Comments regarding High Country Gardens
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Rating | Author | Content |
Neutral | Cliviaman (11 reviews) | On May 13, 2023, Cliviaman Chagrin Falls, OH wrote: I ordered and just received five Calamintha 'White Cloud' in 5" pots and 2 out of 5 were very nicely grown (bushy) plants. The other 3 were old and spindly with woody stems and had long stretched shoots which were very curled up in the box. The roots on the plants were good. This is a EASY to grow perennial in production, stick a cutting, root it, let it bulk up for a few weeks and then spray it with Ethephon (Pistil or Florel - trade names) to stimulate most of the dormant buds on the stems to bust out vegetatively and form a bushy, herbaceous, non woody finished plant. Ethephon is non toxic and a natural gas given off by fruit, yes it has a 48 hour REI in production, but any propagator knows the REI is ridiculous as it has a short half life. Yes, Utah has great solar skies that are sunny and great for propagation and finishing rooted cuttings in greenhouse production, so there is really no reason to sell lanky plants. I'm disappointed therefor to have three plants I need to trim back to create bushy plants. I know all of this as I worked as a perennial propagator for over 20 years. So I will not purchase from HCG again, instead continue to buy from Digging Dog Nursery, they have outstanding, consistent quality and are very good communicators. |
Positive | Kjani (7 reviews) | On May 3, 2023, Kjani Gig Harbor, WA wrote: Was scared to order plamts online BUT could not find Coronation Gold Yarrow - ANYWHERE, so I gave High Country Gardens a try! Was VERY pleasantly pleased with my order! Price was right too! They were have a sale… including shipping and tax I got 5 of these PACKED REALLY REALLY WELL and protected very well in the box - they could not move so we’re in perfect shape and padded very well $50 that was it! I was surprised at the reasonable pricing - definitely have no fear! I am waiting for them till they get pomegranate yarrow in - and I will be placing another order! |
Positive | oakesorchard (2 reviews) | On Jun 17, 2022, oakesorchard Boulder, CO wrote: Ordered a variety of plants. The plants were packaged very well in their own boxes and very healthy. Had a problem with two of the plants which was likely due to shipping. HCG fixed the situation immediately with no questions or delay. Very pleased with this company. One of the best online nurseries I have found. I will be ordering from them again because I know that I will be getting excellent plants. On Jun 17, 2022, High Country Gardens responded with: "On Jun 20, 2022 3:03 PM, High Country Gardens responded with: Thank you for taking the time to share your experience ordering from High Country Gardens this year oakesorchard, we sincerely appreciate it. We are glad to hear most of your plants arrived in great shape, and appreciate you lettings us know about the two that didn't so we could quickly rectify that for you. Thanks again for your continued support and positive feedback. We hope you have a great growing season! |
Positive | Steve999 (1 review) | On May 21, 2022, Steve999 Broomfield, CO wrote: Ordered Goldsturm Black Eyed Susan’s and they were delivered today. They came well packed and look great!! On May 21, 2022, High Country Gardens responded with: "On May 24, 2022 7:41 AM, High Country Gardens responded with: Thank you for your taking the time to share feedback on your recent order Steve999, we are thrilled to hear you are enjoying your new plants. We appreciate your positive comments and hope you have a great growing season. |
Negative | elptacek (1 review) | On May 11, 2022, elptacek Oak Park, IL wrote: Order for 2 flats of 9 each Hidcote Superior English Lavender and 5 of Beauty of Livermere Oriental Poppy. No visible option to schedule delivery near planting time. Packaging was sturdy. However, half of the 18 lavender plants were dark grey and withering, soil in some of the pots was covered in lichen. The 4 most damaged plants died before planting, most of the rest have recovered save 2. Poppy plants were covered in brown, withered leaves and are struggling to survive. On May 11, 2022, High Country Gardens responded with: "On May 12, 2022 9:52 AM, High Country Gardens responded with: Dear elptacek, |
Positive | gregardener (4 reviews) | On May 10, 2022, gregardener Littleton, CO wrote: I have purchased plants from High Country Gardens for as long ago as the 1970's decade. Their plants are and always have been of the highest quality, representation and diversity. It is always a pleasure to acquire an HGH plant. Plants arrive healthy, verdant and well grown, fully acclimated for my Colorado high desert growing conditions. And their customer service is par excellence. The plant cultivation guides accurately describe where and how the plants shoud be grown. On May 10, 2022, High Country Gardens responded with: "On May 12, 2022 9:55 AM, High Country Gardens responded with: Thank you for your positive feedback and kind message gregardener, we sincerely appreciate it. We strive to always provide high-quality plants carefully packed just for you as well as exceptional service and support so you have an enjoyable and successful gardening experience every time. We are thrilled to hear that has been your experience with us for decades and can't thank you enough for your loyal support. It's an honor to grow in your gardens with you. Thank you for taking the time to share your story with us, and other gardeners too, we sincerely appreciate you. |
Positive | vanessasgram (1 review) | On May 5, 2022, vanessasgram Germansville, PA wrote: This is the second year that I ordered plants from HIGH COUNTRY and I have NEVER had such pleasant customer service on my phone calls! They spoke to me with a smile in their voice and spoke as if I were a good friend! On May 5, 2022, High Country Gardens responded with: "On May 12, 2022 9:53 AM, High Country Gardens responded with: Dear Vanessasgram, |
Negative | Jim1945 (3 reviews) | On Apr 2, 2022, Jim1945 Jamestown, RI wrote: I have ordered from this firm in the past and was quit pleased. However, since they were sold to a Vermont company it is not the same com[any. I received an order that was poorly packed. One plant was so disturbed is shipping (sold shaken out) it declined and died within 10 days. I tried to call theme but no one seems to answer their phone. To email them you have to wait for them to send you a code. Very poor customer service and the reason for the negative review. Last time I'll order from High Country. On Apr 2, 2022, High Country Gardens responded with: "On Apr 4, 2022 2:40 PM, High Country Gardens responded with: Dear Jim1945, |
Positive | reeve1 (59 reviews) | On Oct 1, 2021, reeve1 Plano, TX (Zone 8b) wrote: I have purchase a few things the last 2 years and it's clear that I'm not giving these people nearly enough of my business that they deserve. The Veronica ostensis is extremely slow growing and the ones I received were over 3 inches, huge compared to anyone else I've ever purchased this from, and very thick. I couldn't be more pleased. I've purchased Peonies and other things in the past and was equally thrilled. These people do it right and clearly want to be on top of everyone's shopping list, and I'm going to let them next Spring. Thanks for your great plants at a fair price. |
Positive | drendel (6 reviews) | On Sep 10, 2021, drendel Yorkville, IL wrote: I have ordered from Hi Country Gardens about a dozen times over the years. This year 2 of the salvia pitcheri were quite small and did not survive the first several weeks after planting. High Country Gardens replaced them and now the replacement plants and the surviving original ones are 3 feet tall and ready to bloom! While I cannot plant many of their offerings because of my very wet climate here in the Midwest, those that I have, continue to thrive year after year. |
Positive | kedrigern (1 review) | On May 13, 2021, kedrigern Muskegon, MI wrote: I saw a Munro's globe mallow that I wanted and High Country Gardens had it. I ordered 3 of them along with some other drought tolerant plants. They came in two separate shippings and all were in excellent condition. The packing was excellent and all the soil was damp. My mallow even had a flower on it. They even have a deal where after ordering but before shipping you can add to your order for no extra shipping. The lady who took my order was very helpful and friendly. I will order from this company again. |
Positive | AngieT725 (3 reviews) | On Oct 24, 2020, AngieT725 Centereach, NY wrote: I placed an order here toward the end of summer for Fall planting. I received regular updates on shipping and the items arrived, well packaged, when promised. they were in the ground the next day after a little vitamin water boost and all are thriving. Something to look forward to for next Spring/Summer season. |
Positive | AwkwardFern (2 reviews) | On Oct 14, 2020, AwkwardFern Skokie, IL wrote: TL;DR: Great customer service |
Positive | wwhilty (3 reviews) | On Sep 30, 2020, wwhilty Okatie, SC wrote: I live in the SC Lowcountry where there are few nurseries so I depend upon mail order for my perennials. I have had extremely positive results with High Country Gardens. The plant stock is extremely well packaged, but easy to remove from the packaging. They are healthy and the growing guide is so well written that it should be mandatory reading for all Master Gardener courses. Piet Oudolf, who is probably one of the foremost perennialists in the world, recommends High Country Gardens in one of his books. That really says something. I cannot understand the review that said that there was no shipping date given. I received constant updates and I was waiting on my front porch when the plants arrived! On Sep 30, 2020, High Country Gardens responded with: "On Sep 30, 2020 3:33 PM, High Country Gardens responded with: Dear WWhity, thank you for your business and kind words! We appreciate the support. Best Wishes, Ethan" |
Negative | Dustything (4 reviews) | On May 16, 2020, Dustything Zephyrhills, FL wrote: Very unprofessional. No shipping updates, you just sorta sit there and wait and wonder for weeks until you end up following up several times via email. They had no problem taking the money right away though. On May 16, 2020, High Country Gardens responded with: "On May 19, 2020 1:52 PM, High Country Gardens responded with: Dear Dustything, |
Positive | glasstoad (8 reviews) | On May 2, 2020, glasstoad Omaha, NE wrote: Posted on May 2, 2020, updated May 2, 2020 On May 8th, 2008, glasstoad added the following: I received my large order from them this week and the packaging is almost excessive. Although excessive is good for my plants. They are large plants and not root bound. I have done business with them for several years and never disappointed yet. Very nice job. On May 2nd, 2020, glasstoad added the following: Received my plants yesterday and the packaging was exceptional. The plants are large and very healthy. Looking forward to their blooms this summer. Thank you to all. On May 2nd, 2020, glasstoad added the following: Received my plants yesterday and the packaging was exceptional. The plants are large and very healthy. Looking forward to their blooms this summer. Thank you to all. |
Neutral | MarzieK (3 reviews) | On Apr 29, 2020, MarzieK Hampton, NH wrote: While most of the plants in my most recently received order appear healthy, I was disappointed that one of the Scrophularia macranthas ("Redbirds in a Tree") was clearly dead and rotted off at the base and the other had ***whiteflies*** on it! I'm hoping that the other items in the packaging aren't infected/susceptible because the last way I want to start my spring garden is with established whiteflies. I'm off to order assassin bugs from Arbico, just to be on the safe side. Hoping that the rest of my spring order will fare better. On Apr 29, 2020, High Country Gardens responded with: "On Apr 29, 2020 8:13 PM, High Country Gardens responded with: Dear MarzieK, we greatly appreciate your business and are sorry to hear two of the plants on your first order with us arrived in such poor condition, please accept our apologies. Thank you for letting us know about this disappointing experience. While we are glad to hear the majority of your order arrived in great shape, we would expect that to be the case for all of your plants, and will be happy to quickly address this for you. We will reach out directly so we can honor our guarantee for you. |
Positive | utahxericman (3 reviews) | On Apr 17, 2020, utahxericman Provo, UT wrote: Posted on May 24, 2016, updated April 17, 2020 On May 24th, 2013, utahxericman added the following: Well more time has passed, finally received an e-mail stating that a plant was missing and that they would ship soon (whatever that means) have waited again this week, still no plants, still no phone call or e-mail saying I would get my plants this week, still no idea when I will get my plants. I am thinking about asking for my money back, I initially asked to get High country gardens credit for the plants they didn't have and then plant replacements on the ones they did, but I think I am wasting my time, and that I may have to eat the 100 dollars worth of plants. Nothing seems to be going right for them and the customer service after all these complaints hasn't improved a bit. On May 24th, 2016, utahxericman added the following: It has been a while since I ordered from High Country Gardens, last time I ordered they were going through a change of ownership. So I decided to give them some time to work through the process. I had some store credit with them so I placed a small order 4 plants (2 of the plants I ordered I can't find locally, one of the plants is an HCG exclusive plant) the other two plants that I ordered I can find locally, I just wanted to use up my credit with them. I received an e-mail saying the HCG exclusive plant wasn't ready to ship and wouldn't be ready this year to ship, so they replaced it with another Agastache --bummer, I didn't want the other Agastache, that is why I ordered the other one..I can find the Agastache they sent me locally for 5.50-6.50 in a much bigger pot and plant. The gayfeather I ordered in a 2.5 inch pot again I could have found a much bigger plant for $5.50 locally, it really is a tiny plant about as much leaf growth on it as a .50 cent piece I would be embarrassed to send something out like that to my customers. The other two plants I received were small, but it is to be expected of the type and size of plants HCG sends out, maybe they sent me their crap plants because I used my store credit, who knows, it is too bad, this company has some neat xeric plants, but I wouldn't recommend them to anyone. On April 17th, 2020, utahxericman changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following: Ordered from them last year, got the plants I wanted, they shipped on time, so I figured I’d give them another try this year. Glad I did, the 1st of two of my orders arrived today. The plants came in great shape and good size. The Salvias I ordered were particularly in great shape and size. Looking forward to the next shipment! On Apr 17, 2020, High Country Gardens responded with: "On May 17, 2013 11:38 AM, High Country Gardens responded with: utahxericman, On May 25, 2016 8:34 AM, High Country Gardens added: Utahxericman, |
Positive | threeboxerlover (1 review) | On Jan 31, 2020, threeboxerlover Newark, DE wrote: I ordered some perennials in late summer for fall planting. When they arrived a few were in very bad shape, jostled around during shipping, out of the pots/dirt and at least one was completely dead. I contacted the company and they immediately sent me replacements. I was impressed with how well I was treated - no questions asked. I told them which plants were damaged/dead and replacements were sent and were in excellent condition when received. I was very impressed and have ordered from them again for Spring planting. They have a customer for life because they stand behind their products. |
Positive | ColorMeGreen (4 reviews) | On Sep 18, 2019, ColorMeGreen Elizabeth, CO wrote: Last summer I visited my local Botanic Garden and came across a really unique plant called Kintzley's Ghost Honeysuckle. Of course, I had to have some and High Country Gardens was the ONLY place I could find them. I ordered two. Shortly before they were to be shipped I received an email from them saying that the plants really weren't up to snuff and that they couldn't sell me anything that they wouldn't plant in their own gardens, so my order had been canceled. Of course I was disappointed, but I also appreciated their consideration. Then a couple of days ago I received a shipping notice for those very plants! Well, they just arrived and they are definitely up to snuff. One is 9 inches tall and one is 14 inches tall and both are moist and leafy. Now, the ball is in my court. Thank you, High Country Gardens, I will be back next spring! On Sep 18, 2019, High Country Gardens responded with: "On Sep 25, 2019 2:37 PM, High Country Gardens responded with: Dear ColorMeGreen, thank you for taking the time to share your experience and positive feedback. The Kintzley’s Ghost Lonicera is a favorite of ours too. It can be a tricky crop to root out correctly and we just didn’t feel comfortable with the progress of the plants we’d had in production for shipping last spring. As gardeners ourselves we know the joys (and challenges) that come along with growing these unique plants. We also recognize how disappointing it is to have something not grow as planned, particularly when you’ve been looking forward to receiving it for so long in advance. We start all of our plants at least a year in advance, so you can imagine how saddened we were to make that decision and hold back shipments. We are thrilled we were able to get you the long-awaited Kintzley’s Ghost for this fall and hope you enjoy them! Best, Ethan |
Positive | RogerH3 (1 review) | On Aug 12, 2019, RogerH3 Nyssa, OR wrote: I placed several orders with them in May/June (Monardas and Agastaches, about 25 plants altogether). They all arrived in a timely manner. They use the best packing method I've seen - their cardboard boxes have an internal cardboard 'clip' which holds the plant pots in place and prevents the soil from shaking loose. Consequently the plants all arrived in excellent condition and established themselves quickly. |
Negative | jvw (7 reviews) | On Jun 13, 2019, jvw Clinton Township, MI (Zone 6a) wrote: Posted on May 29, 2019, updated June 13, 2019 On June 13th, 2019, jvw added the following: I also posted my experience on Google reviews. I asked that they make it right. I was directed to email them and they would make it right. Almost two weeks later I have had no response or credit to my visa. This experience has made me so mad! On Jun 13, 2019, High Country Gardens responded with: "On May 29, 2019 8:47 PM, High Country Gardens responded with: Dear Jennifer, On May 29, 2019 8:47 PM, High Country Gardens added: Dear Jennifer, On Jun 14, 2019 8:46 AM, High Country Gardens added: Jennifer, we're working around the clock to wrap up our spring season. Your refund was processed and a confirmation emailed." |
Negative | dem2rd (4 reviews) | On May 28, 2019, dem2rd Naugatuck, CT (Zone 5a) wrote: Not sure what has changed this year, but received absolutely the worst looking plants ever from them. Some were DOA, most had dead and broken foliage and thick green slime on the top of the soil. Reached out via email and twitter with pictures documenting the plants. No response. Unfollowed and will not longer get their emails. Literally a waste of over a hundred dollars. Lesson learned. On May 28, 2019, High Country Gardens responded with: "On May 29, 2019 4:53 AM, High Country Gardens responded with: Dear Doris, I'm very sorry that you did not have a great experience with us this year as we really appreciate your repeat business. |
Negative | LisaDenver2019 (1 review) | On May 24, 2019, LisaDenver2019 Denver, CO wrote: Do not use this company! Their customer service is nonexistent! I placed an order in April and they stated on the receipt that the plants would not be shipped until the week of May 6 (which is understandable for Denver’s planting season). On May 10, I received an email saying that the shipping date was changed to the week of May 13. On May 17, I still had not received the plants so I started a chat and sent an email inquiring about my order. The only response was a canned message stating that that I would receive an update on my order soon. By May 21, I still had not received a response so I left a message with customer service (went straight to voicemail). It is now May 24 and I do not have my plants and I do not have any update on when and if my plants will ever be sent. I wished that I would have checked the online reviews before I ordered from this company. Please use another online garden supply company. On May 24, 2019, High Country Gardens responded with: "On May 24, 2019 11:11 AM, High Country Gardens responded with: Lisa, I'm sorry for your frustration. For a number of reasons (such as new technology, weather challenges, low unemployment and even the hemp/cannabis market in Denver, which forced us to move our greenhouses...), we've fallen behind our usual standards in how quickly we're replying to inquiries. All I can tell you is that we're a small, dedicated and passionate team that's working around to clock to both ship orders and respond to customers. |
Negative | ChicagoStanton (1 review) | On May 22, 2019, ChicagoStanton Chicago, IL wrote: Shipping took more than a week to arrive. Shouldn't plants go overnight? On May 22, 2019, High Country Gardens responded with: "On May 22, 2019 10:12 AM, High Country Gardens responded with: Dear ChicagoStanton, |
Negative | south_girl (2 reviews) | On May 12, 2019, south_girl Denver, NC wrote: Disappointing experience. Attracted by the "sustainability" and "native plants" etc. in description, I tried them out for some sage varieties my favorite online dealer didn't carry. Notified Friday, May 3, 2019 that my order shipped that day. Sadly, a Friday shipment pretty much guarantees the order will sit around somewhere over the weekend, and it did. While it's less than a two-day (14 hour) drive from High Country to where I live, the order took 7 days to show up, again on a Friday. Of three plants, one was one very dead and another not doing well. No sign of plant labels anywhere and, since it was 6 pm Friday, no chance over the weekend of identifying which plant was which for the recommended quick planting. When I took a chance on planting the one plant that looked healthy, I did discover the plant ID stick completely buried between plant and (non-sustainable plastic) pot, where you would never see it if you didn't know it was there; not mentioned in instructions. I see HC instituted a new shipping process this year; likely being refined. But in the meantime, recommend checking Dave's WatchDog 30 (top) sellers. To High Country: Please do not contact me; I've spent more time on this already than I can afford. But for the plants' sake, please fix your shipping processes. This isn't it. On May 12, 2019, High Country Gardens responded with: "On May 12, 2019 1:13 PM, High Country Gardens responded with: south_girl, I'm sorry for your negative experience. We're constantly working to refine our shipping, packaging, etc to ensure the best experience at a reasonable cost. One point I would like to clarify is that plants shipped on a Friday do not sit over the weekend. Once they're in the UPS/USPS system, they continue to move over the weekend, thus we purposely ship on Fridays for further points (such as yours) to ensure that you have the products in time to plant the following weekend. |
Negative | gryll (1 review) | On May 3, 2019, gryll Marstons Mills, MA wrote: After many years of ordering with HCG I will never do business with them again. Ordered 2 plants on 4/14 one arrived dead after 8 days of shipping. They sent replacement on 4/29 with an ETA of 5/7 from UPS. That really is unacceptable and I phoned customer service today and spoke to Amy, who proceeded to tell me I should never be ordering from HCG living on the east coast and that the plant I ordered will not survive. I told her I use it as an annual for the hummingbirds and she then told me it does not bloom for 3 or 4 years.Very argumentative and incorrect. I asked her why they keep sending me catalogs if I should not be ordering from them. Then I asked for a refund please and she yelled at me that she would refund my account and HUNG UP ON ME. Good bye High Country Gardens . It has been nice up until this year. On May 3, 2019, High Country Gardens responded with: "On May 3, 2019 7:34 PM, High Country Gardens responded with: Dear Gina, I'm very sorry for your negative experience. I'll send you a direct email addressing some of your concerns, although I'll assure you that Amy's been with us for multiple years and is a very conscientious, knowledgeable and customer-friendly representative. |
Positive | BostonPlanted (11 reviews) | On May 1, 2019, BostonPlanted Boston, MA (Zone 5b) wrote: Ordered 12 plants. All arrived healthy and in good shape. Packaged well. |
Negative | quarkuud (2 reviews) | On Apr 25, 2019, quarkuud Silver Spring, MD wrote: I've not been very happy with my experience thus far. On Apr 25, 2019, High Country Gardens responded with: "On Apr 26, 2019 10:01 AM, High Country Gardens responded with: Dear Kathleen, I took a few minutes to look at your order and contact history and I can see why you're frustrated - for that I sincerely apologize. |
Positive | calebstroh (6 reviews) | On Apr 6, 2019, calebstroh Kaysville, UT wrote: Ordered about a dozen plants in late winter; they arrived well packaged, healthy and as advertised. We added another flower bed a couple weeks ago and I decided to place a second order for more 7 perennials. I received the plants in good form only three days later! |
Positive | aimeej (11 reviews) | On Apr 6, 2019, aimeej Albuquerque, NM wrote: Posted on March 29, 2019, updated April 6, 2019 On March 29th, 2019, aimeej changed the rating from positive to neutral and added the following: I placed three new orders this year and received the first today. What a disappointment. The plants were not secured in the box and had very little packaging. Even though each plant was in a plastic bag with a rubber band around the top, a lot of the soil around them had spilled out. The Phlomis cashmeriana had all of its two leaves broken off and looked bad. None of the plants were in any shape to be planted out in the garden and will have to sit in my unheated greenhouse until they recover, if they do. I am lucky to have a plant infirmary. If i didn't most of them would die. A second order is due to arrive tomorrow, I do not have high expectations for it. On April 6th, 2019, aimeej changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following: I called customer service and spoke to an agent about the issue.She was very pleasant and had a replacement for the Phlomis sent out in 2 days. It was packed a little better and will survive. The second order arrived with much better packaging and the plants are all doing well while waiting to be planted out. The remaining plants from the first order are recovering slowly, but look like they will make it. I have one more large order coming so my fingers are crossed. |
Neutral | hardyinokc (27 reviews) | On Apr 1, 2019, hardyinokc Oklahoma City, OK wrote: Posted on May 22, 2013, updated April 1, 2019 On April 19th, 2005, hardyinokc changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following: Customer service supervisor contacted me and offered to sent replacement plant. Was very friendly. Am looking forward to receiving the replacement grass. Customer service appears to have improved dramatically. Would definitely order from High Country Gardens again in the future. On April 29th, 2005, hardyinokc changed the rating from positive to neutral and added the following: My replacement plant arrived yesterday. It was a very healthy specimen and was well packed. The only problem is it was STILL not the correct plant; which is why I've changed my rating from "positive" to "neutral". I do appreciate their effort, but it would have been nice to receive the plant I was expecting. On June 2nd, 2006, hardyinokc changed the rating from neutral to negative and added the following: Well, I decided to try placing an order with HCG again. Big mistake. They sent my order in mid-April, but failed to send the plant I most wanted (ipomea leptophylla). Have spent the last 1 1/2 months attempting to find out when I might possibly recieve this plant, but to no avail. No one can tell me if it has or has not shipped, or when it might ship. I am very disappointed in HCG's lack of communication, and their customer service seems to have deteriorated. I do not understand why all of the communication has been up to me. They should be willing to let their paid customers know what is happening with their orders. Although their customer service reps have stated they would return my calls, I have yet to receive a single call from them. On June 2nd, 2006, hardyinokc added the following: Well, I decided to try placing an order with HCG again. Big mistake. They sent my order in mid-April, but failed to send the plant I most wanted (ipomea leptophylla). Have spent the last 1 1/2 months attempting to find out when I might possibly recieve this plant, but to no avail. No one can tell me if it has or has not shipped, or when it might ship. I am very disappointed in HCG's lack of communication, and their customer service seems to have deteriorated. I do not understand why all of the communication has been up to me. They should be willing to let their paid customers know what is happening with their orders. Although their customer service reps have stated they would return my calls, I have yet to receive a single call from them. On June 29th, 2006, hardyinokc changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following: I admit I have had some problems with HCG, but after receiving my most recent plant order (their end of spring shipping sale), I just HAD to change my rating. They may have some problems, but the quality of the plants just cannot be questioned in my opinion. The plants I received were well-packed for shipping, extremely healthy and definitely ready to be planted. Good Job HCG!!!! On April 29th, 2008, hardyinokc added the following: I ordered from HCG again this spring. My order arrived as scheduled, and all of the plants were in great shape. There was a small problem tho: 1 of the agaves I ordered had a ID tag with it that stated hardy to zone 8; on the HCG web-site when I placed the order, the web-site description stated this agave was hardy to zone 5. I called HCG to check which zone was correct for this plant. They apologized about the mess-up (the on-line description gave the wrong zone) & sent out a replacement plant almost immediately. I really appreciated their prompt attention to the situation. THANX & GOOD JOB!!!! On April 2nd, 2009, hardyinokc added the following: I placed an order early 2009. The order shipped/arrived as expected. All plants were well packed. In the HCG catalog, they frequently comment (and show pictures) about how well-rooted their plants are, but I think that only applies to the plants in the large 5" pots (they show pictures of well-developed root systems in the 5" pots ONLY). I had ordered a Yucca Radiosa; it arrived in the smaller 3" pot and had very little root system (it seemed to be a very small seedling with only three little leaves). I contacted HCG about the poorly rooted yucca; they responded, and sent me a replacement yucca. I have left the new yucca in the 3" pot because I'm afraid of what I'll find if I check out the roots. I am keeping the "Positive" rating because they did respond and send a replacement plant, but I must admit, I'm very hesitant to order anything from HCG that does not come in the 5" pots, as the smaller pots may or may not have well-developed root systems. I do appreciate the prompt response, good communication, and replacement plant. On April 9th, 2010, hardyinokc changed the rating from positive to negative and added the following: On 12-4-09, I placed an order for the Agave neomexicana "sunspot"; I ordered this extra early with the hopes that I would receive a nice-sized specimen. This was the only item I ordered because the catalog indicated that it came in the 5" deep pot. I received this plant yesterday (4-8-10); it did arrive on the correct week & it is alive, but I am greatly disappointed in the size of the plant (less than 2" across). I thought that the 5" pots would have well developed root systems. WRONG! Even though the agave did arrive in a 5" pot, it appeared that the plant had actually been grown in the small cactus pot & was transferred to the 5" pot just before being shipped. All of the root system was in the top inch of soil (why have the other 4 inches of soil in the pot if there are no roots in it?), and the root-ball was still shaped into the small square shape of the small cactus pot. I spent the extra money on this plant because it was supposed to have the well-developed root system that they claim all of the 5" pots have. NOT TRUE. Just because they state the plant comes in a 5" deep pot, do NOT expect the roots to be any better developed than if they were in the small cactus pots. I would really like to place another order with HCG because they do have some plants that I cannot find elsewhere, but this recent experience causes me to hesitate in placing further orders. On April 12th, 2010, hardyinokc added the following: I have emailed HCG customer service.....no response yet. On April 12th, 2010, hardyinokc added the following: 3:26pm....2nd e-mail sent to customer service On April 12th, 2010, hardyinokc changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following: Spoke with Victoria at HCG customer service. She offered to file a claim for a refund. Since the plant is actually still alive, I did not feel right expecting a refund. I just hope HCG improves their quality control to ensure that their plants are adequately rooted prior to being shipped out (ESPECIALLY their 5" Premium pots since they like to stress how well rooted the plants in Premium pots are supposed to be). On July 2nd, 2010, hardyinokc added the following: well, I've done it again.....I placed another order with HCG .... Hope I don't end up regretting it...I really hope the plants arrive well-rooted and in good shape.... will up-date after the plants arrive On July 12th, 2010, hardyinokc changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following: Well I received my latest plant order on Friday, July 9th. Plants arrived well-packed and were healthy with nice root systems. On July 23rd, 2010, hardyinokc changed the rating from positive to negative and added the following: Well, I was afraid this was going to happen. On 4-9-10, I had left a comment about the tiny agave neomexicana "sunspot" I had recieved from HCG (the one with the practically non-existent root system in the so-called "premium" pot). After struggling for the past 3 months, the poor little thing died this week (exactly what I was expecting because of the lack of root system it had when it arrived). It cost me $15 plus shipping for this extremely tiny agave, & now it's dead. What a waste of money. On July 23rd, 2010, hardyinokc changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following: Just got off the phone with HCG customer service. On 4-12-10, Victoria offered a refund, but I had declined the refund at that time because the plant was actually alive. Today, HCG informs me that a refund had been issued for that plant on 4-26-10. Last I knew, I had declined the refund offered on 4-12-10, but I guess they issued a refund anyway. It would have been nice if HCG could have notified me that a refund had been issued back in April; now I feel like a FOOL for calling today about a refund on a plant that they say has already been refunded. COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS PLEASE. On May 29th, 2012, hardyinokc added the following: Well, done it again...just placed another order with HCG. Guess we'll see what shape the plants arrive in...hoping they are better rooted that my previous orders. On June 11th, 2012, hardyinokc changed the rating from neutral to negative and added the following: well, when my most recent order arrived on 5-31-12, one plant had a pot full of roots & was very healthy; however, the other plant arrived droopy and completely wilted; upon removal from the "Premium" 5inch pot, the roots were all in the top inch of soil. I filled out the "Plant Claim" form on on the HCG site on 6-1-12 & received an answer back that same day that my replacement plant would ship on 6-4-12. Today, 6-11-12, I have not received my replacement plant (I really hope it hasn't spent a week in some post office or something...that certainly won't help the plant do well), & I have heard nothing more from HCG. On June 11th, 2012, hardyinokc added the following: Well, I just received an email from HCG which gives the tracking info for my initial order (which was delivered on 5-31-12) and indicates that 5-31-12 was the delivery date of the Replacement plant. How could 5-31-12 be the delivery date for the replacement plant when I did not submit the Claim Form for replacement until 6-1-12?. So, I guess my replacement plant STILL has not shipped (a week after HCG said it would ship). On June 11th, 2012, hardyinokc changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following: Just received another email from HCG that states they are now shipping out the replacement plant. Hoping for the best! On June 14th, 2012, hardyinokc changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following: My replacement arrived looking great! Just wish the initial plant had been this good so I would not have had to request a replacement. On July 20th, 2012, hardyinokc added the following: just received an order from HCG yesterday. 2 of the 3 plants were well-packaged and seemed healthy. the little cactus I received in this order had good color but did seem rather small & had lost most of the dirt around the very small root system. On October 25th, 2012, hardyinokc added the following: Received plant order yesterday...plant seemed to be healthy, but it appeared that FedEx had been very rough with the box during shipping; most of the dirt was out of the pot and the box was about half-smashed. Perhaps HCG should consider changing to UPS or something as FedEx seems to care less and less about how their packages arrive. On May 22nd, 2013, hardyinokc changed the rating from positive to neutral and added the following: remember when HCG was one of the top 30 companies? most of the feedbacks left since American Meadows took over have been negative...certainly makes me hesitant to order from HCG OR American Meadows... On April 1st, 2019, hardyinokc added the following: I finally decided to give HCG another chance to earn my business. Upon receipt of my order, I opened the box to inspect the plants. The aloe was very impressive in size (i think it's about the most impressive plant I've EVER received from HCG). The euphorbia's pot did not travel well; it took me several minutes to even find the plant because it was very small and buried in potting soil; it did not appear to be rooted in the pot. We will see how my 3 new plants do & post an up-date later. On Apr 1, 2019, High Country Gardens responded with: "On Apr 9, 2010 12:46 PM, High Country Gardens responded with: Have you contacted Customer Service? We would like to help resolve this issue. Customer Service is available Monday through Friday 9am-5pm MST. You can contact us toll free 1-800-925-9387 or email plants@highcountrygardens.com. On Apr 12, 2010 9:53 AM, High Country Gardens added: I have searched the emails at plants@highcountrygardens.com and have not come across an email regarding the Agave. Please email me directly at vperalta@highcountrygardens.com and I can assist you. On Apr 12, 2010 2:49 PM, High Country Gardens added: As of 02:47pm MST I checked both my email vperalta@highcountrygardens.com and checked plants@highcountrygardens.com, I check the in-box and the spam box and did not find an email for you. To resolve this please contact me toll free 1-877-811-2700 ext. 3023. |
Positive | jclapp99362 (1 review) | On Jun 5, 2018, jclapp99362 Walla Walla, WA wrote: I am a first time gardener and with advice from a friend, ordered several plants from HCG. A majority of them arrived in great shape. The ones that looked suspicious, HCG walked me through how to make sure they were viable or not. |
Negative | vossner (118 reviews) | On May 26, 2018, vossner East Texas, United States (Zone 8a) wrote: HCG mission seem to change when sold to American Meadows. But even before change in mgt, not one Plant that I got from them survived—not a one! Additionally, they are so darned proud of their 5” pots, suggesting that their plants are stronger, when all they seem to do is take a 1” cell plant and stuff it in soiless mix upon shipping. Highly deceiving. I placed a call a week ago to ask horticultural related questions and still waiting. This company is undeserving of my patronage. On May 26, 2018, High Country Gardens responded with: "On May 28, 2018 12:18 PM, High Country Gardens responded with: Dear vossner, I'm sorry to hear that you were not pleased with your plants. We up-post into 5" pots from smaller cells in the late summer or fall the year before. When that happens depends upon each variety and how quickly it grows. Getting plants at the perfect stage for shipment is not easy - plant too early and they'll become root bound in the pot and not do well. Too late and they won't have time to root to the sides/bottom of the pot. This timing is all based on "typical" growing seasons and this winter/spring the weather threw us some real challenges. |
Positive | MuggleGardener (1 review) | On May 1, 2018, MuggleGardener Reno, NV wrote: We’ve purchased nearly everything in our yard from High Country Gardens, and are huge fans. Starting with the Bird Watcher’s Garden, we’ve found the products to be hardy, fast-growing, and beautiful. We have Dog Tuff grass that looks great and requires almost no care. Right now our Juniper Leaf Thyme is in full purple bloom (about 25 plants in a solid mass) and it is stunning. All the neighbors have commented positively! The one issue we had was with some Veronica Speedwell, and those plants were replaced promptly. I do wish they still produced a catalog, as I prefer to dream over a page rather than a screen, but HCG is great for me. |
Positive | brianaucuba (22 reviews) | On Apr 29, 2018, brianaucuba PEQUEA, PA (Zone 6b) wrote: I had wanted to try hardy Agapanthus for a while. High Country Gardens had both white and purple hardy varieties available so I placed an order. I received large healthy divisions in five inch deep pots. They were packed very well and arrived in great shape. |
Negative | joip (1 review) | On Mar 9, 2018, joip Wheat Ridge, CO wrote: Posted on April 20, 2017, updated March 9, 2018 On March 9th, 2018, joip added the following: Well I took Ethan's advice & planted the twig looking plants I was sent at outrageous prices from HCG. I've spent hundreds upon hundreds of dollars with this company & while their plants USED to be unique & beautifully grown the quality has plummeted since American Meadows took over & HCG moved to Denver. I'm done - I've lost enough time & $$ The plants they offer are now widely available, at better prices, lower shipping costs & much better quality. Don't spend your dollars here. On Mar 9, 2018, High Country Gardens responded with: "On Apr 21, 2017 1:39 PM, High Country Gardens responded with: Dear Joip; I'm sorry that it's taken a few days to get back to you and that you were not happy with your order. I took a look at your account and am confused as the web order you're referring to did have the Apache Sunset on it. As for the varieties that we ship dormant, each plant is different - that's what makes our High Country selection so unique. Some wake up later than others and based on our experience, some transplant more successfully in one form or another. We do all that we can to make sure our customers are successful with our products and as always, guarantee your satisfaction. The credit we issued you that you used on this order is an example of how we stand behind our products. Please plant and care for your order and let us know how they turn out once they've acclimated to your garden and once ground temperatures in your area of Denver have warmed a bit more. As always, we want you to be happy. Best, Ethan Platt, President" |
Neutral | dduff (4 reviews) | On Jan 30, 2018, dduff Fort Collins, CO (Zone 5b) wrote: Several years ago I would have rated HCG positively, but many of my more recent purchases have been less than positive. Their promotions do not seem to be as good now as they were several years ago, making their prices quite high, and many of the plants I receive from them are incredibly small and frail. I've also had at least one instance where I received a plant which was correctly labeled, but a different plant was growing dominantly in the pot and before I realized the issue it had choked out the plant I purchased. |
Negative | ArlynnG (2 reviews) | On Oct 4, 2017, ArlynnG Urbana, IL wrote: Last year, in September, I ordered three poppies, which I planted. In the spring, only two had survived. I called the company, and they told me that it was too early for the poppies to come up in my zone. When I explained that the other two had several sets of leaves, they still required me to wait a month to call for a replacement. I did so, and they sent me another poppy plant, which did not survive the summer. My other poppies thrived. I gave up, found a poppy at a local nursery, and it is doing fine in the same location. On Oct 4, 2017, High Country Gardens responded with: "On Oct 4, 2017 3:40 PM, High Country Gardens responded with: ArlynnG, I'm sorry that your poppies did not survive. They can be notoriously finicky to grow, but our customers generally have great luck with them. |