Comments regarding Santa Rosa Gardens

I gave SRG a try because they had so many good reviews. However, when I saw their prices, I felt it had to be too good to be true and they must send little seedlings. I was so surprised when my first order arrived. Great packing, and nice sized healthy plants. SRG is a great find and I am redoing the garden beds with much of their product. The 80% sale forced me to do that because I ordered so many plants! :)

Only 2 things I would have loved to see: Jack In The Pulpit and Yucca, this way I could just do one stop shopping. Their customer service rep, Jude is great to deal with and she answers your questions promptly.

As with any mail order company some plants just don't make it to your home in good shape, and I notified Jude and the replacements were sent, no questions asked. Now I now why they are one of the top companies on this web site!

I have ordered several times from Santa Rosa gardens. they always excel in quality of plants, packing, shipping and COST. I just ordered about 15+ plants from their year end sale. All of the plants were good size, healthy, well packed and shipped quickly. I have nothing but great things to say about Santa Rosa.My only suggestion is to add more rare plants/tropicals to their list, then I won't have to shop from 10 different places. I could just get most of my plants from Santa Rosa Gardens :-)

Shina , San diego

Great prices, fantastic customer service, well-established and healthy plants. They're my favorite place to order from!
When a plant died, they were very willing to replace it or give me a refund. I think very highly of them and will continue to buy most of my plants here.

I just received my first order from Santa Rosa Gardens, and I was blown away! The plants are large and healthy. The packaging is superb. The end-of-season prices were fantastic. Regular prices are very good, too, especially considering the size and quality of plants compared to other mail order companies. I've sworn off mail ordering plants several times in the past, but I'm so happy with the 47 plants I just received that I ordered 37 more. Santa Rosa Gardens is now my go-to mail order company.

Posted on July 11, 2012, updated July 19, 2012
Santa Rosa was recommended to me on the Coneflower forum -- bonus, there was a clearance sale going on for coneflowers. I ordered 8 different ones. When they arrived, some had flowers on them, an unexpected surprise. Superlative packaging, not a single broken leaf or stem, soil in pots, everything neat and orderly and lush. Their flat-rate shipping is fabulous... and encouraged me to keep adding to my order. Sneaky.

The plants are nice, not fabulous, but I didn't expect fabulous for 4 bucks. However I tapped one out of its little pot and saw lovely root structures. They were a bit dry --- NOT their fault as we've had terribly hot weather lately -- and they weren't completely parched. So I'm giving them a nice bottom drink of Super Thrive and have the bed ready to plant tomorrow.

I am VERY happy with my first order from Santa Rosa. So much so that I went back and placed an order for 15 ornamental grasses.

As another reviewer said their prices seem too good to be true, especially the sales.....what great deals. The plants were bigger than I expected for the price. I placed 3 or 4 orders this year (probably around 100 plants total) and even with this extremely hot weather we are having here everything is doing well. Will definitely order again.

I received another order from Santa Rosa Gardens. One of the plants wasn't doing well when it arrived and before the weekend was over, didn't look like it would live. On Monday, I called Customer Service, the plant was mailed out the next day and arrived before the week was out, happy and healthy. I have ordered several times from Santa Rosa. This is the first time I have ever had a problem with anything I received from Santa Rosa and I couldn't ask for a easier recovery from a problem. Other online plant vendors should take a lesson from them in customer service, packaging and quality of plants. Keep up the good work, Santa Rosa. A very happy customer!

I am very pleased with my plants from Santa Rosa Gardens.
All plants I purchased were healthy and beautiful. They all were carefully packed too.
My favorite this time was Lavender Provence.
The quality of plants were excellent and prices were great! I will definitely be ordering from them again.

Posted on June 18, 2011, updated June 22, 2012
I was really pleased with the quality of the plants I received. I ordered 4 echinacea and they were out of one so sent me two in it's place! They were very large and healthy and one was blooming. The packaging was excellent. Will definitely buy from again.

I have ordered for my nursery from Emerald Coast Growers over the years, always satisfied. This year I noticed they had teamed up with Terra Nova! How wonderful for us nursery people.

I also have gardens of my own, and needed some new plants for those gardens, and I saw the rave reviews for Santa Rosa. Then I noticed it seemed Santa Rosa and Emerald Coast carried the same plants.

Surprise, they are owned by the same person, Paul Babikow (co-owner). I have spoken with Mr. Babikow personally years past, and a more helpful person can not be found. So I knew Santa Rosa would be good.

And I was right. My order was just fantastic. Beautiful plants, wonderful packing, delivery right on time. The best!

I honestly do not know how they can sell plants for the prices they do.

I am so pleased with buying my plants from Santa Rose Gardens. They are by far the best online nursery on the internet. After my first purchase just to try them out, I have been a repeat customer.

Their plants arrived in large 4" pots, the quality of their plants are excellent, and they ship ASAP and mean it!! They also take care in packing and wrapping their plants so they arrive undamaged. Love this company and will buy only from them.

Joann, Fremont, CA

Wow, what can I say, The plants where shipped on Monday and they arrived on Wednesday. From Florida to Washington State in three days, now that's fast. And, to top it off they added a free gift of another plant. Now that is service. Thanks for everything. You guys are the greatest!

Santa Rosa Gardens....my new favorite nursery! Beautiful plants...good sized and healthy. Customer service is 5 star all the way and shipping is reasonable and fast. Just placed a second order since they have a fantastic sale going on right now.

Karen

After receiving my second order from Santa Rosa I thought it was about time I wrote my positive feedback down for others to read.

Since I was redoing an entire yard I needed a lot of plants. I have used online nurseries before and have always been happy, but after my usual online nursery raised their prices drastically I had to find something more wallet friendly for large orders. After looking on Garden Watchdog I found Santa Rosa. Needless to say I have found my new "go-to" nursery for all my garden needs.

After placing a large order last fall for spring shipment I have to say I was a difficult customer (probably changed my mind, and in turn my order, at least 5 times). Jude at customer service though was always super pleasant and easy to deal with. There was never a complaint, delay, or even sigh with all my changes. Customer service is super important to me and I think too many companies take this for granted. Santa Rosa is tops in this department!

Then it came to the actual shipment and plants. Man was I impressed with their shipping technique. individual "socks" around each plant to try to keep all leaves, stems, grass shoots etc in place and soil from getting all over the place. On top of that each plant was individually wrapped in moist paper. Although it took a while to unwrap everything (~50+ plants in my order) there was not one dry branch in the lot and loose soil was almost non existent. Definitely best shipping method I have come across from mail order nurseries.

Finally, and again something very important to me, the warranty. Gardening is my favorite hobby, but it can very frustrating when you spend money on plants that for one reason or another die and then you are left with an empty spot in your garden bed and less money in your pocket. Sure your local Home Depot or the like may have a warranty, but man is it a pain to try to find that receipt and the bring back a giant ball of dirt to customer service to try to get an exchange. I have lost a total of 3 plants out of my 60+ ordered at this point and getting a replacement was as simple as an email explanation followed by a shipping date confirmation. Doesn't get any easier than that!

Now for the fun part of watching all these plants grow and mature over the next couple years. I will definitely be back!

Wow! What beautiful plants! I am very impressed with their quality and shipping/packaging. I will definitely keep this site bookmarked for any future needs.

WOW, what service!!! My original order was placed 3/26/12, ordered 9 ornamental grasses, it took about 1 week to arrive. I contacted customer service 5/05/12 via email to inform them, 2 didn't make it and a 3rd one was barely holding on. I received replacements for all 3 on 5/10/12 and they are bigger and stronger than my originals! I couldn't believe it! I'm very skeptical about online nurseries due to horrible experiences in the past, but Santa Rosa Gardens has earned my trust--Don't be afraid to order from them!

I ordered 6 plants last year. After a weird winter and spring, two didn't make it. Asked about returns and almost instantly got an email telling when the replacements would be shipped! I was impressed when I got the plants and even more impressed with their customer service. I hope I can find some more room so I can order more plants. Selection is great, packing was as well and the customer service? Well, it was outstanding! Other than the few annuals I think from here out, this is where I will purchase my plants.

This is my third or fourth experience with Santa Rosa Gardens, and, with one minor exception, all plants survived the trip from CA to TX splendidly. The year one plant appeared sickly upon arrival, and after unsuccessful attempts to revive it, a newly patented Dancing Dolls salvia, the staff without hesitation shipped another at no extra cost to me. I heartily recommend Santa Rosa Gardens without qualifications!

Hi folks @ Santa Rosa Gardens! I received my Heuchera order yesterday & all three boxes arrived safely and all my plants were healthy and unharmed.

I've purchased H. Encore from you before & they have all performed extremely well in my 5a garden that I had to have more. Also excited about H. Dark Chocolate & H. Stainless Steel, which are new varieties to me, so can't wait to put them in their new homes.

Thanks much again for the beautiful plants & will most definitely be ordering from you again!!!

Posted on May 2, 2008, updated April 26, 2012
Just received my first order from Santa Rosa Gardens. Best packing I have ever seen--each grass in a mesh sleeve (reusable for bulbs, etc.) and individually wrapped in heavy brown paper. Incredible selection of grasses, great prices, fast shipment. And by the way--very, very nice plants. This will be one of the first places I look for anything I want.

This is the first time ordering from this provider and I am very happy with my purchase. My plants came well packaged ( Delphiniums, Helleborus, Echinacea and Dianthus) but one of the plants, the Echinacea Pow Pow had a couple of bruised leaves. I am fully aware that there are risks associated with any plants getting delivered by mail so a couple of bruised leaves will sometimes happen. All in all, the plants look healthy, the delivery time took 2-3 days after shipping. I have ordered online before from another provider and this is the first time that I feel 100% confident and happy with the selection. I had ordered crocuses even if it is not the proper time, since they only ship in the fall and were out of one of the types of crocuses I requested, they sent me extra bulbs at no charge. It makes the consumer feel appreciated and I have already placed a second order with them which I am hoping to receive next week.

I wish there was a "neutral plus" category, because I'm not completely satisfied.

I ordered a dwarf banana along with about a dozen other plants. They came very well packaged, but the banana, the most fragile plant of them all (really the only one with leaves), was at the bottom of this big box. The leaves were all crushed and bruised. Also, the sedum sieboldii came looking just sad, with only a few greens poking up.

I called right away, thinking I wouldn't get a quick response during this busy season, but they called back right away (although I wasn't able to pick up). The message said the banana would be okay, and that I could even cut back the bruised leaves, but ALL the leaves were bruised pretty badly, and I wasn't about to cut off all the leaves. They said they were sold out and wouldn't be able to get me a replacement. It's growing so fast now and producing new leaves that I don't think the bruised leaves will hurt it badly, but I do wish it had been packaged more carefully.

They said the sedum sieboldii was just coming out of dormancy and that's why it looked the way it did. When I took the sedum out of the pot, I noticed that it didn't have a nicely developed root system, like all the other sedums I'd ordered. I'm going to give it a couple of more weeks, but it's looking awfully puny in its new pot.

The good thing is that the phlox and the other sedums I ordered were very healthy. I ordered a couple of May Night salvias that had some yellowing bottoms leaves. One of them looked much healthier, with a lot of new growth, and the other one looked a little less robust, but they both had good roots.

I have ordered online from this company several times. I always receive prompt service. I am notified via email of when to expect shipment and EVERY plant they ship me comes in great condition and there is never a mix-up. They carry a great selection, and usually offer better bargains. All the plants arrive healthy and the perfect size for transplanting. Pricing is very reasonable and when I contact them with any question or concern, they take the time to call/email me in a prompt fashion... even on Sundays.

Love this company, they have a return customer in me.

Easy online ordering, plants well-packed, and arrived in good condition, at a perfect stage of development. They weren't root-bound at all.

This was my first order with this company. WOW!!! I was truly impressed with their shipping, packaging, and plants. I received their email of shipment yesterday and received the plants today.........
They came in unbelievable packaging and all look in great condition. Also the information they included and the gift was a surprise, and appreciated.

I will be placing more orders with Santarosa Gardens.

Deborah Hessler

Posted on April 27, 2011, updated March 7, 2012
I just recieved my Santa Rosa order of grasses, (with a few discounted Dianthus for good measure.) The plants arrived VERY FAST- the next day after shipping!- and in wonderful condition. The grasses are healthy and of the appropriate size for the container. As expected, the Dianthus from the Bargain Bench do look a little rough, but I have no doubt they will thrive in the garden. For $1.99, you can't do better! Great job guys- I am very pleased with my order.

Last year ordered the pink Mulhy ornamental grass..Was very impressed on the size of the plants & how well plants were wrapped in netting & then each wrapped in brown paper...The plants flourished well...I was able to baby them about a month & then had to leave for months at a time due to being in the Merchant Marines...Unfortunately missed the blooming as was on the lakes, but neighbor said they were beautiful...Thank goodness we had a very mild winter as I'm in zone 5 & wasn't sure if they would winter well...They appear to be ok thus far..Thank you Santa Rosa for being a top notch Company!

I bought several ornamental grasses last year. They were well packed and beautiful. All winter I have watched their delicate plumes sway in the wind. Hats off to a great company!

I had ordered several times and never a problem. Fast and dependable shipping. I usually order things I can't find around town and I am glad there are still people around who care about customer service. Nice plants and packed well.

Great Company. Good pricing, size and packaging. I have ordered from them many times. Very good. Keep up the good work we need many online vendors like this company.

I heard about the end of the year sale at S.R, and went to check out garden watchdog for review. Based on all the prior reviews, I thought I would give them a shot (end of year clearance prices were great.) They had some native grasses that are hard to find, and some other goodies that I couldn't resist. Everything came in right away, they sent emails letting me know the tracking numbers and the plants arrived healthy and in great condition. I would love to see their operations because they've got it down. Well done, you've earned yourself another happy customer.

I placed a small order to Santa Rosa gardens for 6 or so plants yet was very impressed. They shipped the box the next day, and all the plants were healthy. The $1.99 Veronicas were in very small peat pots that had dried out. However, I was able to soak them in water and the plants revived well. Yes, the Veronicas were spindly but will be fine next year. All in all, a great experience and I will order more next Spring!

Posted on April 27, 2011, updated November 5, 2011
Dear Santa Rosa Gardens:



I have ordered many plants from you and they've always performed great, however this last combo that I put together is very eye catching and gets great compliments from the neighbors and passerbys (corner house) and where did I purchase is always the next question.



Thanks for helping me turn a barren property (32,000 sq. ft.) into a stunning show place.



Sincerely,



Johanna Smith



A very satisfied customer.

"On May 5, 2011 10:20 AM, Santa Rosa Gardens responded with:

Thank you for the comments Johanna! Although your garden photo is not visible here on the garden watchdog, we did post it on our customer testimonial page of our website!"

I just received plants from Santa Rosa Gardens (even earlier than expected) and I'm very impressed. I've tried ordering plants from other nurseries a few times before and had sworn off wasting my time and money: Too many badly packed, half (or completely) dead plants. But Santa Rosa's sale tempted me to try one more time. Wow! Each plant was packed as carefully as one could wish. And all looked healthy and well-developed. I will not hesitate to order from them again.

Western Washington

Hello, I had to write and tell you how pleased I am with my purchase of plants from your gardens. I have ordered from gardens/nurserys all over the country and for the first time
I got my money's worth. The way you prepare the plants to ship is what impressed me first. When they arrived they were very hardy plants and so well packed that they were completely
protected from any damage in shipping. I watered them and set them on my lanai for 2 days before planting. I added some good soil medium to the holes and a little fertilizer. The plants never looked "unhappy" at all with being planted in the ground. They are all growing well and I can hardly wait to see the flowers etc. as they develop. I am so glad I saw your advertisment in
a magazine and took a chance on ordering. Quality is wonderful. Joyce Reitz, Fort Myers, FL

Received my order from SRG's year-end sale a couple of weeks ago and planted everything right away. Their plants are packed SO carefully and are by far the healthiest I've ever received via mail order. All the plants have settled in and perked up nicely since planting. This was my third experience ordering from SRG; it won't be the last.

Also took advantage of incredible fall sale prices. I recently ordered seven hellebores from them. One might expect an end of season sale may not be the cream of the crop but not here. I placed an order on Sunday night, got an e-mail saying they shipped Monday morning and I had them by Wednesday for weekend planting. They evidently do not use shipping for a profit center (you know, like the one's where the shipping costs more than the plants). Plants were well branched and about three times the size of those from other nurseries that sell coconuts. All seven already have new baby branches leafing out from the base of the plants. There non-sale prices seem quite reasonable also so check them out. Will definitely use them again.

Got in on their fall sale, prices were good, plants were nice size and packed well, and the order was shipped very quickly. A great experience, I will definitely purchase more from them in the future.

I chose Santa Rosa because of all their good reviews on DGW. They had great clearance prices, free shipping over $100, and I found a 10% off coupon, so I could afford to purchase more than I'd originally planned.

The communication from SR has been terrific from beginning to end - I received an email receipt, shipping/tracking messages, and an email informing me of what was backordered with an expected shipping date for those.

I placed my order Sunday evening; my plants were on my doorstep when I arrived home from work at 1 in the afternoon. WOW! They were packaged so nicely, everything was bright and green...and big! I ordered some ferns, an astible collection, four hostas, and much more for both shade and sun. The plants look so great, I can't believe they came all the way to me in northwest PA from FL! I can't wait to order again.