The scoop on 'Made in the Shade Gardens'

Company Profile   Made in the Shade Gardens has 379 products listed in PlantScout. Made in the Shade Gardens is a Watchdog 30 company. Mailing Address: 16370 W. 138th Terrace Olathe, Kansas 66062 (United States) Phone: 913-829-0760 Categories: Plants: Hostas Click here to send email to Made in the Shade Gardens Click here to visit Made in the Shade Gardens's website Recent reviews: Past month Past 6 Months Past 12 Months Positive 15 15 55 Neutral 1 1 1 Negative 0 0 0

Feedback History and Summary   116 positives 1 neutral No negatives

Comments:

Rating Author Content Positive DelilaDuffy (1 review) On May 9, 2008, DelilaDuffy Glencoe, MN wrote: I recently received my first order from Made In The Shade Gardens and was skeptical on what I would find when I opened the box. I was completely shocked and overwhelmed at the pristine condition of my Hosta. It looked like I had just dug it up from my own garden instead of it being shipped from Kansas to Minnesota. Needless to say, I am very pleased & intend to order from Rob and his garden crew again. Thank you Rob! Delila Positive MtnGardener (1 review) On May 8, 2008, MtnGardener Longmont, CO wrote: The plants were delivered priority mail and arrived in terrific shape. They are beautiful! I have mail ordered from other companies and have always been disappointed. Not this time!! I would recommend Rob to anyone. Positive Warburton (1 review) On May 8, 2008, Warburton Rochester, NY wrote: If I had not known Rob was an engineer, I would have guessed it when I received the hosta plants I ordered. The packaging was SO precise and careful. My hosta plants were healthy, with generous divisions and in fact just perfect. I found Rob on the Garden Watchdog and he certainly lived up to his reputation. He is very generous with his knowledge and very patient and just plain nice about answering questions. Thanks Rob, you did an outstanding job!! Positive alheline (1 review) On May 7, 2008, alheline Dundee, IL wrote: By far, this has been a fantastic transaction. I recently lost two mail-ordered Fujibotan Hosta to an insane squirrel. Looking to replace them, I found Rob and his 'Made in the Shade Gardens'. I took 'that chance' and ordered replacement Fujibotans from Rob. First of all, the communications relative to the order were great. Rob and/or his staff were right atop the order. Further, they did exactly what they said they would do, when they said they would do it; not exactly the 'norm' in mail-order nurseries. The Hosta arrived USPS Priority mail today (along with the rainstorm that Rob was so kind to supply) and were in perfect condition, well packed, mature, and ready to go into the ground (when the rain quits). I have told Rob and will tell anybody, this order has been a pleasant surprise, actually, beyond expectations and Rob has gained a new customer. I have not been into gardening that long but, I spent over 40 years of my life as a Service Manager in the computer hardware business. Rated on a scale of 1-10, Made in the Shade Gardens gets a 12+++ in my book. He/they understand how to satisfy a customers needs. Positive ravenn51 (1 review) On May 5, 2008, ravenn51 Renton, WA wrote: This was a great experience. I had consistent emails from Rob from the time I placed my order until after I received it. The hostas arrived in great condition, healthy looking. I would definitely order from them again. Neutral marie_kap (2 reviews) On May 3, 2008, marie_kap Williamstown, NJ wrote: I must say that I was impressed with the speed in which Rob replied to my email. And that my order was shipped as stated. I was a little disappointed with the size of plants, but they are coming up very well. Marie Positive Shanafaithrn (1 review) On May 1, 2008, Shanafaithrn Charleston, WV (Zone 6b) wrote: As a new gardener and a first time hosta planter, I could not have asked for a better experience. Rob was wonderful to deal with. He gave suggestions on which hostas to use and his emails were always prompt. This is the first time I have ever bought plants by mailorder and the entire experience was pleasant. My beautiful hostas were sent out on the exact ship date that we had agreed upon and I received them within 3 days of being shipped. They arrived in excellent condition (wrapped with care) and are now perking up and look wonderful. I will DEFINITELY order from Made in the Shade again. Positive frstbrn24 (12 reviews) On April 30, 2008, frstbrn24 Warwick, RI wrote: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! I am truly thrilled to receive STITCH IN TIME... it is a Fabulous healthy plant! Super quick shipping & exceptional communications! Rob Mortko can expect additional orders from me quite soon! Positive Kuchie2 (1 review) On April 26, 2008, Kuchie2 Lagrange, GA wrote: I recently got my second order from Rob at Made-in-the-Shade Gardens. My hosta was one I had been coveting ever since I saw it displayed at our local Master Gardeners' plant sale in 2007. When I first contacted Rob regarding it, he knew it, but didn't have any left and said he would contact me in a year. Sure enough, he was good to his word. The order was received and carefully unpacked. He had packed it perfectly and at just the right time in the plant's little life. The leaves were just beginning to unfurl and the root system was amazing. It has been in its perfect pot for several weeks and is flourishing. I am pleased with Rob and his products and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone desiring good hostas. Try him, you'll like him! LaGrange, GA. Positive perrogal (1 review) On April 17, 2008, perrogal wrote: I had visited my daughter in PA and she had a beautiful hosta growing that smelled divine! I searched online and found Rob, wrote and asked if he could tell me what hosta she had. He was so nice he wrote back and said there could be several but we think from his description I got the one she had. In searching out hostas, I wrote to Rob several times and he always came back with a good response, I live in WA near the gorge (Columbia River) and wanted to know if any hostas could take sun as there are some trees on my property but not close to the house. Rob suggested several hostas and I just received my 5 I chose, they look wonderful, packed extremely well and arrived safe. Rob, thanks for your time which you shared with me and I'll be telling friends about your place and probably ordering more. If you love hostas, this is the only place to order from!!!!! thanks again....hugs perrogal Positive dalene (1 review) On April 17, 2008, dalene Bethesda, MD wrote: Rob was very helpful, and responded to my e-mails very promptly. The hostas came, wrapped up in paper towels and plastic to keep the roots wet. They were happy! I am happy! Positive rosies_garden (1 review) On April 17, 2008, rosies_garden Walkerton, IN wrote: This was the best experience that I've ever had when ordering anything!!! I was looking for hosta "Stitch in Time" and found Rob's website. I emailed questions about another hosta and was amazed by the prompt courteous reply that I received. I was so impressed by Rob's sincerity that I ordered 6 hostas. They were ordered on the 7th and received on the 16th. They are healthy, beautiful plants with very large roots. They are in perfect condition - can't ask for anything better. I am creating a new hosta garden and will be ordering more as soon as I can get the area ready. Positive shawdraw (2 reviews) On April 17, 2008, shawdraw Marietta, GA wrote: I sent an email to Rob asking for some guidance on hostas for the South. He responded promptly and after a couple of exchanges I placed an order. The hostas arrived yesterday and they are absolutely lovely. I was especially impressed by how carefully they were packaged for delivery. I will definitely try to find a reason to purchase from Made in the Shade Gardens again. Positive bmorte (1 review) On April 16, 2008, bmorte McKinney, TX wrote: Very quick response and shipment. Terrific personal service. The hostas were packed with care and arrived in excellent condition. I can't wait to watch them grow! Thanks Rob for a very good mail order experience. Beth Positive paisan28 (1 review) On April 10, 2008, paisan28 Nashville, TN wrote: Rob was courteous and helpful with my selections. The plants arrived quickly, securely packaged, and in excellent condition. I will definitely purchase from Made in the Shade Gardens in the future. Thank you! Jennifer Nashville, TN Positive chieumai (2 reviews) On April 9, 2008, chieumai Richardson, TX wrote: I found this company through the Garden Watchdog. After reading all of the positive comments, I went ahead and e-mailed the company with questions about an order. Rob responded promptly via e-mail. He seemed very knowledgeable and was quite personable. I received my hosta today and was impressed with the condition of the plant. It was well packaged; you could tell that whomever put the package together really cared about the condition of the plant in transit. I will more than likely be ordering again from this company. I give it two big thumbs up - four, if you count my big toes :) Positive DFWgarden (3 reviews) On September 16, 2007, DFWgarden Dallas, TX wrote: Rob was very helpful and informative. Received my plants quickly and in good shape. Highly recommended. Positive WisconsinGal (1 review) On September 9, 2007, WisconsinGal Woodstock, IL wrote: While doing a search for a specific variety of hosta, I found Rob's company Made In the Shade Gardens. I was impressed with the background information about him and his company and contacted him for a price quote. He was prompt, helpful, and business-like. After placing the order with him, I found that the plants were shipped promptly and arrived with solidly developed roots and in good condition. I was impressed with Rob's continued prompt responses and a good quality product. I am looking forward to buying more hostas from him in the future! Positive anniev (1 review) On September 8, 2007, anniev Sandpoint, ID wrote: i discovered made in the shade through davesgarden watchdog and decided to try it out. i found out my sum'n substance have virus; of course my local nursery didn't know about the virus and would not refund my money. rob got back to me with my questions immediately; i honestly didn't expect him to write back so fast. i finally order some hostas and arrived beautifully, moist and the leaves were big and healty; (i thought they were going to be bareroot--boy, was i wrong). i will recommend this company and will be ordering more in the spring. keep up the great job, rob Positive Michelle36 (1 review) On September 7, 2007, Michelle36 Topsham, ME wrote: In my opinion you are always going out on a limb the first time you order online from a company. With Made in the Shade Gardens you are not taking a chance. My plants arrived packed with care. They were substantial in size and visibly healthy. I will be ordering again come spring without concern. Positive Cotesa (2 reviews) On September 1, 2007, Cotesa Reisterstown, MD wrote: I rarely order bare, rooted plants, due to previous negative experiences with other nurseries. However, Made in the Shade hostas arrived in beautiful condition all the way to Maryland. There was a problem due to an error on my part. Rob figured out quickly what happened and the problem was resolved. I will not hesitate to deal with this company. They pack the plants well and treat custumers quickly and very well. Positive AuntB (2 reviews) On August 27, 2007, AuntB NE, KS (Zone 5b) wrote: I live within a couple hours of Made in the Shade and visited Rob and his private beautiful, peaceful gardens. He offers tip-top customer service and his stock is absolutely gorgeous. Nice healthy looking plants that reflect the attention he gives them. His place is very neat and tidy, I ended up taking home more plants than he had been holding for me! If you ever get the opportunity to shop in person, you won't regret it. He does have the largest selection of Hosta in the Kansas City area...THANK YOU, Rob! Positive KarenB61 (3 reviews) On August 22, 2007, KarenB61 Long Island, NY (Zone 7a) wrote: I placed my first order with Made in the Shade and could not have been happier with the service and the speed with which my order was completed. My hostas arrived today in wonderful shape. I will definitely order from them again. Positive Fred6505 (1 review) On August 18, 2007, Fred6505 Kewanna, IN wrote: First time buyer. Great selection and great looking plants. If you can't get these hostas to grow, maybe you shouldn't be gardening! Ha!! Great company to deal with, I will order again! Positive TuddyE (41 reviews) On August 1, 2007, TuddyE Georgetown, KY (Zone 6a) wrote: This is the first time I have ordered from this company, but it definitely won't be the last. Rob really deserves the 100% rating he has. I was a little worried about ordering due to the summer heat, but after reading the reviews I decided to chance it. It really wasn't taking a chance since he obviously has done this before, and knew exactly what he was doing. All of my plants were large and healthy, and they arrived in excellent condition. He even gave me money off one of my choices because a leaf had a rip in it! I've gotten so many plants in bad shape in good weather, and nobody ever cared if what they looked like [always told to plant and it would grow, eventually]. If you are in the market for hosta's, give them a look see. I think you will surprised by the prices and selection, and pleasantly surprised at the order you will receive. I rate Made in the Shade and Rob right up there with the best of them. Positive mws366 (1 review) On July 27, 2007, mws366 Valley, AL (Zone 8a) wrote: received fresh and healthy hostas when promised. was kept informed. will buy from vendor again. mws366 Positive Balgowlah (1 review) On July 19, 2007, Balgowlah Primos, PA wrote: Rob was fantastic as to keeping me posted on my delivery and very helpful with questions. The plants were fabulous -- good size and very healthy. I will most definitely make additional purchases. Positive 2happy2plant (2 reviews) On July 18, 2007, 2happy2plant Windsor, NY wrote: My order arrived in great shape even after extremely hot weather and mail interruption from a holiday. I am pleased to have these varieties in my garden doing very well despite being planted in the heat of summer. I hope this business continues to thrive and I will be a loyal customer. Positive jenireed (15 reviews) On July 13, 2007, jenireed Appleton, WI wrote: Great plants and great communication. Ordered on Sunday and plants were sent out Monday morning. Would highly recommend them! Positive rosethyme (7 reviews) On July 12, 2007, rosethyme Denton, TX (Zone 7b) wrote: Just received my first Hosta order from Rob at Made In The Shade. Even though it's already so hot here in Texas, the plants arrived looking perfect...and a nice size, too. One thing I appreciate about Rob is he is happy to give advice. I'm a Hosta newbie and it was nice to have someone to help with selection. Also, how many nurseries do you know that follow up with an email to make sure the plants arrived in good condition? Yes, I will be ordering again from Made In The Shade. Thanks, Rob....you get an A+++ from me. Karen Positive ilivetogarden (1 review) On July 5, 2007, ilivetogarden Beaver County, PA (Zone 5b) wrote: Great website, precise listings, smooth ordering, pampered shipping, VERY healthy plants. Newbie's: shop with confidence! Positive RMcNerney (1 review) On July 2, 2007, RMcNerney Yonkers, NY wrote: Quality Goods! Quality Service! Quality Merchant! I've been burned before by a lot of other Mail-Order Plant Houses where everything arrives dead or almost so but I would not hesitate to buy here again!! The items order were large and healthy compared with some of the items I've received from other on-line plant stores. Positive buddeyallen (1 review) On June 29, 2007, buddeyallen Wayzata, MN wrote: I really appreciated the excellent comunication that Rob initiated. My Hosta's were in perfect condition even though I ordered late in June and the temps were in the 90's by the time they arrived. I also love the excellent selection that Made in The Shade Gardens provide. I look forward to ordering from them in the future as I expand my shade garden. Positive missmarvel (1 review) On June 28, 2007, missmarvel Raleigh, NC wrote: I was looking for some unusual varieties of hosta and enjoyed browsing the Made in the Shade website. Lots of good information and good pictures along with reasonable prices and reasonable shipping. I placed my order and had lots of good communication from Rob. My hostas arrived in great shape just when he said they would along with some planting instructions. The plants were in good shape with nice root structures. I've just planted them but I don't think I'll have any problems. By the way, I found that unusual variety--Made in the Shade's own Heart and Soul variety. Positive JESgarden (1 review) On June 26, 2007, JESgarden Hudson, OH (Zone 5b) wrote: This was my first time ordering from Made in the Shade and the experience far surpassed my mail orders from other vendors. The website is informative and up to date on availability--the dog pictures and comments were fun, too. The selection is great, having both breadth and depth, the prices fair, and the communication, both during the phone order and email followup was helpful and rare. The cap for the experience was, of course, the plants. They arrived timely, were bigger than orders with other vendors led me to expect, and were wrapped to protect them from physical movement and potential dehydration. Now that these hostas are planted I am compelled to dig out more Ohio clay so that I can bring in a more hospitable planting medium because I will be placing more orders with Made in the Shade. Thanks for being there. Positive curious408 (3 reviews) On June 20, 2007, curious408 Springfield, IL wrote: Rob is just great to deal with! Plants arrived quickly and looking as fresh as could be, even though they spent the night in the package on my front porch. I really appreciated his tip about planting some of the hostas I ordered where they will get morning sun. Thanks, Rob! Positive elaff (1 review) On June 18, 2007, elaff Saint Louis, MO wrote: Rob is amazing. My husband accidentally took my hostas to work with him and left them in their packaging for 4 extra days! When I took them out they still looked amazing! They had moist roots and full green leaves, they looked like Rob had dug them up that morning not earlier in the week. They are now happily transplanted in the garden and doing well. Positive bambi001 (1 review) On June 11, 2007, bambi001 Streetman, TX wrote: I ordered six hostas this spring, and have waited to see how they did before writing. (They are all thriving) The packing was great, the plants were excellent, and before ordering my questions were answered promptly. I will definitely order again. Positive ford2110 (1 review) On June 9, 2007, ford2110 Bloomfield, CT wrote: I ordered 9 plants on Friday and received them on Wednesday. They arrived in wonderful condition and they credited me a dollar a plant because a couple had a hole in their leaves. Great service! Positive THE_G_Man (1 review) On June 8, 2007, THE_G_Man Bloomington, IL (Zone 5a) wrote: This was my first time buying from Made in the Shade Gardens. The service was second to none. The hostas were in wonderful shape when they arrived. I will not hesitate to do business again with Rob - the hosta guy.

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