, like the elderly, the people who can鈥檛 get out and about,鈥� says Heather Shaffer, a volunteer with World Mission Society Church of God. 鈥淓veryone needs their sidewalks shoveled.鈥�

It鈥檚 part of a program called , a citywide initiative aimed at getting people to give some time back to their community.

鈥淣ot only are they helping out their senior in need, but they鈥檙e giving back to the city as well,鈥� says Kristal Knight, Executive Director of Serve DC. 鈥淲e consider seniors and disabled persons part of our most vulnerable populations.鈥�

She says you can reach out to the if you know someone who is disabled and needs help shoveling their sidewalk and driveway. But if you鈥檙e a skilled shoveler and looking for a (feel) good workout, check out the — or just take a few minutes help a neighbor in need.
鈥淭he people that we help — they鈥檙e very old. They can鈥檛 hear. They can鈥檛 move. They don鈥檛 have a lot of visitors,鈥� says volunteer Jessica Sesson. 鈥淪o when we come to see them, they鈥檙e very excited to see us.鈥�

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