Comments regarding Santa Rosa Gardens

Posted on May 2, 2008, updated April 26, 2012
Just received my first order from Santa Rosa Gardens. Best packing I have ever seen--each grass in a mesh sleeve (reusable for bulbs, etc.) and individually wrapped in heavy brown paper. Incredible selection of grasses, great prices, fast shipment. And by the way--very, very nice plants. This will be one of the first places I look for anything I want.

This is the first time ordering from this provider and I am very happy with my purchase. My plants came well packaged ( Delphiniums, Helleborus, Echinacea and Dianthus) but one of the plants, the Echinacea Pow Pow had a couple of bruised leaves. I am fully aware that there are risks associated with any plants getting delivered by mail so a couple of bruised leaves will sometimes happen. All in all, the plants look healthy, the delivery time took 2-3 days after shipping. I have ordered online before from another provider and this is the first time that I feel 100% confident and happy with the selection. I had ordered crocuses even if it is not the proper time, since they only ship in the fall and were out of one of the types of crocuses I requested, they sent me extra bulbs at no charge. It makes the consumer feel appreciated and I have already placed a second order with them which I am hoping to receive next week.

I wish there was a "neutral plus" category, because I'm not completely satisfied.

I ordered a dwarf banana along with about a dozen other plants. They came very well packaged, but the banana, the most fragile plant of them all (really the only one with leaves), was at the bottom of this big box. The leaves were all crushed and bruised. Also, the sedum sieboldii came looking just sad, with only a few greens poking up.

I called right away, thinking I wouldn't get a quick response during this busy season, but they called back right away (although I wasn't able to pick up). The message said the banana would be okay, and that I could even cut back the bruised leaves, but ALL the leaves were bruised pretty badly, and I wasn't about to cut off all the leaves. They said they were sold out and wouldn't be able to get me a replacement. It's growing so fast now and producing new leaves that I don't think the bruised leaves will hurt it badly, but I do wish it had been packaged more carefully.

They said the sedum sieboldii was just coming out of dormancy and that's why it looked the way it did. When I took the sedum out of the pot, I noticed that it didn't have a nicely developed root system, like all the other sedums I'd ordered. I'm going to give it a couple of more weeks, but it's looking awfully puny in its new pot.

The good thing is that the phlox and the other sedums I ordered were very healthy. I ordered a couple of May Night salvias that had some yellowing bottoms leaves. One of them looked much healthier, with a lot of new growth, and the other one looked a little less robust, but they both had good roots.

I have ordered online from this company several times. I always receive prompt service. I am notified via email of when to expect shipment and EVERY plant they ship me comes in great condition and there is never a mix-up. They carry a great selection, and usually offer better bargains. All the plants arrive healthy and the perfect size for transplanting. Pricing is very reasonable and when I contact them with any question or concern, they take the time to call/email me in a prompt fashion... even on Sundays.

Love this company, they have a return customer in me.

Easy online ordering, plants well-packed, and arrived in good condition, at a perfect stage of development. They weren't root-bound at all.

This was my first order with this company. WOW!!! I was truly impressed with their shipping, packaging, and plants. I received their email of shipment yesterday and received the plants today.........
They came in unbelievable packaging and all look in great condition. Also the information they included and the gift was a surprise, and appreciated.

I will be placing more orders with Santarosa Gardens.

Deborah Hessler

Posted on April 27, 2011, updated March 7, 2012
I just recieved my Santa Rosa order of grasses, (with a few discounted Dianthus for good measure.) The plants arrived VERY FAST- the next day after shipping!- and in wonderful condition. The grasses are healthy and of the appropriate size for the container. As expected, the Dianthus from the Bargain Bench do look a little rough, but I have no doubt they will thrive in the garden. For $1.99, you can't do better! Great job guys- I am very pleased with my order.

Last year ordered the pink Mulhy ornamental grass..Was very impressed on the size of the plants & how well plants were wrapped in netting & then each wrapped in brown paper...The plants flourished well...I was able to baby them about a month & then had to leave for months at a time due to being in the Merchant Marines...Unfortunately missed the blooming as was on the lakes, but neighbor said they were beautiful...Thank goodness we had a very mild winter as I'm in zone 5 & wasn't sure if they would winter well...They appear to be ok thus far..Thank you Santa Rosa for being a top notch Company!

I bought several ornamental grasses last year. They were well packed and beautiful. All winter I have watched their delicate plumes sway in the wind. Hats off to a great company!

I had ordered several times and never a problem. Fast and dependable shipping. I usually order things I can't find around town and I am glad there are still people around who care about customer service. Nice plants and packed well.

Great Company. Good pricing, size and packaging. I have ordered from them many times. Very good. Keep up the good work we need many online vendors like this company.

I heard about the end of the year sale at S.R, and went to check out garden watchdog for review. Based on all the prior reviews, I thought I would give them a shot (end of year clearance prices were great.) They had some native grasses that are hard to find, and some other goodies that I couldn't resist. Everything came in right away, they sent emails letting me know the tracking numbers and the plants arrived healthy and in great condition. I would love to see their operations because they've got it down. Well done, you've earned yourself another happy customer.

I placed a small order to Santa Rosa gardens for 6 or so plants yet was very impressed. They shipped the box the next day, and all the plants were healthy. The $1.99 Veronicas were in very small peat pots that had dried out. However, I was able to soak them in water and the plants revived well. Yes, the Veronicas were spindly but will be fine next year. All in all, a great experience and I will order more next Spring!

Posted on April 27, 2011, updated November 5, 2011
Dear Santa Rosa Gardens:



I have ordered many plants from you and they've always performed great, however this last combo that I put together is very eye catching and gets great compliments from the neighbors and passerbys (corner house) and where did I purchase is always the next question.



Thanks for helping me turn a barren property (32,000 sq. ft.) into a stunning show place.



Sincerely,



Johanna Smith



A very satisfied customer.

"On May 5, 2011 10:20 AM, Santa Rosa Gardens responded with:

Thank you for the comments Johanna! Although your garden photo is not visible here on the garden watchdog, we did post it on our customer testimonial page of our website!"

I just received plants from Santa Rosa Gardens (even earlier than expected) and I'm very impressed. I've tried ordering plants from other nurseries a few times before and had sworn off wasting my time and money: Too many badly packed, half (or completely) dead plants. But Santa Rosa's sale tempted me to try one more time. Wow! Each plant was packed as carefully as one could wish. And all looked healthy and well-developed. I will not hesitate to order from them again.

Western Washington

Hello, I had to write and tell you how pleased I am with my purchase of plants from your gardens. I have ordered from gardens/nurserys all over the country and for the first time
I got my money's worth. The way you prepare the plants to ship is what impressed me first. When they arrived they were very hardy plants and so well packed that they were completely
protected from any damage in shipping. I watered them and set them on my lanai for 2 days before planting. I added some good soil medium to the holes and a little fertilizer. The plants never looked "unhappy" at all with being planted in the ground. They are all growing well and I can hardly wait to see the flowers etc. as they develop. I am so glad I saw your advertisment in
a magazine and took a chance on ordering. Quality is wonderful. Joyce Reitz, Fort Myers, FL

Received my order from SRG's year-end sale a couple of weeks ago and planted everything right away. Their plants are packed SO carefully and are by far the healthiest I've ever received via mail order. All the plants have settled in and perked up nicely since planting. This was my third experience ordering from SRG; it won't be the last.

Also took advantage of incredible fall sale prices. I recently ordered seven hellebores from them. One might expect an end of season sale may not be the cream of the crop but not here. I placed an order on Sunday night, got an e-mail saying they shipped Monday morning and I had them by Wednesday for weekend planting. They evidently do not use shipping for a profit center (you know, like the one's where the shipping costs more than the plants). Plants were well branched and about three times the size of those from other nurseries that sell coconuts. All seven already have new baby branches leafing out from the base of the plants. There non-sale prices seem quite reasonable also so check them out. Will definitely use them again.

Got in on their fall sale, prices were good, plants were nice size and packed well, and the order was shipped very quickly. A great experience, I will definitely purchase more from them in the future.

I chose Santa Rosa because of all their good reviews on DGW. They had great clearance prices, free shipping over $100, and I found a 10% off coupon, so I could afford to purchase more than I'd originally planned.

The communication from SR has been terrific from beginning to end - I received an email receipt, shipping/tracking messages, and an email informing me of what was backordered with an expected shipping date for those.

I placed my order Sunday evening; my plants were on my doorstep when I arrived home from work at 1 in the afternoon. WOW! They were packaged so nicely, everything was bright and green...and big! I ordered some ferns, an astible collection, four hostas, and much more for both shade and sun. The plants look so great, I can't believe they came all the way to me in northwest PA from FL! I can't wait to order again.

Received my second order. Very nice plants except one that was damaged in shipping and they are sending a replacement next week.

Received 2 Agapanthus and one Musa.All arrived nicely packaged and in excellent shape.I'm very happy with my order and I'm going to order again.Recommended.

Posted on July 3, 2011, updated September 15, 2011
Based on the overwhelming number of positive comments about Santa Rosa Gardens, I decided to order from them as I was planning to turn my backyard into a large garden. I ordered a wide variety of plants, mostly ornamental grasses, and they arrived in fantastic shape, during the time I specified, in terrific packaging. Any questions I had during the ordering process were answered promptly. All of the plants I ordered were healthy with strong root systems and are thriving in my new garden. I just ordered three more ornamental grasses to cap off the season, and will definitely be ordering more next year. I highly recommend this company to all my fellow gardeners.

I ordered from Santa Rosa after reading the stellar reviews here. Website ordering was simple, prices are reasonable, and customer communication was efficient. I received healthy, beautifully packed plants - 2 days before Hurricane Irene. The plants survived the 10 day planting delay on my enclosed porch and in fact looked rejuvenated from their travels when I was finally able to get them in the ground. I have already placed a second order which is in transit and I'm putting together a third. Although I cannot comment on survival this early, I am confident that plants that start out this healthy will do well. I highly recommend this supplier.

Just placed my first order with Santa Rosa Gardens yesterday. Wanted to add to this order this morning & it had already shipped!! Jude kindly agreed to waive the shipping fee on my additional order. Can't ask for better service than this!

Posted on October 2, 2009, updated August 25, 2011
this was the first time I have ordered from them. I ordered on Monday and received it on Wed. Great pkg and healthy looking plants. 1 of the guaras I ordered even had a tiny bud on it. Will order from them again!

First time I've ordered from Santa Rosa and other than the fact that they sold out of four of the plants I ordered, I was not disappointed at all. Prices were good, plants were healthy, packaging was carefully done. Will definitely shop with them again. They've earned their top-rated spot in the Garden Watchdog.

I have placed many orders with Santa Rosa over the past two or three years and have been happy with the plants I received. Plants are small but strong and healthy. Great company!

I just received my order but I am really suprised by how nice everything looks. I could not have gotten nicer looking plants by going to the greenhouse. Every plant in its on container with netting to keep the leaves from breaking. Each wrapped separately and still damp. Great fast shipping I would order from them again and will recommend them to all my friends..

Posted on June 29, 2011, updated July 13, 2011
I went to their site after receiving an email of the big sale they are having. Wow, what a selection, I had a hard time choosing! And you're not going to find prices this reasonable anywhere. Responses to email are immediate and very accomodating. Shipped the next day and rec'd in two days. Packing was the best I have seen: they are shipped in their pots, netting over the pot and halfway up the plants to protect it. Then the plants are wrapped in special cooler paper that allows air circulation between the plants. Each plant was perfect and beautiful.
I was a little concerned how they would adapt in the terrible heat in Texas (has been getting around 110+ with hot winds on a regular basis). Not to worry, these healthy plants took off without a hitch.
I am highly impressed with Santa Rosa Gardens, they are top notch in every way, couldn't be any better. Will be my first stop for perennials and grasses. (My second order is already on the way!!)

Posted on July 6, 2011, updated July 11, 2011
This was my first time purchasing from them. I was drawn in by their clearance sale. Questioning the wisdom of purchasing plants for shipping in the unusual heat of June (for this year), I chose only drought tolerant items- sedums, euphorbias. The plants shipped on a Monday, I received on Thursday evening.

After ordering from other online companies, I do have some reference for comparison. Their plants were unusually large (I was impressed) and their packing was interesting, mesh-type stockings around the larger plants that I suppose helped keep the plants intact.

There was an unusual heat wave during that time, and I'm sure the UPS truck wasn't air conditioned, thus the plants were.. HOT. Though I was home to meet the delivery.

The stonecrop sedums-autumn delight- were, I suppose, "squished"?? for lack of a better word. Their leaves were pushed down and still remain...odd. I knew I'd have to pamper them for awhile, and still am. I was hoping by now the leaves would be more.. "normal" again. I believe that they can't be propagated by Santa Rosa as they are patented, thus they were rather leggy/weak and quite rootbound. Not surprising, that's what happens when you wait until the end of the prime shipping season. I did cut them all back by half. I tell myself next year they should be looking okay.

I got 3 euphorbia ascot rainbow which were also quite wilted or also "squashed", but now, a bit over 2 weeks later, they are perking up. They are beautiful, and a great size. Though again, they were quite rootbound. They are being somewhat pampered in pots.

I purchased 4 Sedum sieboldii which I love, love, love. I've been unable to find anywhere around here. They, being succulents with many small leaves, survived the shipping but did have some damage (lost lots of leaves). One was pretty broken. 2 were suffering mildew or some type of black fungus like issue to many leaves. I pulled them off. I can't blame Santa Rosa, as the shipping process may have been rough on the box. It wasn't marked FRAGILE, or LIVE PLANTS, or KEEP COOL, or THIS END UP.. not that that may have made a difference. The 2 worst are in pots being pampered.

Then I purchased 3 Sedum spurium Tricolor. They were... very leggy. Extremely. As if grown in shade and desperately stretching for sun. At first I was unsure what to do with them. I had to untangle. Finally, after a week, I planted the 2 variegated ones out, and covered stems with soil, to help root. I don't know if it will work.

The third of the 3 is almost all green, the variegation must have been overtaken. Only 3 tiny leaves at the base are variegated, the rest converted to green. As I initially waited several days to try to get the plants back to some vigor, I then figured it would be too late to contact Santa Rosa. Plus I kind of dreaded the "energy" of getting replacements and worrying they were in the same condition, as it's even warmer. So one is an unattractive green that I just put where I can't see it, to help control weeds I guess.. a few dollars lost.

All plants were bone dry, I soaked in bucket of water, I had to replace soil that was lost. They took a lot of work to just repot to larger pots to grow on a bit. And again, a lot of broken pieces. Though that may be the price (I didn't realize) of ordering fleshing succulents. Maybe if they were packed somehow in a more sturdy box? Or with peanuts (which I hate). I don't know. Again, I think that's the drawback of "clearance" prices... rootbound, weaker, a bit too large for pots. Plus I suppose the workers were in a hurry to pack and ship, thus "missing" some little things.

Amy

I've been buying plants from Santa Rosa Gardens for over two years now, and am always impressed by the quality of the plants, their excellent service and prices. I've purchased plants from quite a few on-line nurseries over the years, and Santa Rosa Gardens is one of very few companies that I consistently go back to; they are that good.

I have always had good experience with Santa Rosa Gardens in the eight years I've been ordering from them. The plants are healthy and packaged to prevent damage. The wide selection of plants is what continues to bring me back to Santa Rosa. Their quick response regarding any plant problems is a big plus as well. Dina, their Sales Manager, does a great job in keeping the customer happy.

Just received my order of 9 grasses from Santa Rosa gardens and they are in wonderful condition, packed well and the planting guide is very helpful. Their prices are very reasonable and their customer service is great. I will be doing more business with them in the future for sure.
Arkansas
Zone 7

I have ordered from Santa Rosa Gardens several times over the past few years. I am always happy with the quality of the plants I receive. They also have incredibly fast shipping and the plants are packaged very well. This is a great company!

Awesome, large Red Hot Poker plants in 4inch containers. Shipping was so fast and packaging above average! Boy, will I order from them again.

They ship vibrant healthy plants. Their warranty is rock solid. They have always replaced any plants, without question, when notified of a problem. A top notch company. 98% of my plants ordered from them are alive and kicking.

JIM " NEW YORK " SANTA ROSA GARDENS IS no.1 IN MY BOOK I'VE BEEN A CUSTERMER FOR 6 yrs. AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM BUT IF YOU SHIP MILLIONS OF PLANTS IN AFEW MONTHS A SLIPUP JUST MAY HAPPEN SO GIVE IT A REST!!!!

Received order yesterday everything was pack great everything look good. Very happy to do business with you. I have order from a lots of plant places on the Internet but I was blow away by the size and care of the packing you sent me. I wish I know of your place years ago! MY ORDER WAS
Muhlenbergia capillaris
Hibiscus moscheutos Luna Rose - Bargain Bench
Lavandula Provence
Lavandula angustifolia Hidcote