Comments regarding Bob Smoley's Gardenworld
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Comments:
Rating | Author | Content |
Positive | Cactusdude (3 reviews) | On Aug 22, 2023, Cactusdude Miami, FL (Zone 10b) wrote: Bob smoley passed away several years ago. I think that his family tried to keep the sales going for awhile, but the business is no longer functioning. Unfortunately, the website is still up. |
Negative | MaryEv (16 reviews) | On Jul 18, 2020, MaryEv Cincinnati, OH (Zone 6a) wrote: I ordered some plants last year and after three months, they emailed me and canceled my order. |
Positive | schenevus (2 reviews) | On Apr 1, 2017, schenevus Spring Hill, FL wrote: I ordered plants and order was fast.Very pleased with what I received today. 4/1 Size was excellent. They have great Hoya's. |
Positive | dfeldbusch (1 review) | On Feb 17, 2017, dfeldbusch Strasburg, VA wrote: Hi, I just wanted to provide an update on the status of Bob Smoley's Gardenworld. I'm Bob's son-in-law. As it was previously stated, Bob passed last year. Mary Ann is still running the business. The information on this page is a little outdated, but the website is still relevant. If you're interested in what they have to offer, it's best to check out their site and place an order. I know that Mary Ann will do her best to get back to you as soon as possible. |
Positive | harrywitmore (2 reviews) | On Oct 20, 2016, harrywitmore Sunset Beach, NC (Zone 8a) wrote: Mary Ann Smoley is still selling plants from Bob's collection. I have placed 2 orders in the last month or so and have been pleased with what I received. Not sure how long she will continue to accept orders but she is currently. |
Positive | dave12122 (83 reviews) | On May 10, 2016, dave12122 East Haddam, CT wrote: I am sorry to report that Bob lost his battle with cancer a few weeks ago. As this was a one man operation, I would not expect the nursery to remain open. If I hear any new information about the future of this business, I will post it here. |
Negative | jim10 (1 review) | On Mar 24, 2016, jim10 Kansas City, MO wrote: Have visited his greenhouses twice and plants are regularly mislabeled. And, despite my email requests to him to cease, he often steals my photos from the web and uses them to portray his website listings. Unethical chap I would submit. |
Negative | AimeeLane (1 review) | On May 12, 2015, AimeeLane Babylon, United States wrote: I received my plants in a timely manner (although my email asking for tracking information was ignored). The plants were fine enough and most were labeled, but came with these tiny bugs that I just recently identified as mites. I emailed Bob Smoley letting him know that he sent me bugs and that they had moved onto my other plants. This is the outrageous email that I received in response. |
Positive | tride26 (2 reviews) | On Sep 17, 2014, tride26 Denver, CO wrote: After reading some of the negative reviews here I was a little worried when I placed my order. But after receiving my order today I felt obligated to post my experience which was very positive. |
Positive | Gourd (22 reviews) | On Jun 30, 2014, Gourd Mesilla Park, NM wrote: This was my first order from/to Gardenworld and I was very happy with my order. Mr. Smoley sent me extras of everything I ordered and double of some. I was thrilled to receive the extras and would not hesitate to order from Mr. Smoley again or to recommend him to members at Daves Garden. |
Positive | bjaquez (3 reviews) | On Apr 4, 2014, bjaquez Loyalton, CA wrote: I have ordered twice from Bob Smoleys in the last several months. The first ordered came right away, and the Christmas Cactus were very nice. The prices are super. Then I ordered some Echinopsis. It was about 4 weeks after ordering that I received my offsets and they were very nice. It does say on their website: "We try to send the orders out as quickly as possible but at times the wait can be up to 6-8 weeks, at times it could be even longer, especialy in the winter or some special plants that are grown to order." |
Positive | rhpfman (4 reviews) | On Jan 8, 2014, rhpfman Lompoc, CA wrote: GREAT!! I ordered 4 Schlumbergera/Christmas Cactus just last week including a couple not so easy to find varieties. Not only did they arrive today in great shape but included a couple of wonderful "freebies" as well. Prices and shipping were very reasonable too. As a first time customer....I'll be back! |
Positive | gringo (5 reviews) | On Oct 24, 2012, gringo Hampton, VA wrote: I've always had a great experience with ordering from Bob. I always received a confirmation letter, by mail, too. The shipping charges aren't all that unreasonable, considering what I've paid before, to order from other plant companies. Nothing wrong, with a minimum order either, as otherwise, it's work, time & energy spent on his part, not including the effort to take care of alll he offers, & grows... |
Positive | Minime8484 (22 reviews) | On Aug 24, 2012, Minime8484 Chandler, AZ (Zone 9b) wrote: Posted on June 17, 2011, updated August 24, 2012 On August 24th, 2012, Minime8484 changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following: I decided to try another order from Bob because of his nice selection (online) of Pereskia & his listing of Arrojadoa rhodantha. I knew going in I just had to walk on glass with him so I didn't upset him, and hopefully, all would be OK. I first called and asked the availability. He was very nice and said he would check and let me know (he knew he had the Pereskia's I was looking for, but wasn't sure if the Arrojadoa was rhodantha or penicillata). He contacted me via phone the very next day to tell me he only had A. penicillata (despite what the website says). So, I ordered one of each. The plants arrived in less than two weeks, and he sent FOUR cuttings of the Arrojadoa (one with cephalium which has since bloomed!), FOUR cuttings of one Pereskia, and TWO cuttings of the other Pereskia! All plants easily rooted and are growing well. I have to say the whole experience changed my attitude towards his business. You just have to know going in to treat him very nicely and carefully so as not to offend (he does seem to offend easily, so it may be difficult to do so!). I'll definitely keep an eye out for other wanted plants. You never know... |
Negative | smurfwv (5 reviews) | On Aug 16, 2012, smurfwv Cabin Creek, WV (Zone 6a) wrote: I just ordered for the first time from Bob Smoleys, which by the way is in Florida. I purchased 2 stapelia, a huernia, and a duvalia and got a free plant as a gift. I paid 14.40 for shipping, and the postage on the box was 5.35 from Fl to Wv. I emailed asking if he'd refund the difference, he said no. One stapelia was a un-rooted shriveled up stem, which he said he will refund. Everything else looks pretty good. He never offered to replace the dead one, just refund. His selling practice is rediculous as is his postages. I have decided not to order from him anymore. |
Positive | megan420 (1 review) | On May 12, 2012, megan420 Longmont, CO wrote: I was hesitant to order from here after reading some of the more recent reviews, but I am pleased that I did anyway. He has some varieties of asclepiads that could not be found elsewhere and at amazingly cheap prices. I was pleasantly surprised to get a letter confirming my order rather than an email. They explained in the letter that it may take up to six or eight weeks to get my order and I was fine with that. When my order arrived just 3 weeks after i placed it, I was excited and opened it to find my new plants in great shape, packaged carefully in paper towels secured with rubber bands and padded with newspaper. They even sent me a free new plant which was very sweet. Be patient and you should not have any problems ordering from here. I will be doing so again very soon! |
Negative | Marianthelibrarian (5 reviews) | On Apr 9, 2012, Marianthelibrarian Rochester, NY (Zone 6a) wrote: I ordered three Viola pedata 'Eco Artist's Pallette." When I didn't receive a response after a week, I e-mailed to inquire about an estimated shipping date. When I didn't receive a response to the e-mail, I called. No answer, but I left a message and his wife responded later that evening. She couldn't explain why I had received no response, so she put Bob on the phone. |
Positive | stanqk (3 reviews) | On Sep 18, 2011, stanqk Coraopolis, PA wrote: Ordered from Bob Smoley's Gardenworld Aug. 8, 2011. I ordered Sansevieria 'Bantel's Sensation' for only $6 each. This plant goes for 5 times more in the few places that sells it. He had a minimum order policy of $15 befor shipping so I order 4. Also I asked for no subs. |
Negative | mrhooney (1 review) | On Aug 2, 2011, mrhooney Freeport, TX wrote: I ordered several Stapeliads from this seller even after being warned his plants are mostly mislabeled, misspelled or dreamed up names. I got the plants in about 3 days and it was just after a recent update. I was surprised by the speed in shipping but when I opened the box, I knew few if any were the correct species by their stem type. After waiting and watching a Huernia urceolata (rare) turn out to be the common Huernia keniensis, I realized that I was warned for a reason. That is why I'm taking this opportunity do warn you. This is not a reputable seller. Spend your money elsewhere. If this seller is the only person that advertises a rare plant, and you don't get the rare plant, it is the same as him not having it. Beware. |
Negative | IlovemyTiger (2 reviews) | On Jun 13, 2011, IlovemyTiger Irving, TX wrote: The one good thing about this company-- They have a huge selection and the prices are not expensive. |
Positive | Toni05 (61 reviews) | On Nov 25, 2009, Toni05 Brookfield, IL wrote: Ordered 3 Hoyas from Mr. Smoley..Plants are healthy, pest free, well-packed, and shipped promptly.. |
Positive | davidmk (7 reviews) | On Jul 6, 2009, davidmk Austin, TX (Zone 8b) wrote: I ordered a bunch of Haworthias from Bob Smoley in the middle June. I received a prompt reply by email and snail mail. They came in the mail last week and I have to say they are some of the healthiest, largest, pristine plants I have received doing mail order succulents! These plants exceeded all expectations that I had. I truly was standing there with my mouth hanging open. I felt like I hit the jackpot. This is my first order. I will be placing more and will update this review if needed. If you are reading through the reviews and saying should I or should I not place an order I am here to say that it is well worth it. I wrote this all on my own. I felt the need after reading some of the other reviews. I had no problems with my order but even if I did I would not care at this point. |
Negative | sheilasouth (4 reviews) | On Mar 18, 2009, sheilasouth Osage, IA wrote: I ordered from this company a few times before...they lost my oder for two months....fair enough...I like honesty....I |
Positive | CactusCountry (2 reviews) | On Jul 30, 2008, CactusCountry Lake Mary, FL (Zone 9a) wrote: Have had several dealings with Mr. Smoley. Always courteous, extremely knowledgeable. My experiences have always been great. Plants are healthy, large and pest free. Labeled true to species. Have dealt with him many times and look foward to doing so again. Highly recommend. |
Positive | Sansevieria (1 review) | On Apr 6, 2008, Sansevieria Orangeburg, NY (Zone 6a) wrote: Ordered Sansevieria from Bob Smoley's Gardenworld and plants came healthy and quick!! Great experience with this company. |
Neutral | concretebrunett (3 reviews) | On Feb 20, 2008, concretebrunett Brookeland, TX (Zone 8b) wrote: On the whole, I was satisfied with my purchase. I ordered five plants. One died promptly & a second one died months later, most likely due to frost. |
Positive | senlarrs (12 reviews) | On Nov 8, 2007, senlarrs Harrisburg, PA (Zone 6a) wrote: Placed an order 10/23/2007 and was received on 11/08/2007! Definitely received my order within the time frame promised. Everything was well-packaged and arrived in good condition. All the plants were very healthy and some were bonus sized. Will do business with Mr. Smoley again! |
Neutral | greyduck (1 review) | On Sep 10, 2007, greyduck Charlotte, NC wrote: I placed an online order with Gardenworld on May 15, 2007. |
Positive | eucharis05 (8 reviews) | On Jul 13, 2007, eucharis05 Yonkers, NY wrote: Just received my 3rd order since January 2007. Ordered mostly Hoya un-rooted cuttings. Some of the cuttings I ordered he did not have, but since I always prefer substitutions, I was more than pleased with what he sent. All cutting were more than generous 18 to 24 inches, healthy, green, and the substitutions were of equal or greater value. Have been ordering from him since 1998, and have not been disappointed yet. |
Positive | subuch (3 reviews) | On Mar 30, 2006, subuch Lafayette, CA wrote: I have tried several mail order nurseries and growers over the past 25 years and have been most impressed with Bob Smoley. As I was a novice at collecting two types of plants other than common varieties, (epiphyllum and hoya) I needed a little extra assistance along the way. Bob was extremely helpful. He also worked with my schedule, delivering all orders when I would be in town to accept them. The quality of all cuttings and rooted plants was consistently of the highest quality. In fact, I often got rooted plants for the price of cuttings. I will continue to order from Bob and have recommended him to others. |
Positive | kabob (6 reviews) | On Mar 22, 2006, kabob Macon, IL (Zone 5b) wrote: Placed a huge order with this company. Received my order within the time frame promised. Everything was well-packaged and arrived in good condition. All the plants were very healthy. Would definately do business with this company again! |
Positive | Eric_OH (55 reviews) | On Dec 23, 2005, Eric_OH Columbus, OH (Zone 6a) wrote: My order this fall was for mixed Rebutia/Lobivia species and mixed crown-of-thorns. |
Positive | ndstitch (1 review) | On Nov 28, 2005, ndstitch Indianapolis, IN wrote: I ordered from Bob and I was exceptionally pleased with the plants I received. I ordered mostly common varieties, but I did get both Kerrii's and a few other harder-to-find ones. I was told right up front that it would be a while before I got them. I was so happy, the variegated carnosas had a lot of red & pink on them, much prettier than ones I had had before. The Kerrii was quite large and healthy. There were 4 stems to the multiflora, and many came with multiple starts to them. But - one must be patient I think the whole thing took over 2 months before I got my plants. But they were worth it. |
Neutral | gingerbaby2000 (5 reviews) | On Nov 12, 2005, gingerbaby2000 Brooklyn, NY wrote: I must admit that when the plants finally do arrive they look very good and are quite healthy. |
Positive | vossner (118 reviews) | On Nov 2, 2005, vossner East Texas, United States (Zone 8a) wrote: Ordered a sans. from this company and the plant arrived promptly and properly shipped. Also price was very good compared to other sources. Will buy from this company again. On January 12th, 2006, vossner added the following: Bought some more sans. and my experience was even better than the first time, if that is possible. Great specimens arrived within 4 days of placing my order. On January 12th, 2006, vossner added the following: Bought some more sans. and my experience was even better than the first time, if that is possible. Great specimens arrived within 4 days of placing my order. |
Positive | krowten (9 reviews) | On Oct 9, 2005, krowten Greensburg, PA wrote: I ordered 15 Rhipsalis cuttings from Bob when it appeared an order from another company (Lauray of Salisbury) was unfulfilled. |
Neutral | palmbob (17 reviews) | On Oct 5, 2005, palmbob Acton, CA (Zone 8b) wrote: Had mixed experiences with Bob's place- ordered three times now- first time I was amazed at the selection.. All plants were larger than I expected and in excellent condition (didn't keep me from killing half of them, but that was my fault). On November 13th, 2005, palmbob added the following: Ok... it's the middle of November now and still no plants... soon it will be winter and they won't be able to deliver them until next year. Hmmm. I think 3.5 months is a bit long to have to wait for an order. NOt sure what the delay is, but I will have to e-mail them again. On January 12th, 2006, palmbob added the following: Finally got plants.... end of November, a lot later in the year than I had hoped. Unfornately some did not make it this time (too cool this time of the year), but the plants sent were, as usual, in good condition. Had I a greenhouse or someplace to root some of them, I might have saved them all. Oh well.. Next order, if I do it again, will have to be in spring so will be sure to get stuff before winter. On May 22nd, 2006, palmbob added the following: I must be a glutton for punishment... ordered more plants (why... because they have a lot of great plants...) beginning of March 06. Got an immediate reply saying shipment could take 6-8 weeks... but it's been nearly 12 weeks and it's gonna get hot soon (not the best time to plant... similar problem I encountered last time, only then I didnt' get plants until it got cold here). Not sure what takes so long, or if being a complainer has put me on their 'whiner' list and they delay orders on purpose... but it is aggravating. I was exaggerating before saying I should order 6 months ahead of when I want the plants, but perhaps that wouldn't be a bad idea ... if there is a next time. On June 3rd, 2006, palmbob added the following: When I wrote them this time to ask why things hadn't been sent yet, Bob wrote back saying he didn't know time was important... so from now on, if you want your plants the same season as you order them, you might request that up front. My mistake was I didn't say there was a hurry, but nor did I say take a half year to process my order. It is June and plants are still not here. And now it's over 100F. Sigh. At this point, it really doesn't matter any more when the plant will get here, as I may have to hold on to them in a cooler area until October when I can plant them. So if you want plants in the spring, probably best to order them in the fall... and if you want them in the fall, best to order in spring... I am beginning to figure it out. |
Positive | raymondb (3 reviews) | On Sep 20, 2005, raymondb Pearland, TX wrote: I received my order of Sansevierias from Bob's this week and they exceeded my expectations. They arrived one month after I placed my order. Based on the quality of this first order, I have placed a second order with them. |
Neutral | dmichael619 (5 reviews) | On Jun 14, 2005, dmichael619 Murrells Inlet, SC (Zone 8a) wrote: I received plants from Mr Smoley on 6/13/05 that I ordered several weeks earlier. |