Comments regarding Heronswood Nursery
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Positive | DCUrbanGardener (15 reviews) | On May 12, 2006, DCUrbanGardener Washington, DC (Zone 7a) wrote: I ordered 5 plants from Heronswood, all of them hydrangeas. The plants arrived last night, very well packed. Decent amount of dirt around the rootballs. I live in DC, and selected the 3-day delivery option. I watered the plants sufficiently and they still look ok as of this morning. One more week of further acclimating and they should go into the ground. |
Positive | DeerPhobic (8 reviews) | On Apr 9, 2006, DeerPhobic Gig Harbor, WA wrote: I, too, am lucky enough to live within an hour of this nursery. Last year I attended their early spring "open house" and purchased A LOT of plants. Yes, a lot of the containers appeared to be nothing but roots, but, just as promised, as soon as it warmed up the plants took off. Most of Heronswood's plants are in deep containers and the root structures are great. However, if you don't know what to expect, I can certainly understand how some purchasers felt underwhelmed when their order arrived. They are relatively expensive and you often get dormant plants, but, rest assured that they are top quality and will perform. In my opinion this is one of the best sources of plants and, in fact, I often notice other nurseries selling Heronswood plants. |
Positive | bluetomatofish (1 review) | On Feb 19, 2006, bluetomatofish Sedro Woolley, WA wrote: Heronswood nursery is a gem! I am fortunate enough to live in their area and made the 2 hour trip to their nursery for the first time yesterday at their 'Hellebore Open'. Amazing nursery and large woodland garden area. So many varieties that their workers and volunteers have to carry books with them to aid in identification. The nursery seems to be affiliated in some with the University of Washington horticultural department- I could be wrong though. If I were a horticultural student that is where I would want to be! |
Negative | cloverhill (6 reviews) | On Feb 4, 2006, cloverhill Katoomba, Australia wrote: Very,very,very,small plants,they have one of the best selections of plants, but no customer service.you order plants and ask is it available,they say YES you place you order but do not receive all the plants you ordered. |
Positive | MeanoGreano (1 review) | On Jan 21, 2006, MeanoGreano Webb City, MO wrote: I bought two trees from Heronswood last spring. One of trees was a maple I could not find anywhere else and I was guessing it may be too hot in my area and my clayish soil too much for this tree. I thought I would plant it in a pot for a year to let it grow before I put it in the ground. The tree died a few weeks after I put it into the pot. I sent them an email explaining in detail what I had done and asking for advice. I told them I was not asking for a replacement just advice. They were very nice in pointing out errors I had made and promptly sent me a replacement. I followed their advice and the second maple made it through the summer. |
Positive | SNAKEBARK (4 reviews) | On Oct 24, 2005, SNAKEBARK San Francisco, CA wrote: I have ordered several hundred plants from Heronswood Nursery over many years, and I regard the nursery as an invaluable source for rare and interesting plants. My rating: EXCELLENT! I have found their service to be always professional, friendly, and courteous. The shipping has been great (I have had some orders sent to San Francisco, CA and some sent to Cheswick, PA). The quality of the plants is first rate. It is probably true that many the of the rarest plants are not for beginning gardeners --- they often have demanding cultural requirements, and a few years of careful gardening might be necessary until the plants mature. I'm happy to report that I am one very satisfied customer. |
Positive | Ashake (1 review) | On Oct 6, 2005, Ashake Indianola, WA wrote: intersting, a lot of comments rate this company on how BIG thier plants are or how often the give you replacements even when it is your own fault that the plants died ... what i love about this company is that they provide what so few provide: a wide variety of plants rarely or never sold at regular retail nurseries who must make thier money off of the most commonly known and used plants, and who manufacture plants by the scads... In the USA we have so few of the really great nurseries, those who are willing to put in the research and work required to make such plants available. And of course this means that they will frequently be out of stock, and plants will be expensive and often small!!! but if you want a nursery who caters to the unsophistaced gardner, the gardner who needs plants that can't die, and the gardner who doesn't like to speand money.. ther is one down the street! But her is one intersting suggestion, often at Home Depot etc. you will find that they experiment with five or six intersting plants in a season. Then you will find great plants that are cheap! ... |
Negative | 58599 (1 review) | On Sep 25, 2005, 58599 Elcho, WI (Zone 4a) wrote: I had ordered a Korean maple which was healthy when I received it. |
Positive | Janna (28 reviews) | On Jun 4, 2005, Janna Mahwah, NJ (Zone 6a) wrote: Absolutely amazing freshness and quality of the plants! I orderer 2 wisteria plants, after reading positive feedbacks here, and they arrived in just fabulous condition! Not a leaf broken, fresh and happy, and BIG! And it was shipped across the whole country- from Washington to New Jersey. |
Positive | gwendylena (26 reviews) | On May 5, 2005, gwendylena La Salle, MI wrote: I ordered several plants for the first time this year. The roots of the plants I received were excellent looking. Overall they look very healthy. |
Positive | ealbr (6 reviews) | On May 4, 2005, ealbr Racine, WI wrote: I have ordered fron Heronswood for years and will continue to do so. While some of their plants are fairly small, they are healthy, well-packed and often rare. The catalogue is a learning experience. I enjoy their unique selection and the plants I have received from them. |
Positive | plantbug (8 reviews) | On Apr 6, 2005, plantbug Asheboro, NC wrote: I received my order and was pleasantly surprised how well the plants were wrapped and the SIZE of the plants. Very happy with this order. |
Positive | slugmugger (2 reviews) | On Mar 18, 2005, slugmugger West Linn, OR (Zone 8b) wrote: A wonderful company to buy from. They are friendly and respectful and kept me informed of my order status. I always know that what ever I order will be of good quality, healthy and strong. The Hellebores that I ordered last year have tripled in size and bloom. The begonia and geranium I just recv'd are exceptional. I highly reccomend this company to anyone. |
Positive | Missyinbama (37 reviews) | On Mar 11, 2005, Missyinbama Wetumpka, AL (Zone 8a) wrote: They have an excellent selection of rare plants plants notified me when they were shipped, and the plants arrived in great shape! Although shipping is expensive, it is not much greater than any other nursery shipping from the west coast. (I wish they were all cheaper!) I can't say anything about how well the plants have fared yet, as I have just recieved and planted them, but I did get a mixture of small and large sized plants shipped to me- hopefully they will all live and grow well! On November 5th, 2005, Missyinbama added the following: Just getting ready to plant my latest order... thank goodness for the web specials... it allows me to buy more great plants! I definitely like when there are photos on the site; many of the plants are rare enough that it is difficult to find a respresentative live plant (especially in the southeast, where some plants may be experimental) or another photo on the internet. A very recommended nursery! |
Negative | gowron (38 reviews) | On Feb 17, 2005, gowron Athens, GA wrote: I recently received my order from Hersonswood (for 4 rare conifers) and I am quite satisfied with it. Yes, their plants are small but they are very well rooted. The closest I can compare them is with Forestfarm's "tubes" (because over the years I have also bought a lot of those), and Heronswood's plants are, in my opinion, superior to the small offerings from Forestfarm. They are also of consistently high quality (see my comment on Forestfarm elswhere). A rapid census of the (many and rare) things that I have growing in my backyard shows that the proportion of plants that came from Heronswood (relative to the number of plants that I got originally) is much higher than the proportion that came as Forestfarm tubes, and the size and quality of the Heronswood plants is also better, even comparing them after 5 - 10 years in the ground (to be fair, Forestfarm gallons usually do much better than their tubes). I have been less lucky with Heronswood's perennials, but then I am not all that interested in them so perhaps it was my fault. For rare conifers, if you are willing to start small and wait a few years, I can reccommend them most heartily. On August 2nd, 2006, gowron changed the rating from positive to negative and added the following: My previous positive rating corresponded to the "original" Herosnwood and DOES NOT apply to the current operation, which appears to be a typically worthless corporate America-style operation. It is sad to lose Hersonswood to the Walmart types, but much as I despise the kind of company that now owns it, I have to wonder whether the previous owner is not partly at fault in allowing this to happen..... |
Positive | billsmetro (3 reviews) | On May 27, 2004, billsmetro Smithton, IL (Zone 6a) wrote: Ordered a Canna Grande. Received timely and accurate emails, very courteous, Plant arrived on the day stated, and was superbly packed, HUGE and in wonderful condition. Their shipping is WAY expensive, but you know that going in. Wonderful collection of plants you can not find elsewhere. |
Positive | szygzy (4 reviews) | On May 5, 2004, szygzy Bay Village, OH wrote: In my ordering this year from most of the prominent mail-order houses, Heronswood remains the class of the group. A definate "best value" for the rare plant collector, as most of their more unique plants are unavailable elsewhere. Prices are in the medium to high range, but compare very favorably to the other "high end" mail-order shops. Previous comments on small plant size tend to be accurate, but the plants always arrive healthy, and it is not furniture, after all. |
Positive | mrsjones (9 reviews) | On May 3, 2004, mrsjones wrote: The plants I received these past two years were neither small nor sickly. I don't think of Heronswood as my source for easily available items, but they have do have great selections if you are "collecting," for example, Hardy geraniums. I do get mine earlier than my other shipments because I live in Zone 4, and they fill orders as they ship. It is important enough to me to keep them going a month in pots and then transplant into the garden. If I were to lose a plant, it's because I forgot to water it. |
Neutral | kzozkum (7 reviews) | On May 1, 2004, kzozkum Emmitsburg, MD (Zone 7a) wrote: Good source for some hard to find plants, but they tend to send SMALL plants at PREMIUM prices. |
Positive | hostalovers (3 reviews) | On Apr 28, 2004, hostalovers wrote: I've read some of the negative reviews of Heronswood Nursery and I can hardly believe what I just read! I purchased from them and I am extremely pleased with the plants that I received. I ordered 8 different plants and every single plant is healthy and living. Sure, some may consider the prices a bit steep, but, the plants I received |
Positive | Tabassam (9 reviews) | On Apr 21, 2004, Tabassam Beaufort, SC wrote: I was very happy with my order. Very unusual plants and healthy, well packed and reasonable prices. I was expecting smaller plants, but they were strong healthy larger plants. They informed me beforehand (via e-mail)when my shipment would be shipped, which is extremely convenient because I'm always afraid of being out of town when a plant shipment arrive. I would buy from them again. |
Negative | ahelms (42 reviews) | On Mar 17, 2004, ahelms Kannapolis, NC (Zone 7b) wrote: This is the second time I have ordered from Heronswood and both times I was dissappointed with their plants.I ordered a Tropaeolum speciosum for $7.00 and I got it in about six pieces of little root. No plant at all. I will not order from this rip off company again. On Mar 17, 2004, Heronswood Nursery responded with: "Thank you for letting us know about your Tropaeolum, and I am sorry for any misunderstanding about the way this plant is shipped. I should explain that this is how this plant grows; as a tuber. |
Negative | yeayoumama (1 review) | On Feb 3, 2004, yeayoumama wrote: Very expensive, many plants are small and are barely clinging to life when they arrive, and not well-suited to the rigors of weather in the East. |
Positive | mouseman (14 reviews) | On Jan 9, 2004, mouseman wrote: My small, first order arrived in good shape - plants were small (as described in the catalog and like I expected and wanted) and healthy. The only semi-complaint: a couple of plants and substitutes that I thought were in stock based on the web catalog ("add to cart) weren't - with the minimum shipping charge of $7, my per plant shipping cost was relatively high. Next time I'll list more substitutes, inquire about availability, etc. (And the website explicitly recommends this.) I'll definitely order again. The catalog is a bargain at $5 |
Positive | Happenstance (18 reviews) | On Oct 25, 2003, Happenstance Northern California, CA wrote: Excellent selection of hard to find plants, beautiful and informative catalog. Plants arrived in timely manner, of good size and very healthy. |
Neutral | VAdirtdigger (1 review) | On Aug 11, 2003, VAdirtdigger wrote: The nursery carries a lot of varitey--perhaps too much to handle. Their plants are very expensive and VERY small. I don't know about their health as they were so small that I immediately potted them; I nursed them for nearly a year before planting in the garden. My fear was they were to small to survive a zone 7 winter--given the cost, I did not want to lose my investment. |
Positive | cpwiz (2 reviews) | On Aug 7, 2003, cpwiz wrote: I had a good experience with this company. Plants arrived healthy and growing great. Customer service is decent. I will order again. |
Neutral | diansky (3 reviews) | On Jun 18, 2003, diansky wrote: I have ordered from this co. once or twice a year since 1984. it is an excellent source for the new and the rare. I too have had very mixed outcomes with dealing with them and the plants i have received. only once have i complained with absolutly no satisfaction. my biggest grief though is with the shipping costs. since it is based on the dollar value,rather than weight or #of plants, you are penalized for ordering the more expensive varities. |
Positive | cej5026 (3 reviews) | On May 24, 2003, cej5026 Fairport, NY wrote: The instructions for ordering were very clear. It does take at least 2 weeks to receive plants, but when they come, they are in good shape, ready to plant. Herronwood was the only place I found the particular plants I wanted. It was worth a bit more planning to get the plant I wanted. I ordered late in the season being on the east coast and in the nort. I received everything I ordered in great shape |
Neutral | fpgill (32 reviews) | On May 3, 2003, fpgill Sudbury, MA (Zone 6a) wrote: I ordered from Heronswood for several years and was reasonably pleased. The prices were OK, and there are plants there you simply don't find elsewhere. Most plants arrived in good condition, and one time I had a plant fail over the winter they replaced it (since they had labelled it as hardier than it was) |
Positive | nevadagdn (118 reviews) | On Apr 17, 2003, nevadagdn Sparks, NV (Zone 7a) wrote: My order arrived today (April 16, 2003). I've ordered from Heronswood before, and the plants were the same quality as all previous orders. The plants are healthy, if a bit small. The leaves are nice and plump, the root systems sturdy, and overall I think the plants are a decent value for the money. Of course I'd like bigger plants. Of course I'd like lower prices. But for stuff I can't get locally (and locally it's mostly the same stuff year after year), I'm willing to accept a smaller plant and a higher price as long as the plant is healthy enough to survive my benign neglect. On April 22nd, 2004, nevadagdn added the following: Annual update: I've now lost three plants from Heronswood, and this year's loss was no surprise. I was trying something very, very iffy. I just received this year's Spring order, and the plants are all healthy and reasonably large. I'm not sure I really like the switch to the use of plastic bags with rubber bands rather than pots, though. It just isn't aesthetically satisfying, although the plants I've received this way are just fine. On June 16th, 2004, nevadagdn added the following: I killed one plant from this year's shipment. I tried something that likes moist, ferny forests. I live in a desert. Duh. My fault entirely. On April 7th, 2005, nevadagdn added the following: I've always been happy with my Heronswood orders, but this Spring's was better than all others. The plants in my order were very generously sized, and I don't think it's because I chose all monster varieties. On September 1st, 2005, nevadagdn added the following: My fall order arrived in a box that barely could be described as a box because it was so battered and crushed. Thanks, UPS goons! I opened the box expecting the worst, but since the inside packing was good, there wasn't a bit of damage to my plants. I haven't lost anything from my Spring order to plant thugs, slugs, bugs, heat or drought. |
Positive | datdog (8 reviews) | On Apr 3, 2003, datdog Medford, NJ (Zone 6b) wrote: My experience ordering from them is postive/neutral. Plants were small compared to other mail order nurseies, but not tiny. Shipping was VERY expensive. The bottom line, they had plants I couldn't find else where. |
Negative | JLock1 (2 reviews) | On Mar 13, 2003, JLock1 wrote: We have a saying in the gardening circles I run in here in Seattle: "Friends don't let friends mail order from Heronswood." There are a number of reasons: tiny plants, big prices and poor customer service. On several ocassions when I have received the wrong plant (i.e. hellebores that bloom white instead of maroon) I was told to "come out to the nursery and handpick the plant" I should have originally received. This is not a very good solution...the ferry ride over itself is prohibitive. Last year I received a sedum that was little more than a 2 inch pencil sized dry stem with two short roots dangling off of it! Of course the roots withered and the plant died, but it was my fault, since I was the responsible one once the plant was shipped. I had to try to make viable a plant that got bare-rooted and tossed in a box in its infancy. Bottom line...expect a 50% mortality rate on the plants you order. Recommendation...pot all of the plants you receive upon arrival and expect to nurse them along for one to two years before you stick them in the ground to compete with the larger plants you got from better sources. If you have the luxury of going out to Heronswood, do so. Pick your own plants, save on the shipping, enjoy the gardens. On Mar 13, 2003, Heronswood Nursery responded with: "Heronswood strives to offer the best customer service we can. When customers contact us regarding problems with their orders, we make every effort to quickly resolve a complaint; either by replacement or credit. We have two prerequisites: first, the customer needs to let us know of |
Positive | ninat (13 reviews) | On Feb 17, 2003, ninat Joyce, WA (Zone 7b) wrote: I visited Heronswood one week ago with friends. Although very early in the season their spectacular grounds were all abloom. Their nursery staff is very pleasant and well-versed on the nursery plants, which are simply wonderful. Without a doubt the most beautiful hellebores I have ever seen. Of course, we all purchased many, many plants which for the size, selection and quality were quite reasonable. |
Positive | Gardengail (3 reviews) | On Jan 20, 2003, Gardengail Bridgeton, NJ (Zone 7a) wrote: Their catalog is a great read and a wonderful resource. Their plants were of good quality and comparable in size to other mail order companies. The only reason I usually don't order from them is that shipping to the east coast is quite high. I highly recommend them for gardeners west of the rockies. |
Neutral | pablo_man (3 reviews) | On Sep 9, 2002, pablo_man chattanooga, TN (Zone 7b) wrote: I was VERY disappointed with my order. Three expensive, On October 30th, 2002, pablo_man changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following: After I posting my negative comments, our host contacted Heronswood(something I should have done myself) and they, in turn, sent me a refund and asked good questions about what may have gone wrong with the plants they sent me. I going to try them again this spring because of their customer service, I'll likely try something other than clematis this time however. |
Positive | labmommy (1 review) | On Jun 25, 2002, labmommy wrote: I've been ordering from Heronswood for a couple years now. I have been very pleased with both the size and the quality of the plants they have sent. All of my choices have been robust, even when small. The catalog (same text as the website, but easier to read in bed) is great reading. |
Positive | CHRISPNPT (2 reviews) | On May 5, 2002, CHRISPNPT Northport, NY wrote: I enjoy growing a wide range of plants from the old standbys to something new or rare. With Heronswood Nursery I found many cultivars of plants that were new to me. I placed an order this year and I was pleased by the condition of the plants. They were a bit expensive for the size, but the plants were heathy with good root systems. |
Positive | elder (1 review) | On Apr 17, 2002, elder wrote: I have ordered from many companies and never seem to get the quality that I have received here. The first time I ordered from them {several years ago} they seemed a little pricey, but after trying other companies, I will always be back! |
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