The scoop on 'Spring Hill Nursery (aka SpringHillNursery.com)'

Company Profile   Spring Hill Nursery (aka SpringHillNursery.com) Mailing Address: P.O. Box 330 Harrison, Ohio 45030-0330 (United States) Phone: 513-354-1510 Fax: 513-354-1504 » E-Mail them » Visit their website Recent reviews: Past month Past 6 Months Past 12 Months Positive 5 24 30 Neutral 0 8 9 Negative 5 33 45 This company is affiliated with Gardens Alive! This company offers a variety of bulbs and plants. This company specializes in: Plants: Perennial Flowers Other helpful information: Member of Mailorder Gardening Association

Feedback History and Summary   325 positives 116 neutrals 312 negatives

Comments:

Rating Author Content Negative organic_kitten (8 reviews) On June 25, 2009, organic_kitten West Blocton, AL wrote: I should have know better, but they advertised a plant I wanted and was unable to find anywhere else in an internet search. 4" pots it said on the website. What I received was a dried out tangle of bare roots with no packing to keep it in any kind of viable shape, Six of the "plants" sans the 4" pots" fit into a small 4"X5" envelope. I planted them and 4 of the 6 finally put up a little green leaf. I don't know if they are what they are supposed to be, but I doubt it. I will never order from these people again. Company representative comment on July 01, 2009: On Jul 1, 2009 12:03 PM, Spring Hill Nursery (aka SpringHillNursery.com) responded with: Thank you for your inquiry. Please accept our sincere apology for any inconvenience we may have caused. Our Customer Service Team is checking into the issue you had with your order and will do our best to rectify the problem in a timely manner. We will be contacting you directly with a resolution. Thank you for your inquiry. Please accept our sincere apology for any inconvenience we may have caused. Our Customer Service Team is checking into the issue you had with your order and will do our best to rectify the problem in a timely manner. We will be contacting you directly with a resolution. Negative heuchera_lover (1 review) On June 24, 2009, heuchera_lover Gladstone, MI wrote: On 6-3-09 I ordered two Blue Polemonium, one lot of three Scabiosa and one easy care shade garden. The next week I called and was told my order shipped. My credit card was charged on 6-8 and I received the box with the first two items on 6-12-09. The website said that their last shipment date was 6-8 or 9 so I was surprised that the invoice said the shade garden wouldn't be delivered until 6-20 to 7-4-09. The day of receipt, I planted the three Scabiosa, which were somewhat yellowed and small, and the two Polemonium roots, following the instructions Spring Hill sent. As of today, I have yet to see anything coming out of the ground from the Polemonium. The Scabiosa are doing okay, greened up with fertilizer and watering, but really haven't grown much, although it's been nearly two weeks and we've had great weather. A week later, waiting for the shade garden, I decided to log in to the website to check the order status. It was then I saw it said "cancelled." I called Spring Hill and asked why I hadn't been notified, as I had been waiting on it and passed up opportunities to buy plants locally. They verified my email address but couldn't explain why I wasn't contacted. I got an apology and that was it. Fast forward to today: I couldn't remember the exact date I received my partial order so I checked the box for the tracking number. The label said "USPS" so I checked tracking on their website. I couldn't get it to track so I called the customer service #. Took at least 10 minutes to get to a real person to find out it was actually a United Parcel Service tracking number. Spring Hill can't even get the label right, I guess. From now on, I will buy from my local greenhouses, even if it means I don't get exactly the variety I wanted. I don't have time for substandard service. Company representative comment on July 01, 2009: On Jul 1, 2009 12:04 PM, Spring Hill Nursery (aka SpringHillNursery.com) responded with: Thank you for your inquiry. Please accept our sincere apology for any inconvenience we may have caused. Our Customer Service Team is checking into the issue you had with your order and will do our best to rectify the problem in a timely manner. We will be contacting you directly with a resolution. Negative mca1478 (1 review) On June 24, 2009, mca1478 Burlington, MA wrote: I ordered in SH for the first time at the end of April 2009 , First I called to talked to a sales representative and investigate the company and since they answered all of my question then I went for it. I spend almost $200 worth of plants. They took a little long to come, but some of my plats came and they look in very good shape. They were very well packed and they look very healthy. I planted them as soon as they arrived and they are doing GREAT! Now I'm waiting for the rest of my plants, 2 complete gardens, and on their web page the date continue to change every time I looked, so I wrote them an e-mail asking what is going on. They send me an e-mail back , and told me that my 2 gardens are in backorder...less than a week after that I got a little card in my mail box from them CANCELLING MY ORDER!!!!!!!!!! I never heard such a thing! If they didn't have enough plants in stock or other surcess to complete the orders, then...DON'T SELL! I really wanted my 2 gardens . Very dissapointed :( Company representative comment on July 01, 2009: On Jul 1, 2009 12:04 PM, Spring Hill Nursery (aka SpringHillNursery.com) responded with: Thank you for your inquiry. Please accept our sincere apology for any inconvenience we may have caused. Our Customer Service Team is checking into the issue you had with your order and will do our best to rectify the problem in a timely manner. We will be contacting you directly with a resolution. Positive Sir_Plantsalot (1 review) On June 22, 2009, Sir_Plantsalot Watertown, CT wrote: I also bought several of their garden collections but there was a backorder issue and substitutions made. I called with my concerns and they were handled quickly. I don't blame SpringHill for the back order though, I ordered on the last day of their 1/2 price sale. When purchasing online for a much lower price than garden shops in the area I don't mind if they are smaller, they all catch up after a year or so. They also sent me potted plants for the substitutions which was an upgrade. The most importaint thing is to get them in the dirt, even if it is just a temp garden. Happy Gardening! Positive shadydame (1 review) On June 22, 2009, shadydame North Walpole, NH (Zone 5a) wrote: I must admit that my experience with Springhill was my first foray into mail-order gardening. I received my orders in good time, although the first order was sent a little early. I am in southern NH, & we were still having frost warnings when I received my first shipment. I had a little bit of a struggle keeping things alive - and lost 1 Goatsbeard - but managed to eventually get everything into the ground. My second shipment came a few weeks later. Now, I've never dealt with bare root plants, so although I followed all the instructions, several of the plants either died right off the bat or didn't come up at all. I e-mailed Springhill & told them my problems. I waited for an e-mail to tell me that I was paranoid & insane; instead, I got an e-mail saying that they were shipping me replacement plants. I've already received and re-planted some (and yes, they're still alive!) I feel that Springhill went out of their way to help me get new plants, even if I didn't really ask for replacements. I appreciate their patience, and will certainly do business with them again next spring! Positive claire25 (6 reviews) On June 16, 2009, claire25 Salisbury, MD wrote: I agree with the comment that "forrej" posted--made me laugh, too--it does seem to me that some folks have already made up their mind that they will be dissatisfied no matter what a company tries to do in order to make them happy. I, however, am a happy Spring Hill customer. I ordered several plants last year (some lavenders, echinaceas & rudbeckias, globe thistles, a weigelia, and some astilbes), most of which shipped in the fall and the others early this spring (as per the appropriate planting times in my area). Each and every one is not only alive but thriving!! I will be ordering from them again...BTW their sales are awesome; that's what enabled me to make the big order last year that has turned out so beautifully in my garden. I should add--I have had a problem with some impertinent rabbits nibbling on a couple of my Rudbeckias. If I possessed the mindset that some of these posters seem to have, I guess I would find a way to somehow blame Spring Hill for even that. C'mon, folks. Positive livefreeordie (4 reviews) On June 10, 2009, livefreeordie Yeagertown, PA wrote: I have used this company for many many years, any problems were taken care of right away, their prices are great, packaging is awesome. I would use them again in a heartbeat, and tell those that are unsatisfied that they need to be a little less "one way", some people think the world should move them to the top of the list. I think a lot of the problems are caused by ignorant gardeners. Negative pookasmom (1 review) On June 09, 2009, pookasmom Two Harbors, MN wrote: Five years ago I ordered a Primrose Lilac (the yellow one) from Spring Hill Nurseries. It arrive in deepest winter (Minnesota ya know) and was way too young to be away from its mother. After babying it and nursing it along, it is finally a lovely size and shape and finally blooming. Unfortunately those blooms are purple!!! I have been carrying on an email game with Spring Hill in which they have offered me a replacement or a refund. I'm contacting the Attorney General and Better Business Bureau. Please do the same! Company representative comment on June 12, 2009: On Jun 12, 2009 10:25 AM, Spring Hill Nursery (aka SpringHillNursery.com) responded with: Thank you for your inquiry. Please accept our sincere apology for any inconvenience we may have caused. Our Customer Service Team is checking into the issue you had with your order and will do our best to rectify the problem in a timely manner. We will be contacting you directly with a resolution Negative thearicks (1 review) On June 07, 2009, thearicks Quincy, OH wrote: I ordered from them over $100.00 worth of plants that were suppose to be here in April it is now June they still are on back order I called them today 6-7-09 told me still no plans to ship them. I canceled my order with them and told them they lost a repeat costumer I used them last year and the butterfly bush died and I replaced it glad I didn't asked them to I would not have gotten it till Christmas the way they are going. They were very rude and not helpful at all like they didn't care if they lost the money or not. THIS COMPANY SUCKS. DO NOT ORDER FROM THEM. On June 24th, 2009, thearicks added the following: They resent my butterfly bushes. They cut the tops off to fit in the box. and the leaves were a bit yellow. They are suppose to send a gift cert. we will see been waiting since the 12th for that. tried to put a picture of the plants on here wouldn\'t let me. sorry. Company representative comment on June 08, 2009: On Jun 8, 2009 1:47 PM, Spring Hill Nursery (aka SpringHillNursery.com) responded with: Thank you for your inquiry. Please accept our apology for any inconvenience we may have caused you, and we ask that you consider giving us one more opportunity to provide you with world class service. Please understand that our company is based on 100% Customer Service. We are trained and qualified to answer any questions you may have or assist you with any problems that may arise. Positive forrej (1 review) On June 05, 2009, forrej Littleton, NC wrote: Both as a private individual and as a non-profit organization I have been very pleased with Spring Hill/Brecks. They have great prices and good product. I usually receive plants in good condition. If not, they are replaced quickly and pleasantly. Our Club has ordered many items and I have had no negative feedback from any customer. I feel that some folks just like to complain. As I Mother used to say "they are very particular." On June 5th, 2009, forrej added the following: Actually, my mother used to say that folks who were hard to please and dissatisfied with everything were \"very astute.\" I do feel that Spring Hill tries very hard to satisfy everyone. Perhaps there should be a customer rating from \"easy to please\" to \"extremely astute\" and the astute should be forwarded to someone in India who doesn\'t speak the language well. The \"easy to please\" should get the better plants and service. Positive ballerina012 (1 review) On June 04, 2009, ballerina012 Butler, PA wrote: The plants I ordered arrived looking healthy and in good condition. My order was approximately 2 weeks late, but I can live with that. I placed my order before reading all of the negative feedback, and was concerned that I would not receive healthy plants, but that was not the case. I will most likely order again from Spring Hill. Also...their packaging was excellent. Thanks! Negative tjensen4 (1 review) On June 02, 2009, tjensen4 Smyrna, GA wrote: I ordered daises, cone flowers, petunias and clematis from Spring Hill Nurseries. When they arrived I was immediately disappointed in the shape they were in. The cone flowers, daises and clematis had absolutely no leaves on them, just roots. I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt and plant them anyway. It has now been two months and only 2 of the 6 cone flowers have any leaves at all, the ones that do are only 2 inches high. Only 3 of the 6 daises have leaves and the clematis must have been dead when I planted it. The Petunias which were touted as cascading looked healthy when I took them out of the tiny plastic containers they came in but have yet to cascade. I also believe that $32 for 15 tiny petunias is exorbitant. The petunias I purchased at Home depot are doing much better. I have requested my money back since the lifetime guarantee states they will refund my money. Negative EllAnn (1 review) On May 31, 2009, EllAnn Roaring Spring, PA wrote: I've ordered from this company several times over the past few years and have had problems similiar to the ones posted already. The plants they did send were usually small and in very poor shape. I gave them more than one chance, but will not order from them again. Negative ka2325 (1 review) On May 30, 2009, ka2325 Grafton, WI wrote: I too, ordered 3 reblooming lilacs this spring, only to receive a refund check today for the $15.42 it was to cost me. The ad read 'Only $4.49 when you buy two or more'. Could it be that there wasn't a demand issue that canceled my order but rather the recession? Since they ARE available for purchase on-line at the regular price $19.99 apiece, could this be the reason I wonder? I too, wanted the lilacs very much but if this is how the company treats their customers, and reading the other problems people have had with them, I'll shop elsewhere, thank you. Company representative comment on June 19, 2009: On Jun 19, 2009 9:57 AM, Spring Hill Nursery (aka SpringHillNursery.com) responded with: The customer replied back to us after our contacting them with; I am VERY happy to say that I received the plants as promised in a very short time after my email was sent to them. Thank You very much to Dave's for their emense help with this matter. And a thank you to Spring Hill for their promt response in correcting this mistake. Thank You and I recommend anyone having the same issue, recontact Spring Hill. Negative baminnem (1 review) On May 30, 2009, baminnem Tescott, KS wrote: I mail ordered Josee Lilacs in March, 6 weeks later had still not received them or any notice from Spring Hill. I emailed them to see what the status of the order was. Their response was the lilacs were backordered and I was to check back with them at a later date when they would look into it again. I was furious with their lack of professionalism and integretity as a company. They never notified me to let me know the plants were backordered, then when I inquired, they seemed to not care when or if the order was ever filled. After several communications via email w/ them, they said the bushes would be mailed May 25. On May 27th I emailed them inquiring if the plants had been sent. The response was that the demand was greater than expected and it was past their shipping dates, so I would be receiving a refund check in the mail. I really want the plants more than the refund check. I would really like to communicate with the owner or president of the company to express my dissatisfaction. I think they never had the plants or at least never intended to send them, but they sure didn't waste any time cashing my check! At this point I have neither the plants or my money back. On June 1st, 2009, baminnem added the following: On June 9th, 2009, baminnem added the following: I did receive a refund check on June 3, but today, June 8, I got a post card saying because of a computer error my order was mistakenly cancelled. HOWEVER, they have corrected the problem and promise to ship the lilacs - at the proper planting time for my region. I think we\'re nearing the end of the proper time for planting for my region, that\'s why I ordered the bushes way back in March. We\'ll see if they show up or not. Anybody want to bet? Negative elliemaescottag (2 reviews) On May 29, 2009, elliemaescottag Lakeville, MA wrote: I ordered some hollyhocks in early May from Spring Hill as well as from Bluestone. The Bluestone plants arrive within a week while I'm still waiting for my Spring Hill order to arrive. Yesterday when I checked the order status their website now says that the plants won't be shipped until late September! It's obviously they are out of stock and need to grow them first. I contacted the company and told them to cancel my order and to credit back from credit card. But they just keep telling me that the order has been expedited for early fall. This is so frustrating.... There website says that spring shipping was occurring until 6/12 for my zone. So unless the plants are out of stock there is no reason for them to wait until fall at this point. If they don't step up to the plant and refund my money I'll be contacting the BBB. Negative maddie61 (1 review) On May 29, 2009, maddie61 Syosset, NY wrote: I purchased several plants on May 18. Everytime I log into my account with them, I find that the shipping date was moved up. I called them once and they told me that the plants were to be shipped out after Memorial Day because they did not want the plants to sit in the post office for a significant amount of time. Customer service explained to me that the shipping date on the website is incorrect. One of the ship dates was for June 16. They informed me that their last ship date was June 12. When I called them again, they informed me that the plants were on back order, and that they cannot ship plants that are too small. I will never be ordering from them again. Positive debspice (1 review) On May 23, 2009, debspice Saxtons River, VT wrote: I have been ordering from Spring Hill by catalog for years and this is actually how I first began my gardens by buying a complete garden. I have always been extremely satisfied, if something did not make it, even months later they would immediately replace it. Over the years a few things did not come up or maybe some did and some didn't and I would just write to them with the amount that didn't make it and a shipment would arrive. Recently ordered 3 coneflowers and they were big healthy plants well packed. I have never hesitated to order from them mainly because of their replacement guarantee. Positive Tex68 (4 reviews) On May 23, 2009, Tex68 Long Branch, NJ wrote: I'm guess I'm crazy or just one of the lucky ones to have a pleasant experience to give this company a positive rating. BUT my order was through HSN (Home Shopping Network) and not Spring Hill directly. So I'll give HSN the credit. I remember my Mom used to order from Spring Hill years ago before they changed ownership and she had no problem with them. After reading all the neg ratings regarding shipping here at Dave's Garden, I hesitated to order from Spring Hill. I was looking for a particular dwarf rose bush (pink magic rose) and they seemed to be the only one that carries them. I also remembered that HSN carries the same kind of roses and when I went to HSN's website it says 'Spring Hill'. That is where I learned that Spring Hill is HSN's supplier of plants they sell. I kind of hesitated but then I was thinking this is HSN. If Spring Hill is going to screw-up my order, HSN's reputation will be on the line. I ordered the roses (package of 5) on May 13th and receive them yesterday, May 22nd, 4 days earlier than the estimated delivery date. It was shipped through UPS and received them as described in small containers, yet very vigorous looking and already got the pink blooms on them. And I know they came from Spring Hill directly because the address was from Ohio where Spring Hill is located and not Florida where HSN is. So I guess if you find something that only Spring Hill carries and if HSN offers them as well, get it through HSN. I think under agreement with HSN, Spring Hill have to ship their products as scheduled to protect HSN's reputation. Negative Magala (4 reviews) On May 21, 2009, Magala Seattle, WA wrote: The two orders I received from them contained small, leggy plants in very poor condition. Of the plants that I ordered, many arrived in dormant, bare-root condition, but they were species that I would have expected to arrived live in 4" pots. The orders were delayed twice and the plants were in bad shape. Don't be enticed by the discount. One healthy plant at a regular price from somewhere else is worth three poor quality ones from Spring Hill. Neutral joyce76 (1 review) On May 20, 2009, joyce76 Lancaster, MA wrote: Like others, my shipping date has been pushed back further and further. I now have to go ahead with my garden without the plants I was anticipating having, which to any gardener is a disappointment. I e-mailed them and was told the items are on backorder. It would have been nice of them to inform me of this when I was ordering them, like most decent companies do. I will see how my plants arrive before I give them a negative rating. However, from now on I will stick to Bluestone Perennials- never a disappointment from them. Negative maraj64 (1 review) On May 20, 2009, maraj64 Westby, WI wrote: I placed an order w/SpringHill Nursery on 3/17/09. I received an email confirmation immediately but the estimated delivery date has since been changed several times, each one later & later. Two of the items I ordered would've been too late in the season to plant by the time they arrived, IF it ever would've arrived or survived. After seeing these reviews, I honestly don't know. I just got off the phone w/their CS & cancelled my order. However, I contacted my bank 1st to have them cancel out my current debit card BEFORE I cancelled my order w/SpringHill. Not worth the risk or hassle w/this company. Negative OldMayfly (2 reviews) On May 18, 2009, OldMayfly Atlanta, GA wrote: I ordered on-line. After several days without an email confirmation I called the nursery. The person I talked to checked their orders and said he couldn't find mine, so to please place my order again. I did enter another (slightly different) on-line order and received an email confirmation. Later, I received emails stating they would soon ship both orders. I cancelled the second order. The item I wanted most--a toad lily--was "out of stock" although I ordered it very, very early from their on-line catalog. I think they should concentrate less on advertising and more on consistent service. Negative Geri480 (1 review) On May 16, 2009, Geri480 Pennville, IN wrote: I ordered 2 Josie lilacs for $19.99 last year. It took forever and a day for them to arrive. They were green but diseased, with the leaves all crinkled or shriveled. I had not paid for the plants, was to pay after arrival. I notified them by email that the plants were diseased. I did not want new plants, nor did I intend to pay for the plants. This was a year ago.. Now I am being harassed by a collection agency by phone and mail. They claim I owe Spring Hill Nursery $65 for the dead plants that were supposed to be $19. Needless to say, I do not intend to pay for those plants and I have contacted customer service again, this time telling them to remove me from all mailing lists including the email lists, and to straighten out that billing issue. We shall see what happens next. Neutral pumptroll (1 review) On May 15, 2009, pumptroll Anamosa, IA wrote: I have ordered from Spring Hill on several occasions. i have to say that my experiences have varied greatly. this year the plants (most of them) have arrived looking very healthy. other years they have arrived looking dead or very poor. judging from the emails that i received saying that the order has shipped, it is a shipping issue. the package arrived one to more than one week after shipping. i recommended that they change how they ship. they are very good at replacing any plant that does not grow. unfortunately some arrived in the same condition as the originals. to end on a positive note. after not ordering from them for a few years i broke down and ordered some this year. the packaging was better, they arrived within a few days of the email that they were shipped and arrived in good condition. the rest of my order has not shipped yet so we will see. Positive afinity (2 reviews) On May 14, 2009, afinity Hagerstown, MD wrote: You get what you pay for. If you expect to get plants at 75% off the cost of the nursery you are going to get small plants not on time. I've waited 2 months for my order with the delivery date changing all the time, I finally emailed them and they promised to send my order ASAP. I received part of my order and it contained everything promised in small plants which are growing nicely. One of them did die and I contacted them to send another, we'll see if they do. I recommend them strictly for their price, you can't beat it but you will have to put up with not getting your items in any type of time period. It almost seems as though they are growing the plants after they are ordered! Use the 50% off coupon from retailmenot! On May 14th, 2009, afinity added the following: Oh and they don\'t charge your credit card until they send the plants. Positive uniblab (2 reviews) On May 14, 2009, uniblab Baton Rouge, LA wrote: I had a great experience with Spring Hill. The delivery date did not change for me and the plants arrived in perfect condition. Everything was labeled and packed well. Positive hopefulcpl (1 review) On May 13, 2009, hopefulcpl Louisville, KY wrote: Springhill nursery may have cheap plants but then if they never ship them to anyone it is easy to sell something cheap. i ordered on april 27th 2009 and every day my shipping date changes sometimes it changes three or four times in a single day. they never reply to an email so forget about getting a response through that. and all they can tell you when you call them long distance is that your order is in the process of being picked and boxed and will be shipped as soon as they can. some of the plants i ordered started out being shipped in 1st week of may the next day it was the middle of june then the next day it says it will ship in mid may it is now may 13th and the order showed will ship in june 8 2009 in the morning now in the evening it says the order will ship may 20th. it is a constant shell game with these people and after spending almost 100 dollars on plants i am fed up with this company. i have contacted the BBB but still have not gotten a solution to the problem. even the BBB can not get these people to ship the plants they took my money for. I have talked to my credit card company and they said they will not allow the charge to stand so at least i will get my money back. bottom line avoid springhill gardens like the plague it is. On May 15th, 2009, hopefulcpl added the following: on may 15th I finally received and Email back from customer service at springhill nursery Andy from customer service said the plants and trees i ordered are out of stock and they are working to get them shipped to me as soon as possible. as a token ( their wording ) of apology they did take an additional 10% off my order total. I am fine with that gesture but would still like to know why the website says they have these items in stock when they do not have them. hopefully my trees and plants will ship soon. we will just have to wait and see since the order says it will now ship between june 1 2009 and june 22 2009. On May 18th, 2009, hopefulcpl added the following: UPDATE: C/C got charged May 15th for the order and I E-mailed them right away to find out what is going on since order online says it has not shipped. received an E-mail on May 18th telling me order was ready and would be shipped in 2 -3 days and allow an additional 3 - 7 days for delivery. will update again if and when order actually arrives and what shape the order was in. (EX. DEAD OR ALIVE) On May 22nd, 2009, hopefulcpl added the following: Still playing the shell game with this place. they were contacted by the BBB in Ohio and did respond to the BBB. in their response they told the BBB that the order had been on backorder but it was now in stock and was in the process of being shipped from them to me. this was on Monday 18th of may 2009. I responded back to the BBB that this was still not acceptable as they have told me the exact same thing for 2 weeks now. these people at Springhill nursery are bold face liars and need to be called on it and the State of Ohio needs to pull their business license. it is now May 21st 2009 and still shows on their website that the plants will not ship until May 28 2009 and that date changes everyday to a further date. beginning to think that I will never see the plants I ordered and that this company is committing mail fraud as well as internet fraud. On May 23rd, 2009, hopefulcpl added the following: On May 23rd 2009 I received an E-mail from springhill nursery telling me that my order had shipped minus one thing that I knew would not ship until august. I immediately tracked the order as they said it shipped via UPS. The order was logged into UPS system and showed it was on Lexington Ky. hopefully it will arrive on Tuesday the 26th of may as UPS says it will and I hope the plants are still alive and in good shape. I will update as to the arrival and condition on the day I receive them. I still think they need a lot of help as far as relating that things are on backorder and to how long it will take to receive them. but after everything I will say the customer service agents do appear to be very friendly never rude. they just unfortunately are kept in the dark and cannot give customers the answers they need to. they do reply to emails after you get them to reply to the first one but it takes quite awhile to get a reply. I feel this is because they are overwhelmed with customer complaints. On May 23rd, 2009, hopefulcpl changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following: On May 23rd 2009 I received an E-mail from springhill nursery telling me that my order had shipped minus one thing that I knew would not ship until august. I immediately tracked the order as they said it shipped via UPS. The order was logged into UPS system and showed it was on Lexington Ky. hopefully it will arrive on Tuesday the 26th of may as UPS says it will and I hope the plants are still alive and in good shape. I will update as to the arrival and condition on the day I receive them. I still think they need a lot of help as far as relating that things are on backorder and to how long it will take to receive them. but after everything I will say the customer service agents do appear to be very friendly never rude. they just unfortunately are kept in the dark and cannot give customers the answers they need to. they do reply to emails after you get them to reply to the first one but it takes quite awhile to get a reply. I feel this is because they are overwhelmed with customer complaints. On May 26th, 2009, hopefulcpl changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following: finally plants delivered all seem to look healthy and in good condition except one and it looks ok. the tree just lost all of its leaves in the delivery box hopefully it is ok and will survive . The box was very well packed and the plants were in it tightly so they did not jostle around inside the big box. after waiting a month for the order to arrive and all the problems I am now happy I have the plants and they look good. I still wish when I had placed the order that they would have sent me an E-mail with the confirmation note telling me that they were out of stock on the items I ordered rather than let me sit and watch the dates change daily. I have suggested that to their customer service so we will have to see if they start doing that. Neutral suzyq78 (1 review) On May 09, 2009, suzyq78 Lake Villa, IL wrote: I placed an order with Spring Hill on 4/17/09. I ordered two of the Complete Never Ending Border Perennials and one Corner Garden. I noticed that the delivery date kept getting pushed out. I noticed a charge coming through for the total of the order last week from my bank account and thought maybe the website just isn't updated. I called and was informed the corner garden was being shipped, but thought it sounded like the whole order was being shipped. I gave up on the phone because it was hard to understand the person I was talking to as she had a thick accent. Well, I received the tracking information and received the Corner Garden with no problems with the plants, but the big order shows the estimated delivery being between 6/6 and 6/25. I called and requested to cancel that portion of the order as the end of June is just too late to me to be starting to plant these things. They canceled that portion of the order for me and verified (I verified on my bank account too) that I was only charged the for the Corner Garden. I do not understand why there website shows a shipping schedule for zone 5 not past 6/12 when my order shows estimated delivery through the end of June. I am pleased that they canceled the rest of the order for me without hesitation and that the person I spoke with waited on the line so I could verify what I was actually charged for through my bank account and that he actually verified the amount that they put through to be charged as well wasn't for the full order and only for the items I received. I'll keep an eye on my bank acct, but since the website now shows that portion of the order canceled I feel that I probably won't be charged. Negative jmflorida (2 reviews) On May 09, 2009, jmflorida Labelle, FL (Zone 10a) wrote: As seems to be their standard they delayed ship date. Plants were packed on a Friday got to UPS Monday night sent by dog sled arrived on Thursday I got email from UPS stating delivered. I called UPS they told me plants were delivered to US Post office. We finally received the plants Friday afternoon, They were in poor condition from being in a box for a week with no water. my wife asked if the provided a microscope to view plants. We received a butterfly plant from another mail order nursery 2 weeks ago it took 2 days from packing until we received plants at our house they shipped via FedEx ground. That butterfly plant is about 5 times the size of Spring hill plant I did not see all the poor reviews posted on the web before ordering. We will never use any company associated with Spring Hill in the future. Positive StellysPapa (25 reviews) On May 06, 2009, StellysPapa Dothan, AL (Zone 8a) wrote: Guess I am one of the lucky ones concerning SpringHill. I placed an order 2 weeks ago for some ferns and got them today May 6. They are all healthy looking plants. Wish I could say the same for a few other nurseries I've done buisiness with this spring. There's got to be one good apple in the barrel. Negative NChorselover (1 review) On May 04, 2009, NChorselover Newton, NC wrote: Placed an order in March - unfortunately, before I read the reviews on this site. I can echo every comment - they keep switching the "delivery estimate", did not answer e-mails, promised "rush" delivery after I complained, but still no plants. I have begun checking the delivery estimates daily - and every day they move 1-2 days. Now my credit card has been charged even though the plants have not shipped. Two issues that I have NOT seen listed in this forum: 1) Their telephone number is not listed anywhere on their website. I did not have a catalog handy, and could not find the number. I actually found the number on this forum!! 2) The number I called is answered in India. The representative, "Brandon", tried telling me that the company headquarters was in Indiana - but when I asked him where HE was actually located, he finally admitted India. (Like I couldn't tell from the heavy accent that I could barely understand...) I will not support any company that uses overseas call centers for their customer service - especially since I doubt if he can answer any questions I may have about gardening in the south during the summer. Nevertheless - "Brandon" claims that my order is not "in the shipping process" - which apparently means that it will be shipped within 2-3 days. He claims that the website is not updated regularly, and that what he is telling me is the most current info. We'll see - if no tracking number appears within the 2-3 days, I am cancelling the entire order. So - what is a good company to order perennials from??? I may need to replace the order! Thanks! On May 7th, 2009, NChorselover added the following: After two more days of watching the \"delivery estimate\" change - I called again. First customer service rep (Karen) was very rude - argued with me about why the plants were taking so long to ship, and would not stop talking over me when I tried to ask questions. (I am assuming this is probably because she receives a lot of call from irate customers like myself!!) I asked to speak to her supervisor, she said that the supervisor would just tell me the same thing. I insisted on speaking to the supervisor, Crystal, who was very nice, but told me that the customer service reps from India should never have told me that the items would ship in 2-3 days because they have no idea when they\'ll ship. I cancelled the entire order. I have been misled and lied to by too many people. I have learned my lesson and will never order from Spring Hill or any of their associated companies again. Positive roseydew3 (5 reviews) On May 02, 2009, roseydew3 West Jefferson, OH wrote: I placed a medium sized order with this company. This first shipment was a collection of 4 clematis. It arrived in excellent condition. Well-rooted, lots of leaves, moist soil. Couldn't have arrived in better shape. Hopefully the rest of my order will arrive in the same excellent condition. Negative FBSPANKEY2 (3 reviews) On May 01, 2009, FBSPANKEY2 Fort Benton, MT wrote: I COULD JUST REPEAT EVERY NEGATIVE , IT SEEMS ALL OF US HAVE THE SAME EXPERIENCES EXCEPT I DON'T KNOW THE CONDITION OF MY PLANTS- AS EVERY TIME I CHECK ON SHPIING DATE IT IS PUT OFF 2 WEEKS. A DIFFERENT THOUGHT IS - HOW CAN THEY BE A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING OF "MAILORDER GARDENING ASSOCIATION" I WOULD GUESS THIS ASSOCIATION IS NOT DOING THEIR HOMEWORK. Negative cammonro (3 reviews) On May 01, 2009, cammonro Middlebury, CT wrote: DO NOT ORDER FROM THIS COMPANY. Spring Hill is an abomination. And no that is not hyberbole. How do I hate thee Spring Hill? Let me count the ways... I cannot tell you how many plants I've ordered from this company to only receive wrong quantities, wrong plants, unfilled items, DOA (Dead on Arrival) or DAP (Dead After Planting) to coin a new acronym. Further they boast completely unreliable ship dates and never ending back orders. I find their customer service people unfriendly and the "Lifetime" warranty is completely bogus. What is the good of a warranty when they send you a laughably puny and pathetic version of the same plant? About 90% of my plants from Spring Hill have FAILED. Replacing them does little when those replacements also DIE. I've received multiple DEAD versions of the same plant. You look at the rhizomes and you know that this plant is dead as a doornail. Call for a replacement and they either send you another dead one or tell you that it is on back order and they will ship in the fall (which means never unless you call them again) or give you a credit. Woo hoo! It's a trap to keep you hooked you see? You might call it "Spring Hell". Ironically, it was the glorious photos in their catalog that really got me into gardening. I would stare at their catalog for hours enamored at the plant selections that I did not see at local nurseries and dreaming of what my garden would look like in a few patient years. Ha! Key word here is dream. After countless failures, needless to say I came to my senses. I still have unclaimed credits which I can guarantee you will remain unclaimed at this point. Time to cut my losses and move on. I saw the bad reviews here on Dave's Garden and thought no need to post and add fuel to the fire because they were obviously a bad company. So why am I posting? The straw that broke the camel's back for me was my primrose lilacs. Despite all the other plants that died I took small consolation that at least my primrose lilacs were doing well. They did not bloom yet but they were getting close and they seemed very healthy. For 3 years I've looked forward to being the only one in my area with yellow lilacs. Well guess what? This year they bloomed. And they're not yellow. Not even close. So are they going to send me more replacements in a 3 inch pot as per their lifetime warranty? I'm beyond disillusioned. I'm thoroughly disgusted but my wife says I need to laugh about it. I'm not. Spring Hill should not be allowed to be in business. And I feel it my duty to try and protect others from their shoddy business practices. You have been warned. P.S. Please be advised that if you order from them you will get added to their telemarketing list. It's a machine that calls you periodically, not a human being and there does not seem to be a way to get off. Positive karebear81184 (1 review) On April 30, 2009, karebear81184 Brookline, MA wrote: I ordered about $100 of plants for only $80 using a discount coupon I found online. I got some astilbes, geraniums, daisies, rudbeckia, verbascum, salvia, and vincas. I received the package within a few weeks (these are living things so it's not as simple as pulling them off a shelf) and everything was packed carefully and looked as I expected. One of my two rudbeckia was missing, so I wrote a quick note to customer service and within two days I got an email saying they had put two more in the mail for me (which I've also received and looked great). Most of the plants arrived with no leaves on them and no signs of life but I have been helping my mother with her gardens since I was a little girl, so I knew that this is what plants look like when they have been dug up from under the snow in April and then put in a box and sent across the country! The geraniums showed up as little straggly roots but they are looking amazing now and some are even 6" tall! The vincas came with good leaves and are doing well. A couple are already starting to trail and root. One out of the six is not doing too great, the growth that was on it when it arrived has died, but it has a little shoot coming up so I think it'll be alright. The astilbes looked like dead pieces of driftwood but all are putting up little fuzzy shoots! The salvia are doing very well and growing so fast I'm going to have to stake them in a couple of days. As for the verbascum, daisies, and rudbeckia, they have been growing slowly and looking a tiny bit tired, but I just reread the Spring Hill website and realized I was giving them MORE water to try to perk them up... and those 3 plants do not like wet feet. So once I stop drowning them I think they will do great. The beautiful plants you see in the catalog are about three years old, so I am expecting this first summer to be one of greenery and careful attention. I'll add to my post when they bloom. Neutral cjparker (6 reviews) On April 29, 2009, cjparker Kennewick, WA (Zone 7a) wrote: Dear Springhill Nursery, An estimated ship date means that you anticipate shipping on about that date. It does NOT mean that you put in an estimated ship date of 3/25 and then move the estimated ship date forward a few days each week for weeks on end until the recipient will find herself planting spring bulbs and spring-flowering shrubs in the middle of summer. Sign me, Disgruntled Negative connied05 (1 review) On April 29, 2009, connied05 Versailles, KY wrote: Every year about this time, I am so tempted to order something from this company. Then, I remember the many times I opened the carton of plants to find them dead or dying or not even the plant I ordered but a substitute. After one spring of receiving bad plants TWICE, I gave up and vowed never to order from them again. Rule of thumb for me...buy locally. Negative Planter007 (1 review) On April 29, 2009, Planter007 Washington, DC wrote: The ordering process is fun. Ordered online, got confirmation that the order will be shipped in a week (that's good, I thought), but then the online tracking system showed that the order will not go out for another 3 months. Called Customer Service who promised to put a rush on the order. I called back a few days later to be told that the order was not going to be shipped for four months (that's our standard timeframe, said the supervisor) Postives: nice friendly customer service, eager to help you cancel your order. Negatives: curiously detached supervisors. Forget about getting any plants. Positive floatingfeather (2 reviews) On April 28, 2009, floatingfeather Indianapolis, IN (Zone 5b) wrote: I decided to give this company a try since I know friends who have had great success with them. I used the $25 savings certificate for an order over $50. I received my entire order in a timely manner, that is not the issue. I found out about this site 'after' my order was placed, but decided for wishful thinking in the grand scheme of things, since I had no experience to write about. I ordered 3 blue fragrant lavender and we planted them in a timely manner according to the planting directions. I know a dead plant when I see one, (these were wilted when we received them and I had hoped they'd bounce out of it). Two out of the three are dead and the third one looks iffy. I called the Customer Service last weekend, and told the lady they'd been in the ground one week and two are dead. She said that perhaps they are in shock, give them another week and see if they bounce back. They have not and the third one is looking sickly now. They are dead or dying. I've read on here that the company can black ball you for too many dead plants. That scares me as I also ordered three snow in summer and they look sickly too. I emailed the company about this 2 for sure dead ones on 4/27/09 and haven't received a response yet. I doubt I'll be ordering from them as I'll just stick with my local nurseries. I wish I'd paid attention to the warnings. The pictures in the catalogs make everything look so good and it is our desire that we get that result too, but we've got to have good plants to work with from the get go....not wilted ones. On May 8th, 2009, floatingfeather changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following: I was pleasantly surprised that I did speak with their customer service department and I not only was given the two plants that died, but an additional third one, just as I\'d received in the beginning, and just the way it was packaged, three in a grouping-at no charge, just as their policy states. These look extremely healthy and are in the ground and I\'m hoping they will take off and look like they did in the catalog. I just wanted to share because I guess I was going into this very skeptical from others reviews, but until I experienced it myself, and had a resolution in a positive way, I would be willing to give this company another chance. Happy Gardening!!

Read the rest of the comments

Return to the Garden Watchdog homepage

Learn how to link to this page