Comments regarding Old House Gardens - Heirloom Bulbs

In the fall, I planted 3 varieties of heirloom daffodils from OHG and they all came up and are spectacularly lovely. I've never seen anything like tike these old varieties anywhere.

Have ordered from Old House Gardens a few times, very happy. Can't wait to order bulbs in the fall.

Posted on April 19, 2012, updated April 19, 2012
I have ordered from Old House Gardens for several years. They are more expensive than a lot of mail order firms but the plants and the service are worth the money. I have commented on my results and have always received a prompt answer (and often an undeserved refund) Their plants and bulbs are of the highest quality.Their instructions are spot on. I tend to leave plants in their boxes on the porch too long before planting but they tell me when this will not do.

I've planted bulbs from other companies for years and had intermittent success with them coming up. The ones I've ordered from Old House Gardens bulbs really do grow.

I received my iris and daylily a little early due to the early hot spell we all had. The plants arrived well-packed and seem to be doing fine. The heirloom plants remind me of the ones my grandfather had in his garden, which I hope to reproduce someday. The ordering is easy, and the website is so informative. Wonderful!

Posted on April 29, 2009, updated April 18, 2012
Old House Gardens is everything a mail-order retailer should be, with fast, friendly service, orders carefully filled, and lots of useful information about the products sold. It's wonderful! The bulbs and other products are always in excellent condition when I get them. And the plants themselves? Fabulous! It's such fun to be part of the effort to save endangered antique plants. I've been ordering from OHG for many years and have never once been disappointed. HIGHLY recommended.

Posted on March 31, 2012, updated April 9, 2012
I have ordered from OHG many times through many years. The bulbs have generally been very good. However, I recently happened to check their privacy policy and discovered (to my surprise) that they automatically opt you in to their address-sharing with other "carefully selected companies and groups". I had to email them and request removal from their list of shared addresses. I am fed up with junk mail. I looked at many other top 30 companies and the majority have a no-sharing policy. Some even state this policy very clearly on their homepage.

I think this policy is not befitting any company, but particularly not a top 30 company. I will be happy to change my rating to positive if and when they change their policy either to no-sharing or at least to a clear opt-in choice during the ordering process.

"On Apr 4, 2012 2:16 PM, Old House Gardens - Heirloom Bulbs responded with:

We NEVER share email addresses. We NEVER share phone numbers. And I can't remember the last time we exchanged POSTAL addresses with another small mail-order nursery. Privacy concerns continue to evolve, though, and I think you're right that it's time we make this new promise to our customers: We'll NEVER share your postal address either! Thanks for helping us evolve. -- Scott Kunst, owner"

Posted on November 21, 2011, updated April 6, 2012
I happily received many wonderful bulbs from this company this fall. Customer service has been extremely polite and responsive in spite of multiple order changes, deletions, and additions, and bulbs were lovingly packed with clear planting instructions and were all plump and healthy. Also included was a lovely handwritten note on the invoice from the owner, Scott Kunst, welcoming me as a new customer. I look forward to doing business with Old House Gardens in the future as I add many other wonderful heirloom bulbs to my garden.

I ordered my very first bulbs EVER from Old House Gardens last fall and they are all coming up beautifully in my front yard! I was so excited when the first bulbs began popping up that I ordered a bunch for spring as well, and got my sister-in-law hooked, who especially caved because this company is Martha Stewart- approved. I am excited because their selection is unique and hard to find and honestly, I am a Southern girl at heart, and I wanted real Southern heirlooms in my garden. Looking forward to spring blooms and spring planting!

Last fall, I purchased a bunch of bulbs from several companies for the front of my house. Of all the places I used, Old House Gardens had the best bulbs. Clearly fresh, well-packaged, healthy, with great planting directions. The proof is in the growing, though, so I waited until spring to see how things turned out.

I'm thrilled to say that I've already had a lot of lush crocuses and my tulips are coming up like gangbusters.

I should also add that I ordered some of their sampler packs, which they will personalize a bit for your zone. I know the heirlooms are expensive, but I've felt like my money was very well spent, as the quality was so superior to the other (admittedly cheaper) companies. I'd rather pay a bit more for a bulb that does well than waste my money on cheap bulbs that rot in the ground.

I will definitely order again!

I have been buying heirloom bulbs from OHG for several years now. Heirloom bulbs are not that easy to find but OHG has a great selection plus they also offer very rare ones. They provide great shipping plus personal notes. Thanks to Scott and his great employees, I have a gorgeous display of tulips and daffodils.

I have ordered from OHG for several years now, and have always been pleased with the quality of their bulbs. I have spent mannny years buying plants and bulbs via mail order in 4 states. OHG is one of only four bulb sources that I would consider buying from. Bulbs have always been "fresh/plump", and well sized.

Living in a warmer clime, I appreciate being able to purchase USA-grown stock, many of which will tolerate warmer winters (as well as cold ones). It is nice to have choices..beyond the mega bulb producers in Holland, that typically select for bulbs needing very cold winters, and produce a kazillion Same Old, Same Old. Yawn.

Thanks, OHG...for recognizing gardeners who have a fondness for older bulb varieties. Not all of us are into flower shows in the local fair. We are into "shows" in our own gardens,...Shows that last from year to year.

Thanks...OHG...for making that possible.

I love Old House Gardens and have ordered from them for at least four years (I think longer). Their bulbs are top quality and the varieties are unique and wonderful. Whenever I post pictures of my daffodils, everyone asks me where I found such fantastic blooms. I have ordered daffodils, crocus, tulips, cannas, dahlias, gladiolas and several other odd bulbs. I have been happy with everything that I received. Old House Garden's customer service is the best. When I accidentally ordered a fall bulb that was outside my zone, they called to see if I really wanted it. Whenever I've called with a question they have been friendly, polite and more than helpful.

I dug and divided my daffodils this fall as my bloom number had dropped off. No wonder! They have divided like crazy with big bulbs (all packed together) and I had so many bulbs I had trouble finding space for them. So the initial investment was completely worth it!

For hummingbird lovers, I recommend C. indica Canna (which may not be available right now) and Atom gladiola. For dahlia's, Little Bees Wing and Jane Cowl.

I really can't say enough wonderful things about Old House Garden!

I have ordered from Old House Gardens several times. Every time has been an excellent experience! Great phone service, friendly, and professional. I feel like they really do have my best interest in mind instead of just trying to "make a sale". I am a garden designer, and I am not afraid to recommend them to my customers. I have also shared their information at educational garden presentations. They are one of the best mail order garden companies I have dealt with, and I will continue to use them for my bulb purchasing. Expect great items, quick shipping, and beautiful results when you place your order.

My experience with Old House Gardens has been fantastic! Customer service is excellent. Last year I had a dahlia bulb that didn't grow. Not only did they replace it but they sent me a free bulb of another variety as well! They really stand behind their product!!!! I have ordered again from them, and again everything is great.

I, too, have ordered many times from Old House Gardens; both for myself and for gifts for friends. I feel that they do the horticultural world a great service and try to buy from them, support them, and recommend them to friends and customers. There is a wonderful world of choice on their website and in their catalogue, with charming illustrations and interesting concepts in gifts, cards, notes, and tote-bags. Complete descriptions and little facts and trivia are often included on the page, which makes ordering from them fun. They are as passionate about bulbs as I am. I just received three plump Rubrum lilies, and two types of narcissus. They are all immaculate specimens; and always, always healthy and of the best quality. I cannot recommend Old House Gardens and their friendly staff enough.

I have ordered from Old House Gardens for years and am very happy. I have received hand written notes on the inventory included with my bulbs, with little tips showing they paid attention to my order, even when it was just the minimum order! This company has things I couldn't find anywhere else. Twenty years ago I ordered Tulipa Acuminata from a catalog to share with my grandmother. When we moved mine was destroyed and my grandmother has passed away, I searched for years for these and finally found them with OHG. After telling my story with my order (I wasn't asking for anything free) I received an email with a refund that they are sending them to me free! What thoughtful people must run this company. Thanks OHG,
Paula

Posted on June 20, 2009, updated July 25, 2011
One of the best on-line plant sources I've found. Healthy bulbs, great advice, and trustworthy. When I order an heirloom plant from them I am sure I am getting "the real thing" and not a modern version of a 19th century variety. Their tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are peerless. The best selection of plants that are virtually impossible to find today and at reasonable prices considering the quality of their bulbs. If you want a period garden, Old House Gardens is indispensable.

Posted on April 9, 2009, updated June 10, 2011
Very happy with my order from Old House Gardens.
Bulbs were nice sized and when they bloomed in spring, truly named. They have great customer service, reasonable prices and unique varieties. I'll buy again.

My bulbs look fantastic! Thank-you so much for being an awesome, honest nursery. That is becoming more and more rare to find!

Posted on November 7, 2008, updated May 25, 2011
Thank you Old House Gardens! What an amazing experience! I ordered bulbs this year from several different firms, and I must say, that this company is FIVE STAR rated! The Foxtail lilies that were sent were 10 times the size of another bulb company, and the bulbs were fresh and alive as opposed to being shriveled and dry. All the rest of the order was top notch as well. Kudos to this wonderful company. I was unable to order all that I wanted, but maybe next year, I will only order from them, as I believe I have all I need, but there are some that I wanted from them but were a bit pricey, but, I feel, not out of line, but worth the money. I will order more from them next year. You MUST look at their online catalog, even if you don't need any bulbs! Keep those heirlooms going! Great job!

I placed two Dahlia orders from this company this spring. All of the tubers looked fantastic. I started them inside and they are already producing healthy plants after a few weeks. Each order came with a personalized hand-written note. I am already looking forward to my next order. Thank you Old House Gardens!

Two years ago I placed a large order for fall planted bulbs. I was really pleased when everything came up the next spring but I am amazed at the results this year. Already many of the bulbs have multiplied - they are beyond gorgeous. I just received my spring planting order - cannot wait for the results.

I have ordered from OHG for many years. I have ordered predominately daffodils in many varieties and peonies (also many varieties). Their bulbs are always very healthy, come with planting instructions, and have ALWAYS bloomed! Their peonies are also beautiful. I cannot say enough positive things about their customer service and how personal it is. Their bulbs naturalize wonderfully. When I chose to go with OHG, I chose wisely.

The bulbs I ordered preformed fantastically! I ordered 3 broken tulips and some crocus. They were beautiful! I hope they all come back next year! I might have to dig them up because our soil has a lot of clay and I live in a drought-prone area so i have to water the garden they're in.
I am very happy with OHG and would have no troubles ordering from them again! They shipped them on time and quickly (I had almost forgotten I'd ordered them).

Posted on November 15, 2010, updated April 21, 2011
Just planted my first order of over 100 bulbs from OHG and the bulbs were in excellent condition. Each bulb comes with clear planting instructions on the bag. One sampler I ordered was sold out and they subbed (as requested in the original order) with another sampler plus they generously supplied extra bulbs which increased the value well over the originally ordered sampler. They give nice personal service with handwritten notes on your order form. A pleasure to do business with and I cannot wait to see how the bulbs look next spring.

I just received my first order from OHG, a shipment of sundry spring-planted bulbs, and I could not be more pleased than I am. First, I had received an email notice of the shipping date so I was able to plan ahead and get them right into the ground. Second, each set of bulbs was packed separately in sturdy brown bags with the name and color-coded planting instructions affixed to it. Third, the contents of those bags were mature, very large bulbs in each case. Finally, most of them were bulbs I could not obtain anywhere else---in any size or condition. A nice piece of lagniappe was the handwritten, personal note that accompanied the order.

I had ordered two bulbs not recommended for the Deep South, and the firm had contacted me about that earlier. I had recognized this, but had seen each grown in my area, so I did not amend my order. Yet, it is good to know that each order is given that sort of individual attention.

I've ordered with a friend from this company and for years I have read their catalogs, lusting after the contents. I have even gotten advice regarding old daffodils from Mr. Kunst. I grow old roses, camellias, and azaleas, many from the gardens of ancestors, but for some reason (timing, I think) I had never placed a personal order. It was the pink rain lilies that overcame my laziness. I remembered them from the first garden I'd ever known, my mother's, and had never before found any that were grown in the U.S., collected from U.S. sites, before. Naturally, OHG had what I sought. Now I receive the OHG newsletter and am planning future bulb additions to my garden.

It is good to know where the the bulbs I order are grown and that they are true to their name and history. I've seen some of the Dutch cousins of some I have in my garden that have been handed down through generations, and they are not at all the same. I always know that won't happen when I order from OHG.

The Internet is a wonderful thing for gardeners: you can work all day in your garden, then place your orders for plants and bulbs in the evening, when you really are aware of a specific need.

Just received my spring order and as usual they were beautiful! Iris, Daylily and Glads. All healthy and the Iris and daylily had already started sending up green shoots!! Customer service was top notch as usual. Thanks!

I have bought bulbs from OHG for several years. Orders were always accurately filled. The bulbs or plants were always good sized and healthy and produced beautiful blooms. I have recommended the company to several of my friends.

Posted on April 21, 2010, updated April 12, 2011
I have always had a great experience with OHB and this year is no different. My dahlias that I received are larger than any other mail-order company. And I always find something that I can't find anywhere else.

I have been ordering from OHG for years and appreciate both the high quality of their bulbs and their excellent customer service. Their approach to the canna virus situation is a model for other nurseries. They have a lot of integrity and it shows.

Posted on April 25, 2009, updated January 4, 2011
I ordered 10 Wyoming Cannas and 25 Abyssinian Gladiolus bulbs, and they look wonderful! The bag of cannas were heavy, and the roots were gorgeous. The gladiolus bulbs were fat and firm and equally gorgeous. The selection and prices are great, and the company is charming. The website is very easy to navigate, and I'll definitely be ordering from this company again.

Posted on July 5, 2010, updated December 1, 2010
Ordered last year, waited for this season to give an accurate review.

Crocus: just as described. Pleased with these.

Daffs: robust and generously sized, but not the variety I ordered.

Oxblood lilies: I was skeptical of the directions to bury them so deeply, but followed the directions exactly, even using a ruler. They never came up.

Multiple e-mails requesting assistance went unanswered.

"On Jul 5, 2010 3:52 PM, Old House Gardens - Heirloom Bulbs responded with:

RedMechanic,
We're sorry that we've disappointed you! (Actually, we're horrified!) Please call us at 734-995-1486 so we can make EVERYTHING right for you. We stand behind all of our bulbs 100%, so have no fears. I don't know how we missed your earlier emails, but if you call us you'll be sure to reach us. We'll even pay for your call!
Scott Kunst, Owner "

Posted on April 17, 2007, updated November 6, 2010
In Aug. of 2006, I ordered some bulbs for spring 2007, unfortunately one of their suppliers had a crop failure on a couple of the gladiolus bulbs I had ordered. They sent me a nice note with the credit PLUS
an extra 10 %, PLUS a couple of extra bulbs of ones that they could ship from my initial order. Now I consider that this is a company that is truly trying to please. The bulbs that they did ship are first rate as always. I had already placed a fall order and now I have credit to use. Can't wait. Patti

I am so thrilled to see that Old Haus is still around! I can remember stories my mother would tell me as a child about the wonderful canna lilies and other beautiful things she procured from this Nursery. Cannot wait to get my order!

One of the best companies I've ever dealt with, period. Good, true to form bulbs, outstanding personalized customer service, and a great mission....preserving some of our history. Old House Gardens will never let you down...they haven't let me down for 6 years in a row!

For the past two years my sisters and my mom and I have ordered Old House Gardens heirloom daffodil bulbs for my sister's birthday. She is a historian who appreciates the background stories on each of the bulbs which OHG supplies in the catalog and in the shipping. I especially like that we can authorize them to substitute bulbs that will grow in her zone if necessary. This year they sent a personalized note when the order shipped, which is timed to the planting season of the zone to which it's going. Awesome customer service and even "awesomer" daffodils!

The bulbs are AMAZING! They remind me of flowers my great-grandmother and grandmother had in their gardens. My garden has a unique look now, not the same flowers as everyone else has purchased from the big box stores. The service is friendly and costumer oriented. The website is filled with pictures, so you know what you will be getting, and lots of grower information. Beautiful bulbs delivered straight to my door.

Over the years I have planted many cannas and I really have to say that Oldhouse really has their **** together. I have never received such good merchandise, other companies just send 1 or 2 eyes and every bulb I have ever received from these guys has at lease 3-4 eyes. This is a really great nursery that others should look to for the standard!