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Comments regarding Brushwood Nursery

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222 positives
3 neutrals
6 negatives

Comments:

RatingAuthorContent
Neutral kristinmaria
(2 reviews)
On Jun 27, 2006, kristinmaria Pittsburgh, PA wrote:

I ordered a Passiflora incarnata last year from Brushwood Nursery. It seemed to arrive in excellent condition, but I am no authority on passionflowers. Although rated hardy enough for my zone 6 winter, it did not survive. I must admit, it was ordered pretty late, and that might be the reason it did not settle in as well as it might have. However, it should be mentioned that Dan had no problem sending this plant to my climate zone, in October. I trusted that it would be OK, but it wasn't. I am not accustomed to losing plants, but when I have, the suppliers have always been willing to replace them at no charge. It's just a part of doing business, and furthers good will.

I have no doubt that you can have a very satisfactory experience with his company, as long as your plant thrives. If it does poorly, watch out, because you won't be getting a refund or a replacement. Without either, I will not be shopping there again. Is my ill will worth $14.95?


On June 27th, 2006, kristinmaria changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following:

I am very pleased to say that after a few heated email exchanges, we were able to hash out an agreement that is very acceptable to me. Dan decided to replace the plant, and we have resolved our differences on very amicable terms. I offered to pay for half of the plant, but Dan said it wouldn't be necessary. He'll just send the replacement.

I think there were some miscommunications and misunderstandings on both sides along the way. Just for the record, the plant did get planted slightly before the frost date (not weeks after) in a rather sheltered location near the house. Although I had described the planting site to Dan as being outdoors, I apparently didn't inform Dan of the outside location until after the order was placed, but before it was received--sort of like letters crossing in the mail. Dan did respond to that email, but I think it just didn't click in his mind that I, a Passiflora novice, was headed towards likely failure. If Dan had realized I had intended to plant the Passiflora that late in my climate zone, he would have recommended I wait until spring. Given that the plant was already on its way, he could have at least suggested that I put it in a pot and overwinter it indoors.

I am very pleased that he has agreed to replace the plant. This action runs counter to his usual policy, which I must admit, I never read carefully. That was a lapse on my part. I have switched my rating from negative to neutral, but was hesitant to switch to positive, because I still do not like the policy of not replacing plants that die relatively soon after receipt. It would have been prudent of him to warn me that he would not recommend such a late planting outdoors in my zone. He knew this was my first time growing Passiflora, but when I wrote it was going outside, he didn't think to advise against it. The fact that he sent it that late, amounted to an endorsement, in my mind, for outdoor planting at that time.

But hey, people see things differently, communication isn't always perfect, and we can't always think of everything. I just want to finish up by saying that it was very classy and decent of him to replace the plant. I consider the matter resolved.
On Jun 27, 2006, Brushwood Nursery responded with:

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On Jun 27, 2006 10:38 AM, Brushwood Nursery added:

Brushwood Nursery ships plants all over the country to gardeners in many climates. Many choose to plant immediately; others wait. Some take our plants with them as gifts when visiting friends and family in other parts of the country. Many use Passifloras as house plants. We don't tell our customer when they may, or may not, have their plants or how they must use them.
This customer ordered and planted an herbaceous perennial vine outdoors well after her zone's frost date. We had no way of knowing she would do this. If she had asked, we would have advised against it. The plant was shipped in excellent condition and arrived healthy (as she indicates above) in less than a week. The terms and conditions are spelled out clearly and are readily available for customers to read before they purchase. I don't think we failed this customer in service or quality.
-Dan
PS: We will continue to allow our customers the freedom to choose their delivery dates. "


Neutral greyhoundlady2
(1 review)
On Jun 17, 2005, greyhoundlady2 Palmyra, VA wrote:

I purchased an akebia vine and a dutchmans pipe this spring from your company and although it has not died, it has not grown (either one of them). I planted the akebia in the same bed as another akebia from a different company, theirs is growing like crazy and yours is not doing anything. Roses and Clematis you sent me are doing great. Just puzzeled about the akebia and dutmans pipe.


On Jun 17, 2005, Brushwood Nursery responded with:

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On Jun 17, 2005 9:43 PM, Brushwood Nursery added:

I'm really glad you're satisfied with all of the other plants from our nursery! You're always welcome to contact us directly when you have concerns. We pride ourselves on great customer service. The Akebia 'Kohin Nishiki' is variegated and far less vigorous than the usual Akebia quinata. You may actually find this is an advantage in the long run. The Aristolochia macrophylla is most likely just settling into its new home with you. Once it gets going, it will take off and really look great! Try some liquid fetilizer and water liberally until it gets established. I've seen this species thriving right next to a waterfall in the Smoky Mountains!
I hope this helps you to enjoy all of your Brushwood plants and please feel free to e-mail me if you have more concerns.
-Dan at Brushwood"


Neutral mikejan
(24 reviews)
On May 7, 2004, mikejan Staten Island, NY wrote:

Here comes the fly in the ointment.

1) my order was not shipped when it was supposed to be (2 weeks ago);

2) the website's contact page will not accept e-mails (it says each of my e-mail addresses is invalid);

3) there is no phone or address to contact them.

I could forgive #1 if I was able to contact them, but I have to give them a thumbs down.


On May 7th, 2004, mikejan changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following:

Thanks to GDW acting as intermediary I was able to contact Brushwood and now have a contact e-mail address.

Dan explained how things were and we have come to an agreement.

I have raised Brushwood to neutral, meaning if they were the only ones who had something I really wanted I would use them again.