Buying plants online - good, bad or just plain ugly?

[Stargazer]

We went to the local nursery yesterday and didn't find anything we wanted! So, I started looking through some of the catalogs (namely Michigan Bulb and Four Seasons Nursery) we'd received and there are lots of really pretty plants, but I didn't know if we would have luck with them.

Most of the ones we want to get show that they would be sent as either potted plants or bulbs. Has anyone ever ordered plants online, and if so, what was your experience with these?

 

[shep]

Here is a wonderful web site I like to reference
http://davesgarden.com/gwd/

 

[fofinia]

I purchased once from Michigan's bulb. And some of the things came up and some didn't. Namely the canterbury bells and begonias didn't come up at all. The were both sent as bulbs. So I've never ordered again. Although I am tempted quite often by the catalogs. Sorry I can't remember what things did come up though.

 

[MommyMinnie]

I've ordered daylilies from Oakes Daylilies at www.oakesdaylilies.com. I got bare roots and the plants are fantastic so far. I planted them 3 weeks ago and they are already showing growth.

That's the only mail order experience I've had. So I'm afraid it's kind of limited.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

The plants you get from catalogs are usually very small, and sometimes bare-root. I'd rather see them actually growing, personally, before I'd buy them.

I have had excellent luck with Jackson & Perkins in the past, though, and they backed every single plant they sent me...even the freebies I got as part of a promotion! That's the good side. The not-so-good was that I got a LOT of duds, so had to wait a long time for my garden to be completed.

I'd also be careful what you buy from catalogs. Many companies promote plants that are either marginally hardy in your area, or are terribly invasive, or are just plain undesirable (even if the pics are gorgeous, the plants aren't always what they're promoted to be). Do some research before you buy, and don't buy anything just because it looks/sounds good in the catalog.

I got some lovely daylilies from Oakes many years ago. The only complaint I had from them is I got some very noxious weeds along with the beautiful, healthy daylilies. Took a long time and lots of persistence before I could eradicate the weed.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I have purchased a few times from Cottage Farms via QVC. I have been so impressed.....lilies are beautiful, roses and strawberries. Give them a try I think you will realy be happy!

 

[Madaboutthemouse]

We had some good luck with www.brecks.com for tulip bulbs. We have to most gorgeous tulips this year (well, before the cold snap). Hope you find something that works!

 

[jonestavern]

I've had excellent experiences with Dutch Gardens:
http://www.dutchgardens.com/

often getting one or two more plants more in a selection. I have been doing business with them for over 10 years


This outfit may not be suitable for your climate--they grow in Connecticut-- but another reliable company is:
http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/

For fruit & fruit trees I like:
http://www.starkbros.com/?fc=1

Another fave:
http://www.waysidegardens.com/webap...0151&catalogId=10151&langId=-1&mainPage=page1


I also like QVC's Cottage Farms. I do like the above better for their wider range of plants.

All the above catalogs can be gotten free of charge at their web sites.
All of the catalogs are worth their weight in gold in info.


Jean