Comments regarding Park Seed Company (aka Park's Gardens)

I have only ordered seeds from Park (not plants). I have found the germination and vigor of the plants I grew from the seeds to be excellent. They put the seeds in foil sealed "Parkspak" packets which I think keeps the seeds viable longer than paper packets. Park doesn't carry lots of unusual plants, but they do keep up on the latest varieties of the standbys--coleus, zinnia, cosmos, petunias, impatiens, etc.

I ordered a collection of hyacinths which I received at extremely low prices by waiting for their sales in fall. The collection had 18 bulbs which costs less than $1.0 per bulb including shipping. The bulbs arrived in great condition and very a nice size. I can recommend them. Only comment would be that you almost have to wait for sales, otherwise their merchandise is a bit pricey.

Very extensive selection of seeds, reasonably priced and available in smaller lots. I prefer to buy many different cultivars/colors in smaller envelopes than one big envelope of say 200 seeds. They have a very wide variety and ship all year round. The seeds are well packaged in sealed foil envelopes. The only negative experience I have ever had was pelleted petunias arriving crushed. Besides from this, they are an excellent vendor of seeds and seed starting equipment.

i ordered daylilies, rec'd all the shipment,plants healthy and growing. marilynne

They had a great sale going on that I couldn't resist and received my order from them within 3 days after ordering (I live in the same state as they are located). Daffodil bulbs were a nice size and look very fresh and healthy. Also ordered some plants that were good size with nice roots and well packaged. The thyme was a little dryed out, but bounced right back after watering. Have always had a good experience with Park Seed Company.

I had several orders with them this year, for everthing from seeds to bulbs to garden accessories. The only problem I had was them running out of one bulb, that I ordered back in August. They did send me notification that they had run out, so at least I wasn't left wondering where my bulbs were. I'm just wondering how early I need to order for fall shipping, to make sure this doesn't happen. Oh well, one, errr, thirty less things to plant :)

I am new to gardening, so I don't know how the quality or the size of the bulbs compared to others, but the price was right and they company shipped everything that I paid for. The bulbs look to be the same quality and size as bulbs I have seen in discount stores. I will let you know how they bloom next spring and summer. For a beginner, everything seemed up to my standards. I did enjoy their catalog, which showed different combinations of flowers and how they would look once they bloomed. This helped me plan and plant my flower beds.

Last April I ordered several roses from them at very low prices (average $5 for David Austins). They arrived in a short time, looked great, and grew very well. I am looking forward to an order I just placed for bulbs and perennials.

This was my first order from Park's -- I was lured by the almost too-good-to-be-true sale they were having, but figured, eh, at the low price, a gamble was worthwhile. I ordered three butterfly flowers (Asclepias tuberosa), one bareroot clematis, and 4 of their super-sale priced bareroot daylily collections ($1.99 down from $19.95 for 5 plants! For naturalizing? Who could resist? In fact, they're now sold out, so I guess I wasn't the only one! *g*)

My expectations were what I would term "medium" -- I'd read the reviews here before placing my order and saw that although the response was mostly positive, there were enough negatives and neutrals sprinkled in to make me philosophical about my order.

So imagine my happy surprise to receive my full shipment within days of placing the order, the butterfly flowers were in nice deep pots with healthy green foliage and a good network of roots, and all the bareroot stock was moist, well packaged, and looked robust. Obviously I won't know for sure how well these fall plantings will do for a while yet, but so far I have to say I'm very pleased with the experience and will probably order from Park's again.

I can't resist Park's unusual varities--when you have all the common stuff, they're a lot of fun! But wait for their sales for the best bargins.

Yes, a few things died, but most made it.

I ordered tons of "blue" tulip bulbs from them last year just to find that they were soft pink--not even violet like they were supposed to be! Well, I complained, just wanted a little credit because I wanted "blue" , for crying out loud! Well, they sent a postcard , saying "no" at first, so I wrote again, without much hope, I might add. But , lo and behold, I find a credit on card for the full amount of the bulbs! We are talking over a hundred bucks! So I am giving them a definate positive for working with their customers, but you may have to insist on it.

I'd say they're just as good or better than other companies I've ordered from.

I have ordered plants, bulbs, seeds, etc, from Parks for at least 36 years. Their seeds are in aluminum foil packs, and I have planted them years after I got them with excellent results. This year I was on their site and signed up for their email notices. They have fabulous sales, up to 75% off. So far I have had one Wisteria and one small tree not live, and they refunded me the original price, I had to write them that I had bought the plants on sale. I do live in the same state, SC, as they are, so shipping is extremely fast, and you can go on line and find out exactly when they will ship. If you tell them you will be out of town certain days, they will not ship to arrive those days. The sales are fabulous, they may cause me a divorce! Their descriptions, directions for care are excellent. It is my favorite place from which to order. Susan Lauer

In the fall of 2003 I ordered a variety of seeds and growing accessories for the next spring from Park Seed. Everything arrived in a timely fashion, in good condition. I ordered perennials, annuals, everything. Everything I grew came up the color and variety I selected, just as the catalog described, with one exception. When my coleus 'limelight' came into color not all of the plants were green. I informed park of the problem and said I would like a refund or credit, and they issued a credit very promptly. I am very, very happy with the service I have received. The catalog is informative and well illustrated, and the prices are great.

I love Parks Seed, and have ordered from them for many, many happy years. Reading some of the testimonials above prior to writing, I understand some of the problems that can result, and how irritating the resolution can be. But here you are working with a reputable, honest, eager-to-please outfit that NEVER quibbles over any point, though they may venture an alternative action (maybe waiting a bit longer for germination, for example). If you're unhappy, they go to any length per your request to please the customer.

Try dealing with schlock outlets like Richard Owen "Nursery" or any of those Illinois/Indiana rip-off outlets once or twice, and you'll know the value of Park Seed. Their customer service staff is the nicest bunch of ladies (and I mean ladies in the truest essense of that word) I've ever had the pleasure of dealing with. I'd love to have them to lunch anyday.

Sometimes, their living plant material can be a bit on the small side, But it's robust, not half-dead, dried-out or brown-rotted, fungus-infested "material" lumped/heaped carelessly into a green sack such as received from the ABSOLUTE BANE of my existence RICHARD OWEN NURSERY (DO NOT EVER ORDER FROM THEM!!!!)

Park's Seed quality and germination rates are way up there, though here and there some seeds aren't to satifaction. A feedback call to their wonderful customer service is all that's needed. Parks is always are interested in satisfying you, and never wishes to do their customer wrong ethicly or financially. This company's heart is in th right place, and I will continue to do business with this more than reputable entity. Viva la Parks!
Most sincerely, Jonathan Wald, Fair Lawn, NJ

I have ordered for several years from Park. I have had good experiences from their bulbs and seeds. However, last Fall I ordered 6 Echinacea Ruby Star plants and they arrived in terrible condition...they all appeared dead, so I called and they replaced them and the replacements didn't look good, but I planted them all including the dead ones, hoping for some life in the roots. This spring, I have 3 plants which lack vigor, but ARE putting out. I notified Park by email of this and they are sending me a replacement check for the expense. I live in the Deep South and I feel sending plants to this hot and unpredictable climate is chancy and will just use the check to order bulbs and or seeds in the future. They have been very nice about all of this and I will use them again. I only wish shipping could be better and more predictable weather-wise.

Customer service could not have been more pleasant to deal with. Now, if the deer won't eat the poor little remaining plants as they put out and try to live...

Pat

I placed my first order with Park Seed in May, 2004, and received it about three weeks later. All of my items were excellently packaged and labeled. All of the plants were potted up over the Memorial Day weekend and they all show signs of healthy new growth. I am pleased with my experience and I will order from this company again.

Very nice plants at fair prices. Was a little nervous when they showed up USPS - but they were fine inside. Would order from them again - they are all growing and look great!

I've been buying seeds from Parks for years and have always had excellent germination rates with them. I do notice they don't seem to have quite the selection of the more unusual/harder to find seeds (they used to carry more unique melon varieties)--instead are, unfortunately, tending to carry the same seed varieties that can be found elsewhere, even locally. I'm glad I saved seeds every year from a couple of the melons that they (and no one else, it seems) carry!
Of the seeds I bought this year I've had EXCELLENT germination rates!!! Seedlings I started some weeks ago are already hardened off and taking off in my garden.
This year I finally gave in and bought their 'fig tree' collection-which consists of a petite negri and an italian honey fig. After reading other reviews, and a few things on a forum, I was leery of what would show up on my doorstep.
I was VERY PLEASANTLY surprised! The italian honey fig (both figs arrived potted, not bare root) was large, already leafed out and with a breba fig! The petite negri was still dormant, but leafed out within DAYS and it now has four little breba figs on it!!!!!
I just wished I'd ordered these before--I am VERY, VERY HAPPY with my fig trees!!!!!!!!

My experiences with this company have generally been very good. Their selection of hard to find seeds is unsurpassed. The only problems I have had is when I have ordered plants. After a few attempts to order plants from Park's and others it is clear to me that your best bet is to buy locally if you can find what you want. Part of the problems lie with the nurseries and a part of the problem lies with the US Post Office. It seems that they can never deliver a plant in a timely manner or undamaged.
I ordered a yellow budeila from Park for about $6 two years ago and got a 1 inch twig in a very small pot even though it was advertised as a 6 inch pot. I was told that they were out of the larger sizes but assured me that it would grow to over 6 foot tall the first season. I thought-yeah right! But I was wrong it did exactly that.

Finally, a positive experience with an on-line order! I ordered bulbs just a few days ago and I got them yesterday. They're exactly what I expected, large healthy, expertly packed bulbs, ready for planting. I'm anticipating the arrival of the live plants that were also ordered. If this first shipment is any indication I believe that the live plants will be of the same quality.

I only order seeds from them and never had a problem with getting orders. Seed prices and selections are quite good, and I find their peat plugs immensely useful for rooting softwood cuttings and tricky/expensive seeds. I've never bought any plants from them and never will, since the selection is uninteresting and quite expensive, and I've heard way too many horror stories about wayside, which is owned by the same parent company.

The seed quality isn't particularly good (small seeds and crushed seeds are present in most packages) but germination rate is decent. Park gives dubious instructions on cultivation, not unlike those found at the back of Walmart seed packets.

These guys have the best seed packaging in the business. The perfectly sealed foil packages keep the seeds far more viable than the paper packaging used by most seed companies. Every kind of seed I've ordered from them (100+ varities over the years) has had an excellent germination rate.

I've ordered a few "six packs" of interesting annuals from them also, and they have always been good, large plants and very well packaged. Can't speak to their perennials, shrubs, etc., as I have never ordered those.

I placed my order in early March for some bareroot and 3" potted perennials. Their online order status was always updated and easy to print out. When it was time to ship, they showed the shipping date (4/12) for each plant, and my plants arrived two days later.
They were packed VERY well. All the plants had good root systems and were labeled nicely. The packing materials and potting medium were nice and moist. I planted everything yesterday and today....now let's see if everything does well!

Purchased 3 Helleborus plants on sale. They arrived much quicker than expected, in wonderful shape and are huge. Am looking forward to future purchases.

Just got my rose sale plants and they are huge! They were 60% off and a great deal for the size. PLus they gave me 5 free seed packets to which they were all interesting seeds that I look forward to growing.

Thanks!

i live in georgia ( the south) so what better place to order from than parkseed company!! their plants are grown in the south- so it makes good sence.

I have ordered several times from them this spring alone!! and have been very happy- i got my orders in seperate boxes, and am still waiting on several items- but everything is going just fine.
Last spring I rdered some Banana plants (seed) and they all did wonderful!!! and are big and healthy now.

I think some of the people who live in northern states, who order from a southern company-- or a southern state who orders from a northern company is just not working, maybe because the plants, seeds and such are grown and used to that part of the country--- south for south, hot for hot.. and cold climate for cld.

I have not had any problems with parkseed company, and I look forward to getting the emails, and the catologues from them! *knock on wood* that all of my dealings will be nothing more than wonderful with parkseed company.

I received the bulbs and plants that I ordered in a very timely matter and was extremly please with what I got. Everything was package well and little extras were sent with my order

Ordered a couple of Calla and Dahlia tubers via the website. My order arrived via Priority Mail four days later, this is my first experience with this company and the tubers were large and in excellent condition.

I ordered the new variety of calla, Naomi Campbell. They came Friday. They were excellent quality; large, fully turgid. Most had multiple meristems. Also, the spring catalogue lists terra cotta pot hangers as a "bonus". I have been looking for them for 5 years now. I ordered 40 from the company, which shipped quickly. Quality and timely shipping is what keeps a company on top.

Today I received the "live plant" portion of a multi-part order which included seed packets and seed starting supplies. I am completely satisfied with this company's
product and timely e-mail responses to my inquiries. I was especially impressed with the superb condition the rooted brugmansia cutting. I am awaiting a much larger order of all "live" plants due to arrive within a week or so and will update this report accordingly.

Here's another case where I wish I could do a split rating. I've had good success with most of what I've ordered from Park's- I've had strangers come up off the street and ask me where I got such pretty tulips from. The tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and spring crocus that I ordered have all been great. Here's the problem- the more "exotic" stuff I've ordered hasn't been good. The fall blooming crocus came up but never bloomed the first fall, then were never seen again. The winter hardy glads never came up at all. So... stick with the "basics" and you'll do just fine with Park's!

Seed starter kit and seeds rapidly arrived in good order

I just received my first order from Park Seeds. The order was accurate and shipped very quickly. I ordered the Styrofoam Seed Start Kits and they seem to be really nice (I've only tested them with some easily germinated seeds but they wick the water well).

I do wish that the web site would tell me when an item is back ordered rather than allowing me to order and then only telling me once the order is received.

Parks continues to be my favorite plant/seed company to do business with. In fact, this year it will be the only company I order seed from. If any company out there is doing things right, Parks is the one. I feel their prices are very reasonable, their selection excellent, the quality of seeds and plants outstanding and no one can beat their customer service. Here's an example of the only problem I can remember having with their seed. Two years ago I ordered 2 variegated clivia seed for $20. The seed grew, but the foliage did not show the expected variegation. After a year, I called them and told them of the problem and also said I would like to wait for awhile longer to see if the variegation would eventually show up before getting a refund. They told me that would be fine and they would put a note on my account. I waited another year before requesting the refund and they did it. No questions asked. I received the refund within a week. To me, that's incredible service. Their staff is very knowledgeable and incredibly friendly. What more could you ask for? I love this company and anxiously wait for their catalog each season. Simply the best!!

I ordered seeds. They came in seven days. I have to admit I didn't sit and count them, never occured to me. I might next time though. They grew and were what they were supposed to be.

I ordered several plants from them this year. They arrived in well-packed, small pots. Some were in good shape. But there are a few that I'm not so sure are going to make it. They have some unusual varieties but their prices are high for what you actually get. I may up or downgrade this experience depending on how the plants do and how the company responds with any complaints that I have.

New Catalogs will soon fill our mailboxes. I have always looked forward to receiving the Park Catalog and it's partner catalogs: Wayside Gardens, Park Countryside Gardens, Park BUlbs.

The seeds I have received have germinated well. I have been able to add many new plants at low costs to my garden by using seeds.

The roses I have ordered have responded better than any other company's dormant roses. I've especially been pleased with the David Austen, i.e., English rose types. I will definitely be ordering more now that we have moved to a new home.

I have had very good success with park seeds. I always get what I order & the packs often contain more then listed. I really like the clearance sales that they offer. I pick up ALOT of seeds for a fraction of the cost. Very generous deals.

Earlier toward the start of this year I ordered and promptly recieved seed starting materials from Park Seed. In early spring I set everything up including the seedling heat mat I ordered from them. To my dismay the mat did not work and my seeds were planted so I figured that's that-by the time they get the old one back and send another it will be too late. I e-mailed customer service and explained the situation and in a couple days I had a new mat and was not required to send the old one back.
Since then I have placed orders for several of the seasonal sales they have and I placed the orders on the web (as I usually do) on the weekend and by the end of the week I had my stuff which is amazing considering it is at such low prices (I am stocking up for next season with seeds and supplies). I will definitely buy from them again.

I found Park Seed by accident online. I have ordered many packets of seeds, and all were excellent. I love the 75% off sales and used it last spring and again this fall. Most every plant arrived in good shape and the ones that weren't they replaced or credited me immediately. I will use Park Seed first from now on. Haven't been this satisfied in all the years I've been ordering plants and seeds.

I had very good service from Park Seed this spring '03, and received many discounts via email, after signing up for their newsletters and email notices. The various discounts and free shipping cut the cost in half!

I purchased bareroot lilies (a special variety, "Candy Lily," available only at Park's - they came packaged very well, with little green shoots and lots of 8-12" roots! They are thriving now, as are the bareroot roses I bought. I now know, from experienced gardeners, that a few of the other bareroot plants I bought died because I planted them incorrectly. I was nonetheless cheerfully reimbursed by the company without question.

Perennials and shrubs that came in various sized pots were well packed and are doing well. They were all the size specified by the customer service rep.

There is NO excuse for saying that a plant was "smaller than I thought it would be" when received. If you wonder how large a plant will be, just call the company. They have specifications for the minimum size that each plant must be before shipping.

If, for any reason, you are dissatisfied, they will refund your money!

This is my first experience with seed starting. I had a high yield per seed, and everything is very healthy. In response to others' claims of low seed count, I will say that the proper amount of seeds were provided for me in nice, foil packets.

The directions on seed packets are a bit "generic." However, the customer service representatives were helpful and either knew the answers to my questions or sought the answers.

I had a good experience and will order from Park Seed again, as well as their affiliated companies!