The price of plants in Garden Centres

Went to a garden centre today and was somewhat shocked at the price of herbaceous plants currently for sale. The all looked very healthy but they were £6.99 for one small Bowles Mauve which wasn't any more that 10cm tall - I could have bought 3 for £18.00 (woohoo!). Other herbaceous were similar prices. Maybe I am old fashioned but I wouldn't pay that much for one little plant. It was a very nice garden centre but, seriously! Think they were taking the biscuit.
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Soon adds up.
So I would shop around
Wilko has some good bulbs/bare roots for £2. I got some astrantia and aquilegia.
Theres also a really good historic hall and gardens near us that sells a good range of plants that they grow themselves and sell for £2.50 or so. Really good large specimens too. Places like that are usually expensive, so it's a welcome surprise.
they do a gardener fair in summer where local nurseries pitch up in the grounds and you can get some real bargains.
This year I'm going prepared with crates
I prefer to get small perennials and bring them on myself so these are often considerably cheaper than fully mature instant garden versions.