Seek out other heirloom gardeners. Join garden clubs, volunteer at botanical gardens and contact your local agriculture extension office.

Do not trespass. Even though some plants may be too tempting to ignore, always try to contact the property owner. Most folks will allow you to get the cutting or some seed.

Document the location, date and type of plant collected. Try to keep a photo journal of your garden each season.

Cemeteries are among the best places to find older plants. Some caretakers will allow a cutting.

Never dig up the entire plant. Always leave a sample for someone else.