The scoop on 'House of Wesley'

Feedback History and Summary   17 positives 13 neutrals 102 negatives

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Rating Author Content Negative flagpole (1 review) On April 30, 2008, flagpole Graham, WA wrote: negative so for I ordered seeds in early march said they was going to ship them in a couple of days haven"t seen them yet I called they said 2 to 4 weeks still nothing I hope I get them soon .pray for me flagpole Negative jgsiska (1 review) On April 24, 2008, jgsiska Severna Park, MD wrote: I received an order from House of Wesley today and was very disappointed with it. I received great gunnera, in a plastic bag with no protection or moisture control, it was also put in my mail box which I think damaged it more. One of the tubers(out of 3) was rotten and the other 2 were damaged, with new growth smashed and broken off. I also received a "free" iris tuber which was a smelly disgusting slimeball! I called customer service immediately and the guy was very somber and had no idea about their shipping policies, also with no apologies. I'm mailing them back and I also have elephant ears coming that were shipped seperately. I hope they will be in better shape if not they will go back as well. Positive momn8r (1 review) On April 18, 2008, momn8r Edgar Springs, MO (Zone 5b) wrote: I was very satisfied with this company and the plants when received. If I were giving stars, they would get 4 out of 5 from me. I did receive one broken tree but only the very tops, and the sedum is not quite the size I expected(but then sedum only takes a tiny bit to take over a flower bed anyway). If a person were to actually read all the information, they would see what I saw, and that is that NOTHING gets shipped before April first, and then in the warmer places first. I was very satisfied to see my order delivered promptly on 14 April, 2008. I did place my order in January, but knew I did not want anything delievered that early in the year. The prices were excellent, quality of goods was average, and overall, I will definitely order from them again. We ordered a hardwood maple from this company (or one of it's affiliates) 25 years ago, and when it arrived, my father looked at the pitiful 6 inch tree (counting the roots) and called the company. They sent an immediate replacement. In the end, the pitiful 6 inch tree is now a fabulous specimen, and the nice large replacement (over 2 feet tall) did not survive. That means, you take your chances with anything you do, especially with living things. I am happy to take that risk again and again with this company. Negative Nootka_Rose (1 review) On April 17, 2008, Nootka_Rose Seattle, WA wrote: It is absolutely the worst plant co I've ever delt with and I am buying plants on daily basis at work. They lured me the second time - they were the Four Season Nursery before- and I had to admit that I fell for the same tricks again. Stay away from this place as far as posible. It may be border line illigal what they are doing. I order bunch of plants and all of them were in horible shape. In addition, 3 items were listed on the label but missing in the package. Now, I remember I had the same problem with the Four Season. I sent them the label with complain and nothing happened - then, of course, I completely forgot about it and that what they are counting on!!!! The service is the most rude I've ever encounter!!! Negative Gizz (1 review) On September 27, 2007, Gizz Stewartstown, PA wrote: This is probably the WORST company I have ever used! I have struggled to get VIABLE plants for the money I've spent and, after at least FOUR attempts to meet their guarantee standards, I still have not received the items for which I paid. I am in the process of contacting the proper consumer protection agencies to resolve my problems with House of Wesley! This company has been way more of a hassle than it has of value! I, honestly, would NEVER deal with them, again, and I have already discouraged several friends and family members from ordering from them! Respectfully, Gizz Davis Negative GardenHobby (1 review) On August 22, 2007, GardenHobby Lake Saint Louis, MO wrote: In 2006, I first ordered plants from House of Wesley. All of the plant material arrived in poor condition - most of it dry and others had mold. When I contacted them for replacement, I got the ridiculous shipping label requirement, even though I had kept a copy of the original receipt. Fortunately, I was able to identify a location where the shipping label requirement was not made clear. They eventually agreed to issue a merchandise credit. In 2007, I ordered new plants and received moldy plants once again. My total bill was for approx $3.50 more than in 2006. When I requested credit for the plants (after again not growing), I was told that the warranty was only for one year, so they could only issue a credit for the additional $3.50. Technically, I didn't get a full year of warranty though because the first order needed replacement within a short timeframe, and then I had to wait until the next planting season to even get new plants. So if they count the time that the products are in our possession, it certainly will not equal a year. The bottom line is that they have terrible replacement policies, and poor products. I would never order from them again. What a terrible mail-order experience. BUYER BEWARE!!! Negative KLRose (1 review) On August 2, 2007, KLRose Oak Park, CA wrote: Ordered plants in April -- received plants 2 weeks later -- most did not grow - rose tree was dead -- just thrown in bag and shipped -- after 3 calls -- and 2 sets of letters etc -- only received a merchandise credit -- because it took so long on their part!!! get what you pay for -- good come on prices BUT Lousy merchandise and worse service no refunds etc. BEWaRE!!! Negative katemarie27 (1 review) On July 7, 2007, katemarie27 Chicago, IL wrote: I placed an order from this site early this year and they delivered it to the wrong address. When I called them, I was told to go to the address and ask for the plants - it was an apartment building with no way to leave plants or contact anyone. When I contacted HoW again, I was told that they plants were sent and that they would not refund me my money or send replacement plants. I had my credit card company take back the money I paid (around $59) and today got a threatening letter from these people telling me they are going to turn me over to collection if I don't send them the money. DO NOT ORDER FROM THIS SITE!!! It's just a call center. No one cares about you or the plants. Negative CoachMac (1 review) On June 22, 2007, CoachMac Front Royal, VA wrote: In trying to exercise my "guarantee" on a couple of dead toothpicks I foolishly bought from HOW last year, I have been given the run around both during my initial purchase and now while trying to get replacements. I think a class action (merchantability) suit is indeed in order. I also think folks should contact all affiliates and associated seed companies (Burgess, etc) HOW claims to be connected with to explain their problems and the negative impression HOW gives to their respective companies. Negative 5656 (1 review) On June 12, 2007, 5656 Lakeland, FL wrote: This year as always I recieved several seed and plant catalogs one in particular caught my attention, it was the House of Wesley. I thought that the prices seemed fair for what was pictured so I decided to give them a try. I ordered over the internet, and imediately recieved e-mail comformation of my order however it seemed like forever before I recieved my plants (several weeks) when I did get them they appeared to be dead, totally dried out, however we followed all the directions an waited, and waited, and waited, and the result was out of aprox. 412 plants only about 30 actually grew, the rest did nothing. I have contacted the company, and was treated politely, but am dissapointed that I can not get a refund, if it were 10 or 15 or even 25 plants that did not grow I would be happy with replacement or credit, but it is very late in the planting season here in florida and very hot for new starts they offered a credit for use in the fall also but I am afraid I will get more of the same dead very very small plants. Negative Zortek84 (1 review) On June 11, 2007, Zortek84 Montgomery, MI wrote: I placed an order on 4-23-07, was charged 4-24-07, have never recieved any plants. Tried to cancel by email (sent on to right dept) and by mail 5-18-07. They started "processing my request on 5-21-07 and are still processing 6-11-07. They never responded to the Better Business of IL. My credit card company is trying to get money back. I did see on the BBB that William Mueller is their secretary/attorney. I found his web site and have tried writing him today for answers. Maybe if we all try him we can get some answer or atleast fill up his inbox and make him look into it. I found him at [HYPERLINK@www.lawyers.com] It has a spot to send him email. It is worth a try. On June 13th, 2007, Zortek84 added the following: It is amazing after fighting with the company for over a month to cancel the order and get my money back I did. All I did was write to their lawyer at the link I added and in 2 days it was taken care of. So try it. I still will never order from them again or let anyone I know use them. Negative Doverose (1 review) On June 4, 2007, Doverose Oklahoma City, OK wrote: Like so many others I ordered plants from The House of Wesley that: a. never grew, b. were inadequate and inferrior in size to be able to grow, c. replacement plants arrived equally small and already dead. Thank you for this service. I will not waste my time in attempting to get an adjustment from this company. Far too many have reported that difficulty. I simply will rely on your recommended plant suppliers in the future. Angry in Oklahoma Negative kenstogie (1 review) On June 3, 2007, kenstogie Rensselaer, NY wrote: I wish I had found this site before I ordered, purchased some 80 plants which they never shipped until I pulled some teeth, They sure charged me for them though. Sadly many of them did not live nor did they ever really take off. How do they stay in biz? Negative 2disappointed (1 review) On May 25, 2007, 2disappointed Evans, GA wrote: On May 7, 2007, I placed an online order with directgardening.com, a division of House of Wesley. May 8, 2007, I called to confirm the order and was told the order was received and that my credit card would not be charged until the day the order shipped. Later that day I confirmed through my credit card company's website that the total of the order had been charged. I then contacted the company for a tracking number and anticipated receive date, and that's when the roller coaster began. A few days later I called back to receive the shipping information and was told in a very unprofessional manner and rude manner by a Customer Service Rep that the order had not been processed and that I would need to wait at least two weeks before I could receive any information. I then asked why was my credit card charged when I was told that the card would not be charged until the day the order shipped. I was then told that "they could pretty much charge my card whenever they got ready, call back in a couple of weeks." Because the CS rep was so unprofessional and rude I asked that my order be immediately canceled and that I receive a charge back to my credit card. I was told that order cancellation request must be provided in writing. So I immediately emailed and faxed a request for cancellation to the company. After a few days, allowing time for processing, I did not see the charge back on my credit card, and called to confirm the cancellation. Got another customer service rep who was just as unprofessional and told me that no order has been processed or cancelled. I asked to speak with a supervisor and after I was disconnected three times and repeatedly called back, I was told by another customer service rep that no supervisor or manager was available. That the supervisor Grace Avery was only available by letter and I was provided a different address for her from the one on my invoice from the company. I told the customer service rep that I had sent in a written request for cancellation by both email and fax and she told me that fax and email does not count, I need to send in the request by mail. I sent in the request via certified mail, return receipt requested and in a couple of days called to confirm the cancellation. At this time, I was told that Box 2 of 3 which only contained the root stimulator a $7.49 product, of which my total order was $202.79 had been shipped therefore the order would not be canceled. I asked that an adjustment be made for the cost of the $7.49 product and that I receive a refund for the remaining amount. I was told no. When I asked if they had received the letter which I sent by certified mail, the answer was no. One last call a couple of days later in an attempt to confirm cancellation, was told by the customer service rep that the order would not be canceled. I stated that if any products arrived that I would at this point refuse delivery. The customer service rep replied that if I refuse delivery I would suffer the consequences. I then contacted the Better Business Bureau and the FTC and filed formal complaints against this company, which are presently pending. To date, 5/25/07, the products have not been received and my card has not been refunded. I have my video camera set up and am ready in the event that any products do arrive. When I asked for a tracking number with regard to the Box 2 of 3 containing the root stimulator, I was told that the company does not provide tracking numbers and that all merchandise is shipped by USPS. I do plan if any products arrive to inform the postal carrier that I refuse delivery and if any merchandise is left I will video the contents in an effort to support my request for refund. I have taken vacation to ensure that I'm available in the event that there is an attempted delivery. I think that it is horrible that this company can get away with treating people like they do and by no means do I plan on just allowing this issue to go away. Perhaps, if everyone that has been maltreated by this company could somehow connect, a class-action civil suit can be filed in an effort to receive recovery of the money lost. Either way, if I don't receive my refund, I'll leave no stone unturned until I do. If you are seeking a refund or would like to demand that this company use honorable business practices please email [e-mail:gtownlegal@bellsouth.net]. Once received, all submissions will be presented to a consumer attorney. Negative slvrlphoto (1 review) On May 22, 2007, slvrlphoto Ballwin, MO wrote: I ordered two offers of daylilies (50 bulbs) in mid-March. The company cashed my check promptly and told me that my order was shipped on April 11. When the order hadn't arrived by May 6, I emailed the company and was told that I should wait until May 11 to see if the bulbs arrive. (I live in St. Louis--less than 200 miles from their facility--I'm very skeptical that it takes a month for any shipment to make that short a trip.) I actually waited until May 19 to contact them again, and requested a replacement order, but now I'm told that they'll attempt to track the shipment. I'm afraid that by the time I get my order--if I ever do--that it will be too late in the season for the lilies to have a chance. On May 31st, 2007, slvrlphoto added the following: Just got a note from HOW along with tracking information that claims that my order was delivered on April 17. Unfortunately, the fact is that my order was not delivered to my address on that date or any other. It wasn't a big order--under 20 bucks. I hope HOW (and affiliated companies) feels the $20 is worth losing a customer. Of course, I'll be happy to tell everyone I know about my unsatisfactory experience. Positive teskopal (6 reviews) On May 21, 2007, teskopal Syracuse, NY (Zone 5b) wrote: I'm 38 now and recently ordered from this company more out of nostalgia than anything-- I had ordered a Manchurian apricot and 10 strawberry plants for something like $4.50 and $2.95 respectively back when I was 8 or 9 years old. I remember how well the plants did, particularly the apricot (It was a 2-foot stick when it arrived, but got about 20 feet tall over they years, and was always the first thing to bloom in spring with beautiful pink flowers). At any rate, I ordered again recently. I went into the transaction expecting small plants, and that's what I received. Of the 12 daylilies I ordered, 2 needed replacement when they arrived, and the replacement was prompt. The other plants (vinca and a 5-in-1 pear tree) have done well. What the pear actually produces remains to be seen, but the tree is certainly growing enthusiastically in this, its second Spring. For these prices, I think of this as more or less a game-- it's fun to wait for the order to arrive, and I know that probably everything will not be perfect. But they do seem to honor the guarantee if you follow their instructions, and overall (again, for the price paid) I'm happy. Negative LadyOTheLake (1 review) On May 10, 2007, LadyOTheLake Smithville, TX (Zone 8b) wrote: Some of the plants I got were all right. Small, most of them, but all right. But the ones that were not all right were really really bad. I got two separate shipments of soaked and rotting Lavender Angel Trumpets - both the original and the replacement plant were mush when they arrived; their lavender plants and walk-on-me plants were mildewed and desiccated. The two Empress Trees (original order and replacement) were dead and the stem/trunk was hollow. The Mouse Plants were nothing but tiny little rhizomes almost invisible to the naked eye. There were no planting instructions and I did the best I could but they never came up. That was just the beginning of my problems with them. In the year since I ordered - and the less-than-year since I actually received that first order, most of the plants have died, even though I immediately put them into the ground. I have gardened since I can remember, I'm pretty darn good at getting things to grow, but one cannot resurrect the dead no matter how hard one tries. In response to my requests for replacement, after sending them each and every one of the required original shipping labels, I am still being asked for original shipping labels, no matter how many times I tell them they have those original shipping labels. To my mind, the fact that they lost those labels at their end, should not become my problem. Further, they continue to ask me to explain what was wrong with the plants that I have asked be replaced, despite the fact that I have told them each time exactly what was wrong with those plants. Even worse, they keep sending back with their queries, the entire history of our correspondence, including, in some cases, copies of the very shipping labels they are once again asking me to send to them. I am pretty much to the place that I think they are hoping that the year will run out whilst we're shipping the ever-increasing sheaf of papers back and forth; what they don't seem to understand is, I am a paralegal working for a law firm. I know what a warranty is and when the meter starts running on one. And my boss just loves this sort of project Earlier this week I phoned in to once again ask them why in the blue-eyed jeepers they were sending me that dang wad of papers back again, and was told quite candidly by the person I spoke to in their customer service phone center, that I needed to not order from them ever again, that I should purchase my plants locally and was told further that I should not order from any of their other "fronts," being Four Seasons; Burgess; Honey Creek; Farmer Seed; Interstate; Kelly Nurseries; Richard Owen; and for goodness sakes NEVER from Royal Dutch. She steered me toward this website and was it ever an eye-opener. Sorry as I was to see that so many other people had suffered the same shoddy treatment and received the same shoddy product from this company, I was glad to see that it wasn't just me. They have a very few days left to ship the plants I have asked for. After that, see Paragraph 6 above. I'm through with them. To show just how through with them I am, I've even made them a separate folder on my e-mail page. I've called it "House of Weasels." Positive SSexton (1 review) On May 8, 2007, SSexton Clay City, KY wrote: My experience with the House of Wesley couldn't be more positive. I ordered 2 silver lace vines, 3 wisteria vines and 12 red sedum. It took several weeks for my order to arrive, but I was expecting that and when it did arrive the wisteria were just sticks, the silver lace vines had many green leaves and the red sedum where a group of sticks. I read all of the negative comments on this site the day after my order arrived and I have to say I was worried. I planted all of the plants in large starter pots and to my surprise, they livened right up. In 2 days I could tell they were going to make it. Now about 2 weeks later (May 8, 2007) they are growing and I planted them in the areas that I originally had in mind. In my opinion, it is key to order the plants about 2 months before you are ready to plant. This will give you plenty of time to receive your order, inspect it and make any returns/replacements necessary. I would never order anything during the winter and expect it to arrive alive. I will order from the House of Wesley again. In looking at the Garden Watchdog website at all the negativity, I sure hope they are working to resolve the issues with customers who are not happy with their product. I'm just very happy that I did not have any problems. Negative FLUSHINGMI (1 review) On May 4, 2007, FLUSHINGMI Flushing, MI wrote: I ordered three tree roses from HOUSE OF WESLEY and they came in a timely manner and were moist but looked dead. I planted them anyways,and nothing happened. In two months my guarantee will be up so I mailed the original for replacement, god I hope they ship something much better then I got. Wish me luck!!!!!! Negative bobinga (1 review) On May 3, 2007, bobinga Hiawassee, GA wrote: I purchased 8 Thuja Green Giant evergreens. When they arrived, they were covered in a white mold or fungus of some kind. I called Wesley's customer service and was told that the mold was not out of the ordinary and they would do fine once planted. I planted them according to instructions and they all died within 3 weeks. By then it was beyond their 2-week refund policy, so I was issued a merchandise credit upon the return of the original shipping label. I'm glad I saved that shipping label, because had I not, I would have received nothing. Will I ever do business with Wesley again? Yes, but only to redeem my merchandise credit voucher. Beyond that I will absolutely never do business with them again. Negative merrygarden (1 review) On April 10, 2007, merrygarden Northville, MI wrote: I found my House of Wesley catalog today and was thinking of placing another order for a Himalayan Blue Poppy. Then I found this website and am so glad I did. My experience is similar to so many others I read about. In 2005 I ordered the first Himalayan Blue Poppy. It appeared to be alive when it arrived. I planted it per directions and it never lived. I did reach the company, and they asked for copy of my cancelled check. I did not have it, but did have record of sending it and bank statement showing check was received. They told me to wait a year. A year has passed and still no sign of life. After reading experiences of others, I will not order from them again, though I would love a blue poppy. I concur with so many others--this company is not reputable. Negative pdsh (1 review) On March 28, 2007, pdsh Racine, WI wrote: Last year I purchased an ornamental grass garden that was supposed to have a total of three different plants and a garden combo for a sunny location. It turned out that the grass roots were broad grass and nothing close to ornamental and the other part of the order was mostly dead upon arrival. Since then I check every catalog I get to see if they are related to Burgess - if they are the catalog gets tossed immediately. Negative GeorgiaHoney (1 review) On March 28, 2007, GeorgiaHoney Richland, GA wrote: On August 8,2006 I orderd a Blue Light Clematis and a Sum and Substance Hosta, I called the company and the customer service person was very RUDE.I told her i wanted a replacement or my money back. She kept telling me I had to send in my orignal shipping label.I had told her I did send in my orignal shipping label on Feb 15,2007. What did she not understand about that. I also told her I have the orignal final receipt from there company she said that was not good enough I had to send in my credit card statement. WHAT FOR ....BUYERS BEWARE SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM. Negative carfain (2 reviews) On March 27, 2007, carfain Sanger, TX wrote: In 2006, I ordered red sedum and hostas...The sedum never came up at all, and only one of 6 hostas. I wrote them and finally got to replace my order by ordering BLUE tulips....that were PURPLE when they came out this spring...at least they did grow!!! The companies representative are very rude and not informative on any thing, especially return policies. The plants never came up, but they wanted me to say the plants died or they would not accept my complaints. If they never came up, How could they die!!! I will never order any thing from they again. Hopefully I can find a mail order company that that sells plants that live!!! Negative 4seasonsisajoke (1 review) On March 15, 2007, 4seasonsisajoke Missouri City, TX wrote: Wish I had discovered this site prior to ordering. Ordered $260 worth of items from John at 4 Seasons Nursery (same outfit different name) on 3/8. Specifically asked about inventory, verifying there would not be any backorder issues, if the order would be processed same day, and when the shipping would be as their shipping policy is vague at best. John stated that the order would be processed same day and the items would ship out "shortly". Well I called to get a status yesterday 3/14 and found out that you can not contact the nursery directly. The number provided in the catalog is to an answering service that can only regurgitate the same 4 sentences over and over. They told me that there was no way to predict shipping and that the order was processed on 3/12! Tried to cancel order, but they told me that you had to write a letter! So let me get this straight... You can order online or via telephone and provide your credit card info, but you have to cancel by written letter. Can you say scam! BTW, they charged the card quickly. I informed the answering service that I needed someone to phone me within 24 hours regarding the order or I would dispute the charge with Visa and make a report to the BBB. They did not care and they acted like this was an every day thing to them. All I want is to know if the plants will arrive in an acceptable time frame or should I shop elsewhere. I don't think that is too much to ask. After reading these notes on the list, I wonder what will arrive - healthy plants or dead sticks. It appears as if someone from the company monitors this site and adds the company line to most entries that are not favorable to the nursery. I do not need a generic email response from the company to this posting. I would like a phone call or number to call them. I will post updates to the situation as needed. Shawn 281.794.6594 Neutral willowblkcloud (2 reviews) On February 22, 2007, willowblkcloud Gresham, WI wrote: Last year I ordered 6 Emperess Trees from House of Wesley. They came, but were not what I expected. They appeared to be dead sticks, and three were actually hollow. I put aside my doubts and planted them. As expected, they did not grow. I have just sent in my original shipping label and will give the company the benefit of doubt until I receive the replacements. If I get more dead sticks I will be on this site again. I am thankful for this site, since it has given me names of several other companies involved with House of Wesley. I believe 4 seasons was one of them. I have also sent the original shipping label into them for 18 blue spruce trees which are all dead. Half of those came and were covered in mold. To be fair, I did get four 3 in 1 crab trees from 4 seasons and they are doing ok. WISH ME LUCK! Either way (satisfied or extremely angry) you will see something from me in the near future. On April 11th, 2007, willowblkcloud changed the rating from neutral to negative and added the following: I'M back......I just recieved my 6 replacement empress trees from House of Wesley. THEY AGAIN LOOK LIKE DEAD STICKS!!!!!!! I am very disappointed, and this replacement order forced me to change my rating from Neutral to Negative. I cannot believe that this company is allowed to remain in business. I will have to say that I have recieved my replacement order from FOUR SEASONS (18 Blue Spruce trees) and they appear to be alive. We will see what happens when I plant them. On April 22nd, 2007, willowblkcloud changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following: I hate to seem fickle, but I once again have to change my rating-At least for the time being. To be fair, I based my last change (to negative) on the observations of family members, as I had my replacement orders sent to their house. I have just returned from planting the 6 Emperess trees that I received from House of Wesley. I have to say that while the tree stems are indeed hollow, the root structures on the replacement plants are WAY better developed than the original ones I got. The plants are also about 10 times larger than the twigs I got the first time. I don't know if they are supposed to be hollow, but the stems appear to be very sturdy and I will give them a chance to thrive and (hopefully) grow. I also planted the replacement Blue Spruce trees from related company Four Seasons. They also were over double the size of the originals, and only three of the eighteen had mold on them. (two pretty bad and one semi bad). I too will give them a chance. I will be monitoring their progress and will keep this site updated. P.S. I did not have to do any extra follow-up calls or letters to receive my replacement merchandise. I just sent in the original shipping labels like requested. That is something I have to give both companies credit for. I am changing my rating back to neutral and will see if that changes after the summer growing season. Neutral pacnw_gardens (1 review) On January 14, 2007, pacnw_gardens Seattle, WA wrote: On recommendation of our landscape designer, we've ordered a number of plantings from the Burgess arm of this company. Will see how the plants are upon arrival and planting, but will not hesistate to contact my credit card company to rescind payment if the merchandise is not healthy and as described. Would recommend that other gardeners who've had bad dealings with them in the past do the same. Negative dorsett (1 review) On July 22, 2006, dorsett Tampa, FL wrote: It took a very long time to receive a torn plastic bag which held a dry stick in one corner. My postman saw it in the substation and the part of the label which was left had part of my name and he brought it in my house asking if it was mine. I called the company and explained that I had no label to send back as it was distroyed. They told me to get a copy of my credit card where the charge was made and write a letter, which I did inspite of the fact that all this information I'm sure was in their computer. Another long wait and I got my letter and contents back stating that I needed to send the shipping label. I called the company and asked to speak to a manager or supervisor. A young lady came on the phone and told me to send the correspondence back with another letter which I did. I complained about the thin plastic bag used for shipping and I was told that was their customary method of shipping. I think that stinks. If it doesn't work fix it. I spent about eighty dollars and after reading the comments and being annoyed by the long wait I feel I have little chance of recovery. I wish I had found this web site before I ordered because I now have several catalogs with those same items and I will check them out before I place another order. I would call us even if they shipped my pink dogwood, the wisteria and the pink pampas grass. I can't believe a company that is so careless with customer service can continue to exist. I have to ask if the people at Burphee Sead can read? To the manager don't send me one of your "we'll take care of it letters if only..." Just send me the above listed plants in condition to plant and I surely won't bother you again. What a terrible experience this has been. Amen!!! On August 4th, 2006, dorsett added the following: Aug. 4th Today a more sturdy plastic bag arrived and it held all of the plants I was supposed to get. In the interest of fairness I felt I should post this notice. Some were in small pots, one was rather wilted and there were a couple which were bare root, however I am grateful to have them. I will plant them and talk to them. The rainy season has started in Florida so I have high hopes that next year they will be large enough for me to enjoy. It is a better ending than I hoped for because I had written this off as a completely hopeless experience. Hurray!! Negative SweetGranny (1 review) On July 6, 2006, SweetGranny Mena, AR (Zone 7a) wrote: I have done business with the House of Wesley. The products purchased were guaranteed to live and did not. I requested a replacement and sent original shipping label to them as per their request. The replacements did not live. I have notified them by phone of this problem twice. The representative informed me in our phone conversation that the problem would be corrected if I sent a letter explaining everything with pictures and copy of cancelled check to them. I have complied with this request. Everything that I have sent to them they have returned to me but have refused to replace replacement trees that have died. They have never addressed the strawberry plants or asparagus plants that died. I sent the original label before time for the experation date which was returned in the back of the package. I fell the company has shown unethical business and advertising practices. I am very disappointed and angered by their lackadaisical attitude. This leads me to believe that whomever grafted the products for 2005 have made an error in grafting the 5-in-1 fruit cocktail trees. I called Richard Owens, CEO, of House of Wesley and was told that he did not come to the office but he would return the call yet he never did. I shall never use any of these companies again! The latest company “Richard Owens Nursery” 2300 East Lincoln St. Bloomington, Il 61701-6100 has raised its prices and add $1.00 on its shipping charges. Instead of addressing the current problems this company continues to open new company names with same merchant for the unsuspecting public. The following is a list of the House of Wesley (309) 663-9553 listed with the BBB: 905 Four Seasons Rd Bloomington, IL 61701 905 Four Seasons Rd Bloomington, IL 61701-5996 1700 Morrissey Dr. Bloomington, IL 61704 1704 Morrissey Dr Bloomington, IL 61704-7107 1706 Morrissey Dr. Bloomington, IL 61704 1708 Morrissey Dr. Bloomington, IL 61704 1800 Hamilton Rd. Bloomington, IL 61704 2300 East Lincoln Street Bloomington, Il 61701-6100 Company representative comment on August 10, 2006: On Aug 10, 2006 3:55 PM, House of Wesley added: The guarantee for our products as stated in all of our publications is for one year. It does not extend with each replacement issued. If this were the case, it could be extended indefinately. The majority of this customers orders were out of warranty at the time she contacted us. She claims that she returned her original shipping label for replacements on strawberries and asparagus when she was within the one year time frame, but that we returned the information to her for clarification of her needs. We have repeatedly requested that she return the paperwork to us with clarification of how many of each is dead, but she continues to ignore our requests. We would also like to note that House of Wesley was started in 1954. We have continued to advertise and sell nursery stock every year under this same name. Negative laila0702 (1 review) On June 20, 2006, laila0702 Portland, OR wrote: I ordered few plants from this company on march third,2005 when my order arrived I was surprised to see they did not send plants but little twigs in good faith I planted these twigs but needless to say most of the sticks did not make it I sent them e mail telling them my problem they requested the original shipping label which I sent, they did replaced the sticks with cutting no bigger than a pencil head again I planted these things in pot with good soil because I did not think they would have a chance in the ground but no shoots came up. I waited till our weather in Oregon got better to see if any of these twigs would make it nothing sprouted and there were no sign of these twigs in the pots, so On May first I e mailed the co. telling them the problem but no response from the 4seasons nurseries, then my son found their customercare e mail and forwarded all my e mail to them, they responded they need to have the original of the second shipping label So I did send the label,again there was no response from them I kept e mailing them till finnally they answered me by saying your gurantee was expired, the company may give you some leeway since you live in area that warms up later in spring. I waited and waited but no plants came. So I e mailed them again this time they said they will not replace these plants because the gurantee expired in April but on the shippment label it says the gurantee is good till June 30, 2006. I am going to have my attorney deal with this crooked company. I am 70 years old and my only hobby is my little garden. I am going to make sure no one will deal with them in Oregon.. Company representative comment on June 24, 2006: On Jun 24, 2006 10:10 AM, House of Wesley added: We have a one year replacement guarantee on all of our product. From the details the cusotmer has written her guarantee would probably have expired in March 2006. There is nothing on the label which would have indicated that her guarantee expired on June 30, 2006. However, every label is printed with an explanation of our nurserystock dealer license (all mail order companies must indicate this) and our license must be renewed on June 30 of every year. Positive brucedog (1 review) On June 13, 2006, brucedog West Palm Beach, FL wrote: I ordered plants from a mailing I recived and have have had a very good experiance. All plants were packaged very well and arrived in perfect conditions. I read the negative comments on this sight, after I placed my order, but I must say they come from new guys in the gardning community. If you don't understand don't complaine. Negative carolrees (23 reviews) On June 10, 2006, carolrees Arlington, VA (Zone 7a) wrote: I received one of their catalogs in the mail. They do have a stunning catalog and had some items that I hadn't seen elsewhere so I decided to try them. This was before I found this web site. I also don't have a problem with items being shipped bareroot if they are healthy and grow. I ordered on 3/30/06 2 pink hardy fuchsia 2 red hardy fuchsia 6 poker primrose 4 pink hollyhock 1 weeping tree rose The packaging was bad. The primrose and hollyhock were small plants but they are thriving and doing well. The weeping tree rose never budded after several months so I dug it up and replaced it with a tree rose from Jackson Perkins which was way cheaper and was also shipped bareroot but is budding and doing nicely. Only 2 of the fuchsia ever sprouted and they're still very small. I didn't try complaining since they have a bad return policy but I definitely won't be ordering from them again. On June 16th, 2006, carolrees added the following: It shouldn't be necessary to return a shipping label that I'm sure most customers promptly throw away along with the plastic package. You have my order info in your computer and I've got a PDF of my receipt so that requirement in my opinion is solely done to discourage customers from requesting refunds for bad merchandise. Company representative comment on July 7, 2006: On Jun 12, 2006 4:10 PM, House of Wesley added: The customer would have a one year guarantee on the product. She simply needs to return the original shipping label and let us know how many of which item is dead and needs to be replaced. She could also select different items if she would like for the value of the credit. We do not require that the plants be returned and hope she will reconsider taking advantage of our guarantee. On Jul 7, 2006 3:03 PM, House of Wesley added: A followup dmail was sent to the customer on 6/22/06 offering an adjusment. We have not yet had a response. Negative Heloise7 (1 review) On May 31, 2006, Heloise7 Lopez Island, WA wrote: I placed a good sized order with House of Wesley quite some time ago. A few plants arrived fairly soon after. From the condition of the plants and the way they were packaged I had a premonition that this was not a reputable company. The plants I received were in pretty bad condition and had rubber bands wrapped around them so tightly that they damaged what plant material had survived. I didn't even recognize one as a plant...it looked like a pile of wet dead leaves. Planted these plants...amazingly three have survived; the other two promptly died. I checked this website and that gave me an idea of what would happen next. Weeks went by and then yesterday the rest of my "order" arrived....a sad pile of distressed "plants" or piles of dead sticks with labels. I have thrown better looking material in my compost pile. What a complete fraud this company is. The saddest thing of all is that they are preying on gardeners with their catalog with pretty pictures and descriptions. When I think of how I carefully chose my plants and placed my order. How can these rip-off artists sleep at night? Shame, shame, shame on them. They will say that they will replace plants that die for one year...well, I for one, don't want another pile of dead plants sent to me...it's too depressing...and they know full well that people will just give up...that's what they count on. I will report them to the FTC and BBB. Why are they still in business. That's what I want to know? Company representative comment on June 9, 2006: On Jun 9, 2006 1:45 PM, House of Wesley added: We wish this customer would refer to our guarantee. If she wanted a refund, she need only have returned the plants and the original shipping label within 14 days of receipt. Otherwise, we are still happy to issue replacements for which the customer need return the original shipping only (not the plants) and let us know how many of which item is dead. We can then issue a replacement or merchandise credit. The majority of our orders do arrive in good shape and most customers are happy with them. Every mail order company survives on repeat customers, and we have been sending plants through the mail since 1954. Neutral denverdan (1 review) On May 31, 2006, denverdan Richmond, VA wrote: Charged my CC long before it was shipped, it took them over a month to ship, they never responded to my emails, they never answered the phone. When I recieved my shipment it was in yellow trash bag with no padding or support, most of the plants looked damaged or dead, but somehow most of them made it. I recieved 28 plants: 3 butterfly weeds - 2 are alive and doing well, 1 is dead 2 bloodroot - Its past its time, so I'm not sure if its dead or alive 3 Ligularia - 3 alive and doing well 2 Black barlow Columbine - Both Alive and doing well 1 Golden Chain Tree - DOA 1 Cardinal Flower - DOA 3 Trillium - All are past, so unknown 1 jack in the pulpit - alive and doing well 1 Virginia blue bell - Alive 6 Robin hood roses - all alive 1 Gunnera - dead 4 Free Lillies - all alive 19 alive and well 5 unknown 4 dead I will not be returning the dead plants, its not worth the effort (time & shipping cost) the customer service is non-existent. I will not order from them again, nor from any catalog of this kind, its a gamble, yet in the end I do not feel I was robbed. The price I paid for 2 alive & 1 dead, butterfly plant is equal to what I would of paid for 1 plant elsewhere. I lost a couple of dollars on the other plants, the big loss was the gunnera which when I think about it was a silly purchase in the first place. Positive MYBIZ (1 review) On May 27, 2006, MYBIZ Hillsboro, OH wrote: WHAT A WONDERFUL ONLINE EXPERIENCE.WE ORDERED 10 HYBRID WILLOWS,AND 1 BURNING BUSH ON 4-19-06....THE COST WAS ONLY $21.20.WE RECEIVED THE TREES,AND BUSH ON 5-24-06.ALL IN GREAT CONDITION .PACKED LIKE TREES SHOULD BE,AND MOIST.THE BUSH WAS WRAPPED SEPERATELY...IN FINE CONDITION.I HAD EMAILED THE COMPANY TWICE ABOUT MY ORDER,AND RECEIVED A RESPONSE ,THE NEXT DAY......THIS COMPANY REMINDS YOU SEVERAL TIMES TO KEEP THE ORIGINAL SHIPPING LABEL,AND IF ANYTHING GOES WRONG FOR UP TO A YEAR.THEY WILL REPLACE IT FOR FREE.HOW GREAT IS THAT????..BOTTOM LINE IS WE RECEIVED GREAT PRODUCT.IN A TIMELY MANNER,IN PERFECT CONDITION....FOR A TERRIFIC PRICE...WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR????? WE WILL PURCHASE FROM HOUSE OF WESLEY AGAIN.....THANK YOU.................................................... Negative bleedinghearts (1 review) On May 27, 2006, bleedinghearts Bloomington, IN wrote: indeed, this business should be called house of rip off and rudeness. please save your money, and support a local or reputable company, I wasted $200 on moldy dead sad plants, and I know that I'll never get a refund. I wish I found this site b-4 ordering. live and learn. Company representative comment on June 12, 2006: On Jun 12, 2006 4:13 PM, House of Wesley added: We do have a one year guarantee on all of our product. The customer need only return the original shipping label within one year and let us know how many of which item is dead. We will then be happy to send either replacements or a merchandise credit that can be used to purchase other items of his choosing. Positive dkekic49 (1 review) On May 17, 2006, dkekic49 Butte, MT wrote: Butte, Mt Placed order on April 14, 2006 and received order on May 16, 2006. All items were there and everything was in good shape. Nothing rotted in fact the rose bushes had brand new growth. I did call them after the 3 wks just to find out when to expect delivery as we have a very short growing season here. I got right through and was told I could expect shipment to arrive the following week. Shipment arrived as stated. I feel for those who have had problems with this company and I must say I was worried. But as for me I was very pleased. Negative tmccarl (1 review) On May 13, 2006, tmccarl McVeytown, PA wrote: I had ordered 24 Thuja Green Giants totaling $137 and some change. Two days after I had placed my order, I found this website and got scared. My husband was the first to call to cancel our order and he was informed that it was already cancelled. When I got home that day, I found this to be odd. So I called again to make sure it was cancelled because I definately didn't want the trees. The girl that I spoke to said that it was strange and said that she couldn't guarentee that my order would be cancelled because it was already in process, but she would put the request to cancel through. About 2 days later, the money was taken out of my account, so I thought that they would be shipped and I would send them back as soon as they came. After about 2 weeks, I called again to check the status of my order. The girl who I spoke with told me that it did not ship yet and I told her that I had put a request to cancel it. She put me on hold and came back to tell me, "I'm sorry that you were misinformed, but if you wish to cancel, you must send a letter through the mail to cancel." I found this completely ridiculous since I placed the order on the internet and had to cancel it via snail mail. Needless to say, my husband called. I'm not quite sure how that conversation went, but he told me to send and email to customer care to cancel it. (I do know that he asked the girl that he spoke with to talk to her manager and she wouldn't let him....imagine that. There probably isn't one since all the employees apparently don't know the policies.) The next day, I sent my email. In my email, I simply told them that this entire experience was ridiculous. I said that I understand that everyone has a Cancellation Policy, but ALL of their employees need to know what it is. I told them that if my money was not credited back to my account by May 3, 2006, that I would be turning them in to the Better Business Bureau. Needless to say, my money was deposited back into my account on May 6. I guess you have to get a little tough in order to get the service that you deserve. Although the company did refund my money before my trees were actually shipped, the whole experience was one big nightmare and headache. Don't even waste your time. Positive kamper (1 review) On May 12, 2006, kamper Ottawa, IL wrote: after I purchased I found this sight & read it with great fear, I called house of wesley to ask about return policies and such. the lady on the phone was kind. They cashed my check april 14th, today may 11 I recieved every item I ordered, 20 spruce and 8 vines. They were all damp and had roots. along with the order I recieved a step by step booklet on how to make the plants thrive. I can not wait to order more, for these prices you can not expect oprah's personal gardener (you get what you pay for) I was very impressed and WILL order again Negative cheryldawn (6 reviews) On May 7, 2006, cheryldawn Lakeland, FL wrote: In May 2005 I ordered 4 climbing shell vines for $ 22.00 from House of Wesley. They arrived in June. They were in flimsy packaging and the tiny cheap pots they were in were crushed. The four vines were dried out twigs. I called and they said they were dormant and to give them some time to start growing. By July there was no sign of any growth and they had even disentigrated to dust. I called to complain and I was told I could qualify for a replacement IF I tore the original mailing label off the box and returned it to them. By then I though I had thrown it away. never mind that I had the invoice and credit card receipt. That wasn't good enough for them. I finally did get my four shell vines in a plant & seed swap, when a nice man from NC sent me four seeds and they grew immediately. Ironically, I found the box in March 06 on my utility room shelf. I had some things stored in it. Not that it would have done any good if I had returned the mailing label last year. I' m sure I would have gotten more dead twigs. Of course they will never get my money again. They should be called, "House Of Rip off" Dawn Company representative comment on May 13, 2006: On May 13, 2006 10:08 AM, House of Wesley added: A d-mail was sent to this customer on 5/9 reminding the customer of our one year guarantee. She would simply need to return the label and let us know what died. Since she already has the shell plants, she could use the merchandise credit to purchase something else. We have not yet had a response from the customer.

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