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Comments regarding Old House Gardens - Heirloom Bulbs

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301 positives
3 neutrals
1 negative

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RatingAuthorContent
Positive yaelbelle
(1 review)
On Apr 5, 2014, yaelbelle Baton Rouge, LA wrote:

I can't say enough good things about Old House Gardens. The first bulb I ever planted came from them a little over a decade ago. The service, info, product, and help were so spectacular, that I have ordered from them ever since. I have never been disappointed, but have frequently been happily surprised. I buy bulbs online exclusively from them. Locally I try out a variety of other things at local plant shows, but frankly, I am most often most pleasantly surprised by Old House Gardens. My bulbs always arrive with excellent information and instructions never leaving me unclear or with further questions. I can't recall such a long-term satisfactory shopping experience anywhere else for anything else!

Positive NeliM
(1 review)
On Mar 16, 2014, NeliM Henderson, NV wrote:

I ordered four Cryptomeria Radicans/evergreen trees. For this small order I received so much attention (incl. several e-mails, future discounts, instructions for my plants...). I am so satisfied because my plants were shipped immediately and I received them in perfect condition after a long way traveling.
Thank you so much

Positive ShadowWoods
(3 reviews)
On Jan 13, 2014, ShadowWoods Brownsville, CA (Zone 7b) wrote:

This is an excellent company with great communication and customer service. Their unusual collection of unique bulbs is certainly their niche. The only nit I have with them is that some of their run-of-the-mill items can be found less expensively at other sources.

Positive dbarron
(15 reviews)
On Nov 26, 2013, dbarron Hindsville, AR (Zone 6b) wrote:

I've ordered from them before (long enough I have no idea what I ordered) and something was out of stock...and I got a credit. However, I just never got around to using the credit I had with them. I'm sure it was at least seven years ago. I had no idea now much the credit was either:) I emailed and promptly got a very nice email back with a total credit. I used it this fall and was quite pleased with the visual quality of the bulbs that I received.

Most companies would have purged my records within 7 years of not ordering (maybe more than 7). I appreciate not losing the money.

Positive kywaterfowl
(3 reviews)
On Nov 24, 2013, kywaterfowl Russell Springs, KY wrote:

Everything is good, had bulbs arrive on time and they were real good size. I'm very pleased and will do business again.

Positive akgchickadee
(1 review)
On Nov 23, 2013, akgchickadee ROCK, MI wrote:

I've been an OHG customer for about 12 years and have never had any problems with the staff, the way they do business or their bulbs/roots/tubers, etc. I always order way more than I should because restraint is difficult, especially when you already know that you will be getting top quality, healthy, ready-to-grow bulbs. Growing instructions are always included, and more detailed info is archieved in their on-line monthly newsletters by topic. Yes, they may seem more costly than some offered by other mail-order companies, but you aren't likely to find the precious antiques they offer elsewhere. And the only way to keep them available is to purchase them so growers recognize a "demand" for them and continue growing them. I live in an antique log house built in 1914 and like the idea of including "age appropriate" plants in my gardens. Any time a problem has occurred their staff has gone out of their way to "make it right." I had a few dud bulbs that didn't grow (less than 5 out of about 100+) this past summer and they will all be replaced next fall at no additional charge to me. In addition, I have had several occasions to e-mail or phone OHG for information or to clarify an order. Responses have always been prompt, polite and helpful. They even make it a point to contact me when I've ordered something that isn't considered hardy in my crazy zone 3-4-5 area to be sure that I know it might not survive winter conditions here. I'm aware of the disconnect, and have plans to deal with it, but calling takes up time on their part and I appreciate it. I know they care about what becomes of their bulbs as well as the customer's satisfaction and success. Give OHG a gold star!

Positive Bucky5
(2 reviews)
On Nov 23, 2013, Bucky5 Lafayette, NJ (Zone 5a) wrote:

I recently received my fall order from Old House Gardens. One of the items ordered was advertised as a 3-5 eyed (peony) rootstock. Packed with my receipt was a personal note saying they (OHG) felt the rootstock wasn't up to their standards, but they'd sent it in order not to disappoint me. Not up to their standards? It was a very large, very healthy, 4-eyed "clump" -- larger than any I've received from other catalogers. I was delighted! But there's more....

While the company had no reason to be apologetic, in addition to the handwritten "we're sorry" note, they included several extra bulbs of other items I'd ordered to make up for what they felt was a shortcoming in their product. I was more than pleasantly surprised; I was sort of stunned. I've never had a cataloger provide such personalized service with such a commitment to customer satisfaction and quality of material being sold. EXCELLENT supplier.

Positive MaryLFK
(1 review)
On Nov 22, 2013, MaryLFK DeKalb, IL wrote:

I have been very impressed with customer service. I ordered bulbs that would have failed here in my cold neighborhood and was helped to find substitutes. When they sub they add extra value - how can you lose? Plus, the order this fall included a free gift of seeds. Nice. I like knowing that I am helping to save bulbs that once probably thrived around my old house. I don't want them to go extinct - how fun to save them and enjoy their spring beauty.

Positive Colibritaquin
(1 review)
On Nov 22, 2013, Colibritaquin St-Jacques, NB,
Canada wrote:

A very good supplier. All bulbs purchased were very, very nice and healthy. Customer service was excellent and prompt.

Positive wrigh084dave
(1 review)
On Nov 22, 2013, wrigh084dave Apple Valley, MN wrote:

Great bulbs, great directions on planting, great communications about orders, great service.

Positive gaylened43
(1 review)
On Nov 22, 2013, gaylened43 Charleston, SC wrote:

Incredibly personal customer service. Huge, healthy bulbs; fast delivery

Positive GreenCarol
(1 review)
On Nov 22, 2013, GreenCarol Painesville, OH (Zone 6a) wrote:

As much as I love OHG's mission to preserve heirloom varieties, their customer service is just as good! Orders arrive on time, in excellent condition, and with full instructions for success. Heartily recommend these folks.

Positive rbnmll
(1 review)
On Nov 21, 2013, rbnmll Caro, MI wrote:

LOVE LOVE LOVE these guys! Order came promptly, and they put a hand-written note on my invoice! Web site is very user friendly, and contains tons of info. I also live in Michigan, and I am over the moon that this company is based in our state! I'm telling all my friends and family about them every chance I get. They're packaging is also just about perfect. Each variety is bagged separately with a very detailed description for planting, and is sent in a box that is not way oversized for the product which helps to conserve our resources. I honestly can't say enough good about them.
Robin - Caro MI

Positive lprnana
(2 reviews)
On Nov 21, 2013, lprnana Atlanta, GA wrote:

The folks at OHG go out of their way to be accommodating and keep you informed. Their bulbs have performed well for me and I have been ordering from them for a few years. I highly recommend them.

Positive jmorth
(14 reviews)
On Oct 31, 2013, jmorth Divernon, IL (Zone 5b) wrote:

Highest commendation, an excellent company w/ super service. They have a lot of heirloom daffodils and tulips plus a lot of other bulbs. A periodic publication called 'Old Bulbs Gazette' may be subscribed to, it is superlative newsletter.

Positive Broncobabe73
(1 review)
On Oct 20, 2013, Broncobabe73 North Spearfish, SD wrote:

I have ordered bulbs from OHG for several years. The bulbs are sent in a timely fashion for my zone and in good shape and usually perform great. When they do not they are replaced with comments to insure their proper growth. OHG is very responsive with help when needed. I just received my fall bulbs and since we were covered with 50" of snow in a rare October blizzard I could not plant right away. The OHG Heirloom How-To instruction sheet and guide handles most of the possibilities and instructed me on how to store them until I can plant. I have enjoyed each experience. I am looking forward to planting my fall bulbs as soon as the snow disappears!

Positive JBH_1950
(1 review)
On Jun 1, 2013, JBH_1950 Phoenix, AZ wrote:

In my experience, these folks just do everything right: beautiful and informative catalogue/website, prompt order confirmation, followup with shipping info, friendly and personal communication, terrific order fulfillment, great packing, and, of course, top quality plants. I've ordered from Old House Gardens over several years, both in Phoenix and Sonoma, and both service and quality have been consistently excellent. I just planted a few new iris last month, and was, once again, delighted in the quality of the plants I received. Even though I'm almost running out of space, I'll order again this fall: I need more of the superb Lady tulips.

Positive planter52
(6 reviews)
On May 27, 2013, planter52 Whitestone, NY wrote:

Beautiful daylily fans- Robust, great roots, great delivery and customer service communication. absolutely desrving of the top 30 rating.

Positive cwsomm
(2 reviews)
On May 8, 2013, cwsomm Dundalk, MD (Zone 7a) wrote:

This is the second year that I have ordered from Old House Gardens. The dahlias and gladiolia that I bought performed so beautifully last year that I could not wait to purchase again this year. I bought 5 more dahlias and
Abbyssinian Glads this year.

They arrived healthy and packaged nicely with a wonderful handwritten note on my order form. I love the convenience of ordering online, but I also appreciate the little touches that let me know that loving and caring people are behind "the screen". Thank you!

PS. I mulched all of my dahlias from last year and they have all returned this year. I am in zone 7 with a mild winter again this year. I am very excited for this season. Thank you once again. I cannot praise Old House Gardens enough!!!

Positive Nepitella
(3 reviews)
On May 8, 2013, Nepitella Syracuse,
United States wrote:

Repeat customer, continued excellent plants and service. Have ordered from both the fall and spring lines, and have always been pleased. Most recently, received gorgeous hemerocallis fans with an extra treat bag of glads thrown in to compensate for the small size of one fan (although it was definitely of acceptable size!). Could not recommend Old House Gardens more. Please patronize a company showing both a passion for preserving old species, varieties, and genetic diversity and a sincere desire to make their customers happy!

Positive nmulvany
(2 reviews)
On May 8, 2013, nmulvany Fort Collins, CO wrote:

Excellent selection and excellent quality!

Positive rocksnsandnclay
(1 review)
On May 7, 2013, rocksnsandnclay Dover, NH wrote:

Love this company.
Catalog descriptions are accurate, detailed, and very helpful.
Customer service is right on top of things.
Prices are steeper than average (I usually buy at odd lot stores), but their products are superior in the long run.
Web site is easy to navigate and makes for good shopping.
This is my 3rd year ordering, have recruited friends, and pass along their newsletter as it is a terrific tool!
Lisa

Positive NtheWoods
(5 reviews)
On May 6, 2013, NtheWoods (Zone 5b) wrote:

I ordered from Old House Gardens for the first time last spring. They didn't have one of the flowers that I wanted and sent some free glads with a nice apology note. All the flowers that I ordered grew beautifully including the free glads. I will definately be ordering from them again and am happy to recommend them.

Positive sunni5
(1 review)
On Apr 29, 2013, sunni5 Springdale, AR wrote:

Spring is a time of renewal for me. It calms my heart and gives me something to look forward to! Old House Gardens is the Only place that fulfills my needs on favorite, heirloom plants.
Actually,today, I just received my order for this year, and the plants are just as beautiful and healthy! A few more weeks and I can plant them!
I have placed numerous orders from Old House Gardens and have Never been disappointed - their employees are the most professional and informed people I have spoke to.
If you want to be a part of saving and growing healthy heirloom plants, stop in at OHG, you will never be disappointed!
Sincerely,
Rose

Positive SueCatherine
(1 review)
On Apr 26, 2013, SueCatherine Cleveland, OH wrote:

I had a very positive experience with Old House Gardens and am happy to tell about it! As anew customer, I was a little hesitant to allow this company to charge my card before shipping,but there was no problem at all. The iris plants I ordered arrived in April, as promised. They are beautiful, healthy bare root plants with 3 to 4 eyes on each. Helpful information on each variety was included.along with a personal note and a gorgeous catalog. I could not be more pleased and will order again. I appreciate the personalized service, so hard to find nowadays!

Positive lemurianne
(16 reviews)
On Apr 20, 2013, lemurianne Ida Grove, IA (Zone 5a) wrote:

I just received my first order from Old House Gardens and I'm so impressed! My experience ordering bare-root plants through the mail has thus far been less than thrilling. But these irises and daylilies are gorgeous!! They are so healthy and clean and fresh it seems almost impossible that they've spent any time in transit! The bulbs are just as lovely, and everything is packed and labeled individually. The package included lots of useful information and specific planting instructions. There was also a personal note on my invoice, which was very touching and sweet. I will definitely be ordering from Old House Gardens again!

Positive buggzter
(6 reviews)
On Apr 18, 2013, buggzter Ypsilanti, MI wrote:

Went to pick up my order from OHG today - so excited! Their place is beautiful, spring flowers just starting to bloom around here since it's been such a cool spring. I was surprised that they are located right in an old Ann Arbor neighborhood, but it is so beautiful there. I got to meet Scott and Kelly, they told me to make sure my irises got in the ground right away because of how much they have grown so far! As soon as I got out of my car, I got the irises and daylillies in the ground - the rest will be planted once I'm done typing here!

The irises have 3-5 fans per plant and 9-12" of roots, the daylilies have lots and LOTS of roots and decent fans (2-4), and the glads are in great condition and good size. Although the dahlia tubers are just singles for all but 1, all are fat and will bloom well when they grow. I am very confident that all of these older, historic plants will grow very very very VERY well for me.

I will be ordering again for sure - I can hardly wait for my spare money to grow again so I can get a bunch of fall-planted items! I look forward to getting lilies from them, as well as some tulips, daffs, crocuses, and hyacinths.

Positive wakingdream
(5 reviews)
On Apr 12, 2013, wakingdream Allentown, PA wrote:

I subscribe to the Old House Gardens newsletter which helps me appreciate the history of these plants and their champions who have labored to rescue vintage varieties. Today I received an order of the yellow heirloom Iris flavescens, 5 sections. Each rhizome is healthy, with 3 or 4 fans and miles of roots. An amazing sight to unpack such vigorous plants, obviously freshly dug and well packed. I gleefully planted them immediately, in the rain! Personal notes often accompany the receipts, a nice touch. I greatly enjoy reading their catalog and pondering the next addition to my historical collection. Their photos and descriptions actually identified some of the plants I was already growing here, Iris Wabash and Tulip clusiana. Someone should be saving old bulbs, tubers and corms and I am sure glad this company stepped up to the plate.

Positive themikesmom
(34 reviews)
On Apr 4, 2013, themikesmom Concord, NC wrote:

Bought a large bulk order of 'Flavescens' Historic yellow Iris from here, they just arrived, and they sent us awesome tripple fans! every single one of them was a tripple! It is so wonderful that they ship so early so you can get them in the ground when the new runners are still just forming and so they establish and bloom the very first season if you get them in the ground right away! they also sent us a huge lovely catalog of many rare historics we didnt even know they carried and a nice hand written thank-you note. We recieved our bulbs within 2 days of them being shipped in Michigan all the way down here in NC, and we could even track the order online. Well worth ordering from here! Highly Recommended.

Positive gruwellfam2
(1 review)
On Feb 8, 2013, gruwellfam2 Seattle, WA wrote:

Old House has such a unique array of heirloom bulbs. My order came quickly and the bulbs were in good condition. I love lilies and knowing they date back to a certain time period is very exciting.

Of course, the best thing is when they bloomed, all of them were absolutely beautiful!

Thanks!

Positive mrs_colla
(29 reviews)
On Feb 7, 2013, mrs_colla Marin, CA (Zone 9b) wrote:

Posted on February 7, 2013, updated February 7, 2013
I have ordered yesterday. Today I received an email that made me uncomfortable: the credit card was charged now, but they will hold my roots until November. Also, I got charged 1 dollar for credit card refunds, which I haven't requested, and 1 dollar for 'ordering on website'. I find it cheesy they charge me two dollars for that. It is not about the money, but about the slip in extras.
Also, I wasn't aware they would only ship in November, so I would like to hold on to my money myself.
I understand some bulbs/ roots are very rarae, and they would like to have some commitment from the buyers. I am very willing to pay a deposit. But to pay the full amount 9 months ahead, that I find silly. I am going to ask to cancel my order, and what do you know, there is my 'fee' for refunding... Ironic.


On February 7th, 2013, mrs_colla changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following:

Please allow me to say I misread the email I got sent. Kathy replied to me and said those extras were internal codes and the pay next to it shows a zero, and it does. I was explained all peony nurseries charge the full price, and therefor I cannot hold against them what everybody does.
I have asked to keep my order as it stands, and I apologised for being quick to judge.
Positive RUBYS
(15 reviews)
On Nov 18, 2012, RUBYS Wrens, GA wrote:

Posted on January 26, 2011, updated November 18, 2012
I placed my first order this fall. In my southern sampler I received hurricane and oxblood lilies. As someone here commented I was a bit skeptical about how deep to plant the lilies, but shortly after planting I did see green leaves. The daffodils I planted are also starting to come up now. I already placed my order for the spring and I have started considering what bulbs I want to try next fall. I consider Old House Gardens a keeper.


On November 18th, 2012, RUBYS added the following:

My hurricane lily bloomed for the first time this fall I will order more. My spider lilies still have not bloom maybe next year.
After receiving a double tiger lily in my sampler previously I order more this year. I also added black beauty lilium and minor monarque narcissus.
Positive Jhoensheid
(1 review)
On Nov 4, 2012, Jhoensheid Suttons Bay, MI wrote:

I have been a fan of Old House Gardens for at least a half dozen years. I have been interested in growing Heirloom vegetables and by chance ran across Old House Gardens on the web. Now every fall I read through the informative and some humorous descriptions of bulbs and end up blowing my budget on flowers. But oh the joys come spring makes it all worth it.
Thank you Old House Gardens, you are #1 in my book.

Positive Joseph_Cincy
(13 reviews)
On Nov 3, 2012, Joseph_Cincy Cincinnati, OH (Zone 6a) wrote:

I purchased heirloom bulbs from OHG last month, including English Bluebells, which I have been wanting to try for some time. Their selection is amazing. I needed the bulbs delivered during a limited time window, and the company was helpful in accommodating me. OHG = positive!

Unfortunately, the US Postal Service did not hold up its end of the process. OHG is about six hours north of Cincinnati by car. OHG emailed me the statement of shipment and the tracking information on a Tuesday morning, and I expected the bulbs Wednesday or Thursday. The USPS web site only listed their initial recording of the package in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, and the tracking information was not updated for several days . . . as I pined for the bulbs' arrival with sad puppy dog eyes each time the mailman came empty-handed. Then, on Friday, the USPS web site finally listed the bulbs in Norfolk, Virginia. Virginia! The bulbs arrived on the following Monday -- it took almost a week for them to travel six hours by car. This is no fault of OHG, but I hope that they chastise the postal system when such nonsense occurs. OHG's site and paperwork noted that the bulbs needed to be planted immediately; so, I am worried about the bulbs, but they did not seem dried out. USPS = negative!

I was alarmed to see the mold on the English Bluebell bulbs, but the enclosed information stated that penicillium mold was normal for those bulbs. Of course, I had handled the bulbs before I read about the mold, and being allergic to penicillin, I wondered if I would have a reaction. But I was fine. I survived the fungus, and, hopefully, the bulbs will survive the postal system's inanity. I'm looking forward to seeing and smelling the flowers in the spring! In the meantime, I am enjoying the Old Bulb Gazette that OHG sends out.

Positive cheekylady
(1 review)
On Oct 25, 2012, cheekylady Kansas City, MO wrote:

I adore dealing with Scott & everyone at OHG. I've been buying bulbs from them for a little over a year, and they always do well (even in containers). My husband and I recently bought our first home together, and I immediately knew who I was ordering my first plants for our new beds from. My fall-planted order arrived this week with a note - Scott had noticed that my name had changed and surmised that I'd gotten married - and sent his Congrats. It's that sort of interaction that makes me a very loyal customer - they know me, and take care of me and my flower needs. I can't wait to see my plants bloom next spring!

Positive tomtkitty
(12 reviews)
On Oct 24, 2012, tomtkitty Memphis, TN wrote:

Posted on March 3, 2012, updated October 24, 2012
Posted on November 3, 2011, updated March 3, 2012
Posted on October 19, 2007, updated November 3, 2011
Just received my order today. Someone there must be psychic...the crocuses in the crocus mixture were all ones I would have ordered individually! All my bulbs arrived well-packed and healthy. Instructions are informative and easy to follow. There was even a personal note on the invoice from the owner (Scott). I have been ordering from them for two years and I will continue to order from them. They're like family!


On April 24th, 2008, tomtkitty added the following:

Crocus season has come and gone, and the crocuses from OHG bloomed beautifully, as well as the daffodils I ordered. I will definitely be ordering again!
On October 18th, 2008, tomtkitty added the following:

My order came today...what a pleasant surprise! Each variety was individually packaged with planting instructions on each bag, plus there was a personal note from the company owner. It is always a pleasure to order from Old House Gardens!
On April 11th, 2009, tomtkitty added the following:

This is the place to go if you need help identifying old varieties of daffodils or need gardening advice about bulbs. I was able to ID most of the daffs I had "rescued" from an old homesite that has now been bulldozed just from looking at their on-line catalog, and they are very helpful when you email them regarding problems (why bulbs don't bloom, etc.) What a great resource!
On November 3rd, 2011, tomtkitty added the following:

Received my bulbs a couple of days ago, and to quote their copywriter..."big, fat California bulbs!" Their catalog has proven to be very useful in identifying bulbs "rescued" from old homesites. I will definitely be ordering again!
On March 3rd, 2012, tomtkitty added the following:

The crocus & daffs I've ordered from them in past years are putting on a most florific display this spring. The Snowbunting crocus bloomed in mid-January, and the other crocus varieties have multiplied and are in full bloom. I highly recommend this company and will continue to order from them!
On October 24th, 2012, tomtkitty added the following:

Received my order a couple of weeks ago...planted the peony (which was huge!) and I'm waiting until Thanksgiving to plant the daffs & hyacinths. OHG rules!
Positive pattygreengenes
(16 reviews)
On Oct 22, 2012, pattygreengenes Lansdale, PA wrote:

I ordered 4 varieties of glads, one dahlia and montbretias. All did well except for the montbretia - only one of the three sprouted and that one, never vigorous, languished and finally died.


On Oct 22, 2012, Old House Gardens - Heirloom Bulbs responded with:

"On Nov 7, 2012 10:17 AM, Old House Gardens - Heirloom Bulbs responded with:

Patty, I'm sorry our montbretia failed you! Please email or call us so we can send you replacements or a refund We want all of our bulbs to thrill you. - Scott Kunst, owner"


Positive psychloman
(50 reviews)
On Oct 20, 2012, psychloman Brooklyn, NY (Zone 7a) wrote:

Posted on October 18, 2011, updated October 20, 2012
Customer ID #116089. This was my first order from Old House Gardens and I was impressed with the size and quality of the bulbs I ordered.This company has a great selection and I just placed another order after receiving the first.I can't wait to see what they offer next year.


On October 20th, 2012, psychloman added the following:

I recently received my eagerly anticipated order from Old House gardens of the following hyacinths:General Kohler, Gipsy Queen, Grand Monarque, King of the Blues, Lady Derby, Queen of the Blues, Hollyhock, Mulberry Rose, Vuurbaak, Chestnut Flower, Perle Brilliante, Lord Balfour, Madame Sophie, Menelik, Dreadnought, Grand Blanche Imperiale, Bismarck as well as Lilium martagon, Lilium ., English bluebells and Tulipa clusiana.The bulbs arrived in beautiful condition and were a joy to plant.I just wish I had more room and more money.Next year I am looking forward to adding parrot and broken tulips along with some of the old daffodil varieties to my garden and maybe even some gladiolus.The bulbs I ordered last year did beautifully and those that did not were replaced no questions asked. I wish they could get hold of some lilium citronella as well as some good crown imperials as these are almost impossible to find.They did offer citronella last year but it turned out to be leichtlinii, a most beautiful flower and one I had never seen before.You cannot go wrong with Old House and their stuff is worth every penny.
Positive hautjardinage
(2 reviews)
On Oct 17, 2012, hautjardinage Fearrington, NC wrote:

In my opinion, Old House Gardens is the best bulb nursery in business today. The quality of their bulbs is unmatched in mail order. I will continue to buy my bulbs from them, hopefully, always.

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