Comments regarding Sunshine Farm & Garden

Highly recommended for Hellebores seedlings. Two years ago, in the Fall, I ordered the 10 one year old Hellebore selection for $45 (still the same price I saw recently.) A sudden cold snap, and then rain, meant that mailing was delayed. Each time I emailled Barry Glick and he emailled right back to let me know the issue.

When the weather cleared, I got 12 good seedlings, some of very good size, all with good roots to grow on inside through the winter. I grew them on to a solid size to plant out in the spring. Now, one year later, 8 out of the 12 are flowering -- all 12 are thriving.

What about the flowers? Barry Glick breeds his own varieties and promise a range of colors. Take a look at the pictures on his website (you won't get the very best colors for obvious reasons) and pay attention to the flower shapes as well as colors. I have a range of colors from dark maroon red, through pinks to greenish white. On top of that I have a bunch of striking flower shapes, some really lovely spiky petaled flowers, others with central fringe. I got lucky and planted some of the dark maroon next to the frilled white-greens for great contrast.

Overall, I highly recommend Barry's Hellebore seedlings. These were $4.50 each and in a year are the same size as what the nursery charges $30 for -- plus some special flower shapes and a range of colors. I am also happy to help (even a little) someone doing such wonderful things with Hellebores.

I ordered from Sunshine because none of the local native plant nurseries had Allegheny spurge (it is not local to this area, but is the best option for a native ground cover for our conditions). I had not read the reviews here first and I'm glad I didn't because I might have been discouraged from ordering.

It was a very good experience. Barry Glick was very helpful throughout the entire process and the plants arrived in good condition and carefully packaged - this despite the fact that he'd been dealing with some personal issues. When I asked for planting advice, he took the time to call me and walk me through it and couldn't have been more gracious. Realize that growers don't really have an obligation to do this kind of thing as it takes up a lot of time and this is a very busy time of year for them.

The plants (all bare root) looked great and only time will tell if we managed to do this right. We are pretty new at it and the only two times we've planted bare root we had NOTHING come up.

So we have 50 Virginia bluebells and 50 Allegheny spurge and 9 partridgeberry plants in the ground and will certainly ordering from Sunshine again next year.

I ordered hellebores, ferns, and several other plants. I received healthy plants. Will definitely order again.

Another reviewer mentioned lack of labels - my order included 2 types of dormant bareroot ferns and I distinctly remember them being labeled. I would not have needed or particularly wanted labels for the actively growing plants - it wasn't that huge of an order, and all the plants were familiar to me - so I can't recall if those were labelled or not. Maybe ask for an ID label if you need it?

His website is not updated frequently but he knows what he has in stock if you call. He was very nice and helpful on the phone.

I have bought plants from Sunshine Farm & Garden both by mail and in person at the Native Plants in the Landscape Conference at Millersville University. I have also attended Barry's lectures and propagation workshop at said conference. I have found Barry to be very entertaining and informative. Yes, Barry is eccentric, but aren't we all?

As far as the actual plants I received, I was more than happy to get some familiar species and some that I had never heard of. I received some native orchids and Virginia bluebells by mail. They were bare root and a nice size. I have bought much more at the native plant conference in 2 inch pots as well as some in larger pots (I don't remember the size). It was nice to get affordable unusual native plants in quantity. I have never had a problem with the plants that I bought.

Keep gardening Barry and I will keep buying.

Rec'd some nice hellebores from Barry with a couple of extra little goodies that tagged along; always an incentive to be a return customer! Communication was positive prior to the order and would deal with Barry again. Had a chance to visit his place a couple of years back and it too was a positive experience.

I've ordered from Sunshine Farm & Garden about half a dozen times over the past four years and have always been happy with the plants I've received. My latest order was for a Euphorbia 'Jessie' and a Fraser's Sedge (Cymophyllus fraserianus). Fraser's Sedge is nearly impossible to find elsewhere, so I was thrilled when Barry confirmed by e-mail that he had some. Barry asked to speak to me before accepting the order, then called me to describe the plant and its cultivation requirements. The plant that arrived today was large and healthy. At Barry's suggestion I divided it into three generous clumps before planting. They look great now and in a few years will be amazing ... more highlights in my garden from Sunshine Farm & Garden..

I ordered some of the double Hellebores earlier this spring. When they arrived I was very impressed with the packing. Each plant was carefully packed in its own pot and the pots were then taped together in pairs. The plants were placed in the box and the box then filled loosely filled with packing peanuts. There was no shifting of the plants in the box. They were easy to remove and are now happily growing in my garden.

I received my order promptly and in excellent condition. The plants bloomed soon after being planted. I'm really pleased! I'll be ordering from this source again.

Plants arrived in very good codition. The proof will be next spring when the expected blooms arrive in my woodland garden.

Not only was I completely happy, no, ecstatic with my plant order, the careful packing, the inclusion of just enough labels - not too many - I've raved about my order to my husband - okay he got tired of hearing the raves - my friends, and neighbors. Turns out several already knew about you because, as astute gardeners, they already know Dave's Garden. Of course DG is where I found recommendations to order from you.

Another VERY pleased customer!

Late summer, I ordered plants for the first time from Sunshine. I am all the way in CA but I like the different plants he has that I would not normally get here. The plants all looked good when I got them. We'll see in the spring how they do! Barry is very responsive and I like his informative email newsletter, photos and links.

I have ordered twice from Sunshine Gardens and I have been very pleased each time. The plants arrived very promptly and in very good, robust condition. I would certainly not hesitate to order from them again.

I ordered double hellebores and received healthy plants in a timely manner. Yes, a 2" pot is small, the plant within tiny; however, they have thrived and grown in the shady places in my garden, and I eagerly await their bloom. I did plant them directly into my garden rather than repot them. I don't think that doing so harmed their growth in coastal northern California with its humidity and overcast days. I will definitely look to Sunshine Farms and Gardens for future plants.

I have been purchasing from Sunshine Farm & Garden for several years. It has been a place to find the unusual and not available anywhere else. When I discover or read about a new species, the first place I go to find it is Sunshine Farm. I have always been pleased with the quality of the plants received.

Can't say enough about how much I love Barry's plants and ernormous plant selection.
Thank you Barry for years and years of GREAT plants and gardening info.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge too.
One thing I have learned in life, you can never make everyone happy.
Some people just seem to enjoy being 'negative'.

But not me...THANK YOU BARRY! :)

...Joyce

Barry is a great salesman - he could sell the proverbial refrigerators to Inuits! He also is a good source of advice when trying to decide what plants would be suitable for specific locations. Our last order was for native asters to naturalize in a dry, shady area. The shipment was exceptionally prompt, but the plants were smaller than anticipated (basically short portions of underground stems with established roots). However, all appeared healthy, showing new growth.
We have visited Sunshine Farms in the past, and the 'interesting' drive is well worth the effort.

Barry had the carex I wanted but which I had difficulty finding. Being a good salesman, he recommended several other relatively obscure sample plants for my particular garden's culture. They were also ordered, were grown up in larger pots this season and I look forward to planting them out in the coming year. Being a refugee from the farm boy and a propagation nut, I prefer trying small plants at a good price that I can experience during several stages of growth. If they work out, then I subsequently get a larger quantity for a serious planting. Barry is an excellent source for the type of gardening I do.

I have been ordering from Sunshine Farms for only three years, so the end result of the plants I received can't be told yet. But, I received 20 helleborus in an unusual heat wave for upstate NY decimating my "crop" despite watering, mulching, and tlc. These were heartily replaced with no questions asked but with a lot of personal advice.

I have ordered plants from Sunshine Farm and Garden on a number of occasions. I have been pleased with the condition of the plants. Barry was lots of fun and informative on the phone. He seems eager to please and very helpful. I plan to use him in the future. This is a great source for plants that are usually difficult to find.

I have found that the owner Barry is easy to contact, quick to respond and very helpful. When asked, his insights are valuable and the plants are accurately represented his listings. I will do more business with him.

I enjoy reading Barry's excitement in his descriptions of his offerings. When I have had questions, he has answers. I focus on hellebores, as they have great beauty as well as the key characteristics my property needs: deer resistance, love shade, and low care. He has some real beauties.

I have purchased hellebores from Barry on two separate occasions and have been very pleased with my plants. They arrived quickly, were packaged carefully, were very healthy and good-sized and were at a good price. And I received the added benefit of Barry's expertise when inquiring what would grow in our hot Texas weather. His knowledge was very valuable and helpful to me.

My plants arrived with plenty of instruction on what to do if circumstances for planting were not optimum. An email concerning the plant was responded to quickly. I would order again from this company.

We’ve been happy with the stuff we’ve ordered from Sunshine Farms over the years. All plants have arrived as promised. I love their website. It is full of info and pictures.Owner Barry Glick is very responsive to questions and has never steered me wrong. We are signed up for email from Barry and recieve monhtly updates with pictures and particulars on species we may never seen before. Some of those specials have done very well for us.

Pests are huge problem in my neck of the woods (the Pinelands in NJ) and Barry is good at predicting the plants that survive. I looking forward to visiting Sunshine Farms mountain top gardens in WV once the weather is nice in the spring.

I found Sunshine Farm & Gardens from another website posting. I contacted Barry by email, telling him I live in New Orleans, and concerned as to whether hellebores can make it here. He immediately contacted me, and explained the best planting to get some going. When I saw the low price for seven, I decided to take a chance. I placed the order, noting that the heat can turn mail-order plants to jelly. The plants arrived the end of September, during a cool spot, packed very securely in small pots and "peanuts". Each had several leaves, healthy, with good roots. I planted them that afternoon (once the sun was low), and watered them thoroughly. I haven't needed to water them since (this is New Orleans), and looked at them yesterday morning, and they are already bigger, with more leaves. I've told several friends about Sunshine Farms, and will order from Barry again. A good guy!

I just received 10 Saruma henryii in perfect condition, well-packed, and at a very friendly price. This plant is hard to find in the NYC area and I was thrilled to find these well-rooted young plants. They were so well prepared for shipping, not a leaf was torn or a root out of place...and these were bare root plants! Also, I specified a tight shipping window (needed to receive them within 3 days of my order) and they arrived exactly on time.

Barry Glick is easy to communicate with and very helpful. I dealt with him and him only- not some recording or secretary. I have ordered many plants through the mail and have never received plants in such healthy condition or packaged so lovingly. It shows in every aspect of communication that Barry enjoys what he does and serves the community well! The plants came with very helpful tags, which was nice. They told me where to plant and special needs of the plant, they helped me to remember what I ordered and why I ordered it. I also really liked that shipping was included. I didn't feel like I was getting the shaft on "handling" charges. The world could use more folks like Barry Glick! Hats off to his success in doing what he loves!

What a great experience! I ordered a sampler from Sunshine Farm and Garden and was very pleased with the ordering communication and the delivery. The plants arrived in the time promised and were very healthy. I am starting my woodland display garden and I will definitely continue to order from Barry Glick.

Barry Glick at Sunshine Gardens is always helpful and informative. He has made me aware of several native species that are thriving in my shady yard.

I am delighted with the sampler and 2-year old bare roots I ordered from Sunshine in late May. As a new customer ordering in the midst of the busiest time of the season, I was not surprised that it took two weeks to arrive. Well worth the wait.

What I received were expertly packaged, mostly in perfect shape. The trade sampler plants were small, but just as described on the website - very healthy and ready to pop into 3.5" pots. The Caryopteris and one variety of Helleborus I put directly into gallons.

The varieties they chose for me, given very little information about my small nursery, were outstanding! A few old favorites that I needed to resupply anyway, but the rest were all new to me. These have served to breathe new life and enthusiasm into my small business; I can't wait to get out to the nursery in the morning and check up on my new little "residents."

The bare root Cimicifuga were more robust than expected. These will be ready for my customers in just a few weeks. I couldn't possibly be happier with these gems. They sent a few more than I ordered, none were wimpy plants. Also added were some mystery bare roots; I'm guessing that they're Helleborus.

I will be ordering again as soon as I catch up with some other work. This is fun!

I have ordered from Barry twice within the past couple years. The first was a very large order of hellebores that we were doing with our garden club and some for ourselves too. This totalled about 3 flats of hellebores. They arrived ON TIME, and in EXCELLENT condition. Fresh as the proverbial daisy and we didn't lose even 1 plant, nor did any of the garden club. We kept over a flat of these for ourselves and everyone bloomed this spring, just beautiful. This spring we ordered a few of the double hellebores. These plants were OUTSTANDING! And they came packed so well that it was all we could do to get the little gems out of the box. They were shipped in little pots that were carefully sealed so that the dirt would stay in the pots, then carefully packed together with shipping peanuts under the leaves so that NOTHING could possibly hurt these plants in shipment. I have NEVER received a better packed shipment of plants from ANYONE! And we buy hundreds of plants yearly! I would recommend Barry's company to everyone, and have!

I know nothing about gardening, and I mean nothing. Add to that very poor soil and you have a recipe for diaster. Looking for violets to naturalize, I came across a listing for Sunshine Farm & Gardens on the internet and emailed them for advice. I have done this in the past with other companies and received no response. However, Barry not only emailed a response, he suggested we speak. On the telephone he gave me advice and explained what I should do, still not knowing if I would order from him.

I did place an order. The violets were delivered within a week of my sending my check. They were in excellent condition and are doing well.

I am not sure if I will be ordering plants in the future, but if I do I would certainly go back to Sunshine Farm & Gardens.

I have had very positive experiences with this company. I wanted helleborus. They took a while to get started since I bought small plants but this year they are just great. There are some that have not as yet flowered but are really coming up quickly and in good health. Those in flower are just gorgeous and keep getting bud after bud. I did buy some primroses which did not take but Barry gave me double the original order and these are now beautiful also. I will be ordering from Barry in the future. I gave away two helleborus to friends who had not ever heard of the plant. They just called to say the plants are gorgeous and wanted to know where to get more. I appreciate all the help I have gotten from Barry!

Communications with the nursery was excellent. Prices were reasonable and packaging of plants excellent. Looking forward to doing more business in near future.

Dear Barry, I just wanted to let you know how glad I am that I let you pick the shipping date for my order...it arrived in perfect condition and on the perfect day. I was able to get everything planted within a couple of hours and they are all doing beautifully!!

And, I have never gotten mail-order plants packed with such tender loving care!! I'm sure you will hear from me again!

Judy

Just received my first (of many I'm sure) order from Sunshine Farm and am amazed at the quality of the plants. First of all, packing was superb with just the right amount of moisture per plant and no broken bones. The 50 Christmas fern rhizomes are packed in damp sphagnum and are exceedingly robust. Everything else I ordered was the 2" tree band size, so I expected very small plants. But hey! The price is right and I can pot up plants and hold them for a while. Much to my surprise, they were much larger than I expected and some are going straight into beds where I can monitor water, etc. I also ordered 50 2 yr. seedlings of unknown Hellebores. Haven't a clue what they'll look like, but the parentage is great and since I've never met a Hellebore I didn't like, it sounded like a good deal for filling in areas of new woodland beds. I am quite impressed with the size of these 'seedlings' and can hardly wait for them to bloom to see what varieties I have. It was a long, cold, snowy January and I was wooed by the intrigue of the 100 plant (5 ea of 20 different plants) sampler. WOW! Unpacking these babies and discovering what I'd received was fantastic. Not a dog in the bunch. Some are old friends, some are totally new to me and all look great. Additionally, while all of the spp. are well worth the price, some would normally command a premium price anywhere if bought separately. The sampler is not simply 1 or 2 desired plants and numerous run-of-the mill filler plants as with so many collections and Barry is very helpful in trying to select plants that fit your site demands. I normally order from 5-8 top-rated nurseries each year (Yes! Big-time chlorophyll addition) and have rarely had anything but very positive experiences, but I can honestly say dealing with Barry & his staff has been fantastic! I've only talked to two gardening friends since I unpacked my order, but both intend to try the sampler next year. Give Sunshine Farm a whirl. I don't think you will be disappointed.

ct

Experience very positive, Shipment of hellibores and phlox arrived in great shape. Packaging was excellent. Based on past experience, immediately moved the plants (2 inch treebands) into larger pots where they should do great following Barry's planting instructions. Expect to set them out this Fall (2008). Good supply of plant tags was included. If you know what you are doing with small plants, Barry's plants are a good buy, particularly when he does his 'specials'.

Al 3/26/08

I just recently ordered hellebores, trillium and Christmas fern. Barry answered questions thoroughly in advance of the purchase, and the plants arrived quickly. The hellebores were strong plants that settled in after planting and look healthy. I am looking forward to seeing the results.

ordered his Hellebores and they are beautiful and thriving ...Great instructions on planting and feeding and very informative information thru e-mail