Comments regarding Direct Gardening

I ordered from this company because it was the only place I could find Arctic Beauty kiwi at the time. I checked them out AFTER I ordered and was dismayed to find less than great reviews.

I received my plants yesterday which was a reasonalble length of time for delivery. They were well packaged, and although small, looked healthy.

I ordered a male and female kiwi , two Medusa peppers and received three free gifts as promised.
This was a positive experience, and I will order from them again.

Posted on June 8, 2011, updated June 14, 2011
I have had not problems with Direct Gardening. My order arrived within 1 1/2 weeks and all the plants were a little saggy but the delivery person just throw them on the back steps and never knocked on the door to alert me that the package was there and it was 99 with high humidity. One of my items was not what I thought (per emails back in forth, I thought I was getting a live plant in a 2 1/2" pot but it was just a tuber with a little growth.)

Direct Gardening answered all my emails in a timely manner as well.

Does Directing Gardening own or just do business with Four Season Nursery and Burgess?

I ordered from Four Seasons Nursery and Burgess.

From Four Seasons - Received my order within in a week of planting for zone 4. I have only two items that has not grown, one of the two Black Iris I ordered has not shown any spark of life. The lavender angel trumpet died. All the trees I ordered are growing like weeds!

Burgess, now this place in horrible. I ordered in March and they sent my order is April right after we had a foot of snow fall. I could not plant anything so I put them in a cool dry place but removed all live plants and put them with my veggie seedlings. In zone 4, planting season is not until after May 15. I was told by Burgess that they ship according to your area ( I asked them in an email and this is what I was told when checking on my order).

Upon checking my order this is what I found.

Tulip tree broken in three spots. Sent many emails asking if tree would live they said maybe. Tree is dead!!!! I put it in a bucket of water trying to get sparks of life and nothing. I have planted it to see just maybe it will grow but so far nothing.

Bulbs were moldy and so was the roots of the climbing rose. Sent email and they said I had 14 days to return the items if I wanted a refund. Here is the problem with that, by the time I could get a response from Burgess the 14 days were up. I told them that they had horrible customer service and was told "sorry your not happy"

I cleaned all the mold off of the bulbs and the roots. Stored everything until I could plant.

Live plants leaves stapled to the cardboard. Why would they staple the leaves to the cardboard?

I planted everything after May 15. It is now June 8 and here is how it has gone.

Oriental Flamingo poppy - no signs of life
Hummingbird vines (4) - no signs of life
Vesuvius Champion - one of two dead
Giant Primrose - one of three dead (died right away)
Windflowers - all bulbs were moldy but cleaned them up. No signs of life. Planted something else there as the bulbs all rotten in the ground. I went looking for them and they all rotted away. Ordered 12 and received 10.
Peacock Orchids - ordered 6, received 5 and they came moldy and so far, no signs of life.
Freesias - no signs of life (came short as well. Ordered 5, received 4)
Climbing Angel Face Rose - roots came moldy and plant seems dead. Rose is dead. Had to pull it up.
Blue Light Clematis - seemed dead upon arrival and guess what, so far no signs of life.

Now here is another problem. I ordered a perennial garden and did not receive any items in their list. I received some things I never heard of and some that were walk on me plants. I did not want walk on me plants! I did not plan to walk on my garden! I know that it was said that it was their choice but come on. Nothing on the list was received! They sent me poppies but never said what kind! I love poppies but what kind of poppies were they. They had mold all over them as well. I only planted three of the five items that were shipped and only two of those items have grown. Once again sent email and they said "sorry your not happy but you do have 14 days to return the items". 14 days were up!!!

I planned my garden around everything I bought and now had to go spend more money that I did not have to fill in the holes.

Happy with Direct Gardening and Four Seasons but very disappointed with Burgess. Don't order from them! I am not sure if I want to bother with getting replacements after reading what i have read. Lesson learned!

I thought about adding all this to my blog but not sure if I should. Would it be right or wrong to add it? I use the flowers that I grow for my photography and add them to my blog. I try to have different flowers photos to sell on my blog and at market.

D




.

Posted on June 10, 2011, updated June 10, 2011
Posted on June 3, 2011, updated June 10, 2011
I live in Savannah, Ga and placed an order on May 19th, 2011. I haven't received my order yet, but I will let you know how the situation progresses. I'm staying optimistic.

I placed two orders with Direct Gardening totaling $135. The orders placed on 5/15 and 5/23. The orders were sent in 5 separate bags. First two received 6/3 and remaining 3 on 6/7. Not too bad. I was very happy and pleased with my order:
Strawberries were in excellent quality with healthy roots and new fresh leaves.
Asparagus roots were great, they are shooting already.
Gooseberry was semi-dormant condition with bare roots with little fresh new leaves. Good quality
Rhubarb roots were excellent, fresh and healthy.
Sweet leave plant was in the pot, greet about 5 inch tall packed in box to preserve it.
Carnations plants were bare roots, but in plastic bag with moist soil and lots of green leaves.
Dewberries, red currant, another gooseberry came in dormant condition, but you can see green tiny leaves. They are soaking in the water right now ready to be planted.
I am very happy with plants mentioning above. I have to admit that three berries (boysenberry and tayberry) came in dead. One of them had mold and when I did scratch test, it was all brown inside. Little disappointment, but not a big loss. I did not bother to return them, I just do not want to deal with hassle, pay money for shipping and spend time to ship it back. My time is more valuable, so I opted not to deal with return. It did not spoil my overall impression about the company because the option of returning is there.
I see that a lot people complain and upset about the company, but I set my expectations at the beginning: (1) yes, there can be substantial delay because of the weather (hot or cold). I am in CA, but plants that I ordered in March from other nurseries were not sent till May because in March east coast still had snow. (2) Purchase of life plants is a gamble. They are picky and they do die and their lives depends on a lot of external factors; ordering on-line is not a safest way to buy life plants (3) Most of the plants will be dormant and will look like dead sticks; this is necessary conditions to preserve pant in shipment. If you want a tree with green leaves and do not look dead, better shop at your local nursery, but price will be according to "appearance of life" as well.
Overall, yes, my three items were dead and I suffer the loss, but I am very happy with other items and DG offers unique plants that I cannot find anywhere else. Also, the prices are very low that allows me to take a risk to receive dead plant. If I want 100% guarantee with zero risk, I shop a local nursery, but it cost me much more. There is always a trade off. Placed my third order today and set my expectations straight – it could happen that my order will arrive in fall because it is getting to hot to ship life plans.
P.S. got a lot of free flowers bulbs from DG. Not sure if they grow, but don’t really care, it was free and nice gesture from DG.

Posted on May 10, 2011, updated June 8, 2011
Posted on May 10, 2011, updated May 10, 2011
I wish I had discovered this site before ordering from Direct Gardening! I ordered nearly $170 of plants. I have not received them yet, despite the three emails I send the company. A couple of days ago I requested a refund but got no reply.

How can a terrible company like this one get away with their terrible service and plants? Dont customers have any legal recourse? Is there a government agency to whom they can be reported? There must be something we customers can do!!!

I unfortunately had similar experiences to many of the negative comments here. After months of waiting, many plants in my order arrived moldy and dead.

They appeared to be good plants at one time, but the time they spent in their plastic bags was way too long. I think the problem is that when you place an order for more than one type of plant, in order to save shipping costs, your order waits in inhospitable conditions somewhere until all the plants arrive from the various growers.

I went through the absurd replacement process that takes months. Snail mail, weeks until your request is processed, more weeks until its shipped, only to receive more moldy dead plants...Woody plants fair better to the abuse, but herbaceous plants can't possibly survive months in a plastic bag. And how about a little padding in the ridiculous green bag things are shipped in??

Contacting them by e-mail only ilicits robotic responses. Calling them is slightly better but you are calling a call center that handles many different companies and the folks working there have no authority or ability to rectify the shipping situation.

I frankly don't believe if I go through the process of once again re-ordering the plants the results will be any different and by the time they get here summer will be over anyway.

I am just going to write this off as a lesson learned. I wish I had read the negative reviews before I ordered.

Thanks Direct Gardening,
I received my items and free gifts before I paid my credit card statement. All items were as described at directgardening.com. I don't understand what all the whining is about. It could just be Americana-itis. An anal disorder for the impossible to please.
Tigermuse

Posted on May 25, 2011, updated June 3, 2011
After reading all this comments I was afraid that I will receive dead plants. I waited less then 4 weeks to receive my order, even decided do not worry too much thinking that it will arrive dead anyway, also ordered it from another company just in case.
Today my order arrived and amasingly, butterfly bush was planted in tiny pot with good root system and green leaves, I was very pleased, after all this comments I expected the worst. Purple smoke tree was dormant but not dead, I scratched to check - it is green. I planted it. Let see if it grow... Free shamrocks bulbs were also alive, one even started to grow.
I agree that waiting time is tremendous, no way to know shipping date, that is what make people to worry. Knowing all of that, I decided to order seaberries. Let it arrive in a month or even in autumn, I don't care because, I simply can not find seaberries nowhere else but I know that is worth it to have them. I had much worth expirience on e-bay, when ordered there gooseberries expensive and received for that price just tiny leaves started to propagate. Here I didn't pay for the same service such amount of money, I really like prices, I can wait and care for plants. I understand that, probably, I am taking some chances, probably, plants can die also, but - I will ask for replacement, simply I want to have seaberries. Amasingly, plants today were not bad.

I received my first order a little over 2 wks, after i e-mailed asking where it was at. I placed a second order the day after the first one and am still waitin on it. (bout a week later so far ). Anyway the main reason i'm writing is to offer advise. i have ordered plants/shrubs/trees from a few diff. companies. More than a few looked like dead sticks to me, but i planted them anyway. A month later, nothing. I understand some are shipped dormant, but im no green thumb and impatient, which brings me to the point. I bought 2 rose bushes, planted them and nothing. So i dug them up and (1 was black) (thinking they might be dead) i put them in a 8 gallon bucket full of rain water. To my surprise they started budding within 2 wks just from sitting in water! (So i replanted them! ) i have since done this with other stubborn shrubs i THOUGHT were dead. GO FIGURE! Anyway if u get to this point, give it a shot and see what happens! In my case, instead of getting thrown away they got revived and replanted instead of replaced!
As far as DG i'll have to wait and see, but i did inform them that shipping in plastic JUST DON'T CUT IT, due to damaged roots and such and shipping should be done in a timely and organized manner. If not, sooner or later it's gonna bite u in the ass and ur gonna have to cancell christmas! HAPPY GARDENING!

Posted on June 1, 2011, updated June 1, 2011
I ordered plants from Direct Gardening on May 5, 2011 and received my order on May 31, 2011. It took correct time that was noted and informed on there website. When I had questions they were very pleasant to me and answered me to the fullest and my liking. The plants came just like I had expected, in normal and great condition with some even in better condition then anticipated. I will be and have even already planted my plants and the plants seem very happy and healthy in there new home:)

"Processing Time" means (like all web sites) time to get there money collected and gather items for the current order to satisfaction. Then items get placed into the shipment department for proper shipping packaging that will scheduled for shipment. They take pride and do not send plants in bad weather that may cause them to get delayed and be out of ground and/or water more then desired time that they can handle. Then once ready and OK to go out, the regular shipment methods (like everyone should know) is on average 7-14 "business days" EXCLUDING weekends and holidays.

If people want there plants as soon as possible with NO patience, then just go to your local nursery and buy them at higher cost to you. Otherwise be patient and you will be very satisfied with Direct Gardening and there items for sale.

This is the first time I've ordered from this company. The order took about a month. When I called them, they was nice to me and also they respond on my emails quickly. From the negative comments I read on sites, I was really nervous about the quality of product or if I would even receive anything at all! Well, my order arrived today and I am happy with what I received. Some of them has mold, but some already showing signs of budding. I read the instruct. and put them to the water for overnight. I'm happy with the experience with Direct Gardening so far.

Posted on May 18, 2011, updated May 31, 2011
Posted on May 17, 2011, updated May 18, 2011
Posted on May 16, 2011, updated May 17, 2011
I should have read the reviews in Dave's Garden before placing orders with Direct Gardening. I placed an order on April 19, 2011, and today is May 16, 2011. I have called them and even e-mailed them, inquiring about the status of my orders. I was stupid enough to place three orders within a 2-week period. Their phone number is constantly busy (and I think I know why: because everyone is calling to get the order status), and when I finally got through to one of their people, I was told that I need to wait 2-4 weeks and basically, not to contact them until after 4 weeks. Well, it's been 4 weeks since my first order, and I have nothing to show for my over-$100 order. When I e-mailed them with order numbers, they told me to write them again with my name and address. Why do they give you an order number when they don't even use it to track it? The customer service is horrible. I have sent them another email to inquire about where the heck my order is, and also stated that if I don't receive my order soon, I will put these purchases in dispute with my credit card agency. I don't think I will EVER order from them again. I was just fooled by the low price, and you get what you pay for....

I placed my order on 4/19/11, and contacted the company immediately to confirm how each of my plants would be sent (as plants, bareroot, bulbs, etc). I received a response and telephone call promptly and they also explained to me the shipping process.

My order was shipped on 5/11/11, and was received by 5/18/11. I was concerned seeing a plastic bag on my porch, but still felt assured since they have their 1-year warranty on their plants. When I opened the bag, I saw a lot of healthy root systems and some sticks with little green buds trying to make their way. I soaked them for a few days before planting them. They have been in the ground for about 2 and a half weeks so far, and everything is thriving and growing a lot better then I'd anticipated, my four rose of sharron trees have tons of buds and look very healthy, my 20 pink weiglas are also growing very well as well. I also ordered some fern leaf bleeding hearts which came as roots, so I quickly potted them up and their sprouting as well, even my asparagus has gone up.

Although the shipping did take a bit of time, I think their items and price were well worth the wait. In all honesty, I read the bad reviews and proceeded with my order anyway, because their price was so economical, I would not have been able to acomplish nearly as much with my landscape without their incredible pricing. I will be ordering from them again!

When I received the plants about 4-5 wks after the order was placed, I immediatley emailed them to tell them that I had ordered 3 double delights, and that I had received 2 and the third one was I didn't know what, also, that the rose plants were very, very sad, I never got an acknowledgement. Now I can say that the roses are very very dead, some of the branches were broken, the roots were brittle and thats at delivery (I thought maybe I could regain their composure with root stimulator-NOT...they're dead. I am now sending a 2nd email advising them of my intentions, not that it matters to them, they have gotten the money, from me and so many other folks...I should have looked to see if they guaranteed their sick roses.



Please be advised that I am turning you in to the BBB or whomever I need to report you, and also, I will put the lack of response and Dead plants you sent me. Not only did you include a rose I didn't order, but the roses you did send were for all practical purposes dead. So as to not confuse you, I am sending you the copy of the order you emailed me.

Conf follows:

Thank you for shopping at DirectGardening.com!
This email confirms receipt of your order
request 33423794. A summary appears below.

We suggest you save this email for any future
inquiries. To assist us in providing you with
the best customer service, please include your
order number on all correspondence.

***************************************
Order number: 33423794

Bill To:
Mrs Rita

Ship To: , TX
77493-1704

The following items were requested on 4/22/2011 8:47:13 AM:

Item # Description............................. Quantity Price

4697 Rose, Double Delight, (Reg. 3 for $22.49 3 $20.99
Free Gifts as Earned Free
0000 Planting Instructions Handbook 1 Free
1281 4 Flowering Shamrock 1 Free
6297 3 Peacock Orchid Bulbs 1 Free

Shipping $9.99
Sales Tax $0.00
Total Charge $30.98

I found this website and could not believe the prices! They are amazing and pretty close to what my friend gets as a bare root wholesaler. I placed my order on May 3, 2011 and received my plants on May 27th. I actually grew a little concerned when I did not hear from them because they don't send out a shipping notice, but I just emailed them and found out that my order had already been shipped. When my plants arrived a few days later, I was a little surprised that they were just in a plastic bag, but amazingly they were in great shape--especially with being shipped from Illinois to Utah. They are soaking right now and look great. One tree did come a little smaller than it should have been, but I emailed the company and they are sending a replacement. The rest of the plants were thick stemmed with vigorous roots. We'll see how they do when they come out of dormancy, but they look pretty promising.

I think most of the negative reviews on here are directed at the processing and shipping lack of communication. I just had to contact the company when I had questions and thought they had pretty good customer service. The rest of the bad reviews are from people who do not know what bare root means and are expecting potted, green leafed plants (pretty funny). Bottom line--great price for bare-root plants, even if you have to wait 3.5 weeks.

Why didn't I pay attention to the reviews on this page? Direct Gardening had a elephant ear bulb I really wanted; but, as par with so many here, they were late in delivering and, when my order did arrive, there was a substitution that didn't even come close to my original order.

This company is horrible. DO NOT USE THEM.

I received these today, so it took a month and a half to receive my order.

The following items were requested on 4/15/2011 2:02:33 PM:

Item # Description............................. Quantity Price

6223 Cherry, Dwarf Flowering 6 $3.96
6163 Blueberry, Bluecrop Premium 1 $8.49
6168 Blueberry, Blue Crop Choice 1 $6.99
6845 Phlox, Tall 3 $4.99
3543 Apple, Gala Dwarf, (Reg. 1 for $29.99) 1 $14.99
5939 Kiwi Collection - (1 Female & 1 Male), ( 1 $9.25
6859 Hydrangea, Blue, (Reg. 1 for $5.95) 1 $4.99
6539 Raspberry, Thornless Canby 3 $8.99
4309 Magnolia, Hardy 3 $29.99
4309 Magnolia, Hardy 3 $29.99
4309 Magnolia, Hardy 3 $29.99
8633 Free giant double Peony 1 $0.00
Free Gifts as Earned Free
0000 Planting Instructions Handbook 1 Free
1281 4 Flowering Shamrock 1 Free
6297 3 Peacock Orchid Bulbs 1 Free
5643 3 Giant Ranunculus 1 Free
7837 3 Triplet Lily 1 Free

Shipping $9.99
Sales Tax $0.00
Total Charge $162.61


After 3 weeks I e-mailed them to check on my order. They didn't have any information. I tried calling, it was always busy. And when I saw all of the negative reviews on here I became quite worried. But as I read through them, I felt a little better. I wish I would have known ahead of time that it takes a month or more to receive your order, but I wasn't in a big hurry. And they are horrible about tracking your order. But the plants I received were nice. The potted plants were all green with healthy roots and the dormant ones are all in good condition. Like so many others who rated them, I was shocked that the plants arrived undamaged in nothing but a plastic bag. I did actually finally get through on the phone and they were polite, not helpful but polite.

Lots of negatives here, but the bottom line is that I could not have afforded to do the landscaping project I am doing with anyone else. The dormant plants do look like sticks, but that is what they are suppose to look like. I would absolutely buy from them again, but I would order over a month before I need them.

Posted on April 13, 2011, updated May 23, 2011
Posted on April 8, 2011, updated April 13, 2011
Posted on April 8, 2011, updated April 8, 2011
The following items were requested on 3/16/2011 5:12:09 PM:

Item # Description............................. Quantity Price

4827 Wisteria Tree 1 $19.99
6857 Hydrangea Tree 2 $2.01
Free Gifts as Earned Free
0000 Planting Instructions Handbook 1 Free
1281 4 Flowering Shamrock 1 Free
6297 3 Peacock Orchid Bulbs 1 Free

Shipping $9.99
Sales Tax $0.00
Total Charge $31.99

**********

The money was taken out of my bank account on 3/18/2011

**********

On March 26, 2011 I sent:


Ordered ten days ago, but realize there's no way of knowing whether or not
my items have shipped...


**********

March 28, 2011 I got the following reply:

Thank you for your email. Your order is currently processing, which
typically takes 1-2 weeks. Upon completion your order will be scheduled to
ship based upon plant availability and weather.

Also, just as a reminder, once you receive your order be sure to hold onto
the original shipping label from the outside of the package for your one
year replacement guarantee.

Thank You
Customer Care Department

**********

Me on 3/29/2011:

So...will I receive notification once my product ships?

**********

Reply received on the same day:

Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, we do not send out email shipping confirmations.

Thank you,
Customer Care Department

**********

Reply sent on 4/7/2011:

So, essentially I have no way of knowing when or if my plants are shipping? That seems a little off.

**********

Sent today:

ou received an order from me on 3/16/2011. I have made multiple attempts to find out whether or not my order has shipped.

The Better Business Bureau informs consumers that by law, a company should ship your order within the time stated in its ads. If no time is promised, the company should ship your order within 30 days after receiving it. If the company is unable to ship within the promised time, they must give you an "option notice." This notice gives you the choice of agreeing to the delay or canceling your order and receiving a prompt refund.

We are presently 8 days away from the legal deadline for shipping my items. If I do not hear anything further from you regarding my order I will have no choice but to contact the Better Business Bureau, file a complaint. In the absence of timely resolution I will have no choice but to pursue legal action.

**********

Now I haven't heard anything back yet, and I certainly don't believe that it's asking too much to know when my plants will be shipping. I really am kicking myself for not doing my homework on this company first...Then I would have known that they currently hold a rating of D+ from the BBB and certainly would have chosen another company to purchase my plants from.

Lesson learned, and I'll update in the event that I hear anything from them or actually get my plants

After waiting a month for my "in stock" order from Direct Gardening for 8 Thuja, Green Giant trees at price of $43.99 (plus shipping of $9.99) I feel I should warn other buyers not to waste their money. The ones I received in a "plastic bag" was only 8 inch high sticks with a sprout of dried out greenery on top and tread size dry roots at the ends. Also, the website has no link, or telephone number, to check out your Order Status, only an email form to send to their "customer service". Now I didn't expect 3 or 4 foot trees for only $5.50 each, but I did expect they would be potted AND alive. After reading the reviews on Garden Watchdog I won't even try to send them back for a refund. Seems to be a worthless long dragged out effort and not worth the postage. Will just write off my cost as lesson learned~~NEVER ORDER FROM THEM AGAIN.

I ordered 6 bicolor butterfly bushes before I read the reviews on this site. Placed my order and thought afterwards crap forgot to check out to see if this is a reputable company, when I saw this site my heart about dropped because about 4 days after I placed my order my wife placed an order for the buy 1 get a 2nd for a penny for 10 of the standard butterfly bushes. 2 weeks go by and I started getting antsy. Tried calling to only get a busy signal, emailed after 3 weeks and told me my order was getting ready to be shipped. Well last week my wife gets her standard butterfly bushes and of course they are the dreaded "dead sticks". I did the scratch test and all were green. So I planted and even though its been pretty chilly the last week some of the bushes are starting to show signs of life 4-5 days later. After getting my wife's order and waiting 4-5 days and still nothing for my order I gave them a pretty hateful email wondering where the heck my order was at last night. Today I come home to a UPS box (wife's order came via standard mail carrier). Open it up and to my surprise I saw 6 potted and VERY green bicolor butterfly bushes with very good sized root masses, not to mention very carefully and nicely packaged.

Bottom line for me is the wait and lack of communication during the order process was absolutely ridiculous and in this day and age is totally uncalled for. I however did eventually receive my plants and so far seem to be satisfied with the quality and even pleasantly surprised with the potted bicolor plants. During the wait I even grew so impatient that I ordered more butterfly bushes from Bluestone Perennials, placed my order there on a Friday and had my plants Tuesday, I was more than happy with their service and will probably just use them in the future, but if you don't mind the wait and horrible communication you can get a good deal from Direct Gardening.

Posted on May 11, 2011, updated May 19, 2011
I too wish I'd done a review search on DirectGardening before placing my $160 order on April 24th...

While it's still somewhat early and I might get lucky, (as about 20% of those commenting here), I've already had several tastes of their customer service, immediate charging of my CC, and runaround about status of the orders.

I can say that whatever happens, I likely won't do business with DirectGardening again. We'll see if my rating for them goes up or down...

Patrick

Posted on May 13, 2011, updated May 19, 2011
Posted on May 4, 2011, updated May 13, 2011
Despite the negative reviews, I decided to place an order in April 14, because the prices were unbeatable. Since it was my first order and considering the terrible reviews, I order a few amount plants:

Order number: 33409569

Item # Description............................. Quantity Price

5173 Ranunculus, Mixed 30 $6.96
7844 Begonia, Pink 3 $4.99
7509 Hosta, Francee 4 $5.92
7829 Dahlia, Rosella 2 $3.99
7832 Calla Lily, Pink 2 $7.50
8671 Free - Freesia 15 $0.00
Free Gifts as Earned Free
0000 Planting Instructions Handbook 1 Free
1281 4 Flowering Shamrock 1 Free
6297 3 Peacock Orchid Bulbs 1 Free
5643 3 Giant Ranunculus 1 Free

Shipping $9.99
Sales Tax $0.00
Total Charge $39.35

Nonetheless, I should have remembered the saying "If it sounds too good to be true..."
Last week, I sent an email asking them where were the plants. I received a message stating, basically, that it was still in processing. So I decided to wait another week.
A week has gone by and no plants! So I sent another email, this time to cancel the order. By the end of the day, I received a message saying they were going to forward the message to the right department.
It just looks like this company isnt organized at all. I think they should consider restructuring their whole sale service because its slow, outdated, its not consumer friendly and it seems like they don't know what they are doing.
However, If they refund me by the end of the week or I receive my order (since i'm not sure they will cancel it), I'll switch the feedback to neutral.

I ordered from Direct Gardening before I stumbled on this website. I, of course, became very nervous after reading the reviews. I placed my first order in late April and received my plants, which were healthy and what I expected, two weeks later. I am now waiting for my second order which was place May 4th.

NEVER EVER order from these cons! Be warned! Here is a link to the Bloomington, IL Better Business Bureau's page about them. Here's a quote:

BBB processed a total of 518 complaints about House of Wesley, Inc. in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total of 518 complaints closed in 36 months, 218 were closed in the last year.

and the link: //www.bbb.org/central-illinois/business-reviews/nurseries-plants-trees/house-of-wesley-in-bloomington-il-3000562

I ordered in early April ('11) and they finally cashed my check in early May, but here on May 19th, I have yet to receive my plants. I wrote them and got no response. I called them and was told it was on the way. That was two weeks ago. I got ripped off! I'm very upset.

Each of you who got ripped off by these cons, PLEASE report it to the BBB at the link above!

Very upset in Florida

I placed my order on 5/10/11 and I wish I would have read these reviews first. I have tried calling for days to find out if my order had been shipped. I was going to email, but it seems emailing this company hasn't helped anyone on here when it comes to getting a shipping date.

I'm keeping my rating neutral, until the plants actually arrive. My order looks like this ~

The following items were requested on 5/10/2011 9:52:01 AM:

Item # Description............................. Quantity Price

6124 Clematis Collection 1 $14.99
7032 Rose of Sharon Hedge, 2 1/2-4' 20 $17.99
4736 Rose, Sutter's Gold, (Reg. 1 for $7.99) 1 $7.49
7765 Rose Collection, Fantastic Four 1 $25.80
6643 Rose, Fairy Pink Cushion 3 $11.29
6331 Peony, Giant Double, (Reg. 4 for $14.99) 4 $12.47
Free Gifts as Earned Free
0000 Planting Instructions Handbook 1 Free
1281 4 Flowering Shamrock 1 Free
6297 3 Peacock Orchid Bulbs 1 Free
5643 3 Giant Ranunculus 1 Free
7837 3 Triplet Lily 1 Free

Shipping $9.99
Sales Tax $0.00
Total Charge $100.02

I'm really nervous about the hedge and the roses, as I have a big rose garden they are going into.

This is the worst company I have ever ordered from! I ordered two Rose bushes the first of April, and I still haven't received them. I have contacted them twice, the first time they said they were in the shipping department ready to be shipped anytime, then 3 weeks later they said they were doing the best they could! If that is the best, I would hate to see the worst. I think they have just taken my money, and forgot about my purchases. I will never order from them again, the roses were for my sister's birthday, I guess she won't get them, and I will have to go get her something else. That is not right for a company to be able to take people's money, and not send the mercahndise!!
Regina Giles

Posted on April 17, 2011, updated May 16, 2011
I placed a first-time order with DirectGardening.com today. Prices and shipping are very reasonable. Ordered $50 worth of Coneflowers and was pleasantly surprised to see on the receipt that I must have qualified for a variety of free plants and bulbs of their choosing (4 Flowering Shamrock, 3 Peacock Orchid Bulbs, 3 Giant Ranunculus, 3 Triplet Lily)... not sure where I'll plant them all, but hey, they're FREE!

I'm keeping my rating Neutral for now and hoping that despite all the bad reviews I've read, that my plants will arrive healthy and within a couple of weeks.

I ordered from this company before reading reviews here. I ordered 3 rose trees, 1 that I could not find on other sites. a really dark red one. In any case I emailed them after 2 weeks of not recieving my order and I was told that it was in processing. I decided not to bother with getting more information and it eventually arrived between 3-4 weeks. The packaging was basically the rose trees in a bag. Because of this several branches were broken. They appeared moldy, but I sprayed them with 2 antifungal sprays. 2 of the rose tress started giving off new growth in 1 week and now have buds. The last one finally started giving off new growth a couple of days ago. I rate it as positive because in the end the rose trees are growing.

Posted on May 3, 2011, updated May 13, 2011
So far this has been the WORST place to order flowers!!! I ordered on April 21,2011. Since then I have TRIED to call but have got nothing but a busy signal!! I have emailed them to ask the status of my order and the only email they responed to asked for stuip information...like my name, address, etc. I gave them my order number, is that not good enough for them to tell me about my order??? Why give an order number then if you can't tell me anything about it???? I am still trying to find out something before I dispute the charges with my credit card company!!! I so wish I had read these reviews BEFORE I ordered from them!!!! As soon as I have more info I will post to let everyone know how this situation is going!!!

It has been three week and I have been given the run around....first they tell me it is in the shipping department and is waiting to get shipped, then just today they tell me that they are waiting on their suppliers...This is crazy ridiculous!!...STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY!!!...THEY LIE AND SCAM THE CUSTOMER...This is no way to have a business and they should be ashamed of themselves...how are they still in business?....I really do not understand with all the other negative feedback and experiences how they are still in business....I thought maybe all the other bad feedback was fake or perhaps I thought I would be the lucky one to actually get good service...this did not happen...Three weeks and nothing!!

Posted on May 7, 2011, updated May 11, 2011
Posted on October 15, 2010, updated May 7, 2011
Posted on June 19, 2010, updated October 15, 2010
Posted on May 22, 2010, updated June 19, 2010
Posted on May 7, 2010, updated May 22, 2010
DO NOT ORDER FROM THIS COMPANY!!! I ordered my plants in the first week of March. When nothing came after 2 weeks, I called them and they told me that my order will not ship until April. I tried to cancel the order but had to do it by email, which I did. Thereafter I called and email them every week because nothing happen. Finally, last week, in answering to one of my emails, they said they can not give me refund because the order has been shipped in the middle of April. Notice that I had requested my refund a Month before shipment went out? So far, no refund and no plants. NOTHING!! I spent almost $70, and as of today I received nothing! I WOULD NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH THEM AGAIN.

"On Sep 21, 2010 11:55 AM, Direct Gardening responded with:

Apparantly it took a month for the post office to deliver the original order since it shipped on 4/21 and the customer didn't receive it until 5/22.

We received a replacement request for the entire order from the customer on 6/30 and it shipped on 7/8. We have not heard from the customer since, so assume everything is satisfactory."

Not sure if they have a nursery at all, or just a website. Customer service is terrible, and you never get you plants on time. Those you get are already dead.

Last year ordered a number of plants during their "sale" in July. After a few demanding e-mails, I finally received the package in late October when planting in my zone was out of questions. Walk on me thyme I had to throw right away as it was brown and dead, ivy looked yellow and in that cold weather had no chance. Bleeding heart I planted and it grew this spring so weak and slow that I am thinking of getting it removed. Waste of money.

Unfortunately, I did not learn the lesson, and in early April ordered a viking queen rose and a clematis collection. In mid May after bugging them with emails about order status, I demanded cancellation and a refund. They took 3 days to reply that they "will forward my question to the shipping department" to see IF the order can be canceled before it ships. No dates on shipping, though and no further response for another day. Awful and awkward service.

Posted on March 13, 2011, updated May 10, 2011
I have ordered from this company repeatedly over the last 8 years. My Harry Lauders Walking stick is 7 seasons old and looks fantastic. It is approximately 4.5 ft tall and still growing. My Purple Wintercreeper is now in its 7th season and is thriving. I even made cuttings from the Wintercreeper to use as ground cover in new plant beds. My hummingbird vines are now about 4 seasons old and stretch 10-15 ft on the trellis. One of them finally bloomed last year. Most of my Arborvitae are now 4 seasons old and are doing fine. Many of the Arborvitae I planted died during their first summer. I contacted the company about the dead plants and I received replacements in a timely manner. My Red Weigela are 4 seasons old and finally bloomed in their second season. One of the Weigela arrived dead and when I contacted the company, they sent a replacement. My Pink Honeysuckle are 4 seasons old and are about 4 ft tall. They have yet to bloom, but I'm sure they will in time.

I am truly surprised by all the negative feedback. Yes, the plants that arrive are in a dormant state and aren't the prettiest to look at. When I received my first order, I was taken aback by the lack of refinement in presentation - just a green bag full of dirt and plant material. However, when planted properly and given time, these dirt covered cuttings and tiny little saplings turned out to be well worth the wait. If you have more money than time, by all means, buy from a company that is selling plants that are more mature. The plants I received from this company were certainly immature and tender. But if you are willing to wait a few seasons for the plants to grow and blossom, this company can really save you some money.

Do not order from Direct Gardening. Please learn from my mistake. The plants arrive later then they tell you they will, most are only roots and all are dead or dying. Their customer service is not a real customer service, they can not help you or answer any questions. They only tell you to mail back your original mailing label and a letter outlining what was wrong with your shipment. This process is for everything, missing, dead or dying plants. Once you do that wait about a month to receive your replacement order, again with missing, dead or dying plants. When I called them about the first delivery of my order, I let myself be talked into believing the plants were dormant and not dead, so I planted everything, 40 plants. Nothing lived, and in letting them talk me into planting them, they had talked me out of a refund. My only recourse was replacements, which of course arrived over 6 weeks after I sent the label and letter. Now I sit here at my laptop and try to decide if it is worth the cost of a stamp to request another replacement for the missing, dead and dying plants from this latest replacement shipment. I think it's time I just chalk it up to lesson learned and never buy plants on line again.

Last year I ordered Two thornless climber, two Hazelnuts and few hibiscus.
The quality of plant recived was not good. Rooting system of all plant was poor. Also thorn-less roses tuned regular thorn-ed roses
I Will never buy again from Direct gardening.

Posted on April 21, 2011, updated April 29, 2011
I'm currently keeping my rating at neutral until I receive my plants. I placed an order with Direct Gardening on April 7th, which is exactly 14 days ago today. I had read some reviews AFTER my purchase on this forum and realized that I had better check on my plants. I placed a large order, over $200 spent on:
8 Purple D'Oro Daylilies,
20 Dwarf Burning Bushes,
6 Hosta plants,
40 Gladiolus Bulbs,
4 Regal Blue Hosta Plants,
2 Pink Weigelas,
2 of the Perennial Bargain bags,
1 Garnet Rose Tree,
48 Creeping Red Sedums,
60 Walk on Me Plants,
18 Irish Moss Plants,
1 of their Everblooming Rose Collections, and
8 Everlasting Sweet Pea plants.

I sent an email a couple of days ago, and got no response, so I decided to call today to check on my order. To the customer service representative's surprise, my order hadn't even been shipped yet. She said it went through processing on April 11th, (4 days after I placed my order), and she stated that it generally takes 14 BUSINESS days for an order to be processed, and then it gets shipped out. I do not have high hopes for my poor plants, and I know I'm going to have to take extra care of them once they get to me. The only positive thing I can think of out of my experience thus far is that my order is over $200, which can be tried in a civil court. I feel bad for ordering from this company and I hate to see so many people struggling with this company as well. Like I said earlier, I will keep my rating as neutral, and change it once I receive my order, if I ever do. I will update my post as soon as anything changes!

I ordered the four seasons garden for 40.00 and a bunch of butterfly bushes, hydrangea trees, hydrangea bush, and a few odds and end plants which totaled about 75.00. I was aware of all of the negative comments, but I ordered anyway. I figured the prices were so good, that even if I only had half of the plants grew then I'd be even with my local nursery prices. So far two weeks in, just about every plant they sent, although bare root and looking dead, has started to grow. The plants are a lot smaller than I expected, but hey for the price if they live, I got a great deal. It took awhile to get my shipment, but I knew that it would take some time as posted on their website. Anyway, if you want big healthy looking plants, go to your local nursery. If you want cheap plants that will grow, go ahead and try them out. My advice is to not expect too much. You get what you pay for.

Posted on April 1, 2011, updated April 27, 2011
Direct gardening so far has been great for me. Great customer service. Great seeds! The package was not waterproof so my seeds almost got wet in the mailbox but thankfully it only soaked the free coupons. I am still waiting for my trees. I called them and they said that I should receive them by the middle of April and that it was still too cold where they were to ship nursery items. I was satisfied and I can't wait to see the trees. I will post further when I receive the trees.

Posted on April 4, 2011, updated April 27, 2011
This is the very beginning of the nightmare:
Thank you for shopping at DirectGardening.com!
This email confirms receipt of your order
request . A summary appears below.

We suggest you save this email for any future
inquiries. To assist us in providing you with
the best customer service, please include your
order number on all correspondence.

The following items were requested on 3/3/2011 6:19:53 PM:

Item # Description............................. Quantity Price

8596 Pep Start Pills 50 $8.99
5171 Cherry, Snow Ftn Weeping 2 $79.98
Free Gifts as Earned Free
0000 Planting Handbook 1 Free
1281 4 Flowering Shamrock 1 Free
6297 3 Peacock Orchid Bulbs 1 Free
5643 3 Giant Ranunculus 1 Free
7837 3 Triplet Lily 1 Free

Shipping $9.99
Sales Tax $0.00
Total Charge $98.96


Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 12:05 PM
To: customercare@directgardening.com
I would like to cancel my order ASAP!!! My order number is . I appreciate your prompt response to this matter.

Their response: Direct Gardening Customer Care customercare@directgardening.com> wrote:
Thank you for your email. We will try our best to have your order canceled before it ships. Your cancellation request has been forwarded to the appropriate department.
Thank you, Customer Care Department

My response back: Friday, March 11, 2011 3:20 PM
To: customercare@directgardening.com
Subject: RE:
I appreciate your quick response, however "trying" is not enough. I want this order cancelled. Since it has not shipped there should not be a problem with the cancellation process. I appreciate you understanding.


Their response:--- Direct Gardening Customer Care customercare@directgardening.com> wrote:
Thank you for your email. It typically takes 1-2 weeks to process order cancellations. Please allow 1-2 weeks for that to take place. Thank you, Customer Care Department


My response:
It should not take 1-2 weeks to cancel an order. I do not want my order and really want my order cancelled ASAP.


My next letter:
Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 10:09 AM
To: customercare@directgardening.com
Subject: Order Status

I placed my initial order with your company on 3-3-2011 for two Snow Fountain Weeping Cherry Trees. On 3-9-2011 you debited my account for the purchase of the trees. On 3-11-2011 I sent you a request to cancel my order and received an answer stating "you would try your best to have my order canceled before it ships."

That very same day I called your company and stated I wanted my order canceled ASAP! I was told by the person on the phone "it must be done in writing." I told her I had already sent in an email, and she said that was all I could do. I asked her if I she could transfer me to that department and was told "they don't accept phone calls, they only accept email or written requests." This was done on the 3-11-2011 and my order still had not shipped.

Later in the afternoon of 3-11-2011 I received another email stating, "It typically takes 1-2 weeks to process order cancellations. Please allow 1-2 weeks for that to take place." Technology has advanced very rapidly over the last 50 years and since you have a website and are able to accept credit/debit payments over the internet, I know it should not take 1-2 weeks to cancel my order!!!

On 3-18-2011 FedEx arrived at my door with the order I had cancelled with you on the 11th. You knew I wanted this order cancelled however, you shipped it anyway. Those trees were either shipped on the 16th or 17th in order to arrive at my home on the 18th.

I never received an email from you in my inbox stating the trees we on the way with in order to let me know to be home and waiting for them. I could have been out of town and they are perishable.

I want my money refunded to my account ASAP, no if's, and's, or but's about it!!!!!! I gave you plenty of notice and for a company to take 1-2 weeks to cancel an order request is just ridiculous. I think you need to upgrade your business practices or you will lose more business.

Again, I want my money refunded ASAP!!!!!!!!

Very angry and disappointed!!

This was their reply:
Direct Gardening Customer Care customercare@directgardening.com> wrote:
Once an order for merchandise is received by us we immediately make arrangements for preparation and shipment. The orders enter processing, usually, within days of being placed. After processing of an order has begun, it becomes very difficult to cancel an order. We do apologize for the inconvenience, as we were unable to stop shipment on this order and it has shipped.

Our warranty, however, does provide instructions for a refund simply return the merchandise together with the ORIGINAL shipping label, with correct postage affixed, within 14-days of receipt. Please also include a brief letter of explanation, so we will know your wishes when the package is returned.

Thank you,
Customer Care Department

My response:
Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 4:25 PM
To: customercare@directgardening.com
Subject: RE: Order Status
Importance: High
The order was refused. I never accepted the product when the Fed Ex driver tried to make the delivery. He entered the delivery as Refused, therefore I am requesting my money be refunded back to my account ASAP!!! Your ordering
process is horrible as is your customer service. Again, you should have your product returned to you by now and I should have my money, it's that simple.


Their response received:
Date:Thursday, March 24, 2011 1:52 PM
Direct Gardening Customer Care customercare@directgardening.com wrote:
Thank you for your email. We have not yet received the order back to our company. Your request has been forwarded to the appropriate department and we will try to match up your request with your returned order.

Thank you,
Customer Care Department


My response:
Date:Thursday, March 24, 2011 1:52 PM
To: customercare@directgardening.com
Subject: RE: Order Status
I'm sure you have received my refused package by now because it was rejected by me on Friday March 18,2011. It was sent FedEx and was returned FedEx as well. You are deliberately stating my refused package is not there therefore, holding up my refund. Your return/refund/cancellation policies are all horrible. The
bottom line is this, I refused the package and to not have your merchandise, however you have your merchandise returned and my money. All I want is my money returned to me ASAP. It's as easy as that!!!

Very annoyed customer!!!

Since then I have called Direct Gardening and was told it would still take about a month because I refused my order and did not attach a note with it to let them know what to do with the package. I was told it was probably sitting in the dead mail area, so she Judy told me she would send a note down to their dept. and see if they could find the package and expedite my refund.

If I had to refer this company to anybody, I would say steer clear, and I wouldn't do business with any of their partner business's either. There are at least 10 of them, just look them up...you will be surprised!

Never again will I shop here!!!!!!!!!