| Rating | Author | Content |
| Positive | JiminRingoes
Ringoes, NJ
(8 reviews)
June 17, 2009 | I've ordered from Sunshine Farm & Garden about half a dozen times over the past four years and have always been happy with the plants I've received. My latest order was for a Euphorbia 'Jessie' and a Fraser's Sedge (Cymophyllus fraserianus). Fraser's Sedge is nearly impossible to find elsewhere, so I was thrilled when Barry confirmed by e-mail that he had some. Barry asked to speak to me before accepting the order, then called me to describe the plant and its cultivation requirements. The plant that arrived today was large and healthy. At Barry's suggestion I divided it into three generous clumps before planting. They look great now and in a few years will be amazing ... more highlights in my garden from Sunshine Farm & Garden.. |
| Positive | Bitzie
Yorktown, VA
(1 review)
May 04, 2009 | I ordered some of the double Hellebores earlier this spring. When they arrived I was very impressed with the packing. Each plant was carefully packed in its own pot and the pots were then taped together in pairs. The plants were placed in the box and the box then filled loosely filled with packing peanuts. There was no shifting of the plants in the box. They were easy to remove and are now happily growing in my garden. |
| Negative | esofa
Marion, NC
(1 review)
May 03, 2009 | Wow."Negative" doesn't begin to describe it.When my order arrived it was supposed to contain 50 hellebores in 2" treeband pots but instead had a fistful of single hellebore stems, each with an inch or so of root attached...I'm being generous to call them "bareroot", they reminded me more of thinnings from a lettuce patch.As there was no packing slip,receipt,or explanation for the lack of potted plants, I emailed Barry Glick to discuss it.He insisted on calling me on the phone rather than respond to my email,then instead of hearing me out he spent half an hour interrupting me to brag about himself, his plants,his business,and his satisfied customers.He said the potted hellebores looked bad and weren't healthy,and the "bareroot" plants were "top-size".He was not interested in resolving the actual problem-that his plants were not even close to what he advertised and were absolutely never going to be worth the price I paid-but he was interested in cheering me up with a "goodie bag" of free plants.I told him I was not looking for something for free and that my problem was I paid for a product that was very different from the one I received,and bareroot plants wouldn't work for my purpose.Again,he interrupted me and began talking on and on about how the potted hellebores are no good.He offered to exchange the bareroot plants for potted ones,but since he had just told me over and over how the potted ones were even worse I declined.I decided to return the bareroots to him for a refund, and I emailed him when I shipped them out.I only wish I could post the full content of our email exchange here; I will gladly share it in its entirety if you contact me through DMail.If you want to order something from Barry Glick I strongly recommend you read these emails first.I think the worst part of my experience with him is the way he has constantly tried to manipulate the situation.I had a simple problem and I asked for a simple solution.I did not ask for anything special, I paid for my own return shipping, and I double-checked his website to make sure that I had not overlooked something or misunderstood the product descriptions and policies.But instead of dealing with my complaint in an honest way and getting it resolved quickly,he pulled out all the used-car salesman talent he could muster....at one point he literally accused me of taking food off his table by asking for a refund, and also claimed that he WOULD refund the money except that he didn't have enough money in his bank account to cover it. For the record, we are talking about a $100 refund,which is a lot of money to a working mother with two small kids, but not to someone who claims to be a coveted lecturer all over the world.And "Mr"Glick still has the money, though I sent the plants back to him on April 7th.I emailed him a few days ago to remind him that he still hadn't returned my check and he responded by claiming that the plants all arrived dead and that I had "ignored his email". He has never tried to contact me since the plants were delivered; my email provider uses permanent archives and to claim that he sent me something and was ignored is a complete lie....you really have to read these emails to get the full effect.Another reviewer called him a "huckster" and that's not far from the mark.I have worked in the horticulture industry for ten years and I am shocked and awed that this man is still in business.It's one thing to have a company policy against straight refunds, that wasn't the case here.His reasons for not returning my money were all pathetic attempts to convince me that he was broke.Speaking of broke,it has apparently cost me $100 to learn that SFG- and Barry Glick in particular-are not worth my time and definitely not worth my money....although that won't stop him from keeping it.
On May 23rd, 2009, esofa added the following:
***Still waiting for a refund from Barry Glick, who has simply stopped answering my emails. Ridiculous.
Company representative comment on July 14, 2009:
On Jul 14, 2009 6:30 AM, Sunshine Farm & Garden responded with:You can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time. That said and accepting that as a reality, skipping the gory details, let's just say that this customer has been COMPLETELY satisfied. I've been growing and selling plants for over 30 years now and my record speaks for itself. ALL of my customers have access to my home and cell phone numbers and I am available 7/24 to help with any gardening or plant questions even if the plants didn't come for me. I LOVE my job!!! |
| Positive | irislover2
Mobile, AL
(1 review)
April 02, 2009 | I received my order promptly and in excellent condition. The plants bloomed soon after being planted. I'm really pleased! I'll be ordering from this source again. |
| Positive | kellerj
Lake Bluff, IL
(1 review)
December 04, 2008 | Plants arrived in very good codition. The proof will be next spring when the expected blooms arrive in my woodland garden. |
| Positive | Tanager_Gardens
Raleigh, NC
(Zone 7b)
(1 review)
December 03, 2008 | Not only was I completely happy, no, ecstatic with my plant order, the careful packing, the inclusion of just enough labels - not too many - I've raved about my order to my husband - okay he got tired of hearing the raves - my friends, and neighbors. Turns out several already knew about you because, as astute gardeners, they already know Dave's Garden. Of course DG is where I found recommendations to order from you.
Another VERY pleased customer! |
| Positive | pmarrone
Davis, CA
(1 review)
December 03, 2008 | Late summer, I ordered plants for the first time from Sunshine. I am all the way in CA but I like the different plants he has that I would not normally get here. The plants all looked good when I got them. We'll see in the spring how they do! Barry is very responsive and I like his informative email newsletter, photos and links. |
| Positive | lablover
Wilmington, VT
(1 review)
December 02, 2008 | I have ordered twice from Sunshine Gardens and I have been very pleased each time. The plants arrived very promptly and in very good, robust condition. I would certainly not hesitate to order from them again. |
| Positive | lady2bug2
Half Moon Bay, CA
(1 review)
December 02, 2008 | I ordered double hellebores and received healthy plants in a timely manner. Yes, a 2" pot is small, the plant within tiny; however, they have thrived and grown in the shady places in my garden, and I eagerly await their bloom. I did plant them directly into my garden rather than repot them. I don't think that doing so harmed their growth in coastal northern California with its humidity and overcast days. I will definitely look to Sunshine Farms and Gardens for future plants. |
| Positive | wdtb2rev
Duluth, MN
(1 review)
December 02, 2008 | I have been purchasing from Sunshine Farm & Garden for several years. It has been a place to find the unusual and not available anywhere else. When I discover or read about a new species, the first place I go to find it is Sunshine Farm. I have always been pleased with the quality of the plants received. |
| Positive | SwimmingJewel
Southold, NY
(Zone 7b)
(3 reviews)
December 02, 2008 | Can't say enough about how much I love Barry's plants and ernormous plant selection.
Thank you Barry for years and years of GREAT plants and gardening info.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge too.
One thing I have learned in life, you can never make everyone happy.
Some people just seem to enjoy being 'negative'.
But not me...THANK YOU BARRY! :)
...Joyce |
| Positive | suunto
Sinks Grove, WV
(1 review)
December 02, 2008 | Barry is a great salesman - he could sell the proverbial refrigerators to Inuits! He also is a good source of advice when trying to decide what plants would be suitable for specific locations. Our last order was for native asters to naturalize in a dry, shady area. The shipment was exceptionally prompt, but the plants were smaller than anticipated (basically short portions of underground stems with established roots). However, all appeared healthy, showing new growth.
We have visited Sunshine Farms in the past, and the 'interesting' drive is well worth the effort. |
| Positive | rohdearube
Swarthmore, PA
(1 review)
December 02, 2008 | Barry had the carex I wanted but which I had difficulty finding. Being a good salesman, he recommended several other relatively obscure sample plants for my particular garden's culture. They were also ordered, were grown up in larger pots this season and I look forward to planting them out in the coming year. Being a refugee from the farm boy and a propagation nut, I prefer trying small plants at a good price that I can experience during several stages of growth. If they work out, then I subsequently get a larger quantity for a serious planting. Barry is an excellent source for the type of gardening I do. |
| Negative | thecollector
Farmville, VA
(3 reviews)
December 02, 2008 | Here's what I wrote to Sunshine Farm and Gardens in response to their request for feedback:
Last spring I purchased from you (based on an on-line sale offer) 7 plants of Phlox stolonifera, and 7 plants of Allium sp. The total order was $70; or $5.00 per plant.
All of the plants have survived the summer and have been planted out in the woodland garden. However, I was initially very disappointed in the size of the plants provided--really what we previously called "liners" or small propagules in approximately 1.5" plastic pots. At $5.00 per each for plants as easy to propagate as these, I had expected much larger, more established stock. In fact, our locally owned garden retailer had the same plants in quart pots for $3.99. Later I found closely related, similar species in a "big box" store in gallon pots for $4.99 (I bought some and the Allium sp. turned out to be identical; since I have found that it is a common "pass-along" plant in our area). With this experience, my initial disappointment was intensified.
Because I am an experienced gardener and propagator, I was able to successfully raise all the tiny plants to quart-pot size over the summer. If I had planted them directly in the garden, I am sure none would have survived. And certainly a less experienced gardener, who might have planted them all out directly without growing them on, would have lost them all.
It would be a service to your retail customers if you would, somewhere on your website, state the size of plants you supply. The pictures you provide imply that you ship much larger, more established material than is actually the case.
Company representative comment on December 02, 2008:
On Dec 2, 2008 11:50 AM, Sunshine Farm & Garden added:I've tried in vain to contact Bill Shear, "collector" to see what I could do to please him. His negative commentary is incorrect as my pot size is 2" X 2" and this is stated on EVERY offering I email as is the term bareroot if the plant is shipped that way. Sometimes you find a better deal somewhere and sometimes you don't. I would have appreciated a call or an email from Bill alerting me to his dissapointment before he placed a negative comment. I guess you can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but................
Anyway, my home phone is at the bottom of every email that I send out and I don't rest well until I have made every effort to make EVERYONE happy. |
| Positive | jlghertner
Sodus, NY
(1 review)
December 02, 2008 | I have been ordering from Sunshine Farms for only three years, so the end result of the plants I received can't be told yet. But, I received 20 helleborus in an unusual heat wave for upstate NY decimating my "crop" despite watering, mulching, and tlc. These were heartily replaced with no questions asked but with a lot of personal advice. |
| Positive | Melania100
Iowa City, IA
(1 review)
December 02, 2008 | I have ordered plants from Sunshine Farm and Garden on a number of occasions. I have been pleased with the condition of the plants. Barry was lots of fun and informative on the phone. He seems eager to please and very helpful. I plan to use him in the future. This is a great source for plants that are usually difficult to find. |
| Positive | usukinik
Rockville, MD
(1 review)
December 02, 2008 | I have found that the owner Barry is easy to contact, quick to respond and very helpful. When asked, his insights are valuable and the plants are accurately represented his listings. I will do more business with him. |
| Positive | Peggyh09
Norwalk, CT
(1 review)
December 02, 2008 | I enjoy reading Barry's excitement in his descriptions of his offerings. When I have had questions, he has answers. I focus on hellebores, as they have great beauty as well as the key characteristics my property needs: deer resistance, love shade, and low care. He has some real beauties. |
| Positive | kathy1126
Dallas, TX
(1 review)
December 02, 2008 | I have purchased hellebores from Barry on two separate occasions and have been very pleased with my plants. They arrived quickly, were packaged carefully, were very healthy and good-sized and were at a good price. And I received the added benefit of Barry's expertise when inquiring what would grow in our hot Texas weather. His knowledge was very valuable and helpful to me. |
| Positive | Pinkle
Alexandria, VA
(1 review)
December 02, 2008 | My plants arrived with plenty of instruction on what to do if circumstances for planting were not optimum. An email concerning the plant was responded to quickly. I would order again from this company. |
| Positive | frwohl
Marlton, NJ
(1 review)
October 28, 2008 | We’ve been happy with the stuff we’ve ordered from Sunshine Farms over the years. All plants have arrived as promised. I love their website. It is full of info and pictures.Owner Barry Glick is very responsive to questions and has never steered me wrong. We are signed up for email from Barry and recieve monhtly updates with pictures and particulars on species we may never seen before. Some of those specials have done very well for us.
Pests are huge problem in my neck of the woods (the Pinelands in NJ) and Barry is good at predicting the plants that survive. I looking forward to visiting Sunshine Farms mountain top gardens in WV once the weather is nice in the spring. |
| Positive | nolanaomi
New Orleans, LA
(1 review)
October 15, 2008 | I found Sunshine Farm & Gardens from another website posting. I contacted Barry by email, telling him I live in New Orleans, and concerned as to whether hellebores can make it here. He immediately contacted me, and explained the best planting to get some going. When I saw the low price for seven, I decided to take a chance. I placed the order, noting that the heat can turn mail-order plants to jelly. The plants arrived the end of September, during a cool spot, packed very securely in small pots and "peanuts". Each had several leaves, healthy, with good roots. I planted them that afternoon (once the sun was low), and watered them thoroughly. I haven't needed to water them since (this is New Orleans), and looked at them yesterday morning, and they are already bigger, with more leaves. I've told several friends about Sunshine Farms, and will order from Barry again. A good guy! |
| Positive | acmeplant
New York, NY
(1 review)
September 18, 2008 | I just received 10 Saruma henryii in perfect condition, well-packed, and at a very friendly price. This plant is hard to find in the NYC area and I was thrilled to find these well-rooted young plants. They were so well prepared for shipping, not a leaf was torn or a root out of place...and these were bare root plants! Also, I specified a tight shipping window (needed to receive them within 3 days of my order) and they arrived exactly on time. |
| Positive | Logangal
Logan, WV
(1 review)
September 12, 2008 | Barry Glick is easy to communicate with and very helpful. I dealt with him and him only- not some recording or secretary. I have ordered many plants through the mail and have never received plants in such healthy condition or packaged so lovingly. It shows in every aspect of communication that Barry enjoys what he does and serves the community well! The plants came with very helpful tags, which was nice. They told me where to plant and special needs of the plant, they helped me to remember what I ordered and why I ordered it. I also really liked that shipping was included. I didn't feel like I was getting the shaft on "handling" charges. The world could use more folks like Barry Glick! Hats off to his success in doing what he loves! |
| Positive | moranp
Oregon, WI
(1 review)
July 10, 2008 | What a great experience! I ordered a sampler from Sunshine Farm and Garden and was very pleased with the ordering communication and the delivery. The plants arrived in the time promised and were very healthy. I am starting my woodland display garden and I will definitely continue to order from Barry Glick. |
| Positive | tmaloney
Lambertville, MI
(1 review)
June 23, 2008 | Barry Glick at Sunshine Gardens is always helpful and informative. He has made me aware of several native species that are thriving in my shady yard. |
| Positive | ggardens
Mason, MI
(1 review)
June 09, 2008 | I am delighted with the sampler and 2-year old bare roots I ordered from Sunshine in late May. As a new customer ordering in the midst of the busiest time of the season, I was not surprised that it took two weeks to arrive. Well worth the wait.
What I received were expertly packaged, mostly in perfect shape. The trade sampler plants were small, but just as described on the website - very healthy and ready to pop into 3.5" pots. The Caryopteris and one variety of Helleborus I put directly into gallons.
The varieties they chose for me, given very little information about my small nursery, were outstanding! A few old favorites that I needed to resupply anyway, but the rest were all new to me. These have served to breathe new life and enthusiasm into my small business; I can't wait to get out to the nursery in the morning and check up on my new little "residents."
The bare root Cimicifuga were more robust than expected. These will be ready for my customers in just a few weeks. I couldn't possibly be happier with these gems. They sent a few more than I ordered, none were wimpy plants. Also added were some mystery bare roots; I'm guessing that they're Helleborus.
I will be ordering again as soon as I catch up with some other work. This is fun! |
| Positive | bcleaver11
Howard, OH
(1 review)
May 30, 2008 | I have ordered from Barry twice within the past couple years. The first was a very large order of hellebores that we were doing with our garden club and some for ourselves too. This totalled about 3 flats of hellebores. They arrived ON TIME, and in EXCELLENT condition. Fresh as the proverbial daisy and we didn't lose even 1 plant, nor did any of the garden club. We kept over a flat of these for ourselves and everyone bloomed this spring, just beautiful. This spring we ordered a few of the double hellebores. These plants were OUTSTANDING! And they came packed so well that it was all we could do to get the little gems out of the box. They were shipped in little pots that were carefully sealed so that the dirt would stay in the pots, then carefully packed together with shipping peanuts under the leaves so that NOTHING could possibly hurt these plants in shipment. I have NEVER received a better packed shipment of plants from ANYONE! And we buy hundreds of plants yearly! I would recommend Barry's company to everyone, and have! |
| Positive | blackthumbagain
Cedarville, NJ
(1 review)
May 24, 2008 | I know nothing about gardening, and I mean nothing. Add to that very poor soil and you have a recipe for diaster. Looking for violets to naturalize, I came across a listing for Sunshine Farm & Gardens on the internet and emailed them for advice. I have done this in the past with other companies and received no response. However, Barry not only emailed a response, he suggested we speak. On the telephone he gave me advice and explained what I should do, still not knowing if I would order from him.
I did place an order. The violets were delivered within a week of my sending my check. They were in excellent condition and are doing well.
I am not sure if I will be ordering plants in the future, but if I do I would certainly go back to Sunshine Farm & Gardens. |
| Positive | HappyHooker
Hadley, NY
(1 review)
May 14, 2008 | I have had very positive experiences with this company. I wanted helleborus. They took a while to get started since I bought small plants but this year they are just great. There are some that have not as yet flowered but are really coming up quickly and in good health. Those in flower are just gorgeous and keep getting bud after bud. I did buy some primroses which did not take but Barry gave me double the original order and these are now beautiful also. I will be ordering from Barry in the future. I gave away two helleborus to friends who had not ever heard of the plant. They just called to say the plants are gorgeous and wanted to know where to get more. I appreciate all the help I have gotten from Barry! |
| Positive | rrn
McCormick, SC
(1 review)
May 10, 2008 | Communications with the nursery was excellent. Prices were reasonable and packaging of plants excellent. Looking forward to doing more business in near future. |
| Positive | LilyandTig
Fort Wayne, IN
(1 review)
May 02, 2008 | Dear Barry, I just wanted to let you know how glad I am that I let you pick the shipping date for my order...it arrived in perfect condition and on the perfect day. I was able to get everything planted within a couple of hours and they are all doing beautifully!!
And, I have never gotten mail-order plants packed with such tender loving care!! I'm sure you will hear from me again!
Judy
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| Positive | CT_Ohio
Millfield, OH
(Zone 6a)
(4 reviews)
April 24, 2008 | Just received my first (of many I'm sure) order from Sunshine Farm and am amazed at the quality of the plants. First of all, packing was superb with just the right amount of moisture per plant and no broken bones. The 50 Christmas fern rhizomes are packed in damp sphagnum and are exceedingly robust. Everything else I ordered was the 2" tree band size, so I expected very small plants. But hey! The price is right and I can pot up plants and hold them for a while. Much to my surprise, they were much larger than I expected and some are going straight into beds where I can monitor water, etc. I also ordered 50 2 yr. seedlings of unknown Hellebores. Haven't a clue what they'll look like, but the parentage is great and since I've never met a Hellebore I didn't like, it sounded like a good deal for filling in areas of new woodland beds. I am quite impressed with the size of these 'seedlings' and can hardly wait for them to bloom to see what varieties I have. It was a long, cold, snowy January and I was wooed by the intrigue of the 100 plant (5 ea of 20 different plants) sampler. WOW! Unpacking these babies and discovering what I'd received was fantastic. Not a dog in the bunch. Some are old friends, some are totally new to me and all look great. Additionally, while all of the spp. are well worth the price, some would normally command a premium price anywhere if bought separately. The sampler is not simply 1 or 2 desired plants and numerous run-of-the mill filler plants as with so many collections and Barry is very helpful in trying to select plants that fit your site demands. I normally order from 5-8 top-rated nurseries each year (Yes! Big-time chlorophyll addition) and have rarely had anything but very positive experiences, but I can honestly say dealing with Barry & his staff has been fantastic! I've only talked to two gardening friends since I unpacked my order, but both intend to try the sampler next year. Give Sunshine Farm a whirl. I don't think you will be disappointed.
ct |
| Positive | al448789
Charlotte, NC
(1 review)
March 26, 2008 | Experience very positive, Shipment of hellibores and phlox arrived in great shape. Packaging was excellent. Based on past experience, immediately moved the plants (2 inch treebands) into larger pots where they should do great following Barry's planting instructions. Expect to set them out this Fall (2008). Good supply of plant tags was included. If you know what you are doing with small plants, Barry's plants are a good buy, particularly when he does his 'specials'.
Al 3/26/08 |
| Positive | paulaindc
Washington, DC
(6 reviews)
January 22, 2008 | I just recently ordered hellebores, trillium and Christmas fern. Barry answered questions thoroughly in advance of the purchase, and the plants arrived quickly. The hellebores were strong plants that settled in after planting and look healthy. I am looking forward to seeing the results.
On May 22nd, 2008, paulaindc added the following:
Plants overwintered well and have thrived. I am now a repeat customer, as I purchased more from Barry in person this spring at a local garden festival. |
| Positive | Celeno
Cocoa Beach, FL
(1 review)
January 04, 2008 | ordered his Hellebores and they are beautiful and thriving ...Great instructions on planting and feeding and very informative information thru e-mail
On December 8th, 2008, Celeno added the following:
Good packaging and easy to contact in case of questions or problems |
| Positive | alina_1
Gaithersburg, MD
(6 reviews)
December 07, 2007 | I just received seven 2" pots with 2 year old Double Helleborus seedlings from Sunshine Farm and Gardens nursery. Plants arrived in perfect shape; they look healthy despite the stressful December shipment. The size is exactly like on the vendor's web site picture.
I was told that they were hand pollinated, so I hope that the blooms will look like Doubles on pictures as well: these babies are pricey.... I look forward to seeing them in bloom in a year or two.
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| Positive | QBOY6969
Roanoke, VA
(1 review)
November 04, 2007 | Just received fifty Primula Japonica and they are magnificantly beautiful !!! They are in 2-inch pots & were on sale. The healthy leaves were much larger than I expected with every pot having nice white roots coming out of the bottom.
The plants were expertly packed in a tray which was covered by a net bag securely tied to prevent disturbance in transit. Then the extra space was filled with foam peanuts to further prevent movement...all this in an extra thick cardboard box.
I had to co-ordinate the order with a friend from a different city...he mailing a check to Barry Glick separately from mine. Barry worked well with me and was quick to respond to my numerous emails. Will I order again ???...YOU BETCHA !!! |
| Positive | vhbt
Hampton Bays, NY
(1 review)
November 04, 2007 | I've ordered 100 helebores from Sunshine Farm & Garden. They have all flourished in my garden for over 4 years. The were packed VERY WELL so for those who commented negatively on the condition of the plants upon arrival I wonder if it's the postal carrier that is to blame rather than Sunshine Farm & Garden.
I love the website too, it's so informative and the photos of Barry's gardens are wonderful and his personal response to my e-mails is the personal touch I appreciate. Barry's passion for gardening and expert knowledge of plants comes through and I feel free to call or e-mail with a question or comment and always get a personal, down-to-earth, grass-roots, "hey don't you just LOVE to dig in the dirt" response - so I feel I'm dealing with my own personal plant expert not just a 'company'.
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| Positive | Thomas_Louisa
Washington, DC
(2 reviews)
November 04, 2007 | My plants arrived shortly after I ordered them: hellebores, ferns, phlox, and a few other things. In all, a large order -- at least for me. The hellebores were outstanding -- really a nice group -- the ferns were great, and everything else was OK (although some of the tiarella looked a bit fatigued). I should have ordered more of the hellebores and ferns, but now it will wait for next year.
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