| Rating | Author | Content |
| Positive | Bookerc1 Mackinaw, IL (Zone 5a) (7 reviews) January 27, 2010 | Posted on May 13, 2008, updated January 27, 2010
I ordered three shrubs from Lazy S, a Preziosa hydrangea and two dictamnus, one purple and one white. The shipped the same week they had projected, but I got an e-mail at the time of shipping saying that the white dictamnus was not up to their standards, and wondering if I wanted a refund, or a second purple dictamnus instead. I appreciated that they did not just send out a sub-par plant, and gave me options to choose from in replacing it.
The plants were extremely well packaged when they arrived, and were healthy and happy despite having sat in the post office all weekend. They had sprinkled moisture crystals on top of the soil, topped it with spagnum moss, wrapped it in plastic wrap held with rubberbands, and then set it inside another qt. pot. There was no loose dirt in the package, and none of those annoying packing peanuts to content with. Just snugly packaged, happy plants!
The plants themselves looked great, and are currently hardening off, per their clear instructions, before being planted.
Thanks for a great experience, Lazy S. I will be buying from you again!
On January 27th, 2010, Bookerc1 added the following:
Just wanted to mention that I wrote an article regarding mail-order gardening, and used Lazy-S as my example of excellent packing for mailing. The pictures in the article showing plants in boxes, and recently unpacked plants, are of my Lazy-S order.
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2101/
Still very pleased with the quality of the plants I received from Lazy-S. All but the Preziosa Hydrangea have thrived, and I suspect I need to move it to a shadier location.
|
| Positive | picealuver East Wenatchee, WA (4 reviews) January 20, 2010 | Posted on January 12, 2010, updated January 20, 2010
We've ordered from Lasy S'S the last two springs now. We were impressed with both their selection and the positive reviews they've received. However, in retrospect, we've seen a poor survival rate of plants in the ground. After the first year we figured that it must be our fault because otherwise they would not receive the good reviews. However, our last order looked like the plants were just thrown into the box rather than packed. We're beginning to suspect quality control problems in the harvesting and shipping process that leads ultimately to the poor survivor rate. Many of these problems would not be immediately apparent out of the shipping box. On January 20th, 2010, picealuver changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following:
Since I posted this, Debby Sheuchenko put a lot of time and effort into communicating with us on this problem. We felt convinced by her that Lazy S'S had done what they could do to ship a quality product. Circumstances on our end probably attributed to the problems with the first order. After some thought at best we could conclude was problems in the shipping on the second. The plants may have been bumped about more than they should, and may well have been subjected to heat stress. I believe the lesson is to inform the shipper immediately of any concerns you may have with the plants.
Debby attempts to schedule shipping by USDA hardiness zone. In our case that may have contributed to our mistakes. On the map we are in zone 5. In reality, we are zone 7. Summer comes early; by the time Lazy S'S shipped to us last year our temperatures were possibly in the 90's. An additional lesson is to work with the shipper on the best time. |
| Neutral | dave12122 East Haddam, CT (39 reviews) January 13, 2010 | Posted on August 1, 2005, updated January 12, 2010
The Website to this nursery is a bit overwhelming, and tedious to use, but I thought the condition of the plants was good overall. The Manfreda virginica had a little note that the roots were sparse, and I couldn't help but think, "why didn't they grow it on a little longer and then offer the plant in a more "acclimated" condition? The little crumb soon shrivelled and died, but was replaced a few weeks later by a slightly larger plant which is alive but not yet thriving. The other plants are doing well, so this is basically a success story. I wouldn't have any issues about ordering from them again, and envy people who can drive to the nursery and visit, as to go through ALL the plants on the website could take many hours, if not days! On January 13th, 2010, dave12122 changed the rating from positive to neutral and added the following:
The very well written remarks by Picealuver finally inspired me to change my review of Lazy SS. My order from last season was received the same way, like someone had literally thrown the items into a box. Many looked very poor, especially the Delphinium exaltatum, which was yellow and the Lilium superbum which were cut down to mere inches just to fit the box!!! Any idiot knows you don't cut a difficult to grow species lily down in such a fashion...it robs the food factory for the following year. The Lobelias were also cut back, and in the case of one hybrid, about as big as a 50 cent piece. Add a severely root bound Yucca to the picture, and I think you get my drift! The package weighed less than the postage would imply, so I wrote an email asking for a discount for the postage and replacements and or refunds for the lilies and lobelias.
Imagine my surpise when I got a speedy reply from Debbie and a refund for the ENTIRE order! I was very confused, because not everything was subpar. There was a reasonably decent Dianthus for example, and four Pardancandas that appeared healthy. Debbie's comments were largely defensive, especially regarding the cutting back and basically implied that everything would bloom and be fine in a few months.
That was in late June 2009. Well, now in January 2010 I can say that even the decent looking plants did not do well. The Delphinium immediately died back completely, the Lobelia did not rebloom and only got slightly bigger, the Yucca appeared frozen in time, the Pardancandas soon developed brown streaks and died back to the ground, etc. etc. This appears consistent with Picealuver's comments that perhaps indeed there is a quality control problem. If anything is still alive next Spring, I will add up the total (I still have the invoice) and send Debbie a check. I think she deserves to be paid for the plants that are healthy and true to name. (A variegated Brunnera was mostly green for example.....but when it comes up next year I'll know for sure) Unfortunately, Debbie's return of my money doesn't address the quality control problem at all and I probably won't be ordering again. My gut feeling is that Lazy SS has gotten too big to properly care for all of the plants and indeed Debbie said something about there currently being 18,000 specimens in greenhouses. No matter how diligent one could be, the quality of some would always slip through the cracks which may explain (to answer another complaint) why plants are listed as being in stock when in fact they are not. That also happened with my order, I wanted a Meehania and apparently another batch was "coming along". While they are "coming along", I truly believe they should be listed as "out of stock".
Debbie is probably a nice person who is most likely overworked and not quite on top of how all of her plants are doing, admittedly a daunting task. However, when two people in a row are concerned about the quality, I think a red flag should go up. Are Lazy SS' plants becoming mass produced, sacrificing quality for quantity, or are they lovingly cared for as Debbie might tend to her own personal garden? Time will tell, and I hope these are isolated incidents....Debbie appears to be a sincere person that only deserves the best in life! |
| Positive | Badgertalk Nashville, TN (Zone 6a) (9 reviews) November 20, 2009 | Excellent plants and service. Everything was great. A good source for salvias. |
| Positive | VA_GARDEN Hood, VA (Zone 7a) (6 reviews) November 7, 2009 | I have many thriving plants in my garden that came from Lazy S'S when they still had a retail business, but this was my first mail order from them. Plants were perfectly packaged and arrived in fabulous condition. I was impressed with the great root systems on all my plants. I expect they will settle in to my garden beautifully. Their selection of plants is outstanding. |
| Positive | Mike1624 Burgaw, NC (2 reviews) November 5, 2009 | I was in the market for 2 Bignonia's to climb a 30 ft dead tree I want to keep for the birds. (The Purple Martins love it) I ordered the two plants several weeks ago and began an ongoing correspondence with Debby Sheuchenko, one of the owners. She would give me weekly updates on the root structure and when they were finally ready to ship she alerted me and gave me very specific instructions on planting and care. She refers to these plants like they're her kids. I'm a little afraid if they don't do really well she may drive down here and reclaim them. I would certainly buy from them again. The plants arrived in great shape! |
| Positive | srstevens Cocoa, FL (1 review) November 1, 2009 | ordered the Olive Tea bush and was notified when it shipped and requested information on condition of plant upon arrival. Arrived in sturdy box, very impressed with packaging. Plant was replanted into larger pot until spring but has already has new sprouts within 5 days. I can't wait to put it in it's new permant spot where it can flourish. Will be shopping here ALOT more. very happy customer. |
| Positive | wuzo15 Connellys Springs, NC (Zone 7a) (1 review) October 30, 2009 | What can I say? These folks are terrific! I ordered 2 varieties of Ajuga that arrived 2 days ago. They were packed well and the plants were healthy, healthy, healthy!
I've used other mail order companies in the past, but Lazy S'S Farm & Nursery beats them all. Plus, you'll never get better customer service anywhere. Thanks Lazy S'S Farm & Nursery...you are the best! |
| Positive | Blackbelt_Lizzy La Grange Park, IL (14 reviews) October 19, 2009 | I ordered several wild flowers to be planted as dormant plants. They have a very large selection of plants and the quality is excellent. They provided me with very helpful advice and I will definitely order perennials from them in the spring. |
| Positive | ectax1 Burke, VA (1 review) October 17, 2009 | This is my second experience with Lazy SS Farm and Nursery. My plants arrived in perfect condition and very quickly. But the proof for me of Lazy SS quality is that the plants I ordered a year ago are growing and thriving beautifully. I have purchased many plants from local retailers, which have succumbed in short order! |
| Positive | phdbot1 Gainesville, GA (10 reviews) October 13, 2009 | I discovered Lazy S a few years ago, and recommend it wholeheartedly! Their perennial stock is amazing, and it seems if you've a yen to have something, chances are they have it. I recently ordered some things for the fall, and they literally dug a specimen from their own garden because the material they had for sale was not up to their high standards! Packing is perfect and shipping is prompt. Their customer service is "quality" and I have never, ever been disappointed with anything I've gotten from Lazy S. |
| Positive | grammielorilee Port Huron, MI (Zone 6a) (1 review) September 11, 2009 | Today I received the trumpet vine "Indian Summer" that I ordered. This was my first order with this company. It is larger than I expected and was packed and shipped perfectly. It looks like I picked it up at a nursery. I am so pleased. I will be ordering from them again. |
| Positive | Sceloporous Lebanon, PA (1 review) August 22, 2009 | I ordered 3 Liatris liguistylis. They arrived safe and happy. They were packed well; no breaks...just happy little plants. Lazy SS Farm actually asks if all is OK with their shipment. The plants are family to them, and after sending an e-mail to them about the arrival, they called them "our kids," and were pleased to know that they arrived safely. I even questioned them about where I planted them, and they were informative. Nice to know that they are knowledgable and care. Several nurseries in my area seem a bit uninterested in even ordering an off-the-wall sort of plant such as the Liatris. Oh well, their loss, Lazy SS's gain. Would I do business with them again? You bet I would. |
| Positive | guitarfixer Newport News, VA (1 review) August 18, 2009 | Lazy S'S Farm and Nursery was very helpful in finding a very rare tree. They not only had one in stock, but it was a very beautiful specimen. It was shipped promptly, and was in great shape, especially for being shipped in the August heat. These people were so polite with their emails, that I will continue to do business with them in the future.
|
| Positive | lothianjavert North East, MD (Zone 6b) (13 reviews) August 15, 2009 | I placed my order with Lazy S this winter for a spring delivery. The plants arrived when expected and all were beautiful and healthy. It is now August and the plants are HUGE! They have taken off. I will definitely order from Lazy S again! |
| Positive | jclva Salem, VA (1 review) August 14, 2009 | I was worried about ordering in the heat of August, but the plants were packed so carefully (with holes poked into the box) and the delivery was so speedy that eveything arrived in great shape. I was able to get my plants in the ground immediately. Excellent service! |
| Positive | prentisspg Baton Rouge, LA (Zone 8b) (3 reviews) August 7, 2009 | I ordered a Sourwood from Lazy SS and promptly received a confirmation of my order. I received another e-mail 11 days later informing me my order shipped on Monday and I would receive the order Wednesday or Thursday. I received my order Wednesday and the tree was gorgeous. It was lush, green and over two foot tall and the packing was exceptional. The pot was in a plastic bag and inserted in a second pot to make it stable and secured with a rubber band and tape. It had peat moss on the top of the pot to keep the soil from coming out and was nice and moist. Shipping is a little higher but I am willing to pay a little extra to be assured of getting a healthy live plant. I have ordered this tree from two other places and they were pretty much dead when I received them and all the pampering I gave them didn't help. Neither lived. Lazy SS get two thumbs up from me. |
| Positive | dirtyharry Aurora, CO (Zone 5a) (23 reviews) August 7, 2009 | I've ordered twice this year. Plants were shipped quickly. They were well packed and arrived in great condition. |
| Positive | dirtygyrl Columbia, TN (4 reviews) August 1, 2009 | I placed an order with Lazy S'S for a linden benzoin plant (spicebush) and was very pleased when it arrived. It was larger than expected, and in EXCELLENT condition. Their website is very informative if you are looking for a plant to meet certain conditions. Their selection is good. Out of all the plant orders I've placed, theirs was by far the best. My only complaint is that you have to order online, and can't by phone. |
| Positive | stormyla Norristown, PA (Zone 6b) (23 reviews) July 31, 2009 | I placed a large plant order with LazyS'S and was very pleased with every aspect of the transaction. Their plants are light years larger, heathier, better potted and labeled than many competitors. Their selection is awesome and the communications superb. The plants were very carefuly packed. Would definitely choose them as a primary plant source. |
| Positive | joan30157 Dallas, GA (Zone 7b) (2 reviews) July 29, 2009 | I am very happy with my purchase. I received 3 very nice coneflowers 2 with blooms. They arrived in great shape and beautifully packaged. Great communication and I will definately buy from them again |
| Positive | carocs Madison, OH (1 review) July 23, 2009 | Plants arrived in fine shape - well packed and fresh.
Good Job! |
| Positive | nana38 Erin, TN (1 review) July 23, 2009 | My plant arrived in very good condition. The packaging was great. I will order again! |
| Positive | barrykerry South Dennis, MA (3 reviews) July 20, 2009 | After a recent trip to England I was inspired to add a "few" new plants to my garden. Dave's Garden helped me locate where most of the plants could be purchased...The Lazy S'S Farm. After perusing the website for several hours - there was so much good information provided I finally made my purchase....17 plants! Ordering was easy and the follow up communication from Debbie and Pete was awesome. They really care about their plants. They make you feel that you really don't want to let them down. Packaging was simple and effective - not a bit of waste and the plants were healthy and good size. They're all doing very well. I highly recommend this nursery. |
| Positive | janerx Haubstadt, IN (Zone 6b) (3 reviews) July 8, 2009 | In spite of the hot summer weather, my 7 plants were a nice size and arrived in excellent condition. Shipping may be a bit more with Lazy S'S, but you really do get what you pay for. The box was well marked for the postal carrier with instructions on where to leave the package. The plants were well hydrated, healthy, blemish-free, extremely well packed. Communication on shipping instructions and timing was great. Shop with confidence from this company. |
| Positive | K4CLE Germantown, TN (3 reviews) July 7, 2009 | I ordered a Campsis Radicans from Lazy SS Farm on June 1, '09 and had to call them to delay shipping until late June due to an unexpected out of town trip. These folks were very polite over the phone and did as I had requested. When the plant arrived, it was in excellent condition, packed extremely well and it is now growing nicely. I had a good experience and would buy from them again. |
| Positive | thunderbirdjohn Amarillo, TX (1 review) July 7, 2009 | I would like to land at my destinations as fresh and zesty as my two shipments have arrived from Lazy S'S.
I remain totally pleased, and impressed. |
| Positive | Lolokiss Reading, PA (1 review) July 6, 2009 | Ordered a Dove tree, calycanthus, sweetpea shrub and two corydalis. They allowed me to add on when I had my typical buyer's remorse and I don't think they could have been more professional, clear and personable. I don't purchase via mail order very often but will be ordering from them again due to the packaging and condition of the plants upon arrival. The promptness and warmth of communication was an unexpected bonus and much appreciated. |
| Positive | gprass Ankeny, IA (1 review) July 5, 2009 | The best job of packaging I've seen. All plants were in great health. Good communication to let me know the order was coming and when. Everything was handled perfectly. Nice to find a place that takes pride in what they do. |
| Positive | SharonLDavis Kittanning, PA (Zone 5a) (1 review) July 5, 2009 | Packaging, plant health, customer service and communication all were excellent. |
| Positive | grammom Sebago, ME (1 review) June 28, 2009 | This was the first time I have ever ordered any plants ( 2 Fringe Trees) by mail order. I couldn't be happier with the results. I received healthy, vibrant plants in the most timely manner. The packaging was ingenious. Not a leaf out of place, or a crumb of potting soil outside the pot. This will not be my last order placed with Lazy S'S by any means. Thanks so much! |
| Positive | psychopharmacis Martinsville, IN (1 review) June 28, 2009 | Well, Lazy S'S Farm & Nursery sure does have a lot of positive comments on this page.
They have earned mine!
Debby and her very capable staff handled my request for viburnum carlcephalum in a way that I must state was- in one word- complete.
But, if you wanted some other words, add "professional", "caring", and "satisfying."
We got our products packaged with- yes, this sounds corny- tender loving care.
And yes, we have already referred others to this great company!
Tom Smith |
| Positive | pathogberg Albion, MI (1 review) June 25, 2009 | I LOVE Lazy S'S Farm and Nursery! The plants I bought from them were beautifully packed, in perfect condition. I'll be buying from them in the future. Great company!
pat h from michigan |
| Positive | guamgirl Gastonia, NC (Zone 7b) (1 review) June 25, 2009 | Dealing with Lazy S'S nursery was a very good experience. they are the most personable mail order company, and their products have been first rate. All the plants arrived in wonderful shape and have begun growing nicely. When one item was unsatisfactory to Debby, she suggested we substitute or wait for a new crop. I would not hesitate to order from them again. yes, the website could use more pictures, but it didn't keep me from ordering site unseen. Kudos to Debby and her family. |
| Positive | ELLA07 Charlottesville, VA (1 review) June 22, 2009 | Have ordered numerous times from this company and wouldl never purchase mail-order plants from any other source. Health and packaging of plants superlative; everything I've ordered has flourished. Web site very informative as well.
Highly recommend.
|
| Positive | doctrtim Salisbury, VT (15 reviews) June 21, 2009 | I received a number of small but reasonably healthy, well packed plants on schedule. I utilized the "add on" feature to reduce shipping costs. |
| Positive | kep777 Virginia Beach, VA (1 review) June 19, 2009 | Got my first order from them and was very surprised at how well the plant was packed and how large the plant was. Not even a single leaf was broken during shipping. Very quick and personable emails from their customer service department. I would definitely recommend ordering from them. In fact I have already placed another order. |
| Positive | jedoody Las Vegas, NV (9 reviews) June 17, 2009 | I ordered 2 Osmanthus plants. They were shipped on Mon. and I received them today (Wed.). The plants arrived in excellent condition, lots of green leaves, no bugs, no wilting. They look exactly as described on their web site. Green Thumbs Up to this vendor. |
| Positive | aegir Bethesda, MD (6 reviews) June 11, 2009 | Ordered some echinacea and agastache last fall, ordered some teucrium and aescepias this spring. The asclepias was delayed, but they e-mailed me frequently to let me know it was slow to emerge and eventually shipped it late w/o additional shipping costs. The shipping is quite a bit higher than other companies but they pack their plants in this bombproof set up that prevents leaks, keeps the plants moist and does not let them get crushed. You end up with maybe the biggest plants of any mailorder company I've used and they arrive perfect. I'd definitely recommend LazyS-highly personable and very reliable with great selection and great plants. |
| Positive | astevens Rexford, NY (1 review) June 9, 2009 | I ordered two hydrangeas and a beautyberry--all arrived healthy and in great packaging. Will definitely order from them again! |