Comments regarding Easy To Grow Bulbs (formerly Willow Creek Gardens)

Ordered dahlia tubers on May 20th. They were supposed to ship in 5 days or less. After two weeks, I called and left a voicemail to find out the status. Sent an e-mail on June 1st and 3rd. But it wasn't until I sent my second e-mail that I received a reply, indicating that my order was being processed at their warehouse. I received the tubers today -- June 9th -- 3 weeks later. They were a bit of a mess and the package felt damp. Some tubers were labeled, while others weren't, which makes it difficult to know what I have or how to group them when planting. Will definitely NEVER order from them again. I suppose you ultimately get what you pay for. I had previously ordered from Fleur Farm. They were a bit more expensive. But the tubers were gorgeous -- healthy and packed in separate bags that were meticulously labeled and packed. I also received them three days after I ordered them.

Posted on April 27, 2020, updated April 16, 2021
Posted on April 23, 2020, updated April 27, 2020
I have been buying from these people for many years. Started out as a good experience with good bulbs. For the past 3 years I have been getting rotted substandard bulbs or an email at shipping time that bulbs are not in stock even thi ordered on the very first day they were listed. When you contact them they tell you the crop failed. I ordered curcuma roscoeana, arisaema Griffithii var pradhanii and arisaema speciosum magnificum and received an email stating not in stock. So disappointing. I could have ordered from other online nurseries while they had in stock. I will think carefully before ordering from them again.

Posted on November 5, 2020, updated November 25, 2020
I DO NOT RECOMMED ordering from this company. The only reason I ordered from Easy To Grow Bulbs was for the Amaryllis belladonna bulbs, and only because Bill the Bulb passed away and his bulb farm is not currently shipping.

I requested when I ordered on August 20th that I wanted them shipped ASAP because Amaryllis belladonna are best planted in August or September in my area, not planted later like other fall bulbs such as narcissus. My request was not fulfilled and the bulbs shipped even later than their website showed they shipped other types of bulbs for my area. The website said they shipped to Amaryllis to my zone September to October and other fall bulbs October 12th. They did not ship until October 28 according to the label on the box.

My order included Amaryllis belladonna, Crocus sativus, and Triteleia. The only bulbs that look good are the Triteleia. The crocus bulbs are still firm, but all of them sprouted. However, in my opinion, the White Amaryllis belladonna are ready for the trash. The Amaryllis bulbs are soft and shriveled. They look like they have been out of the ground since July. I am particularly disappointed because the Amaryllis belladonna were really the only reason I ordered from this company. If the Amaryllis belladonna come back to life, it likely will be at least 3 or more years before they build up enough energy bloom now.

I contacted the company about the poor condition of the bulbs when the bulbs arrived, and included a photo, but the only responses I received were auto generated when I sent it, and then today generic "was it something we said" unsubscribing email confirmation (BTW, I did not unsubscribe) with a coupon for 50% off my next order by Nov. 20. I would not order from them again after their poor quality, regardless of the discount.

This company has two separate listings in garden watchdog. I apologize for leaving generally the same negative review at each, but I am unsure which one is the official listing. I hope other gardeners considering ordering bulbs read both listings for the other negative comments by other gardeners.

I placed an order for garlic bulbs for an upcoming class I'm teaching and finally reached Willow Creek almost in a panic. After getting less than positive responses from several other companies due to the volume I needed, Willow Creek came through! It's frustrating to get an email or "current" catalog from several places encouraging you to place an order only to find out that every other person in the country placed their order all the way back in January and they apparently don't have enough of what you need or when it might be shipped. Even though it was touch and go when my order would arrive, Dena in sales came to my rescue! From where I'm sitting, her extra effort and maybe "prayer" helped get it here. At this point I would be impressed with her effort even if my order didn't arrive on time. From the reviews I've read this place has earned my business! Dena rocks!

Am posting this review to Dave's Garden because I discovered Willow Creek Gardens here by searching for a particular plant (Poet's Jasmine), and Willow Creek Gardens was one of the few nurseries listed that carried it. Although they are located in North County San Diego where I also live, I was not familiar with them. A fortunate discovery. I purchased and received the plants quickly. Their customer service was excellent and the plants are beautiful. Far larger and healthier than from other mail order companies that stock and send them. Very happy.

If you want to deal with a company that has high quality bulbs, excellent customer service, careful packaging and fast delivery this is the company to order from. I have dealt with companies nationwide. This company is among the most impressive.

Posted on March 11, 2010, updated July 10, 2013
extremely good service, fast and friendly and great quality!

I ordered from Willow Creek Gardens for the first time. My order was for two Passion Flower plants. The order arrived wonderfully packaged with no damages and as well the plants were of excellent quality and size. I will certainly order from Willow Creek again.

I ordered 25 Hosta from this company. I received my order within a week. Each hosta had at least 8 to 10 eyes and all were large with a massive root system. I planted them, following the instructions provided, and within a week all plants are up and leafed out. The packaging was great. In fact maybe a little to good as it took me a while to unpack. There were no problems with this order but wanted to mention that Willow Creek is affiliated with Easy to Grow Bulbs, which I have also ordered from. There was a tiny error made on that order but Kathleen, who handles the problems, was wonderful and very helpful. I will be using these companies for most of my plant and bulb needs. I give them a 5***** rating.

Posted on June 5, 2012, updated June 5, 2012
First time doing business with this company and decided to give them a try after reading all the good reviews.I placed an order for 11 different hostas.They were bareroot and extremely nice plants.Great root systems and very nice tops.I was very pleased with my first order.Delivery was also very fast.,3 days from California to Texas.Definitely will do business again.Want to try out some of there container perennials.

Super fast shipping and great service. They made a mistake with one of my plants (sent the wrong one). When I called their customer service line, there was quite literally no wait. The rep apologized for the error and told us to enjoy the "free gift" and that our missing item was on its way. Aside from that, the other plants ordered were in very good condition, packaged nicely, and of good size.

In addition to the large, healthy plants and bulbs that are very well packaged for shipping, I have to rate this company #1 in customer service. One plant in my order was incorrect, and Kathleen replied to my e-mail almost immediately with an apology and confirmation that the correct plant was being shipped. Can't ask for better service than that! (This company is also known as Easy To Grow Bulbs.)

Willow Creek Gardens is simply the best when it comes to ordering bulbs - the bulbs are huge, most are sprouting and ready to plant when you receive them. Kathleen in Customer Service is very knowledgeable, quick to respond and so very nice! I had one begonia that did not come up - well they sent me a package of three new bulbs, again nice big ones, ready to plant. And they did this very quickly!

I sure do appreciate all the encouragement and advice they give. The best thing is that they actually respond to emails!
I have referred all my friends to their website, because of the great product they ship out, very responsive customer service, knowledgeable people to deal with, and the big selection of plants. I don't feel as though I'm just another number.

I give Willow Creek Gardens - and Kathleen - an A+! Give them a try, you can't go wrong.

Patti Newlin

My first order with this company and they shipped my order quite fast. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality and size of the Begonia Picotee Sunbursts that arrived; large and healthy. They are now beginning to emerge, but what bulbs! So big! Hopefully, these will make beautiful blooms. This will probably not be my only order from this company.

Posted on April 5, 2011, updated May 17, 2011
Just received my first order and was SO pleased! The plants were BIG, healthy and packaged well. Even got free plant food for the roses! I referred my friend today and she already placed an order. I plan on being a repeat customer, and would recommend them to all my friends. A++++++++++++++++ Company! Thank you!

THANK YOU WILLOW CREEK GARDENS! I just received my first order from Willow Creek Gardens - wasn't sure how well I would like the company since 1) the price was cheaper than everyone else and 2) I have had bad experience with mail order before and it is a hassle to deal with. But I really wanted to obtain the Climbing Lily - the order process was very easy. The tubers arrived in excellent condition and the instruction label with the tubers even told me how much water they need per week! I am definitely going to keep this company in mind to order from them again in the future and tell my garden friends about them as well.

Best bulbs I have yet seen. Easy order and prompt shipping. Ordered half a dozen Arisemas and was surprised at the size of the bulbs and the care taken in packing and shipping. Rated A+.

I made a purchase in 2010. The Benfica amarylis was huge and had three stems, the papillo amaryllis was smaller, I'm still waiting for it to bloom. I got some free bulbs, worth like $10, that have bloomed very well. The hostas I recieved were sad, but I contacted them and they sent some to me fresh from the fields the following spring that literally had 10 eyes and were clearly ready to grow. I am very pleased with this company, and I hope that you chose their company. (Hint) For Southern California people, purchase in spring as they have more bulbs available that will perenialize. A++++++
Kathleen, thanks soooo much :)

Wow! Impossible to be concise when describing my out- of- this- world first experience with Willow Creek Gardens and the most dedicated and knowledgeable Kathleen. She deserves as many gold stars as you've got lying around!.. My August order was a bit complicated: Oxalis which in my zone 5 will not winter over and then three different varieties of Amaryllis which were to be mailed in the middle of Fall. Our email exchanges filled with much insider plant advice regarding my two distinctly different purchases continued for days and with her multitude of expert information the two Oxalis have bloomed nicely and the Amaryllises well on their way. The plant material itself was substantial and so very healthy, well packaged and everything in order. But the customer service was like none other; Kathleen obviously enjoys her job and is oh so good at it. I could go on forever about my most positive experience but, suffice to say ( this indoor gardener has well over 200 house plants with some as large as 10 feet tall!), I would highly recommend putting your trust in Willow Creek Gardens -- fantastic in every way -- and hats off to Kathleen who made the complete experience a total joy!

This is what internet shopping is supposed to be like! They provided ship date (based upon my USDA Zone), shipping confirmation (right on time), quick professional customer service and best of all super corms (healthy and PRODUCTIVE). I haven't come across a better experience.

I received my bulbs on time and the lilies were literally bursting through the plastic with growth. Due to scheduling snafus in our garden construction, I was unable to plant them, along with 90 other bulbs, for two weeks. The customer service rep spent 30 minutes with me discussing our optimum storage choices and other suggestions for my cottage garden plantings. I was truly impressed by the quality of the bulbs and the detailed attention I was given by the company. My favorite garden purchase online ever!

The bulbs and plants were healthy. They are all growing and thriving. The shipping was excellent. I will buy from them again. My online experience with them was positive.

Ordered Hosta Border Dozen, Astilbe Collection and Strawberry's on Sale. All true as advertised. Nice bareroot Hostas raring to grow. Large and some mega-large Astilbe roots raring to grow.

Not too thrilled on the "Idea" strawberry's but will see how they grow. The other ones are large leaves and nice.

Thx for the free bulbs.

Your service and bareroots bulbs definately encourage repeat customers. Thx!

I had a great experience with Willow Creek Gardens! I ordered Astilbes, Ranunculus, Lily of the valley, and Hosta bulbs. I received HUGE bulbs that have already grown so nicely in my garden. The astilbe in particular has just grown rapidly! It was a smooth transaction and i received my order quickly and well packaged. Great website and information too! I look forward to my future purchases from this company. Thanks!

First time customer. Shipping was fast. Plant looks decent. Will see how it does. So far im happy with the service. Probally will order again. The hibiscus I reveived was a good price.

Really love this company!

I purchased a wide assortment of bulbs from Willow Creek last fall. I'm still just trying to figure out which plants will work in my North Carolina zone 7b garden, so I ordered small amounts of about 12 different kinds of bulbs.

They arrived very quickly and were obviously packed with care. All of the bulbs were firm and healthy and they were definitely larger than the ones I usually see from mail order companies. My "Adventure pack" of free bulbs was 5 leucojum, a 9.00 value. And such big Leucojum! Wow! They bloomed this Spring and they were absolutely gorgeous! In fact, everything that has come up so far has done extremely well. I'm still waiting for several things to bloom as the season progresses, but they look like they are doing great.

What really shines about this company, though, is the customer service. I wanted to add some bulbs after the order had been placed. No problem! I had a question about the Ranunculus. No problem! I called Kathleen my Garden Guru. She just really seems to be a lovely person and helpful to boot!

I would recommend this company to anyone who wants high quality at reasonable prices and needs to know there is someone real at the other end of the line, just in case you need them!

Just realized I hadn't rated this company from a previous order. This transaction was very good. Had problems with one color of carpet rose in a landscaped bed; Kathleen replaced all of that color very promptly. Am looking to order again.

I've ordered bulbs and plants from this company several times. The orders have all been processed correctly and the plants were all received when promised. The communications were good. The plants and bulbs were all of exceptional size and quality. The prices are extremely attractive. So far, everything I've ordered has grown and bloomed very well. This is definitely a very good source for quality plants.

Willow Creek is the BEST!! Due to an unexpected transfer of checking account, debit, etc. my payment was extended many days past the order date. They were wonderfully patient, stayed in excellent contact, very, very understanding!!
The best customer service I have ever had from a company.
Thanks WIllow Creek. I will be back again, and again....and again!!!!

This was my first time ordering from Willow Creek Gardens, and I will definitely be a repeat customer. I ordered mostly rhizomes, and they were robust and healthy. They were shipped very quickly and were well packed.

Posted on November 24, 2006, updated October 25, 2009
i am going to write more when i get my order but kathleen at the gardens is super. they had a collection of watsonia and she worked with me for 2 wks as i bought and selected. she answered every email..............PROMPTLY!

There should be a rating higher than positive for this company. I received bulbs from them in a coop and they were just huge beautiful bulbs and so well packed. After this I will order all of my bulbs from this company in the future. This is a five star company.

This was a first time for any nursery I have ever done buisiness with.........I placed an order this morning, June 11,09 and get an email saying it has been shipped already...........in other words, I placed the order and have had it shipped in the same day. Now, I call that most excellent service.
I have bought from them earlier this year. Good communication between customer and customer service, plants arrived in a timely manner and in good condition.
I will buy from them again.

I have not yet ordered from this company, but I will shortly. I am very pleased with the customer service so far, however. I had questions about the size of the plastic pot that a plant would arrive in and whether it would need repotting upon arrival. I got the answers and more very promptly from Kathleen McCarthy. I look forward to dealing with Willow Creek Gardens again very soon!

i ordered four tropicana lilies – arrived on schedule – very well packed and were large growing bulbs – all four bulbs had more than one eye – customer service was informative and very helpful

will order again

I ordered what should have been the same plant I ordered before from another company and was pleasantly surprised to see that it was actually a plant and not a seedling. It even looked like the online pictures. My plant was healthy and did not look like it was shipped at all. Highly recommend this company.

Received my order of border dahlias, freesias and rain lilies today. They were well packed and in excellent condition. I would definitely purchase from them again in the future.

I've ordered bulbs from Willow Creek Farms once and Easy to Grow Bulbs (which I believe is the same company) once. Both times, I received bulbs that did not perform and both times I contacted customer service via e-mail and both times I received an 'aww too bad' response. There was never any offer to refund my money or send replacements. I've received plenty of bulbs through mail order from other companies and they have done just fine, so I know it's not my soil health or anything that I am doing wrong. I will NEVER buy from this company again.

"On Apr 20, 2009 10:28 PM, Willow Creek Gardens responded with:

We are sorry to hear of this customer's disappointment. After reviewing the orders in question, we find no customer communication regarding last spring's order from Easy to Grow Bulbs, but do have emails regarding the Willow Creek Gardens order. Per the customer, her region experienced a long winter this year and the bulbs dug up in April were squishy. Weather Service reports confirm extended cold, atypically large amounts of snow and a cold week long span in mid December when nightly temperatures were sometimes below 10 degrees.

Looking at order detail, some bulbs purchased are not hardy in the customer's region so were risky at best, while the others would be expected to survive average weather. (Growing zone information relies on National Weather Service historical averages.) Given the unusually cold, wet weather and the spring condition of the bulbs, it appears they suffered winter kill. This was explained by the customer service rep. We also checked to see if there had been other issues with the varieties in question and there have not, indicating an isolated incident.

Because weather extremes are beyond our control, we cannot guarantee products against weather related damage. This is noted on our website guarantee page. However, if this customer will contact us, we'll work to find a solution to the situation."

Purchased some Gloriosa Lily tubers from them. VERY inexpensive and healthy tubers. Extremely fast shipping and wonderful support staff.