The scoop on 'Brent & Becky's Bulbs'

Company Profile   Brent & Becky's Bulbs Brent & Becky's Bulbs has 1303 products listed in PlantScout. Brent & Becky's Bulbs is a Watchdog 30 company. Mailing Address: 7900 Daffodil Lane Gloucester, Virginia 23061 (United States) Phone: (804) 693-3966 Fax: (804) 693-9436 Catalog Order Page: Hyperlink Paper Catalog Cost: Free » E-Mail them » Visit their website Recent reviews: Past month Past 6 Months Past 12 Months Positive 1 21 30 Neutral 0 0 1 Negative 0 0 1 This company offers a variety of bulbs. This company specializes in: Bulbs: Spring-blooming Bulbs: Summer-blooming

Feedback History and Summary   212 positives 28 neutrals 12 negatives

Comments:

Rating Author Content Positive kenzgarden (3 reviews) On June 08, 2009, kenzgarden Doylestown, PA wrote: I ordered some tubers and bare root plants on their end of season sale. I ordered on Sunday night and my order was on my deck by Thursday. I got emails confirming every step along the way. When I have called them in the past, they have always been friendly and helpful. I like the variety that they offer. Positive irmaly (5 reviews) On May 31, 2009, irmaly boone, NC (Zone 5b) wrote: Just received my dahlia order at 50% off (which happens to be the perfect time for putting them in the ground here). As usual, the bulbs were HUGE and in great shape. Shipping and confirmations were very fast. Excellent company--one of my very favorites. Positive roseydew3 (5 reviews) On May 30, 2009, roseydew3 West Jefferson, OH wrote: Recently received my order from the 50% off sale and would like to say I am amazed at the tremendous size and health of the lily bulbs that I received. Everything arrived in excellent condition. Would definitely recommend this company. Positive Emma75 (3 reviews) On May 28, 2009, Emma75 Deland, FL wrote: We placed our first order with B&B, during their 50% off sale. It's always a risk buying bulbs from a new company, but the good reviews and the sale spurred us on to make a decent order. Everything just arrived, on time, and looks amazing. Almost everything is bigger than standard top-sized bulbs I've received for many, many years from an assortment of companies. There is no question that B&B just became a go-to company for us in the future. We may even make an additional purchase while the sale is still going on since the product was so incredible! On June 4th, 2009, Emma75 added the following: I did place another large order while their sale was still going on, and once again received fabulous products! Both orders have had potted plants and bulbs, and both times everything was packed superbly! My plants from the first order are doing great, and have not had any trouble adjusting to the change from Virginia\'s to Florida\'s climate! Positive denver_dry (4 reviews) On May 24, 2009, denver_dry Denver, CO (Zone 5a) wrote: Great source for summer bulbs--ordered on a Friday afternoon, and the order was on the porch one week later. Enormous tubers packed carefully in soil in plastic bags, then all clearly labeled, and then into a sturdy cardboard box. No spills, no damage, and all at a good price. Website and catalog are easy to use, ordering process and confirmation emails always let you know where you are in the process. B&B are so good that I take it for granted that the transactions will go well--because it always does go well. Thanks Brent, Becky and team...you make my garden look like I know what I'm doing! Positive Gardening_Jim (8 reviews) On May 12, 2009, Gardening_Jim Vancouver, WA wrote: I ordered from them in spring 2008. The bulbs arrived in the fall 2008 nicely packaged and all had plantmarkers. I will buy from them again. Positive aegir (6 reviews) On May 04, 2009, aegir Bethesda, MD wrote: 3 years ago I saw B&B bulbs at the national arboretum so I ordered 50 daffodils and dwarf irises from B&B. Everything came up in the spring and are still going strong. 2 Years ago I ordered 50 hyacinths and more daffodils. They are just as great as the first lot, and have matured into huge clumps of strong daffodils. Last fall I put in another 150 bulbs including even more daffodils and 3 types of tulips-2 darwin hybrids and a varigated tulip 'juan' which was spectacular this spring. I just purchased & planted another 12 lilies and when I ordered a cultivator a few months later they combined my orders to save shipping. Every bulb I ever purchased from them has been awesome and come up the next year, even when I was lazy with soil amendments. I like the catalog esp. Brent's favorites, he us usually spot on about the best looking flowers and it is good about describing great combinations. Highly recomend these guys, they are awesome. Positive plantslayer (17 reviews) On April 30, 2009, plantslayer Raymond, ME wrote: I ordered over 1000 bulbs from this company last fall. I am completely pleased with the quality and selection. They sent all the bulbs in full and on time. The customer service is A++++. Outstanding company, you can tell this is not just a business for them, it is a passion. Positive Hemhostaholic (23 reviews) On April 28, 2009, Hemhostaholic Scranton, PA (Zone 5b) wrote: This was my maiden voyage (so to speak) with Brent and Becky's. I have gone into ordering with a friend of mine, and have split orders with him, but he's always been the one that has ordered...and everything has always been stellar! This order included 5 dahlias (all of the dahlias have dark leaves) and 10 lily bulbs, 5 of 2 different kinds. The dahlia clumps were huge! I think, without exaggerating that 1 of the clumps weighed almost a pound! The lily bulbs were all huge, about the size of a medium sized lemon/lime! I will most definitely be ordering from B&B again! Positive jenmurphy (1 review) On April 28, 2009, jenmurphy Weymouth, MA (Zone 6a) wrote: I have had terrible experience with mail order companies before but after reading the reviews here I gave Brent and Becky a shot. I had a large order that consisted of potted, bare root and bulbs. The packaging was out of this world! I didn't even have 1 bent or broken stem. The plants were larger and more healthy than I ever imagined, far from the twigs and dirt I have received from other companies in the past. This will be my go to company from here on in! I am telling everyone I know about Brent and Becky's. All plants are currently doing well, no planting shock or a single problem. I am beyond happy! Positive kentstar (18 reviews) On April 26, 2009, kentstar Ravenna, OH (Zone 5b) wrote: I ordered some Salmon Star lilies and Yelloween lilies from them. This is my first time with them. So far I am impressed. Good size bulbs and healthy looking. I can't wait to see them in action... I'll be back Thankyou! Positive nymegen (5 reviews) On April 24, 2009, nymegen Auburn, NH wrote: I ordered a variety of gingers from this company and can not give them a better rating than wonderful,wonderful packaging with recyclable materials and SUPERB plants.Top quality ,great service and will definitively recommend them!!!!!! On June 4th, 2009, nymegen added the following: I just can not resist a 50% off sale,again just great quality and service Positive bluespanishlady (4 reviews) On April 09, 2009, bluespanishlady Rochester, MN wrote: Outstanding! Large healthy bulbs, great selection, good prices, great communication & customer service: I just received my first bulb order today and the bulbs are simply spectacular! This is quality quality quality! Positive flbiggs (1 review) On April 08, 2009, flbiggs Midlothian, VA wrote: I ordered about 300 daffodil bulbs from this company last autumn -- 2 varieties -- one to bloom early and the other to bloom a bit later. I have had steady blooms for close to a month. Oh man, those flowers look great! Positive LeeAnne151 (9 reviews) On April 08, 2009, LeeAnne151 Portland, OR wrote: Received big healthy bulbs, exactly what I ordered in a timely fashion and for reasonable prices. I will order again from Brent & Becky's. On April 9th, 2009, LeeAnne151 added the following: When they bloomed in spring, they were all truly named. Something I\'ve had problems with in the past with bulbs from other sources. Positive Peach50l (1 review) On April 04, 2009, Peach50l Claxton, GA wrote: These folks are SO nice! The bulbs and tubers I received are not only HUGE, but are in beautiful condition. Can't wait to plant them tomorrow... Positive jimmy2 (14 reviews) On March 26, 2009, jimmy2 live oak, TX (Zone 9a) wrote: i orderd early 2 alocasia plants on this website, they were very friendly and sent my order early,the only thing ups dropped to wrong house,human error, thanks to nice neighbors,i recieved pkg, i enjoy ordering from becky,and brent, luv the selection,and great customer service,will luv to order agian, a happy customer Positive MyZone8 (6 reviews) On March 20, 2009, MyZone8 Collins, United States wrote: Will definately be ordering from Brent and Becky again. Bulbs were very big and healthy. :) Positive LIGladLover (2 reviews) On March 05, 2009, LIGladLover Brentwood, NY (Zone 6b) wrote: I was very pleased with the order I received from them. Everything was well packaged and labelled. All of the bulbs were good-sized and no indications of rot. Everything bloomed wonderfully and I'll definitely be buying from them again. Positive sunnyg (6 reviews) On February 21, 2009, sunnyg San Jose, CA (Zone 9b) wrote: I ordered bulbs during their clearance last summer. DSL mistakenly delivered them to a neighbor’s house, and B&B was wonderful in assisting me to track down my package. A few of my bulbs looked iffy after baking in 100 degree heat, so customer service made a notation in my record and offered a refund if they didn’t work out. Everything did perform well in spite of the little detour. I was pleased with both the bulbs, and the friendly and professional customer service. Positive daffojill (7 reviews) On February 20, 2009, daffojill Ringoes, NJ wrote: I've been ordering from B&B now for over ten years and have been pleased as punch. I am a daffoholic and after I exhausted the smaller suppliers like Park's and the Dutch guys B&B became my supplier of choice. I've bought all their "show-quality" bulbs and now I just "fill in" when older bulbs have petered out or gone missing for some reason. They've always been great when I call them on the phone with an order or a problem so when a bulb or two came in soft last time I ordered I couldn't complain. I also don't think I've ever received a mislabeled daffy from B&B. When people come to my garden or into my shop and see my daffies they always ask where I get the bulbs and I send them to B&B first. Positive steveandaudrey (2 reviews) On December 29, 2008, steveandaudrey Poquoson, VA wrote: We bought our first bulbs from Brent and Becky more than 28 years ago when we were new Virginians starting our first garden in Poquoson. They welcomed us to their bulb storage shed, and helped us select from their many available pink daffodils, bulbs previously unknown to us. Those large double and triple-nosed bulbs grew beautifully, as have all the bulbs we've bought from them in the years since. Their catalogs are beaufiful, full of helpful advice and culture information. We've continued to purchase several thousand bulbs and plants in the following years, and we've always found their bulbs and plants to be healthy and ready to grow. B&B maintain a wonderful demonstration garden, well worth a trip to their Gloucester location, and we visit there to purchase plants every year. Positive artemiss (11 reviews) On December 04, 2008, artemiss Toledo, OH (Zone 5b) wrote: This might be premature, since I haven't seen how well they grow and produce, but I have been so thoroughly pleased thusfar with the customer service and products I have received on both of my orders from this company. The first one was actually two separate orders placed over the weekend, but unlike one of their competitors, rather than charging me shipping for two separate orders, I got a personal email indicating that they were combining them to save me a few dollars on shipping. The second time I ordered from their end of year sale, and while everything I have received was of excellent quality, there was one bag of what were originally one of their more costly daffs that contained some of the biggest bulbs I have ever seen. While getting bulbs with small bulblets is common, these were literally two full sized bulbs, and in the case of some, three. I was astounded to receive such a superior product, particularly at 50% off. Yes, they may been more pricey than some others, but I guess it's true, you often get what you pay for. Positive 1AnjL (6 reviews) On November 19, 2008, 1AnjL (AnjL) Fremont, CA (Zone 9b) wrote: I had ordered during their sale and received all bulbs promptly and in great health. I planted some at my house and some up in WA at moms house and they are all thriving! Great prompt service at a low price... I will definitely order from them again! Positive TJettner (3 reviews) On November 17, 2008, TJettner Papillion, NE wrote: 2nd session I have ordered from Brent & Becky. The largest lily bulbs I have found. Great customer service and packaging. Thank you. Positive nanny_56 (17 reviews) On October 24, 2008, nanny_56 Putnam County, IN (Zone 5b) wrote: Received my order of 5 Anastasia Lily Bulbs this week. They are nice bulbs but not exceptional. I bought these at a price of 5 for 15.95 I believe it was. If they all grow and are true to name that is a great bargin for this particular lily. Positive WaterCan2 (20 reviews) On October 20, 2008, WaterCan2 Suffolk County, NY (Zone 6b) wrote: Wow! Nice stuff! Just received my order placed back in April for Fall planting and couldn't be happier! Very good quality & great selection! Positive slichtyler (6 reviews) On October 07, 2008, slichtyler Hillsborough, NC (Zone 7b) wrote: I placed an order for about $150 worth of bulbs this fall, and I've been very pleased so far. The bulbs arrived quickly, and all seemed healthy. They were larger than I was expecting. (At first I was annoyed that they were charging more for some of the bulbs that my local nursery carries - but in truth, all of their bulbs were substantially plumper than those at the nursery, so I expect that they're actually offering fair value.) Perhaps it's premature to write a review before I see my springtime display - but so far, an excellent experience. Neutral Dodes (1 review) On October 04, 2008, Dodes Coudersport, PA wrote: I ordered a subsatnital number of tulip bulbs last fall and planted them according to directions. Although packaging was certainly adequate, several of my bulbs were mishapen and soft. I didn't plant those. Most of the tulips that came up in the spring were fine, but probably 1/10 of them either never came up or were tiny and not robust. In all fairness to the comopany, I never contacted them with the problem so I can't report whether or not they would have made it right. Positive sandnsea2 (18 reviews) On September 23, 2008, sandnsea2 Winston Salem, NC (Zone 7a) wrote: This is the most wonderful company EVER!!! I should have ordered every bulb from them this year and will in the future. I ordered daffodils and had a perfect experience. They promptly email you a confirmation of your order and the bulbs were in my hands in a matter of days. This company deserves an AAAAA+++++ rating. First class all the way!!!!!!! On April 14th, 2009, sandnsea2 added the following: Just received an order of Lily Bulbs. They were the best, most vibrant I have ever ordered and I have ordered hundreds over the years from other companies. They had long, thick, fat healthy roots and looked as if they had been freshly dug. I am truly amazed and so pleased. KUDOS!!! Positive barb3204 (2 reviews) On September 23, 2008, barb3204 Great Falls, MT wrote: The bulbs came in excellent condition and were nice and big. This is by far the best bulbs from any company that I have received. Negative crocus1 (7 reviews) On August 31, 2008, crocus1 Lawrence, KS wrote: I haven't received my order yet. But I ordered a catalog the week of the 3rd of August, midweek I believe. Called and was told it was put into the system on the 11th and would not get sent out till the end of the week. It's now the 31st of August and still haven't received it. Maybe I am impatient, but on the phone it didn't seem like they cared whether I got one or not. They were quite casual about it, like I was ridiculously demanding. I have already placed an order so I was not asking for a free catalog. Not my idea of good customer service. I won't place a negative until I get my order and it isn't up to par. I've ordered from 4 other companies in the same time period: all catalogs received promptly and Oakes was very nice on the phone with questions. Bluestone is always great to deal with. I'm not crazy about WFF but have never had problems with my orders and they respond very quickly by email to questions. (Bluestone Perennials, Oakes Daylilies, White Flower Farm!) On October 16th, 2008, crocus1 changed the rating from neutral to negative and added the following: Today I received my first order from B&B. The box was completely crushed by UPS. And yes the bulbs were just mauled a bit, but if the order had been plants, at least half would have been significantly damaged. When I called the woman had the gall to start off by announcing that I was the exception to the rule, that UPS was actually an excellent carrier. Since last year they left a box of dahlias marked NO FREEZING and NO EXCESS HEAT on the outside in front of my door with an outdoor temp of 33, I was not mollified by this response. After explaining the problem, it was made clear that B&B was going to do nothing unless my bulbs were destroyed. So much for customer service and support from the CLIENTS of UPS. Bad enough that when I called initially I didn\'t get a catalog in the mail until I complained on this site. (And I will say that the soon-to-be-owner did take the trouble to send me a catalog on his own after this comment was posted--unlike the office who simply sent a catalog in the first order box.) But to basically blow me off because I was lucky enough that the crushed box didn\'t destroy my bulbs really made me angry. I realize they are not responsible for UPS or its carrier employees; but they should in my humble opinion offered to send a letter of complaint to the company. Silly me. I guess this is not the sort of thing anyone does anymore. When my dahlia order from Old House Gardens was left in freezing weather, the original CSR also seemed indifferent. However, after finding out about it, the owner of OHG took the time to call and leave a personal apology and offered to reimburse me for the dahlias. That is my idea of good customer service, and I probably will not be ordering from B&B again--which is too bad as they have a lot of bulbs not usually available elsewhere. The quality of the bulbs did not seem any better than John Scheepers, however, and JS was very nice on the phone. I\'m sure most people have had good luck with B&Bs and maybe they have such an established clientele they don\'t care about new customers. Whatever. When I said flat out to this woman that apparently she didn\'t care about my crushed box one way or the other (I assume she thought if the bulbs were fine, what was my problem?)--she went into a very fake rap about how of course she cared. She did not offer to do anything about it one way or another. I finally said, so basically I have to wait until UPS destroys some bulbs before you will pass on a complaint? She didn\'t say yes in so many words, just filibustered on if in future I had damaged bulbs.... In effect, UPS gets away with shoddy service like this in my area because none of their clients care unless they have to legally replace a bulb or other destroyed item. A sad commentary on customer service in this country. As it happens, most of the bulbs from OHG are bigger and more interesting anyway. So in future I will order from John Scheepers and OHG. On October 16th, 2008, crocus1 added the following: I probably should have waited a day to post my comment as I sound like a crank. In fact, I am the kind of person who is very bad at complaining because I was brought up to be super polite. So when I do finally complain, I usually am conflicted about it and sound strident rather than firm. Maybe I am being unfair to B&B. I do think, however, that huge corporations that have monopolies on delivery get away with this kind of thing because they know that their clients are only going to complain when having to replace or reimburse a large number of products. B&B also uses DHL. I am unfamiliar with them (except for the news stories about all the people in OH who lost their jobs when local companies were sold to DHL--not likely to endear me to them as an alternate). Strictly speaking B&B can legitimately say it is not their problem or their responsibility, especially if I just happen to live in an area with lousy delivery people. But I won\'t be ordering from them again even so. Positive odeymail (8 reviews) On June 17, 2008, odeymail Ormond Beach, FL wrote: Received healthy big amaryllis bulb, healthy clumps of dahlia tubers, and well- rooted healthy bareroot hosta plants from you on May 28th. Also we sent a fresh flower bouquet and vase from you to our 94 year old Aunt Peal in Dallas,Texas delivered DHL express on May 29th for her birthday. She said they were beautiful and the vase was great too. We have ordered from you before and you have never let us down!! Thanks for first rate plants, bulbs,cut flower bouquets and customer service!! Joyce in Ormond Beach, FL Positive Sunshine06 (3 reviews) On June 12, 2008, Sunshine06 Macon, GA wrote: Ordered bulbs during their half off sale and was pleasantly surprised at how nice and large and healthy they were.Never expected this from a half off sale.Shipping was very quick and they were packed nicely.Will order from them again. Positive MorsisX (22 reviews) On June 10, 2008, MorsisX Lockport, IL (Zone 5b) wrote: I tried them out this year for their dahlia and must report that Bent & Becky lived up to the hype found here @ Dave's. The tubers were good looking and while all did not sprout those that did not were quickly replaced. Those that have already sprouted are gaining size quickly. I will order from them for the fall for sure! Positive lakesidecallas (14 reviews) On June 08, 2008, lakesidecallas Dandridge, TN (Zone 6a) wrote: I order from Brent & Becky's every year and their bulbs and plants and customer service just keeps getting better and better. Years ago I ordered a large quantity of bulbs (100) and they came in lily crates, which I love! They're so handy for carrying things, holding up tall pots, and storage. This year I ordered some bulbs at their end of the year sale. Usually EOTY sales have sort of "iffy" material- the plants may have overgrown their pots, bulbs may have some mold, but B&B had perfect material. They also have a very quick turnaround time between order and shipping, once the shipping season starts. Brent & Becky's is a wonderful place for bulbs, great customer service, great sales, and oh, yes, outstanding, sometimes very unusual or rare bulbs. I only wish I lived close enough to visit in person for their 75% walk in sale! On June 1st, 2009, lakesidecallas added the following: After getting an email about their 50% off end-of-the-season sale, I raced to the website and placed an order. When I received the bulbs, I realized I didn\'t get the 50% off- I had forgotten to add the special code needed. I sent an email, and after corresponding with Cindy at customer service, she graciously agreed to give me the 50% off price. Whew! That was very nice of her to do that, it wasn\'t something she \"had\" to do, but did it to keep good customer relations. Like the many other comments, my bulbs were huge and healthy. You just can\'t go wrong with Brent & Becky\'s!!! Positive jojoringer (4 reviews) On June 06, 2008, jojoringer Joey in Conroe, TX (Zone 8b) wrote: Wow! I ordered several crinums and some crocosmia from Brent and Becky's during their half price sale. The prices were unbelievable and when I received my bulbs I was stunned. They were huge! and very healthy. Their catalog is beutiful and informative. Their care and culture guide is easy to read and very informative. And to top it off, each plant came with a very nice preprinted green tag that can be used in the garden for years to come. I was so impressed! I can't wait to order again! Positive Trey9123 (4 reviews) On June 05, 2008, Trey9123 Greer, SC wrote: I ordered some hardy ground orchids, canna lilies, pineapple lilies, and a martagon lily. I received excellent bulbs, the shipping was fast, and when I called with a planting question, the staff was friendly and knowledgeable. On top of that, their prices are quite good. What else can you ask for. Would definitely order from again. Positive GKayfes (1 review) On May 20, 2008, GKayfes Rosemount, MN wrote: I ordered canna rhizomes and they were shipped on the day, as promised. Everything was marked concisely and the order was complete. I will order from them again. Positive Notho (1 review) On May 01, 2008, Notho Ithaca, NY wrote: I received Crocus, Tulip, and Hyacinth bulbs two falls ago and forgot to leave a good review last spring. All the flowers were the correct variety and the descriptions were accurate, only they didn't fully describe the brilliance of the colors. All these are finishing their second spring and the Tulips and Hyacinths are just as gorgeous as their first spring and the Crocus' had doubled their numbers (in the lawn, not in beds). I've already placed an order for this coming fall in anticipation of next spring. Nothing is better after an Ithaca winter than seeing the first splashes of color from a spectacular display of Crocus!

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