Comments regarding Breck's (Canada)

I mail order perennials from various companies across Canada and I've found Breck's quality to be impressive and of one of the highest quality. I've ordered bulbs, rhizomes and roots and all have been robust and large, well packaged, and arrived quickly after the shipping season began. I look forward to future purchases!

The only complaint so to speak, which I have of most companies selling perennials, is that some of their hardiness ratings are off which can be important factor in a plants success and survival for folks in the colder 3-4 zones. I always cross reference a plant's hardiness zone from a few sources before purchasing as should most buyers, the same goes with buying from some nurseries and garden centers.

Cheers from Atlantic Canada

Late one night earlier this week, I was thinking that I really needed some bulbs for the garden and front yard. Flipping through a number of sites, I found that Brecks still have bulbs for sale and at the 80% discount. So I bought some tulips, muscari, hyacinths, Hardy Cyclemen and crocus...maybe 150 dollars worth (all at the 80% saving...so no way I would have spent the money for all these).

Order was place on the 10th just before midnight.
Bulbs arrived today the 13th!

When I opened the box and did a quick check of the 100's of bulbs, I only saw one that was "squishy" (a Anastasia Hyacinth)...the rest all looked good. We'll see tomorrow when I plant them.

I have ordered a number of items from Brecks over the past 8 years and while some items have been "hit and miss", I find their customer service is very good. They guarantee all their plants and while it can be frustrating to find they no longer carry some plants I want replacements for, at least they will refund my money or send me a replacement certificate. All of the bulbs I order from any mail order company I treat with a fungicide before planting and I find the success rate of them goes up. Their shipping dates could be better as I've received items after the snow is on the ground but their customer service rep said plant them - so I did. Surprisingly, most of them came up - bulbs. The peonies didn't fair as well but they refunded my for them so I am happy. The plants are well packed and usually arrive in good condition. In all, I would say my experiences with them have been positive.

I had a good experience with Breck's. I ordered a few hardy 'Robinetta' gladiolus bulbs at the beginning of August and had the estimated ship date of October 15. They ended up shipping at the end of September and even arrived before their estimated delivery date. Bulbs appear healthy and I can't wait to see them next year. I just hope they really do survive our zone 5 winters.
Even with the good experience, Breck's is not the place I would typically order fall bulbs from just because their prices are so high compared to other Canadian sources.

"On Nov 2, 2012 10:48 AM, Breck's (Canada) responded with:

We appreciate you taking the time to post. We do have a lifetime guarantee which most companies do not offer so if you ever have any problems with your bulbs just let us know."

Order 60 tulip bulbs mid-summer and Brecks advised they would be delivered mid-Octobe, which they were. Nice big fat bulbs. Can't wait to see them in the Spring.

"On Nov 2, 2012 10:21 AM, Breck's (Canada) responded with:

We appreciate your wonderful feedback. Enjoy your bulbs!"

Posted on August 13, 2010, updated October 14, 2010
Posted on August 13, 2010, updated August 13, 2010
Just finished posting about Spring Garden, but basically the same story. Placed and order Monday. Website said it would send me an email notification. Didn't get any notifications. Sent them emails - no one has replied to my emails. Will be cancelling my order.
which is a pity because I was told by a friend that Breck's was a good place. I'm not looking forward to breaking the news. The order I placed was not just for me. So I can't really let anything slide as it's not just my money that is at stake here.
I am sad to have issues with Breck's as I was so excited to be ordering from their catalogue.
Guess for the rest of the plants I was going to buy next year I will have to find other suppliers. :(

"On Aug 13, 2010 8:59 AM, Breck's (Canada) responded with:

Thank you for taking the time to post. We appreciate your feedback. A customer service representative will be contacting you for your account information. We apologize for the trouble you had with getting your email confirmation and we will have this issue checked out."