Comments regarding Great Garden Plants

Posted on April 15, 2010, updated May 8, 2010
I ordered a japanese maple, a butterfly bush, and several coneflowers. All were packed exceedingly well, and arrived healthy. The order came with a free Joan Senior daylily. I was quite surprised at how large the roots were, but was a little disappointed with the size of the japanese maple. It was quite small for the price. All in all, I was pleased with the quality of the plants,and will purchase from them again.

I received my first order from Great Garden Plants today, and am thrilled with the results. The Hosta Sagaes and Helleborus are all very large and healthy...the largest I've ever seen for a comparable price from any mail order nursery. I was also impressed with their eco-friendly method of packing that ensures the plants arrive with no damage to leaves and stems but minimizes packing materials and waste. And no styrofoam peants! And the free day lily was a nice touch :) I will definitely order from them again.

Received one of my two orders from this company, and I am very pleased. The 6 Green Giant Thujas I ordered were beautiful, healthy plants, the largest I have ever received through the mail.

The Viburnum Burkwoodi Mohawk (Korean Spice Bush) was shipped in a separate box and unfortunately the shipping sticks were forgotten. The bush was a nice size and also very healthy looking, but due to lack of protection, most of the branches were broken. I called customer service and a replacement is on the way.

I would recommend this company, and am looking forward to seeing my second order, which will be mostly flowering plants. Dealing with this company's Customer Service was a pleasant experience. They couldn't have been any more helpful and understanding.

I had ordered Hellebores in January for Spring delivery. I had been told of the ship date and to my dismay got called out of town the Friday before the Monday ship date. I was able to reach them and Great Garden Plants postponed shipping my potted plants one week per my request. The plants arrived in great shape and are doing nicely. My most recent order of Caryopteris and Echinicea has once again arrived with healthy and big plants. Don't hesitate to order from this company.

I ordered 14 double pink knockout roses from Great Garden Plants this winter for Spring planting. I was given a delivery date of March 1. I dealt primarily with Mary, although I also spoke with Chris.

The plants arrived as scheduled and were very well packaged. The plants were is good health. I promptly planted the roses and after two months, they are doing very well.

Based on this, I recommend dealing with this company. They are very easy to deal with and they really wanted to make sure I was happy with my order.

Posted on April 28, 2010, updated April 28, 2010
Posted on April 25, 2010, updated April 28, 2010
Posted on April 19, 2010, updated April 25, 2010
Posted on April 13, 2009, updated April 19, 2010
I placed an online order on 02/23/09 and printed invoice stated May 10, 2009 as ship date. Afew weeks later I called to change the credit card used and was told that my order would not ship until the fall. I indicated that the order was placed to arrive for spring planting and that the ship date given was 5/10/09. I was not given a backorder notice as the invoice indicates. I emailed them about the inconsistent information and was told my order would not be ready until "some time in June" I emailed again in response and told them I expected them to arrive in time for "spring planting" as agreed this time being told it would be the end of June. Well, I decided to call "Mary" one of the original owners who told me my plants would not be ready until sometime in June. I sent another letter as it surely seems they do not have a good grip on their shipping. I got a return call from them wanting to set up my order for "fall delivery". I told them my order was placed for spring delivery and I would will wait until the end of June to receive my order however, I have good reason to believe they will not arrive by then. I will cancel the order at that time. I also found the plants in stock elsewhere. If you have a specific time you need your order you may just want to check around.

First plant order arrived. 3/25 Plants were a little smaller than expected, but overall in good shape.

Coreopsis 'Creme Brule' - Threadleaf Coreopsis, Tickseed
Geranium 'Rozanne' - Hardy Geranium
Stokesia 'Peachie's Pick' - Stokes Aster
Pink Double Knockout Roses - Rose
Ligustrum 'Vicaryi' - Golden Privet

Hosta 'Halcyon'
Hosta 'Blue Umbrellas'
The Hostas were of good size and had great root development.

After 2 weeks in the ground a couple of the plants weren't going to make it so, I called to see how they wanted to proceed. At this time I also placed another order. The 2 plants were added to the order for free.

The second plant shipment were in better shape and a bit larger. Plants in the second shipment were:
Coreopsis 'Creme Brule' - Threadleaf Coreopsis, Tickseed
Geranium 'Rozanne' - Hardy Geranium
Stokesia 'Peachie's Pick' - Stokes Aster
Lonicera sempervirens 'John Clayton' - Honey Suckle

Very easy to talk to on the phone. The call back when you leave a message and also seem very willing to help.

I would order from these folks in the future, but might for an April ship date for spring planting.

3 times in the past 2 yrs. I have tried to order from this company, and 3 times I have had to cancel my orders because the shipping dates were bumped-up, not once, but twice each.Ordered from another company, and got them when scheduled, and long before GGP's est.dates. Enough is enough. They aren't worth the frustration to me.

First order from them will not be my last! The prices were fantastic on the Burning Hearts and the Hellebore's that I ordered, the sizes and condition of the plants overall was above and beyond anything I've ever gotten via mail order before. Two of the Burning Hearts look a little rough and so I contacted them the day the order arrived. I told them about the condition and attached pictures so that they could see how the plants arrived. The promptly replied and said that if the plants did not recover they would get replacements out to me. I'm incredibly happy with this company!!!

I received an order of 12 Thuja "Green Giant", sent on the day I specified and received within four days...They were exceedingly well packed and very healthy, and were planted within a few days..I just am hoping they grow the three feet a year as indicated...but must wait!

I've seen some erratic plant quality with GGP -- I'd say I'm pleased 50% of the time. Some plants in my two shipments (like the Leptinella and Carex Evergold) arrived in good size and in great health. Others (such as the 3 Goatsbeard) were surprisingly small for being $11.35 each -- they were probably about 2 inches high (these are 5-foot plants at maturity), and though two of them were well-rooted in the 1 quart pots as promised, one wasn't. It had clearly been fairly recently repotted into the quart pot from a tiny round nursery container with little root development outside of the original nursery rootball.

That said, the company was very prompt in responding over email. They weren't able to replace my goatsbeard this year (out of inventory), but offered an alternative replacement which won't ship till two months from now. Not good if you're time-conscious about getting your garden going.

Also, I've found I get much better bang for my buck at some of my local garden centers for some plants. I've seen Endless Summer hydrangeas being sold locally (I live in WI) for $14 (granted they were on sale and this was before tax) -- gallon pots in great shape for sustained blooming this year. The ones I received from GGP at $16.95 were less than one foot high and in 1 quart pots instead of the promised 2 quarts. Admittedly, pot size isn't everything, but I'm left wondering if the plants will even be ready to bloom next year.

Until I get a much better hit rate than 50-50, I think I'd rather use my own judgment in picking plants. For now, the convenience of online ordering doesn't make up for the other disadvantages I've seen.

I just ordered from this company for the first time and am very disappointed in their plants. I feel their prices are very high for the size and quality of plants. The hollies were tiny plants in a big pot. Several other plants were spindly, floppy, or yelllow, even though I immediately opened the box. I will not order from this company again.

Nice to business with have ordered from them before. Happy with the products recieved. Mary called before to inform me that one of the daylilies that I ordered wasn't going to be available. Apprectiated being kept informed. Will do business with again

Very nice people, very good prices, but I have to say the plants were not so great. I ordered 10 plants. Out of those ten, one is on backorder, 2 were DOA (Hydrangea Little Lamb and Clematis - both looked like they were probably in bad shape when first shipped. They gave me credit for both of them), 2 are close to death (Tokajer and Salvia Caradonna-both very small and weak looking but might survive with some nurturing) and the other 5 are fine. The Lavender Hidcote was small but healthy, beautiful and smelled delightful. Sedum Maestro and Sedum Autumn Joy were also healthy and of decent size. The Dryopteris Brilliance was also beautiful and healthy and the Thuja Green Giant was excellent. So I guess it's a 50% success rate. The customer service is very good and very responsive. The packaging and shipping was good. I don't know if I would order from them again. It depends on the outcome of the plants I got and the one on backorder that is yet to come.

I ordered a couple of times last year and once this year from this company. I am mixed about them. Sometimes there is a plant that I am just amazed at it, then other times disappointed. I had one plant that did great last year and one that didnt. I ordered some hydrangea from them, and they arrived yesterday. Two of the plants were the same type, one looked great, and the other was horrible. It looked like it should have been in the clearance bin at kmart or something. The serve has always been great, no problems contacting them ( except the time zone thing). Just never sure what I am going to get

I ordered six oriental poppy plants. Which I was unable to locate on most sites. The plants arrived within a week, well packed, in wonderful condition. I will order again from this nursery!

I've enjoyed doing business with this company. Packing is exceptional! Plants arrived in great shape and bigger in size than expected. A-1 company in my book! The varieties of plants they offer are nice too.

I was slightly leary ordering from this company given some mixed reviews, but they most of the negative reviews seemed about getting plants later than desired and I wanted mine later. when the plants arrived everything was correct and the packing suberb - they used 2, 2foot bamboo stakes in the corner of each pot and fabric in each pot to keep the soil in. It took a little effort to remove them, but I had extra stakes and no popcorn!!! The plants themselves were excellent, and they have many plants, particularly heuchera, that are hard to find elsewhere.

My only complaints are that their sales are rotating, at times short-lived and seemy a little gimicky and that items don't stay in the shopping cart. Other than that, my experience has been excellent and I recently placed another order. We'll see if it arrives on time.

Found this site while looking for a bi-color buddleia,which our local 'up-scale' nursery 'perennial expert' told me didn't exist. I purchased several buddleia, and some perennials. These were LARGE plants, extremely well-packed and arrived in a very timely manner. One of the perennials was on back-order and I have received timely updates on shipping dates, etc. for these plants. Great customer service and great value. I will definitely order from them again.

I ordered 24 lavender 1 quart size. This is the first time I have used this site - i sometimes mail order but usually buy locally. Most of what I could find here was quite small and i have had better success with larger plants. I assumed that 1 quart plants would - well - deserve a 1 quart container and got these tiny plants - which I could easily have got locally from good garden centers for half the price. It is not just the price - I really don't want to plant lavender this small in June - it is planted in a very sunny sandy area where it is hard to keep at the moisture level small plants will need. it is really irritating. I have emailed the company (I tried phoning but there was something odd with the phone number), so will tell you if the triple guarantee is worth anything. fyi they arrived on time and well packed.

I have placed several orders with this company over the last 2 years and have been very pleased with the plants I have received. The plants are packed very well and are substantial in size. Confirmation emails from the company have been very timely.

Customer service was fantastic and ordering was a breeze. One of our plants didn't take off in our soil and the harsh conditions in Phoenix. I called customer service to discuss and a few days later, a new plant arrived! Great experience - I will use again in the future.

The plants received were the biggest I've ever obtained through the mail, very healthy and doing great. Sent along, free, a nice sized day lily. Will definitely reorder.

I found this place last fall when I was searching for plants to replace some I lost as the result of major plumbing work. I ordered from them and was later told that the order would have to be cancelled or held until spring because they did not meet their quality standards. While I was disappointed, I appreciated their candor, and their offer of 15% off anything I added to my order. Being a sucker for discounts, I of course did add to the order! All plants arrived this spring in fine shape, with 2 free daylilies added. I definitely have them on my "order from again" list!

At this time, I'll rate them as neutral. I did place an order with them in February 09. I have gotten some of my order, all in good condition. The bulk of my order has not yet come, but, I have gotten several e-mails from them explaining the reason for the delay. Since they have been conciderate enough towards me to explain the delay, I will not say anything negative about them, yet.
One thing I have learned, not only with this nursery but others as well, we need to take into consideration that, although we may purchase items from a particular nursery, they get their plants from a grower, and therefore, can't fill an order, till they have the plants from their grower. Some nurseries grow their own, but a lot don't.

I ordered 2 plants from this company and was disappointed when the plants arrived. The plants were barely more than seedlings. Whoever packed them must have dug up the plant then put some dry potting soil on top of the roots. Most of the soil was no longer in the pots. I ordered the same plant from Willow Creek and got a more mature and much higher quality plant and packing job. The only reason this post is neutral and not negative is because the plants are now thriving and look like they will make it.

Found this company while searching for an affordable "Gold Heart" Dicentra. They had good prices, good sized plant (1 quart size vs small 2.5" pots that so many companies use) and decent shipping and extras that many companies don't offer. For joining their e-mail list, they send along a free daylily with your order as well as a $5 coupon for your first order.

Plants arrived exactly when they were promised and arrived in great condition. Root/shoot ratio was perfect with none of them rootbound. They are now in my bookmark list for plant suppliers.

My echinaceas arrived yesterday, right on time for planting here. One is on back order, but the others were packed beautifully and couldn't have been in better shape if I had bought them at a local nursery. They are large and well developed, too. I was hesitant to mail order again as I have had such bad results in the past, but with GGP, I now have no fears!

Wonderful plants! I ordered several sedums and they were all in great condition. These plants were alot better than those that I have ordered from some other companies in the past. They were packed very well, too. I will definitely order from this company again!

I submitted an order for 12 1-gallon Green Giant Thujas on Mar 20th. They were shipped on the day requested, which was April 6th and I received them very quickly (I believe the 10th or so). They were in very good shape, packing was excellent. They were about 3-1/2 feet tall with the pot - so the plant itself was about 3'. I was hoping the plant was the 3-1/2 to 4' that their website claims, but I was still happy w/the quality/size. I will definitely be purchasing more of these from them.
- Matt

This was my first time ordering with this company so I was slightly hesitant about placing a larger order. Therefore I ordered only one hosta 'First Frost" figuring I most likely would receive a tiny little nothing. WELL, was I WRONG! The hosta I received is LARGE, very LARGE! The free daylily they sent for signing up for their newsletter is also a good sized division. My order went smoothly, was shipped on time and packed very well. I have ordered many hostas from the top nurseries listed here on Dave's garden, although I have been very pleased with them all, this company sent one of the largest, healthiest hostas I have ever received through mail order. I'm very impressed, extremely pleased, and I will be a returning customer.

HUGE- BEAUTIFUL HEALTHY PLANTS!!!
I have been very happy with my plants. I ordered coneflowers, gaillardia, scabiosa, daisies and more. In all, I ordered 20 plants. ALL were wonderful! I have ordered from several web sites and this is by far my best experience. There plants come in 1 quart containers and were bigger and healthier than ones I ordered from another site in 1 gallon pots! Not to mention their shipping is very reasonable and I received my plants lighting fast. I am happy. The most impressive part of my experience was just how HEALTHLY these plants really are. Other sites have sent me bugs, diseases, rust. Not these guys, and the packaging was very secure, no spills no worries- I highly recommend!!

My experience with Great Garden Plants.com has been nothing but positive. The plants arrived on time (which I consider early because of past experience with SO MANY other mail order places), and the condition of the plants was fantastic. Any time I've ordered Phlox paniculata through the mail, it ends up as a sad little stick by the time it gets to me, having its brittle stems broken off in transit. This time, though, they were just as pristine as they were when they left the nursery, as were my helleborus and hakonechloa. I also liked the thank you note that accompanied the order (and the coupon!). I would have no reservations about ordering from them again, especially if they continue to move toward the newer and less common varieties of perennials.

I ordered some Hostas and a few other plants which arrived in great condition and where bigger then any I had ever received in the mail. I was very happy with them and they are growing very nicely. I will order from them again. They also included a free Daylily which was very big!

I was a little hesitant to order from this company after reading the recent comments. However, they currently are the only company offering the new Brunnera 'King's Ransom' that I desperately wanted. When initially searching for this plant, their website listed the plant at $18.95 and shipping seemed high so I waited. By June their sale price was $9.95 and I couldn't resist! Ordered three as well as a Hart's Tongue Fern and because they also had a $5.00 discount coupon added Berberis 'Sunjoy' (Gold Pillar) which I had been looking for. I am thrilled to report that all plants received were of the highest quality - extremely healthy, well rooted and overall superb plants! My only complaint is that even though I received confirmation that the plants would be shipped 06/16, I did not receive any notice that the plants had actually been shipped. Not to worry, the plants arrived on 06/20 in excellent shape :) I would not hesitate to order from this company in the future.

I have ordered many live plants online and through the mail from five or six very well known companies. The quality of plants that I have received from Great Garden Plants is by far superior to all of them. You actually get healthy, BIG plants. I've never seen that with the other companies. Also, their packaging is awesome. Bamboo sticks to keep the pot upright. Cardboard pieces to hold the soil in. Clearly labeled pots. Sturdy boxes. What more could you ask for? I recently placed my first two orders with them and couldn't be more happy that I did. I usually stick with the companies I know, but their triple guarantee convinced me to take a chance. I'm so glad I did. I had great plants delivered to me. One was early, the other right on time. As for their customer service, I altered one order, and they changed it without hesitation. Overall, I am extremely impressed with this company and their products. You can tell by their high quality products, vast cultivar selection, and meticulous packaging that they care about what they do. They now have a customer for life!

I was told about this company and since I had some health issues, decided to try mail order. The site was easy and they had so many of the new varieties not available anywhere else. My shipment came better packed than I could have brought home in my own car. Order to ship time was perfect to co-ordinate w/ our cold spring. When my shipment came, all I could say is "WOW", and now all of the plants are happily growing and thriving in my yard. Just as great quality of a store, but delivered to your door.

I ordered 3 double knockout roses and 1 clematis vine and the I received an email from the company telling me that they would be shipped on May 19. I waited a couple weeks and finally called. They said they were back ordered and would be sent June 2. I called a couple of times and they reassured me they would be sent. Finally on June 17, they sent me an email telling me that they could not ship this summer. This is the poorest service I have ever received from a mail order company. I would not recommend them to anyone, let alone ever ordering from them again.

Placed order on 5-27 and never recieved a shipping confirmation. Only when I requested a status, was I informed that one of my items was on back order AND the order had already shipped.

Order arrived on 6-8. Plants were fine, except that the tag markers had fallen out, so now I can't differntiate between them. Ugh.

Lastly, they billed me for the item on back order and listed it on the invoice as being included. I am awaiting a refund on the over charge. Very disappointed with my decision to order from this site.

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