The scoop on 'Old House Gardens - Heirloom Bulbs'

Company Profile   Old House Gardens - Heirloom Bulbs has 268 products listed in PlantScout. Old House Gardens - Heirloom Bulbs is a Watchdog 30 company. Mailing Address: 536 Third St. Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103-4957 (United States) Phone: (734) 995-1486 Fax: (734) 995-1687 Catalog Order Page: Hyperlink Paper Catalog Cost: $2 Categories: Bulbs: Cannas Bulbs: Daffodils Bulbs: Gladiolus Bulbs: Heirloom Flowers Bulbs: Spring-blooming Gift Certificates or Vouchers Plants: Dahlias Plants: Heirlooms Plants: Lilies Plants: Tropical & Tender Perennials Click here to send email to Old House Gardens - Heirloom Bulbs Click here to visit Old House Gardens - Heirloom Bulbs's website Recent reviews: Past month Past 6 Months Past 12 Months Positive 4 8 20 Neutral 0 0 0 Negative 0 0 0

Company Comment, posted on November 29, 2004:   Fellow Gardeners, We'd love to serve you! We're America's only mail-order source devoted entirely to antique and heirloom bulbs, many of them available nowhere else. Our easy, gorgeous, fragrant, wildflowery, and unusual bulbs grow at historic sites such as Williamsburg and in backyard gardens from Maine to Florida to California. Among our treasures you'll find medieval daffodils, Aztec tuberoses, colonial tulips, Victorian cannas, cottage-garden dahlias, rare hyacinths, wild lilies, and many other time-tested classics. We pride ourselves on the outstanding quality of our bulbs and our very friendly service. Please visit our website and subscribe to our free email newsletter to enrich your garden, touch the past, and help us Save the Bulbs! Scott Kunst, Owner and Head Gardener, Old House Gardens - Heirloom Bulbs

Feedback History and Summary   129 positives No neutrals No negatives

Comments:

Rating Author Content Positive girlndocs (7 reviews) On May 8, 2008, girlndocs Tacoma, WA wrote: I will be rearranging my gardening budget to make more orders from this company. Not only do they have gorgeous bulbs I've never seen anywhere else, the customer service is fantastic. When I ordered online, I had trouble getting the quantity I wanted of some bulbs into my cart. I left a note about it in the comments section and had a PHONE CALL the NEXT DAY to alter my order to exactly what I wanted. The lady who called me apologized profusely for the trouble. When the order arrived there was a handwritten note with another apology and a bag of gladiolus bulbs added to make up for it. All of the bulbs were healthy -- I've never seen such huge glads in my life. I can't wait to get my fall order. (I particularly like that I can place the minimum order now for fall bulbs, and add to it between now and September -- so if I find myself with a bit of spare cash I can tack on extras I've been coveting.) Positive cynicalgirl79 (1 review) On May 6, 2008, cynicalgirl79 wrote: I've been purchasing bulbs from Old House Gardens for years now - always a pleasant and personalized experience when I order, and a beautiful experience when everything blooms. Bravo! I could cheerfully run amok in the catalog if the budget permitted. Positive theras_garden (7 reviews) On April 24, 2008, theras_garden Fairburn, GA (Zone 7b) wrote: What great customer service! One of the dahlias I ordered last year was incorrect when it bloomed. Old House said no problem and promised to send the correct one this year. They sent it without needing any reminders and the bulb was awesome. Can't wait to see my dahlia this year! Positive jenwright27 (5 reviews) On April 19, 2008, jenwright27 Augusta, GA wrote: Once again, I am blown away by the bulbs and service this company has to offer. The only time I've had bulbs falter is when I waited entirely too long to plant. When I placed my most recent order, I accidently processed it twice. Rather than just let that mistake stand, a very nice woman from Old House emailed and called me to make sure the two orders were correct or if I had made a mistake. That willingness to go the extra mile saved me a lot of money. My bulbs arrived in perfect condition, and (in true form) there was a handwritten note on my invoice thanking me for my order! Unless the unthinkable happens, I will be a life-long customer. Positive onewish1 (6 reviews) On April 3, 2008, onewish1 Denville, NJ (Zone 6a) wrote: holy cow... I can not speak more highly of this company... I am not sure if typed words can convey my feelings... but I am going to try.. last year I placed an order for some canna and glads... I had a problem growing the canna... two actually rotted in the ground... I was just writing to say I have never done these before and asked for advice for next time... I was holding them with no fault at all... the rhizomes were in great shape and pretty big at delivery time.. I explained how and where I planted them and watering... and I was just looking for advice... that's all... they told me they were sorry it happened and that they were going to replace the lost ones this year.... which I thought was totally out of the way nice.... my order arrived today with a hand written note.... HAND WRITTEN.... saying they were sorry and gave me step by step instructions and they had replaced the entire sampler that I bought last year... oh my goodness... talk about a blow me away customer service... was not even looking for a replacement of the lost ones.... they replaced the whole order and gave me "hold my hand" directions on how to grow them... AND WISHED ME LUCK to boot.... amazing amazing amazing.... I feel like I want to hug the employee Scott who wrote the note note posted here [HYPERLINK@picasaweb.google.com] Positive texasdaffs (1 review) On March 7, 2008, texasdaffs Brenham, TX wrote: I started buying from OHG when they were a new company( Scott was Owner and employee and chief bottle washer!). Some of the bulbs I purchased back then are still going today (Texas Star ). I got out of bulbs for a while and have just come back(have a little more money and retired now) . OHG is the same now as it was years ago, I wreckon thats why there still going strong! I never received any poor quality bulbs. You won't go wrong with OHG! Positive clarmeaodw (1 review) On January 11, 2008, clarmeaodw Watsontown, PA wrote: This is one of my all-time favorite sources: I grow cut flowers professionally, specializing in antique/heirloom types, and am so glad to have found these guys. OHG offers some of the best customer service support I have come across, bending over backwards to ensure the quality of both their product and the customer's experience. I've yet to receive an order that doesn't have a handwritten note, and the quality of their stock is fabulous. If the plants don't perform, OHG wants to know in order to make it right. Honestly, I feel as though I deal with old friends every year! You won't be disappointed! And be sure to allow them to substitute if necessary: they've turned me on to some incredible finds I never would have chosen on my own. Positive vossner (63 reviews) On December 14, 2007, vossner Richmond, TX (Zone 9a) wrote: I was so thrilled with the giant bulbs I received. Equally thrilled by the excellent customer service. A large percent of his customer base is repeat customers and now I know why. I will also buy from this seller again. Positive Lushfan (1 review) On November 9, 2007, Lushfan Richboro, PA wrote: What a wonderful company! This was my first year that I placed an order with them and it's clear that they take customer satisfaction and personal service seriously. When I received my order, it was well packed with healthy looking bulbs in great shape. There was also a handwritten note inside apologizing for two varieties that unfortunately they weren't able to obtain. I was given credit plus an additional 10%! On top of that, they included a few free bulbs of another beautiful variety for the trouble. What more can you expect? I'll be a returning customer, that's for sure! Positive MrsN (1 review) On October 26, 2007, MrsN Adairsville, GA wrote: They're the best mail-order company I've ever had. Discovered them in 1999 & have been ordering ever since. They work harder than most companies to provide high quality products. They also know what works & doesn't in my hot, humid area; they back their products 100%; they are So nice; and they're truly dedicated to saving these garden treasures. Their heritage plants are so much better than the modern versions that I no longer buy a modern plant of anything they carry. And I won't buy from any other company if I can get it from Old House. Positive adadia (22 reviews) On October 19, 2007, adadia Glenmoore, PA (Zone 6b) wrote: I just unpacked my first order from Old House Gardens, and I am thrilled with the bulbs; they are the freshest, healthiest bulbs I've ever seen, and obviously were packed with extreme care. Unpacking my order was hardly a chore- it was more like opening a really great birthday present. The Formosa lilies are so turgid and fresh, they look like they were dug this morning! I ordered a fall bulb sampler, also, and it turned out to be an excellent value- every variety they chose for the sampler is something I would have chosen myself, and every bulb is just picture perfect; the personalized note on my packing slip was the icing on the cake. There are some truly great bulb places out there, but I have to say I would recommend Old House Gardens first before any others. Old House Gardens, I am officially addicted...you have a customer for life. Positive tomtkitty (3 reviews) On October 19, 2007, tomtkitty Memphis, TN wrote: Just received my order today. Someone there must be psychic...the crocuses in the crocus mixture were all ones I would have ordered individually! All my bulbs arrived well-packed and healthy. Instructions are informative and easy to follow. There was even a personal note on the invoice from the owner (Scott). I have been ordering from them for two years and I will continue to order from them. They're like family! On April 24th, 2008, tomtkitty added the following: Crocus season has come and gone, and the crocuses from OHG bloomed beautifully, as well as the daffodils I ordered. I will definitely be ordering again! Positive floria (9 reviews) On October 13, 2007, floria Morrisville, PA wrote: This is my first order from Old House gardens. I ordered a rather large number of bulbs. Every single bulb arrived in such a good shape that they looked good enough to eat (I didn’t). The people there really go out of their way to make sure that the gardener gets all the possible help. For me that is essential, as this is my first experience with bulbs. Aside from the detailed information attached to every single group of bulbs, somebody from their company called in advance to ask if I was aware of the fact that the Freesias I ordered were out of my zone. Then, Scott took time to write me a note with advice on growing tulips in Pennsylvania. This is way beyond excellent service. Plus, every one of their bulbs seems to have a real history behind it. I highly recommend them and can’t wait until spring. Positive sacajawea (13 reviews) On October 13, 2007, sacajawea Keswick, VA wrote: Yesterday I received my first order from this company and was very impressed at the packaging and the instructions. As recommended, some of the bulbs I planted immediately. I found Old House Gardens on this web site, requested a catalog and ordered on line. It was very hard to contain myself! I am excited to see how the various bulbs "do" this spring. Positive kathyfc (1 review) On July 15, 2007, kathyfc Saint Paul, MN wrote: I received a gift certificate from Old House Gardens. Unsure of what I could safely plant in MN for spring planting, I gave them a call and talked to a very helpful man (Scott?). I ordered 5 dahlias that arrived when promised. Four came up right away. When I called to ask about the fifth, they gave helpful advice and also promised to make it right to me if it did not grow or if I was not satisfied with it in any way. I followed their advice my fifth dahlia is now doing great. I have also ordered bulbs for fall planting and am looking forward receiving those bulbs. All phone calls and emails I are promptly answered. The employees are extremely courteous, helpful and knowledgeable. This has been my best gift ever. I highly recommend Old House Gardens. Their website is also extremely attractive, easy to navigate and easy to order from. Positive karenane (2 reviews) On June 21, 2007, karenane North Kingstown, RI wrote: A great company, with personalized service. Very responsive. Beautiful healthy bulbs, everything came up. Help preserve unusual heirloom bulbs by ordering from them. Also great email newsletter. Web catalog at [HYPERLINK@www.oldhousegardens.com.] Positive crumblissm (2 reviews) On May 21, 2007, crumblissm Oakmont, PA wrote: Wow. Big, fat, juicy corms and tubers. Super-carefully packed, detailed instructions for each item, personal, handwritten note from owner welcoming me to OHG. Doesn't get any better. Can't wait for bloom. Positive susybell (12 reviews) On May 20, 2007, susybell Vancouver, WA (Zone 8a) wrote: Old House bulbs is terrific! I placed my first order with them this past fall and everything was received in great shape (with a personal note, no less!) They even called to check on my growing zone. All the bulbs were clean and healthy and came up and bloomed as promised. The biggest and most vigorous crocuses and daffodils I've ever had. I absolutely will order from them again! Positive polaann (1 review) On May 17, 2007, polaann Dundalk, MD (Zone 8a) wrote: OHG is fantastic. Our orders arrive individually packed with explicit planting instructions. The bulbs are so fresh we see growth within just a few days of planting. Our bulbs from last year have sprouted lovely and HEALTHY. And you can't beat handwritten names of the folks that pick and pack the orders AND handwritten personal notes and e-mails. I feel like we are very special to everyone at OHG and they really want to hear from their customers and use a very old-fashioned tool - that personal touch. And the best part - we are saving heirloom flowers for our future. We will always buy from OHG first. Thanks OHG - you guys are the BEST!!!!!!!!! Positive Cecil1930 (1 review) On May 17, 2007, Cecil1930 Macon, GA wrote: Had good feed back on order and they explained what they would do in very concise order. Very efficient, and fast in filling my order. I have ordered from them 2 different years. Cecil Daniels Positive antmcos (2 reviews) On May 11, 2007, antmcos Croton On Hudson, NY wrote: had a hard time deciding which of their beautiful dahlias to order. Called several times to ask questions re size of plant, general care questions, etc. Eveveyone was very friendly and knowledgeable. If they didn't know the answer they let me speak to a master gardener. Order came quickly, well packed with good care instructions. can't wait to see them bloom. will probably order in the fall if I can find room in my small garden. Positive AresDraco (4 reviews) On May 7, 2007, AresDraco Oakland, CA wrote: My order just arrived from Old House Gardens. Everything was packed with the utmost care: each item separately bagged, clearly labeled and including cultural notes. I even had a personal note from Scott wishing me the best of luck growing my new purchases and advising me on some narcissus and daffodils I might like to order this Fall. I will certainly be a repeat customer and will absolutely recommend this company to all my gardening friends! Well done! Positive nowny (1 review) On May 4, 2007, nowny Ridge, NY wrote: I planted bulbs from OHG when I lived in Maine and the cut flowers were ALWAYS the talk of my officemates. Then I moved. to New York. sigh. Let me just say that getting a box of bulbs to plant from OHG has made the transition so much more enjoyable! What a great group - and who can beat a personal note [in response to my note to them] from the owner himself?!? Say it with me... Yay for old bulbs! Yay for Old House Gardens! Keep the bulbs of old alive - bring horticultural history to a garden near you! Positive tbutner (1 review) On May 3, 2007, tbutner Winston Salem, NC wrote: I definitely recommend Old House Gardens. They carry a treasure-trove of bulbs, most of which cannot be found anywhere else. I ordered some dahlias last Friday and had them in less than a week! I can't wait to order some of their fall bulbs this summer. Tim Butner Positive DianeED (1 review) On April 30, 2007, DianeED Covington, LA wrote: I have done business with Old House Gardens for several years, and my garden is filled with beautiful cannas, rain lilies, oxblood lilies, narcissus, and other bulbs that I have bought from this company. The bulb quality is superb, the prices are very good, and the personal service surpasses any other garden-related company with whom I have ever dealt. Just as important, when you buy from Old House Gardens, you become a partner in antique bulb preservation, and you learn a lot from the company's newsletters and catalogues. Old House Gardens is the best! Positive parrot22 (4 reviews) On April 26, 2007, parrot22 Pensacola, FL (Zone 8b) wrote: The bulbs that Old House sells are top notch. The bulbs are large and as much as I can tell they are labeled correctly. The flowers from the bulbs look like the picture. If you have ordered from very many bulb compaines you will realize that sometimes the bulbs are mislabeled or and sometimes the company thinks and states a bulb is an heirloom species but it is not. Old House has great customer sevrvice and you actually get to speak to a live person. This is my third or fourth order from Old House and I have been happy with the bulbs and resulting plants every time Positive aksee (3 reviews) On April 26, 2007, aksee Scott City, KS wrote: I am so excited just got my lastest purchase from Old House Gardens, the bulbs arrived in wonderful condition. I love how everyone of them is individual labeled. You cannot find better bulbs and customer service anywhere. Thanks! Positive gowron (36 reviews) On April 26, 2007, gowron Athens, GA wrote: My first order arrived a few days ago - wonderful, healthy-looking bulbs. Ordering was strightforward and communications after ordering were fast and friendly. I'll update when the plants come up, but so far an excellent experience. On June 10th, 2007, gowron added the following: ALL the bulbs came up in a timely and healthy way. Great experience. Positive epeters (1 review) On April 24, 2007, epeters Robesonia, PA wrote: To all gardeners who have been burned in the past by shriveled, pathetic, dull bulbs - DESPAIR NO MORE - OLD HOUSE GARDENS IS THE ANSWER TO YOUR FERVENT PRAYERS! I have never received such friendly, personalized service from any company. They responded personally to the note I added to my e-mail order. The bulbs are amazing - absolutely top quality and so unique. They were perfectly packaged and labeled. The directions accompanying my order were clear and useful. This is a company that truly deserves its reputation as an excellent garden source. I envision many more pleasurable years of ordering from the folks at Old House Gardens. An order placed with this company is a true present to the self - you deserve this - order today! Positive cannaqueen (19 reviews) On April 19, 2007, cannaqueen Mantua, OH (Zone 5a) wrote: My friends and I combined an order to meet the $30.00 minimum required for this company. These are people, including myself', on a retired, limited income. I wanted to know why there was this limit. Scott, an employee, took time out from his busy day to explain why this was not possible. I was impressed and understand the company's reasoning....Profit drives this garden company, and that is what they need to sell us their great products....Our order arrived safely, with an impressive amount of information on how to take care of the bulbs until we can plant outside... Can't wait for cold Ohio to warm up...... Positive bbrookrd (25 reviews) On April 17, 2007, bbrookrd nantucket, MA (Zone 7a) wrote: In Aug. of 2006, I ordered some bulbs for spring 2007, unfortunately one of their suppliers had a crop failure on a couple of the gladiolus bulbs I had ordered. They sent me a nice note with the credit PLUS an extra 10 %, PLUS a couple of extra bulbs of ones that they could ship from my initial order. Now I consider that this is a company that is truly trying to please. The bulbs that they did ship are first rate as always. I had already placed a fall order and now I have credit to use. Can't wait. Patti On October 16th, 2007, bbrookrd added the following: I am once again very pleased with the bulbs that I ordered from them this fall. They are healthy and the sizes are as listed. Their selection is always first rate. I especially like that they give an extra 10% when they can not fill something on the order. I had one narcissus that had that fate due to crop failure, but getting a nice hand written note plus the bonus refund is a nice gesture. Patti Positive cyndid (1 review) On April 16, 2007, cyndid Arnold, MD wrote: Several years ago I happened upon an Old House Gardens catalog, and found simple exquisiteness on each page. Bulb details, beautiful pictures, an easy and enjoyable catalog layout, excellent plant material, and great customer service are their standards. Their varieties of bulbs put a shame to any local garden centers' offerings, and you learn a lot of history as you read about each and every treasure! I have indeed felt and been treated like family ...they are special people who care deeply and are very knowledgeable about their plants and it shows in all they do! The bulbs I have received through OHG have prospered in my Zone 7 gardens and are indeed as gorgeous as they describe. They have a customer for life in me! Cyndi Duke Arnold, Maryland Positive MallieB (1 review) On April 14, 2007, MallieB Bowersville, GA (Zone 7b) wrote: I received more bulbs from "Old House Gardens" today, a White Fawn dahlia and White goddess Gladiolus. They are healthy looking bulbs, can't wait to get them started. We're having some "crazy" weather in the south this spring. Last fall I ordered Florentine and Keizerskroon tulips, they bloomed early and was delightful to have some color that early in the garden. Tulips do not do well in the south so I'm looking forward to seeing them in my garden every year, they were chosen for a southern garden. I also have a double Tiger Lily and Tiger Lily up that are from "Old House Gardens". Looking forward to some blooms on these soon. Positive dwshill (1 review) On April 14, 2007, dwshill Bridgewater, VT wrote: Very impressed with your online and print catalogues, professionalism, personal touch, quality merchandise and superior service. Congratulations! Positive Demstratt (2 reviews) On April 4, 2007, Demstratt Lincoln Park, MI (Zone 5a) wrote: WOW...Got my bulbs today...nice and healthy looking...they were shipped yesterday..being I'm so close sure love that I day delivery.....My order was for the Atom Glads...no one should be without them in their gardens...:o) Thanks Charlie and crew... Positive wickerparker (9 reviews) On November 1, 2006, wickerparker Chicago, IL (Zone 5b) wrote: Very pleased with the bulbs I've received and with the customer service, which was attentive and prompt. Positive littlecakes (1 review) On October 31, 2006, littlecakes new york (United States) wrote: My bulbs were M.I.A. after i received notice that they shipped but when I called Old House Gardens they were very helpful in trying to locate them in the USPS system and after a week, they've finally arrived. They seem like they will be fine even though they were god knows where for that week. They told me that if in the spring I find that they were not okay to let them know and I could get credit for the ones that didn't come up. Very nice people. Positive devapainter (1 review) On August 21, 2006, devapainter Greenwich, CT wrote: Last spring I placed my first order with Old House Gardens, and it's been a great experience as well as a visual treat. The Winsome and Little Beeswing dahlias I purchased are easily the most vibrant, gorgeous dahlias I've ever had in my garden. I've read the catalog so many times that I've memorized it and now I just leave it laying around just so I can stare at the beautiful cover. Positive johns50 (1 review) On July 11, 2006, johns50 Princeton, NJ wrote: Like most we have had hit or miss experiences with on-line/catalog nurseries but I must say we are now getting our first blooms from Old House Gardens heirloom dahlias and they are simply spectacular...these dahlias are in a class by themselves and are stopping people on the sidewalk... On May 22nd, 2007, johns50 added the following: Just experienced our first spring with OHG heirloom tulips and what a great experience...beautiful, unique...a real treat...this year's new addition of glads are starting to appear ...we are waiting for the cannas who are kust poking up...and we are really waiting for our second season of spectacular dahlias (zone 6 we overwintered in the basement) and they are just starting to appear...I put OHG at the very top of the list of internet/catalog nurseries...our best experience so far On June 28th, 2007, johns50 added the following: Positive adjamo (1 review) On June 23, 2006, adjamo Louisville, KY wrote: I just wanted to take a moment to let you know how wonderful I think your bulbs are. I received your new catalogue yesterday, and it was the highlight of my evening to sit and dream about what to plant next. I appreciate your advice as well--I actually dug my tulips after the leaves turned yellow this year, following your advice. I've ordered several bulbs from you, but this Spring when Zomerschoon bloomed it took my breath away. I watched the bud as it began to swell and wondered how this thick green bud would ever amount to anything. One day after work I was startled to see the tulip in its full glory with its vivid color and perfect form--it didn't seem possible that this was the same plant. I brought people to see it like it was a relic in some dusty chapel. I have a very small garden with a large 1890 late Victorian house, and that one flower became the very soul of the property for as long as it lasted. I love that I can look through your catalog and find bulbs of plants that were available the year that my house was built--I'm all for restoring and authenticity.

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