Comments regarding Bluestone Perennials

I just wanted to submit some comments about two mail-order nurseries that I used for the first time last fall: Bluestone Perennials; and Weiss Brothers Nursery. I was very impressed with the plants I received from both companies, and the folks who answer the phones, took my orders, and answered my questions had very pleasant attitudes and were helpful. I was also impressed with the quick service I got. Both orders arrived in a very short time period and were packed very well in their boxes. I think the prices for items from these nurseries are quite good considering the size and health of the plants.

Everything I have ordered from Bluestone lived and flourished. I will continue to order from them.

I've always been pleased with both the plants I've received and the customer service of Bluestone Perennials. I've ordered at least once a year for the past 4 years. Frequently I've ordered both summer and fall. I've recommended Bluestone to more people than any other mail order nursery. Most people whom I know are not as avid about gardening as I am. Unlike some, Bluestone does not mislead the buyer about the size of what they sell. They specifically say some plants are liners. Their replacement policy is the best I've ever seen. The iris I ordered are more vigorous than those I've ordered from specialty houses. This could be because of where I put them. I've discovered that when I plant one-year perennials, the next year the plants have more vitality than new plants of the same age. I had difficulty getting lavender established. The conditions in my zone (southern part of 6) and clay based soil are a slightly more humid than it prefers. Those one year plants that survived the first season were better established and stronger than the new two year plants I obtainedlocally to fill in the hedge line. Whenever I've requested a replacement, Bluestone provides it with no questions asked. Last summer's drought wiped out a fall delivery of thyme. They sent replacements this spring, at a time I requested. I wish they had more small shrubs available in the spring. Their shipping rate structure is very reasonable.

I ordered several plants last year. Though small, nearly all arrived in great condition. One in a three pack was crushed by a Styrofoam peanut (what a way to go!). When notified of the one dead plant, a new three pack was promptly sent. Very impressive!

I like Bluestone; their prices are dirt cheap, and the plants' survival rate is quite good.

A company that I do really like and have had success with. Everything I ordered arrived very healthy and transplanted very nicely. The plants are small, but of wonderful quality, all are doing very well where I planted them. They also have a policy where if you return the box with the shipping peanuts for them to recycle, you get free shipping next time around.

We have ordered from them for three years now, and they always get the biggest order from us. The prices are unbeatable. The selection is very good, and both the beginner and expert can probably find something of interest. Plant hardiness and temperament are well described. They have always shipped to us promptly, phone service is excellent, and they have replaced plants that died (even if the plants are two years old or more). They also respond to written correspondence. Plants are small, and it does take a year or two before you really see results. However, the wait is worthwhile.

This place sells three sizes of perennials: the big size is what most nurseries sell; the smallest size is very small indeed. But the big advantage here is price. I remember comparing prices on one kind of plant; I could buy *six* of their small size for what one plant from a local nursery would charge! You might think, "but you are taking the risk of their not growing." Oh, no you're not. I had two of a group of three die (most probably because it was an awful winter and I am a beginner), yet the next spring when I was sure they really were *not* coming up, I called Bluestone, and with no questions asked, out went replacements to me. And they are willing to haul a nurseryman in from the greenhouses to answer a question, too. I highly recommend this place. (So did Alan Lacy.)

I ordered about 11 plants from this nursery. You can choose the size of plant you want, with the smaller being cheaper. I got a postcard telling me when the plants would arrive. They arrived on schedule, all in great condition. The largest started blooming two weeks after I planted them. You can return the containers and shipping peanuts for a credit on your next order.

Bluestone--excellent as usual. I've never lost a plant from them yet (except through my own negligence.

They offer small plants at very good prices. These plants need an extra year or so before they reach maturity. But you can't beat the prices. I have ordered hundreds of these small plants from them over the past 3 or 4 years, and have lost only a few - which they were willing to replace. Definitely the most bang for your bucks if you're willing to wait for final results. (They could use a proofreader for their catalog though.)