Comments regarding Old House Gardens - Heirloom Bulbs

The daffodil bulbs I ordered and planted last fall have been exquisite, with abundant blooms. The customer service was superb and friendly. I'll be reordering. Many thanks.

Old House Gardens
It seems we've made a new friend for life! We have been ordering items from various companies for years and we have NEVER experienced the quality of customer service as we did from Old House Gardens. They are absolutely amazing!! We could tell that each and every bulb was packed with loving care and concern for our success! In this era of "Customer no-service", where many companies treat you as a number, Old House Gardens is vastly different. They do care and do treat you like one of the family. We wish them continued success for many years to come. We are so glad we heard them on the KXL radio show in Oregon called, "In the Garden with Mike Darcy"! Sincerely, George and Kathryn Wyatt, Salem, Oregon

I was so excitied to receive my Canna Lily bulbs from Old House Gardens. The bulbs are big and clean, exactly as described. Can't WAIT to watch them grow.

This is the second or third year I've ordered bulbs from Old House Gardens. I've been extremely pleased with their service and the quality of their bulbs. Last week, I wanted to add some more bulbs to my order. I couldn't find my old order (which I wanted to add to) and so I called their number.

NO voice mail, menu-driven, push button, "drive you crazy" phone system at Old House Gardens! I got an actual live person who spoke English I could readily understand...and who was charming and helpful to boot. I can NOT remember the last time I had such a positive phone experience with a retailer.

The folks at Old House Garden believe in and love what they are doing--and it shows. I hope to be a customer of theirs for many years to come.

Just recieved the bulbs and they're beautiful! I followed the great directions and planted some of them immediately! The rest can wait until next week, as I'm creating a brand new bed specifically for my beautiful bulbs!

Excellent customer service, personalized attention above and beyond anything I've ever seen, and most of all, an excellent selection of rare bulbs!

More than a catalog company: a new gardening friend! Always top quality, always concerned customer service, always a hand-written note! Old-fashioned plants that are so hard to find, most from local US of A growers! What more could you ask for?
Thanks, Scott, for being such a dream to deal with!

Wonderful customer service at Old House Gardens! Today I got bulbs from them, and Scott, the owner, had hand-written a note with thanks and instructions for an especially sensitive plant. Before getting the shipment, they sent a couple of emails to let me know the status of my order. So far, so good ... make that great!

I've been a customer of Old House Gardens for years ... and every year, when I think their customer service just couldn't get any better, they surprise me! Their collection of heirloom bulbs has been getting more extensive and the website photos are gorgeous and true to color of the bulb pictured. Their prices for the superior quality and rarity of bulbs is very fair and they raise prices rarely and with great regret. They go out of their way to package and ship carefully [I have two orders every year (Fall, Spring)] ... this year, I had ordered Ehmaii canna and there were no less than 3 reminders of the special care this plant needs -- they REALLY cared about the bulb and about the customer.

I really don't know how to say it any other way: this is the only company I'll buy bulbs from; this is where I send all my friends; and this is where I get treated like a person and friend, not just "the next one in line". They've become like family ... and isn't that what you'd like your bulb source to be?

What a wonderful company,clear instructions and beautiful ,large canna rhizomes.On top of that their updated catolog with 3 extra free bulbs to share with a friend!! Definitively will recommend them,you can not go wrong.

Their lily bulbs are beautiful! They are plump and perfect. As I planted them, I could not help but wonder how they will look after they have a few seasons to mature.
And this past spring, I planted some of their awsome elephant ears. They grew so well, people were describing my front garden as a "jungle". That's my kind of elephant ear!
You can find cheaper sources,or more expensive sources, but not better sources.
With my last order I received a hand written note and detailed planting instructions. Old House Gardens people know their business.

Bravo to Old House Gardens! You guys could teach a graduate level university course on customer service!! Add to this some of the best quality bulbs I have ever received, and you have a WORLD CLASS company. I can hardly wait to order more bulbs from you.

OHG is my favorite source for ordering bulbs. Not only do they offer a variety of heirloom bulbs, Scott adds a personal touch with a handwritten note in green ink! I am wondering what I will do when I run out of places to plant new shipments of bulbs.... I have a box of tulip bulbs to plant this afternoon. They will bring such pleasure in the spring, not only to me but to the neighbors also! Thanks Scott, Charlie et al....

In the first week of August, we placed an order for about 24 Trumpet and Orientpet Lily bulbs. Subsequently, we ordered some more bulbs. Inadvertently, we placed certain duplicate items that were already ordered in the previous order. The OHG rep called us immediately, and was very friendly and helpful to resolve our mistakes. Finally we ordered 40 bulbs of eight varieties. We knew that the order wouldn't be delivered before 3rd week of October.

Anyway, we waited anxiously for about two months and prepared the beds for our lilies from OHG. We received the bulbs from OHG today (October 21, 2008). We are fascinated at the qualities of the bulbs. Almost all of the bulbs are very large and fresh. We kept the best locations of our garden for the bulbs from OHG and "The Lily Garden". Well, we planted the OHG bulbs in the best spots. We have never heard back from The Lily Garden since our mailed-in order in last two months in spite of our many emails and failed phone calls and Fax. So, if they finally send the bulbs, their products will have to go to less desirable location, and we will be in great trouble to find adequate room because we already ordered, received and planted "Silk Road", and "Scheherazade" bulbs from other sources. Of course we could not find any other outlet for "Dunyazade", "Pizzaz", "Summer Place", or "Sinfonia".

Finally, it has been our great experience with OHG; their products and services are simply outstanding! We wish they carried some of the varieties that are offered (or used to be offered, in case of out-of-business) by The Lily garden.

Customer service has been great- they called me to clarify my order since I had placed more than one and at different times. I really appreciated it. They wanted to make sure I hadn't made a mistake. The bulbs arrived very healthy. I am thrilled. I will update when they bloom!

Overspent my budget this year again. GREAT company and superb customer service. I had trouble with UPS dumping a pkg of dahlias in 33 degree weather last year: OHG offered to reimburse immediately. Even though UPS is apparently unwilling to provide service beyond dropping a pkg on time. Unless UPS thoroughly destroys a pkg and comes to inspect the damage for approval, forget trying to file a complaint. I'm still trying to find an address for someone in KS/MO area to complain to about lousy delivery people.... I've had several companies tell me too bad when I complain about UPS delivering plants poorly.

I originally found Old House Gardens when searching online for old-fashioned Roman hyacinths, which grew in my grandmother's garden but are virtually impossible to find nowadays. But not completely-- Old House Gardens has them. I ordered ten bulbs. They arrived at the proper time to plant, were healthy, and ARE THE REAL THING. The hyacinths have been a smashing success, naturalizing profusely and blooming with wonderful perfume you just don't get in Dutch hyacinths.

I have since ordered every year from these people, because they carry all kinds of antique varieties of bulbs and corms. Their customer service is excellent-- immediate responses, personal phone calls when there is a problem filling an order. Once, when they felt the quality of the bulbs they were sending wasn't quite up to their standards due to a bad crop year, they threw in a couple of extras, things I hadn't ordered but they felt I might like. Definitely more like dealing with friends than with some big corporation.

You do need to pay attention, because some of their bulbs sell out quickly each year, and their selection varies. I wait for the newsletter announcing when the new tulips arrive, and every year find new and interesting varieties to try. If you're landscaping a historic site and want a period-correct garden, or if, like me, you're just fond of heritage plants, you can't go wrong with Old House Gardens.

I will be rearranging my gardening budget to make more orders from this company. Not only do they have gorgeous bulbs I've never seen anywhere else, the customer service is fantastic.

When I ordered online, I had trouble getting the quantity I wanted of some bulbs into my cart. I left a note about it in the comments section and had a PHONE CALL the NEXT DAY to alter my order to exactly what I wanted. The lady who called me apologized profusely for the trouble. When the order arrived there was a handwritten note with another apology and a bag of gladiolus bulbs added to make up for it.

All of the bulbs were healthy -- I've never seen such huge glads in my life. I can't wait to get my fall order. (I particularly like that I can place the minimum order now for fall bulbs, and add to it between now and September -- so if I find myself with a bit of spare cash I can tack on extras I've been coveting.)

I've been purchasing bulbs from Old House Gardens for years now - always a pleasant and personalized experience when I order, and a beautiful experience when everything blooms. Bravo! I could cheerfully run amok in the catalog if the budget permitted.

What great customer service! One of the dahlias I ordered last year was incorrect when it bloomed. Old House said no problem and promised to send the correct one this year. They sent it without needing any reminders and the bulb was awesome. Can't wait to see my dahlia this year!

Once again, I am blown away by the bulbs and service this company has to offer. The only time I've had bulbs falter is when I waited entirely too long to plant.

When I placed my most recent order, I accidently processed it twice. Rather than just let that mistake stand, a very nice woman from Old House emailed and called me to make sure the two orders were correct or if I had made a mistake. That willingness to go the extra mile saved me a lot of money. My bulbs arrived in perfect condition, and (in true form) there was a handwritten note on my invoice thanking me for my order! Unless the unthinkable happens, I will be a life-long customer.

holy cow... I can not speak more highly of this company... I am not sure if typed words can convey my feelings... but I am going to try..

last year I placed an order for some canna and glads... I had a problem growing the canna... two actually rotted in the ground... I was just writing to say I have never done these before and asked for advice for next time... I was holding them with no fault at all... the rhizomes were in great shape and pretty big at delivery time.. I explained how and where I planted them and watering... and I was just looking for advice... that's all... they told me they were sorry it happened and that they were going to replace the lost ones this year.... which I thought was totally out of the way nice.... my order arrived today with a hand written note.... HAND WRITTEN.... saying they were sorry and gave me step by step instructions and they had replaced the entire sampler that I bought last year... oh my goodness... talk about a blow me away customer service... was not even looking for a replacement of the lost ones.... they replaced the whole order and gave me "hold my hand" directions on how to grow them... AND WISHED ME LUCK to boot.... amazing amazing amazing.... I feel like I want to hug the employee Scott who wrote the note

note posted here

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This is one of my all-time favorite sources: I grow cut flowers professionally, specializing in antique/heirloom types, and am so glad to have found these guys. OHG offers some of the best customer service support I have come across, bending over backwards to ensure the quality of both their product and the customer's experience. I've yet to receive an order that doesn't have a handwritten note, and the quality of their stock is fabulous. If the plants don't perform, OHG wants to know in order to make it right. Honestly, I feel as though I deal with old friends every year! You won't be disappointed! And be sure to allow them to substitute if necessary: they've turned me on to some incredible finds I never would have chosen on my own.

I was so thrilled with the giant bulbs I received. Equally thrilled by the excellent customer service. A large percent of his customer base is repeat customers and now I know why. I will also buy from this seller again.

What a wonderful company! This was my first year that I placed an order with them and it's clear that they take customer satisfaction and personal service seriously. When I received my order, it was well packed with healthy looking bulbs in great shape. There was also a handwritten note inside apologizing for two varieties that unfortunately they weren't able to obtain. I was given credit plus an additional 10%! On top of that, they included a few free bulbs of another beautiful variety for the trouble. What more can you expect? I'll be a returning customer, that's for sure!

They're the best mail-order company I've ever had. Discovered them in 1999 & have been ordering ever since. They work harder than most companies to provide high quality products. They also know what works & doesn't in my hot, humid area; they back their products 100%; they are So nice; and they're truly dedicated to saving these garden treasures. Their heritage plants are so much better than the modern versions that I no longer buy a modern plant of anything they carry. And I won't buy from any other company if I can get it from Old House.

I just unpacked my first order from Old House Gardens, and I am thrilled with the bulbs; they are the freshest, healthiest bulbs I've ever seen, and obviously were packed with extreme care. Unpacking my order was hardly a chore- it was more like opening a really great birthday present. The Formosa lilies are so turgid and fresh, they look like they were dug this morning! I ordered a fall bulb sampler, also, and it turned out to be an excellent value- every variety they chose for the sampler is something I would have chosen myself, and every bulb is just picture perfect; the personalized note on my packing slip was the icing on the cake.

There are some truly great bulb places out there, but I have to say I would recommend Old House Gardens first before any others.
Old House Gardens, I am officially addicted...you have a customer for life.

This is my first order from Old House gardens. I ordered a rather large number of bulbs. Every single bulb arrived in such a good shape that they looked good enough to eat (I didn’t). The people there really go out of their way to make sure that the gardener gets all the possible help. For me that is essential, as this is my first experience with bulbs. Aside from the detailed information attached to every single group of bulbs, somebody from their company called in advance to ask if I was aware of the fact that the Freesias I ordered were out of my zone. Then, Scott took time to write me a note with advice on growing tulips in Pennsylvania. This is way beyond excellent service. Plus, every one of their bulbs seems to have a real history behind it. I highly recommend them and can’t wait until spring.

Yesterday I received my first order from this company and was very impressed at the packaging and the instructions. As recommended, some of the bulbs I planted immediately. I found Old House Gardens on this web site, requested a catalog and ordered on line. It was very hard to contain myself! I am excited to see how the various bulbs "do" this spring.

I received a gift certificate from Old House Gardens. Unsure of what I could safely plant in MN for spring planting, I gave them a call and talked to a very helpful man (Scott?). I ordered 5 dahlias that arrived when promised. Four came up right away. When I called to ask about the fifth, they gave helpful advice and also promised to make it right to me if it did not grow or if I was not satisfied with it in any way. I followed their advice my fifth dahlia is now doing great. I have also ordered bulbs for fall planting and am looking forward receiving those bulbs. All phone calls and emails I are promptly answered. The employees are extremely courteous, helpful and knowledgeable. This has been my best gift ever. I highly recommend Old House Gardens. Their website is also extremely attractive, easy to navigate and easy to order from.

A great company, with personalized service. Very responsive. Beautiful healthy bulbs, everything came up. Help preserve unusual heirloom bulbs by ordering from them. Also great email newsletter. Web catalog at http://www.oldhousegardens.com.

Wow. Big, fat, juicy corms and tubers. Super-carefully packed, detailed instructions for each item, personal, handwritten note from owner welcoming me to OHG. Doesn't get any better. Can't wait for bloom.

Old House bulbs is terrific! I placed my first order with them this past fall and everything was received in great shape (with a personal note, no less!) They even called to check on my growing zone. All the bulbs were clean and healthy and came up and bloomed as promised. The biggest and most vigorous crocuses and daffodils I've ever had. I absolutely will order from them again!

OHG is fantastic. Our orders arrive individually packed with explicit planting instructions. The bulbs are so fresh we see growth within just a few days of planting. Our bulbs from last year have sprouted lovely and HEALTHY. And you can't beat handwritten names of the folks that pick and pack the orders AND handwritten personal notes and e-mails. I feel like we are very special to everyone at OHG and they really want to hear from their customers and use a very old-fashioned tool - that personal touch. And the best part - we are saving heirloom flowers for our future. We will always buy from OHG first. Thanks OHG - you guys are the BEST!!!!!!!!!

Had good feed back on order and they explained what they would do in very concise order. Very efficient, and fast in filling my order. I have ordered from them 2 different years.
Cecil Daniels

had a hard time deciding which of their beautiful dahlias to order. Called several times to ask questions re size of plant, general care questions, etc. Eveveyone was very friendly and knowledgeable. If they didn't know the answer they let me speak to a master gardener. Order came quickly, well packed with good care instructions. can't wait to see them bloom. will probably order in the fall if I can find room in my small garden.

My order just arrived from Old House Gardens. Everything was packed with the utmost care: each item separately bagged, clearly labeled and including cultural notes. I even had a personal note from Scott wishing me the best of luck growing my new purchases and advising me on some narcissus and daffodils I might like to order this Fall.

I will certainly be a repeat customer and will absolutely recommend this company to all my gardening friends!

Well done!

I planted bulbs from OHG when I lived in Maine and the cut flowers were ALWAYS the talk of my officemates. Then I moved. to New York. sigh.
Let me just say that getting a box of bulbs to plant from OHG has made the transition so much more enjoyable! What a great group - and who can beat a personal note [in response to my note to them] from the owner himself?!?
Say it with me... Yay for old bulbs! Yay for Old House Gardens! Keep the bulbs of old alive - bring horticultural history to a garden near you!

I definitely recommend Old House Gardens. They carry a treasure-trove of bulbs, most of which cannot be found anywhere else. I ordered some dahlias last Friday and had them in less than a week! I can't wait to order some of their fall bulbs this summer.

Tim Butner

I have done business with Old House Gardens for several years, and my garden is filled with beautiful cannas, rain lilies, oxblood lilies, narcissus, and other bulbs that I have bought from this company. The bulb quality is superb, the prices are very good, and the personal service surpasses any other garden-related company with whom I have ever dealt.

Just as important, when you buy from Old House Gardens, you become a partner in antique bulb preservation, and you learn a lot from the company's newsletters and catalogues. Old House Gardens is the best!