Munchkin Nursery and Gardens, LLC

Perennial Flowers

323 Woodside Dr. N.W
Depauw, 47115-9039 (United States)
(812) 633-4858
(812) 633-4858

Reviews:

positives
neutrals
negatives

Displaying the 37 most recent reviews

RatingContent
Positive
On Jul 22, 2014, rdtjr05 (30 reviews) from Franklin, TN

I placed a late order for 4 plants (Gentiana andrewsii, Meehania cordata, Viola walteri 'Silver Gem', and Delphinium exaltatum). The plants were fairly priced for the size, although the Meehania and Viola were much fuller than I expected. They looked almost like mature specimens. Communication was quite good. They informed me that they were holding off shipping for a bit until we got that summer "polar vortex" last week. They arrived undamaged and very healthy. I understand and appreciate the other comments about the plastic bags used for shipping but all I can say is that the proof is in the plants. Look forward to ordering again in the fall or next spring.

Positive
On Jun 16, 2014, psychloman (50 reviews) from Brooklyn, NY (Zone 7a)

Posted on May 13, 2012, updated June 16, 2014 Posted on November 6, 2011, updated May 13, 2012 Posted on May 8, 2009, updated November 6, 2011 My first order from this nursery and I'm very happy. Three phlox stolonifera and one clematis crispa. The clematis was a nice, generous size and worth every penny. A nice catalog,I can't wait to order again.


On November 6th, 2011, psychloman added the following: Iplaced two more orders this year and received the following plants:Aralia nudicaulis,Lilium superbum,Lilium superbum 'Lutea',Phlox stolonifera 'Bruce's White',Actaea pachypoda,Anemone quinquefolia,Anemonella thalictroides,Caulophyllum thalictroides,Corydalis solida,Dicentra Canadensis,Dicentra cucullaria,Geranium maculatum,Gillenia trifoliate,Hepatica acutiloba,Hepatica Americana,Hypoxis hirsute,Isopyrum bitternatum,Jeffersonia diphyllum,Panax trifolius,Spigelia marilandica,Heuchera villosa variety Macrorrhizza,Melanthium virginicum,Mitella diphylla.Everything I have received from munchkin is of the best quality, plants are large, well rooted and vigorous once planted.This is one of the best nurseries.Highly recommended.
On May 13th, 2012, psychloman added the following: As you can see from the previous reviews I am a fan of this nursery.A great selection of woodland plants especially natives.Plants always arrive carefully packed and healthy.I recommend this nursery especially if you want something out of the ordinary.This year I received the following:.Actaea pachypoda,Actaea rubra,Aralia nudicaulis,Camassia scilloides,Delphinium tricorne,Medeola virginica,Panax quinquefolia,Trillium vasey. I've ordered many of these previously but they've done so well I had to put in a few more
On June 16th, 2014, psychloman added the following: I received my order a few days ago and am just as happy with the plants as I always am. They do send out large plants at very reasonable prices, in fact they are enormous. Plants are very well grown and do well for me.

Neutral
On Apr 29, 2014, Sequoiadendron4 (26 reviews) from Lititz, PA (Zone 6b)

The selection of plants from this company is quite nice and I appreciate the niche they are in. I am very pleased with the selection. What I'm not pleased about is the packaging. It was the worst packaging I've ever seen. Part of my real job is to oversee a shipping department and it blows my mind why someone would remove the pot the plant was in and ship them in a plastic bag with little protection. Without the stiffness of the pot, the root balls were smushed and falling apart. When I sent an email complaining about the packaging, I was simply told that, that was how they've been doing it for 15 years and that was it. Other than the damage done to the root balls, the leaves and stems were in good condition. I would buy again from this company but only if I couldn't reasonably find the plant I want somewhere else. The only reason I'm not giving a negative feedback is due to their plant selection.


Company representative comment on May 4, 2014:
On May 4, 2014 3:32 PM, Munchkin Nursery and Gardens, LLC responded with:

We always regret seeing a customer have a problem with our nursery. You have our apologies that the methods used in shipping did not live up to your expectations. My wife, in speaking with you, was not being flippant in her reply. She also asked you to please put the plants in your gardens and if they did not do well to just let us know and we would make it right for you. We remove the containers before shipping for we try our best to send plants larger than usually shipped. We do not send 2 and 3 inch containers. Much of our stock is in quarts and close to gallons. To ship that much medium, containers and plants would be cost prohibitive. So. Our method of shipping is a trade off. We can always ship only 2 and 3 inch containers with plants in them if that is the preference of our customers.
Do let us know how the plants performed in your garden.

Negative
On May 31, 2012, mlleelise (1 reviews) from STUYVESANT, NY

I ordered 10 Brunnera Looking Glass plants from Munchkin Nursery 2 weeks ago. When they arrived, they were in rough shape. A note was enclosed saying that the small holes all over the leaves were due to a recent hail storm. One free plant was included supposedly to make up for the 10 damaged ones. It didn't. Not only that, but their catalog states they always give one free plant when 10 are ordered - so there was no real recompense for the damaged plants. Honestly, they should have advised me of the hail damage prior to filling my order - then left it up to me to decide if I still wanted to place the order. I have written to Munchkin Nursery twice in the last week, requesting either a refund or replacement of the damaged plants I had received. To date, I have not received even the courtesy of a response! Very unhappy with both the Looking Glass plants purchased from them and their customer service. I have already reordered from another company. On a scale of 1-10, I give them a Minus 5.


Company representative comment on June 6, 2012:
On Jun 6, 2012 3:51 PM, Munchkin Nursery and Gardens, LLC responded with:

As you can see from our past history here on Dave's Garden, we care very much about our customers and service.
We have received 3 contacts, (4 including this one on display) and each has been answered by email within 24 hours. I will include a cut and paste from the original reply to this customer:
From: Gene Bush [mailto:genebush@munchkinnursery.com]
Sent: Sunday, May 27, 2012 8:20 AM
To: 'Debra'
Subject: RE: Shopping Order Order Number 383

Hello Debra
Sure am sorry you had to contact me with a problem concerning an order from us.
Perhaps the best way to proceed at this point would be for you to simply return the plants to us for a full refund. When they are received in the same condition we mailed them to you, we will make a refund on your card. I will use them in my own garden, for they will recover and go on to form nice plants by mid-summer.
We no longer provide the free plants on orders of $100 or more. That ended last year. I am sorry if that remains on our website, for it was to have been removed this past winter. I will check into that one.
Last we looked, Heronswood Nursery and Nature Hills had Looking Glass in stock.
Again, my apologies we have not met your expectations. Good gardening to you, Gene

Positive
On Apr 20, 2012, champcooper (5 reviews) from Houston, TX

I ordered from this company last year and was very pleased. Tried again this year with excellent results, fast delivery of beautiful plants with well developed root systems. Prompt reply to questions and great advice. In my opinion, one of the best mail order companies. Champcooper, Houston, Tx

Positive
On Mar 29, 2012, Ispahan (55 reviews) from Chicago, IL (Zone 6a)

Posted on March 16, 2012, updated March 29, 2012 Upon purchasing a new property early last fall, I thought of something every new homeowner immediately thinks of: MINOR BULBS, lol! So I diligently placed an order for many sentimental favorites from a reputable bulb supplier, among them Eranthis hyemalis, the lovely winter aconite. This is a very easy plant to grow but it is quite persnickety to establish, since its little brown raisin-like tubers dry out quickly and die many times before you even plant them. The bulb supplier I used advertised that theirs were “wax dipped” to prevent drying out and charged double what other bulb houses were asking. So, imagine my dismay this spring when almost none of my coveted winter aconites appeared. What does all of this have to do with Munchkin Nursery? Well, since I am determined to have a patch of Eranthis hyemalis, I searched out suppliers who sold them “in the green,” still actively growing with foliage, since this is supposedly a foolproof method of establishing winter aconites. My search led me to Munchkin which advertised that their E. hyemalis were pot grown with two tubers per pot. I placed an order for 5 pots and I cannot begin to express how happy I was when I received my order. What I received were 5 generous clumps of Eranthis which, although past their bloom for this season, had developing seed pods. Bonus! Order processing and shipping were lightning fast, too. My little clumps look very happy in their new home and I hope they will soon shed their seeds and establish ever-enlarging colonies for years to come. I am 100% confident that these plants will settle in and grow happily, unlike the wretched dried out bulbs from Holland. I heartily recommend Munchkin and hope to explore many more of their plant offerings in the future!


On March 29th, 2012, Ispahan added the following: I received my second shipment from this nursery today, this time for Dodecatheon and Phlox. Plants were just as healthy, large, and well-packed as the first batch. I am very, very pleased!

Positive
On Oct 13, 2011, dreamgreen (6 reviews) from Weaverville, NC

My plants arrived from Munchkin today in flawless condition. Not a single frond on my northern maidenhair ferns was broken. I have gardened for decades and curated a native plant garden in a public garden for 16 years. During that time I mailordered from a number of nurseries. Never have I received dormant roots as large and healthy as the ones that were sent by Munchkin. Both Trillium and Polygonatum rhizomes were huge, healthy and simply beautiful. If anything goes wrong with these babies it will be MY fault. I highly recommend this nursery!

Positive
On Sep 12, 2011, gregr18 (28 reviews) from Bridgewater, MA (Zone 6b)

Posted on June 8, 2005, updated September 12, 2011 I haven't yet received my order from Munchkin, but I already think a positive rating is warranted. I got some good advice already from Gene about my particular order, that I appreciated very much, and l which ikely saved me some grief. Munchkin has one of the more interesting selections of shade plants that I have seen, and the website is an education in itself, with many excellent articles about various topics. They are also one of the few nurseries I have seen that gives serious attention to the winter garden. A quick look through their website will give gardeners in the colder growing regions some food for thought and something to look forward to. I'll update, of course, when I receive my plants, but based on others' experiences and my experiences so far, I expect everything to be great.


On September 23rd, 2005, gregr18 added the following: This week, I received my order from Gene and JoAn and everything was in excellent condition as I expected. Non-dormant plants were healthy and good-sized. The dormant plants all had good-looking, healthy root stocks, and were packed with plenty of soil. I was also given three Dicentra canadensis plants as a bonus, a pleasant surprise. I am doing my first large-scale fall perennial planting this year, and I think that Gene's article on the benefits of fall perennial planting, available on the Munchkin Nursery Website, is something that any serious gardener should have a look at. He makes a convincing case, and I look forward to seeing how the plants I ordered here do in the coming season.
On September 12th, 2011, gregr18 added the following: I can't believe it's been six years since my last order, and I'm kicking myself for not ordering from this nursery in the last few years. When a good part of my shade garden was destroyed recently to install a new septic system, Munchkin Nursery popped into my mind as the place to go to replace many of the plants. Just as I was years ago, I was very, very happy with my order. These folks have some of the most interesting plants at attractive prices, and their plants are always healthy and nice looking. They're also nice people, so give them a try if you're looking for something a little different for your garden, especially if you do a lot of shade and woodland gardening.

Positive
On May 28, 2011, Lorna65 (1 reviews) from Greenview, IL

What a pleasure to receive such beautiful, full, healthy plants from Munchkin Nursery! My order consited of Astilbe and Heuchera. Delivery was timely, packing sucure. Gene Bush will receive additional orders from this customer.

Positive
On Mar 7, 2010, hydrangeabelle (1 reviews) from Memphis, TN

This was my first order and it was very positive. I am use to small 4" pots when ordering mail order. I received huge bare root systems some too large for 1 gallon pots. I ordered late in the fall and received my plants in Oct. I potted them up and can't believe they won't be popping out of their pots soon w/ spring coming.

Positive
On May 14, 2009, mom2goldens (21 reviews) from Carmel, IN (Zone 5b)

This was my first order with Munchkin Nursery, and I could not be more pleased. My plants were large and very healthy; a few even had some blossoms. Everything was well-packed, and arrived exactly when I had requested. Gene has a great informative website that is a pleasure to visit. It was definitely a positive experience, and I would not hesitate to order from this vendor again.

Positive
On Apr 29, 2008, JiminRingoes (19 reviews) from Ringoes, NJ

Over the past several years I've placed an average of two orders per year with Munchkin Nursery. Every plant I've received has been an extraordinary specimen that arrived in perfect health. Last year's Twinleafs (Jeffersonia diphylla) were amazing; they're now asserting themselves in my woodland garden. A Turk's Cap Lily (Lilium superbum) I purchased two years ago reached 8 ft tall last summer. It was great fun showing it off to astonished visitors. Last year there was a mix-up and I received somebody else's order. When I contacted Gene, he told me to enjoy the "bonus" plants and quickly sent the plants I had ordered. As others have noted, communication with Gene is a genuine pleasure. I enjoy reading his articles in Fine Gardening and eagerly anticipate his catalog's arrival in the dark days of winter.


On June 21st, 2009, JiminRingoes added the following: I placed two more orders with Munchkin Nursery this year and received big, healthy plants for my garden. The 14 Paxistima canbyii were particularly nice and are growing strongly in my garden.

Positive
On May 5, 2007, tbuff (38 reviews) from Nellysford, VA (Zone 6a)

Good source for unusual perennials. Owner is very helpful and communicative and plants arrived in good condition-very healthy. Would definitely order again from this vendor.

Positive
On Apr 22, 2007, Hostafarian (14 reviews) from Etna, CA

They went out of their way to accomadate my shipping needs. They sent plants way early when I requested and Trilliums way late when I decided I just had to have a few more. All were very well packaged and Gene even mailed me wanting to know if everything was ok and if I had any questions. They have some very nice specialty plants. Check them out.

Positive
On Mar 18, 2007, declfi (30 reviews) from Fenton, MO (Zone 6b)

Great service and shipping

Positive
On Apr 27, 2006, jglaze (4 reviews) from Hillsboro, OH

I placed an order earlier this year and requested a ship date close to May 1. I received my order April 25. Well packaged with each plant's root ball enclosed in a plastic bag, then wrapped in newspaper and clearly identified by a plant label I could use in the garden immediately. In the case of one plant which had a good bit of leaves growing already, the packing material had also been placed inside the newspaper to further protect the stems and leaves. No "varmits" accompanied my plants. All plants, except for a fern were up and growing and the fern was thinking about it. My order was not charged to my credit card until just before shipping (I really like that!) An excellent experience all around! As a side note, Munchkin's web site includes a section called "Garden Clippin's" which contains more in depth info on plants and other gardening information.

Positive
On Apr 26, 2006, svo (2 reviews) from Floyds Knobs, IN

My ideal nursery would have so much to offer: a print catalog worth reading and rereading as well as an up-to-date online catalog; a display garden worth visiting and revisiting; knowledgeable owners who are proud of their stock and of their service; unusual plants that are healthy and well established in their pots, not recently transplanted liners. Munchkin Nursery is about as close to the ideal as is possible. I have ordered from the catalog and visited JoAn and Gene's woodland display garden frequently. I always leave with a lighter purse than I intended because there are so many temptations, but I am never disappointed. This morning I counted perhaps a half dozen trilliums, a specialty of this nursery, that are blooming in my garden and resolved to make this garden the subject of my first post on this site.

Positive
On Mar 23, 2006, Penelopeann (9 reviews) from West Des Moines, IA

Always Happy with this company, they are very good with communications. Great place to buy plants!

Positive
On Feb 17, 2006, ahelms (42 reviews) from Kannapolis, NC (Zone 7b)

Today I received my order from Gene, a Paeonia tenuifolia [Fernleaf peony ]. When I ordered, he sent me an e-mail making sure I knew this Peony wasn't like the regular Peonies with 2 to 3 eyes and yes, they are so small. I really appreciate the honesty and quick, well packaged plants from them. I'll definately order again.


On March 4th, 2006, ahelms added the following: I have to add that I've bombarded Gene with questions about growing and planting this Peony and he's been so quick and gracious to answer all my questions. He's been so helpful.

Positive
On Feb 6, 2006, KYGardenGirl (12 reviews) from Georgetown, KY

Last spring we visited Gene and JoAn's lovely garden and nursery, and bought several trees and woodland perennials. The variegated sweet gum, Silver King, grew over a foot before fall! Munchkin Nursery is well worth a special trip to pick up your plants in person. I can't say enough good things about the nursery, the plants, or Gene and JoAn.

Positive
On May 5, 2005, slubberdegulion (33 reviews) from Roanoke, VA (Zone 7a)

I received part of my order (the rest to follow in the Fall), the plants were packaged very well and look great. I would order from them again.

Positive
On Apr 25, 2005, 75751 (40 reviews) from Fort Mill, SC (Zone 7b)

I ordered several wildflowers from Munchkin Gardens. My flowers are thriving and beautiful. Very informative, and great packaging. Will definately order again from this company!

Positive
On Sep 24, 2004, trunnels (7 reviews) from Plano, TX (Zone 8a)

Can't say enough good things about this nursery! I ordered four plants that were delivered quickly and when I asked for them. All have very full and healthy roots, and the toad lily has several blooms. Very good packing, moist roots. Communication with Gene was exceptional and he was more than willing to answer questions about another plant he did not stock. Will definitely buy more from Munchins. Give them a try!!

Positive
On Jul 22, 2004, PlantsnobIN (31 reviews) from Paoli, IN

I found Munchkin through the internet, and couldn't believe that he was only about 25 miles from me. The nursery is open only by appt. and it is worth a drive from just about anywhere. Gene and JoAn are very kind and know the plants they sell. The Web site is great source of info. Check it out and come to southern Indiana for a day. I was there recently, and the gentians were spectacular.


On October 21st, 2004, PlantsnobIN added the following: I picked up several more plants a couple of weeks ago, and again they are outstanding. Next spring will be very nice as the plants are mature when you get them. I have never rec'd plants as large as these from a mail order source. I am planting more trees so that I can expand my collection of shade plants. I highly recommend this nursery.

Positive
On Nov 8, 2003, maigard (1 reviews) from Zionsville, IN (Zone 5b)

I have purchased several times from Munchkin and have been extremely pleased with both the quality of their products and their helpfulness. Will definitely buy from them again.

Positive
On Oct 10, 2003, Ewald (15 reviews) from Limerick, PA (Zone 6b)

Acknowledged my order by Email on same day ordered, 10/6, gave shipping date as 10/7 via priority mail. Oder arrived 10/9, complete. Shipping cost $12. $8 Sanguinaria canadensis dormant 7/16" X 4"+ root in soil in baggie, excellant condition. $7 Tiarella cordifolia living plant in wet newspaper, roots in 3" diam. X 6" deep root - 7 leaves about 1.5" wide. $7 Arisaema triphyllum, 1" diam bulb in soil in baggie $7 Asarum canadense dormant plant in wet newspaper - root system in soil 3" diam X 6" deep. Excellant condition. Each plant identified on stake within wrapping. Planting instructions neither requested nor included.

Positive
On Sep 12, 2003, gwendylena (26 reviews) from La Salle, MI

I ordered from them for the first time this year. I recieved large plants. The roots were great and covered with lots of soil. The packing was very good, the soil and paper covering it were still very damp when I opened the box. And it had been sitting all afternoon on my sunny porch while I was at work. I am very pleased with my experience with this company and am planning to purchase more plants from them this spring.


On September 17th, 2004, gwendylena added the following: Ordered again this year. The plants looked great with large rootballs. I only wish that I had more shade in my yard because they offer many interesting shade plants. But alas, I have a very sunny yard. I highly recommend this nursery.

Positive
On Apr 16, 2003, bmerry (3 reviews)

Just received my order from Muchkin and it was packed very well and the plants appear to be very healthy. This is the second year that I have ordered and will continue to do. Last years plants survived the drought here in VA which was amazing and I see them coming back this year. Was quite surprised to get an email from the owner thanking me for coming back a second year. Fully intend to go back again.

Positive
On Dec 27, 2002, KWoods (14 reviews) from Glen Cove, NY (Zone 7a)

A very helpful guy. I ordered last spring and was impressed with the size and health of all the woodland plants I recieved. Very responsive to email, helped hammer out details of my order and requests for varieties he did not have listed. I will be ordering again this spring.


On April 14th, 2003, KWoods added the following: Well, in fact I did order again this Spring and once again was impressed with the size and health of the plants I recieved. I am kind of Shocked that there are so few comments on this wonderful nursery! I suppose I should be happy that it is a well kept secret and continue to order year after year. Thanks for your help Gene and for making my shade garden wonderful and interesting!

Positive
On May 15, 2002, Kmrsy (8 reviews) from Fort Wayne, IN (Zone 5a)

I've ordered 3 times from Munchkin Nursery and have been very pleased with the exceptional quality and service provided. I've tried Anemone ranunculoides from other suppliers in the past and received them in a dormant state that I had no luck with. This spring I received my order from Munchkin with a block of the anemone cut from the ground, already sprouting. Success is at hand. The owner carries all sorts of wonderful woodland natives and a nice selection of toadlilies. He is intimately familiar with all his plants and is quite kind in answering any questions. Quality is superb, shipping timely.

Positive
On Apr 1, 2002, DonnaMack (69 reviews) from Elgin, IL (Zone 5a)

I recently received my first order from Munchkin Nursery about a week ago, having ordered some Athyrium Nipponicum 'Ursula's Red', actaea rubra and Anemone Hybrida Queen Charlotte. Charlotte is on back order, but the ferns were by far the biggest I have ever received. They were carefully packaged in recyclable materials and plenty of moist earth. In my personal experience this results in a healthier plants than those sent bareroot, and the ferns sprouted in three days. I have some four year old nipponicums in the ground, and they are still dormant. The actaea (at $8.00, far less expensive than the $15.95 wanted by the excellent but expensive White Flower Farm) commenced growth the day after planting. There is a $25.00 minimum order.I exchanged several e-mails with the very pleasant owner, Gene Bush. I requested that that he send the plants at the time that seemed best but that he e-mail me to alert me of their impending arrival. This he did, sending them via priority mail, timing it so that the plants arrived just before the weekend.This was a great experience, and I intend to order trilliums next spring (they have an incredible assortment.)


On October 5th, 2003, DonnaMack added the following: I noted last year that I intended to add trilliums to my Munchkin collection. I did, and they arrived and they are excellent specimens, large and fresh. I also ordered sanguinaria canadensis. I had three from another company, that I had installed two years ago. I wanted to add six and ordered tham from Gene at Munchkin. Because I had not planned sufficiently ahead, I had to (carefully!) did up the ones that I had installed before. Imagine my surprise when I found that the Munchkin sanguinaira were substantially larger than plants that had been in the ground for two years and had bloomed last year. The best part of all was that I has asked for the six sanguanaria in late spring, and Gene Bush advised to wait until fall, because he was concerned about the viability of them that late in the year. I very much appreciated this. In addition, I was e-mailed at shipping time, and the plants were all so beautifully packed. Please try this great company. You won't be disappointed.

Positive
On Feb 1, 2002, JeanettePryor (9 reviews) from Lone Tree, CO

Gene, the owner, has been very upfront and generous in his emails, answering in great detail all types of questions I have had about toad lilies and other unique shade plants. He really knows his plants and takes his company seriously. I look forward to ordering from him this spring. Great web site for information and photos of shade plants.

Positive
On Feb 1, 2002, HayesJackson (3 reviews)

I have ordered once from munchkin. Unfortunately, the trillium species I much wanted and received was rotten when it arrived. I received a replacement with no problem. The owner was very friendly. I would order again.

Positive
On Oct 1, 2001, Yvonne578 (3 reviews)

We drove from central Ohio to South Central Indiana to visit this nursery. The garden tour was delightful. The information about the plants we purchased was very helpful. The plants were very big healthy. The trip was well worth our time.

Positive
On Jul 1, 2001, SHELDONKARNES (3 reviews)

They specialize in native & non-native woodland wildflowers; rare or unusual species and hybrid shade perennials. We toured their garden and bought plants from them their at their nursery and have been quite pleased. The prices were reasonable and the plants healthy. For example, when buying the variegated Solomon's seal, there were 5 plants in the pot. At another local nursery, we would have paid the same price to get 1 plant in the pot. Their free catalog has excellent descriptions of the plants and their growth needs, but no pictures. I have no experience with their mail order, but I know they do have quality plants and a knowledgeable staff.

Positive
On Jun 1, 2000, NormaSloane (6 reviews)

I must tell everyone about this wonderful source of native plants, located in Indiana. The web site is well constructed, the service is excellent and prompt, but the plants arrive in the best condition of all on-line companies I have used. A real find!

Positive
On May 1, 2000, Janet237 (2 reviews)

I haven't ordered from Munchkin, but their selection is very nice. They specialize in perennials for shady gardens.

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