Comments regarding Arrowhead Alpines
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Comments:
Rating | Author | Content |
Positive | Crowhaven (3 reviews) | On Oct 6, 2015, Crowhaven Sullivan, MO wrote: I have ordered from Arrowhead Alpines over a few years and have yet to be disappointed. The plants arrive well-packed and take to the garden quickly. The folks at Arrowhead Alpines seem to have a dry wit that is evidenced in their online catalog and in their dealings with customers. I respond to this well---but not everyone might.... ( And, I DID plant the scopolia near the mandrake, Arrowhead---and it looks DIVINE )... |
Positive | PesticideFree (1 review) | On Mar 22, 2015, PesticideFree Camp Hill, PA wrote: I ordered some bareroot wildflowers and the shipping was speedy and the bulbs that arrived were healthy and a nice size. I will order from Alpine again! |
Positive | memphisflyer (2 reviews) | On Jul 10, 2014, memphisflyer Memphis, TN wrote: I ordered four pardancanda (candylilies) and two pardanthopsis (vesper iris) on 7/06/14 and they arrived today (7/10/14). Very well packaged. The plants are very large and strongly rooted...definitely not seedlings. One vesper iris already in bud, and the candy lilies large with multiple fans...about the largest plants I've received from online. I realize these are not the rarest of plants, but the candy lilies are difficult to find named varieties, and not many places offer the iris. I received one email to acknowledge the order and another to inform me when the order was processed. Could have used a message when they shipped...but no harm done as they were so well packaged. Definitely will order again in the spring. |
Positive | rebecca101 (25 reviews) | On May 30, 2013, rebecca101 Madison, WI (Zone 5a) wrote: I've placed several orders with Arrowhead and have been extremely pleased. They have an amazing selection (I got some rare epimediums and species peonies, among other things). The plants were all quite sizable for mail-order, well-rooted, healthy, and packaged well. Shipping was fast and not too expensive. They have become my go-to company for plants I can't find elsewhere. |
Positive | mboutet (12 reviews) | On May 7, 2013, mboutet Rochester, NY wrote: Beautiful, healthy plants carefully packed. I've ordered from Arrowhead several times and have never been disappointed. |
Positive | hairyjo (21 reviews) | On Dec 2, 2012, hairyjo Danville, CA wrote: I am very happy with the 4 varieties of Campanula and Adenophora that I got this fall. I put them in good sized pots and will get around to planting them in my zone 8b garden in the next few weeks, but they are healthy and have green on them. They were shipped quickly and looked very good when they arrived. Shipping was more reasonable then some of the other on-line nurseries. |
Positive | njjpl (18 reviews) | On May 12, 2012, njjpl Pequannock, NJ wrote: All my plants arrived healthy, and are doing great in my garden. They are actually thriving!!! Highly recommended for rare and unusual plants. Great job!!! |
Positive | Ispahan (55 reviews) | On Apr 10, 2012, Ispahan Chicago, IL (Zone 6a) wrote: This company has an impeccably expansive selection of unusual plants. While researching unusual perennials for my new garden, there were several that I could only find from West Coast suppliers who wanted to charge an arm and a leg for shipping and others that I could find no where at all. |
Positive | SwimmingJewel (6 reviews) | On Mar 24, 2012, SwimmingJewel Southold, NY (Zone 7b) wrote: I agree. Seems like all the negative responses are from people expecting Brigitta to take care of the plants once they get to their destinations! And no, if you order a plant, YOU research it, get the proper care instructions and YOU take care of it. If you neglect it, or don't care for it properly and it dies, it's NOT Arrowheads fault! |
Positive | dharbu (1 review) | On Mar 23, 2012, dharbu Portland, TN wrote: Have been ordering from Arrowhead Alpines for several years now & was able to make a live visit in the fall of 2010( while Bob was battling colon cancer). He & Brigitta were gracious hosts & spent considerable time with me.To the folks who gave AA a positive report I can say I totally agree with you. For the naysayers, I think that people have to realize that specialty mail order nurseries are not by necessity your local garden center or Lowes, etc. For one thing, plants are usually smaller & may just be taken from the greenhouse for shipping. Bob seldom listed zonal info which basically means that you had better do you homework to make sure you have some knowledge about the plant. And while you are at it check out the required growing conditions. I'm a plant collector & I know that many of the specialty plants that I collect will be small &may need a whole season to be bumped up in size before dropping them into the garden. Believe me I've had many die before I realized this. So buck up , do your research, learn some basic plant nomenclature & be prepared for a certain amount of failure. In other words become a serious gardener. I think you will realize what a treasure Arrowhed Alpines really is to gardeners. Bob ,I guess could be tought to deal with at times & I'm willing to bet that he had good reason at times. Sadly, he's gone from us now & will be missed by the many who knew him. Arrowhead Alpines is going forward. I just received two perfect orders from them this spring. Viva Arrowhead!! |
Positive | mdsimenc (1 review) | On Mar 22, 2012, mdsimenc Fairmont, IL wrote: First let me offer my most sincere condolences to Arrowhead Alpines (Brigitta and Ender) for the loss of a husband, father and great plantsman, Bob Stewart. I was greatful for many conversations (during non peak times naturally) The plant selection at Arrowhead is incomparable! I have several rare daphnes from their nursery that continue to thrive in my "daphentum". A couple more are on the way as of this writing. The staff is very gracious with their time and wisdom and I will continue to be a loyal customer. |
Positive | AphidsDontRock (4 reviews) | On Feb 21, 2011, AphidsDontRock Grosse Pointe, MI wrote: I began visiting Arrowhead several years ago. Years ago I got their catalog, but never ordered back then; Bob seemed like a pretty forbidding character, and I feared being raked over the coals for my ignorance if I had plant questions. Well, maybe he has mellowed, or perhaps I just have more courage than formerly, but three or four years ago I visited and ran into the man himself. He was initially a little crusty, but was very helpful and steered me away from a couple of appealing but difficult plants. Brigitta is always great. I have had mostly good experiences with their plants; some allowances have to be made for the fact that they stock many difficult plants. Their BAPs are, I feel, well worth the money. They are a small business and their time is at a premium, but generally someone always approaches me to offer help within a few minutes of my arrival. A great specialty nursery. |
Positive | stevenalabama (3 reviews) | On Dec 16, 2010, stevenalabama Coker, AL wrote: Have used them for years ! Always good quality plants! |
Positive | Cheryl211 (1 review) | On Oct 29, 2010, Cheryl211 Ashland, NH wrote: I just recently found Arrowhead Alpines and am so happy that I did. I ordered a difficult to find, abies balsamea nana, a dwarf balsam fir. It arrived quickly, in perfect condition and a very nice size. I will check with them first from now on when I need to new plants. Highly recommended. |
Positive | owllantern (1 review) | On Sep 15, 2010, owllantern Birmingham, MI wrote: If you live within driving distance of Arrowhead Alpines, go there. The plants are just amazing. As are the owners, Bob and Brigitta Stewart, and their staff - they are very generous with their time and advice. They have lots of plants - especially shrubs and trees - that aren't listed in the catalog because they are too big to ship. But, they know how to fit quite a few of these big plants in a car, so, go visit, if you can. If you can't, order from them, as I have over the years and have always gotten healthy plants in good condition. |
Positive | rkwright85 (4 reviews) | On Aug 13, 2010, rkwright85 Horton, MI (Zone 5b) wrote: I just made my first visit out there today and was very impressed. I have never seen a selection of daphne's that good anywhere. They offer plants at a lot of different sizes and prices. Compared to many nurseries I've visited (especially in Michigan) they had fair prices and excellent service. I've been to nurseries where the staff is obviously inexperienced and then tell you what you want to hear. Bob patiently and honestly answered my questions and even showed me how to grow and propagate some of them. Overall they have a great selection and the plants looked good too. I would recommend this nursery to anyone and look forward to going back myself. |
Positive | balberth (18 reviews) | On May 3, 2009, balberth (Zone 9a) wrote: These people have an amazing catalog that's now online, and when I discovered it over the winter I placed an order for about two dozen plants. |
Positive | pollyk (83 reviews) | On Apr 30, 2009, pollyk Hannibal, NY (Zone 6a) wrote: Received my order today from Arrowhead for species irises. The irises were potted, well packed, and in great condition. Very nice. Thank you, |
Positive | gringo (5 reviews) | On Mar 18, 2009, gringo Hampton, VA wrote: I purchased two cultivars of Eryngium, as potted plants from this company. Both, notoriously difficult to germinate... |
Positive | abc55 (1 review) | On Jul 27, 2008, abc55 Grosse Pointe, MI wrote: I was very happy with our recent visit to Arrowhead Alpines for their "Summer Rocks" sale. Even though they outwardly appear to be unfriendly to children, I found that not to be the case at all. We took our four small children and they were having such a great time visiting the tortoise and poking the frog pond that it was hard to get them to leave. Besides all of that, the selection of plants is excellent! The plants, especially the evergreens, were in excellent shape. They really know their stuff. There were tags on 95% of the plants and it was pretty easy to find where things were located. Add to that the friendly and helpful staff and we are going back next year. |
Positive | 6yellowpetals (4 reviews) | On Apr 30, 2008, 6yellowpetals Dayton, OR wrote: Last year I ordered many species Narcissus from Arrowhead that are very hard to find in the trade. The order arrived early fall, each bulb was potted individually which I thought a bit odd as I've never received spring blooming bulbs that way, but it was fine w/ me - I always pot or plant bulbs that have not bloomed for me either in separate containers or far apart enough in the ground that I can easily rogue the mis-named ones. So far 75% have bloomed and are correctly named and I am very happy! Really happy! I will order again. (These Narcissus were grown by Arrowhead from seed obtained through the Archibalds- at least most of them were, can't remember now.) Thank you, AA! |
Positive | nevadagdn (118 reviews) | On Apr 4, 2008, nevadagdn Sparks, NV (Zone 7a) wrote: I received my order (my very first ever) from Arrowhead Alpines today. Everything is strong and healthy, and I'm quite pleased. In the interests of disclosure, I should point out that I am a hard-core plant nerd, a biologist and a very experienced gardener. I don't think that Arrowhead Alpines is a good supplier for "beginners"; the catalog and the selection of plants just aren't really meant for the Burpee crowd (nothing wrong with Burpee or its clients). |
Positive | beauxbeaux (2 reviews) | On Feb 25, 2008, beauxbeaux Harper Woods, MI wrote: Arrowhead Alpines is without a doubt one of the best growers in the country. The diversity of species is perhaps unmatched anywhere. I would say, though, that it is best if you know what you are doing or at least are willing to learn. |
Positive | dbertoncini (1 review) | On Jun 13, 2007, dbertoncini Mishawaka, IN wrote: Found a plant, Pinus leucodermis 'schmitii' that I couldn't find anywhere else in the country. Came well packed at a fair price and good size for the price. Tree is growing well. Probably the nursery is best for rare and hard to propagate plants. |
Positive | johnboy38 (1 review) | On Jun 11, 2007, johnboy38 Lansing, MI wrote: What is wrong with the public? A 67% rating for a company that should have a 110%? I have been shopping at Arrowhead Alpines for years. I could wander around that place (and have!) for hours and hours. Greenhouse after greenhouse of healthy, well-cared for plants that you CANNOT find anywhere else. Reasonable prices and fantastic new plants. When I read comments that say they should downsize their catalog and only grow about 1000 plants, I could just explode!!! THEY should downsize because YOU cannot be bothered to educate yourself on the culture of a particular plant. Are you kidding me? All you have to do is ASK them! How about this, since you are on the web anyway, why not just type in the name and click? Google is a powerful tool, my friend. I have a yard full of the most interesting trees, shrubs and perennials that anyone could ask for. This is completely due to Arrowhead Alpines. I have a collection of hellebores that I challenge anyone to beat and a drift of cyclamen that would take your breath away. I've bought too much to list. Let's be clear about one thing here. These folks are passionate about what they do and it shows. I just hate when good people and businesses get a raw deal and that's why I just had to post something. Please give this company a shot. You will not be disappointed. |
Positive | judith (3 reviews) | On Apr 26, 2007, judith Clarksville, VA (Zone 7a) wrote: My best friend gave me gift certificates to two nurseries for Trillium. I chose Arrowhead Alpines and Paul Christian Rare Plants for the particular plants I needed. Both orders arrived and both sets of plants looked good. The big difference was that the AA plants bloomed! |
Positive | Chills (20 reviews) | On Apr 15, 2007, Chills Saint Clair Shores, MI (Zone 6b) wrote: I went to the nursery this weekend and it was everything I expected. The selection was nothing short of phenominal and everything looked healthy and well tended. I met the owner and his wife and they were gracious and genuinely interested in making sure my visit was worthwhile and productive. |
Positive | declfi (30 reviews) | On Mar 18, 2007, declfi Fenton, MO (Zone 6b) wrote: Great Service and fast shipping/ No Problems |
Positive | oncoiris (1 review) | On May 22, 2006, oncoiris Jackson, MI wrote: My wife affectionately calls me a 'plant geek'. This plant geek is here to tell the world that Arrowhead Alpines is a place like no other. I've benefitted so much from Bob & Brigetta's knowledge of plants I don't know where to begin and have nothing but praise for them. I've bought both from the catalog and from the greenhouse bench and have NEVER been disappointed. If you are ever in the area stop in and see for yourself. There's always something unique or 'cool' that will catch your eye. U might even get a chance to talk to a certifiable 'plant geek'. Cheers |
Positive | imacgreg (2 reviews) | On Apr 28, 2006, imacgreg South Monroe, MI wrote: Mail-ordered for the first time after visiting the nursery in person several times in the last few years and always coming away with something unusual and interesting. The plants were carefully packaged and arrived in great shape. Unmatched scope of offerings and refreshingly iconoclastic approach to conventional gardening wisdom. |
Positive | patlutal (1 review) | On Jan 19, 2006, patlutal Ypsilanti, MI wrote: I have been a customer of Arrowhead Alpines for over 6 years. I have to say that I have nothing but respect for Bob and Brigetta. They have far more knowledge about plants than I will ever have and it is great socializing with a business that doesn't tell me I can't grow something. I suffer from zone denial and I really need to try things for myself. I have always appreciated the candor about plants and the "learning" aspect of frequenting their nursery. While some are intimidated when visiting, if you share a true interest beyond the plants you find at Lowe's, Walmart, HD or that other 'Mart, this is the place to visit. I am familiar with their mail order plants and know that the small plants that are sent have the biggest and healthiest roots I have ever seen. I also know all of their stock to be exceptionally healthy. I can say that I have bought more than my fair share of plants at Arrowhead and they never disappoint. I am not talking about $100 a Spring, I am at multiple thousands per year and never disappointed. I have met other plantsmen over the years visiting Arrowhead and it is a lifestyle. Join the club it is fun to socialize; share experiences on plants; and really get to know your hobby. This is all possible at Arrowhead. For those that have had a bad experience I would say try it again. I have been at the nursery when it is 90+ degrees or -15 degrees and I don't smile much than either. I have a respect for people's business, gardens and plants much like my own home...they will never disappoint if you do the same. They have the largest collection of perennials, bulbs, shrubs, trees and conifers that I have ever seen in one place. I also get to find my less hardy interests such as camelias, rare magnolias, exotic vines, carnivorous plants, and the asiatic counterparts to our natives. I either croak them or feel sorry for them and put them in my greenhouse. Yes Bob gets a little miffed at me if I deliberately try something that he has told me won't live outside. While you won't get a zone rating they will tell you if they think it will survive outdoors and show you an example in their own garden if you are from Mossouri and need to verify the hardiness. I like having those choices in MI and that is rare at most nurseries. Relax a little with them and they will show you plants you have never seen. It is worth the trip out to their ever growing collection. Don't be afraid to bring some bagels, snacks or fire up a BBQ with them. It goes a long way. |
Positive | BonsaiMike (1 review) | On Jul 30, 2005, BonsaiMike Lansing, MI wrote: For me, Arrowhead Alpines is a short 20 minute drive on a freeway, so I have no experience with mail order and only on rare occasions have I ever purchased plants via the mail. Visiting this nursery is a real treat and while I know that some do not have this luxury Arrowhead Alpines should definitley not be overlooked for that special plant whether you visit or need to mail order. That being said, my experiences with Arrowhead Alpines over the past 4 years have been incredibly positive. I am usually on the hunt for the rare and unusual to satisfy my 'chorophyll addiction' and Arrowhead is one of the very few places where I can get my "fix". Bob and Brigitta, the owners, have been very helpful and necessarily so because as many have said their selection is vast. Without the combination of their knowledge, books and the Internet, the novice might be easily overwhelmed at a place like Arrowhead. It is not for the average beginner and the phrase "caveat emptor" should be everyone's mantra rather than a tool to shed personal responsibility and cast blame. My plant education has expanded exponentially since going to Arrowhead. I have acquired plants that have challenged me and rewarded me beyond anything that I could have purchased at most other nurseries. Have plants died? Of course, but the cause has always been the result of mismanagement on my part. Mid-Michigan is a difficult place to grow many things. Hot summers and often times extremely cold winters challenge even the most hardy of plants. I regularly ask for the advice of the Arrowhead Alpines owners regarding plant selection, but ultimately its up to me what I purchase. What can I say? I prefer the exotic and rare and I'm willing to experiment. Arrowhead Alpines is one of the few places I can satisfy that preference. One final word, if you are looking for the average "stuff" you can find it also at Arrowhead and from what I've seen it is big and healthy! |
Positive | hottubguys (1 review) | On May 24, 2005, hottubguys Ferndale, MI wrote: We have been going to Arrowhead Alpines for a few years now. |
Positive | dangbert (2 reviews) | On May 11, 2005, dangbert Hartville, OH wrote: I visited arrowhead alpines in early may 2005. The first thing I saw was the staging area for their mail order plants. They all looked first rate - alive, blooming, and healthy. I wish all the plants I get via mail order looked that good! |
Positive | pacegardens (1 review) | On Apr 21, 2005, pacegardens Clio, MI (Zone 5a) wrote: I went to Arrowhead Alpines today and spent a large amount of money. Both Bob and Brigitta were very helpful and more than happy to answer any questions I had about the plants I was looking for and/or buying. Their Nursery is layed out in multiple greenhouses that are full of healthy, well established plants potted in the typical 3, 4, and 6 inch pots as well as one gallon and larger continers for the larger trees and shrubs. When I was there I had four different people ask me if I was finding everything I was looking for. I wanted a Polygonatum "Passion Purple" which was in their propagation houses (off limits to the general public), Brigitta wasted no time in retrieving the plant for me. This is not the nursery for you if you are looking for a Petunia or Marigold, but if you are looking for the unusual, hard-to-find, or even a truly rare plant, this is the place to go. I have been buying plants from this nursery for six years and have never lost a plant purchased from them. I would gladly recommend Arrowhead Alpines to any experienced gardener who is serious about what the grow. |
Positive | Rachip (2 reviews) | On Jan 28, 2005, Rachip Wheaton, IL wrote: Have ordered twice in the last two years. Great variety and I have been disappointed on only a couple of plants (too small for $24 Calycanthus). The one thing that bothered me was I did not notice that there is a volume discount which I did not take when filling out the order form. They completed the order without telling me I overcharged myself. My mistake but I bet there are other places that would have corrected my total. |
Positive | Kevin_5 (5 reviews) | On Jan 27, 2005, Kevin_5 Elburn, IL (Zone 5a) wrote: I have ordered from Arrowhead several times over the years. The order process takes some time as you must do your research on the rarities in the catalog, but it's well worth it. I have found the owner extremely helpful on the phone, and more than willing to share what he knows about the plants he sells. I am working on this year's order at this very moment. |
Positive | bogman (2 reviews) | On Oct 15, 2004, bogman Cleveland, OH wrote: I've ordered from Arrowhead on several occasions. At times their plants are small, but I expect that from a (predominantly) mail order business especially one that offers as many different species as arrowhead does. The plants have always come in healthy and ready for the garden. I've also on occasion spoken with Bob who answered my questions politely and patiently. |
Positive | alwaysplanting (2 reviews) | On Oct 14, 2004, alwaysplanting Northville, MI wrote: I made several trips to Arrowhead this summer. I loved their selection, and enjoyed wandering through the greenhouses and gardens. Bob and Briggita were exceptionally helpful and nice, and I came home with some wonderful and unique additions to the garden. |