I am sure that Lowe's did not buy them that way.
I would think that each Lowe's is only as good as it's Nursery manager and Store manager. If they do not water and take care of the plants, then this is what can happen.
I would also hazard a guess to say that most people working in the nursery section have limited experience with plant care. Maybe none at all.
I buy only so often from either Lowe's or Home Depot and it is when new nursery stock arrives.
