The scoop on 'Annie's Annuals'

Feedback History and Summary   80 positives 9 neutrals 5 negatives

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Rating Author Content Positive tkmkam (7 reviews) On October 18, 2008, tkmkam Jacksonville, FL wrote: In researching to find a particular plant, my husband and I stumbled across Annie's Annuals on Dave's website. In viewing her fabulous photos of her plants and tour photos of her gardens, we decided to place an order. The good reviews made our decision pretty easy. What a wonderful first time experience with Annie's. Our 6 plant shipment arrived in 4 days. The plants were some of the largest and healthiest we have ever received from mail order and we purchase very frequently as we convert our large property into our own garden tour. Don't let the 4inch pot size hinder your purchase. Our healthy lush plants were very large and tumbling over the sides. Thanks Annie, we will be returning very soon for add'l plants to get them in the ground now for a jump start on spring growth. This was an excellent experience and we wanted to share. Negative sammiebritt (3 reviews) On September 7, 2008, sammiebritt Deltona, FL wrote: unfortunately i have had problems with annies plants dying within a couple of days. they were nice enough to send a gift certificate of $20. out of 2 orders total 15 plants, i have 3 that survived. i am not an inexperienced gardener and have plants from numerous companies that have done great. sorry but no more annies for me. Positive petropam (1 review) On September 4, 2008, petropam Santa Maria, CA wrote: I have shopped Annie's Annuals for a very long time and find myself returning over and over again for unusual and rare plants to add to my garden. I have always received fresh, well rooted, healthy plants. The plants come packed in strong, well designed boxes that are really excellent at protecting the plants from damage. I have even been surprised by a free plant in my box to fill a hole! Her office staff is the best! They are knowledgeable, efficient and friendly. I love the "Wish List" feature she has. I use it all the time to save plants I want for later purchases or that are just not available at this time so I will be notified when they are. A wonderful feature. Each week I hear from Annie's letting me know which plants are now available. Her web site is very user-friendly and informal. You can look up plants several different ways, buy them then or add them to your "Wish List". The naration about the plants is very informative about soil conditions, sun, shade, water requirements, how the plant performs, what looks good with it, etc. Checking out is easy too. Annie's Annuals is my favorite web site and I highly recommend it. Positive Gardening_Jim (4 reviews) On August 30, 2008, Gardening_Jim Vancouver, WA wrote: I have placed 2 orders with Annie's Annuals and all the plants sent to me were of a good size and healthy. I will order from them again. Positive slatwood (4 reviews) On August 22, 2008, slatwood Sun City, AZ (Zone 9b) wrote: Have twice ordered multiple plants from Annie's. Both times, the packaging, while it looked like industry standard, produced healthy, vibrant plants that looked like she'd just misted them for me last night. Great Product! Positive cmossx (1 review) On August 11, 2008, cmossx El Cajon, CA wrote: I'm up to at least 40 plants from Annie's and have stopped using any other mail order source for live plants. Most of the plants have thrived here in the inland valley of San Diego county. The packaging is superb and not hard to figure out how to remove the plants. You get what you pay for when ordering from Annie's. Positive darsey (2 reviews) On August 8, 2008, darsey Richmond, TX wrote: > > I just want to say THANK YOU. I have never received healthier, more > beautiful plants from a mail order. > > I usually do not mail order plants for that reason but could not > resist trying your exciting stock. > > The packaging was phenomenal, arrived in perfect shape and nothing was > the least bit dry or shifted. > > And what a surprise, FREEBIES!!!! It just does not get any better. I > have never had a more pleasant > > experience with mail order, from anyone. I look forward to watching > my plants grow and bloom, as > > well as ordering from you folks in the future. > > Again, thank you so very much. Keep up the great work, it is much > appreciated. > > > > Positive markrs (4 reviews) On July 25, 2008, markrs Sunnyvale, CA wrote: This is based entirely on a visit to Annie's in Richmond, CA. I have not ordered from them by mail. I had seen a tiny selection of Annie's plants in the local nursery, and also gathered from internet sources that they had a variety of annuals as well as perennials. Recently returned to the area, I had been meaning to take a trip at some point but hadn't. Then I developed an interest in finding a certain plant--Solanum quitoense or Naranjilla, a plant from the Andes known for its tasty fruit. Only a couple places in the country seem to sell it. So I made a trip. I would emphasize to begin with that I am less interested in annuals than perennials, and more interested in plants that are unusual rather than just beautiful. So you might think that Annie's is not the place for me. Not so. Well, I was overwhelmed at first--the place is HUGE. A salesperson quickly helped me locate my plant, listed online at $8.95. I soon noticed another interesting plant and asked the salesperson the price--he directed me to the sign that showed the code for plant tag color and price. This other plant AND the Solanum quitoense were $4.25 each. Moreover, they were on sale, 20% off, so $3.40 instead of the $8.95 I had expected to pay. Needless to say, I found more plants to spend my money on. I ended up spending 2 1/2 hours there and probably even missed a few sections. My total take, 7 plants for (only) $26: Actinidia arguta ‘Issai’, Coccinea quinqueloba, Echium hybrid "Mr. Happy", Eryngium tripartitum, Orostachys iwarenge, Solanum pyracanthum and Solanum quitoense. All of these are perennials in 4 inch pots, in need of planting or repotting. I was very pleased. While Annie's is a general nursery, you can't go there expecting to find everything--for example orchids. However, there are some surprises--for example either Annie or one of her staff is a big, big fan of species Impatiens. I did ask one employee how many plants were on sale at the moment--he did a quick calculation and came up with an estimate of close to a thousand. I can't compare them to specialty nurseries, but as general nurseries go, they are THE best I've been to. I almost felt like I was in a great botanical garden with everything on sale--for cheap. Definitely worth a visit if you are ever in the SF Bay Area. Plan to spend a lot of time. Note to the people from Annie's: I noticed your Echium 'Mr. Happy' was for sale at our local nursery, but without the photo and description. I suspect some suburbanites will be in for a surprise... Positive BCGe (5 reviews) On July 17, 2008, BCGe Frederick, MD wrote: Nice well packed plants promptly shipped. Many unusual items, Positive asafla (7 reviews) On July 14, 2008, asafla Palm Harbor, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: I've ordered from Annie's a few times. The plants come so well packed that I have to take at least a half hour to get them out! The plants are very robust and do well! I had one plant that was broken and when I emailed about the care they replied promptly and sent me a gift certificate! I will continue shopping with them! Positive iluvdirt (2 reviews) On June 18, 2008, iluvdirt Silverlake, WA (Zone 7a) wrote: Plants arrived in excellent condition. Packaged securely and had nice moist rootballs.Was very impressed! Will most definately order from Annie's again! Positive whiskeracres (3 reviews) On May 30, 2008, whiskeracres Hinsdale, NH wrote: I LOVE what I ordered. This was my first time ordering and I thought I was buying seeds. When the package arrived I got a wonderful surprise.. HUGE live Plants!! I will definitely be a repeat customer!! Positive wickerparker (10 reviews) On May 23, 2008, wickerparker Chicago, IL (Zone 5b) wrote: The plant selection at Annie's is incredible, and the website, with its wishlist function and slide shows to offer temptation, etc., is superb. And my three boxes of plants arrived here in Chicago two days after ordering. I do have to say, though, that I'm not at all a fan of their packaging system. It's very secure for shipping, and the plants arrived in good shape. But I found it a real chore to get them out of the box without damaging them, and then to get the plastic off of them without losing the potting soil. Other companies, in my experience, do it much much better. My rating is still positive, though, because of everything else they do right. Positive 635931998 (1 review) On May 17, 2008, 635931998 Corvallis, OR wrote: I have been repeatedly impressed and pleased with the quality of the plants I have ordered from Annie's. As many have commented, the plants arrive beautifully and securely packaged, looking as vital as ones I purchased in gallon containers at my local nurseries. The service has been extraordinarily efficient and their wishlist has made it easy to obtain plants that weren't available at the time of my initial order. Having gardened for over 20 years on both coasts and having utilized mail order nurseries, their plants far exceed the quality of any other on either coast, save for ForestFarm (one of the top 30 list). They are clear about the native habit of the plants and the zone/conditions that the plants do best in. As for cost of shipping, yes it is high, but if divided out over the number of plants, I have found that each plant doesn't end up being much more than plants I buy locally. For the quality and diversity, it's worth it! They will be the first site I visit each season! Thanks loads Annie and staff. Positive pansypassion (1 review) On May 14, 2008, pansypassion Altadena, CA wrote: I have absolutely LOVED the plants as well as the service I have received from Annie's Annuals. I first saw their plants at the nurseries I haunt, and was thrilled to find out that they had a website and that I could order from them! I have done so now twice, and I couldn't be happier with their service as well as their products. The plants arrived very well packaged, all arrived alive, the shipping and arrival dates were honored, the plants are happily growing in my garden..... I just can't say enough good things. If I am ever in the Richmond area, I will be sure to stop in. If you are looking for hard to find plants that will look great in your cottage garden, this is the site for you. I will certainly order from them again. Positive kgbgrafix (1 review) On April 29, 2008, kgbgrafix San Francisco, CA wrote: Outstanding customer service. Of course the plants are gorgeous. Mine arrive beautifully packaged and ready for planting, but after planting several failed to thrive. I contacted Annie's Annuals Customer Service and they instantly offered to send new plants for FREE. Then we went back and forth figuring out a delivery time that would insure the plants arrived at my convenience. The people I dealt with were professional, friendly, and a pleasure to work with. I'll shop there again and again. Now my new plants have arrived, they are in the ground and doing great. Thank you Annie's Annuals! Positive downscale_babe (23 reviews) On March 28, 2008, downscale_babe surfside beach, SC (Zone 8b) wrote: Shipping to the East Coast is high but it sure is worth the money.The plants arrived very quickly (air) and looked as if I had just been to the nursery and picked them up myself.They probably would have received more damage in my car. The size of the plants really impressed me.All the plants I picked are unique and I am very pleased with them. Think of all the money I saved on gas! Positive knotz (3 reviews) On March 26, 2008, knotz Kelso, WA wrote: I received my first order from Annie's Annuals today...The plants are FANTASTIC!!...In great health, big sized and packaged great...I will ABSOLUTELY be ordering from her again...Thanks Annie!! On April 4th, 2008, knotz added the following: I received my 2nd order from them on April 2nd, 08...Another perfect order...This place is awesome!!...I\'m holding myself back from not ordering again so soon!! Positive cscovel (1 review) On March 21, 2008, cscovel Ladera Ranch, CA wrote: I've been ordering from Annie's for over a year now. I moved and started a new garden - left my old, established one behind : = { ! I've ordered from many other mail order catalogs and was ALWAYS disappointed. Small, unhealthy plants arrived over and over again and very few survived once in the ground. I've been gardening for years and know what will work where, so it was not from lack of experience or knowledge that I had failures! Each plant I receive from Annie's is extremely healthy and with only one exception, are thriving. I called Annie's about the one that did die in the first couple of weeks last fall and Judy told me they would replace it when they got thier crop back in this Spring. Without me even callling them, they were right on top of it and I received the replacement with the first new crop of the season. When I have a question I email Claire and she is always so helpful and quick to respond. She has the patience of a saint! I've had nothing but excellent service from Annie's. As far as the shipping costs go, I live in Southern California and they ship them out to me overnight. I don't feel the shipping is overly expensive considering the quality of the plants, condition upon arrival and speed of delivery. $13.95 is a great price if you put in a full order, or even half an order. I can order a bra from Victoria's Secret that weights about an ounce and the shipping is the same - and it takes a week or more to recieve it. Also, on the description of the plants the web site is specific as to what zones the plants will grow in. If you live on the East Coast, some will not over winter. Annie's grows plants in Southern California and sells what grows here and if you are in the zone she recommends, you'll be fine. Bottom line, I'm soooooo thrilled with the selection, customer service and quality of the plants that I can't say enough good things about them. I only wish I lived closer to Annie's Annuals - however, we may not have money for food and utilities if I did! Annie's Annuals is THE BEST - bar none, in my opinion! Positive cjc1 (3 reviews) On March 18, 2008, cjc1 Chino, CA wrote: Wonderful plants, seemed a little pricey but when I received them I was pleasantly surprised at the size of the plants, how healthy they were, large root systems, and packed extremely well. They were delivered super fast too. I order through a lot of mail order sites and this is definately going to be one I'll use again. Lots of plants not found on other sites. Check them out! Neutral pixiesadelle (4 reviews) On March 15, 2008, pixiesadelle San Diego, CA wrote: After getting the Summer '08 catalog, I spent a good while picking out my top eight choices (to fit in the first tier of shipping prices--a hefty 14 bucks). Although a few of my choices included the statement, "Available in March," the others said nothing about availability. To make a long story short, it's March 15th, and only one of the eight I picked out is available. I couldn't believe it as I sat down to order and one after another came up unavailable for purchase. The catalog describes itself as "plant porn," which is pretty accurate. It's a big tease. Positive kicourtyard (2 reviews) On March 15, 2008, kicourtyard San Jose, CA wrote: Their plants are so HEALTHY and the people are so NICE!! I just placed my third orders. I am hooked with Annie’s and could not help it because they have so many rare and beautiful plants. I wanted to have Passiflora Membranacea for over six months. I didn’t expect that my wish come true but put it on my wish list at Annie’s. They sent me email that the plant was available and I purchased. I think their order system is GREAT. I can choose shipping date. A couple other catalog order places I used, I will never know when they ship my order. Due to my house upgrading construction, I asked them to change (delay) shipping date and they did so. The plants arrived so healthy looking with their love how much they care plants. That’s the way I feel. Extra care and soil with each plant cost more shipping but it is better to receive healthy plants. I live in San Jose so I could drive to Richmond but I am ordering from their website. Gas is expensive and they use special courier service, so I think their s/h is reasonable. As my construction still delaying, I tentatively plant them in a separate container. However, they started wilting and I got so worry. Then I sent email asking their advice. They replied immediately and asked me to send a picture so they could see the condition. I could not believe how nice they are. Positive msonmezay (8 reviews) On March 12, 2008, msonmezay Mission Hills, CA wrote: I got my order of plants bright and early this morning! They were well packed, and healthy looking. I was so happy to find a quality mail order nursery in California. I don't know how I got on their mailing list for their catalog, but I am glad someone signed me up for it or I never would have known about them. I plan to order again. I am very happy with my plants. Neutral robcorreia (11 reviews) On February 28, 2008, robcorreia San Diego, CA (Zone 10b) wrote: I have ordered twice with them and want more! Love the way they describe the plants and I love to know those plants will all thrive here in CA. On June 6th, 2008, robcorreia changed the rating from positive to neutral and added the following: I have already ordered twice from Annie\'s. I do have to change my rating due to their bad customer service. Upon my first order, I emailed them asking about the best location for two of the plants in my order. I received a response a month later or so, and of course it was too late and those two plants weren\'t doing good at all. My most recent email was a few weeks ago, inquiring about their shipping fees ( I wanted to place a third order but one of the items I wanted wasn\'t available yet), and I never heard back from them. You know what, there are A LOT of mail order nurseries out there, and every single one made a point to respond to any inquires I have made in the past. Too bad, their plants are nice but I must feel like a valued customer in order to STAY a customer. Neutral bmuller (19 reviews) On November 7, 2007, bmuller Albuquerque, NM (Zone 7a) wrote: I love the website--and the fact that Annie's carries (some of the time) plants that are difficult to find elsewhere. I recently ordered (from them, online) a salvia saggitata that is thriving in a sunny window until I can transplant it outside when the weather is warm enough. It's a healthy plant; I hope I can keep it that way. HOWEVER, the reason this response is a "neutral" rather than a "positive" is that when I ordered the saggitata, I also ordered a salvia semiatrata that had been listed as "available" but did NOT receive it in my shipment. It apparently was no longer available, but I was not told this until my shipment had arrived. (In fact, Annie's had sent me an email notifying me of the availability of both plants, and there was no indication when I ordered the plants that one of them was no longer available.) Considering the high shipping costs, I would not have ordered the sagittata, had I known the semiatrata wouldn't be included for that shipping cost. I may order from them again--but not without first calling to insure that all the plants I'm ordering really are available. Positive majuscule (2 reviews) On November 2, 2007, majuscule Bloomfield, CT wrote: Wonderful plants and wonderful service. The plants I received were vigorous and took right off. I especially like the "wish list" feature on the website for items that are not in stock. You get and email when the plants are available. I like Annie's attitude! Positive purplepatti (4 reviews) On October 21, 2007, purplepatti Anaheim, CA wrote: I have purchased plants from Annie's several times over the last 6-8 months and have been very, very pleased with each and every one. Beautiful, large and healthy. The shipping charges are a little high, and I live in California....but, their shipping boxes have cut out cardboard forms for a snug fit inside and that makes the plants secure for shipping. Each plant has it's own plastic bag around the soil and then it's placed into the pot. Nice large boxes and air holes too. Since I've had two bad experiences with shipping I can appreciate a good thing when I see it. I don't mind paying a little extra for a lot beautiful plants when I open the box. Very quick delivery. I will continue to order from this company. It is nice to have a local place to buy their high quality plants too. Roger's Gardens in Corona Del Mar has started selling Annie's plants and Roger's Gardens is awesome! Positive lostintexas (6 reviews) On September 8, 2007, lostintexas Abilene, TX (Zone 7b) wrote: First off, I just love Annie's Annuals Website. It is very charming and easy on the eyes. It is just fun to browse through. I ordered three plants from Annie as recently as the first of last week and have already received the plants. They were in excellent condition, wrapped up very well. The plants were easily identifiable as what I ordered (believe me sometimes I get plants that I don't know what the heck they are and they are not even labeled). These were labeled appropriately but I could identify the plants easily as they were a good size and one of them was blooming. I have gone to Annie's several times to browse. I do believe this is the first time I have ordered and am extremely happy with the experience. Also, I think the information given on each plant on the website is very helpful. Plants are wonderfully marked as annual or perennial. I found a lot of annuals I would love to have but just don't want to grow annuals so there was no way I could order the wrong type of plant as she has them so well identified. Great experience and would definitely shop here again. Positive congminglaoshi (16 reviews) On August 25, 2007, congminglaoshi Tuckahoe, NY wrote: I just visited the nursery in person, and found it to be a wonderful place with a lot of interesting plants at very good prices--please note, though, that local prices are significantly lower than mailorder prices(a few rare plants are color coded at 10.00, all the rest range from 3.25 to 5.25). Since I live in the East, I would find it difficult to justify mailorder from them, unless I was desperate to get a particular plant, due to excessive postage and much higher prices on the plants than locals pay. However, Annie's Annuals is a must see stop for the serious horticultural tourist when visiting the Bay area. The neighborhood is not one of the better areas of California, to be sure (though I suspect that in the future it will develop like everything around it has), but parking is secure, and there are lovely displays within the huge, fenced in, nursery area. Containers overflow with stunning, colorful plants, and a garden shows off many other choice plants. Bring a camera. The selection is hardly just annuals--they have potted South African bulbous species, California natives (including endangered ones), many salvias, an amazing group of rare impatiens species, including the Tibetan blue impatiens, and quite a number of perennials that are good winter hardy sorts that would grow in the East as well as in Cali. I even got myself a yellow form of Brugmansia sanguinea (I like challenges, and it will be one in my area), and a Balbisia (try finding that elsewhere), among many other goodies. Like many nurseries, there is more to see than even the extensive online catalogue indicates. One thing I particularly like is that plants are in small four inch square pots, making transport (or mailing) back home (for the tourist) easy. Many nurseries in Cali seem to start at the one gallon size, which is great for locals, but not for visitors. My only wish is that either their mailorder plant prices were the same as local prices and/or their postage charges more reflective of actual mailing costs, but I can also understand that the extra labor and time involved in preparing such orders (vs customers just walking in and picking up what they want) may make them not want to encourage huge numbers of mailorders. They certainly must have enough local customers. In sum, if you are in the area, put Annie's Annuals on your must visit list, you will be glad you did. Positive drdon (5 reviews) On June 1, 2007, drdon Temecula, CA (Zone 8b) wrote: The best and most fun folks around. We're big customers and we just adore the nursery and the plants. Either by mail order or shopping at the nursery Annie's is a real treat! Positive nyankitty (1 review) On May 28, 2007, nyankitty Portland, OR wrote: A co-worker gave me the Annie's catalog this spring. I studied the catalog for days, seeking the things I can't find around here, marking the perennials that will survive in zone 8. The catalog had helpful information in there among all the gushing descriptions! (I also enjoy the website. I've saved a lot on my wishlist -- much better than keeping random piles of notes about interesting flowers.) My plants arrived right on time in great condition. They have already settled in to their spots in the garden and are growing quickly. I will be ordering again soon, no doubt! Positive gd501 (1 review) On May 16, 2007, gd501 Dearborn Heights, MI wrote: I placed an order last friday and had setup a shipping date of this monday May 14th 2007 and I recieved my plants today May 16th 2007 just like there website said I would. I am very impressed with 3 of the 4 plants I received, they were much larger and healthier than I had expected. The 4th plant was significantly smaller, but that may be all they have of that type. Either way so far Im totally happy, would recommend this site. On June 23rd, 2007, gd501 added the following: I did a happy dance yesterday and today. Three of the plants I order have started to bloom. The plants went from being less than 8\" when I got them in the mail to over 3\' tall in just over 30 Days!! Also between the three plants there are almost 30 buds! And on the forth plant I ordered there is atleast 10 flowers and another 30-40 buds on it, that ones called a Solar Fire (Ursinia anthemoides) this is an extremely pretty plant, too bad its an annual ;( Hopefully it seeds! Neutral CarpePacem (3 reviews) On May 13, 2007, CarpePacem wrote: The plants I ordered were listed online as available, and I expected their arrival a few days ago. However, I received a customer service answering machine message, saying that they were NOT available. Called back to discuss. Told the person who'd left the message that she'd called and I was returning the call. She responded, "I DID?" When I asked if a particular plant could be substituted, she answered, "Maybe they're available." Had to ask for her to check. Long story short: No apology for having listed the plants as available when they were not, or for the delay in shipping. We'll see how the plants are when they arrive sometime next week. Hopefully, they'll wildly outperform the customer service and live up to the good reviews on this site :o) On May 18th, 2007, CarpePacem added the following: UPDATE: Plants arrived on the scheduled date (addressed to my surname and someone ELSE\'S first name :o) A few missing leaves, but otherwise nice, fat, healthy-looking plants. With tax and shipping, I paid about $12 something per plant, so hope they thrive spectacularly. Positive BWebster (1 review) On April 27, 2007, BWebster Costa Mesa, CA (Zone 10a) wrote: Granted the shipping is expensive, but the products are exceptional. So too is their customer service. Annie's Annuals provides prompt, carefully packaged shipping, has answered all my questions, and even provided recommendations regarding fertilizing and what plant will work best in my garden. As a newbie container gardener, I appreciate their support and feedback. Since Annie's products are expensive, I'm simply learning to be discriminating about what I choose and ask questions (which they answer) before I order if I'm uncertain. I am extremely happy with Annie's. So are my plants. As a side note, I would like to say that there was a UPS problem with one of my orders and the plants were lost. No fault of Annie's; nevertheless, they are replacing the missing plants anyway at no cost to me. Now that's first class service. Positive Susi_So_Callif (2 reviews) On April 24, 2007, Susi_So_Callif Vista, CA (Zone 10a) wrote: A wonderful nursery to visit in person, and very informative website. I visited in October 2006, selected my plants, and had them shipped to me. They arrived on schedule BEAUTIFULLY packed - best packing job I've ever seen. Will definitely order again. Positive flowerfloosey (2 reviews) On April 4, 2007, flowerfloosey Sonora, CA wrote: The complaints here from the East are like mine from Wayside Gardens. I have had many too many failures from them. I live in California and go to the San Fransicso Flower and Garden show every year where Annie has a booth. I look forward to Annie's every year! I have had problems with the poppies damping off in a very wet year but have had success transplanting them from their pots before. I love your catalogue too..it really shows the passion that a lot of us plant collectors and avid gardeners get from successful flower gardening. Keep up the good work Annie! As far as you from the East....maybe Wayside Gardens is your cup of tea! Positive Murmur (3 reviews) On March 25, 2007, Murmur Whidbey Island, WA (Zone 7a) wrote: I really can't say enough - I was absolutely thrilled both with the plants themselves and with the packaging. I order online all the time and generally have fairly good luck with most everyone, but Annie's was so impressive I was stunned. The pots are all four inchers, the plants are more mature than what one often gets in an online order. The packaging kept the plants safe and just moist enough. The catalog is a big gushy, but I find myself wanting to gush over the plants anyway! I've been thumbing through it and am ready to order another bunch - can't wait. Out of 10 stars, I give Annie's at least 15! Positive PBewley (1 review) On March 23, 2007, PBewley Mill Valley, CA wrote: I LOVE THIS COMPANY. You have read the positives: Plant selection, packing, healthy plants. The plants from this company have prospered in my garden like no other. But I feel I must resond to the comments about the "tone" of the catalog. For those who disregard the gushing, enthusiastic tone, I will tell you that gardening can be a way to happiness, and our involvement does not need to be so dour. It is MAGIC. Magic in the unexpected, the unusual, the beautiful. The trial and error that leads to a renewed understanding of perfection. It is not about being cool, hip or sophisticated. Gardening is about bringing joy to ourselves and to our loved ones, and bringing nature into our lives. Celebrating. Giving. Love. And that is what matters. And that is what is capured in this catalog like no other. I spent my childhood with my Aunt Joan creating a meadow garden on a windswept bluff on the rugged Mendocino coast that had to endure salt spray winds, deer, and gophers. Not everthing we planted survived. But determination, imagination, and hope kept us going. And it was magic. Amazing! So I appreciate this company; the integrity, the plantsmanship, and yes, the sense of fun and wonder. Negative timfoss445 (3 reviews) On March 17, 2007, timfoss445 Linden, MI (Zone 5a) wrote: California to Michigan... $28 dollars for shipping of one impatien that I wanted for my collection. Are you kidding me! I have sent almost 60 lbs of scuba equipment to California and it was a little over 30 bucks. In the words of Mr. Jackson, Annie are you OK? Are you OK Annie? I wont support that kind of business and neither should you. Maybe if there mail order drops off they will get the hint and stop slamming people with rediculous shipping charges. Positive mrs_colla (23 reviews) On March 9, 2007, mrs_colla Marin, CA (Zone 9b) wrote: I ordered plants and they arrived here the same week! I looked on the website, and found plants I never heard about! I looked them up in my many plant books, and a lot of them are not in books! Unique plants you won't find in your regular nursery, plants that nobody around you has! That alone is very exciting! The plants are very well packed and have good roots! I was a bit scared to order small pots, I've been burned by small pots before ( even smaller plants in them with practically non existing roots) but these are wonderful! I also like the fact that they are grown outside. I live not too far from the nursery, and I can relax knowing they will not get in a shock when planted, and I don't need to pamper them in order for them to survive! I am planting them today, ask me for pictures in a month or two! Thank you Annie, it is what I hoped for, I will order again! Christie

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