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

In June 2004 I ordered perennials and asparagus roots from Parks, encouraged by the extremely low sale prices they were offering. The box arrived soon after, and I was pleased with the way the plants were packaged for shipping. All were in satisfactory condition and were soon thriving in my garden, all save the asparagus roots. They were shriveled and seemed dead, and though I planted them right away, never showed a sign of life. I tested Park's one year guarantee by waiting until now, April 2005, to let them know about the asparagus, and received a prompt email reply that they will gladly replace them. All of the perennials that came in that order survived my zone 3 winter with flying colors and look great. I'm impressed with both the product and service of Park's, and look forward to doing business with them in the future.

I picked up the remainder of my order from the post office yesterday. The caladium collection(5each of 11 varieties)was a great value($0.89 ea)and the tubers are all large with multiple eyes. The callas look great and the variegated honeysuckle, although badly wilted, has perked up with some TLC and looks like it will be fine. I will certainly order seeds and bulbs again, but may think twice before ordering plants; would like to see them improve plant packaging. All in all, I'm very pleased.

I was thrilled with my recent order with this company. I ordered variegated mock orange, variegated honeysuckle and a variegated sedum (detect a theme w/me?! lol), with the standard cheapie shipping of 3.95'ish. I figured, "We'll see?"

My order was shipped right away, arrived in three days (like expensive shipping f/other companies) and all plants are great! The mock orange already has buds popping, the honeysuckle is a healthy little plant that has added new growth, and the sedum was tiny, yet already has new growth and I'm satisfied.

I will absolutely buy from Park again, and I recommend them to anyone trying to navigate the barrage of mail order plant companies that arrive in the mailbox!

I have been buying seeds and plants from Park's for many years. Their selection is excellent and their prices reasonable, but what I like best about them is their customer service. On the rare occasions when something went wrong with a purchase, they responded promptly, courteously, and fairly. I am very impressed with Park's, especially since it's not a "specialty" company. They manage a lot of different inventory and I think they do a super job! Also, their "end of the season" yearly sale is incredible - I usually wait to purchase plants from them until then and the bargains are well worth it, since I still have two months or so to plant before my season ends.

I just received my first order from Park Seeds. It was a mixture of seeds and plants, about 30 line items in all. Only one plant was put on backorder. The plants received look real good. The soil was still moist. They wrap straw around the tops for mulch and secure it with a rubber band. That probably helps. No complaints at all on this $200 order.

I ordered Begonia Non-Stop mix seeds but the germination was very poor (just 4 seedlings out of 50+ seeds). So I sent them a message about my frustration and they sent me a replacement though I was a very small customer. I liked their attitude so I will keep buying stuff from them.

I ordered seed this year from Parks as I often have in year's past. The order was received in a timely manner and was correct. My experience with this company has always been seeds and always been positive.

I have been ordering from Park Seed for years. I have confidence in Park Seed because I know that if anything does go wrong all I have to do is call them up and they will fix it immediately.

This week I received some calla lily bulbs. All were in excellent condition.

I have been a long time customer of Park Seed and have always been very satisfied. I ordered Pink Impression tulip bulbs form Park's this year and am very happy with the results. Park's sent my bulbs early as I requested. I need to prechill tulip bulbs in my area so early delivery is a must. The tulips have all finished blooming and the show was magnificent. Thank you Park Seed Co.

I've been ordering on and off from Park's for years. Decent selection for a generalist operation. Though I've bought some live plant material, I judge them mostly on their seeds. Quality is generally very good, and their customer service is excellent.

ordered an aesculus x carnea "Briotti" from parks last year. , but it didnt survive . unfortunately our hard drive on our computer and all our records for that year did not survive either. i emailed parks and they researched my order and credited me for the price of the tree as they did not have a replacement in stock. I would have much rather had a new tree but i was very pleased with their service and their warranty. i will definitely order from them again.

Seeds and hardware are OK but in 2004 I decided to try perennials from them and was sorely disappointed.
The bare roots were withered and moldy. Colocasia in 4" pots never sprouted. When I dumped to investigate I couldn't find anything that looked like a tuber!

I also dislike having to login/register to order and this year it seems my name/userid couldn't be found in the database. Certainly no more plants from them and I've shifted my other gardening needs to different companies.

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We have researched this customer's order and found that the issue was resolved."

I ordered seeds several weeks ago and the order came within days. They have all successfully germinated. I also liked that many of them were pelleted making them easier to plant.

I ordered several packs of seed. They arrived fairly quickly and with good information. I'd say my experience was positive except that the lisianthus seeds I ordered were supposed to have 50 seeds in the packet, pelleted. The pack had about 10, and the rest were pulverized. I'm waiting to see if the 10 germinate before I contact the company requesting a new pack...

I have ordered from Park Seeds for years. Their customer service is great. I ordered from the web, but my code didn't work when I submitted. I called immediately and Chris in customer service answered and made sure I received my discount and free seeds. They have always been dependable. Can't wait for my new strawberry plants in the spring!

I have dealt with Park Seed for years and have had nothing but great experiences all the way around. My Dad has used them for many more years and also loves them. My experience this year was no different with the usual fast service. My order only took one week to arrive except for a heating mat which is on the way. This is a top notch company with quality products. If there is ever a problem with anything, THEY WILL CORRECT IT. I feel confident when I recommend Park Seed to my friends and fellow gardeners. I have purchased mostly seeds from them but have had equal success with their plants.

The tree we ordered was dead on arrival and the seeds we ordered did not grow. I'd gladly have traded all the glossy magazine-like advertising and free product that I didn't ask for for a live tree and living seeds. Avoid.

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We have attempted to contact RichoCech to resolve this issue. Our goal is to reach 100% customer satisfaction, and we can only do this by your willingness to communicate with us."

I have nothing but good to say about Park's. In 2004 they had a huge overstock rose sale. I had already ordered 3 superb roses from Jackson & Perkins (wonderful plants also) but went ahead and ordered 10 more from Parks at rock bottom prices. Some were backordered and then cancelled but those that I did receive were extremely healthy, great root systems and well packed. Almost all of them bloomed the first year - prolifically and sent out a lot of new growth.

Because it was an overstock sale I did expect that there would be those that I ordered that I would not get - so I had no expectations there and they stated in the sale that you had to order right away or they could not guarantee that you'd get what you ordered. Fair, I'd say.

I haven't ordered seed from them but have from their company 'The Cook's Garden' and was very very impressed with their selection and with the HIGH germination rate from the seed. Resulting plants were healthy and stocky.

I'd give them a 5 star (on a 5 rating scale) if we had that kind of rating system.

Three packages of seeds (one pansy, two petunias) arrived very quickly. I already started the first package of pansies, 100% germination. Starting the petunias today.

I have conflicting opinions about this company. I ordered quite a few plants for the first time when everything went on an end-of-season sale. The prices were unbelievable. When the plants arrived, however - Ugh. The Daylilies that I ordered were all moldy and rotting. I trimmed away all of the bad plant tissue and planted what ended up being something 1/3 of the size as it should have been. The Shasta daisy that I ordered looked dead. Hydrangea bushes were tiny with few and black-spotted leaves. I called the company and they told me to plant everything and give it time. If it didn't survive, they would reimburse. Surprisingly, every plant but one daylily seemed to be ok. They certainly didn't thrive, as I suspect that most of the energy was spent rebuilding the damage that occurred prior to receiving them. It was a little disappointing as plants from Spring Hill thrived and bloomed during the same season. I'm hoping that they will do better in 2005. I like this company's plant selection, but quality of plants? I'd say 3/4 of what I ordered was of poor quality. I'm not sure if I will order from them again.

Ordered a couple of the 80 cell bio domes. I got my product 3 days after placing order by credit card. The bio domes are excellant quality and should last for years.

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 was totally disappointed with this company. I had poor results with their so called sale items. They are badly over priced in today's market and need to run sales to be competitive. I also called customer service and they were not very knowledgable at all. Very frustrated!!!!!!! Avoid at all costs!

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We have attempted to contact gardeningtime to resolve this issue. Our goal is to reach 100% customer satisfaction, and we can only do this by your willingness to communicate with us."

I have to preface this by saying I think I rated Park as "Neutral" vs. "Positive" partly because I had such high expectations initially (and partly because I was disappointed with a few aspects of my order). I'd probably still recommend them, for some things at least!

Good (but not excellent) selection of seeds. Sometimes varieties disappear without a trace on the website, so if you see something you must have, order it soon! (I missed a specific nicotiana once. It didn't become "sold out" -- just plain disappeared.)

The website is good, but occasionally the search feature doesn't perform as I'd expect. (e.g. "orange geranium" seems to do an "OR" search even when you specify "exact search")

With Park's reputation, or maybe it's just that I seem to remember hearing their name since the day I was old enough to crawl into my mom's garden, I kindof expected better germination instructions, either with my order or on the website.

VERY polite phone employees.

Nice selection of seed starting supplies, but missing a few things that I hoped to get (min/max thermometer, hygrometer, vermiculite or sterile mixes, grounded light timers, etc).

I placed [what I consider to be] a large order (>$100) with Park, for both seeds and supplies. I received most of my order VERY promptly, yet had some difficulty with missing items. I called them to let them know that one package was missing something listed on the invoice that was sent to me, but they insisted it was coming in another package. I was just trying to save them extra shipping, since I knew I had at least one backorder on its way later anyway. After receiving all the backordered products, I called them again and they believed me that time and sent out the missing item.

I am still perplexed about one item that has been listed as "in stock and reserved" since the day I ordered it, yet has not been shipped, days after I've received everything else. I've called three times about it, and each time the very polite person tells me they're sure it will be mailed soon. No luck yet. It's a little frustrating to have my sprouting seed collections sitting here, and no sprouter to put them in!

Most disappointing of all, however, were my BioDome (sp?) seed starting inserts. They had large, scary, branched, blue-green mold-like things growing over them. After my previous calls, I'm saving up some energy before I attempt to explain the problem on the phone. I'm sure they'll be very nice, but I'm not sure if anything will come of the call.

I'm still looking for a paper catalog. I asked for one with my order, and requested one on-line, but maybe it's not the season for them.

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.

Mid-August I placed my fall planting orders from 3 different mail order nurseries: Park Seed, Spring Hill, and Brecks. The Park Seed order was the first to arrive.
I had ordered 5 oriental poppies (2 Patty's Plum and 3 Clochard) and 1 Platycodon Astra (double balloon flower) (this was one of their advertised specials and I couldn't resist). I do love that they list recommended companion plants in their descriptions on their website.
The plants have all been in the ground a little less than 2 weeks. 2 of the Clochard and 1 of the Patty's Plum have already sent up new shoots /leaves- (they are an inch tall already), which I understand is exactly what poppies should do late summer/ early fall. The other Patty's Plum and Clochard have nothing but a white/brown area where the shoots should appear, Being that the other poppies are so obviously thriving I did not take this as a good sign. I called the company to report my observations and ask if I should send the (duds?) back for a replacement. I was told no, that I should wait until Spring to see if they are simply dormant. Fair enough, except for the fact, as I mentioned, that poppies are dormant during the summer and are Supposed to send up new growth in the Fall. So I will wait until spring, but I am less than hopeful. The platycodon was obviously shocked by shipment/ transplant but it may still make it. I will ammend my feedback in the fall when I know better what has happened to the questionable HALF of my order.

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.

I placed an order with Wayside for bulbs. I received a confirmation from Park's, which is fine but confusing. From that point on I dealt with Parks.

Their online order checker informed me that one of the bulbs I had ordered was out of stock. I wrote to them to ask about this and I got a strange and confused message back which didn't really tell me if I was going to get this bulb or not.

Then I got a confirmation of shipment e-mail telling me that another bulb was going to be shipped and I was going to be charged a horrendous rate for it. I queried this, and the reply said that since my bulbs were being shipped on different days (why?) etc. the shipping costs were different blah blah blah.

My main complaint is with the quality of the bulbs. They are substandard in size and they were not packed well. In addition, since they were sent USPS they sat in my hot mailbox for many hours before I found them. The instructions included with the bulbs, which are called "planting instructions" have no information about how or when to plant the bulbs. (Thankfully, I know how to do this.) Instead, they just say the eventual height of the plant. One of the descriptions of a giant allium says the eventual height will be 3" to 5". That's nice, isn't it?

In short, unprofessional and substandard in every way.

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 placed my first order with Park's a few weeks ago. All six plants have arrived in good condition and well packaged. The dirt was where it should be--in the pot--not all over in the box. The Gaillardia Summer's Kiss plants are a little on the small side, but the root systems are very well established. I will definitely order from them again. They have a sale going on right now that is very tempting!

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 stopped ordering plants from Park's a few years ago because everytime I ordered, they would be "out of stock" of that item. So this year I decided to give them another chance. I ordered 7 items from them in Early February. In April I received noticed that 2 of the items were "out of stock". The five items that I did receive were extremely spindly & weak. The spiderwort never did anything and only 1 of the ferns have shown any form of life. These were "bareroot" which is a most apt description. The roots sent were only about 1 inch long. I also ordered caladium bulbs from them. All arrived moldy & mushy and only one variety came up. Never again will I order plants from this company.
Their seeds on the other hand are very good and I have had much success with them. I do agree with another reviewer that their selection is not as good as it used to be. I also bought 2 of their seed starting systems with the plant plugs and those are excellent. I would highly recommend purchasing those. Just stay away from their plants.