Comments regarding Breck's Bulbs

Our church youth participated in a fundraiser with Breck's. We received the bulbs on Oct. 26, 2001. They are a nice quality and were glad to finally get them

In the Spring of 2001 I placed an order with Breck's for bulbs to be received for fall planting. I received a letter from them on 10/15/2001 telling me that my account in the amount of $132 was past due and they were sure I had received my shipment by now. I was totally taken back by this letter because I had not received any shipments from them. I tried calling them for hours and only received a busy signal. Yesterday, October 25, 2001, the mail person delivered a box of bulbs, much to my surprise. When the box was opened, the moldy odor was very strong. I pulled out the invoice enclosed and noticed it was dated 9/8/01. The post office has advised me that this box was not sitting around for a month and a half and that more than likely, Brecks processed the order but did not mail the bulbs until recently. I spent another couple of hours trying to reach them by phone and still get a busy signal. I now find out that they have filed bankruptcy. I guess I will just send them a letter and tell them the above circumstances and request a credit on my account. It probably won't happen but it is worth a try. I certainly will not pay for moldy bulbs and I will now only buy my bulbs and flowers from local nurseries.

I have had wonderful turnout from all orders with Spring Hill and Brecks. I have ordered a variety of Roses, Ivy, Creeping Mertyle, and many others from Spring Hill and Several collections of bulbs including tulips from Brecks. All have come up beautifully and made it through our sometimes not-so-springy springtime. I have just received another order of over 200bulbs and have always received any bonuses that were promised. I will continue to be a loyal, very satisfied customer of Spring Hill and Brecks. Good prices and lots of bang for your buck!!

I just received my order from Brecks (10/25/01). They were in good shape and arrived in time for planting.

I have been ordering bulbs from Breck's for over 15 years and this is the first time I had a problem. I always received my bulbs in time for fall planting and have been very satisfied with the product. I really am terribly disappointed this year.

I have been doing business with Breck's, Springhill, and Michigan Bulb since the fall of 1999. I have spent several thousands of dollars in the last couple of years. I am proud to say that my complaints have been very few and those few have always been taken care of in a very professional manner. This means 100% replacements, very friendly and helpful customer service, and timely shipments and replacements. I was surprised to learn that all three companies all belonged to the same parent company. I feel very saddened by this loss, seeing as the only other company I have ordered from is Jackson Perkins. I really loved Breck's buy now pay later program. You were never obligated to pay a cent until you had received and inspected your order. To me this was peace of mind. If you weren't satisfied all you had to do was call. No extra postage to send back dead plants, just a call and your word, kind of like the old days. I miss those days. I was unaware that they were going out of business until a couple of days ago. I am truly even more impressed in learning this. I placed two orders with Springhill for $150 and another order with Breck's for $216, to be shipped for fall planting, and considering the fact that they have went bankrupt I still received all three orders the last part of last week and hadn't paid the first penny on any of them. Now if that isn't professionalism I don't know what is. I'll truly miss this company as will every one that I have shared flowers with. I ordered 250 tulips from them last fall and they really outdid themselves this spring. When I dug them up this week, I have my original 250 bulbs, plus approximately 250 offspring which I have given to my mom, aunts, and sister. I hope I have half the good luck with the next place I order from!!! If I order from another place!

Just received my long awaited bulbs from Brecks. Was worried about them but they arrived in plenty of time to plant before ground freezes.

When I heard about the bankruptcy, I assumed that I'd never receive the bulbs I ordered from Breck's last spring for fall planting. Yesterday in the mail, however, I received my full shipment plus their 2002 spring catalog. My mother also received all of the bulbs she ordered. (The flyers in the box also included some offers from Springhill, so I guess they're not out of business either.)

I am so glad that Brecks and Springhill are continuing their work in view of their parent corporation's bankruptcy. I have gardened since I could crawl and am now 40 so you can just imagine the experiences I have in the wonderful world of digging in the dirt. No human in the world can get 100% bloomage from plants. Gardening is 1 part bust your buns and 9 parts prayer. So many factors come into play and not all can ever be fully guaranteed. In view of this I deeply appreciate a company willing to replace, refund or substitute on the word of the customer alone. Keep up the good work guys. Oh, and just to let you know all my coworkers also love your products. So keep on shipping those catalogs, about the only extras in the mailbox I don't toss out nowadays.

This is our second year ordering from Brecks and I would not recommend them to anyone at this point. I didn't have half of my bulbs bloom from last year. I called in the Spring and I still haven't received them to plant for the spring. I was stupid and placed another order not thinking anything would happen. Apparently they are still in business just not answering their phones. We received bulbs 2 weeks ago and then again yesterday (13 Oct). And well, some of them need to be replaced. If anyone knows how to get a hold of this company I would really appreciate an email. But, so far they owe me about $50 in replacement bulbs. This is the last time I order from a company like this. I think I will stay with our local nursery's for our bulbs in the future!!!! Regardless of the "LIFETIME WARRANTY"

I never thought I would add my complaint about Brecks bankruptcy. I lost $48.82. I was wondering why the bulbs did not arrive. I had good luck with them. I thought they were very expensive and by accident while shopping I discovered beautiful Dutch Bulbs for a great price. Also a huge variety. I went nuts and bought $150.00 worth of bulbs and now I am glad I did. I received the card yesterday with the bankruptcies on them. I called to no avail. I am sorry for everyone who lost out.

I just received a nasty surprise today form my bank when my rent check bounced. Turns out I was charged $82.92 for an order from Brecks - one I did NOT purchase. I last purchased form this company around March or May, and spent quite a bit of money for a dead garden. I now have to wait up to 90 days for the bank to clear this matter up. I have been trying for 3 HOURS to get through to SOMEONE at the company and have received a busy signal. To say I am highly upset is an understatement: I want my money, my account closed, and I want it done YESTERDAY!

On Friday, I called the 800# on the Breck's catalogue. The woman that answered was very nasty with me but did say that mySeasons was purchased by someone else that is supposed to honor fall orders. I told her the book that I used to order looks like Breck's so she appeared to be trying to look up my order with no success of course. I'll just have to wait and see if anything comes. I realize I'll never get my money back but it was worth a shot. No more ordering from catalogues and internet for me unless I really know the company.

I got a refund check from Brecks in June 2001 for bulbs which did not grow. I deposited the check and it was returned to my bank unpaid. Tried to contact Brecks for over 2 months by phone, website. Finally, after I received a collection notice from them for $6.00 for products I never even received, by certified letter with a copy to my lawyer. Lo and behold, 2 wks later in late Sept 2001, my bulbs were on my doorstep. Am I paying them for these bulbs? Not on your life, they owed me over $45.00 from my last refund! I sent them a very nice thank you letter letting them know I will not pay for the bulbs and they now owe me only $19.00. Live and learn and spread the word, these people don't deserve to stay in business.

Just checked my account this past Friday and learned that Breck's has debited my account for the bulbs I ordered months ago. I have tried to call the 800 number and the direct number, but all I get is a busy signal. I read where they have new ownership.

I ordered from Brecks at the beginning of this year and was expecting an order of tulip bulbs to come this fall sometime. I logged on and could not find any information about my order. I found this web site and had decided that I wasn't going to be getting my bulbs and that I was out my money. To my surprise, I went home that day and they were here. They did send along a couple of small catalogs to order out of too. I would like to order more, but I think I will wait just a bit at this time.

Well, it looks like Brecks is mailing orders! I've received a notice that I have a package from them at the Post Office. The problem is that when I learned that Foster and Gallagher filed for bankruptcy, I assumed that I wouldn't be getting anything that I ordered. So, of course, I ordered similar items from other companies! Since I ordered everything previously from myseasons.com and not the individual catalogs, I don't know what's coming and what isn't. What a mess, I'll probably end up with twice as much as I wanted!

Hi, I ordered some bulbs from Breck's in April, spent about $150.00. I later heard that they filed for bankruptcy, so I just assumed I was out of luck. Well to my surprise yesterday, I received my bulbs. They were beautiful and they seemed to have all new catalogs with them. I'm very impressed and I probably would order from them again if I were sure they are back in business.

My mother in Alabama has been ordering bulbs - mostly tulips, daffodils, and crocus - from Breck's for at least twenty years. During that time her garden has always been lovely, barring freak ice storms and hail. Of course, she knows what she's doing and doesn't expect Breck's, or their bulbs, to compensate for improperly prepared beds, unseasonable weather, or an inexperienced gardener.

I just found your website; all I was trying to do was find the brecks website to order their catalogue as I have not received one this year and I have an $80 credit with them.Yes - I too am a victim of the Brecks so-called customer service and I think this website is a great idea for consumers to read and be aware or beware the pitfalls of mail-order bulbs. I quit Michigan Bulb company years ago after consistent bad products and customer service. Springhill was next - their products were superior but they cost too much and were not hardy enough for the climate I lived in (Memphis) hardly any of their products survived. I moved to Maine and ordered from Breck's last year for fall bulb planting. I received the order in late October after calling about the order twice. I could not plant them in the ground when they finally arrived as it was frozen and had a foot of snow on it. After Thanksgiving, we had a thaw and I planted a few hardy crocus and tulips to see what would happen. I put the rest of the bulbs in my refrigerator as recommended by customer service - who also assured me I would get a refund if I was not happy with the results. I planted the rest of the bulbs in late April - it was a hard winter and the ground was still snow covered by mid-May. As you can guess nothing came up!! I wrote Brecks about my refund and got no answer for several months. A couple of days ago I received a postcard from Brecks informing me that I had an $80 credit - I specifically asked them for a refund - no credit! It looks to me like I am out a lot of hard-earned money. I am so disgusted with them.

I just found out about the Bankruptcy filing of these companies. How funny that I keep getting harassed about an already paid bill (and threatened with collection) and no wonder that when I call or try to write for an explanation, there isn't anyone who can correct this.

Well now I understand the constant busy signal I have gotten for the last 3 weeks. They owe me a refund and I wanted to ask about it. Guess I know the answer to that question. I hate losing the $60-$70 refund I was promised for failed plants...but in all honesty I hate losing the source for plants that are guaranteed. I have had 2 more plants fail since I talked to them regarding the last refunds promised because they could not replace the plants; scratch those too huh! I found that even though it was inconvenient when something did not make it they were always very good about standing behind their guarantee. And in general I found the quality good as far as size etc. At least with Brecks/Springhill I received answers. Although bankruptcy was not one of the answers I sought. I really hate to see them go out of business. But...from what I gather they were part of Michigan bulb which I stopped dealing with years ago because of the poor quality, lack of customer service and ignoring letters regarding refunds.I guess all in all if they were affiliated with Michigan Bulb I was lucky to get the quality and service I did from them.

I have ordered from Brecks several times and have had FABULOUS results. You should see my Dinnerplate Dahlia's - a full 10" bloom with the most vibrant colors. People who drive by my house and see me outside cutting my enormous flowers stop to ask me what kind they are and where can they get some. The kids in my neighborhood are always asking if they can have one to take home to the moms. My tulips the first year were fantastic - the squirrels and rabbits thought so, too - ate every one of my tulip bulbs, not a one to be found. But I ordered more and this time I'll be watching for the thieving varmints. Asiatic Lily's???? Gorgeous - and tons of flowers too. Each bulb gives me 15 - 30 flowers every year and they last for a very long time. I will continue to shop at Brecks for as long as they'll let me…this coming from a woman who knows diddly squat about gardening and flowers. Planting and care instructions provided were informative, giving me the chance to grow such beautiful things in my yard - WAY TO GO BRECKS!!!

I, too, like another writer started out brand new with planting flowers in 1999. My method was "plant and hope". I liked the looks of Breck's flowers and ordered some. In spite of NY state's perverse weather, all the flowers came up beautiful. And continue to do so. I have received a lot of compliments on them, and in 1 particular case, I cut some of my prettiest tulips and gave them to my mother on her birthday. She later told me they didn't start fading until almost 2 weeks later. I haven't tried any other company, nor will I. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

I would recommend mail ordering roses from Breck's. But learn you garden, your zone and all the little quirks about your garden, believe me there are many.

I am stunned by the news of Brecks parent company filing for bankruptcy, and will sadly miss both Brecks and Michigan Bulb. I have ordered over 2,000 bulbs from Brecks over the last three years, and have been very satisfied with the results! I even won a blue ribbon at this year's ADS Daffodil Show in Gloucester, with their Tahiti double daffodil! Michigan bulb offered a bulb basket for tulips that was the only answer to the mole/vole problem we have here in Southern Virginia, and I will sadly miss the availability of those products

I just stumbled on this site. I have ordered thousands of dollars from Springhill and Brecks, and have had absolutely the best luck with their plants. I always recommend them to my friends who ask where I get my great plants. Their guarantee is the best. Their plants have always arrived in great shape, and bloom beautifully. Anything that has died (I'm not the best green thumb), they have replaced without question, usually with more than the exact replacement. I had a daylily collection of which only about 50% survived, after being planted too late--and they sent me a whole complete new collection. They even replaced tulips that never bloomed (my fault), TWO years after the fact. I am disappointed to hear they are in bankruptcy.

I love Springhill and Brecks. I have been ordering at least $100 in product every year for the last six years since I moved into our new home. I have learned at lot from trial and error and my home now looks wonderful. The plants arrived in fine condition and take a while to grow but they are well worth the price in the long run. I am terribly disappointed they are out of business and don't know where I will get my plants now.

I am among the satisfied buyers of Breck's (Canadian site). I ordered for 2 years in a row, their bulbs are great and flowered profusely.

I've ordered from Breck's for years, and although a few times I've received unfavorable bulbs, I always received immediate help and either replacement or refund. Bad bulbs were very rare though. I have an acre of land with beautiful plants adorning the north, south, east, and west gardens. I am very pleased with Breck's and will continue to purchase my bulbs there. As a matter of fact, I will be in the garden tomorrow planting my latest order, summer blooming daffodils.

Until last fall I have had success with Breck's. I ordered a lot of bulbs, all of which were fine when they arrived - except for three giant alliums (there were only six in the order), which were covered with fungus and quite rotted. I returned the three bulbs with a letter asking that they be replaced, and sent a copy of the letter to Customer Service. I received no bulbs and no reply from Customer Service. I think perhaps Brecks has gotten too big for its britches.

I have been ordering from Brecks for over 10 years and have had great results. One year there was a problem with the humidity or temperature in the container they were shipped in. They notified me by phone to look at the bulbs that I had received and yes they were bad, They promptly refunded my money for the whole collection. As I write I have over 100 tulips blooming in my front planter. I have highly recommended Brecks for years.

I have been ordering from Breck's and occasionally Spring Hill for the last 10 years or better. I have been amazed at the generally consistent quality of the products. Springhill is by far the more difficult, part of this is that they handle root plants and these don't withstand the wait I sometimes put them through. I have had relatively good luck with the plants. Admittedly some of the collections of root plants have clumps which are small and the blooming in the first year is sparse, but the price is quite attractive on these special offers. My response from customer service is always "What would you like to do?" Sometimes I replace and sometimes I order a different item. It never seems to matter to them. I receive what I have requested. The tulip bulbs and the iris have been quite hardy. I take a no fussing approach to gardening and still have had excellent results. I even have taking to planting the bulbs (not rhizomes) a full 6 inches deep regardless of type and leaving them in since frost here does not reach that level. Even with not following the instructions closely I have good to excellent results. I have on occasion ordered glads from them on special order and have been quite well pleased with these also. I must admit that I haven't seen these collections for several years now. I just placed an order today and planted several things from them last year. I find them to be a good source for succulent plants. I normally do not choose to shop for bushes or trees from mail order since I prefer to see conformation and strength and know the age of the plant before buying. When I buy from other sources I get no guarantee and therefore shopping with them is money saving in the long run when things don't go as planned. It is easy to complain, but spending money and having no recourse if quality isn't there is just shall we say ill advised. To clarify any cloudiness about references to these companies let it be said that Breck's is a bulb company and handles bulbs, tubers, and rhizomes. It's sister company is Springhill who specialize in root plants and some fibrous root plants.Springhill also carries some bushes and shrubs. My comments above can be read with this in mind and should become quite clear. Both companies have given me good service when I request replacement and never question if my poor judgment in planting location or care could have been the problem. The results I have had with each company are comparable and I tend to look at them as almost one. I will even call one for the service number of the other and get customer friendly referral.

Breck's is great

The first thing that prompted me to order from Breck's (besides their beautiful catalog) was the offer to order now and pay later after the bulbs had arrived. That sounded good to me!! Even though they do send you an invoice before the order arrives, they have no problem waiting for payment until after the order has come, and the customer has had time to examine it. The invoice actually serves as a reminder to me that I placed the order, as I tend to forget!! This past summer (early summer) I received one of their catalogs and ordered about 100 tulip bulbs. True to form, I forgot about it when the bulbs arrived, and of course, did not have a spot ready in which to plant them. The bulbs looked healthy so I figured they could wait a little until I had time to get them in the ground. (I live in north-central Georgia.) Five months later I discovered the box of bulbs under a planting bench and figured this order would have to be a write-off. The bulbs still looked generally healthy though so, what the hey, let's just plant them and pretend they're okay. Well, I think every one of those bulbs has not only survived but looks great pushing out of the soil. I really don't think they'll bloom this year as I planted them waaaaay after time for this area, but I am thrilled they even survived after MY neglect of them.No mail order company bats 1000! Yes, I will order from Brecks again. And yes, I will probably stick the order away somewhere because I don't have the spot ready yet. Oh, and as for things growing a different color than expected, with some of these beautiful new hybrids, it is very difficult to maintain a new color because they will readily revert to an ancestor plant, and different soils will give different results. May your bulbs always bloom and may your weeds be few.

I too ordered a collection from them, and did not receive it, and did not receive a refund.

Color me disappointed. The several hundred bulbs that arrived from Brecks were only of so-so quality, many were rather puny, and the resulting blooms were average at best. Not at all like the gushing descriptions in the catalogue. The bulbs I got at Costco of all places were bigger, better and less than half the price. Go figure! And since that one Breck's order the catalogues have been arriving thick and fast. Sorry, the "Michigan Bulb Company" looks too much like a cheesy sweepstakes brochure. Anyway, I won't be biting again.

I rate Breck's with five stars. My bulb garden is absolutely beautiful because of Breck's Bulbs -- they have been multiplying every year. I live on Long Island, N.Y. and never had a problem with them. I can't believe the comments I am reading about Brecks.

I placed an order from Breck's in August. It is now October 29, 2000 in Colorado and to date I have not received my bulbs. I would like to get out and plant them before the real cold and snow arrives. I have already received my bill (they're quite prompt on that) but no bulbs. I would not recommend anyone ordering from this company. This is not my first time ordering with them. Each time the bulbs either don't come up or they arrive too late to plant. They're catalog is a great selling point for them. Stay away from Breck's if you want to plant bulbs at your pace.