Comments regarding Brent & Becky's Bulbs

This is the first time I've ordered from Brent & Becky's. I ordered several tulips to color-coordinate my front yard flower bed. Everything arrived when they said it would, packing was great, and the bulbs were a good size for the price. I can't wait to see what they'll look like in the Spring!

If they bloom nicely next year, I'll be a customer for life.

I received 3 seperate orders from Brent & Becky's this season, and I was pleased with all three - timely shipping, good packaging, and healthy, fresh bulbs. (I did get two "duds" in my order of saffron crocus, but I decided not to contact them about it as it was two bulbs out of 100 saffron crocus that I ordered. Everything else was very healthy.) Overall, a good experience, especially the sale items. I will be ordering from them again.

Called in on a Friday to ask a simple, yet time-sensitive question and was told by Becky or the operator that Brent would call me that same day - 5:00 rolled around and I called back in hopes to ask my question before the weekend started, assuming I would have to wait until Monday to hear from them and the bulbs I had were already late to plant because of an emer.surgery I underwent. I was told they were open on Saturday and Brent would definately call me then. Saturday came and went and because I wasn't given a return phone call & because of my post-op soreness, I had to discard $50+ worth of bulbs over the weekend that may have been salvaged with a simple phone call to tell me that he felt they could be saved or not. Given my post-op physical condition I reiterated to the operator (Becky?) , I definately feel like B&B could care less about their customers and I will never be ordering again from a company that treats their customers like dirt. $130+ order and can't even get a phone call from them w/2 days notice. Top 20 company? Whatever

I just hosted a tulip bulb co-op for Dave's Garden members and chose Brent and Becky's bulbs for the purchase. Thoughout the entire co-op process, they were always there to answer my questions, they shipped the bulbs on exactly the day they said they would, and I was super impressed with their shipping method. Our order of nearly 2000 very healthy bulbs arrived in great shape.

Thank you Brent and Becky and crew!

Since others have commented from twenty years ago. I would like to add mine from several years back. We have ordered bulbs from quite a few companies. Some we have been happy with and some we have not. Brent and Becky's were some of the better ones. I have planted about a thousand bulbs over this yard, and more if you include friends and other family members yards. I would highly recommend.

I ordered a variety of bulbs including cannas and calla lily. I planted the cannas in different beds around my garden. None of the cannas came up. Neither did the calla. About two-thirds of the other bulbs, which included crocosmia and bletilla, came up.

They came highly recommended, and I was going to try to put an order in with them, hopefully in time to get some bulbs this fall, but this company apparently no longer exists. Trying to link to their website gets me "Page Not Found." I don't think I have time to wait.

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Alas, as many times as I've tried, Mother Nature won't change bulb season being the same as hurricane season! Tropical Storm Ernesto - which was 10mph shy of beiing a hurricane - had its eye pass between us and Virginia Beach. There are places that today - 4 days later, still don't have power or phone. Our website when down when everything else did.

We apologize for any delays in ordering, but we are up and running again! Come by and see us!

Jay Hutchins
General Manager
Brent and Becky's Bulbs
877-661-2852 toll free ordering
http://www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com"

as of Aug 18, their website is not available. Is the company still in business?

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On 8/18 we lost our internet connection 3 times and our website, which is "in-house", was unable to be accessed. It was down as well this morning (8/19). We have an IT guy and the cable company on the case. We apologize for any inconvenience, and hope to have this glitch resolved quickly! If you can not log on to our website, feel free to call us toll free at 877-661-2852 and place your order, or just to check the status of our site.

Happy Gardening!

Jay Hutchins
General Manager
Brent and Becky's Bulbs"

My order included Iris foetidissima and Agapanthus Blue Heaven. The Agapanthus was pretty tiny but I've come to find that most companies send pretty small Ag's, not like the gallon cans you can buy in nurseries in California. Now in it's second growing season, it produced a tiny flower spike. The Iris foetidissima was very tiny and variable, some being small but plump, and a couple being so small that I thought they were pieces that must have fallen off the "real" plant. Two died soon after planting and the other 3 are about 4 inches tall in their second growing season. I'll try again with less unusual bulbs this year.

Placed two orders last fall during Brent and Becky's end of season sale. Every bulb was in perfect condition and made for a beautiful spring. The lilies were unbelievable - large and lovely and are still blooming, one after another. The day after I placed my order, prices decreased another 25% and Becky reduced the price of that order accordingly.
Great resource!

I have known Brent and Becky for over 20 years. In the 1980's my step-father bought a large amount of daffodil bulbs to plant on our road. The bulbs were diseased and had to be burned. It was a waste of money unfortunately.

My house is quite close to their business. As people (personal) Brent and Becky are very nice. They used to go to the same church that we belong to. As for buying their merchandise, no, I would not buy anymore of their bulbs.

"

I've thought about this one all day......and I still don't quite know what to say. And I'm not one to be rendered speechless very often! But, I'll give it my best shot....(ahem)

Since I am now 38 and I was somewhere between 12 and 18 years old when this happened, I can't recall the actual event. But our guarantee does state:

We guarantee that the bulbs you receive from us will arrive in good condition. IF NOT, PLEASE LET US KNOW WITHIN SEVEN (7) DAYS SO THAT WE CAN REMEDY THE SITUATION!!

Since this was 20 years ago (or more), I don't think we'll refund any lost money. And I'm sorry that this one event, experianced by a family member in the '80's, was enough to affect the bulb buying choices of the rest of the family even to this day.

Thank you and God bless! (How was that?)

Jay Hutchins
General Manager
Brent and Becky's Bulbs"

This was my first year to order from B&B's. Overall I was somewhat disappointed with the experience.

The positives: The astilble, scadoxus, eucomis, liatris, and a few of the other bulbs were good sized, and looked good. They came up and have performed well so far.

The sandersonia, traepoema (sp.), were I believe, doa. They were planted as instructed in the booklet sent with each order, but they never came up. The sandersonia I found at another company. It was cheaper than B&B"s and arrived as a shoot 4" tall. It is thriving. I was able to replace the traepoema.

The rain lillies I ordered were virus infected. Only one bloom ever appeared before they died. I ordered more from another company. When they came, they were larger, healthier, cheaper and continue to surprise me with blossoms after rain or heavy watering.

I ordered a xanthosoma which I never received. Their original responses were "they have to grow out some more". In the end, they finally said "crop failure". After much searching, I found this at another company, and it arrived large, leafed out and is thriving on my patio.

The bletilla I ordered may or may not be bletilla. So far I've had one pitiful bloom, which didn't really look much like a ground orchid.

They were rather pricey. I found many of the same bulbs at other companies for much less. When received, they were HUGE, much larger than B&B's, all have done well.

Emails were not answered in a timely manner. Some were not answered at all. Most were I had to follow up with a phone call.

I did not call the company regarding the problems. In their planting info there is a statement that indicates "we sell them, the rest is up to you". Up to a point, I agree, but if I order identical plants, from several companies, and those from companies A, B, and C do well, and those from company D fail miserably, it is most likely the plant and not the planter.

I would order from them again, but only those items I cannot find elsewhere.

Ordered 4 types of Lilium bulbs, an Astilbe plant, and some Oxazlis bulbs. Shipment arrived within the week. All as ordered, no substitutions or backorders. Lilium bulbs were larger than expected and all doing well in pots. Oxazlis doing well. Astilbe plant shipped bareroot in excellent condition, and is doing very well one week out of the box. Very happy with my experience with this company and will do business with them again.

I am leaving a neutral comment about B&B's, only because their customer service was outstanding. I ordered several items from them, including 2 varieties of gloriosa lilies, several trumpet lilies, cannas, and alstroemeria last spring.

I had to call several times to receive the bulbs, as they were several weeks late in getting to me. I finally received them in May. The canna rhizomes were smallish with 1-2 eyes, but looked healthy. The Alstroemeria was in terrible shape, with most of the bulbs (bulbils?) about the size of an "O" . The trumpet lilies were ok...some discoloration, but they bloomed out fine. And the gloriosas were shriveled with no eyes at all.

When I called the company, they were always very nice and helpful. I did end up receiving refunds on everything but the cannas and lilies, but still had to pay the shipping on all of it. I won't order from them again, because it seems their stock is just not that great. The catalog looks incredible, and it makes me want to buy everytime I look at it, but it's just not worth the trouble. The prices are really reasonable compared to PDN, but, you get what you pay for, and I'd much rather pay $20 for a full size plant that will definitely make it, than $7 for something that won't.

Of course the Alstroemerias and Gloriosas never did anything. The lilies bloomed, and the Stuttgart cannas didn't come back this year. Oh well, lesson learned.

I was running late with fall planting in a new bed, couldn't find any tulip bulbs in stores here, and found Brent and Becky's on the web. I was impressed by the selection even though I was so late in the year that many were not available. Nevertheless, I found a few varieties to fit my needs (and my imagination). By the time I ordered, one of the items I requested was out - but they called me right away to choose a replacement. They were prompt (I was slow).

My bulbs came looking healthy and robust... but we were in an early cold snap (below zero). I called for advice, and they recommended planting them as soon as the cold snap was over. They were really helpful on the phone, and gave me some tips to increase the likelihood of success despite the late date.

The cold snap got long, and I wound up planting the bulbs on New Year's Eve (in northern Montana!) under thick mulch that had kept the soil from freezing. Despite having kept the bulbs hanging around for 2 months, planting them sooo late, and generally not doing things they way I should have, I was presented this spring with a marvelous display of gorgeous, healthy, eye-catching tulips exactly as I had imagined and hoped for. I live on a somewhat busy street in a small town, and received many, many compliments about the beautiful tulips.

I will absolutely be ordering from Brent and Becky's again. I can't imagine buying tulips or other bulbs anywhere else after such a great experience!

I ordered some Casa Blanca lilies when they were having their summer sale and they are wonderful. I was afraid that it might be too late for them to get established for this summer but they are growing and ready to bloom soon! And boy, are those bulbs big and healthy!!

I placed an order last fall for the first time from them. Great bulbs. They arrived in great shape and all bloomed well this spring. I will definitely order from them again.

I ordered several different types of Lilies in late winter. Being in a cold zone, it was quite late before they were shipped. All of the Asiatics were large and lovely; two types of the Orientals were not nearly as nice or as large. Realizing that different bulbs can come in different sizes, this did not deter me; but I did phone immediately as one type of hybrid was smooshy- all of that type. They were very nice on the phone- said all of that type were really not so great that year and I could have a refund or they could go and sift through what was left to find me some better bulbs. I took the first option as it was getting a bit late to plant lilies in my yard. Anyway- what problems I did have were quickly resolved in a friendly manner. I only wish they had an early shipping option.

This was my first time to order from B & BB. I ordered about 40 crocosmia. Got an immediate reply, and bulbs arrived on time. Unfortunately, only about 1/3 have come up.

I've been ordering since 2003, when I bought a bunch of stargazers. Well, they are still doing marvelously in my garden with no maintenance except for the occasional aphid patrol.

I've been ordering tulip, daffodil, glad, canna & lilly bulbs since All the bulbs have been megasized, a couple bloomed a different color, but still so pretty & healthy.

The best part is how easy it is to contact them. I've had gardening questions that Brent &/or Becky have answered themselves - and they couldn't be nicer =)

Despite having surfed their website for awhile, I haven't placed any order with them until last week. Altogether I bought about 30 or 40 bulbs, couldn't remember - having too much fun clicing the "add to cart" buttons. :-)

The bulbs arrived in GREAT shape. The packaging was done superbly, and the differemt varieties were bagged and labeled clearly. No missing tags, no lose soil to mess with. Perfect.

Upon close inspection, I found a problem however - the bulbs appeared to be too healthy. I mean, the bulbs are huge. The lily bulbs are at least triple the sizes compared to the other bulbs (of the same kinds, some of them) from other nurseries. The dahlia tubers are plump. Are they insane? I emailed them a cheeky response. Their reply: "Yes we are insanely passionate about our plants."

Count me in as a repeat customer.

This spring I hosted a Co-op (group purchase) of Banana Cannas from Brent & Becky's. I placed the order for 75 bulbs by phone and the sales lady was very helpful. Before closing the order, I asked her if she knew the size of the bulbs to help me with shipping calculations from my house to the participants. She was kind enough to walk down to the warehouse and measure the approximate length then give me a call back.

The bulbs arrived exactly when I asked for them to. I opened the box to beautiful healthy bulbs that were sprouting before they could even be planted.

I would not hesitate to make another order with Brent & Becky's.

Fast shipping...great packing of plants.....reasonable prices.....what else do ya need? lol I have already placed 2 more orders and plan to keep going back! Thanks so much! :0)

Goodness, what can I say about this company? I have ordered from them for about five years now, and can't understand why I never visited Garden Watchdog to give them a positive rating! They are one of the best in the business and always deliver great plants and bulbs. I'm always drawn to them when it's time to start ordering and will continue in the future. Thanks for making all my experiences with you GOOD!!!

Received my two orders from B&B last week and I was delighted with the quality! The corms for the Calla lilies were substantial (some of the best I've ever bought) and the oriental/trumpet lily bulbs were equally impressive! Also, they contacted me about combing my two seperate orders (placed at least a month apart) so that I could save on shipping. I will glady do business with this fine, customer-oriented company in the future!

Just ordered Oriental lily bulbs. Good tracking info provided by email, well packaged, arrived promptly. I have ordered Oriental lillies from other places; I was very pleased with the quality and condition of the bulbs from Brent & Becky's. Very reasonably priced, reasonable shipping charges.

A few weeks ago, I ordered some Fall blooming bulbs (Autumn Crocus and a few varieties of large Allium). I was pleasantly surprised that I got 10% off my order for paying immediately -- which I was fully prepared to do anyway, but a very nice touch which makes me think I'll go back and grab a few other things. A few days ago, I ordered 40 Casa Blanca Lily's and they showed up today from UPS. Honestly, I was shocked at how huge and healthy to find my bulbs. Also included was a brief handwritten thank you note and happy gardening note and a Culturural Instruction booklet with tips for all types of bulbs, soil conditions and zone info. This place is on top of the ball with their knowledge, quality products, customer service accessibility and a very efficient and easy to use website. Thank you B&B!!!!

I purchased, from Brent and Becky's, 250-300 daffodil bulbs a couple years ago and planted them along side my berm. I wish I could post their picture here because they put on the most beautiful display in the neighborhood. I purchased different bloom time bulbs and they began blooming the second week in April and are still blooming.

I ordered quite a few oriental lilies, a daylily, some dahlias and gladioli. Shipment was well packed, bulbs all identified well, and in excellent shape. I will definitely order from B&B again.

Purchased and planted a few hundred tulip bulbs from them in the fall. They all came up and bloomed beautifully. Nice, healthy bulbs. Great results!

I was pretty disappointed receiving an email a couple of weeks ago from this supplier letting me know that the cannas I purchased from them was not available. If I had known at the time I placed the order, I would have purchased it from another source. Now, it is too late, and other sources are sold out, and I will have to wait another year before I can grow this plant. I realize that sometimes their vendor does not come through on their end, so hopefully this is a one time issue.

I am presently enjoying my tulips from the bulbs I ordered last year (2005) from Brent and Becky. I used the pre-order in May and received the 5% discount. I placed my order using their online catalogue. I ordered T.'Easter Moon' and T.'Acropolis', 50 of each. They sent out the bulbs in the Fall at the proper planting time for my area, and I planted them shortly after recieving them. The bulbs I recieved were large and healthy looking. The resulting tulips from those bulbs are just perfect. I will certainly order again from Brent and Becky.

Received my order this week and was very pleased. My bulbs were nice size and firm. Packaged well with great planting instructions. Also ordered hedychium (Plant). Wow!I have never seen such excellent packaging! The plant arrived in pristine shape. Not a bit of damage during shipping . Arrived approximately 18 inches tall with many healthy green leaves, some ready to unfurl and 2 new shoots coming off the main bulb. Also, Meg who pkged my order jotted a cute little note "Plant with Love." I'm very happy with my experience with Brent and Becky's and certainly feel like I got my moneys worth. Can't wait to receive their fall catalogue!

Gardeners who love to garden: That's who runs the Brent and Becky business. I have been ordering from mail order suppliers for years to stock my garden with all the things I've always dreamed of, and I have seen some great companies and some awful ones. Any Green Thumb knows the best plants and bulbs are ordered in the mail. And although I expect an occasional mistake, I have not stumbled on one yet from B&B. Last week I placed an order that included double tuberoses, which I grow every year. Becky called me to ask if I would like to order single tuberoses because they're out of doubles. Now, I can tell you that there is only one other company that ever bothered picking up a phone to discuss what I would like to do about substitutes. It's not profitable and it takes a lot of time and trouble. So I appreciate those phone calls. I would hate to get the rest of the order and find no tuberoses, then try to place another order after they'd run out of singles as well. But that won't happen. Because Becky bothered to call me on the phone and talk to me.

So I love ordering from this company. It's not a multinational corporation; it does not send out millions of flyers with silly ad copy written by a phantom Amos the Gardener on Madison Avenue; and B&B probably makes less money as a result. But like an old country store, this little business makes money that old fashioned way. Those of us who love the way earth feels as you tend your adored garden, we do love to stop and smell those roses, do an honest day's work, and do business with people just like us. Brent and Becky are good old fashioned Gardeners' Gardeners. I love that.

I was VERY happy with my order from Brent & Becky's. I ordered and received last fall, and since I hadn't decided where I wanted to plant them, I just stored in my basement over the winter. I have them all started now, and they are doing terrific. The bulbs were very robust and healthy, exceptionally clean, and their service and communication is top notch. One very happy customer who wouldn't hesitate to order again.

Sandy

Fabulous! My order was shipped yesterday, it arrived today. Four packages of 5 lilies each, all of them HUGE. Most of them are in the process of dividing already, it's astounding. They're all sound and healthy, not any shrivelling going on - they seriously look like they were just dug up yesterday.

I'm totally impressed by the service I've received from Brent & Becky's, especially after the horrors I've been going through recently with another garden site. If they've got the thing I want, I'll probably order it from them.

Wow.

B & B's is a great garden resource! When I search the net for a company that carries a plant that caught my attention I'm very happy when B & B's has it.
I know I will receive it at the proper time and the plant will be viable.They have been consistent and trustworthy for me.

I've been a customer of Brent and Becky's for a few years now and this spring, I placed a wholesale order and was very pleased with what I received.

I ordered several rhizomes of Bletilla and I was very surprised and delighted to see multiple growths on the small roots. They were properly treated and stored well for shipping and planted immediately. They are already coming up in the greenhouse getting ready for spring sales!

My order also consisted of Zantedeschia 'Black Star'. I was expecting quarter size corms since it's a fairly "new" and much sought after cultivar, but I was blown away by the large golfball size corms that were very plump, again properly treated and ready for planting.

Excellent quality and service!

We have purchased from Brent & Becky's bulbs every year since they reappeared (and from Daffodil Mart before that). They have always been responsive to problems. The few times that bulbs arrived spoiled or failed to come up, they gave us a store credit on the next purchase. We're anxiously awaiting the 2006 catalog and hope they bring back the Empress of Ireland daffodil!