Comments regarding Wayside Gardens

I ordered from Wayside and then found this page. I was very concerned about my order after reading the negative comments. I emailed Wayside yesterday to ask about my order and they responded this am stating that the plants was sceduled to arrive today and they did. The plants are in excellent condition and I am very pleased with both my plants and Wayside.

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Thank you for your comment. I am glad to hear that you are happy with our products.


Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com"

I recently placed an order with Wayside Gardens and was a bit concerned after seeing so many negative comments on this website. However, my first experience with this company was exceptionally good. I ordered a Black Lace Elderberry shrub last week. I was worried that it would not survive shipping since the temperatures have been so hot. My plant arrived in great condition. It was packaged with great care and plenty of instructions. My e-mail communications were answered promptly. I also felt that the shipping cost was very reasonable. Based on this experience, I would definitely recommend Wayside Gardens and look forward to making future orders.

"

I am happy to hear that you were satisfied with our service, as well as our plant quality.

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

Last June I had a totally negative experience with Wayside Gardens-Unacceptable shipping & dead plants (this was reported here, so I won't dwell on it again) I was sent a certificate to atone for the fact that I never received the plants that I'd counted on & I wasn't going to even bother ordering, but decided to give them a second chance. I placed an order that was covered by the certificate in Feb & was notified by e-mail that it was scheduled for "spring delivery". I have heard nothing since, so today I called to ask when I might expect shipment & was told "there must be a problem". Do you think so!?! I explained that I was concerned because this order was my second attempt to receive acceptable service from the company & was told "someone will look into it". I asked for a call back in a timely manner & was told "um..OK" I waited, but was not asked for my phone number-I guess these folks are psychic or something, because after 6 months of silence, they certainly MUST know how to contact me! So I asked the representative to prepare the canned response on garden watchdog, because I'd be posting. Still, no remedial action. In short, they chose terrible shipping (over 11 days for live plants) last year, but they DID offer a certificate to give them a second chance-THEN they don't ship the second chance order a year later! They dropped the ball a year ago & I don't see where there has been any improvement. At least it didn't cost me anything this time! I will NEVER attempt to do business with these people again-even on their dollar! I currently have a backorder with another garden company, and I have been contacted by them by both e-mail & phone, keeping me advised of the situation & offering me the option of changing the order, so excellent service DOES exist! Knowing that, I will hold out for decent treatment, & that totally excludes doing business with these jerks! BEWARE! I only wish that there was a sub-negative catagory for such companies!

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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
JJohnson@parkseed.com"

This is neutral due to one positive and one very negative experience with the company. I will not be placing future orders with them.
I placed an order mid-winter for spring shipment, then a second in mid-spring. The second order (Cornus venus and a hardy Japanese maple) arrived as expected for my zone. I called on the original order and was told that part was backordered for two weeks. A month later I called again and learned the two items were now backordered, which was holding up shipment of the bareroot tree, Cornus alternifolia. The agent cancelled the two perennials and said the tree would ship immediately. Today I checked the order status to find that some idiot had cancelled 'alternifolia' and substituted and shipped 'controversa'. Problem: (1) the latter is four times the size of the first, (2) the latter is hardy to zone 6 and I am zone 4. Customer service assures me that my credit card will be fully reimbursed, but really, why do we provide phone, email, and zip code information if these people don't use it. It's going to break my heart to toss a perfectly good dogwood (were I anywhere else) in the compost pile! So Mr. Company Rep -- what's the excuse? My order number was 4572456.

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I have located your order and I am in the process of reviewing your information. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you via e-mail shortly. We will make every effort to resolve this issue.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com
"

I ordered sidalcea 'Little Princess' from Wayside two months ago. I must confess that I did so with great trepidation after reading all the negative feedback here, but they were the only mailorder source I could find for these plants. I expected the worst, but the order arrived within two weeks. Although there was no confirmation when the package was actually being sent as there is with most other mailorder nurseries I've used, I was relieved that the order came. The plants were bareroot, and I planted them within 20 minutes of arrival. They sprouted within days, and though they have not yet bloomed yet, they look quite healthy and have continued to grow in size. All in all, I felt that I had to give Wayside some credit here for having fulfilled my expectations. I have also ordered containers from them and received prompt and satisfactory service. Perhaps the trick to dealing with Wayside is to order in small quantities and to steer clear of the more popular or common items that might sell out quickly.

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I am glad to hear that you are satisfied with our products, as well as our prompt service."

I have to agree with others that I've had a frustrating experience. Of the 7 items I ordered well in advance (in the depths of a Minnesota winter) I have received only one so far. While I understand that it was a rough Spring and nature took its toll, what I cannot understand is the complete lack of communication on significantly backordered items. After waiting and waiting and finally calling, I was advised that these items would not be shipped until fall. Apparently, they just assume that I am willing to wait until fall for an order I placed and paid for the previous winter. A little communication goes a long way. If they had only communicated the delay, reason for the delay and offered a refund in a timely manner, I would not be writing this comment.

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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
JJohnson@parkseed.com

"

I placed an order in May for a clematis and a butterfly bush. They ended up being shipped separately.

The clematis arrived right before Memorial Day. Because I was on my way out of town, I just watered it well and left it in the kitchen sink, where it could get lots of sunlight. When I returned from my long weekend, the plant had doubled in size. It's still growing very vigorously.

Late last week, I received the butterfly bush. It is small but healthy. It, too, is growing quickly.

The turnaround time was slower than some other online nurseries I've ordered from, but overall I'm satisfied with my experience.

"

I am happy to hear that your plants are doing well.


Thanks again,
Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Department
e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com
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I have been considering ordering from Wayside Gardens, but am quite concerned about the huge volume of negative feedback....serious complaints it seems, as well.
What I am asking is, what seems to be at the root of so many dissastified experiences, and what is being done to improve upon each of the problems that have been noted?
I'd LIKE to order, but won't until I have a greater sense of WHY there seem to be so many mishaps and what is being done to improve. Can't afford to lose money on plants. I do have access to several good local nurseries, but your catalog does have some interesting plants that I have not seen locally.
Any reassurances available for (possibly) future customers? If so, can you post those assurances on this forum? It may help me decide, as well as others, regarding future purchases.

Thank You

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I have reviewed your above posting and I am seeking the opportunity to address this matter. In order to rectify the problem, I must request that you contact us providing your email address.


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

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
JJohnson@parkseed.com
"

I just wanted to add my name to the growing list of dissatisfied customers.

These guys handled my order horribly in a number of ways, but the main one was they backordered one of my "Spring" Deliveries until AUGUST 2008 -- they did not notify me in any way.

Furhter they were going to hold the rest of my order until the backordered stuff showed up in august.

No email, no call, no nothing

the rep just said "do you want them or not"?

I cancelled the order and was told I was given a full refund on my credit card--however, there is no confirm # or reference of any kind so we will see when my credit card bill arrives if they really handled it.

I would never deal with these folks again, and it sounds like I am not alone....

"

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
JJohnson@parkseed.com

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
JJohnson@parkseed.com
"

I have been receiving their catalog for many many years. It is a real shame what has happened to this once very good company. Years ago you could count on them for quality plants in both size and healthy vigor. NO MORE!!! It seems they don't care or know what they are sending out. I placed an order this Spring and it will be my last. The 3 daylilies were shocking!!! I have never ever received this size daylily in the over 20 years I have been buying plants! I was flabbergasted!! They looked like blades of grass! And each one was $18.00!!!I called and complained and they offered to reship. I declined and wanted a refund. I waited and waited. No refund. Soon in the mail a credit certificate arrived! Like I ever want anything from them again. NOT! So I called and told them that they said I would get a refund. They said they would cancel the credit cert and issue a refund. That was not accomplished until I called an additional 2 times and requested to speak to a supervisor. Terrible!!!!!!!! Poor business practices and I will never in my wildest dreams consider ordering from this company again. BEWARE!!!

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I have located your order and I am in the process of reviewing your information. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you via e-mail shortly. We will make every effort to resolve this issue.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com"

I have to admit to being surprised by all the negative comments about this company, as my experiences have been all positive. Last fall I ordered a Capistrano (yellow) rhododenron, an Autumn Belle azalea, two Sieboldii clematis and some asiatic lilies. I got a bonus of some heucheras. The items came fairly quickly and were extremely well wrapped and protected. All arrived in good health. Unfortunately, the azalea died over the winter and two of the lilies did not come up. I called the company last week about the dead items, and they were very helpful and accomodating -- no problems. This week I already have my replacement plants, and this azalea is larger than the original one. The rhodo and clematis are doing great, growing like crazy. The clematis is opening blooms already! The heucherras are beautiful too. I really can't say anything bad about my experience with them (knock wood!) and will order from them again. My only complaint would be that I think their prices are a little high, but they do have unusual plants that you can't find elsewhere.

"

I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed our products so much, as well as our service.


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

I ordered some verbenas (variety:hot lips) on January 5 for spring delivery(order 4469283). They did not ship until 5/3 and then the shipment got lost(DHL delivered to a post office in Plano, TX while I live in Garland, TX). I talked with them on 5/15 and they said they would re-ship via UPS and it would take about 2 weeks. Well, it's 5/30 and now they say it looks like it's back-ordered and won't be shipped until fall. I'm waiting for a manager call back. Doesn't the Federal Trade Commission have rules about back-ordering orders such as this? I'm going to find out.

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I have located your order and I am in the process of reviewing your information. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you via e-mail shortly. We will make every effort to resolve this issue.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com
"

Obviously a lot of gardeners want to order from this company. I did and still do, but the whole "unknown ship dates" issues and "unable to cancel orders" issue makes it difficult for me to recommend them or try them again.

I will update this post once the plants arrive (or don't).

I placed my order # 4767513 on 5/5 with all items but one listed for "Spring Shipping".

Having ordered from Wayside before, I knew and expected that they would charge my credit card immediately, have no expected ship date, but I honestly believed this time that the "Check Your Order Status Online" link would actually work.

Q. Can I get my order status online?
A. Yes! Simply click the link below to check the status of your order online at any time (this may require 24 hours after ordering to work the first time). You may also go to our website and click on Order Status to enter your order number and last name, or contact us by email or telephone.

Again, the information provided was "Order is being processed". (This is NOT a status) So, again, I sent an email, just like last time, asking what "being processed" meant and asking for at least a general idea of what month? the order might actually ship?

Again, I got the generic "Nursery Manager email"

> 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. I'm sorry for the delay in shipping your order. The plants ordered have not yet been released by the nursery manager for shipping. They are expected to be ready to ship within the next two weeks and will ship a soon as possible once released.

So..."Not been released" again? You might (or might not) ship them in two weeks but can't tell me that in a status update? Or might ship them in two weeks because I am again considering cancelling the order? Amazing...

So I tell them to cancel the order this time and get this wonderful message:

"Once order processing begins we are not able to make any changes. If you no longer want these plants, you can refuse the package and it will come back to us and be credited back to you".

Which would be great except I have already signed releases with all major carriers to leave their packages here during the day.

They were however, able to cancel one plant...."I was able to cancel the Camellia Winter's Fire as requested and will will credit $xxxxx back to your credit card for the cost of this plant".

Which was the main plant and reason for placing this order with Wayside Gardens in the first place.

So, now (Since Wayside is unable to cancel my order) I've requested that they just ship the entire order to me immediately.

I sincerely hope they at least send good quality plants, and also insure they send the COMPLETE order as requested (even if it requires multiple shipments).

Either way, I'll post updates as they occur. Hopefully they are working on these issues.

Ray

I ordered plants in early March, for "Spring" delivery. Early May, I received half of the shipment, but the size was not what I ordered. It was much, much smaller than originally represented, and I had not been notified that I would be receiving a substitute for my original order. Had they notified me that my original order was not available, I would have cancelled immediately. Instead, I paid an outrageous amount of shipping for 6 very, very small plants. They were Hydrangeas, and 2 of the plants were bare (no leaves at all). I was issued a refund for half of the actual cost of the 6 original plants ordered, and was advised that this refund would be applicable to my next order. I called the customer service number, and advised that this was not acceptable, I wanted my refund immediately. I was advised that one would be issued (I still have not received), and that the second half of my shipment would be shipped 5/19. I still have not received the rest of my order, nor have I had any communication from them. The first plants I received are floundering, as it is now getting very hot and dry where I live. This was my first order, and I do not intend to order from the vendor again. I wish that I had found this site before placing my order - I spent over $200, and so far have received 6 wilted, bare, 12" plants.

"

I have located your order and I am in the process of reviewing your information. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you via e-mail shortly. We will make every effort to resolve this issue.

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


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After getting their catalog for years, I finally ordered from them this spring. Three Brunnera 'Jack Frost' and one Cimicifuga arrived promptly and were healthy. The Cimicifuga was tiny, and since then it seems to have disappeared, probably a combination of my neglecting to water it faithfully and having its little stem knocked over by a passing animal, so I can't blame them. Despite the negative comments here, I suggest giving them a try.

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Thank you for your kind comments. Being ordered this spring, your Cimicifuga would fall under our guarantee - if you would like to contact us our representatives would be happy to issue a replacement.

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

My experience actually began last spring (2006). My husband placed an order for me for mother's day last year for 2 Eden roses, 1 Japanese magnolia and 3 Paris Polyphylla's. While the order was placed well ahead of the shipping dates (back in very early April-ish), Wayside charged his card immediately. OK, we could live with that so long as the order came on time when the shipping began for our zone (5). We too, also received the email telling us the shipping began for our zone, and eagerly I awaited it's arrival. When it finally came, the Japanese magnolia was barely alive, the roses seemed OK, and the Paris Polyphylla's were missing completely. I contacted Wayside about the missing part of the order, and was first told it was on backorder, but that it had been sent. OK, many days go by still no order. So, I re-contacted them and got a different rep, who told me there was a quality problem with the plants and that they didn't know if they would be made available. What the heck? Three days later I get an email from this rep again telling me my "1" Paris Polyphylla has been shipped. Well, I wrote him back explaining the original order had been for 3. He writes me back and says the other two are being shipped separately. OK, well all three finally arrived in the same box. Sadly, not a single one ever came up. I did manage to salvage the Japanese magnolia (it's still alive but still very small). Of the two roses, last summer only one bloomed. While the other did send up leaves but no blooms and that one didn't survive our winter here. The one that bloomed last year did survive the winter (they are both planted in the same bed a few feet from each other). The one that survived is sending up shoots from the root ball and not the union bud though, so won't know for sure unless it blooms this year if it's still truly an Eden or a sport. All in all I'm really disappointed and have wavered on whether I'll ever order from them again. I really wish I had seen this forum last year before I gave my husband my wishlist. It's my fault he ordered from Wayside to begin with. And it was the Paris Polyphylla's that prompted me to order in the first place :( Won't be ordering from them again that's for sure.

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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
JJohnson@parkseed.com"

After many attempts to get a straight answer about order #4739085 and what the hold up was, I was informed that part of my order was being held by the nurserymen, and some of it would not be shipped until fall. In addition to that, 2 of the plants I had ordered would not be shipped until August. Now, how many people plant plants in the blistering heat of August?!? I understand their logic though- If I'm stupid enough to order from Wayside, I'll probably be stupid enough to plant something in August.
Needless to say, I canceled the rest of my order, and I will now just use their magazine for reference purposes, and a constant reminder that a flashy magazine does not a reputable company make!
BEWARE: Everyone THINKING of ordering from Wayside. Send ME your money, and I will jerk you around on the phone for half the cost they would.

I ordered two things from their spring catalogue 1 sorbaria sem and 1 ilex berry heavy winterberry. I called them twice getting different answers both times. Needless to say i still have not received my orders and the last thing i heard was they are on back order and i will not probably get them till fall. This is totally unnexcetable to me. They did the same thing to me last fall in which i was forced to cancel my order and order from forest farm nursery. Never Again. AugieGary.

After ordering 2 trees I could not get a consistent answer by email or phone when delivery would take place. It was extended by days and weeks each time I contacted them for various reasons, (grower decision, plant immaturity, busy season, shipping issues,), and each person had a different reason within the same 24 hour period of time but assured my delivery was being implemented. However, my credit card had been charged immeadiatley.
When I decided to cancel the order they did that within few minutes per their website but I was told cannot refund for 10 days!!!! I asked to talk to a manager or owner and "they will call me back" ....RIGHT.

Wayside is an embarressment and dissapointment. I feel pretty sure that when I place an order at the end of march and my credit card is billed, that by May 23rd the order should be here. Ive recieved half my orders.
The second order was placed because the website offered Fed Ex upgrade, two day shipping for free. I really got taken. Most of that order isnt even here and its been over a week.

I ordered a rose bush "Josephs Coat" end of March and I was informed today it wouldnt be available til fall and if the weather isnt "up to par" it would not be mailed til next spring. I asked if it is on back order and the rep said she didnt know but one is reserved for me. Huh, big whoop! I will have found something else to go in that spot by next spring and wont even want it.
I ordered from Wayside because I read it was a upstanding company. Seems they are biteing off more than can chew. This is the last time I will order from them. What a waste of time. My family is getting a good chuckle at my gulibility.

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I have located your order and I am in the process of reviewing your information. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you via e-mail shortly. We will make every effort to resolve this issue.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com"

I should have read this forum before ordering from Wayside.

Anyhow, when I finalized my order, the final page said Wayside would not charge my credit card until my order shipped.

Wayside did not wait for my order to ship---- they charged my credit card the very next day.

Also, all items were in stock , but 11 days later their website indicates nothing has shipped.

I called their support number but waited 10 minutes and was unable to speak to anyone.

I emailed their support but have yet to hear back from anyone.

My advice is to steer clear of this company. $92.00 down the drain.

I will post updates as they occur --- if they occur !

Based on my experience, I'm a little puzzled by the negative comments about this company.

Last year, I ordered a daylily mix (package of 3) and a couple of other items. All arrived in a timely manner and looking good.

Unfortunately, one of the perennials and one of the lilies did not survive my Syracuse (snow capital of the US), NY winter. I wrote to customer service and received a prompt email reply, crediting me in full for the perennial as well as the *entire* cost of the daylilies.

I called to place another order the same day, using the credit. I ordered two daylilies, a Blue Mist shrub and, as an impulse purchase, an Endless Summer hydrangea that their operator offered as a sale item (trade gallon for $16.95, reg. $29.95). The order arrived in less than a week. The hydrangea appears very healthy (well leafed-out) and different from a nursery-bought gallon plant only in the fact that it is trimmed lower for shipping. The daylilies were both sprouted and well packaged. The blue mist shrub, even though in only a 4" pot, has a sturdy woody stem and is branched out with many leaves. I am very pleased both with their service (particularly in crediting in full an item that was only 1/3 "defective") and the items themselves.

Finally, I have to say that I order via mail frequently and of all the companies I have ordered from, Wayside goes to the most trouble to pack nursery stock well for travel. Daylilies were wrapped in raffia and plastic. The potted plants both had raffia above the soil to conserve moisture, and both pots were very secure in the package.

I will certainly order from them again.

I ordered two butterfly bushes, a Sambucas and leptodermis oblonga. Although I paid the same price for each of the butterfly bushes, one arrived in a very small container and was very scrawny and lopsided. The other was larger, wilted, and also lopsided. The leptodermis oblonga was dried out. The Sambucas was alright, but much smaller than I expected. Overall, I was disappointed.

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I have located your order and I am in the process of reviewing your information. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you shortly. We will make every effort to resolve this issue.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com
"

I ordered 2 Mandevilla laxa from this company online. The transaction was easy. The cost was around $60 for two one-gallon containers. They arrived packaged well, however when I got them out I was surprised to see one of the plants had literally ONE leaf! It looked so sad I could hardly believe I paid over $30 for it. It (the leaf) was also quite brownish yellow! The other plant looks satisfactory, but very thin. I think it has a good chance of surviving with a lot of TLC. I'm hoping to bring the one-leafer back to a happy existence as well. We'll see how it goes....for now I'll stay neutral, but I will not order from here again.

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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
JJohnson@parkseed.com"

I called Wayside today. I was going to place an order for $277.95 and I asked if I could get the 20% discount that they advertise on their catalog. I was told no, because I don't have a catalog as I was ordering on line. I would have thought that she would have given me the discount if I gave the order to her. I was incorrect. I'll purchase these plants elsewhere!

Jan

I ordered a number of Azazelas, Roses, Clematis, and a multi-colored Spirea. The Azaleas are doing fine, but two of the roses were dead, and the others, while alive, are faring poorly. The Clematis also died, as did the Spirea. I emailed them, they gave me a merch credit for the two roses, which were out of stock, and sent replacements for the spirea and the clemates -- the spir. is much smaller than the original they sent, one of the clemates is dead, one looking as if it's going to kick the dust any day now, and one's fine. All in all, lots of hassle for very little reward, and with their hefty prices, that's not good enough. Silke Weineck

Plants were well-packed. I was a bit concerned about one of the bare root plants, but with a little water, it looks like it will take off fine and there were three separate plants for the one I ordered. The catalog is obviously inspiring and I found customer service to be prompt and helpful. The quality of plants wasdefinitely in the range of highly rated nurseries

I purchased a 1 gallon "Endless Summer" hydrangea from Wayside Gardens. It was beautiful, healthy and larger than I expected. It has been a great addition to my garden! I will definitely be buying from Wayside Gardens again.

I was a first time customer, and was impressed by the catalog since the plants looked unique.
I placed an order for some perennials several weeks ago. When I spoke to the customer service reprentative, I was assured that the plants would be shipped beginning of May.
Since that time, I have spoken to customer service a few times, and each time I receive a different story. Add to this I also recieved an email that an out-of-stock item was now available, I called only to find that it was a "computer error". It's not so much the delay that bothers me, it's the fact that the customer service people all give you a different answer when you call (i.e. it's going next week, the nursery supervisor is handling this and it should go soon, that will not be going for a long time) All of these are responses I got for the same order. Since they cannot even foresee when they expect to ship my order (even though I have been charged for it months ago) I finally just cancelled the entire order. I was unpleasantly surprised at the lack of service from this company.

In late March 2005 I purchased a Davidia Sonoma or Dove Tree with a 2 year extended guarantee. The plant was sold as being small and I felt it was prudent to extend the guarantee for the extra year. It arrived, was planted, and cared for, and increased in size.I was so pleased. It was going to be old enough to bloom this year. It has never put out leaves this year and the buds are dry and dead. I called Wayside today with all my order information and was disappointed to be told my guarantee expired in March of 2007. I explained that I could not have anticipated this happening and I had hoped the guarantee on a decidious tree that is shipped dormant would be for it to leaf-out for two years.In my area it has been cool I was hoping for the best. Since this 18"-24" tree cost me $99.95+shipping, I felt miss-led that the extended guarantee ended on the specific date, I would not have purchased it, for the additional $7.50.I guess if I ever were to order from them agin I would only do it if I could specify shipping date.

Folks,
First, let ne say that I wish that I had read these comments before I ordered from Wayside Gardens. Also, it appears that the folks at Wayside are very quick to respond to the comments posted here, way quicker than shipping orders promptly or notifying customers of problems and/or backorders.
Now to my story, I ordered several items from Wayside sometime in early April, at that time I was told that my items would arrive in a couple of weeks. I phoned Wayside around may 1st to check on the order and found that my order was waiting on a backorder, I had received no communication from Wayside other than more e-Newsletters hawking more plants that I should purchase. I phoned them again this AM, and instructed them to ship whatever they had, if my order was waiting on "free stuff" please don't send me any free items, and to substitute items of equal quality and price for those that I had paid for, and that they had charged my VISA for. I instructed them to remove my name from all of their mailing lists and their e-Mailing list. The person to whom I spoke was very pleasant, but I had to insist to speak to a managerial person in order to accomplish what has been described. I also asked them to phone my 82 yo mother, who sent me a present to be marked "Happy Easter" that also has not arrived and neither has the remainder of her order. It has been over an hour and my mom has yet to be called by Wayside personell!!
I feel that the only person at Wayside who is interested in excellent job performance is the Photographer who takes their excellent photos.
Their "customer service" personell should advise that there are un-fillable orders or backorders when a customer places the order. This was my first and last order with Wayside.....bottom line they are all show and glitz and no substance!!!!
Thank you, Dave, for the opportunity and a forum for folks to get their viewpoint out.
I would not recommend Wayside to anyone, and if you must order from them insist on the availability of the item of your interest.
Glenn Klima
New Milton, WV

"

I have located your order and I am in the process of reviewing your information. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you via e-mail shortly. We will make every effort to resolve this issue.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com"

We placed our order with Wayside Gardens on March 4th (Order # 4596882 if anyone from Wayside is reading this). According to their website they start shipping to Zone 6 on March 19. We ordered three roses (one bareroot), a hydrangea, and a kerria japonica. After checking our order a few times on their website we inquired on April 28th why nothing has been shipped. The response? - "Order is under review by nursery manager". Huh? I sent another email and I called - same reply - that the nursery manager is holding up the shipment because the plants are not strong enough to be shipped. (??) I said - it's May, when do you think these plants are going to be strong enough? No explanation.
Wayside shipped a part of our order last week and we received two bareroot roses on May 12th. Will all due respect to Wayside nursery manager - we don't think that mid-May is the best time to plant a bareroot rose. Let's hope they'll survive.

We are still waiting for the rest of our order to be shipped.

"

I have located your order and I am in the process of reviewing your information. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you via e-mail shortly. We will make every effort to resolve this issue.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com"

I place an order in early April for a variety of perennials and one hydrangea. After receiving email advertisments from Wayside that "shipping for my zone has started", I called to see why my order had not shipped. They informed at that one of the perennials I ordered was now backordered and they were holding the entire order for fall shipping. No email or anything to inform me of this. So, I cancelled the order for the one item that was backordered and they said the rest of my order would ship. They shipped in on Thursday 5/3 using DHL and USPS. I did not receive it until Thursday 5/10. The bareroot perennials seem fine. The hydrangea was unfortuntely totally dried up. The dirt had emptied out of the tiny plastic pot and all of the leaves on the hydrangea had shriveled up and turned brown. So I called the customer service line. They asked if I had scratched the stem to see if it was still alive and to give it 4-6 weeks to see it came around and then call them back.

"

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
JJohnson@parkseed.com"

Ordered 4 plants. Website is no help on updates and customer service knows nothing either ( although very polite about it) After waiting 6 weeks and being told they would ship, was told all 4 plants would be released in the fall! Was I supposed to wait? Supervisor was very nice and even called back the next day to advise me of my credit being done. I had ordered last year with no problems but I'm done with them now.

"

I have located your order and I am in the process of reviewing your information. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you via e-mail shortly. We will make every effort to resolve this issue.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com"

I ordered, among other plants, 3 apple-trees and
some primroses. All arrived in a timely fashion, but
small, dessicated, and impossible to revive. I wrote and returned them; I'm still [2.5 months later] awaiting a response.

In the same order I paid for a KnockOut rosebush for $20; I received received a much smaller, $10 plant and a store credit for the difference [no credit for the postage I paid]. The bush I received was inadequate; why would I want a credit to shop further with the store-credit? The store epresentative "can't," he says, change their policy.

Bad plants, worse customer service.
Tacky.
I wish I had read the responses here before ordering.
I wish there were a category worse than "negative" here.

"

I have located your order and I am in the process of reviewing your information. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you via e-mail shortly. We will make every effort to resolve this issue.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com"

Order #4747162, Poor order handling, unresponsive to emails and phone calls, 12 hours becomes 2 days, shipping DHL which turns into Postal service, worst online experience I've ever had. First and last order. Ordered 4/25 still waiting, Never again. I noticed after reading several of these comments that the rebuttal looks rather a standard statement. Too bad I didn't check here before placing my order.

"

I have located your order and I am in the process of reviewing your information. I would like you to know that I will be contacting you via e-mail shortly. We will make every effort to resolve this issue.

Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
JJohnson@parkseed.com"

I ordered 6 hardy starburst ice plants, (delosperma floribundum) and these plants performed well during the first summer. However they did not survive the winter. I am in zone 6, and this plant is rated by Wayside from 4-9.

I inquired with the company, and got the canned response previously posted by others on this thread. Like others, I was surprised at the changed guarantee.

So I asked "what would be 'proper winter care'? this plant is supposed to be very hardy. There were no specific instructions on this, but most of the plants were mulched, all in very sunny spots"

Their response said to mulch and water as needed. (note this plant is a desert succulent, thus watering in a pgh winter?) c'mon guys, does not even look like they thought about the answer or the plant in question.

I have found another website, that classifies this plant as hardy in zones 9-11 to be perennial. Additional research has also suggested that this plant will not survive the wet winters we usually have.

Needless to say, I will pass on Wayside in the future.

"

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
JJohnson@parkseed.com"

I placed an order in March. Six weeks and three phone calls later, the plants still had not arrived, despite my being told that shipping had indeed begun for my zone. Customer service was less than responsive, and my promised phone call from a supervisor never happened. The last time I called, I finally spoke to someone who told me that they could not guarantee when any of the plants would ship -- although I had been charged for all of them. I cancelled the order, and now, rather than spending my free time planting, have wasted the time on the phone with Wayside Gardens and tracking down these plants at other nurseries.

"

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
JJohnson@parkseed.com"

I bought a new house last summer, and spent much of last fall (and now this spring) landscaping the front and back yards. I ordered most of my landscaping plants from Wayside. Every plant I received arrived in excellent condition, on well-sized plants. Some plants I kept indoors during the winter, but I can safely say that all of them survived our snowier than usual winter. I just received 13 bare root roses and two Magnolias, all in excellent condition. I am particularly pleased with the Magnolias, because I ordered them last fall and they were unavailable at that time, so I was surprised to see that Wayside carried over that order to the spring shipping schedule and delivered them anyway. The Magnolias are much larger than I anticipated and look ready to bloom. Way to go, Wayside!!!