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| 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
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| Feedback History and Summary |
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Comments:Displaying the 50 most recent comments:
| Rating | Author | Content |
| Positive | Ronni92 (10 reviews) | On November 17, 2008, Ronni92 East Stroudsburg, PA wrote: Their lily bulbs are beautiful! They are plump and perfect. As I planted them, I could not help but wonder how they will look after they have a few seasons to mature.
And this past spring, I planted some of their awsome elephant ears. They grew so well, people were describing my front garden as a "jungle". That's my kind of elephant ear!
You can find cheaper sources,or more expensive sources, but not better sources.
With my last order I received a hand written note and detailed planting instructions. Old House Gardens people know their business. | | Positive | evelyn_inthegarden (9 reviews) | On November 7, 2008, evelyn_inthegarden Grizzly Flats, CA wrote: Thank you Old House Gardens! What an amazing experience! I ordered bulbs this year from several different firms, and I must say, that this company is FIVE STAR rated! The Foxtail lilies that were sent were 10 times the size of another bulb company, and the bulbs were fresh and alive as opposed to being shriveled and dry. All the rest of the order was top notch as well. Kudos to this wonderful company. I was unable to order all that I wanted, but maybe next year, I will only order from them, as I believe I have all I need, but there are some that I wanted from them but were a bit pricey, but, I feel, not out of line, but worth the money. I will order more from them next year. You MUST look at their online catalog, even if you don't need any bulbs! Keep those heirlooms going! Great job! | | Positive | lpw0623 (2 reviews) | On November 3, 2008, lpw0623 Tupelo, MS wrote: Bravo to Old House Gardens! You guys could teach a graduate level university course on customer service!! Add to this some of the best quality bulbs I have ever received, and you have a WORLD CLASS company. I can hardly wait to order more bulbs from you. | | Positive | jane_stevens9 (7 reviews) | On October 22, 2008, jane_stevens9 Wichita, KS wrote: OHG is my favorite source for ordering bulbs. Not only do they offer a variety of heirloom bulbs, Scott adds a personal touch with a handwritten note in green ink! I am wondering what I will do when I run out of places to plant new shipments of bulbs.... I have a box of tulip bulbs to plant this afternoon. They will bring such pleasure in the spring, not only to me but to the neighbors also! Thanks Scott, Charlie et al.... | | Positive | Scheherazade (5 reviews) | On October 21, 2008, Scheherazade Toledo, OH wrote: In the first week of August, we placed an order for about 24 Trumpet and Orientpet Lily bulbs. Subsequently, we ordered some more bulbs. Inadvertently, we placed certain duplicate items that were already ordered in the previous order. The OHG rep called us immediately, and was very friendly and helpful to resolve our mistakes. Finally we ordered 40 bulbs of eight varieties. We knew that the order wouldn't be delivered before 3rd week of October.
Anyway, we waited anxiously for about two months and prepared the beds for our lilies from OHG. We received the bulbs from OHG today (October 21, 2008). We are fascinated at the qualities of the bulbs. Almost all of the bulbs are very large and fresh. We kept the best locations of our garden for the bulbs from OHG and "The Lily Garden". Well, we planted the OHG bulbs in the best spots. We have never heard back from The Lily Garden since our mailed-in order in last two months in spite of our many emails and failed phone calls and Fax. So, if they finally send the bulbs, their products will have to go to less desirable location, and we will be in great trouble to find adequate room because we already ordered, received and planted "Silk Road", and "Scheherazade" bulbs from other sources. Of course we could not find any other outlet for "Dunyazade", "Pizzaz", "Summer Place", or "Sinfonia".
Finally, it has been our great experience with OHG; their products and services are simply outstanding! We wish they carried some of the varieties that are offered (or used to be offered, in case of out-of-business) by The Lily garden.
| | Positive | ElizabethAnneM (7 reviews) | On October 18, 2008, ElizabethAnneM Birmingham, AL wrote: Customer service has been great- they called me to clarify my order since I had placed more than one and at different times. I really appreciated it. They wanted to make sure I hadn't made a mistake. The bulbs arrived very healthy. I am thrilled. I will update when they bloom! | | Positive | crocus1 (6 reviews) | On October 18, 2008, crocus1 Lawrence, KS wrote: Overspent my budget this year again. GREAT company and superb customer service. I had trouble with UPS dumping a pkg of dahlias in 33 degree weather last year: OHG offered to reimburse immediately. Even though UPS is apparently unwilling to provide service beyond dropping a pkg on time. Unless UPS thoroughly destroys a pkg and comes to inspect the damage for approval, forget trying to file a complaint. I'm still trying to find an address for someone in KS/MO area to complain to about lousy delivery people.... I've had several companies tell me too bad when I complain about UPS delivering plants poorly. | | Positive | kage52 (1 review) | On August 2, 2008, kage52 Pismo Beach, CA wrote: I originally found Old House Gardens when searching online for old-fashioned Roman hyacinths, which grew in my grandmother's garden but are virtually impossible to find nowadays. But not completely-- Old House Gardens has them. I ordered ten bulbs. They arrived at the proper time to plant, were healthy, and ARE THE REAL THING. The hyacinths have been a smashing success, naturalizing profusely and blooming with wonderful perfume you just don't get in Dutch hyacinths.
I have since ordered every year from these people, because they carry all kinds of antique varieties of bulbs and corms. Their customer service is excellent-- immediate responses, personal phone calls when there is a problem filling an order. Once, when they felt the quality of the bulbs they were sending wasn't quite up to their standards due to a bad crop year, they threw in a couple of extras, things I hadn't ordered but they felt I might like. Definitely more like dealing with friends than with some big corporation.
You do need to pay attention, because some of their bulbs sell out quickly each year, and their selection varies. I wait for the newsletter announcing when the new tulips arrive, and every year find new and interesting varieties to try. If you're landscaping a historic site and want a period-correct garden, or if, like me, you're just fond of heritage plants, you can't go wrong with Old House Gardens. | | 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 (7 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 (66 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 (8 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! On October 18th, 2008, tomtkitty added the following:
My order came today...what a pleasant surprise! Each variety was individually packaged with planting instructions on each bag, plus there was a personal note from the company owner. It is always a pleasure to order from Old House Gardens! | | Positive | floria (11 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 (5 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 (27 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 On November 16th, 2008, bbrookrd added the following:
I recently got my fall order from Old House Gardens. They ship nice healthy bulbs that are always harder ones to find and desired, especial Narcissus which I love and can always find a place for in our garden. I love their interesting Catalog, I just wish I had deeper pockets. Nice people and always arrives with a nice personal note. That is special these days. | | 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
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