The biggest advantage of mail-order plants and seeds, says horticulturist Maureen Gilmer, host of “Weekend Gardening” on DIY-Do It Yourself Network, is the selection. Here are her favorites:

ANNUAL AND PERENNIAL FLOWERS
— Select Seeds
— High Country Gardens
— Park’s Countryside Gardens
— Roots & Rhizomes
— White Flower Farm

BULBS
— Van Dyck’s
— Old House Gardens
— Van Bourgondien

VEGGIES AND HERBS
— The Cook’s Garden
— Vermont Bean Seed Co.
— Totally Tomatoes:
— Park’s Gardens:
— John Scheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds
— Seeds of Change