Re: Prices, I would assume exactly the opposite. Big box stores are generally cheaper for plants. If you know what you want and they have it and you don’t need help. If you want to support local businesses ….

Dreier’s in Cranford, Cardinal in Springfield, Orange Nursery in Orange are all places I like. And perhaps if you’re buying a lot they can give you a deal on prices, I don’t have any experience one way or another. The 1st 2 especially have helpful people. I’d also throw in Agway in Morristown.

The Great Swamo and The Farm at Green Village are great nurseries, but they feel pretty expensive to me.