Comments regarding High Country Gardens

My experience with High Country Gardens has been great. I bought one of their pre-planned gardens. The plants arrived in great shape, for fall planting. They seemed to be maybe on the small side, but were very healthy. Smaller plants are probably easier to transplant and experience less shock, plus I'm sure they're easier to ship! One plant didn't make it overwinter, and they replaced it with no questions asked. It is now the second growing season, and the section of the yard where I put the pre-planned garden is the best looking spot in our yard! The plants have filled in beautifully, and they probably aren't even full-size quite yet. One plant has since died, but I have been so thrilled with everything in the grouping that I'm not upset about that at all, I mean, plants die, right? It may have been something I did.
What I love about this company is their great selection of xeriscaping plants, things you just don't find other places. I live in Utah, and it has been very difficult to find plants that can survive both the cold winters and the hot dry summers. High Country Gardens has been great for that reason. We also have a problem with deer and rabbits here, they keep eating my spring bulbs before they get a chance to bloom. But where I had the HCG plants (I specifically got deer and rabbit resistant varieties,) the critters didn't bother my bulbs.
I'm definitely going to keep adding more HCG plants into our landscape!

I have purchased plants from HCG twice now - once last season (late April) and once this season (June). This review covers an entire, and primarily successful, growing season with their plants. I am very happy with this company and will purchase again and again. Their literature is helpful, colorful and educational. It is some of my favorite reading in February.

First Season Performance
Last year, when the xerix plants arrived, they appeared small (per other reviewer comments) but with big root systems. Two or three of the 30+ plants were slightly damaged; I trimmed these up. All were alive and looked pretty good. These plants were planted in 'reclaimed driveway' soil that had been very compacted in the past (heavy, alkaline clay typical to Northern NM), but loosened and amended with compost and thick bark mulch. The first season (after planting in April 2007) the plants actually grew pretty well, but not 'filled out' (to be expected). Two or three of the 30+ plants purchased did not survive through the first winter. Two or three others struggled but seem to be recovering now that it is early summer. The great balance of the plants, however, have virtually exploded this year and are *hugh* and very healthy. I could not be more thrilled -they are outperforming many of the nursery-bought versions that came in much larger pots. These plants were irrigated via drip irrigation 3x per week during their first growing season. Now they receive water 1x per week and perhaps up to 2-3 x per week once the real heat sets in. very water-wise, and they live up to the pictures published by HCG. Aside from the few I lost (about 10%), I'm very happy with their performance.

I've ordered repeatedly from High Country Gardens. I just got an email notification of a great sale, placed an order, and they are unwilling to mail the plants to me now (no instant gratification!) I'm in the desert, it's 105F outside, and shipping plants now would surely kill them. I'm disappointed that I can't get the plants right away, but I feel that HCG is taking good care of me.

I just received my first order from High Country and am very pleased. Plants were healthy and well packed. All are now thriving in my garden. Will order again!

We have ordered from HCG several times since last fall, all plants were shipped on time in excellent condition.
They are growing beautifully, in spite of some being quite small when we received them, most of them have started blooming already, after being in the ground only 2 months.
HCG in my opinion is an excellent company to do business with.

Wonderful folks! I got a pre-planned garden for my workplace
The little planties were fine when they got here and detailed
explanations from these folks as to why the plant looked not
so good. all is well and I'm very happy. Their customer
service is GREAT too! Don't forget to order the root stimulator they offer! Good stuff- no transplant shock :D
these folks CARE about their plants and your successful
gardening.

I purchased Camassia bulbs from High Country last fall, which came up beautifully this spring. This spring I cancelled an order after my plans changed, and High Country was very accomdative. A first-rate company--I will go to them again and again.

I've ordered online from 5 nurseries this year. The fastest shipment I received and the plants I received in the best condition were from High Country Gardens. I have ordered from them in past years and just placed another order with them. I would highly recommend them to anyone who was interested,. Karyn

Finally - plants in the ground (one month) and doing great !

This spring was my first experience with HCG. I ordered $225 + of perennials; shipped to me (zone 5) April 1 as requested. Due to cold and sometimes frigid spring, the plants didn't see the garden until end of April. All of the plants are thriving, several are beginning to bloom.

I wasn't thrilled with the size of the plants upon receipt, but if they continue to grow at the current rate and survive the midwest winter, I will definitely order from HCG in 2009.

So glad I accidentally came upon this company and ordered. Absolutely 100% satisfied. The shipping and prices are reasonable and fast. They have such good advice and information on drought tolerant and xeric plants, some that are kind of hard to find elsewhere. Plants were healthy and thrived immediately. Couldn't help myself, had to go back and order some more!!!!!!!! Beware, you'll get addicted.......

As always excellent plants, shipping and service. Prices and shipping are very reasonable.

I am rating High Country Gardens with a positive but with a reservation.
Most importantly, the plants arrived in wonderful health. Second, the packing was outstanding. Only one plant, Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Longwood Blue', had minor breakage. Third, some of the plants I ordered are only available at HCG and I am thrilled to have them. I will be ordering again in the fall.

My main reservation is with one plant I received, Pelargonium Endlicherianum - Turkish Pelargonium. They are advertised in the catalog and on the web site as being "two year old blooming plants." While all the other plants I ordered had, wonderful roots that I had to 'rough up' before planting the roots on the Pelargonium Endlicherianum are almost non-existent. There are a very few very white, new looking roots and no older looking roots at all. The plants are also extremely small. I received this order 5/23/08 and sent an email to HCG 5/24/08. I didn’t expect an answer right away because of it being a holiday and a weekend though I did receive an almost immediate response; in part, it said: “I am sorry to hear that the Pelargonium Endlicherianum were so small and that the root systems were not well developed. I will need to investigate to see if the plants you were sent were from a group that were not ready rather than the group that should have been shipped.
I, or someone else from Customer Service will get back to you either Monday or Tuesday.”
It is now Wednesday and I have yet to hear back. I’m guessing HCG is still catching up from the holiday. If I hear from them, I will update my comments.

Over the last 10 years, I have ordered from numerous mail order nurseries mainly because we do not have much plant selection within a 2 hour drive. High Country Gardens is the company I have found which repeatedly sends out healthy, vigorous, and easy to grow plants. If I'm searching for a plant, I check High Country Gardens first because of the success I have had with them.

Great, healthy plants that are all happy and wanting to grow.

Even better, these guys seem to get how to do mail order business. Crisp, effective and prompt communication as to order status. Quick shipping. Good packaging. Excellent customer service when there is a problem (1 little plant came in severely hurting, and they immediately just sent out a replacement, one that arrived nice and healthy).

Terrific place.

I have placed several orders with HCG over the past few years and never had a problem. This time one of the plants was damaged and died within a few days of receipt. I called customer service and all lines were busy. Instead of being asked to hold, I was able to leave a message with the details of the problem and request a replacement. I received a call back later that day to tell me that the plant would be replaced and when I could expect it to arrive. Very easy and excellent service.

I ordered from this company for the first time this year and am very disappointed...I ordered 2 of the echinacea: Big Sky "Sunrise," and the plants arrived VERY SMALL. I planted them immediately and have been faithfully tending to them, but the leaves are turning brown and crispy and they are not thriving at all. Being that they are still somewhat alive, I have not contacted the company yet. The plants will probably die right after the deadline for receiving a refund/credit! I'll keep you all posted.

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High Country Gardens leads the way in providing top notch Customer Service. We have 120 day guarantee from date of receipt. I encourage you to contact me and I would be glad to process a claim for the plants. You can email me at plants@highcountrygardens.com Attn: Victoria.

Sincerely,
Victoria Peralta
Customer Service Supervisor
High Country Gardens
1-800-925-9387 ext. 3023
"

I received 6 Hidcote Superior lavender plants 5/9/08 and they were totally gray & dead-looking. I promply planted them hoping that signs of life would appear; it's 5/20/08 and still NO signs of life. I requested a refund which they granted, but did not get $9.99 in shipping back. I feel the shipping should be refunded as well after receiving dead plants, but customer service refused. I'm VERY unhappy & will definitely NOT order from them again.

Placed my first order with them this spring and am very satisifed. Plants arrived the week I requested and were not dried out despite my East Coast location. Except one, everything arrived in good size and healthy. One Salvia that they shipped was packed with too much water, and sustained significant root damage, so they are reshipping it. I'm not sure how well some of these Western plants will grow here, but if they fail, it won't be the fault of HCG.

I moved to Denver 6 years ago and bought a house with a lawn and a few meager plants that were mostly dead. Over the past 6 years I have ordered anywhere from 5 to 20 plants a year from High Country Gardens and my yard is now beautiful! The plants arrive in good condition and with thorough information on planting and maintenance. I love this company!

This is the first year I've ordered perennials from HGC--on 4/9/2008 I put in my first order (10 plants). The order arrived within 10 calender days, expertly packed. I was so pleased with them I put in an additional order on 4/22/2008 for 11 additional plants; they included a 10% discount on a future order with the first order, and that was greatly appreciated. Same professional service and timely arrival; and their shipping charges are extremely reasonable, all the more so considering the high level of professionalism evidenced by their packing/shipping methods.

All their plants transitioned splendidly into my garden and all have shown significant growth since their arrival. I can only honestly say the same for one other internet, mail-order company.

I am so pleased with them that they will definitely be getting a large portion of my perennial plant business in the future.

This was the first year I ordered from HCG. The plants were shipped very promptly, were packed well, and they were in great shape and bigger than most other companies ship. I am very happy with them, and will purchase from HCG again.

I've ordered from HCG three times in the past year, and all three orders have been completely hassle-free. Their selection is well-varied, though I will advise people who live in Mid-Atlantic like me to be careful about the water preferences of the plants. I planted an anacyclus depressus (Mt. Atlas daisy), and between a wet year and the critters in my yard, the poor thing didn't stand a chance.

Have been ordering from HCG for many years. I was heartbroken when I moved from my home, replete with plants (mostly HGC) and moved to a retirement community with rock lawns -- and my house had one ugly cactus, period, end of landscaping. Just ordered again, and am planting out bitsy plants I know will grow and thrive. I'll get my "old home" look back pretty soon, still with HCG. PS Their packaging is awesome, plants always arrive in wonderful shape --- even here in the low desert.

This was the first time I ordered from High Country and it will be the past. I recieved 4 Pineleaf Penstemon and on each between 1/3 to 1/2 was dead and brown and needs to be cut back. The plants are not that big to begin with so It will be at least a year before I get ant enjoyment from them. The Yucca Rostrata I ordered had 9 spikes all of which had end damage between 2-3 inches and it too needed to be cut back in half. Honastly I wouldnt have bought plants of this poor a quality on a 1/2 off table at a retail nursury. They are alive which is why I am giving them a neutral not a negative. I have never had to leave a bad review before. I have photos loaded of what I recieved if anyone is interested

"

High Country Gardens does have a 120 day guarantee. Please contact us if you would like to process a claim.

Sincerely,
Victoria Peralta
Customer Service Supervisor
High Country Garden
1-800-925-9387 ext. 3023
plants@highcountrygardens.com
"

The plants I received were tiny. They are now resting in the garden, but I can barely see them. One of the agastaches arrived dead. Love the catalog, but not too pleased with the plants.

I ordered three plants as a test order, two stachys Silver Carpet and a lavender. The plants were small, each about 3 to 4 inches high; the stachys are doing well. The lavender arrived with all black leaves. I emailed them and was told to cut off all black leaves and let the plant "put energy into new growth". They also wrote that the plant likely came through hot conditions or was "overly moist" which caused the black leaves. The 'new growth' was about 1/8th. of an inch and hard to see! but I did as advised. I am not a novice gardener. The plant died.
I will amend this rating to positive or negative based on how customer service handles this. If they send a replacement rather than a refund that is fine by me, but if the problem was due to hot conditions on the way, well it is much hotter now!

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I will be happy to process a claim for you. Please contact me toll free 1-800-925-9387 ext. 3023 or email plants@highcountrygardens.com Attn: Victoria with your full name and address so I can locate you in our system.

Victoria Peralta
Customer Service Supervisor
High Country Gardens"

Very pleased with my order. Everything looks great and I always enjoy your catalog.

excellent customer service. wonderful, healthy plants!!!!!!!!

So pleasant to deal with! My plants arrived in good shape, well packaged, when promised.

I live in New Mexico, so it has been a long time since I have used their mail order service--usually I go to their store. I used to make the trek to Santa Fe, but recently they opened stores closer to me. I've been repeatedly disappointed in their Albuquerque storefronts selection and service, so I finally gave up and ordered from their catalog. I was really impressed. The last time I ordered from them was years ago, but the quality this time was incredibly improved! My plants were in fantastic shape, very healthy and clearly carefully chosen. They were also very artfully packed for shipment and all of them arrived in perfect shape, exactly when I requested them. Plants are a little more expensive when ordered this way, but given the high quality, certainty of getting what you want, and ease of having them delivered to your door, I may just save myself the gas and order this way all the time! Their web site is also very nice--not just for the good descriptions and pictures, but they have a lot of excellent information on xeriscaping and native southwestern plants. For those too far away to have the choice of going to their stores or ordering mail-order, I would definitely recommend this company's mail order service!

Received my 1st order from High Country Gardens on 4/25. As advertised, all plants were delivered promptly in great shape, no damaged leaves and roots were very healthy. I look forward to my next order(s), and many years of enjoyment these plants should bring to my garden(s).

I ordered 4 Agastache & 1 Silene Regia earlier this month. They were shipped almost immediately in LARGE pots. They were well packed and padded protecting them from being disturbed by "inconsiderate" mail/shipping handlers and machinery..The plants I received were larger than most mail order companies and healthy looking. They were a smidge bit distressed from being tightly packed and padded in a dark box in shall we say "WARM" temps but that was expected. As SOON as they arrived, they were carefully unpacked, watered and placed in a sheltered location to get them aclimated...They perked up almost immediately and look VERY happy to be at their new home.

I have ordered cold hardy cacti, agaves, and yuccas from this company on more than one occasion. This spring I ordered two yucca species. I have never been disapointed with the product I received. They are an excellent source for (somewhat) inexpensive cold hardy cacti, agaves, and yuccas for those of us attempting to push our zone.

After hearing many wonderful reviews from the garden club I belong to, I decided to place an order. The plants arrived in perfect shape, and were really nice looking. The plants seem to be cold hardy, and drought resistant, thus not needing much water. I was very pleased with the plants that I received, and will be ordering from them again!

I live in a warm, dry climate in California and so High Country Gardens has been a great place for me to find a nice variety of waterwise plants. I have ordered from them several times and have been completely satisfied. Easy and useful website.

I am very pleased with my order. I bought all suculants and cacti. They were very well packaged and nice sized plants.
I will order from HCG again.

Had the best experience with High Country gardens. The packing and condition of plants were the best i had from any mail order company. Plants had great root systems and were very healthy.It was just a pleasure dealing with them. Rich In New Jersey

I ordered chilopsis linearis and liatris ligulistylus and was very happy with my order. They arrived at the time I was told they would. The plants were a nice size and very healthy.

I will be doing a lot more business with High Country Gardens.

These guys are awesome!. I've placed several orders with them and all the plants have arrived in good shape. My last order I had an issue -- where I wanted to plant had about 12 to 14 inches of pure caliche. I called them and they where able to hold my order no questions asked so I could go get a sledge hammer and break up the problem soil.

Their selection and service are the best I've found.