The scoop on 'Nichols Garden Nursery'

Company Profile   Nichols Garden Nursery Mailing Address: 1190 Old Salem Road NE Albany, Oregon 97321-4580 (United States) Phone: 1-800-422-3985 Fax: 1-800-231-5306 Catalog Order Page: Hyperlink Paper Catalog Cost: Free Visit Nichols Garden Nursery at: Nichols Garden Nursery in Albany, OR » E-Mail them » Visit their website Recent reviews: Past month Past 6 Months Past 12 Months Positive 0 3 3 Neutral 0 0 0 Negative 0 1 1 This company offers a variety of seeds. This company specializes in: Plants: Herbs Seeds: Vegetables Other helpful information: Accepts retail and wholesale orders Member of National Garden Bureau Signed Safe Seed Pledge

Company Comment, posted on August 09, 2003:   Nichols Garden Nursery is a family owned seed company and herb nursery located in Oregon's Willamette Valley. We are dedicated to providing quality products, service and information to home gardeners and market growers worldwide, through our extensive catalog and online store. In our more than 50 years of business we have introduced many distinctive new plants and seeds, including Elephant Garlic, true tea plants, Saffron crocus, Legend Tomato, Betty's Blue Lavender, unusual salad blends and our Ecology Lawn Mixes. We offer a continuously expanding selection of organic certified seed. Best known for our herb seeds and plants we carry over 600 varieties of vegetables, herbs and flower seed for the gardener cook. Nichols is proud to be an original signer of the Safe Seed Pledge and carries no GMO seeds. Your gardening success and customer satisfaction are our first concern.

Feedback History and Summary   46 positives No neutrals 6 negatives

Comments:

Rating Author Content Positive A12 (3 reviews) On April 24, 2009, A12 Lexington, KY wrote: I ordered several packs of seed. All arrived quickly although one variety was backordered. When I contacted them about six weeks later after not receiving the seed, I was quickly sent a replacement variety, as the seed I had originally ordered was still not available. I found the customer service to be friendly and the seeds that have been planted so far are sprouting quickly . I will order from them again in the future. Positive cannabinatea (5 reviews) On February 11, 2009, cannabinatea Mantua, OH wrote: 2/11/09.....Received my order this week....it was a small order of just seeds with a credit I had from last year.... Ordered two kinds of sunflower seeds, flower corn and sweet pea seeds.....Half of the sunflower seeds were curshed, along with a few of the flower corn seeds.....the sweet peas are a large, hard seed, so they were not damaged......Seeds were packaged in a plain manila envelope.....Perhaps, if they had been sent in a bubble wrap envelope, the seeds would not of been smashed during its postage trip.....I hope the company reads this.... charge more postage if needed to protect the seeds that are shipped....Maryanne, zone 5, Ohio On February 18th, 2009, cannabinatea changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following: 2/18/09......Just a note to thank Nichols Nursery for replacing the crushed seeds....did not realize that your staff would believe this happened...this time seeds were sent in bubble wrap....they arrived in great condition.... thank you for your time to respond to this....Maryanne,zone5, Ohio On March 23rd, 2009, cannabinatea added the following: 3/22/09......Received the Flower Corn Quadracolor seeds as a replacement for those that were crushed during shipping on my original order.......thank you very much for your patience with this order.......Maryanne, zone 5. Negative heirloompumpkin (4 reviews) On February 07, 2009, heirloompumpkin San Francisco, CA wrote: I won't be buying from them anymore. In late November 08 I placed an order with them and was told on the Order receipt that the Yard Long Red Noodle Bean was in backorder. It said, "Temp Out will Follow 2-3 Weeks". Well, I never heard from them and it's been over a month and a half so I emailed them. I had to emailed them 3 times before they email me back with some stupid comments. Now what kind of customer service is that???? Few weeks later, they finally sent me my backorder and oh my gosh I could not believe the idiots sent it in a flat envelope with no bubble wrap- DUH! So all the seeds were crushed and I emailed them. They said they would send me another packet with a better envelope. Well it's been two weeks since that last email and have not seen my backorder yet. Positive DarkEarth (4 reviews) On January 19, 2009, DarkEarth Hillsboro, OR wrote: I placed a large order the first week of January, including both seeds and bareroot plants. The next day, a Nichols rep. called me to offer to ship the seeds to me directly, as I indicated I wanted to pick up the bareroots when they're available in springtime (I live within driving distance). The seeds arrived just a couple of days later, allowing the slower-growing perennials to get an extra-early start on their first season. This isn't the first time I've purchased seed from Nichols (my father bought seed from them when I was a child), but their customer service and prompt shipping has impressed me yet again. They offer a broad range of seeds (both food and flower), and lots of heirloom varietys at reasonable prices. On February 4th, 2009, DarkEarth added the following: Update - The germination rates have been very good, I now have slightly more onion seedlings than I had planned on. :-) Positive rosiebards (1 review) On June 11, 2008, rosiebards Hartford, AL wrote: On March 15 I ordered two plants and three packets of seeds. The postage was $7.50 plus 3.95 handling. They shipped the seeds and one plant - not too much of a wait. They didn't charge me the $7.95 for the other plant, a stevia. A while later they notified me that the stevia was on back order because the plants were not strong enough to make the trip and that it would be shipped soon. By this time, I'd ordered it from another source, but didn't do anything to stop it until, on May 13, while checking my bank balance, I saw that they were charging me another shipping fee. I immediately wrote and told them that, if they were charging me shipping again, I did not want the plant. I never heard from them. A few days later, the plant arrived. I've written them again and still haven't heard from them. Each plant cost them less than three dollars shipping. I wound up paying $15.00 shipping plus the 3.95 handling. Even though the plants are beautiful and healthy, and they've always been good in the past, I won't order from them again. The cost was too high, and the service was not good. On June 14th, 2008, rosiebards added the following: On June 13 they credited $15.45 to my bank account. On June 15th, 2008, rosiebards changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following: This morning, I had a letter of apology from them. Since it took a negative review to get their attention, I really can't change it to positive, but they have finally corrected the problem very nicely. And since I've always gotten good service and good product from them in the past, my conscience tells me that I can't leave this negative. So it is being changed to neutral. On June 17th, 2008, rosiebards changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following: I have to apologize to the people at Nichol\'s. When I went to my mailbox today, I had a letter and check (which is of course being returned) from them. It was written on the tenth. That\'s before I first wrote to Garden Watchdog. I wasn\'t expecting snail mail and I just didn\'t give it enough time to get here. I am sorry. Positive karyn1 (13 reviews) On May 21, 2008, karyn1 Silver Spring, MD wrote: I was terribly disappointed with my order from Nichols Garden. I ordered a Bolivian Sunroot seedling and some Oxalis tuberosa bulbs. I was charged $11.45 S&H for these two items fully expecting the order to be shipped priority, especially because they are on the West coast and I am on the East coast. I received the order today. It was shipped USPS 1st class which was much too slow and the Bolivian Sunroot looks marginal at best. The bulbs appear fine. If it was just a bulb order 1st class shipping would have been appropriate but not for a live plant when we are several thousand miles apart. Not only that but the actual shipping charges were all of $2.87. That's a big difference from the $11.45 that I was charged. I have my doubts that the Bolivian Sunroot will survive. I will never buy from this nursery again and wouldn't recommend them to anyone. On June 6th, 2008, karyn1 changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following: I am changing my negative comment to a positive. I was contacted by someone from Nichols regarding my complaint and they seemed genuinely concerned about the bad product and offered to refund or replace the item. I chose to have them replace the plant and am happy to say it arrived today in very good condition. Positive po_pazza (1 review) On March 29, 2008, po_pazza Arroyo Grande, CA wrote: I've been ordering from Nichols for several decades. They always come through. Their herb selection is excellent. I've visited their nursery twice, and they offered a 10% discount to current Master Gardeners and lots of advice for the plants I picked up (2 huge Camellia sinensis which are thriving). Positive glendalekid (17 reviews) On January 07, 2008, glendalekid Tuscaloosa, AL (Zone 7b) wrote: My order arrived today in very good time. I've ordered before from them and so has my daughter. We've both had good results with germination. They do carry some vegetable seeds that I was unable to find anywhere else. Positive containergarden (7 reviews) On December 14, 2007, containergarden Los Angeles, CA wrote: Over the last two years, I've ordered vegetable seeds 3 or 4 times from Nichols and it has become my favorite seed company. The selection is good, the germination rate is excellent, the seedlings are extremely vigorous, and the prices are good. Positive adadia (24 reviews) On October 08, 2007, adadia Glenmoore, PA (Zone 6b) wrote: I ordered garlic, saffron crocus, shallots, and Egyptian walking onions this fall, and the last of my order just arrived this morning. Although the prices are on the high end, these are some great bulbs! I feel they are worth the price. There were no duds at all, every bulb was perfectly fresh, and they are the first place I've been able to order a little late (beginning of september) that still had walking onions in stock (the main reason I ordered from here was availability late in the ordering season; I became aware of this place from their columns in Small Farm Today magazine, a great read.) Although a bit pricey, the quality is worth it, in my opinion; especially the saffron crocus, which are twice the size as the saffron I ordered last year from a flower bulb place. I can't wait to see what happens next spring (and fall, for the crocus)! Recommended. Positive alinePoythress (1 review) On September 23, 2007, alinePoythress Port Republic, VA wrote: I have been ordering from Nichols Garden Nursery for nearly 40 years. I have never once had any problems with seeds which grow well here in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, their root stock and bulbs are excellent and arrive here in perfect condition. If you are a newcomer to Nichols Garden Nursery catalogue you will be so pleased when your order arrives. I'd suggest you recommend the catalog to friends. I recommended the catalogue to Spotswood High School's agricultural teacher since we are a heavy farming community and he was delighted with it and the unusual seeds it had to offer. I'd like to say, also, that when I call the nursery I'm always treated very cordially and if there is a question, it's always answered for me. Negative moondreamer63 (1 review) On September 08, 2007, moondreamer63 Clearlake, CA wrote: I ordered Egyptian Walking Onions from Nicholls Garden Nursery. There were supposed to be 15 sets. What I got was 6 sets that were a good planting size, and 9 sets that were miniscule. If they advertise 15 sets, then all 15 sets should be close in size. The 9 were 1/4 the size of the 6 good sets. I also ordered a set of 2 wooden garden trellises. The picture looked good. What I got was unsanded wood, with instructions that were unclear, accompanied by instructional photos that were impossible to decipher by someone who has had no experience in assembling items such as these. I had to go to my local hardware store so the employees there could show me what the pictures were telling me to do. Positive biggered (2 reviews) On June 11, 2007, biggered Casa Grande, AZ (Zone 9b) wrote: Last spring I ordered a few seeds from Nichols, among them was several packs of sunflower that was supposed to grow to 16 feet. I planted them in early spring and had good luck with germination and the flowers started to grow. the other day I noticed some of them along a 6 ft fence were blooming, which to m e means they are done growing. I sent Nichols an email and followewd it up with a phone call. after my explanation, a lady said they would gladly refund my money and 3 days later, BINGO, a check in the mail. they also said to cut the heads off and let them grow, which I did. mIf they make it to 16 ft, Im sending them the money back. a pleasure to do business with people like this. Positive callipygian (3 reviews) On April 01, 2007, callipygian Fargo, ND (Zone 4a) wrote: I ordered from Nichols by mail, on March 15, & the order arrived March 24. Pretty good, I think. I was very happy with the packing and packaging. Other people have reported bad germination rates. I will report back when I know what mine are. Positive valleygardener (1 review) On August 29, 2006, valleygardener Corvallis, OR wrote: Nichols Garden Nursery is where I've been buying seeds and plants for over 20 years. They are located nearby so I like driving over to their lovely herb gardens and getting my seeds and supplies in their homey shop. When out of state guests arrive, this is often the place they most want to visit as they've been happily shopping by mail for many years. Great seeds, selection and knowledgeable friendly service. I think they have the most useful seed selection I've found. Positive saanansandy (9 reviews) On March 31, 2006, saanansandy (Zone 6a) wrote: I ordered several seeds from nichols in february 2006 and they came within a week of ordering(I ordered online). I started 8 each of jetsetter tomato and Pruden's purple organic tomato and every seed germinated. The plants are doing very well. I would definetly order from them again. Positive Gabrielle (23 reviews) On January 18, 2006, Gabrielle Washington, IL (Zone 5a) wrote: I've only ordered once from Nichols and I was okay with them. The germination rates were mostly good. I would have preferred more information on the seed packets; some had good information on a slip of paper inside, but others had nothing but the name of the seed. Positive fwfarm (16 reviews) On September 26, 2005, fwfarm Ashland, OR wrote: I've been happy with their seeds, although there was one tomato that was wonderful but very low germination. Their selection of unusual greens is unequalled, and those have germinated fine for me (turns out I don't actually like land seaweed, but that's not their fault). I get a lot of winemaking stuff from them. Prices on non-seed items are considerably cheaper in their store, so I usually stop in. Positive desertman888 (2 reviews) On May 01, 2005, desertman888 San Jose, CA (Zone 9a) wrote: I have been dealing with Nichols for many years. I find them to be very good people to do business with. Positive johnsonjrbm (12 reviews) On April 28, 2005, johnsonjrbm Olympia, WA (Zone 7b) wrote: I ordered seeds, plants, and Mason bees from Nichols in 2003, and was very happy with everything. I didn't garden in 2004, but have ordered more seeds from them in 2005. Positive LKautz (2 reviews) On July 15, 2004, LKautz wrote: My family has ordered from Nichols several times and always had good luck. They have a great selection of seeds. I try to experiment with something new in the garden every year. With their selection, that task is easy. The prices are fair and shipping has been timely. We have also had great germination rate. Positive NickiK (6 reviews) On May 24, 2004, NickiK Portland, OR (Zone 8b) wrote: Just got the Bolivian Sunroot that I ordered (also called Yacon) in the mail and the packaging was very well done, the plant itself was in excellent condition and immediately started thriving the moment I placed it in my garden. I haven't had the best germination rates from some of their seeds before (only had nine Borage plants germinate from an entire packet) but I am very happy with the plant I received. Positive silkieweaver (10 reviews) On May 24, 2004, silkieweaver Salem, OR (Zone 8a) wrote: I've ordered seeds and plants (as well as the owner's book on container gardening) this spring, and have been pleased with the quality of the merchandise and the service. Customer service was pleasant and helpful when one of the plants I'd ordered was accidentally left out of the shipment. Nichols is "just down the road a piece," and I look forward to doing business with them on a regular basis. Positive devcat (3 reviews) On May 19, 2004, devcat wrote: I ordered three plants from this company as well as a few packages of seed. One of my plants (stevia) arrived looking sick, with yellow/brown leaves. I immediately took it out of the box and gave it a little water and placed it in a partially sunny spot to air it out. My husband inspected the plant that evening and noticed tiny BUGS all over the plant. I carefully inspected my lavender and thyme plant and thank goodness no bugs on them although the lavender was so tiny (2 inches at best). Unfortunately despite our efforts the stevia did not make it. I emailed the company TWICE and basically was ignored. I wanted a refund of my money because they had shipped me a sick and bug infested plant. For the price of this stevia plant from Nichols I could have purchased a quality organic plant from another nursery. I am VERY disappointed in this company and will not order from them again. I wish I would have discovered this site before I ordered from them because from what I read I am not the only one who has had problems with them. On June 2nd, 2004, devcat changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following: Rose Marie contacted me through email in regards to my trouble with Nichols and apologized for the Stevia plant that arrived in bad condition. She was very kind and immediately mailed a refund out ot me. Although I had an unfortunate situation I have changed my mind about the company and do feel they are honest and helpful. My other plants are doing well. Positive gponder (7 reviews) On April 29, 2004, gponder Gold Hill, OR wrote: I love Nichols!! Fabulous selection, fabulous germination, fabulous customer service. Hoping for more organic seed selection in the future! Positive karenhane (15 reviews) On April 22, 2004, karenhane Manchester, CT (Zone 5a) wrote: I ordered from this company early this spring. My seeds and a catalog arrived first, and today my herb plants arrived. Nice plants, ones that are hard to get anywhere else. I will definetely order from them, and recommend them, again. Thank you! Karen Hane Positive gardenquick (1 review) On February 16, 2004, gardenquick wrote: I have been using Nichols seeds for the past 25 years. I have always experienced good germination rate with your seeds. Your varieties perform well for me especially last year when I gardened on a new site during one of our hottest summers on record. I love your Sweet Success Cucumber. I always get consistently good yields of juicy, crisp cucumbers. I appreciate all the salad greens Nichols offers esp Arugula, Mizuna, Misome and all the lettuce varieties. Thank you for being a reliable seed company. Because of your good quality seeds I always enjoy an abundance of great tasting produce from my garden. Positive floralee (1 review) On February 16, 2004, floralee Albany, OR wrote: I've gardened with their seeds for over ten years and have always been satisfied with their selection and great quality. What especially pleases me is the broad variety of herbs and unusual vegetables that I don't see offered anywhere else. When I phone in an order or have a question the staff is helpful and friendly. It's like talking to another gardener over the back fence. One of the most readable catalogs I receive. Negative bigfatslob (3 reviews) On January 19, 2004, bigfatslob Milwaukee, WI wrote: Unacceptably low germination rates on seed--zero to 15% on varieties where I normally expect 80% or better. Negative davina (7 reviews) On January 15, 2004, davina San Francisco, CA wrote: I've never had much luck with their seeds. When planted right next to the same or a similar variety from another supplier, I've routinely gotten poor to no germination. I haven't ordered from them in several years, and don't plan to again. Positive jcgardengirlmn (3 reviews) On July 23, 2003, jcgardengirlmn wrote: Speedy service and great seed viability. Positive LASHEL (2 reviews) On February 24, 2003, LASHEL wrote: I absolutely love this nursery. I order almost exclusively from them. They are always prompt, I have had luck with seeds from them that I never had luck with before. I think some of my success may be due to the fact that Nichols grows and offers plants and seed that are especially suited to the northwest. Positive CatskillKarma (6 reviews) On December 30, 2002, CatskillKarma West Kill, NY wrote: I have been ordering from this catalog for over a dozen years. They always have unusual and interesting stuff. Their plants arrive in good condition, and their seeds sprout true to description. Nichols has been my most reliable supplier over the years. My only disappointment--In recent years plants are no longer wrapped in moss the way they used to be. I always found this both charming and effective. On the rare occasions when mistakes have been made, they always sent replacements promptly. Negative dianthusman (29 reviews) On December 03, 2002, dianthusman Pecos, NM (Zone 5b) wrote: I am sorry to say that I have never had much luck with the seeds I've ordered from this company. And I've ordered repeatedly, thinking it must be my hamhandedness. Positive gardenerDave (4 reviews) On November 08, 2002, gardenerDave wrote: Very good nursery to deal with. Have purchased seed & other nursery stock (such as hops) in the past for years, & have had very good success with everything. Very good selection for my Northwest (sometimes short season) area. Positive ncpepper (21 reviews) On September 15, 2002, ncpepper Pilot Mountain, NC (Zone 7a) wrote: Great seed selection (a lot of varieties I haven't seen in other catalogs) and good germination. Finally found summer squash seeds that would grow in my garden (after 5 years of failure and wilt) and also a cucumber that did same. They will get my order again. Positive Artiemo (1 review) On April 15, 2002, Artiemo wrote: I have been using Nichol's Garden Nursery for 30 years. I have used their seed in California, New York and Oregon. Nichol's has always done a perfect job for me. We have another good seed company from southern Oregon called Territorial Seeds that I have used also. One year I got both catalogues and did a price comparison. The same exact seeds cost 25% less at Nichol's than Territorial. Nichol's shipping charge was also around 25% cheaper. I will still use Territorial if they have a seed I want that Nichol's doesn't carry but overall, because of the savings, I go with Nichols. Positive Poppies (3 reviews) On January 26, 2002, Poppies wrote: I have ordered from this company for 9 years. They have the widest selection of herb seeds, and herb plants that I have seen. The plants always arrive in excellent condition, and grow great! They also have tea, dried herbs, and other supplies available. A top rate company in my book! Positive bmuller (19 reviews) On January 26, 2002, bmuller Albuquerque, NM (Zone 7a) wrote: My experiences with Nichols Garden over the past five years have been completely positive. I'm getting ready to order more seeds from them this year. On January 26th, 2002, bmuller added the following: An early experience with Nichols was finding seed here for salvia viridis (aka annual clary--now avaiable from many sources but hard to find at that time)after seeing a beautiful planting of it at the Chicago Botanical Gardens. Other experiences with this company have been equally encouraging--prompt service, reliable seed, good selection. On May 25th, 2007, bmuller added the following: Early in April of this year, on a vacation to the Pacific Northwest, we had the opportunity to visit Nichols\' retail outlet in Albany. Although I\'ve never ordered plants from Nichols--only seed (and didn\'t buy any on site--too far from home, too difficult to transport them)--I was very much impressed with the plants I saw offered for sale there. They were beautiful--unusually sturdy and healthy. Would have stocked up in a heartbeat if I lived closer. Positive grandmagarden (5 reviews) On January 11, 2002, grandmagarden wrote: Have ordered from this company for over 10 years. Always satisfied.

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