Ensata Gardens

Iris (Modern)

9823 E. Michigan Avenue
Galesburg, Michigan 49053 (United States)
(269) 665-7500
(269) 665-7500

Reviews:

positives
neutrals
negatives

Displaying the 50 most recent reviews

RatingContent
Positive
On Oct 8, 2019, fern4 (14 reviews) from Portland, OR

I was impressed with the size of the Siberian Iris that I recently received. I would order from this company again.

Positive
On Apr 29, 2019, wahle (3 reviews) from Glen Carbon, IL (Zone 6a)

Received exceptionally nice Siberian iris rhizomes...4-5 fans each with abundant healthy roots. Packaged with care...moist paper and plastic bag around roots to keep them hydrated during shipping. Received a shipping notice so I knew to look for them. Included detailed instructions on how to care for, before, during and after planting. Will order from again.

Positive
On Aug 27, 2017, Rondo212 (7 reviews) from Brookfield, CT

I received my order of siberian iris a few days ago. They were very healthy, large, well packaged and labelled. Many could have been divided into 2 or 3. Will definitely be ordering again.

Positive
On Aug 16, 2012, marylinehan (2 reviews) from Marysville, OH

Just received my order from Ensata Gardens of two daylilies. They were very large and I could see they were freshly dug. The shipping was very fast and I am happy with the order. Will buy again next year from them.

Positive
On May 25, 2012, daffodilily (1 reviews) from Somerville, AL

Last October I ordered and planted 2 varieties of Japanese iris and 2 of daylilies from Ensata. I was so impressed with their catalog offerings that I ordered, even though most of the reviews from southern gardens were not positive. The 15 bulbs came in good condition, in a timely way, and some are now blooming here in north Alabama. I was able to divide almost every bulb sent. The daylilies have been especially beautiful the past 2 weeks and are loaded with buds--with no extra watering. I had 4 iris blooms this first season; one is still blooming. I have been very satisfied with their bulbs.

Positive
On Aug 20, 2011, wetdogfarm (8 reviews) from Eveleth, MN (Zone 3a)

I faxed an order in for 5 siberian iris varieties. All went well, order was filled promptly, shipped well packed with good instructions. Large healthy pieces were sent. All in all recommended.

Positive
On Oct 23, 2010, islandview (6 reviews) from Middletown, DE (Zone 7a)

Reading some of the comments posted a couple years ago, I hesitated to order from Ensata gardens, especially it was the end of the season. But ultimately I decided to give it a shot. I ordered 15 ensata irises. The communication was quick and they let me know what was not available and allowed me to make adjustments accordingly. I was pleasantly surprised to get the irises within a few days and the rhizomes were very healthy looking and generously apportioned. I was very pleased with my experience with them.

Positive
On Sep 2, 2010, pollyk (83 reviews) from Hannibal, NY (Zone 6a)

Posted on March 25, 2005, updated September 2, 2010 I purchased Japanese Iris from Ensata last year, and received very large, healthy divisions, as I always have in the past. I just got the catalogue from them this year, and they state they have suspended Japanese Iris shipping until fall and will not be able to offer collections this spring. This is because their sales were so great they ran out, and have to propogate more. Kudos to them! They knew, I am sure, when they sent mine that they were running short, however their divisions were as large as always, no giving the customer the short end of the stick. This place is a class act, and I would recommend them highly. (they are taking orders for fall now).


On May 11th, 2006, pollyk added the following: Another year, more great plants. Their Japanese Iris collection is so affordable and such a great deal. Everything large, fresh, great root system. Plus really nice helpful people, I was looking for something special, they thought they were out of it, and then emailed me they found they had enough to sell (Aichi No Kagayaki, that has bright chartreuse foliage). They even told me other iris that had the same trait (will order next year). I can't say enough good things about this company. If you have not ordered from them, please give them a try. They sell Japanese and Sibirian spring and fall. Polly Kinsman
On June 7th, 2006, pollyk added the following: 6/1 second order this year rec'd. All excellent as always.
On September 6th, 2009, pollyk added the following: 9/3/09 received another order from Ensata. Divisions were large and very fresh. I had great communication with John Coble. There were a few sold out, and he let me know right away which ones were so I could make subs. I purchased some of their new intros last year, and they were definitely the star of my iris show this year. Fantastic hybridizers, and just overall great folks.
On September 2nd, 2010, pollyk added the following: Once again, great divisions, large and healthy. They were not sold out of any, I received my full order. For a bonus I picked a book, so I didn't receive bonus plants, but instead a great discount on a book. Good job guys!

Positive
On Feb 7, 2010, gloriag (8 reviews) from Floyd, VA (Zone 6b)

Ensata Gardens, I have dealt with them for years buying mostly Japanese and Siberian iris. They usually flourish. This year I have ordered a day lily special, and I am sure they will arrive in good shape with great quality. Their on-line catalog is beautiful and well organized. Their service is super. They are nice people filling a niche in the Japanese iris area.

Positive
On Feb 5, 2010, Adaylilyfan (6 reviews) from York, PA

Posted on May 11, 2006, updated February 5, 2010 My daylilies arrived beautifully packaged, clearly labeled, in fine condition, looking very healthy, and of nice size. Ensata runs their business professionally from start to finish. I'm happy to add my positive rating.


On February 5th, 2010, Adaylilyfan added the following: I just finished placing a third order of daylilies with Ensata Gardens. I worked with John by e mail and was delighted by his prompt responses. I received as good customer service from him as I have ever received from anyone, anywhere, anytime. It was pleasure to order from him. In the past, I have been satisfied with the quality and shipping method of the daylilies I received. They were all true to name. I am also happy that shipping costs are still reasonable. Thank you, John

Negative
On Jun 6, 2009, timeinabottle (7 reviews) from Louisville, KY

I ordered the siberian Iris special . The plants that I recieved were tiny. I have many different types of iris in my garden. This is the first time I have ever lost plants. The plants were tiny tiny tiny.

Positive
On May 22, 2009, crazy_gardener (42 reviews) from Wainwright, AB (Zone 2b)

Three of us gals from Canada did a Siberian Iris group order to Ensata this spring. John was very pleasent to talk too over the phone, we received some nice fair sized, healthy fans/roots. Order went smoothly and received in good shape. No bonus plants, but overall very pleased, most likely do another group order with this company again! Lots of nice Siberians to choose from!

Positive
On May 15, 2009, onegoodman1955 (20 reviews) from Normal, IL

I purchased 40 Siberians this spring, taking advantage of Ensata's Anniversary sale. The order was sent appropriate to my zone for spring planting. Because plants are small, each has been planted in a 1 gallon pot to grow a year prior to permanent planting, have continued to grow since arriving, and many are beginning to put up blooms.

Negative
On Aug 22, 2008, dimedici (1 reviews) from Oak Ridge, TN

The East Tennessee Iris Society purchased $300.00 worth of Japanese iris from Ensata Gardens last year. The plants were distributed among the members. About half the plants died right after they were planted, only 10% of the order survived to bloom this year. Ensata Gardens was not willing to replace any of the iris. Most of the members of our club have Japanese iris from other nurseries growing in their gardens.

Positive
On Aug 12, 2008, Dylilylover (2 reviews) from Machesney Park, IL

I just received my Daylily order from Ensata Gardens. They arrived freshly dug, labeled, & very healthy. The fans are very large with nice healthy roots. The bonus plants was also huge. Nice web site with beautiful pictures. I will most definitely be ordering again.

Negative
On Jun 19, 2008, riesterL (1 reviews) from Powell, TN

I ordered Japanese iris as a birthday gift for a friend - I also ordered some for myself. Both of us are experienced in growing Japanese iris. The plants were small when they arrived. 80% of the them died. I reported the losses to Ensata and asked whether they'd replace the plants. I was told they did not guarantee their plants.

Positive
On Mar 5, 2008, daredevil (16 reviews) from Niagara Falls, NY (Zone 6a)

They go out of their way to make the customer happy and have always sent a speedy confirmation of my Iris orders. And you can't beat their bonuses!

Positive
On Dec 10, 2007, daylily970 (42 reviews) from Coshocton, OH (Zone 6a)

ordered from both regular and sale plants, was pleased with both. received nice bonuses.


On April 20th, 2009, daylily970 added the following: order the siberian collection, also siberians, japanese and a veriscolor irises; nice plants but no bonus.

Positive
On Jun 30, 2007, lmurray2222 (1 reviews) from Cuyahoga Falls, OH

I waited a season to comment on Ensata Gardens since I wanted to see how my iris performed in the first year. I was delighted to find great blooms the first blooming season indicating good quality mature tubers. The service was prompt and everything arrived in good condition.

Positive
On May 23, 2007, larlienda (35 reviews) from Strasburg, VA (Zone 6b)

I just received my order from Ensata. I bought daylilies from their clearance sale and i have to say they look great. There are extra fans and everything looks ready for planting. I plan on trying their irises and i have no hesitation about ordering from them again! thanks, lynda


On July 11th, 2007, larlienda added the following: I placed and received a second order a few weeks ago and again i received wonderful plants for a good price. No disappointment on this end! Lynda

Positive
On May 9, 2007, bbrookrd (36 reviews) from Nantucket, MA (Zone 7a)

On Feb 16, 2007 I placed an order for Siberian Iris and Day lilies that were on sale at a very generous price. When I later contacted them to see if the varieties that I had ordered where available, I received very prompt response. Now the order has arrived at the requested time and Siberian were very big and health and the DL were very vigorous, so I was pleased with them too. This was an exceptional sale. I was very happy with the packing, size and the companies communication and instructions. Nice folks. I will order again from them. Patti

Positive
On May 5, 2007, tj0504 (13 reviews) from Saint Louis, MO

First, I ordered with a promised ship date of "early April". It was only slightly later, in spite of their late snow and frozen ground. Second, the iris arrived in absolutley perfect condition with the roots very damp. They went through no transplant shock and began growing soon almost immediately. E-mails were answered in a timely manner, if not immediately. They were great at answering questions even those regarding JI not purchased from them. I had an excellent experience, and will do business from them again.

Positive
On Oct 12, 2006, tbuff (38 reviews) from Nellysford, VA (Zone 6a)

After seeing the recent negative ratings, I was hesitant to place an order. What convinced me to do so was the discussion I had with one of the owners, John. He was very forthrigh about the business transactions in question and did not berate those customers, which I thought very professional. The iris divisions I received were beautiful and well packaged. I received them two days after placing the order-they were dug and shipped the same day-what service. I've corresponded with John several times over the past month and he has always been timely in responding. I would not hesitate to order from Ensata again.

Negative
On Sep 19, 2006, cscral (2 reviews) from Decatur, GA

Nonexistent communication. They did not reply that they received the order or followups from me asking if they had received the order then shipped it without the first confirmation 3 weeks later. They finally responded to emails but were extremely rude. The plants arrived very yellow and dried. The hosta were recovered satisfactory but the lilies were two stalks with as many roots and will probably take two years before they bloom, if they survive. The irises were also a bit small. Never again.

Positive
On Sep 11, 2006, arthurgoodwin (17 reviews) from Denver, CO

Ordered 14 Siberian Iris in mid-August. Not-withstanding late date of order they honored my request to ship in early September. All iris arrived well packed, in great shape. Nice, healthy rhizomes. On my order I had listed one expensive new iris erroneously at a low price and they sent it to me anyway with a note that the difference between my wrong price ($6) and the true price ($25) was my 'extra' for the order. I'd order from them again with no problem.

Positive
On Aug 6, 2006, laurief (6 reviews) from Deer River, MN (Zone 3b)

I have ordered from Ensata twice, Siberian iris collections both times. They went above and beyond to select plants for my collections that were not duplicates of those I already grow, which I truly appreciated. Plants were healthy. Divisions were average commercial size (3-5 fans). Prices ranged from low to competitive. Selection was excellent. Laurie

Negative
On Jun 6, 2006, sunshineannie (1 reviews) from Stockton, IL (Zone 4b)

Well, I guess I have to be the first. I ordered a very large assortment of JI and daylily from them. Almost $1,000 They were a little tough looking when they arrived, it was a large order and I think they packed them too many to a box, but I planted and watered.....and waited till spring. In the spring there were less than 20 % of the plants growing. I emailed them about replacements, explaining that I am not a new gardener and have never lost a daylily in my gardens before. I got a "wait and see" answer. So I waited. Nothing. So I emailed several times more asking if they would at least give me a break on replacements. I again got the run around, saying they would "think about it". Thinking they thought I was a garden dummy, I emailed them pics of my gardens. The last reply was "I will send you my final answer in a week". Well, that was over a year ago and I have heard absolutley nothing from them. I'm very dissapointed with their service. Even my offer to BUY the replacements if they would give me a break was ignored. Not just a couple, but dozens of plants! I think the article in the magazine gave them a bit of a big head. I won't order more.

Positive
On Jan 7, 2006, tootsiepotts (5 reviews) from Harmony, PA (Zone 5b)

I ordered from Ensata last May (2005) and was truly impressed. Great prices. Huge roots. Within a few weeks, I was e-mailing them to let them know that not only were all 19 plants looking healthy (in spite of the super-dry summer we had) but several were blooming! A friend who helps me just laughs...I get excited when my plants reward me with flowers, especially so soon. I'll be ordering again this spring.

Positive
On Sep 17, 2005, tabasco (13 reviews) from Cincinnati (Anderson Twp), OH (Zone 6a)

I just received my box of Siberian Iris from Ensata--I ordered two collections (twenty plants) of Siberians because I am just a novice gardener and wanted to try a range of plants (at a very good price, to boot.) The choice of collection plants is up to them with some suggestion from me (I didn't want blue irises) , and when I researched the named varieties sent, I felt I got a really good deal--a nice range of purples, lavendars, pinks, whites from the classics, several from the Iris Society favorites list, some of their own Bob Bauer & John Coble introductions, some Schafer/Sacks, and early bloomers and late bloomers to extend the season. And no 'blue' as I suggested! Very nice company to order from. Excellent packaging, timely delivery, and excellent pricing on the plant collections.

Positive
On Aug 26, 2005, flowerfrenzy (42 reviews) from Vancouver, WA (Zone 7a)

I ordered siberian irises from this company. The customer service was excellent. I added to my order twice and was never treated like it was an inconvenience. The second time I made an addition, I called and they had already boxed up my order to be shipped. One of the owners opened up my box for me, added the newly requested iris, and said he was happy to do it. They even mailed it out that very same day! When I received my order, I was very pleased. The plants were fresh, large and had great root systems. I am already seeing signs of new growth on several cultivars, and it has only been a couple of weeks since I planted them! Their prices on quite a few of their selections were well below other companies that I checked with; especially on some of the newer introductions. I would highly recommend this company to any one who is looking for a great selection of high quality, reasonably priced Siberian irises!

Positive
On Jun 10, 2005, Leo_d (2 reviews) from Saint Augustine, FL

I ordered Japanese Iris and some daylilies and they were everything I expected. I was very pleased with their service.

Positive
On May 13, 2005, sybiltwo (25 reviews) from Excelsior, MN (Zone 4a)

I received my daylily order from Ensata Gardens yesterday. This was the first time I had ordered from them and I ordered from their bargain "closeout special" at $3.00 per daylily. At these prices, I didn't have great expectations. Boy was I surprised! I was immediately notified that my order had been received along with notification that they needed to substitute some of the ones I had wanted. (I had given prior permission to substitute if necessary) Imagine my surprise to open the shipping box and find large, healthy, well-packed, double fan daylilies. I will definately will order from them again.


On May 13th, 2005, sybiltwo added the following:

Positive
On May 2, 2005, Windhaven (19 reviews) from Galva, IL

I placed my first order from Ensata after seeing their positive reviews here. I was very impressed with the meticulous packing for my 5 Siberian Iris and the health of the plants. I will surely order from them again and give the highest ratings to all aspects of my dealing with this company. Thanks for great looking plants and packaging!

Positive
On Nov 11, 2004, mayflwrhem (3 reviews) from Wareham, MA

I probably inconvenienced these folks by ordering very late in the season, but they accomodated me by digging in cold weather. I received daylilies with hefty, healthy root systems and many of them had 3 fans! They sent an extremely generous bonus from my substitute list. Very good prices and selection, and they have hybridized lovely iris (I can't wait to see my double siberian bloom). I am very pleased and will most certainly be ordering again from these talented gentlemen. Thank you Ensata!

Positive
On Jul 24, 2004, maga1 (2 reviews)

I'd like to commend Ensata Gardens on their fine mail order business. I received my order in a timely fashion, all the plants were very healthy, carefully packaged and beautifully labeled with clear instructions for planting. It has been a pleasure dealing with them.

Positive
On May 27, 2004, GingerMA (13 reviews) from West Springfield, MA

I have originally placed an order with Ensata b'cos it's the only company that has the specific Siberian irises I was looking for. The plants are reasonably priced, and website has most pictures of the plants the company sell. I received my order from the company today. Have to say that I am very pleased with the plants. The plants are large and healthy, and are carefully individually packaged and labeled. This is definitely my source for Siberian irises.

Positive
On May 23, 2004, joyceh (5 reviews) from Stewart, MN (Zone 4a)

I ordered 13 of a single type of daylily for a planting our garden club was doing at our local post office. I recieved a letter saying only 4 of that variety were available. I called them to ask about other varieties and also to ask if they could hold the order till I conferred with the club. I e-mailed them to say we would take the 4 that were available. I recieved a response asking if I would like them to to try to get more at an upcoming auction. I'd said I'd take whatever they could get for me. A few days later I received an e-mail saying that with those and more digging and dividing they were able to fill my complete order and let me know when they were shipped. Two days later the daylilies arrived and they were beautiful, healthy plants. Each plant had two large fans. These people should be the poster people for good customer service. I'm reccomending them to my entire club and anyone else who asks about great plants at a fair price. This plant was priced at a resonable $10.00 @. The same variety was $20.00 @ at another nursery and $25.00 @ at two other places. I will definitely be a repeat customer.

Neutral
On May 22, 2004, newtohosta (9 reviews) from Clinton, OH

I just received my first mail order from Ensata and I am very happy with the plants they sent. Packaging was very good, however the plants were a tad dried out when they arrived. Not really a problem though, since a good soak for the roots will remedy that! My hostas were all big with multiply eyes and large roots so I expect them to do very well when planted. They also sent me a nice sized division of H.Regal Splendor as a bonus gift. I have added this company to my list of "will definitely order from again" businesses . They also have very reasonable prices!


On May 30th, 2006, newtohosta changed the rating from positive to neutral and added the following: I ordered again from Ensata and this time I was not quite as pleased with the hostas I received. They were certainly huge with generous divisions and the packaging was good, but overall they were in poor condition. Many had very discolored and crispy looking leaves, which is a surprise for spring, and several had mushy crowns. One plant even had some fuzzy mold on the stems and leaves. I still have hopes that in the end they will all be fine and come back healthier looking next season, but I can't give a positive rating this time based on the order I just got. Will I order from them again? Not sure, even though they do have good prices.
On June 25th, 2006, newtohosta added the following: Just wanted to add that I have exchanged emails with Ensata and did ask for a refund of one plant since it did succumb to the crown rot it had upon delivery. They assured me that they would issue a refund. Since I used my credit card for payment, I will wait and see if it appears on my next statement.

Positive
On May 18, 2004, Honey_MI (1 reviews) from Northville, MI

What a fabulous company to deal with. Definitely one that knows how to run a business and please a customer. My plants arrived in excellent condition once again, and included a free Siberian as well -- the exact one I told them I just loved when I placed my first order. The owners man the phones, are courteous, personable and helpful. They have an beautiful selection of Siberians. My order was carefully packaged and sent priority mail. I got more plant for less money than at my local nursery. I joined GW just to post an accolade about this company. I can't say enough nice things about them.

Positive
On Jun 24, 2003, ladybugfarm (2 reviews)

Stumbled upon their website (prior to learning about watchdog). I found their selection of daylilies, iris, and hosta to be quite large and ordering is done by a quick call, fax or printable order form. I gave them a call and found Bob to be very knowledgable and concerned my shipment would sit in a delivery truck over the weekend (this was a Wed. night call). Delivery was sent the following Monday and was recieved in great condition, each daylily and iris contained at least 2 fans and were impeccably wraped. Check out their website regarding bonuses, what a great deal. Will do business with them again.

Positive
On Jun 13, 2003, Coolplanter (4 reviews) from Fayetteville, AR (Zone 6b)

These gentlemen do an excellent job in promoting Japanese iris (i. ensata) and it is one of those rare situations where the quality of nursery is equivalent to the plant material they are promoting. It's taken me a few years, but I now feel comfortable enough with their cultivation to promote Japanese iris in my area. The process is so much easier when you can recommend a quality source of plants.

Positive
On Jun 12, 2003, connerjn (4 reviews)

I've had the pleasure of visiting the gardens, meeting the owners, and buying and growing their plants. You can't get more value for your money from any other growers. Plant size, quality, packaging and service are top drawer but not top price.

Positive
On Jun 3, 2003, cowpoke (2 reviews)

I purchased several different daylilies from Ensata Gardens. They arrived very well packed and in excellent health. I am very pleased and recommend this company to other gardeners.

Positive
On Jun 2, 2003, tjgillham (11 reviews) from Madison, WI

I ordered from this company for the first time this year - three daylilies. The daylilies I received were in excellent condition and quite large. I plan on ordering from them again in the future.

Positive
On Jun 1, 2003, grenouille (18 reviews) from montreal,
Canada (Zone 5a)

Great iris selection and very good service

Positive
On May 25, 2003, Coni (14 reviews) from Milford, MI

Excellent company and I rate it highly. All of my iris plants were healthy and are doing well post planting. The customer service is great. The gentleman who returned my phone calls was friendly and experienced. There was huge selection of plant products and it was difficult to choose which specific variety. I have already recommended them to my Master Gardener friends in this community.

Positive
On May 21, 2003, Iris_Place (9 reviews) from Saint Charles, MO

Great service, very large iris plants, will order next year


On April 23rd, 2004, Iris_Place added the following: it's next year and another order, this time they sent a bonus plant, very happy with order and service.
On June 24th, 2009, Iris_Place added the following: Wow I was shocked to hear negative comments about this company, if you look back at my past postings I started buying from them in 2004 and have bought every year since, expect one year when they would ship in spring. I have bought a lot of Japanese and Siberian Iris from them and everyone was big and healthy and not a single one has died, same thing this year. They would have 3 more positives if I commented each time I ordered. DThomas

Positive
On Oct 8, 2002, Sosa (11 reviews)

Ensata Gardens gave me great service. They have a large selection of Iris, daylillies, and hosta. I ordered my Japanese iris's (ensata) from Iris City Garden as their prices were better and have excellant plants and service (but a some what smaller selection). I ordered eight daylillies from Ensata gardens and was amazed at the quick timely delivery and the size and condition of the plants! I was used to Park's daylillies, Ensatas were many times larger and no more expensive. Ensata even sent me a complimentary daylilly with a catalog value of $14. ! I will do businesss with them again.

Positive
On Sep 4, 2002, frstbrn24 (12 reviews) from Warwick, RI

Awesome collection to choose from... and the site has illustrations of a huge variety to view :) My original list was staggering and it was difficult to pare it down to a few choices. Definitely take the time to browse through their online catalog!

Positive
On Jun 20, 2002, Ruthie (1 reviews)

Their selection is very large, the plants were of good size and settled in nicely (despite planting off season) and the gentleman (truly) on the phone was a pleasure to deal with. The prices are high, but the experience and product are worth it.

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