| Rating | Author | Content |
| Positive | buttrfly
Austin, TX
(2 reviews)
February 3, 2010 | Between their charming packages, fast and friendly service, and genuine desire to "do the right thing" for their customers, Renee's has never let me down! |
| Positive | charistides
Erwinna, PA
(2 reviews)
January 10, 2010 | We had more water this year than we could deal with -- we assume that we caused the wet year simply by purchasing drip irrigation! However, we started a number of Tomato, Pepper and Eggplants from Renee's Garden Seeds -- and bought about 30 plants from our local Agway. At first, the Agway plants (Bonnie's) were outdoing our own, started from seed plants, then, as all the wet (and related diseases set in) the only harvest we got was from our Renee's started from seed plants. We do not pretend to know why this happened -- but for 2010 we will start all our tomatoes, peppers and eggplants from Renee's seeds and grow our own plants. Also, we put a table in out garden -- thanks Renee for the idea. We now dine in and from our garden. |
| Positive | Bathos
Phoenixville, PA
(Zone 6b)
(1 review)
December 31, 2009 | I have been pleased with all of my purchases from Renee's Garden. The seeds arrived quickly and in most cases I plant half a packet and save the other half for the next year. Renee's Garden doesn't include commercial amounts of seed. It is more geared for the family garden. I did grow over 40 tomato plants from one seed packet, but that was too many for my family veggie garden and I had to give most away. This year I'll be sure to only grow half the packet. |
| Positive | Jenny4
Norfolk, VA
(Zone 8a)
(2 reviews)
June 4, 2009 | I tried Renee's for the first time this year based on positive comments at Dave's Garden. All the positivity is well-founded. I received my mail order within 4 days, complete and accurate. Each seed packet is a visual, prosaic and scientific delight. The packets are bountiful and a high ratio of seeds made it all the way to being healthy plants. I will continue to purchase seeds from Renee's Garden. |
| Positive | greyslate
Baltimore, MD
(3 reviews)
April 7, 2009 | I stumbled across Renee's Garden Seeds in our local hardware store last summer and was overwhelmed with the detailed sowing and growing information contained on each packet. I took some home and was very pleased with the germination results (and the resulting plants). The cats especially seem to adore the cat grass.
Living in the city, with only container gardening available, I particularly appreciate the easily marked and diverse collection of container varieties (from eggplants to sweet peas). I ordered more seeds directly from the website this year this year (which arrived in a very timely fashion) and will continue to order in the future! |
| Positive | mrs_colla
Marin, CA
(Zone 9b)
(26 reviews)
February 17, 2009 | I have bought many seed packets from Renee's; both in the retailers around me and online on her website. I have called them to ask about the situating of a certain seed, and the lady on the phone was helpful and friendly.
I have good germination rates, and most seeds I put outside immediately.
I will keep buying these seeds; there are many seeds in a pack, and the take off great!
When you buy online, the seeds arrive within days! The information on the pack is great, no guessing here, and the packs look pretty too! |
| Positive | OzarkCook
Middle of nowhere, AR
(Zone 7a)
(3 reviews)
January 25, 2009 | I have used Renee's seeds for several years, dating back to when she was with Shepherd's. I have always been pleased. I was especially surprised late this fall, though, when I ordered some sale seed (dated 2008). I was working overtime then, so I did not notice when my shipment came up a packet short. Renee's did notice, though, and I got an email apology and a packet of 2009 seed without ever having sent a complaint! Now that's service from an honest company!
I appreciate so many things about Renee's, including her collections, so that a home gardener with a medium-sized garden can get even more variety. It's true that I could get bigger seed quantities elsewhere, but it's the diversity I crave, and additional seed would just be overkill. I eagerly await each newsletter, and I love reading the tips posted at the web site. |
| Positive | natalie4b
Roswell, GA
(Zone 7b)
(4 reviews)
November 8, 2008 | It is my first time buying seeds from this company. They came in promptly, in colorful pretty packages with information and planting instructions on back.
Look forward to watch their transformation into beautiful flowers in my garden next year! |
| Negative | maia447
Trenton, NJ
(1 review)
June 12, 2008 | I bought most of my vegetable seeds from Renee's Garden this year as it was recommended by a Master Gardener I know. The only thing I am uniformly happy with is the lettuces. The germination rates have been very poor, especially compared to Johnny's Selected Seeds where I have shopped for several years. I also noticed small quantities of seeds as mentioned elsewhere.
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| Positive | msonmezay
Mission Hills, CA
(8 reviews)
March 12, 2008 | I love the selection of seeds she offers. I have ordered from the website, and bought the seeds in a store nearby me. The seeds I ordered came very quickly. I would buy from this company again. No complaints here. |
| Positive | seedgeek
Jonesboro, AR
(4 reviews)
February 9, 2008 | This year's seed order (2008) arrived promptly and was filled correctly. I have ordered from this company for the last few years, and the seeds in past years have had good germination. |
| Positive | RuTemple
Redwood City, CA
(Zone 9b)
(6 reviews)
December 7, 2007 | I love Renee's Garden seeds, her choices of veggies and flowers, and the way she packs multiple varietals in the same seed-pack and have two or three different things from one packet. She also started, grew, and sold the larger company Sheperd's Seeds (now run by White Flower Farm folks, making them bi-coastal) and has made this splendid smaller collection just thrive.
We buy seeds every year; old favorites and new things to try. |
| Positive | HNNUTT
Mart, TX
(1 review)
August 24, 2007 | I PURCHASE A PACKET OF CARDINAL CLIMBER VINE SEEDS FROM A LOCAL NURSERY. THE GERMINATION RATE AND TIME WERE EXCELLENT. THE VINE WAS HEARTY AND A FAST GROWER. I ALSO LIKE THE PACKAGE WITH THE PHOTOS AND EXTENDED INFORMATION AVAILABLE. I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS SITE.
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| Negative | queenofthegarde
Whittier, CA
(12 reviews)
August 24, 2007 | I was disappointed with the tiny quantities of seeds in my seed packets. The sweet pea seeds in 3 of 5 packets were in pieces!!! Renee's used to have better quality control than this!
Company representative comment on January 7, 2010:
On Jan 7, 2010 11:57 AM, Renee's Garden Seeds responded with: Our sweet pea packets should have 30 35 seeds for all varieties.Let us know which others you felt were low. If a filling error happened, we would be happy to replace the packet immediately - just email or call us. We do ship in padded "jiffy packs", but the realities of the post office mean that once in a while a packet gets mashed in transit. Once again, if you had called or e-mailed us, we would have sent them a replacement the same day - and would still be happy to send you new seeds for this season.. |
| Neutral | bemidjigreen
Blackduck, MN
(11 reviews)
July 17, 2007 | Renee's garden was one of my first discoveries for seed sources on the internet. I adore her varieties and the germination rate has been great. However, success maybe taking its toll on this company. My most recent order (7/2007) I ordered zinnia and cupid's sweet pea along with some others. These packets contained few seeds and in the case of the zinnia it was mainly chaf and many of the sweet pea seeds were broken.
For the price ($20 for 6 packs of seeds), definitely a huge disappointment. I will give this company another shot next season because I adore some of the varieties offered. Hopefully I won't see this again, if I do I will be taking my business elsewhere.
Company representative comment on January 7, 2010:
On Jan 7, 2010 12:07 PM, Renee's Garden Seeds responded with:I'm sorry to hear of your disappointment with our seeds. Thanks for letting us know - we think our seeds are well -tested and top quality, so when something goes wrong or a gardener has problems, we really want to hear about it so we can help. We will be glad to refund your money, but we'd rather replace the seeds and have a chance to talk with you to find out what happened and see if we can give you useful advice so you can have a good gardening experience with Renee's Garden Seeds. We do ship in padded "jiffy packs", but the realities of the post office mean that once in a while a packet gets mashed in transit.
If you call our toll-free number 888-880-7228 and leave your telephone number for Beth, our horticultural advisor, between 9 and 5 PST, she can contact you to find out more about your particular situation and take care of seed replacements /refunds so you can try again if you'd like.
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| Positive | knitter4years
Chico, CA
(1 review)
June 22, 2007 | I've ordered from Renee's company several times. The quality of the seeds is really something. The flowers have been phenomenally beautiful. Try the heirloom morning glories. To die for. The packets the seeds come in are helpful and really pretty too. I highly recommend Renee's. |
| Positive | gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
(18 reviews)
May 3, 2007 | I ordered many seeds for my winter garden from her site on line. Every kind of seed I started not only germinated, but I even had Bells of Ireland!! (a hard one for us in zone 9) Her choices of heirlooms are outstanding and will order again!! |
| Positive | indigofairy
Tupelo, MS
(1 review)
March 16, 2007 | I have been using Renees for several years. I can say these are always high quality seeds, excellent germination, flowers as advertised, great customer service. I sent an email saying how pleased I was and got a response in a couple of hours - very impressive. I will continue to use Renees - I just planted over 130 peat pots of Renees and expect a beautiful garden this year. |
| Positive | Fundygardener
(Zone 5b)
(6 reviews)
February 15, 2007 | Incredibly quick service from California to eastern Canada. Wonderful selection of plants, including lots of heritage varieties. Can't wait to get those sweet peas into the ground. |
| Positive | lisaoliver
Foristell, MO
(Zone 5b)
(3 reviews)
February 1, 2007 | I loved renee's when it was shepherd's. She was "cutting edge " in offering heirloom, hard to find seeds back then. All the seeds always had very high germination rates and I had a beautiful garden full of her plants.I found her again through this site and placed my first order 1/25/07( late at night) and received it 1/30/07! She does not send a paper receipt with the order, but e-mails it.(saves trees,thank-you) My spam filter didn't let it come through so I e-mailed the co. and within a few hours a lovely customer service e-mail came from them resending my e-mail as an attachment . I had told them I thought I ordered something that I didn't receive,turns out I didn't order it, but they sent it anyway 3 days later. THE BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER!!!Great seed envelopes carry ALL the info. you need about each individual variety. I cannot praise this co. enough. |
| Positive | ccurry
Los Angeles, CA
(1 review)
January 15, 2007 | I was suprised to see Renee's on here -- Ive used (her) seeds for several years; and I just started by seeds for this upcoming Spring. I was very shocked to sow a variety of lavendars, marjorams and cypress, cardinal and moonflower vines all germinate within 3-4 days -- more suprising were the moonflower (ipomea alba). I love her seeds!!! |
| Neutral | seattlesue
Seattle, WA
(4 reviews)
January 11, 2007 | I have had great success with Renee's seeds. Her new varieties for 2007 are really gorgeous, and I'm looking forward to planting them. She has a nice e-newsletter, great service and excellent quality. I would highly recommend this company.
Note from the Garden Watchdog editors:
It is the policy of the Watchdog that companies may not pose as their own customer in order to leave feedback. The rating, written by a representative of this company was changed from positive to neutral so that it would not affect the overall rating given by customers. |
| Positive | bloomheaven
Southern
United States
(14 reviews)
December 21, 2006 | I purchased seeds from Renee's Garden in November. They arrived very quickly and all that I have started have germinated. I am very pleased and would purchase here again. |
| Positive | Allie88
Palmyra, PA
(Zone 6a)
(5 reviews)
December 6, 2006 | I have ordered from Renee's Gardens on several occasions and have never been disappointed. They respond quickly and kindly to any questions. I highly recommend them! |
| Positive | wcgypsy
Fallbrook, CA
(Zone 10b)
(3 reviews)
October 18, 2006 | Outstanding! Order received in 3 days...I'm very pleased. |
| Positive | jks_evanston
Evanston, IL
(Zone 5b)
(1 review)
October 9, 2006 | I ordered zinna, basil and kale in the midsummer. The seeds, especially the basil had great germination rates and produced healthy plants. The order came in 3 business days.
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| Positive | irishmist
Rochester, NY
(2 reviews)
August 28, 2006 | I have purchased Renee's seeds on several occasions from area retailers. I 've been extremely impressed with the germination rate and vigor even in more challenging varieties, thanks to the excellent cultural information. Each and every flower and vegetable has been outstanding! Renee has done a great job of selecting exceptional varieties. I'm eager to order from the entire stock on the website next season. It's so reassuring to find great seeds and great service! |
| Positive | sciurus
Prince Frederick, MD
(1 review)
April 15, 2006 | I ordered from Renee's last summer and was very pleased with the seeds and the service. When there was a problem with one packet of melon seeds, not only did she replace them, she sent us two packets in return. My granddaughter went on to win a blue ribbon at the county fair with one of those melons. Renee's combo packets of eggplant, beans, basil and other veggies are a real boon for small gardens. Everything we bought from her produced well. The lovely illustrations on the seed packets are an added pleasure. |
| Positive | petit_potager
(29 reviews)
March 31, 2006 | Renee Shepherd founded Shepherd's Garden Seeds in 1985. In 1997 she created Renee's Garden after White Flower Farm purchased Shepherd's.
Renee is widely recognized as a pioneering innovator. Although widely available now, Renee was one of the first in the United States to introduce international vegetables, flowers and herbs to home gardeners and gourmet restaurants.
Her germination rates are so predictable some say her seeds seem to jump out of the ground. That certainly reflects my experience with her seed. Today, I mainly use her for edible flowers such as nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus).
Her keen marketing sense has led her to offer several attractive heirloom combination packets. She expedites her shipping and is efficient to deal with.
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| Positive | sugarlily
Gridley, CA
(Zone 8a)
(4 reviews)
February 7, 2006 | Great variety, quick delivery. Informative seed packets. Can't wait to start my seeds. Glad to see she's back in business. |
| Positive | mkbarr
Euless, TX
(1 review)
March 27, 2005 | I love this company. Several years ago tried one packet of seed for Mina Lobata "Exotic Love Vine". Many more seeds in packet than expected and they germinated well. Vine was lovely. The garden center I bought it from closed and I have been looking for these seeds ever since. I found them recently on a visit to California. Bought seeds at the store and also ordered some on line. My on line order was received in 3 days and I already have planted them. I can hardly wait for them to come up. |
| Positive | mmb
Newport, NH
(Zone 4b)
(3 reviews)
March 10, 2005 | I *love* Renee's. Excellent, fast service; lovely streamlined selection; and the very best seed packet design I've ever seen, both graphically and informationally. So wonderful. |
| Positive | handhelpers
Coopersburg, PA
(Zone 6b)
(6 reviews)
January 23, 2005 | i received my first order in a very timely matter and am anxiously awaiting the correct time to plant these harder-to-find seeds. i love the packaging and the information that is provided on the packet is very complete. |
| Positive | bmuller
Albuquerque, NM
(Zone 7a)
(19 reviews)
January 22, 2005 | I have ordered from Renee's Garden several times in the past and have never been disappointed. I began ordering because it carries particular varieties of annuals that (as far as I've found) nobody else offers (e.g., nasturtium 'Copper Sunset'). I continued because of excellent results with the seeds (germination and hardiness of plants), an increasing variety of offerings, and excellent service (rapid delivery and immediate and courteous responses to questions on the customer service line). |
| Positive | Katzen
Puyallup, WA
(Zone 8a)
(6 reviews)
January 5, 2005 | I've bought seeds from them via the web and through a local gardening store. They germinate SUPER FAST. Highly recommend them!! Not a huge selection but everything seems to be interesting or useful. They carry seeds for lavender, rosemary and miniature roses, among their many offerings. |
| Positive | schiang68
Cambridge, MA
(5 reviews)
July 2, 2004 | My recent (and first) order from Renee's arrived in 3 business days, and each of the six varieties has had a very high germination rate. Faster germination than expected, too! |
| Positive | sgmann
(1 review)
June 23, 2004 | I am very satisfied with the seeds that I received this
spring (04). There has been a VERY high germination rate, and
I am entirely pleased. |
| Positive | 8Frogmom
Marietta, GA
(6 reviews)
May 29, 2004 | I ordered from this company's website for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and received my order in GA in less than a week! I will definitely order from them again!! |
| Positive | silkieweaver
Salem, OR
(Zone 8a)
(10 reviews)
April 27, 2004 | Renee's Garden carries a good selection of seeds. My initial order of flower and herb seeds arrived in only three days, with no mistakes or substitutions. I like the large amount of info on the seed packets (and the illustrations are pretty, as well). |
| Positive | JFC31
(2 reviews)
April 2, 2004 | On Thursday, March 25 at 11 PM EST, I ordered 3 packets of veggie seeds from Renee's Garden and paid an extra $6 for faster shipping to Connecticut. Somehow I messed up my address on the website's order form and the next day, I got a phone call from California....a very nice customer rep asked me for my address and said the seeds would be in the mail later that day. On Monday, March 29, I had the seeds in my hand. I consider this to be great customer service and I am very pleased! |
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