Comments regarding Wayside Gardens

Lots of people seem to beat uip on this company and other of the "giant" mail order nurseries. and adore the boutique nurseries. I have just the opposite experience in over 5 years of online ordering. Wayside has been responsive to my occasional crop failures with their products, by providing either refunds or replacements if contacted within the season of receipt. Yes there have been the occasional days in shipment and items on backorder, but never to the extent of really inconveniencing my planting plans

On the other hand I am in the midst of wrangling with several of the smaller firms some of whom make the highly positive list and one even in the 'TOP 30". They shall remain nameless for the present until I deternine if they will resolve the issues. One who shipped me
DOA plants and then could not replace the same plants nor refund
essentially forced me to substitute and when some of these substitutes failed would not replace or refund. Wayside has never
done this. Another boutique that shipped Allium bulbs which never came up insist I dig up the bulbs and report--on what I don't know. One e-mail to Wayside would have resulted in either a credit or a refund. Another boutique, whose $50 Daphne died slowly all season even though a second of the same planted nearby in the same bed flourished, has yet to even respond. Wayside is replacing in the spring a hydrangea that had the same problem. My conclusion: stick with the big boys. They can afford to correct their
mistakes.

"

I am happy to hear that you enjoyed our products so much.

We would love to forward your compliments; if you would send us your order information, we can let the appropriate department know that their efforts were recognized and appreciated. Please email me your zip code, last name, and order number.

Thanks again,
Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Department
e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com"

I placed an order on May 22 for a Knock Out rose after receiving an email from Wayside Gardens that said this item had become available for spring shipping. My credit card was charged June 4, but Wayside Gardens never sent the rose. From May 22 to June 19, Wayside Gardens listed this item as available for spring shipping. On June 19 Wayside Gardens even listed it as “Ships Now” on the web site. When it came down to it, Wayside Gardens had no rose to send to me despite all indications that this item was available in the spring.

I believe the Knock Out rose was sold out during this period even though Wayside Gardens listed it for spring shipping. This leads me to believe Wayside Gardens sold this item to me under false pretenses.

Wayside Gardens’ initial response was to ‘apologize for the inconvenience,’ of the backorder, which I thought was a pretty poor display of customer service. When I replied that I thought that wasn’t good enough, and that I wanted the problem corrected and explained, Wayside Gardens ignored my email.

When I sent another email in August, their new explanation was that the rose wasn't up to the nursery manager's standards and had to be backordered until fall.

In the eight separate orders I placed with Wayside Gardens and parent company Park Seed this year, three of these orders had items that were never sent even though each company had received payment.

If you order something from Wayside Gardens you have to expect a few things: Your plants will arrive much later than you would like. You might not receive any plants at all. They will not inform you if you will not receive your plants. You will be charged immediately for plants that may or may not be reserved for you. If you’re looking for quality customer service then don’t order from this company.

Expect a wide selection of plants from Wayside Gardens. Just don’t expect that you’ll ever receive them.


Marsha R.

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

They haven't made me so mad that I don't still order from them occasionally, when they have something I really want. They often have unusual varieties that you can't find easily elsewhere. But in general I am not happy with their service. Very often the plants don't arrive right away; on several occasions they have not arrived for 6-10 months after I ordered them (with no initial indication that there would be a delay). They do not communicate well; I don't receive notices when plants have shipped, which would matter less if they shipped promptly. But since they don't, this is a problem. (You can check your order status on their web site, but it is not always accurate and anyways who wants to do that every other day for months on end? It's depressing.) I just returned home on Aug. 25 from a one-month vacation and found that a clematis I ordered back in April (and was later told it would arrive in the fall) had arrived while I was gone, and was wilting in its box. (It survived, but would not have lasted more than another day or so.) If they had just sent me an email (like every other company I use) saying the plant had shipped, I could have asked a neighbor to come over and unpack it. On the positive side, they do replace or refund plants when there is a problem, and the plants are generally healthy.

"

I would like to further research your above posting. To do this I must request that you please e-mail me with your full name and address. If applicable please provide an order reference number. Thank you.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Department
e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com"

I've ordered from Park and Wayside several times over the years and have always been pleased with their products until this year. In April I ordered seeds and plants from Park (order # 5279899) and plants from Wayside (order # 5280715). Park split the order and shipped the seeds very promptly and I have no complaints about that. However, both companies were a problem in regard to the plants. I checked the order status online occasionally but it really isn't that meaningful other than saying some plants would not be shipped until fall, but I couldn't tell when they were going to ship the others. After nearly a month with no plants received and as the Texas weather was getting hot, I sent an email to each company saying where's my stuff? Then they finally shipped some of the plants at the end of May when it was around 100 degrees. The plants were much smaller and of poor quality, not at all what I was used to getting from either company, and some did not survive. Company communications are poor. I'm still waiting to see what they do with the fall shipments of the remaining plants; their online order status feature didn't tell me anything meaningful tonight. I had recommended these companies to a couple of colleagues at work and after I saw what poor quality plants they were shipping this year, I contacted my colleagues again and told them not to buy from these companies and why. I'm not sure what happened at these companies in the last year, but I'm no longer recommending them to anyone and I have shifted my gardening purchases elsewhere where the plants are better and the staff are more easy to deal with. I have a busy work schedule and don't want to spend my limited gardening time dealing with mail order problems like this.

I too ordered from wayside and parks, boy I did not know they were the same. After my order from wayside was received I too had called at the end of the season and was told to wait. When the next season came I called and was only issued half credit, Even after I explained to customer service that I had called and was told to wait I order too many plants from them.I ordered from Parks too shipment came in fall did not bloom this spring knowing that there is an a affilliation. I don't know if i want to bother. But I will try anyway.

"

I am concerned that I have not yet resolved the issue at hand and would like an opportunity to do so; however, I have not yet received a reply from you concerning this matter. Please contact us at your earliest convenience. Customer satisfaction is very important to us.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

Worst online company I have ever delt with. I have filed a complaint w/the BBB against them. I ordered online with them for a plant. They charged my debt card instantely. I was also charged for Fed. Ex 2 day shipping . Then I called them no plant. (Their web site said available to ship).I emailed them they said they did not have it not until Sept. I asked for my money back. Next thing I new they went ahead and shipped it . I received it dead.I called them and told them. I said I just wanted a refund. plus the Fed Ex express shipping they charged me for which, I never ordered. Then I get an email they are sending me another. I called and said "no" I just want my money. That was 2 months ago. I still have no refund. I call and call ask for a manager/supervior. Cannot ever get one. This is the only company I have seen where you call any time of the day/night and there is no sup/or manager around. per their customer service people.I find that hard to believe that that company runs with no manager/sup/owners ever there. They keep saying my refund is coming it will take a couple of days This has been going on for 2 months.No sup//mang will returns calls. I leave messages on the company voice mail for one to call. Nothing.!!! Everything time I call its the same old story. You"ll be getting it soon. I filed a complaint with the BBB. More people should against them.
I know I will never see my refund. They also stopped returning my emails I sent.

This is the letter I'm sending off to Wayside today, regarding their terrible customer service and their disengenuous return policy:

To whom it may concern:

I would like to relate to you the poor customer service I received from Wayside Gardens on Aug. 19, 2008.

I ordered from Wayside two irises in fall 2007: Louisiana Iris "Black Gamecock" and Iris siberica "Jamaican Velvet."

Bloom time includes early summer for both. Neither bloomed. Only a pitiful amount of green emerged for one, Black Gamecock. Black Gamecock was planted in light shade; the catalog description specifies sun/light shade. Jamaican Velvet was planted in sun, also per the catalog description. Both were planted in soil that had been enriched with cover crops and which boasted otherwise healthy, blooming plants.

When I called to ask for replacements or a refund, I was told the refund period expired in May, since I had ordered them in fall 2007.

It obviously makes no sense to expect a customer to request a refund months before a plant's stated bloom time, now does it?

I would also like to quote your guarantee back to you. Please notice that it does not specify a time limit of half a year for its refund policy: "All products to be high quality, true to type, shipped properly, and to perform as advertised. If this is not the case, notify us as soon as possible, and we will gladly resolve the issue, offer gardening advice, or provide a merchandise credit. Please understand that we cannot accept responsibility for the results of extreme weather, neglect, unforeseeable acts of nature, or ignoring our hardiness zone recommendations."

I told the customer service representative that I was disappointed in Wayside's policy, particularly given the competition's more generous refund policy. Mind you, I'm not an expert on refund policies. I've only requested a refund once, from White Flower Farms. But when I did, they were apologetic and prompt in issuing me credit. I remain a loyal customer and a big fan of White Flower Farms because of their fine customer service and many other reasons.

I asked the customer service agent for Wayside Gardens if she was aware of White Flower Farm's policies. She said she was not. I told her I considered this another mark against Wayside Gardens. I asked her if she was aware that the policy would cost Wayside a customer. She said she was but that she could do nothing for me. I asked her where I could register my feedback on this issue. She said she would see that my dissatisfaction was known.

Then she hung up on me.

Appalling. Simply appalling.

You have lost my respect, and you have lost a customer. One who is a Master Gardener and will be teaching in a Master Gardener course this coming fall and spring. One who will not fail to point out this incident to new gardeners.

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

I was very excited to place my very first orders with Wayside, but now I am wishing I stuck with Home Depot. They are now claiming there is a time limit on their "Guarantee" which is not posted on the website, nor in the materials packed with the plants, nor in the catalog. I was told, when I emailed right after shipment about the bedraggled dead plants to wait (no mention of a time limit). I waited, and now I am being told I waited too long and am out of luck. I am stuck with expensive dead plants, and no refund/replacement/credit, like I was promised by their glittering "Guarantee". I want my $82.48 back, as I was duped by pretty pictures and an empty promise.

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

I ordered plants from both Parks, (2 bulbs, 2 tubers, 2 plants and seeds) and Wayside Gardens (15 plants) this year. Seeds from Parks were fine.

The Parks order arrived in March when we still had snow on the ground--OK for seeds, but not plants. The 2 plants were sickly. I called to complain that that was too early for plants--on 8/11 they have no record of my call. The Hemerocallis roots never sprouted after planting, the Gaillardia and Papaver plants were sickly and never recovered on planting--they were dead. They will not replace or credit me for these plants because they have an unposted warranty that expired on June 1.

The Wayside order was shipped 4/30 and on arrival I called to complain about a number of the dead looking plants. They were all planted on arrival. The hemerocallis, which had black, rotted leaves atop the roots, never sprouted. The trillium was rotted on arrival and never grew on planting; The Athyrium Felix Femina 'Frizzelliae' was rotted on arrival and never recovered. The Aracbiudes 'Simplicior variegata' also was rotted on arrival and never recovered. Since then many of the others which were black on arrival did recover, but are still small. The Leucanthemums arrived in the best condition and have bloomed. They will credit me for the first four items mentioned only because of my call.

However, nowhere is their policy on the one month replacement/credit visible on the website or on the packing slip. Not only is the material very poor quality (unfortunate, since the variety is excellent), but their application of policy is unethical.

I recommend 1) better growing technique and 2) better packing and shipping practices.

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

I ordered a yellow Butterfly Magnolia in 1999 for my wife as a Mother's Day gift. Total cost was about $70. The gift never bloomed. We were both disappointed.

I called back in 2002 and talked to a horticulturist and later to a Mgr named May Jo who sent me another tree. It didn't bloom either.

I called back in 2004 or 5 and a horticulturist told me to spinkle a particular type of bloom enhancing fertilizer around and under the tree and wait two seasons for it to take affect. I applied the fertilizer, scratched it in, watered the tree and waited. Still nothing.

I called back 18-Jul-2008 to ask for further help. The lady said we won't send another replacement. I said I don't want another one. I want the one I have to bloom. Its just a big green bush taking up space that could be devoted to something that blooms. She asked if I wanted to speak to a horticulturist. I sighed and said yes. No one called.

I called back 04-Aug-2008 and the operator found me a horticulturist. I think his name was Bob. I relayed the story to Bob and all he could say was, in summary, I don't believe you. He claims he has never heard of one that doesn't bloom. He was trying to tell me I was out of luck and it was too late for a refund. I asked when in the history of this transaction I should have asked for a refund. Bob didn't know.
I told him that I have 6 other magnolias of 3 different types in very close proximity and they all bloom. I am extremely patient, but Bob's attitude just blew me away. I asked to speak to a mgr and Bob took my name and number and said one would call me back.
I am patiently waiting......................................

In September of 2007 I ordered 2 plants from Wayside: 1 Butterfly Blue Scabiosa and 1 Asclepias Tuberosa (Butterfly Flower). First off, I did not receive an e-mail confirmation of my online order, which was rather irksome, and when I e-mailed to ask about it, there was no reply . Then, when the order arrived, the Asclepias Tuberosa was backordered. The invoice did not indicate if it would arrive later that fall or in the spring. When it did not arrive in the fall, I figured it would arrive in the spring. Wrong: spring came and there was no plant and no communication explaining why it hadn't come.

So I e-mailed customer service and asked for a refund. Since the shipping for both plants was $9.95 and I never would have purchased a $6.95 plant and paid $9.95 for shipping, I asked for a refund of the plant cost plus half of the shipping ($12.92). On June 20, I was told I would get a refund of $10.95.

I have not yet received that refund.

Plus the Butterfly Blue Scabiosa never came up in my garden. :-( Which could be my fault, or the weather's fault, but it adds to my disappointment.

I found my experience shopping at Wayside unsatisfactory.

Edith Carlson

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

My family has been ordering from Wayside Gardens for decades. They are a mail order operation so yes the plants will sometimes appear puny and wilted upon arrival. But they have an incredible selection and have always backed up their guarantee without question. They are a pleasure to do business with.

"

I am happy to hear that you enjoyed our products so much.

We would love to forward your compliments; if you would send us your order information, we can let the appropriate department know that their efforts were recognized and appreciated. Please email me your zip code, last name, and order number.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Department
e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com"

I am an experienced gardener, have ordered successullly from other mail order nurseries. This was the first order with Wayside - I ordered and paid dearly for six plants and shipping. When the plants arrived - they looked dead, I followed instructions from Wayside and they never revived. I reported it to them in a timely manner - we have been sending emails back and forth for over a month and all I am asking for is a shipment of six healthy plants OR a refund of my money. They are really giving me the run around. They are offering a $10 account credit and to ship 2 of the plants "in the fall" - I wish I would have checked this website BEFORE I ordered - currently there are more negatives than positives. That is a really bad sign. I hope I will get some assistance from this posting. Thanks!



Following is some of the correspondence regarding this order:

Order # 5354067
Dear Jeanne,

Thank you for your follow-up message. It is always a pleasure to hear from our fellow gardeners.

Our records show that a credit has been issued for the Lily Black Bird that failed to grow and a replacement is on order for the two Buddleia's that failed to grow. This replacement is due to ship this fall, unless you would like these cancelled for a credit. Please accept our apology for any inconvenience caused.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us (number and address listed below). Thank you for gardening with Wayside!

Barbara
Wayside Gardens Customer Contact Team
1 Garden Lane
Hodges, South Carolina 29695
Telephone: 800-845-1124
Fax: 800-817-1124
//www.waysidecs.com
email: info@waysidecs.com



-----Original Message-----
From: RFR327@aol.com
Received: 7/14/2008 11:08 PM
To: info@waysidecs.com
Subject: Re: # 5354067 Feedback Form from Wayside Gardens site [2640698:3343730]


Dear Barbara,

As I have said before, this was an offer of buy one lily get one free, so I was paying for 2 lilies and shipping for 2 lilies...........I paid for 2 lilies (in addition to 2 buddleias and 2 Heuchera ). I don't care if you don't send the exact items. Please just send me some flowering plants that might thrive here in Houston. That is all I am asking. A partial credit to my account is just not going to make me feel like you all are trying to satisfy your obligation.

As I have also said before.......I was billed for and had to pay $40 for the privilege of receiving a small box of 6 dying plants.......I am assuming you are a professional nursery and should know what plants will ship properly to where and what time of year is conducive to good results. I would really appreciate it if I might have something to show for this money...............I don't need to have the exact same things.......just something to put in my garden for the money I've had to pay.

If you will refund the complete and total amount to my account, then I won't feel so bad. I really don't think it's fair to take someone's money and not hold up your end of the bargain. I have ordered numerous times from mail order nurseries - always with great success. I just had never dealt with your company before. I have a friend who suggested I file a claim with the FBI Internet Fraud department - she said she had great success recovering her money in a similar circumstance.

I would rather not have to put you or I through all that bother. Please refund the total amount or send me 6 HEALTHY plants.........I don't see why that seems so unreasonable to you.

Thanks for your help in this matter.

Sincerely,
Jeanne Rhoten

In a message dated 7/14/2008 3:23:29 P.M. Central Daylight Time, info@waysidecs.com writes:
Dear Jeanne,

Thank you for your follow-up message. It is always a pleasure to hear from our fellow gardeners.

We do not have any replacements for the lilies. Please accept our apology. As a result, and in accordance with our Guarantee Policy, we have issued a credit to your account for $9.95, the price of the lilies. To redeem your credit, please call our Customer Contact department and place your order by phone. Ordering on-line will not redeem in-house credits. Please accept our apology for any inconvenience caused.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us (number and address listed below). Thank you for gardening with Wayside!

Barbara
Wayside Gardens Customer Contact Team
1 Garden Lane
Hodges, South Carolina 29695
Telephone: 800-845-1124
Fax: 800-817-1124
//www.waysidecs.com
email: info@waysidecs.com



-----Original Message-----
From: RFR327@aol.com
Received: 7/14/2008 10:59 AM
To: info@waysidecs.com
Subject: Re: # 5354067 Feedback Form from Wayside Gardens site [2640698:3343195]


Dear Barbara,

I am really disappointed. I was not planning on ordering these lilies in the first place, I was talked into them by the sales person. I was going to order 2 buddleias and that's it - she told me if I ordered these lilies I would receive some free plants. She told me it wouldn't increase my shipping - that was incorrect. I was charged extra shipping because of the lilies and additional free plants - none of which survived.

I paid for 6 healthy plants and paid for shipping for 6 healthy plants........that is what I want. I don't want a $9.95 credit..........that's not going to get me much. I would appreciate it very much if you would just send me replacements for the lilies - I think that is the only fair thing to do. They are shipping the buddleias in the fall - if you want to wait to ship the lilies then, too - that will be fine. I really just want the plants I ordered.

Thanks for your help.

Jeanne Rhoten

In a message dated 7/14/2008 8:27:39 A.M. Central Daylight Time, info@waysidecs.com writes:
Dear Jeanne,

Wayside Order 5354067

Thank you so much for contacting us here at Wayside! We value our customers’ comments and questions very highly, and we appreciate hearing from you.

We are sorry to learn that item 7214 failed to respond as well as expected in your garden. Please accept our apology. As a result, and in accordance with our Guarantee Policy, we have issued a credit to your account for $9.95. To redeem your credit, please call our Customer Contact department and place your order by phone. Ordering on-line will not redeem in-house credits. I'm sorry we do not have any for replacing. Please accept our apology for any inconvenience caused.

Again, thank you for writing to us. If you have any further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us (number and address listed below). And thanks for gardening with Wayside!

Barbara
Wayside Gardens Customer Contact Team
1 Garden Lane
Hodges, South Carolina 29695
Telephone: 800-845-1124
Fax: 800-817-1124
//www.waysidecs.com
email: info@waysidecs.com

P. S. Don't forget the AlgoFlash! This all-natural fertilizer brings out the best in all your plants, and contains no harmful chemicals. Make the most of your garden with AlgoFlash! Click below to buy:

//www.waysidegardens.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10151&langId=-1&mainPage=LGprodview&ItemId=9221&PrevMainPage=textsearchresults&scChannel=Text%20Search&SearchText=algoflash&OfferCode=TH3

Please sign up today for your free newsletter and get 10% off your next order of $100.00 or more. Please click the link below to receive this offer.

//www.waysidecs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?catalogId=10067&storeId=10151&langId=-1&mainPage=NewsletterRequest

Want to try some internet specials? Click below please!

//www.waysidecs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?catalogId=10067&storeId=10151&langId=-1&mainPage=webspecials&CachePage=webspecials


-----Original Message-----
From: RFR327@aol.com
Received: 7/12/2008 10:13 AM
To: info@waysidecs.com
Subject: Re: # 5354067 Feedback Form from Wayside Gardens site [2640698:3318314]


Dear Kelly,

I am so sorry to report the lilies have failed to perform. I planted them according to the directions included with each bulb. They have been in the ground for 3 weeks and have not shown any signs of growth. I am so disappointed. I have ordered plants from Jackson Perkins and other nurseries with great success through the years so I know it is possible to have successes from mail order nurseries. The only thing I can think of is these plants and bulbs must have been exposed to extreme heat at some point during their shipment. They arrived at my door in the late afternoon, but I was here and met the delivery man at the door.

I don't think it is fair I have had to pay close to $40 and don't have a single surviving plant to show for it. I know I am going to receive the buddleias in the fall, but I was so hoping to have something to enjoy this summer. Hopefully, you can replace the lilies with something that will thrive.

Thanks so much for your help........again, I am sorry for the failure.

Sincerely,
Jeanne Rhoten

In a message dated 6/13/2008 10:08:37 A.M. Central Daylight Time, info@waysidecs.com writes:

Dear Jeanne,

Wayside Order # 5354067

Thank you so much for contacting us here at Wayside! We value our customers’ comments and questions very highly, and we appreciate hearing from you.

Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention. I apologize for the condition in which you received your shipment and have noted your records. Due to storage and transit, we do find it is not uncommon for plants to appear stressed on receipt, as you indicated you are aware of this as well. Once planted, your plants should establish and grow for you. If the Buddleias or Lilies do not, please let us know right away so that we may make an appropriate adjustment to your order.

Free items are not replaceable and do incur shipping charges based on their original retail price, as do discounted items. We apologize if this was not clear when your order was placed.

Again, thank you for writing to us. If you have any further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us (number and address listed below). And thanks for gardening with Wayside!

Kelly,
Wayside Gardens Customer Contact Team
1 Garden Lane
Hodges, South Carolina 29695
Telephone: 800-845-1124
Fax: 800-817-1124
//www.waysidecs.com
email: info@waysidecs.com

P. S. Don't forget the AlgoFlash! This all-natural fertilizer brings out the best in all your plants, and contains no harmful chemicals. Make the most of your garden with AlgoFlash! Click below to buy:

//www.waysidegardens.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10151&langId=-1&mainPage=LGprodview&ItemId=9221&PrevMainPage=textsearchresults&scChannel=Text%20Search&SearchText=algoflash&OfferCode=TH3

Please sign up today for your free newsletter and get 10% off your next order of $100.00 or more. Please click the link below to receive this offer.

//www.waysidecs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?catalogId=10067&storeId=10151&langId=-1&mainPage=NewsletterRequest

Want to try some internet specials? Click below please!

//www.waysidecs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?catalogId=10067&storeId=10151&langId=-1&mainPage=webspecials&CachePage=webspecials

> -----Original Message-----
> From: rfr327@aol.com
> Received: 6/9/2008 12:18 PM
> To: info@waysidecs.com; pkgarden@gmail.com
> Subject: RE: Feedback Form from Wayside Gardens site
>
>
> First Name : jeanne
> Last Name : rhoten
> Email : rfr327@aol.com
> Subject : Disaapointed
> Category : Other
> Message : Hi! I received my order (#5354067) Friday afternoon late - I was here when the Fedex truck arrived. This was the first time I had ordered from you and I was very excited to receive my order.
>
> I was expecting a larger container for the buddleia - the description said it would arrive in a quart size container....doesn't look like it would hold a quart. The plants leaves were yellow and it was very dry, I removed packing materials and watered thoroughly and placed it in the shade. This morning it still doesn't look good.
>
> The "free" Heuchera plants I received look like they are dead. The leaves are yellow and wilted. I think their normal color is yellow, but they should look alive.
>
> I haven't planted the bulbs yet, but they look like they are OK. There is moisture in the package so apparently they travelled OK.
>
> I was charged close to $40 for this order and all I really wanted was the buddleia.......the order taker talked me into ordering the lily bulbs so I would get the "free" plants. She said I would only pay shipping on the first item......any free ones would NOT add to the shipping. I was charged $14.45 on a $24.90 order - this doesn't make sense to me.
>
> I'm so sorry to have to report this to you - but I am not very happy with the order I received and the amount I paid for it. I'm an experienced gardener and would never have purchased plants at a nursery that looked like these looked when they arrived. I understand that shipping stresses the plants and I followed your instructions, but they haven't revived much in 2 1/2 days of being in the shade and receiving water.
>
> Thanks for taking the time to read this email - hopefully it might prevent this from happening to someone else.
>
> Have a good day!
>
> Jeanne Rhoten

"

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. I have sent an email to the email address provided in your responses with my resolution. Please contact us at your earliest convenience if our resolution does not suit you. Customer satisfaction is very important to us.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

I have always received plants of excellent quality from Wayside.

I ordered 6 azaleas last spring. 3 arrived in good condition, 3 did not. I emailed the company to let them know I would set out the 3 poor ones to give them a chance to leaf back out. They did not. I requested replacement early this spring. Then they told me about their replacement policy--their plants are guarantee for the growing season--that is from when you get them till the end of May! After several emails similar to ones described in earlier I replied I would no longer shop at Wayside. A manager replied and gave me a credit for the azaleas. Now I know their replacement policy, I will probably order less, even though I did get a credit.

"

Dear bewyser,

We are sorry to learn that some of your Azaleas have failed to survive. I would like to further research your above posting. To do this I must request that you please e-mail me with your full name and address. If applicable please provide an order reference number. Thank you.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Department
e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com"

I ordered over $100 worth of plants in the middle of May using a promotion that promised free espress shipping. When no plants had come over a week later, I called and cancelled the order because I was going out of town for a while. They cancelled the order, but they had already charged my credit card. When I called after I got back because the refund hadn't been posted yet, they said it was a "process" and would take 30 days. It is now the first of July and they still haven't posted my refund. I am pleased the purchase was on a credit card that willl support me in disputing this charge.

In the mean time, I ordered plants from Bluestone which arrived three days after I placed the order and looked gorgeous. No more Wayside.

Alice Cassman

"

Dear Alice,

We apologize for the delay in processing your refund, and assure you that this is not our typical level of service. If you would please provide us with your order number or complete billing address, we can look into this matter for you and determine the status of your refund to you credit card. If you cancelled the order in May, then I am assuming there is a problem, as it normally does not take two months for a credit to appear on your statement. Please provide us with the needed information and we will take care of this for you as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

I had good experiences with Wayside in the past.
This experience is new to me but I have not been ordering from Wayside for a few years. I ordered several plants last fall. They do ship small plants and are expensive, but they carry plants I wanted and my prior expericence lead me to give them a chance. I was surprised that my credit card was charged immediately even though the plants arrived very late in the season. On arrival some of them were in bad shape, so I e-mailed the Wayside and promptly received a feed back. I chose to give the plants a chance. I also spoke with the horticulturist on the phone about the sickly looking plants and was helped. The ones that looked bad actually recoved and are doing well. I called the Wayside Garden today about the three plants from the order that did not make it. The customer service representative told me that there is nothing they can do about the plants because they are quaranteed only thru the end of May. I do not recall seeing anything regarding the dates but I could be wrong and just missed it. I asked the representative where I could find the statement regarding the gaurantee. I ordered the plants on line. She was unable to answer. I was told " it is the policy". I asked to speak with her manager and was told that she "just spoke with her and the manager is not going to be able to help me either". I was offered a phone call later today when "she is not busy"; however, I was assured that it is unlikely that anything will be done. I am also busy and since I was given very little hope for the resolution I informed the rep that I will address the issue with the BBB, but also thought of Dave's Garden . I waited only because I did not want to complain too early. I guess I will look elsewhere for my plants from now on.

"

Dear Jenia,

We are sorry to learn that you are dissatisfied with our service. Our guarantee policy is listed in our catalogs on the order form, as well as under the 'Our Guarantee' link on the left side of the home page on our website. We do carry a seasonal guarantee, but the expiration is determine by when you had actually received your items. I would like to assure you that what happened in your case is not our typical level of customer service. We continue to be committed to providing you and all of our customers with the highest standards of service in the industry. I hope that you will give us another opportunity to provide you with the quality products you deserve and that all your future encounters with our plants bring you nothing but pleasure. If you would like to provide an order number or billing address, we can review your order again to determine whether your guarantee has in fact expired or not.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

This spring I used a $50 gift certificate plus a little extra to buy their sun tolerant huerchera collection and an April remembered camelia. They arrived here at the end of March. The huercheras were very small and one was almost completely leafless. I kept them inside for several weeks. By the time I planted them the small one had hardly any roots. Now they are all dead and the camelia has brown spots on the leaves.

Today I received their fall catalog but I won't be needing it since I don't plan to order again from them. Other things that I have purchased have not done well either.

"

Dear Camellia,

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]
"

The comments I'm reading shock me.

I have been a customer of Wayside Gardens for over twenty years and if I ever had a problem with an item or a question regarding the care of ordered items, the company was always helpful.
They aren't the least expensive and there is a reason. Tomorrow when I look outside, I'll see hundreds of plants that I ordered from them over the years that have thrived.


Cynthia
Pittsburgh, PA.

"

Dear Cynthia,

We appreciate you taking the time to let us know how pleased your are with your order/product. Thank you! Your opinion is valued and we, of course, welcome feedback. It's customers like you who act as a reminder of why we do what we do and the importance of supplying only top quality products and offering the best service possible. Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts!

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

I wish I had seen this web site before placing my order with Wayside. Besides getting dead plants, Wayside does it's best to cheat customers out of money paid for shipping. I order six plants, total order was over $$50. This included $19.50 shipping for the "extra plants." I received only three plants, the other three were out of stock. The three that I received were dead, they smelled and the stems were covered with mold. I called Wayside, I was to get free replacement. Today I received one plant, cost $6.35 but I ended up paying over $19.00 for shipping which is non refundable. They ship me dead plants and I pay, never again.. Skip Wayside, they are crooks..

"

Dear Frankrazz,

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]
"

On May 11, I received an email telling me that the plant I wanted was "ready to reserve." The subject line of the email read "The plants you requested are now available!" At the bottom of the email was an ad for some liquid fertilizer.

I promptly ordered the plant and a bottle of the liquid fertilizer and paid $9.95 shipping + $2.50 fuel surcharge + $5.00 FedEx to get the plant sooner. The fertilizer arrived quickly, but the plant kept showing "waiting to ship" on the order status. I called the company and was told the plant would ship the following week. It did not. I sent several emails and received very non-committal replies. I was finally told the plant quality wasn't good and the nursery manager would make a decision on 6/16 about shipping the plant. I finally called earlier this week and asked for a refund. They are going to refund the price of the plant, the difference between the shipping cost of the fertilizer and the fertilizer + plant ($3), and the FedEx fee.

I didn't think it was fair that they charged my credit card for the entire order upfront when they never shipped the plant. Also, if I would have known the plant wasn't ready to ship when I got the original email notification, I would have never ordered the fertilizer and been out the $9.45 it cost to have it shipped to me.

"

Dear jkw10k,

We are sorry to learn that you are dissatisfied with our service. Our catalog and website both state that you credit card will be billed at the time of order. However, we are truly sorry that you were misinformed of the status of the plant that you had purchased. We understand gardeners spend a great deal of time selecting plants for their gardens. When dealing with live plants, there are occasionally delays or failures that are beyond our control. We also find that occasionally plants are not up to our standards and cannot be shipped. We may find it necessary to remove that stock from the inventory for the season. Unfortunately, these problems may not be detected until we are in the middle of our shipping season. We do apologize for not notifying you as soon as the decision was made to back-order this product. We are currently working on a program that will automatically send notifications to customers when an item back-orders or becomes sold out. We hope to have this program in place soon. We apologize for any inconvenience and I hope that you will give us another opportunity to provide you with the quality products you deserve and that all your future encounters with our plants bring you nothing but pleasure.


Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

I placed an order online yesterday. I was shocked at the lack of choice in shipping, over 20 dollars for a small order. I would not have accepted if I had known most of what I wanted was sold out. Was sent a order acknowledge and decided since no shipping info was on that email, to call. I phoned and lo and behold, the bulbs were sold out, so in essence, I am paying shipping charges equal to the same amount as the only other plant available in that order..which is buy one get 2 free and they're 3" pots. I asked to cancel my order and was told it was already in packing so when it came via Fed Ex to refuse shipment..I then am told when I asked about credit back to my credit card that it can take 30 days. All I can say, my card company will be notified on this and I'll never order from this company again. Ridiculous behaviour to say the least.

"

Dear patnjbob,

We are sorry to learn that you are dissatsfied with our service and hope you realize this is now our typical level of service. I am sorry that you were unhappy with our shipping and handling charges. Because we do find it necessary to provide our shipping and handling costs up front, we are unable to calculate these costs after order packaging. Therefore, rather than basing these charges on the weight, size, and content of the package, which is the practice of mail providers, we base our shipping and handling fees on the order total before any discount are applied. Due to the fact that you had purchased a buy one, get two free deal, your merchandise total was lower, however the shipping was calculated by the original price of the items you received for free. We do try our best to create price ranges which will include items of similar weight. We work to keep our shipping as reasonable as possible. With the fluctuating cost of fuel, this has become more and more challenging.
After reviewing your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com] "

I just received 3 shaina jap. maples. They were on sale, buy one get 2 free. They were packaged very well. So well that it was hard to get them out of the box! The leaves are beautiful and the trees weren't all that small. I can't believe I got 3 of these for only 40 bucks! I have also ordered some of the clearance roses but haven't received them yet so I'll add more feedback later.

"

Dear kylie79,

We appreciate you taking the time to let us know how pleased your are with your order/product. Thank you! Your opinion is valued and we, of course, welcome feedback. It's customers like you who act as a reminder of why we do what we do and the importance of supplying only top quality products and offering the best service possible. Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts!

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

I placed an order at the end of March for my spring plants. I knew that nothing would be shipped until the end April as that is when my last frost date is, but, while every other company shipped my goodies, Wayside seemed to forget about me entirely. In mid-May, I inquired as to the status of my order and was told that "some" of my plants had quality issues and that they did not want to ship them until they were resolved. Ok, but what about the rest of my order?!? And how about a little email letting me know this instead of leaving me hanging for nearly a month after my order was supposed to ship?

Well, nearly two weeks later, I received all but three plants. Some were small enough that they look like they had only been growing for a couple of weeks, and much younger than the two months my order had been pending with my plants "in stock and reserved." Some of the plants, the daisies in particular, looked like they were circling the drain when I pulled them from the peanut filled box and unwound the fake straw from them. While most will probably manage to hang on, I think one is about to die. As for the rest of my plants, I have no idea when they will be shipped. And apparently Park likes to take all of its sites down at night so you cannot yell at them [I wanted to have some words regarding timeliness with Jackson & Perkins too].

I suppose I should have expected this kind of lousy service after my first experience with them last year. Last spring I ordered plants for spring and fall. The spring item was shipped immediately, but they never shipped the fall plant. Nor did they ever think to inform me that it would not be shipped at all. I had to contact them when the plant was well overdue and our planting season was rapidly drawing to a close asking where my Kintzley's Ghost honeysuckle was, only to be told they had "crop problems." By then it was mid October and I had to scramble to find a rare plant. Fortunately, Rarefinds had it and in a matter of days I got what I am sure is a much larger plant that is now thriving.

Having been stung twice, I won't be ordering from them again!

"

Dear BethG208,

We are sorry to learn that you are dissatisfied with our service and hope you can understand that this is not our typical level of service. We understand gardeners spend a great deal of time selecting plants for their gardens. When dealing with live plants, there are occasionally delays or failures that are beyond our control. We also find that occasionally plants are not up to our standards and cannot be shipped. We may find it necessary to remove that stock from the inventory for the season. Unfortunately, these problems may not be detected until we are in the middle of our shipping season. We do apologize for not notifying you as soon as the decision was made to back-order some of your products. We are currently working on a program that will automatically send notifications to customers when an item back-orders or becomes sold out. We hope to have this program in place soon. I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

I have to add to the negative remarks about this company - this is the 3rd year in a row I've ordered from this company. Only because I continue to get credits from them regarding bad/dead plants, cancelled orders w/o telling me - and not refunding me - so I ordered 1 last time...
2 Caryopteris 'Summer Sorbet' PP#15,935 - dead upon arrival
2 Lupinus 'Popsicle Blue' - said they would be shipped in a 3" pot - they came wrapped in paper surrounded by an inch of dirt - I'm pretty sure these aren't going to make it either
1 Daphne 'Carol Mackie' - this was actually shipped in a larger pot, but the plant itself was less than 2 inches tall...this might just make it, I have my fingers crossed.

I'm completely disgusted w/this company - plus it took forever to get my wilted lifeless plants; I will not ask for a refund again - lesson finally learned...Bluestone I promise you will be the only mail order company I ever order from again!

To all - BEWARE!

"

Dear clwvikes,


I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. If you would not like a merchandise credit, we would be able to issue a credit back to your charge card, assuming your order was not already adjusted. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

I placed an order from Wayside after seeing a pic of a beautiful passiflora "Sherry". They said they were the only ones that had this at that time. I also ordered 9 other plants, total order app $140.00+ shipping. I paid extra to get them faster ! Ha! That was a joke. When my order arrived I almost cried. "Sherry" was a puny little trig and weak at that, app. less than 2" tall. Needless to say I called and got the reply that I would have to wait 6wks before I could ask for a refund or anything! Three more of the plants died right away. I was mad. I waited 6 wks and called again. Rep. said they would send me new plants- I said NO, I want my money back. She said she would give me a credit to order more- I said NO, I want my money back..... Finally, she said she would credit my card but that hasn't happened yet. I will never make the mistake of ordering from them again no matter how pretty they look in their catalog.

"

Dear janabarnett,

We are sorry to learn that you are dissatisfied with our service and products. As far as the customer service that you received, I apologize that you were not provided with the service of which you deserve. I assure you that customer service is extremely important to our company, and that this was not our intentions. I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

I cannot complain, the items I purchased were on sale and I used a coupon. The orders were shipped quickly and the stock is alive and well. Packaging was adequate and the plants were not dehydrated. While not top notch they are all viable specimens.

"

Dear MorsisX,

We appreciate you taking the time to let us know how pleased your are with your order/product. Thank you! Your opinion is valued and we, of course, welcome feedback. It's customers like you who act as a reminder of why we do what we do and the importance of supplying only top quality products and offering the best service possible. Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts!

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

I decided to give Wayside another chance this year, as I have ordered in the past with good results. Last year, I had some disappointing experiences, but these were partly my fault, and some of it couldn't be helped, as circumstances were beyond the control of both me and the company. This year, they sent me healthy groundcovers that appear to be doing well. Only one of the twelve creeping thymes I ordered looks like it might not make it, but the others are already up and going. All of the other groundcover is doing well, no die-off, and is perky. So, I am pleased with them again, and will continue to order. I'm surprised that they have gotten so many negative reviews. Generally, I've done all right with them.

"

Dear flowermaiden,

I am happy to hear that you enjoyed our products so much.

We would love to forward your compliments; if you would send us your order information, we can let the appropriate department know that their efforts were recognized and appreciated. Please email me your zip code, last name, and order number.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Department
e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com"

I ordered three moonlight climbing roses in the spring.
They arrived , I planted them, they started to bloom and that's when I found out that the roses shipped were not moonlight's because they bloomed pink. So I called, talked to Tiffany, talked to Bob in horticulture it was confirmed , they shipped the wrong roses. To make a long story short : It would be easier to refund my money and to reorder my moonlight roses. The prices had went down nearly 50 % ~so I was game. Although I was upset that the shipping charges would not be refunded!!!
They send the wrong roses, they were tagged wrong .
I received the new shipment of climbing roses ( hopefully the right ones this time) but still : NO Refund money !!!!
I am very dissapointed ~although I must say the roses were in good shape when shipped. Fast shipment as well.

"

Dear hpv72xp,

We are sorry to learn that you are dissatisfied with our service. I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

I CANNOT EMPHASIZE STRONGLY ENOUGH THAT YOUR COMPLAINT ISN'T OVER UNTIL YOU WRITE TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. GOOGLE IT AND THERE IS AN SHORT PROCESS FOR FILING A COMPLAINT.

All mail order companies of any size and reputation belong to an organization of mail order companies, which are supposed to adhere to standards, which include money-back guarantee in speedy form.

When I was getting noodled by National Garden Club (another trick place) and could not get satisfaction, I contacted the BBB and within a few weeks the "NGC" finally let me cancel my membership. One report did it, compared to at least three letters and phone calls.

"

Dear idabean,

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

Horrible do not waste your time or money on this horribly managed company. First I placed my order for three Arisaema Sikokianum and make it snappy, feel me? I was assured my plants were in stock, reserved for me and would arrive the following wed. or thurs. I was excited, I have a friend who has two of these plants and they are magnificent. Now I checked my order status online and the status said "In Stock and Reserved". This stayed the same for almost a week until I sent two scathing e-mails to them. I then received a response from some guy with a form e-mail and some reassuring comments. Now I check my order status and it says "To Be Shipped". This develops on a tue. It is now Saturday, almost two weeks after placing my order, same status. So I call the customer service line, I speak to Tiffany who informs me that my precious Aroids are really on back order and there isn't even a date to tell when they will be back. My order status had said "In Stock and Reserved" So apparently this was a ball-faced lie. Don't by plants from people who lie to you. This company has so many bad reviews. Now I know why, I should have cancelled my order sooner. That's not all, they take thirty days to refund your account unless you tell them to rush it. Thirty days, they took about $100 of my buying power for nearly a month and a half and i don't even get a lousy tee-shirt; just a bunch of lame e-mails for lame plants I wouldn't pull out of the neighbor's compost pile for free. Please do not give these donkey-men your money. I could have had them on my doorstep by now from somewhere else, now I'll probably have to wait till next year, or buy some wilted up plants, at least that way i might get some seeds, but I have to wait until they give me my money back. There are many better sources for rare plants like Hana Farms or Raising Rarities.

"

Dear Slipperman,

We are sorry to learn that your are dissatisfied with our service.I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

I should have known better but I fell for their emails with promises of free this and double that.
I received one clematis in such a sickly and minature state that no nursery would allow a customer to see such a plant - not even up to Wal-mart clearence standards.
I ordered three bulbs; buy one, receive two free. They charged me for three - $14.94 and omitted the rest of the order without an explanation. The shipping for the three light weight bulbs was $14.45. T W Flynn, Oswego NY

"

Dear Rhododen,

I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. Unfortunately, the information contained within was not sufficient to locate your order in our database. In order to rectify the problem I must request that you e-mail us with your billing information, including zip code and order number if available.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

Excessive shipping cost of $9.45 FedEx for one small coreopsis ordered May 25. I assumed at that expense it would arrive in 3 days--NO, it shipped on June 2, and I won't receive it until June 7--two days after I leave on vacation! VEXING to have plants shipped by ground at this time of year!

"

Dear kerrydrury,

We are sorry to learn that you are dissatisfied, and hope you realize this is not our typical level of service. When choosing Fed-Ex 2 Day shipping, this ensures less time in transit, not in house processing time. We apologize if this shipping method was not more clear before you chose it. Assuming that your order has not already been adjusted, would you please provide us with your order number, or complete name and billing address. Once your order is located, we would be glad to make the appropriate adjustments regarding your shipping costs. We apologize for any inconvenience and I hope that you will give us another opportunity to provide you with the quality products you deserve and that all your future encounters with our plants bring you nothing but pleasure.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"

I ordered 12 pink double knockouts on May 9th. After almost two weeks and not being shipped, I got a little impatient so I called customer service on May 21st and was told they would be shipping earlier the next week. As it turned out, they were shipped the following day on Thursday, May 22nd.

I was a little perturbed by this as they were being 2-dayed. To me, it would have made a little more sense to 2-day an order on a day that it wouldn't be held up by a weekend, especially a holiday weekend. So, rather than the plants sitting in a box for 2-days, mine were sitting in a box for 5 days. They arrived in okay condition, a little yellow, but nothing to get upset about yet. I let them sit in the pots for a few days and planted them on May 31st.

Only one plant is showing new growth at this point, the others are still a little yellow, but have not gotten any worse. So basically, the jury is still out. This review won't ever become "positive" as I think the items should have been shipped much sooner or the website should tell you the items would take a couple of weeks to ship and the condition of the plants was so so, but it may become negative if these plants don't recover.

I'll reserve judgement for a couple of weeks.

Oh my. Placed order on May 26. Even with allowances for the holiday my order remains dormant at "in stock and reserved". I'm not sure what that phrase means but am beginning to think it means "maybe never".

Another larger order placed the identical day from a different web company has been delivered, acclimated and planted. Even with allowances for regional differences I'm troubled by my experience so far. Thanks for all the comments though...because of your comments I only tried a small order with Wayside and spent the bulk of my budget on the other site.

Lovely catalog with beautiful pictures but product quality is very poor. I ordered two Clematis Franzishka Marie. What I received were two plants that were so tiny it was doubtful that they would grow. They survived but barely grew at all last summer. They came back this year but still very little growth. Other plants in the same bed are doing very well so it is not the soil conditions for the poor growth. Ordered two clematis from Paradise Garden this year and received large, lovely healthy plants. Wish I had known about them last year.

Have ordered from Wayside numerous times over the years. After reading all the unfavorable commentaries, was hesitant to order again. However, I ordered some hostas recently and the website, response, shipping and customer service were just as good as previously experienced. The plants look very good and anticipate no trouble, other than the deer, with these hostas growing well.

I discovered this website AFTER I placed an order with Wayside Gardens. It raised all sorts of trepidation in me after reading all of the negative comments and saddened me, as well. I have ordered from Wayside since 1972 and in the past few years have gotten away from doing much in the garden.

I ordered 3 epimedium pubigerem and 3 dwarf Japanese Black Pines on May 19. I received the epimediums yesterday, May 30; I received the pines today, May 31. All were well-packed. (I would vote for getting rid of styrofoam peanuts in favor of the corn-starch ones that dissolve, but I understand that they are intended to protect fragile plants from harm during shipment.)

Of course, I am located in South Carolina, so Fed-Ex Ground is essentially overnight service to me from Hodges... and I am wondering if some of the complaints aren't due to the very hot/inhospitable conditions in transit?

The epimediums are, in fact, relatively small plants, but I have to say that on two prior orders, plants arrived that seemed to be small and are now some of the most beautiful specimens in my garden. I ordered 45 Siberian Carpet Cypress (Translation: very big bucks!) for a former residence and although they were smaller than I expected, the following year they simply took off! I suspect that timing is everything -- when you place the order, what the weather conditions are in Hodges and where you are, how long in transit, etc.

Only 3 things that Wayside should investigate: 1) If a plant can't be shipped for whatever reason (wrong season, inadequate supply), then Wayside should not be charging someone's card until shipping is imminent. 2) The customer should be given a choice of whether or not to wait for the plants, not simply placed "on hold." 3) Correct your website -- there are ways for the geeks to indicate that a particular plant is out of stock or will not ship until a set date. Hire one!

Otherwise, my advice to someone would be to measure the negative reports.

I ordered before I found this site. I found the site before I received my plants, so I was not expecting much. Today, I received a partial order and was surprised! My CotonEaster is in great condition and is larger than I expected. I hope the rest of my order is even half as nice as this plant.

My order was placed but I found out that some of my property was being dug up. I emailed them 3 times to cancel the order, receive no response. The order was shipped. Then I called and hit the key for internet orders only to be cut off after a wait. I believe this was deliberate.
I've ordered from them before only to have the plants die. There is no way to communicate with this company.
They have an incredible catalog to entice buyers but no customer service.
Margie Wexler
PA