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

I ordered some BUDDLEIA ALTERNIFOLIA and they sold out and failed to tell me until I called them to find out the status. Seriously how hard is it not to sell more than you have. They should only sell to 90% of stocks anyways encase a few die in shipping so they can reimburse the buyer with new plants. I will not due business with them again.

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]
"

I placed an order for seeds and plants. The seeds didn't come for nearly a month and the plants have never arrived despite emails and calls to the company. Like others who have posted, I've learned my lesson and won't use this company again.

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]
"

On March 24, I placed an order for plants & seeds. The product was about $74 with shipping over $25 because the order was split into 3 parts. I tried to cancel 2 parts of it that day, but was unable to until 3/25.

I received a credit within 2 days for the cancelled portion of the order.

HOWEVER, They had some sort of a system problem on 3/26 and all the orders were duplicated and charged. I found another $100 in charges on my online billing statement on 3/30. I immediately called and was told I was wrong. I called again the next day and was told their systems duplicated a bunch of orders and that they would be cancelling some of my order and crediting my account.

I still do not have a credit after numerous calls to the company. The most recent being today, where I was told that I was not charged twice. I offered to give the rep the transaction number, and was told I could send in a copy of my bill, because their records show I was not charged twice.

I have called at least 4 times since 3/30 and recieved a different story each time. For the 4th time, I was told their "credit card department" would have to investigate and I would recieve a credit in 30 days if they found I was charged twice. Except every other rep tole me I would be receiving a credit.

So, beware if you placed an order with Parks on or around 3/24 - check your credit card statements carefully to make sure you were not charged twice.

"

I have located your order and I am in the process of reviewing your information. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you via e-mail shortly. We will make every effort to resolve this issue.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]
"

I too have been a Park's customer for over 25 years.
Last year my mom ordered double hellbores from Parks- because she wanted DOUBLE hellebores. After many, many months she received a shipment of singles as a substitute without Parks notifying her or seeking her permission to substitute. I mean, if someone orders double hellebores, they want double hellebores! Well, they waited so long to ship that by the time they arrived my mom was feeling sick, and it turned out she had cancer and died before they ever bloomed. I kept them and they are a beautiful reminder of my mom, but they still make me mad about Parks.
Next experiences were all my own. Several months delay on products, did not ship when my account info said they had shipped, did not notify of delays, no reply other than auto-generated to first 3 emails. I cancelled one of my orders after waiting 9- that's NINE months, and they still were acting like this was normal business. I think the only reason I could go through with the order cancellation was because they didn't want my credit card company to be notified of their bad business practices.
Parks used to be a great company to do business with, but I will never do business with them again. They are now the worst plant comany I have ever used. If an eBay store had as much negative feedback as Parks is getting here, they would probably be banned from eBay. Parks doesn't seem to care how many unhappy customers they have.

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]
"

I have ordered seeds from Parks for the past several years, and have had no real problems. I ran into my first glitch this year: I bought a seed collection for my kids called Laugh and Learn, and one of the seed packets (Peek-a-boo Eyeball Plant) was completely empty--not even any dust that could be tiny seeds. I immediately e-mailed the company, and at first got an automated response reminding me that it is the busy season, and it may take a while for them to answer. I wrote them on Mar. 12, they sent the automated reply on Mar. 13, and on Mar. 18th I got a notice saying they had sent a replacement pack of seeds.

While I would have preferred a personal response to my query, I appreciate that they are sending a replacement packet right away.

Also, I've seen other posts complaining that their seeds from Parks did not germinate. I've sown 24 varieties of seeds in the past week from many different sources (trades, Sears, Jungs, Parks), and thus far 4 have germinated--all from Parks.

I would not hesitate to order from Parks again.

I, too, was not informed of Park's and Waysides guarantee policy change after years of doing business with them, nor do they make it at all clear on the websites or in the catalogs. I did not call and complain about plants showing up in bad condition, months late or not at all. I simply gave them a list at the end of the year for company credit. I put up with a lot of disappointment from these companies because I was under the mistaken impression that they would make things right when I had a problem. My review on Wayside tells the complete tale

In the past 2 years alone, I have spent over $11,000.00 with Park, Wayside and Jackson & Perkins. Apparently they are such a huge conglomeration now that they can afford to jettison a very good customer over a few plants claimed.

The last laugh will be on them though, as I had about 1.45 acres of pucker pine cleared last fall. If I spent that much with them gardening on my previous 1 acre, they have certainly missed the boat on my new project. I will thoroughly enjoy giving my business to the many wonderful companies out there who actually appreciate it. It may sound vindictive, but believe me, after the way I have been treated, it is deserved.

I am a second generation Parks customer who has spent $1000's of dollars with them. A few years ago they quietly changed their refund policy. Instead of having a one year grace period, the customer now has to notify the company within three weeks of receipt of the merchandise. I did not know this.
Last summer, an order consisting of ehinacea, dianthus, shasta daisy and lilies all refused to grow, except for the dianthus. Rather than notify the company at that time, I decided to notify them this year, so that I could get the replacements shipped in the spring. I was denied any replacements, and the customer "service" agent pretty much told me there was nothing she could about this. I asked her to delete my name from all of their customer lists since I would no longer be ordering from them, and to notify her supervisor that they were losing a customer of 50 years.
No one from Parks has contacted me, so I guess the loss of another customer doesn't bother them. Ironically, I intended to place another $80 dollar order with them after I had the replacement plants ironed out.
Perhaps most annoying, was the customer service agent"s cluelessness. Before I hung up she thanked me "for shopping with Park's" asked me "if there is anything else I can do for you today", and wished me a good weekend.
Zip code:37405
Customer # 007675987

WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING
* Wayside Gardens
* Jackson & Perkins
* DollarSeedStore.com
* Park Seed Wholesale Growers
* Park's Landscapes
* Perfect Plant, LLC
Frankly I can't believe these people are still in business. I placed an order on February 21st and of course was charged in full immediately for my order. I still have not received my order even though the e-mail I received from Park on 3/5 said it had been shipped.
I have LOTS of issues with this company and the way they do business and I am looking into filing a complaint with the attorney general of my state.
I feel this company misleads it's customers.
I am actually a wholesale customer but had to order from the retail side because the "wholesale" price was higher.
So, any of you looking in on this board should be forewarned.

By happenstance, I found this forum while trying to find info about Park Seeds (the company). I'm terribly displeased with my experience with them I just did not feel like simply letting it go. It's amazing that I ended up reading the same issues/complaints that I have ... issues that have irritated me enough to actually make sure they know it.

Before I got to this site, I had just sent them this email:

Park Seeds,
Please remove me from your newsletter subscriptions lists. I have since realized there are several seed companies I can order from -- in fact, I already spent another $150 beyond my $44 Parks Seeds order.

I was once very displeased with my Park Seeds transaction. I decided I'd rather not order from you again. But then I decided to test you and give you another chance to make things right. You failed that test. There is just no customer goodwill apart from you selling to people and receiving payment. I'm a passionate gardener, and getting more so through the years. I'm sure I will survive even if I do not do business with Park Seeds ever again.

Thus, I also do not need the flood of email advertising from you.

Thanks,
A disappointed, displeased customer

After years of dealing with Parks, and vowing each year that this will be the last time ever, I reluctantly tried ordering again this year. I had a $4.54 credit with Parks and decided to try to use it. The fault was partially mine.....I had ordered over a year ago 12 calla bulbs together with 2 pots that were included as a bonus with the order. Parks only sent 11 bulbs, and when I contacted them, the representative was very apologetic and offered to send another bulb. I suggested that since I have ordered from Parks so many times in the past, and would do so again, just give me store credit and I would apply it on my next order, thus saving Parks the expense of extra postage. She very graciously agreed, and told me to mention the credit when I placed another order. I tried doing that today, and they tell me they have no record of that credit, although they could find another credit (for a larger amount and for another order) that had been credited back to my credit card. If Parks cannot even get a simple task as this accomplished, why should I trust them with another order? Sorry, Parks.....with your extremely inflated prices for plants coupled with outrageous postage, you've seen the last of me.

Have only received part of my order so far...the part of the order that I did receive two packs of seeds were empty! I called the company and I didn't get any sort of an apology. The girl that took the call wasn't friendly and their only solution was that they would ship me two more packs of seed in 8-10 days! I am tired of dealing with Parks. I wouldn't recommend them. There are better companys out there besides Parks!

After reading so many negative comments on this website, it is amazing the Customer Contact Representative Jay Johnson's responses were exactly the same to everyone. Apparently, he learned to cut and paste during his company training. Park Seed and Mr. Johnson should feel ashamed at such poor responses to their customers. I have ordered a few times from Park Seed, and I also have had negative stories to tell. The one I like the best is about my shipment of Veronica plants. Two out of eight never made it once planted. It was doubtful because these two were nothing but seedlings, not plants as ordered. These two were replaced, but when received, one was brown/black rotted in the pot. When I contacted them by phone, I was told by the customer service rep, "we only replace plants once". I had to haggle with her and remind her of many hundreds of dollars spent there and with their partner Wayside Gardens over the past year and a half before she would agree to send a live plant to replace the dead one. Some orders placed last summer, are to be shipped this spring. Of course, my credit card was charged immediately...but once those pre-paid plants arrive, I will not do business here again. The horror stories on this website should be enough for folks to go elsewhere.

Park Seed charge me $9.95 postage & Handling for
only 5 packets of seeds.

This is outrageous!

This is also my very last order with them!

I still have three trees to be delivered and I dread knowing
the postage on them!

Corinne

On 2/11/08 I placed a web order(#5058749) for biodomes,,jiffy strips, a heat mat and thermostat. The biodomes and jiffys strips arrive in short order(good). Upon checking the invoice I find they have charged the entire(hopefully) amount of shipping to the first shipment. I wait a couple of days for the heating supplies to arrive. No supplies .I call to check order status and am told the heatmat and thermostat are backordered with expected arrival of 1/22. I tell the rep that Parks should not post "ships now" on the web order form when things are back ordered. No answer for that one. I decide to wait the extra time although my seeds need to be started. During the wait my credit card bill arrives and I discover I have been charge for the entire order which I pay to avoid interest on my credit card. During the process of checking my order status I find the web order form continues(and still does) state "ships now"I call on I2/25 and am told the heating supplies are backordered untill 2/29. I realize at times supplies run short and back orders are necessary but to continue to to state "ships now" on back ordered items that are time sensitive and to charge for the item is bad business practices in the long term.
I decided to use the Parks system to increase the capacity above the Lee Valley systems I have used sucessfully for years but this experience casts serious doubt on my decision.

I blame myself for not coming to the GWD before ordering from this company. I definitely would not have placed my order with them.

I needed a heat mat as soon as possible and found the 20x20 on Park Seeds, listed as "ships now". As I had two other companies immediately contact me, stating the heat mat was not in stock when I attempted to order from them, I was pleased to see that the heat mat was ready to ship from Parks, or so I thought. I received confirmation on my order on Feburary 4th. The following is the information in the e-mail:

Your order number for Park Seed is **5043364**.
(I deleted unrelated information.)

6989 Qty 1 Waterproof Seedling He **SHIPS NOW**
38.95
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Merchandise Subtotal
38.95
Shipping & handling (includes additional shipping charges)
7.95
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ORDER TOTAL
46.90

Please note the ships now.
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On February 22nd, I e-mailed the company as follows:

I checked my status. Processed - to be shipped. WHAT? It has been almost 3 WEEKS since I placed this order and it hasn't even been SHIPPED?? The website states ships now and so does your e-mail. I would like to have an explaination of this as the reason I ordered and PAID SO MUCH from your company is because it stated it was ready to ship. I needed to start my seeds two weeks ago!! I found the same product for much less, but an honest lead time. Please respond as soon as possible.

Thank you,
Traci
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The reply was vague and cookie cutter. I am not including the customer service reps name, as I am sure this is a standard response they are told to use and it is not their fault.

RE: When Will I Receive Order? [2377118:2694544]
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2008 14:26:15 -0500
Dear Traci,

Re: Order # 5043364

Thanks so much for contacting us! Your concern is important, and we're glad you took the time to write.

We are expecting a new supply of the Seedling Heat Mats at any time. These item will be shipped as soon as possible once they arrive here. I apologize for any inconvenience this delay may have caused.

If you have any more questions or comments, please don't hesitate to give us a call or send an email (number and addresses below). Thank you for sharing your garden with Park!
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I replied on February 25th, when I return from out of town.

RE: When Will I Receive Order? [2377118:2694544]
To: "Park Orders"

I must say I am very disappointed. When I ordered this, it stated it was ready to ship. Now I am being told the company is waiting on a new supply. I would call that false advertising. Do you have any idea when this will be? The e-mail I received was very vague and gave no delivery time. Please see your e-mail below with the highlights. I now have over 260 cuttings of coleus on the way and no idea if I am going to have a heat mat for them. I would definitely say this is a huge inconvenience for both my plants and pocketbook if they don't make it. They NEED bottom heat. Please give me a more difinitive time please, so I know whether I should look elsewhere for another mat. Hmmm....wonder where that money is going to come from?
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I am awaiting a response, but not expecting much. The one thing I have noted on GWD is the majority of the positive ratings were changed from negative. If the order was done correctly, professionally and honestly, then I would think the postives would be based on merit, not on headaches of having to go back and forth with the company. I would think a postive off the bat would be more enticing to customers than reading all the horror stories customers went through to obtain their items. Needless to say, I have learned two valuable lessons, DO NOT purchase anything from this company again and ALWAYS check GWD first.

Here I sit with Spring on the way and no heat mat for seeds (which was the initial reason for ordering the mat) and cuttings (which was another benefit of ordering the mat).

I have ordered from this company for several years and the customer service is pretty haphazard, especially regarding promotional discounts. Last year I placed a (for me) large order because the catalog offered a 20 percent discount. The Web site refused to accept the catalog key code number. I placed the order anyway, thinking I could follow up later. Two e-mails (ignored) and one phone call later and I was told that since I had already placed the order, I could not receive the 20 percent off, although I was welcome to place another order, to which the 20 percent off would apply. Needless to say, I did not place a second order, and paid full price for the first. This year, I am struggling to persuade Park to give me the advertised discount on snapdragon seed. So far they have charged me full price and I am keeping my fingers crossed. I am leaning towards ending my relationship with them, BUT (a big but) I am usually pretty happy with the seeds themselves.

"

I have located your order and I am in the process of reviewing your information. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you via e-mail shortly. We will make every effort to resolve this issue.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]
"

Well, where do I begin. This order was a nightmare from the getgo! On Jan. 15 of last year I placed an order for $201.07. The order included 2 BioDomes, 2 planting blocks, 2 refill sponges, many, many seeds, cannas, daylily, and other misc. items. Shipping was $31.07. WOW! The trouble began when I received my first box. It contained my seeds and misc. items including one of the BioDome refills. But there were no BioDomes, blocks, 2nd refill, heat mats, etc. (the very expensive items). I didn't think much about it because I assumed a second box was on its way. I waited and waited and couldn't understand why the BioDomes and other items hadn't arrived yet. I then pulled out the packing slip and carefully examined it (yes I know I should have done that 1st thing) and realized that according to the packing slip absolutely all ten of those items were supposedly shipped in that tiny little box. I e-mailed and called Parks and went through great frustration at trying to explain and basically being questioned like a criminal. It was only after I told them I would e-mail them a photo of the small box and giving them dimensions that they decided that perhaps the items really didn't get shipped because there was no way they would have fit! That was corrected but the problems continued. I received some cannas way, way, way too early for my zone. I called them and they recommended that I place them in a dark, cool area of my home (as if everyone has a cellar). Those eventually got replaced also as they ended up molding in my heated basement. Some of the seeds failed to germinate properly (if at all) and those also were replaced. The backordered items eventually made it to my doorstep at some point. To make a long story short, after the confusingly large amount of e-mails and the countless number of shipments to fill the original order, replace, etc., I'm still not sure where I ended up as far as having the order completed. It is no wonder they charge so much for shipping - they have to in order to cover the number of shipments due to backorders and shipping errors.

One more thing, the BioDomes, planting blocks, and refill sponge were a complete waste of money. My $4 basic planting tray with a clear plastic cover did better. I wasted $77.10 on the BioDome materials, not to mention the shipping charges associated with them.

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]
"

I placed an order for $190 in seeds. (seeds only)

They wanted to charge me $36 in shipping and then
after sending me a coupon with a code, they said it was
expired, when the coupon I had in my hand had a clear
date on it that was not expired.

Never again.

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]

I am concerned that I have not yet resolved the issue at hand and would like an opportunity to do so; however, I have not yet received a reply from you concerning this matter. Please contact us at your earliest convenience. Customer satisfaction is very important to us.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]
"

I purchased two bulbs of the Batflower from Park Seed in Greenwood. One did not grow at all, the other in pot next to it put up two leaves. I have called and then written a letter including the package label for the bulbs according to the instructions I received from the telephone customer service rep. No answer. Two months later I wrote again, and to this day, I have not received any acknowledgment of my request for a replacement bulb or refund. What should I do next? When I call, I get passed on to other departments, or simply disconnected while on hold.
Is this the normal Park Seed way of dealing with their products???

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

If this was an item purchased in the Garden Center in Greenwood, SC please give them a call at (864) 941-4213 to resolve this issue.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]

I am concerned that I have not yet resolved the issue at hand and would like an opportunity to do so; however, I have not yet received a reply from you concerning this matter. Please contact us at your earliest convenience. Customer satisfaction is very important to us.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]
"

I bot some seeds from Parks in Sept. 2007, about 7 packs

It turned out, after I got the seed order, that They were sold out of 2 Veg. types., and I did not get those in the order.

Two more of the Veg seeds packs, I did get; turned out to be "dead". .... would not germinate. No doubt because they were old seeds.

Also, the postage charged to my order for a few packs of seeds were excessive.

I can not recommend Park Seed Co. to anyone.

"

I have located your order and I am in the process of reviewing your information. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you via e-mail shortly. We will make every effort to resolve this issue.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]
"

I've been ordering from Park Seed for years and have generally been satisfied. I wanted to take advantage of their fall 35% off sale because I sprout a lot of seeds indoors. I ordered a little over 45 packets of seeds and was was charged a whopping $18 for standard shipping for something that will ship for less than a pound. That's ridiculous.
I shop online frequently and have never encountered shipping prices that high, even when I've ordered bulky or heavy items like power tools. It's bad enough that some seed packets can cost as much as 4 or 5 dollars for only 10 seeds. But to add another 20+ cents per packet for shipping is mind-boggling to me. I like their seeds, but Park is getting too expensive for me.

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]
"

Sadly as a first time customer, I would rate the experience with park seeds as "poor at best". In June 2007 placed a phone order for ice plant seeds (order #4840508). I made multiple phone calls checking the shipping status of my order always with the same response "it will be sent out within the next 1-2 weeks". Finally in September I emailed the company. They did response quickly and said the seeds were for fall shippng (this was never mentioned at order time or during phone calls). I cancelled my order and was told my credit card charges would be refunded. As of yet (end of October) I have yet to see my credit card charges refunded. The company was quick to charge my account but not as quick to refund my account.
Unfortunately, I would not order from Park Seeds again.

"

I have located your order and I am in the process of reviewing your information. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you via e-mail shortly. We will make every effort to resolve this issue.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]
"

I have ordered from this company for years, but... they just shipped me colchicums which had flowered and withered long, long, ago. (Order #4928144, ) They had obviously flowered in storage, before my order was even packed - i.e they just do not care what they are sending out. I see they are still trying to sell off these colchicums on the web - have to assume those will be the same condition, and that Parks knows it. They did offer me a merchandise credit on my next order - I would rather have had bulbs of reasonable quality in the first place.

"

I have located your order and I am in the process of reviewing your information. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you via e-mail shortly. We will make every effort to resolve this issue.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]
"

This is my letter to Park seed company:
Dear Madam/Sir,
I am writing with respect to my order, # 4875625.
I just wanted to say that I am deeply disappointed with the experience you provided for me, as a first-time customer.
Just to remind you, my order was placed on July 30th, 2007. It was comprised of several seed packs, several bulb packs, and a fig, as is detailed below:
#90253 Shasta Daisy Collection Qty 1 $6.51
(3-pack offer, a total of 100 seeds)
#1540 Park's Candy Lily (20 seeds) Qty 1 $3.28
#0745 Garden Pink Siberian Blues (50 seeds) Qty 1 $2.76
#8304 Lily-of-the-Valley (10 pips) Qty 1 $9.31 Fall Shipping
#8119 Large Economy Crocus Mix (10 corms) Qty 1 $4.63 Fall Shipping
#7521 Hyacinth Mix (5 bulbs) Qty 1 $6.51 Fall Shipping
#7853 Tulip Blue Diamond (10 bulbs) Qty 1 $6.51 Fall Shipping
#8366 Tulip Blue Parrot (10 bulbs) Qty 1 $9.31 Fall Shipping
#1840 Summer Savory (100 seeds) Qty 1 $1.36
#1208 Lavender French Long (100 seeds) Qty 1 $1.36
#1137 Lavender Munstead (100 seeds) Qty 1 $1.36
#1909 Madagascar Jasmine (6 seeds) Qty 1 $4.45
#48012 Petite Black Fig Qty 1 $13.99 Fall Shipping
#3304 Cypress Vine Mix (30 seeds) Qty 1 $1.83
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Merchandise Subtotal $73.17
Shipping & handling (includes additional shipping charges) $11.95
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Order Total $85.12

I have to mention the following:
1. The prices shown reflect the discount for the “first time customer”.
2. My card was charged at the time of the order (company policy), not at the time of shipping.
3. Fall shipping date on your site, for my zone, was given as September 10th.

The seeds I received in a timely manner.
Correspondence with the customer service was started on September 14th, 2007, partly because I received confirmation only for the crocus bulbs, with no other information for further shipping of my order, partly because, after 3 weeks of waiting, none of the 6 madagascar jasmine seeds germinated. I mentioned that, living in Miami, if I ever want to have those bulbs flowered, I have to chill them first, for at least 6 weeks.
The response came fast: the rest of the items were not available, though they all appeared available on their site, until late September early October. With respect to the jasmine, they informed me that it usually takes longer than 30 days, and I should wait some more.
Another email was sent on October 5th. In it I was again asking information about the status of my order, since September was ended and the first week of October was gone. In addition, I was providing information about all the seeds I’ve started and the results: no Jasmine germinated (after more than 6 weeks of waiting), only two Cypress vine seeds out of 30, and I also mentioned of my satisfaction about the lavenders (French lavender 14 out of 20 started, Munstead 3 out of 20), considering all the bad reputation lavender seeds have (poor germination rates). I requested if possible, the germination rated obtained by park gardeners for the Madagascar jasmine and cypress vine seed.
Again, a response came fairly quick. I was informed that the bulbs I had on the list will be ready to ship within the next two weeks. Another email came from one of the horticulturists, saying that they will replace the jasmine and cypress vine seeds. I was very grateful for this, and I asked for some additional information for the jasmine seeds, so I would not fail again. I received a response.
Monday October 8th I’ve got shipment confirmation for the seed replacements. They arrived same week.
On Monday October 15th, I received shipment confirmation for 3 more items: the fig, the hyacinths, and the blue diamond tulips.
They arrived on October 18th. The shipment was well packed. The fig was looking good, not a leaf broken. The hyacinth bulbs seemed OK and plump, though moist (humidity from the package?).
But the tulip bulbs! The only positive thing about them was their size. Otherwise, one of them was rotten: soft (mushy) and brown; the rest (9 bulbs) were all covered with brawny spots/blemishes, looking like having a fungal/parasitical infection. It is not the first time I’ve ever seen tulip bulbs, but I can tell you that I’ve never seen such a thing.
Two persons handled the items in the package (they have numbers assigned: filled by #110, packed by #26), and none of them didn’t seem to notice or care that a rotten bulb (let’s not talk about the bad-looking bulbs) is sent to their eager and naïve customer, who made full payment almost 3 months ago.
I took some time to cool my thoughts, and I’ve decided to write this letter so you would know why you will never have me as a customer again.
While writing this long story, I’ve received shipment confirmation email again. It’s for the blue parrot bulbs.
The lily-of-the-valley are still to be delivered. But, as your site shows, they are out of stock. Probably the reason why they are not shipped to me at this time…
I will stop here, I could have said more about more of your seeds, but it doesn’t matter anymore. I will buy from another company. One that cares.
Alexandra

"

I have located your order and I am in the process of reviewing your information. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you via e-mail shortly. We will make every effort to resolve this issue.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]
"

I ordered 2 Encore azaleas and 2 Double Knock-out Roses from Park after failing to find them at my local nurseries. Total price with shipping was $83.71.

Upon finally receiving them, I discovered the Roses were badly burned by sun - blackened stems and shriveled leaves/buds. Soil was dripping wet.

Of the Azaleas, one was half dead. I took photos and wrote to Park for a partial refund, which they quickly handled.

These plants cost $20 each. The size of the roses was pathetic and the condition appalling. The half-dead azalea looks now like it's completely dead. I am incredibly disappointed in the roses - I told Park in my letter I would be embarrassed to pay even $7 or less for a plant of this size and in this condition.

I rarely do mail order, preferring to support our local stores. But I have purchased some plants over the years from High Country Gardens and Jackson & Perkins, as well as a couple of other growers, and all were in good condition. But this order was disastrous, and a waste of my money. I will not ever order from them again.

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]
"

interesting reading the last couple of posts in Sept, 07. I just received my plants today, that I ordered in July for "fall shipping" and these were the sickest looking things ever. I just posted my complaint on their website so I don't have an outcome yet. But since Mr. Johnson seems to read these posts I'll enter my order number here so he can look it up:#4889554. I received 3 CERATOSTIGMA PLUMBAGINOIDES that were sick and mildewed. I might not think much about it but a few weeks ago I received 3 from Bluestone that were healthy, green and have even bloomed since receiving them. The ones from Park will never make it they are so diseased. The other plant was a double knockout and like another person posted, this was a small plnat - that's OK, but the few remaining leaves were all covered in black spot - again so sick looking and the stems are barely 1/8 inch thick - it will take a long time to get this plant healthy. So, I will see how Park's responds.

"

I have located your order and I am in the process of reviewing your information. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you via e-mail shortly. We will make every effort to resolve this issue.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]
"

I have done business with Park Seed Company and have been for the most part happy with what they shipped. But, I just recieved a rose bush for fall planting and it has to rank as the most pathetic little plant ever sent. I swear the base of the rose wasn't 1/16" in diameter. I have a rose coming from Wayside Gardens; it will probably be a dud too.

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]

I am concerned that I have not yet resolved the issue at hand and would like an opportunity to do so; however, I have not yet received a reply from you concerning this matter. Please contact us at your earliest convenience. Customer satisfaction is very important to us.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]
"

I ordered an Iris, 'BOLD PRETENDER' (LOUISIANA HYBRID) from Park Seed in May. The first one arrived wrapped in plastic wrap, in the heat of summer, and had totally turned to mush. I called the company and told them and was told that another Iris would be sent to me in the Fall. I had no problem with that, in fact it made sense. @ weeks later another Iris arrived in exactly the same condition. I called them again and requested a credit to my account, which I did get. There didn't seem to be much point in trying again.
I also ordered 2 Corkscrew Rush Unicorn plants which arrived separately and they were rather puny and frail. I am hoping they will survive.

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

I ordered bulbs and perennials last Fall. They arrived late, (even though I had called to express my concerns) after we already began having frosts in South Dakota. The bulbs came up fine, but none of the perennials came up and they sent me a peach daylily instead of Rainbow candy. I didn't know till it bloomed two weeks ago that it was the wrong kind. I contacted them July 29th and received the following response on August 13: "Our Horticulturist do feel that varieties planted in the fall should be up andgrowing by mid to late spring of the following year. If you do not have growthat that time, please do not hesitate to let us know during the guarantee period.I'm sorry but the guarantee is no longer in effect for your fall order. " Given how late the order was sent and how long they take to answer, I'm quite unsatisfied with their uncooperativeness.

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem, I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

The quality of the plants that I received was very poor and they were not sent until the middle of June when our temperatures had soared to 90+. Although the plants were immediately planted and watered many did not survive the hot temperatures. Some of the order was not sent and no refund was made. I wrote the company twice with no response so have resorted to the BBB and online advertising of their negative sevice.

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem, I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]

"

In February of 2007 I ordered two Mme Galen Trumpet Vines ( order # 4604070). I knew they would be sent when the planting time was appropriate but that time came and went with absolutely no e-mail as to their absence. I e-mailed them several times but never received a reply. Then I called and each time they said that the horticulturist would not release the plants for mailing. Then I e-mailed and asked them to cancel the order. My credit card was never credited. By this time it is June 2007. I called again and asked what happened. They had my money and I had nothing. They said that my funds were now a credit with the company. I would never have known this if I hadn't called. I told them I did not want a credit; I wanted my money back as I was never ordering from them again. It has yet to appear on my credit card. The "plant saga continues..."

"

I have located your order and I am in the process of reviewing your information. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you via e-mail shortly. We will make every effort to resolve this issue.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com"

I ordered a collection of three poppies (In particular, Manhattan and Harlem because of their color and repeat blooms, and one other that I cannot recall), a ground cover collection, creeping thyme (thymus serpyllum coccineus) and a reblooming daylily (Rainbow Candy) from Park Seed on April 3. I'm in zone 4 (wisconsin), so they don't ship until mid may. Several times in late May, I checked the site to see if my order had shipped. Even once having them email me an order status upday (on June 1). This was not very helpful, since the expected shipping dates were cut off (eg. POPPY COLLECTION Expected to ship 06/0). This was still better than what I got from the web site, which merely said it was expected to ship. At the time, my daylily was expected to ship 08/1 - I presume mid-August. Everything else was listed as 06/0.

On June 12, my order finally shipped - well, part of it - sort of. The poppy collection I have been shipped does not include "Harlem". I'm getting "Manhattan," "Burning Heart," and "Eye Catcher". I don't recall either of those last two. To my surprise, I got a daylily, but instead of "Rainbow Candy" reblooming daylily, I'm getting "Dragon's Eye" - not even a rebloomer. Every time I've looked at their site since I ordered, "Rainbow Candy" has been featured on the front page - and now they couldn't ship it to me? No sign of my ground cover collection or creeping thyme.

The plants arrived June 16. Bare root and dormant, of course, so it's hard to tell what condition they are really in. My other poppies are already starting to go dormant for the summer, so I suppose I may not know until fall if these are ok. I'm not sure where I'm going to put a non-reblooming daylily. I don't want to put some other poppy in the place I had planned for "Harlem."

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem, I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com

I am concerned that I have not yet resolved the issue at hand and would like an opportunity to do so; however, I have not yet received a reply from you concerning this matter. Please contact us at your earliest convenience. Customer satisfaction is very important to us.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com
"

The plants I received from Park were very poor quality. Of 9 plants, 4 were dead on arrival and the plants that were alive are pale yellow green and stunted. Whoever their grower is has no care as to what kind of conditon the plants are in when they throw them in the box. I'll never buy plants from Park again. They did credit my account for the dead plants but even the live ones won't see a bloom til late fall, if they live, because of their poor condition. (These are annual plants) I'm surprised that Park has no quality control. They're usually a good company.

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com

I am concerned that I have not yet resolved the issue at hand and would like an opportunity to do so; however, I have not yet received a reply from you concerning this matter. Please contact us at your earliest convenience. Customer satisfaction is very important to us.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com
"

I ordered the Dahlia Dinner Plate collection on May 11th. A little over a week later, I called to ask when it would be shipped. I was told there was a quality control problem and the horticulturalist would make a decision around June 1st on whether the bulbs would be released. Called back on June 4th and was informed the collection would not be shipped.

I said I had been receiving emails for two weeks, including one just a two days earlier, offering most of the dahlias in the collection and could we patch together an order of what Parks did have. We did that and I think I got 6 out of 8 of the ones which were in the Dinnerplate collection.

The order was shipped FedEx two day and arrived on June 11th. Second day didn't make a lot of sense as the order went out on a Thursday meaning it arrived Monday.

Bottom line is the shipment took a month and I lost a few weeks. The plants could be breaking the soil now. The substitute order was a few bucks less than my orginal so I have a credit. After I check my bank statement to make sure I wasn’t double billed (I doubt I was), maybe I’ll ask for a refund. Probably won’t bother.

Have ordered seeds and grow lights from Parks with no problems. Customer service is very pleasant when I have called. May order from Parks again but not bulbs. I don't mind waiting for orders but I do need to be informed both when an order is going to be shipped and when Parks knows they cannot ship.

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com

I am concerned that I have not yet resolved the issue at hand and would like an opportunity to do so; however, I have not yet received a reply from you concerning this matter. Please contact us at your earliest convenience. Customer satisfaction is very important to us.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com
"

I ordered 12 plants from Park Seed. Of the 12 only 4 were alive and they were in very poor condition. The other 8 would best be described as over cooked string beans. They were like mush and fell away at the base when I picked them up.

I strongly advise you not to purchase plants from Park Seed. Seeds might be OK, but you are taking a risk with plants.

Also, I did not get any response from customer service when I told them this story.

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com

I am concerned that I have not yet resolved the issue at hand and would like an opportunity to do so; however, I have not yet received a reply from you concerning this matter. Please contact us at your earliest convenience. Customer satisfaction is very important to us.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com
"

I've been ordering from Park Seed for many years and previous to this year was always happy with plant size, quality, and delivery. Not anymore.

I ordered via phone on April 12 -- more than $100 worth of plants, vines, and shrubs. My credit card was immediately charged. On May 7, I called about delivery status and was told that several plants (gallardia and dianthus) required release by the horticulturalist at the end of May. I asked that the available plants be shipped sooner, and was told they should be sent by week's end. Not! About two weeks later, the plants that supposedly were not available for shipping until the end of May arrived, and those that were supposedly available on May 7 are now suddenly delayed!

I just called customer service a few minutes ago and was informed that my remaining vine and shrub will be shipped about June 15, two months after paying for them!

Let me also say that half the plants I received were of poor quality, one may not even make it, and the clematis is a one-inch wisp.

I've gardened for years, designed perennial gardens for a living for quite a while, still hybridize daylillies, and am often asked for advice and referrals. I'm on every plant grower's mailing list. Park will lose me as a customer unless its leaders give me a good reason to return. My order number is 4713820.

"

I have located your order and I am in the process of reviewing your information. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you via e-mail shortly. We will make every effort to resolve this issue.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com"

Park Seed Company of Greenwood SC sells seeds and plants via their website and printed catalog. They operate under several different names.

Their site layout is ok but sometimes confusing because of their multiple business names.

Shipping and Handling charges are stated on the site and to us seem a little high for some things like seeds.

The site pages do not always load fast but are basically acceptable.

Their customer service reps are always confused and seemingly respond with stock, canned answers. All but one was extremely rude.

They cheated us out of nearly $600.00 by fraudulently advertising Thuja Green Giant trees as highly deer resistant with no disclaimers to the contrary. The trees we received are clearly no more deer resistant than any other tree or plant. We asked for scientific evidence to back up their claim and they could/would not provide any.

As it turns out we were not shipped Thuja Green Giant trees but instead they substituted, without our knowledge, a different tree, Thuja Steeplechase. Only subsequent to the delivery of our order did they posted any information about the Thuja Steeplechase tree.

We ordered 40 Thuja green Giant trees from Park Seeds in Sept of 2006. Several weeks went by and no communication what so ever. We called on the phone and they had NO record of our order and eventually blamed it on a computer problem. Finally the trees were shipped in mid Oct. Twenty support stakes were not shipped and back ordered. The stakes were finally shipped in Jan '07 after numerous phone calls and emails.

The trees were advertised on the Park Seed/Park Landscape et al web site as being highly deer resistant. "...plant these trees around the perimeter of your property and keep midnight nibblers away" is a direct quote from the website.

My wife and I are experienced gardeners with over 35 years experience. We planted the trees precisely as directed by Park. We lost ALL 40 trees to deer while other trees and plants appeared to be untouched. After phone calls and emails we were told that "no plant is deer proof only deer resistant" This is something we already knew but Park's advertisements clearly implied otherwise. Only after we notified them that we were turning to the NY and SC Attorney's General offices did they offer to replace the trees. What good will that do as they obviously are not deer resistant but indeed are ATTRACTIVE to deer. We want our money refunded. Who warranties all our time, some 60 -70 hours for planting and replanting these trees?

ALSO OUR CREDIT CARD WAS DEBITED THE DAY WE PLACED THE ORDER AND NOT THE DAY THE MERCHANDISE WAS SHIPPED. BEWARE NO CASH REFUNDS FROM THESE PEOPLE. This order totaled nearly $600.00

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com

I am concerned that I have not yet resolved the issue at hand and would like an opportunity to do so; however, I have not yet received a reply from you concerning this matter. Please contact us at your earliest convenience. Customer satisfaction is very important to us.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com
"

In February, I placed a seed order with Parks. After 5 weeks and no order, I started investigating. I spoke to many uninformed customer service reps along the way and finally received most of my order by the end of March.

To make a long story short, here's the email I just wrote to the whole Parks gang....

"After a very frustrating ordeal with an order I placed with you (order
4586743), Jay Johnson emailed me with an apology and a gift certificate
for $25.

The gift certificate doesn't work. I entered the number at checkout
(xxxxxxxx) in the designated spot....tried it several times in fact....even
tried it through the link in the email. The response by checkout was
"There is a problem with your submission:
The gift certificate was not found"

Guess the jokes on me.

Barbara McAllister"

LOL!

"

I have located your information. The gift certificate is valid and should have processed easily. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you regarding this matter shortly.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com"

I've been very patient with Park Seed Company only to be disappointed again. Last year I had a go-around with PSC which I posted the story of it here in Dave's Garden forums. The PSC rep wanted to be given another chance, gave me free product and promised my case was an isolated incident. Fool that I am: It wasn't.
Here's this year's fiasco in list form:
1. Mid March I placed two separate orders with PSC: the first was for 2 Snow Fire Heuchera, the other was for a white/green/and pink Chinese Evergreen houseplant (costing $49.99).
2. Waited (impatiently) for spring to arrive.
3. Last week of April I received an email stating my order would be shipped. However the numbers they sent me for the shipping date were all jumbled and made no sense.
4. Wrote to PSC asking for the correct date.
5. Three days later I received an email stating the orders would ship the first week of May. Nothing arrived.
6. Mid week two of May I called PSC and was told that my heuchera would ship in AUGUST and that my other order was "in the pink" -- meaning it was ready to ship at any moment.
7. Since PCS offered no explanation for the delay in the heuchera I cancelled the order. I was told by the rep that I would receive a credit on my card. (And as you can guess, I STILL don't have the money back.)
8. After a few days, I check the Web site and see no indication that the order has been shipped, so I call PCS. The rep explains that because the Chinese evergreen is a houseplant it is considered an annual and annuals are scheduled to ship May 21. (OK, at this point what I don't get is: Why is EVERY response different as far as the ship date??) The rep tells me she's very sorry (blah, blah, blah). She was good enough to tell me that the problem with the heuchera was one of quality control and the new batch would not be ready from the grower until August. (And they couldn't have sent an apology email out to customers who purchased that??)
9. May 22, checked the Web site -- my order is "In stock and reserved." (Funny, that's what it said about my heuchera until I cancelled it. Better yet, why doesn't it say shipped?)
10. Call PCS...same response -- very sorry, set to ship, should be there in a couple days. I told the rep that if it's not here by Friday I will simply cancel the order.

Folks, if your transactions are small, I'm sure Park Seed Company will be able to help you. However, for me and many others they have proven themselves to be totally unreliable with large orders and plants and do not deserve the business of honest, hard-working Americans.

It surprises me that the FTC has not taken exception to Park's declaration that they are "Always Dependable." That is definately false advertising.