35 Franklin St.
Newburyport, Massachusetts 01950 (United States)
(978) 465-1156

Reviews:

positives
neutrals
negatives

Displaying the 17 most recent reviews

RatingContent
Negative
On Aug 19, 2018, 69tigers (1 reviews) from Albion, ID

Posted on June 8, 2017, updated August 19, 2018 This company has no respect for the United States or any other country, he illegally imports and exports plants all over the world, regardless of their quarantine laws.


On August 19th, 2018, 69tigers added the following: You say, Customers living overseas are responsible for obtaining their own papers!!! Reputable dealers will not look at anyone who don't have their importation paper work in place. But you still send anyway, correct!. You even go out of your way to make packaging of plants less conspicuous, so it does not draw attention by customs when sent to other countries, Correct!

Positive
On Nov 22, 2017, thesilentseed (1 reviews) from Newburyport, MA

I am the owner of The Silent Seed, and need to clarify a few things. While not everybody may agree on some points, I take pride in attempting to resolve any issues that may come up with plants that I sell. All too often there are some things that nature does that are beyond our control, such as weather, temperature, and different growing conditions. (I offer heat packs for cold weather shipping, for instance.) There is also the issue of language gaps. While I do my best to communicate with everybody, sometimes there are misunderstandings based on speaking different languages, such as prices and shipping costs in different currencies. (Google Translate is not always accurate.) Last and most importantly, I need to clarify that I do have paperwork for the legal importation of plants into the USA. Anybody who claims otherwise is lying. Customers living overseas are responsible for obtaining their own papers. In conclusion, I stand by my good name and my business. If you have any problems, I encourage you to communicate clearly with me, since that is all it takes, literally. You will find that I am very responsive and I try to be as fair as possible. Thank you, Jude

Negative
On Jul 26, 2017, tbuff (38 reviews) from Nellysford, VA (Zone 6a)

First, let me be very clear in stating that I did business with this individual about ten years ago. What prompted me to write this is the feedback I have recently seen here and on ebay, which mirrors my experience from the past. I did try to work things out at the time, but found the owner unwilling to accept responsibility for the fact that he sent a TINY tuber of a very expensive rhodea that had no leaves and no roots. It was an absolute joke. I was so turned off by the exchange afterward, I chose NOT to return the tuber at my expense because it was obvious this person was not honest. I have been a grower for forty years. I have a room full of awards from plant shows, have lectured on rare plants, collected rare plants in the wild, and have been written up in newspapers and magazines. I have ordered thousands of plants from endless numbers of vendors in my lifetime. I say these things not to boast, but to ensure you that I am not a novice with unrealistic expectations. i know a fraud when I see one. I will never forget this guy, because he tried to take me for a fool. In forty years of dealing with people in the rare plant trade, this was the worst experience I have ever had with a US vendor. ...enough so I remembered him nearly ten years later when I saw the name of the business. If you look at my historical ratings, you will find that I am typically very complimentary of vendors.

Negative
On Jun 11, 2017, jackdawboy (1 reviews) from DROMORE,
United Kingdom

Mr, haverington has very poor customer relations. i bought plants from him several times..what he sends you is... very poor root specimens hacked off a larger plant (the plant you should receive) it's all about HIM and the customers are only there to feed his greed lust for money..one plant i received had rotten roots, i could do nothing with it.. he refused to compensate me..anything i did get from him were weak de-foliated inferior "runts"..he tried to charge me 99 dollars to ship 2 plants! for heaven's sake...he is never open to understanding the customer.. completely shuts down in his own favour... would not recommend this company ever... in order for improvements to be made, he first needs to learn some humanity and empathy for his fellow human beings...

Negative
On Mar 8, 2017, smurfwv (5 reviews) from Cabin Creek, WV (Zone 6a)

Posted on January 30, 2011, updated March 8, 2017 Posted on January 19, 2011 I ordered a titan arum tuber from platteborze123 (The Silent Seed) on ebay.When I got it I was horrified. It was a used elder beerman box that had been crushed. The plant looked as if it had been frozen, the leaf died. Well into 2 weeks the tuber started to rot. an email was sent to the seller and he said send it back for a replacement. I told him that due to the unethical packaging (some ribbon and wrapping paper) and damage to the tuber I did not want to get a credit because I didn't want anything else from him. So ebay went in my favor, i'm sending the rotted bulb back for a refund of 62.99. I don't think anyone who runs a plant business would be sending tender tropicals in the dead of winter as titan arums DON"T survive temps under 50*F and definately not a freeze. I found this out after researching info on a botanical garden site.


On March 8th, 2017, smurfwv added the following: Jude said the rotted tuber grew a leaf, I found that he likes to lie on here and ebay. His feedback speaks for it all. If he doesn't like you he cancels your order and blocks you. Avoid him like a plague. Buy from those who your friends and family have had good luck with. Jude is a thief.
Company representative comment on January 31, 2011:
On Jan 19, 2011 4:44 PM, The Silent Seed responded with:

Sir,
I am sorry that this proved to be a difficult transaction. My auction clearly states to return the tuber for me to offer a refund/replacement. I'm not sure why you refused to do this, until Ebay directed you to do so.
All you had to do, was to return the tuber, and it would have been taken care of. Unfortunately you are the first, and only, person to have had any issues with my TItan Arums.
Good luck to you.
On January 19th, 2011, duncanju added the following:

Again, I'm not sure why you didn't return the tuber immediately upon discovering any trouble, as indicated in my Ebay auction. I would have happily refunded your money with no further issue.


On Jan 31, 2011 11:51 AM, The Silent Seed added:

UPDATE: The tuber was finally returned, and is now happily sending up a new leaf.

Positive
On Apr 17, 2016, ChuckFB (1 reviews) from Worcester, MA

Hi! I purchased 3 Black Bat Plants from Jude Haverington, Owner of The Silent Seed. Jude is VERY friendly &knowledgeable . The plants are difficult to find but Jude specializes in rare Tropicals. My sister has been to his store, was impressed, and suggested that my best chance to get these rare Tropicals was at The Silent Seed! Sure enough, Jude had them!!!! He consistently returned my e-mails in a timely manner, and provided abundant knowledge about my plants. I give this transaction a SUPERLATIVE Rating! Outstanding Customer Service before, during and after the sale. I will be a repeat customer!!

Positive
On Jun 15, 2014, musaboru (25 reviews) from (Zone 9b)

Bought some really cheap divisions of Chinese cymbidiums from the Silent Seed on eBay and am happy with my purchase. Will surely order again if I see anything I want. Deserves a thumbs up.

Positive
On Feb 13, 2012, gardengirl30 (1 reviews) from Wind Gap, PA

Awesome quality plants... Could not be happier :) fast service and most importantly a great guy to work with in every way!!!! Love my iris!!! AND geraniums! Jude rocks!!! Thanks a bunch :)

Positive
On Jul 21, 2011, Sporophyte (1 reviews) from Davis, CA

I had a great transaction! Vendor was very friendly and responsive and I received my plants quickly and well packed. I'm sure I will buy more plants in the future.


Company representative comment on August 3, 2011:
On Aug 3, 2011 2:53 PM, The Silent Seed responded with:

You are very welcome! Come back anytime! Jude

Positive
On Jul 14, 2011, Sylvinora (1 reviews) from St. Catharines,
Canada

Great vendor with so much patience and quick response. Lovely plants received and well packed (plants are not even dry on one tip!) I shall be back for more plants :-) Thanks!


Company representative comment on July 14, 2011:
On Jul 14, 2011 10:08 PM, The Silent Seed responded with:

You are most welcome - the pleasure was mine - Enjoy the new plants! Best, Jude

Negative
On Jun 30, 2011, annamarg (1 reviews) from El Paso, TX

Posted on June 30, 2011, updated June 30, 2011 Plants were infested with Mealybugs. Ask for some compensation. I felt the burden was placed on "what I did wrong" rather than satisfaction of the customer. I will not buy from this company again. No real satisfaction.


On June 30th, 2011, annamarg added the following: The seller wanted to charge me shipping separately for multiple plants. In addition he tried to charge with with his fee involved with Paypal.
Company representative comment on June 30, 2011:
On Jun 30, 2011 4:38 PM, The Silent Seed responded with:

Hello,
I am sorry that you chose not to work this out with me privately.
I am not sure what you mean by the shipping, or the paypal fee - All I charged you was one flat shipping fee, and nothing more.
I understand you may be upset, but it would have been much better to discuss this with me directly - I would have been happy to help you out.
In fact, I'm still happy to - but it does take timely communication. It's been a few months since I last heard from you.
Thanks, Jude

Positive
On May 30, 2011, montana26 (1 reviews) from Wonder Lake, IL

EXCELLENT! I ordered a variegated Mandarin Duck Clivia. It is a very nice plant with nice deep colors. It arrived in good condition and safely packaged. It is really growing and I'm very pleased with my purchase! A+++ to this seller!! Being new to this website, I want to say "thank you" for all of the help you gave me to complete my transaction, and now my long over-due feedback! :) I highly recommend this seller, and would not hesitate to make any purchase in the future! Thank you again!! :)


Company representative comment on May 30, 2011:
On May 30, 2011 10:31 AM, The Silent Seed responded with:

You are very welcome - it was my pleasure - and am happy you are enjoying the plant so much! Thanks! Jude

Positive
On May 10, 2011, klondike_yukon (1 reviews) from Tucker, GA

I ordered a Monstera and received it quickly and in apparent good condition. Communication has been smooth. I would do business here again.


Company representative comment on May 10, 2011:
On May 10, 2011 11:51 AM, The Silent Seed responded with:

Thank you - the pleasure was mine! Jude

Positive
On May 10, 2011, kennig (1 reviews) from Seabrook, TX

After looking for white wisteria for two years in Texas, I'm happy to report that I am came acrossed it being offered by this seller. The transaction was very smooth and quick and I had good communication with the seller throughout the entire transaction. The wisteria arrived well packaged and in perfect condition. I will definitely buy from this seller again in the future. Thanks so much! My mom, mother-in-law and sisters are going to be thrilled! Thanks again!


Company representative comment on May 10, 2011:
On May 10, 2011 11:01 AM, The Silent Seed responded with:

It was my pleasure - thank you!

Positive
On Mar 15, 2011, sirmoebly (1 reviews) from Oak Harbor, OH

Good people to deal with. Good shipping rates & fast. I am very pleased. Thanks Again.......


Company representative comment on March 15, 2011:
On Mar 15, 2011 12:30 PM, The Silent Seed responded with:

Thank you very much! Nice working with you!
Jude

Positive
On Mar 7, 2011, Warghoulie (1 reviews) from Hunlock Creek, PA

I ordered a Rhoeo and a Sansevieria subspicata, both came in good shape and are growing beautifully. Fast shipping and great correspondence, I would defintely buy from again.


Company representative comment on March 7, 2011:
On Mar 7, 2011 12:39 PM, The Silent Seed responded with:

It was a pleasure working with you. Thank you! Jude

Positive
On Feb 25, 2011, Amber_lee (1 reviews) from Seminole, OK (Zone 7a)

I ordered Crinum Lilies from Duncanju (The Silent Seed) and was very pleased. One in particular was just amazing. She worked with me on payment and payment method. The bulbs were all nice with roots. They were shipped in a postal box with plenty of packing material to keep them safe. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from her again and hope to do so in the future.


Company representative comment on February 25, 2011:
On Feb 25, 2011 8:22 PM, The Silent Seed responded with:

It was a pleasure working with you, and thank you! Jude

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