The scoop on 'Viola Valley Wildflowers'

Company Profile   Viola Valley Wildflowers Mailing Address: P.O. Box 24 Viola, Tennessee 37394 (United States) Phone: (931) 635-3505 » E-Mail them » Visit their website Recent reviews: Past month Past 6 Months Past 12 Months Positive 0 1 6 Neutral 0 0 1 Negative 0 7 9 This company offers a variety of bulbs and plants. This company specializes in: Plants: Wildflowers/Natives Other helpful information: Accepts retail and wholesale orders

Company Comment, posted on March 14, 2008:   Important information on planting Wildflowers & Ferns: Please keep in mind that most wildflowers and ferns do not require any of these fancy plant foods or fertilizers. Just think, in the woodlands who takes care of them out there. Keep in mind we only send Top Qualtity Wildflowers & Ferns that are low maintenance for many returning BLOOMING years of these beautiful perennials. Our plants come to you bareroot; packed in peat moss. We hand select, count and label each package. We put our TLC into our Plant root, bulb and rhizome selection NOT the fancy labels you see so many of the Larger chain Prepackaged plant root companies. Plant as soon as possible. It is important to keep the roots cool and moist while you are waiting to plant. If you cannot plant right away, store in refridgerator (34-38 degrees) or in a dark, cool place. Site Preparation & Planning: Remove all weeds and grasses-existing weeds compete with new plants for water, sun and nutrients. A more natural appearance will be achieved if plants are grouped by species or scattered randomly as opposed to planting in rows. Large plants need spacing of 1-2 ft apart, medium need 1 ft, and smaller need 6-12 inches. plant just below surface with the bud side upright position. Planting Time: Planting time best on an overcast day and cool. If you plant in full sun, keep the plants in shaded area or in bucket with some water-this is especially important with fiberous roots. Watering: It is best to water your transplants as soon as planting as possible. If you are planting in a large area, stop periodically to water what you've planted, especially on warm dry days. If planting in the early spring or in the fall, alot of watering may not be needed. Moist to the touch. If planting april-summer, water thoroughly. Thanks for all your future purchases and previous from viola valley wildflowers. I had one customer that suggested using in her ferns the water gel for her dry area along the woodlands rather than tote the water bucket there. We have seen many use the gel on the roots as it retains, disburses and releases just enough moisture throughout the summer months for optimum performance. Please be sure to email us if you have any questions ever about wildflowers or ferns. We have over 28 years experience. We can only help! ! !

Feedback History and Summary   109 positives 4 neutrals 19 negatives

Comments:

Rating Author Content Negative pewterpower Clearwater, FL (1 review) July 20, 2009 I ordered maypops on june 7 th and sent check .I was told by g-mail the order would ship after payment received.The payment was acknowledged on June 17th. I noticed the check was debited on JUne 24th..I checked on order on the 28th and was told it went out on the 23rd.of June..I waited patiently and inquired on the 7th of July and was told that she would need my e-mail address to track my order . Okay, so I g-mail her my e-mail address on July 8th and have not received ANY RESPONSE BY G-MAIL or E-MAIL nor has anyone answered my phone calls..... I am so frustrated because I cannot get anyone to even return a phone call or an e or g mail..... This is absolutely no way to do business....... I can understand that things get lost in shipping , or orders get lost, etc but NOT COMMUNICATING WITH SOMEONE WHOSE MONEY YOU ALREADY HAVE DEPOSITED IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE.... SIX WEEKS AND COUNTING................................. On August 20th, 2009, pewterpower added the following: I have NOT received any such maypops.HOW could you make such a statement??? If so , I would not be wasting my time trying to contact you .... I have ordered plants from nurseries many times before and have never had this problem.... I would just like what I paid for.....Its now been almost three months... PLease Send My PLants THanks On September 16th, 2009, pewterpower added the following: I still have not received any maypops so I cannot change my rating Company representative comment on August 18, 2009: On Aug 17, 2009 11:54 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers responded with: Waiting on usps who has your tracking information. You only paid first class shipping rate.........so its between here and there. We are eagerly looking into this. You need to email through daves garden D-mail. I will email you and show you where. There is no g-mail and our email is for paypal payments. Your email was just found in the website catalog request forum which is not a form to use......You email us at bbfults@blomand.net or d-mail at daves as all do and we would address the issue asap On Aug 18, 2009 5:07 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added: Please update. You received these maypops! Negative CreeksideFarm Dallas, OR (Zone 8a) (2 reviews) July 13, 2009 I ordered 5 each of 5 varieties from Viola Valley Wildflowers the 1st of May. Sweet William Phlox, Leatherwood Fern, Spotted Wintergreen, Trout Lily and Twin Leaf. The order came bare root in some very bone dry peat moss. Most of it looked like bone dry black dried up roots initially. A couple things have finally begun to show a little life, but many plants are still as dead looking as the day I opened the box. The ferns are just now barely showing one or two tiny fronds after waiting two months. The Sweet William Phlox finally now a few tiny leaves, so there is some hope for them. The spotted wintergreen seems to be stuck in limbo. They came as rooted cuttings and being an evergreen already had some leaves on them, but have not put out any new growth in the past two months. The Trout Lilies have done nothing, I dug the tiny little bulblets up to look at them. They have not put out a root or a stem or anything. The Twin Leaf are completely dead. They came dried up black roots and still look the same after over two months have gone by. I have potted and kept all of this material watered the whole time. I E-mailed Voila Valley on the 12th of June to let them know about the plants that did not grow. I even took pictures of the dead plants and attached them to the message. A few days went by, No answer. I E-mailed them again on June 16th, 18th, & 20th. Four tries and not a single solitary response back from them. Something has obviously gone wrong with this company, It is hard to believe some of the comments that they have posted here in answer to others experiences claiming to "care deeply about their customers" ..... This does not appear to be the case. Negative fel Wynnewood, PA (2 reviews) July 12, 2009 I made a big order via ebay. At first they sent the order at the wrong time (in winter). Even though the mail dates were in my order and in written correspondence, they gave me a hard time about returning. Finally they allowed me to send the items back, and they resent the plants in April as I requested originally. I immediately planted everything in the optimal conditions. 95% of the plants never came up. The other 5% came up and then promptly died. (To give you an idea of my typical success with plants, I ordered plants from 3 other mailorder nurseries this year, and out of all the other plants, only one plant failed to thrive. ) Viola Valley is a complete rip-off. Stay away. On September 20th, 2009, fel added the following: Viola Valley replied that all my plants have failed. Have they visited my garden? I don't think so. The people who work for this company are clearly unethical, willing to make up lies to excuse the fact that they have a record of selling dead plants. I am considering a Better Business Bureau filing against them. Company representative comment on July 26, 2009: On Jul 26, 2009 8:57 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers responded with: I have to be honest, this customer ordered and failed to have any success with any other company she ordered from. We have an excellent reputable reputation and if you dont know what you are doing, simply contact the company for guidance. Positive probichaud Madisonville, TN (4 reviews) June 22, 2009 Plant stock received in timely manner and healthy condition. In fact, ferns were so healthy that even though our resident wildlife dug up every one of them a few times, all are thriving! I will use again as soon as the weather cools a bit. Negative abistar Bridgeport, CT (1 review) May 20, 2009 I am very frustrated with the company. I placed a large order and only 2 plants survived. Absolutely everything else just rotted away. even though I planted immediately in pots with good growing conditions, nothing came up. After many weeks (7 or 8) I checked under the soil and there is nothing there. The company says this is normal? I will not order from them again Negative Nobody Frankfort, KY (6 reviews) May 13, 2009 So I paid $30.15 on April 20 for puttyroot and crippled cranefly plants. Waited for 10 days, but no mail, reply, etc., so I sent a note. I waited for a few more days, and after two weeks (May 3), I asked about the status of the order. No reply. Then, after a few days, I contacted PayPal to open a dispute. Then, they decided to send a package. I received the package on May 7, and I found Indian pink plants. There was a print out of the order showing it was $21.60. I added a comment to my dispute but PayPal closed the case because it was about not receiving items. I talked to the customer rep at PayPal who is going to contact the company and if there is no response, it will be reported to the FBI. I was somewhat skeptical about the negative feedback, but I guess I was wrong to trust this business. On May 19th, 2009, Nobody added the following: On May 19th, I contacted the BBB to file a complaint. Will see what happens. If I do not hear back, there are two more places that PayPal suggested to contact, and I will follow their advice. On May 25th, 2009, Nobody added the following: Despite the prompt response from this company on recent cases, I have not heard anything. I also contacted the office of Attorney General a few days ago. I have two more places to file complaint. Will see. On August 28th, 2009, Nobody added the following: You gotta be kidding me. It is too bad because the rating cannot be worse than "Negative". I originally posted my negative rating on May 13 after I did not hear back for a while as I mentioned in my posting. Then I contacted the BBB and then the GA of Tennessee. Both agencies claimed that this business did NOT respond or do anything. And out of blue, the company posted on Aug. 4 and 13, long after I moved on. And the guy has a nerve to claim that I had not responded after 9 days. I am just happy that he got bad ratings from both agencies so less people would be tricked into his scheme. If he is so willing to explain, he should have responded to the BBB and the GA office. And since he seemed to like reopen the case, I might as well look into two other agencies that PayPal rep recommended. I may also contact eBay and PayPal. Contacting itself may not do anything at all, but you never know, it might ultimately help them to stop services. BTW, I do have the receipt for Indian pink, and I am very curious how he could explain if I had received the orchids. And the receipt or invoice or whatever has a name of different customer. Company representative comment on August 13, 2009: On Aug 4, 2009 1:30 AM, Viola Valley Wildflowers responded with: We didnt start digging indian pink until June. Customer received all orchids.....Check my listings. We dont sell but only in the summer months the indian pink........Honestly this customer is on a rampage and we have invoice, packing slip of contents of package and also tracking to confirm receive. Never heard from her whatsoever via email or phone. Please do what all do and call or email. On Aug 13, 2009 8:22 AM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added: Follow up... Still no emails or phone call from "NOBODY" user name on daves garden. Negative JiminRingoes Ringoes, NJ (8 reviews) May 11, 2009 I've ordered from Viola Valley four or five times over the past two years, and been generally happy with their service. Yes, I've received plants other than what I ordered, but that was part of the "grab bag charm" of ordering from Bobby ... and there were always extra plants. Most of the roots, bulbs and rhizomes I've received have been large and healthy. Even some of the ones that seemed weak have come through for me. Unfortunately, my most recent order, paid for in December 2008, has been a major disappointment. The plants were supposed to have been shipped in February, but I haven't heard anything since. My last three e-mails and a voice mail message have been ignored. I was concerned they might have gone out of business, but the Watchdog chatter indicates otherwise. I'd like to resolve this, so I can order again in the future. Company representative comment on May 12, 2009: On May 11, 2009 11:39 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers responded with: If only we knew who this was, we received a phone call or an email from this customer this issue would have been addressed. Something is surely odd about this feedback. I would ask you email us thru daves d-mail, email address of bbfults@blomand.net or call us at 931-635-3505. Something to start for the search for the package you never received. Never seen this before. We ship to over 5000 customers without a problem but sure as MAY comes every year, we always receive a few with claims of non reciept. We have never received any information of who this is or even in this feedback. Whoever this may be, please contact us so we can simply look up the tracking number. We have proof of all shipments. Negative daredevil Niagara Falls, NY (Zone 6a) (13 reviews) May 10, 2009 Based on this company's decent Watchdog rating, I placed an order on March 29, 2009 that amounted to $130.95 via Paypal. I promptly paid the additional $15 for orders over 100 plants after receiving the email request on March 30. The order has not arrived and repeated emails and calls to their answering machine inquiring about the status of my order have been ignored. At this late date, I would accept a full refund of my Paypal payment with no excuse needed to change my rating to neutral. On May 19th, 2009, daredevil added the following: Received plants May 13. The Geranium, Stylophorum and Leatherwood ferns had absolutely no growth showing, not even feeder roots, and had obviously been in cold storage. The Vinca minor were the only plants that looked freshly dug. Had they been received 2 weeks from ordering, the April rains may have sustained them. I cannot believe that it rained too hard every day in from April 30 until May 9 in Viola for them to dig the plants (or open the cold storage unit). While I planted them in the woods, it hasn't rained since and no rain is expected for at least a week. With no top growth, plus blowing leaf litter, it is impossible to find the plants in order to water them. Very depressing. Company representative comment on May 10, 2009: On May 10, 2009 11:17 AM, Viola Valley Wildflowers responded with: I will add email all received via email at purchase/payment received and also of rain,severe weather explanation. We ship all orders 1-2 weeks from reciept of payment... Your order is out monday? Sad to see. Positive buggycrazy Lebanon, OR (Zone 7b) (19 reviews) April 27, 2009 I ordered some bulbs last fall, the order was shipped fast, customer service was excellent and many of the little guys are happily blooming now! Positive Debbio Clarkston, GA (12 reviews) April 10, 2009 I am in zone 7 In March I ordered 2 celandine wood poppies through e-bay from this company. When I received them they were in excellent condition and exceeded my expectations. I planted them and they are doing so well, I am going to buy two more. Prices for multiple plants from this provider is good and shipping is pretty fast. I recommend them for great deals on multiple hard to find woodland plants. Neutral botanica37 Oakton, VA (Zone 7a) (6 reviews) March 31, 2009 I ordered 2 linden trees through Ebay. Paid through Paypal on March 8 and received confirmation from Viola Wildflowers that their current shipping time is between 1-2 weeks. After two full weeks have passed, I send an email to Bobby checking on my trees. No response at all. Several days later I sent another email, no response again. My last attempt was on Thursday, March 26, through the Ebay system. This time I received a somewhat confusing response that my order was shipped "honestly" that morning. BTW all the emails from Viola Wildflowers seem to be boilerplate and not in any way a personal response. The trees arrived on Monday, they were packaged well, but my concern is that the root system was virtually nonexistant, so I seriously doubt that they will grow. I planted them immediately, as I had the site ready and prepared and now it is wait and see what will happen. Based on this experience I will not be ordering from them again. On May 10th, 2009, botanica37 changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following: I followed up with Bobby from Viola about a week ago, just asking how long it will take to see if the seedlings are alive, as so far they just looked like sticks in the ground. The response was immediate shipment of 2 new seedlings, with an email saying that it is very expensive for him to dip the roots in gel and that so far all his customers have the linden trees grow, but me. OK, I truly appreciate him sending me new seedlings (a lot bigger and more branched than the original ones, with lots of roots), I do appreciate him taking on the additional expense to keep his customers happy. It may seem ungrateful on my part, but I didn't ask for new seedlings, I was merely wondering what is a reasonable time frame to see signs of life in the ones I already have. What really bumped me though during the whole communication was the implication that it is my fault that somehow the seedlings didn't grow. To sum it up, it is apparent that he does care about his customers and wants to make sure that they are satisfied with the order, but something is missing on the communication side. On July 6th, 2009, botanica37 changed the rating from positive to neutral and added the following: One of the 2 trees from the first order finally spotted some leaves and while I am not a tree expert, this is most definitely not a Linden tree. The leaves are long and curvy and from what I've seen, all Linden have small round leaves. When I received the replacement order, I did notice that the stems were dark brown, vs the first 2 who were pale beige, but didn't think much of it. One of the trees from the replacement is growing and it seems that it is a Linden tree, but whether it is a little Leaf linden remains to be seen. So all the hassle and back and forth and being blamed for being a bad customer is not worth it for me and I wouldn't do business with Bobby again or recommend him. And no, I do NOT want any more trees, thank you and this is not a plot to extort any "free" plants. Just an expression of a genuine disappointment. Company representative comment on April 03, 2009: On Apr 3, 2009 5:16 AM, Viola Valley Wildflowers responded with: We are deeply concerned for all our customers and reciept of any product that they are not satisfied with. If you would email thru the ebay system, as explained in previous email not thru the payment email address, you would get top priority email response as you did on your last attempt once they shipped. We ship 1-2 weeks from reciept of payment weather permitting. You received the freshly dug order and due to the emailing that you sent incorrectly, our customer service was jeopardized. All that work with ebay with us go directly through the ebay system for a response asap. Positive catloverrachel Columbia, SC (Zone 8a) (6 reviews) February 28, 2009 I have ordered several times from Viola Valley. Each time my order was delivered speedily, and with extra plants in my order. Yes, one variety was mislabelled - I got some charming spiderwort in various colors instead of the maltese cross I had ordered. But I know if I had complained, Bobby would do his best to fix the issue. And yes, most are shipped bareroot, which allows VV to keep their prices incredibly cheap. I will continue to order from VV. Positive NativeSusan Decatur, GA (Zone 7b) (6 reviews) February 23, 2009 I ordered from the company's website. I was thrilled, because they offer native plants and other plants that I have not been able to easily find. The order arrived promptly with everything packaged in peat moss as they said. Most were bare root, but the rhizomes looked great. The rattlesnake orchid was just beautiful. Their prices seem to actually be a bit low for I got. I have seen similar ferns selling at other companies for five times more. I do understand that it is not a huge chain nursery, so I would expect to be more patient with large orders. Overall a great experience, and I would definitely order from them again. Negative Eileenb58 Bedford, PA (1 review) February 10, 2009 I won several items on Ebay which included 5 Cardinal Lobelia. When I received my order, I discovered that I had only received 3. I emailed the seller and the seller agreed to send the other two. I purchased 2 Crape Myrtles and suggested they put the two Lobelia in the box with the Crape Myrtles. When I received the package, the Lobelia were in there but only one Crape Myrtle. I was thoroughly disgusted and emailed them. They accused me of trying to blackmail them. Never again will I purchase anything from this company and do not recommend them. One would think, that in this economy, a company would do it's best to keep good customers! Company representative comment on February 11, 2009: On Feb 10, 2009 10:02 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers responded with: We have in one months time dealt with over 500 customers completely satisfied. We did ship the first time 5 red cardinal, she emailed once she received the package. We were persistent in stating to her she was our ABSOLUTE first customer of the 2009 new year that purchased when the ebay store re-opened and the only 5 cardinal we dug, packaged and shipped. She insisted 3 of us were incorrect so we stated we will send 2 more but in fact we sent 3 and she wanted to purchase more. She purchased two crape myrtles. We shipped slowly, carefully two crape myrtles and YES, 2 red cardinal and was sure to send "3". Yes, an extra of them although we already sent them the first time around. We blocked her on ebay as we have never seen a customer continuely return for more and more and more. We are concerned with each and every customer of ours but we are not sending more free stuff to just one customer over and over. It had to stop somewhere. I am sure all understand. Email me if you have any question. Just because the economy is the way it is, doesnt mean a company should fall victim to a buyer wanted everything for free. We honestly sent all in the package. Maybe the carrier is planting a garden. I dont know where they are going but for all my customers that are 100% satisfied but this one customer each time, no one can possibly imagine taking such abuse. We spoke to trust and safety and this is why we blocked her. My apologies, but all is stated as a fact and the absolute truth here at viola valley. Negative lakesidecallas Dandridge, TN (Zone 6a) (15 reviews) December 22, 2008 Viola Valley Wildflowers placed a DG Classified Ad the end of August and I was very excited to order from them. After looking at their website and emailing Bobby, I ordered even more, Trumpet vines,and a whole bunch of Crepe Myrtles and Jack-in-the-pulpits. I paid Sept 3 and on Sept 19 emailed Bobby and asked when I would receive my plants. I received a reply that I would have 2 boxes going on Monday. On Sept 30 I emailed Bobby again and asked if he didn't have all the plants ready to ship that he should delete what wasn't ready and send me what he did have. No replies. After not hearing from him, I finally opened a dispute with Paypal. Bobby replied that he thought some shipments had gone out and would check on it. Nothing further from him. After waiting another week I escalated the dispute to a claim and finally got my money back October 24- $81. It's a real shame, I was looking forward to supporting a TN business, and getting some plants for a good price. I'm still looking for a good source of Crepe Myrtles and Jacks! On February 24th, 2009, lakesidecallas added the following: Feb 24- Today I received my entire order, Viola Valley sent it to me for free to make up for all the trouble. Thanks very much! Company representative comment on January 05, 2009: On Jan 5, 2009 12:10 AM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added: We are striving to please all. Bobby had a very hard time with his illness during the months of sept-oct. We have contacted the buyer to send a free order in hopes of rectifying this problem. We dont like to leave anyone unhappy. We work with all. Hopefully we can come to a agreement. Positive flowerfantasy Washington, IN (Zone 6a) (10 reviews) November 13, 2008 I have no had dealings with Viola valley from Daves but did buy from them on ebay and I can say I had no problems getting what I ordered. They even went so far as to help me to plant my pawpaw seeds as I had never tried growing them before. VERY VERY helpful with this. I would buy from them again and again. Neutral golfish Bloomfield, IA (Zone 5a) (1 review) October 28, 2008 First of all, the roots I received were very nice and the count was generous. Thank you for that!! However, communication was not what I expect. My e-mails were not answered and I never received a "call back" when I left a message on the machine. Overall, the quality of the product outweighed the wait to get get the order from Viola. With better communication, be assured, I will order again. Negative markr2 Bethlehem, PA (1 review) October 27, 2008 Placed an order from their website and paid via PayPal. After 12 of not hearing anything, emailed seller. After a total elapsed time of 16 days, no word from seller. Busy season, slow season, whatever. This is a completely unacceptable way to do business. I don't feel as if I should have to pick up the phone to find out why Viola Valley can take my money but not send my order. It's a shame, too, as the selection and prices are as far as natives go. Company representative comment on October 27, 2008: On Oct 27, 2008 2:39 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added: This has never been a problem ever for our customers. We communicate with all. All read their emails. All know our policy for 5 years now. Here is the email you receive upon receipt of payment. Your Viola Valley Wildflowers order has been printed. We really appreciate your order. Thanks so much for your order. HAPPY 2008 SUMMER/FALL PLANTING FOR SPRING 2009 BLOOMING TIME! IF YOU OPT FOR LATER DATE TO SHIP OR IF NOT THEY GO OUT NEXT. WE USUALLY STATE WITHIN 1-2 WEEKS BUT WE ARE GETTING OUR FAST! YOU DONT NEED TO RESPOND TO EMAIL IF YOU ARE READY. Thanks so much for your lovely lovely freshly dug wildflower order. We aim to be your favorite wildflower dealer on the internet. We only ship the Bareroots & Bulbs of the wildflower dug plants. Please be sure to sign up in our store for our weekly newsletter and catalog mailer. We appreciate you business and hope for many happy returns. Payment has been received. Email notification will be sent once shipped so you can await your package. UPON ARRIVAL OF SHIPMENTS: Our plants come to you bareroot; packed in peat moss. Plants as soon as possible. It is important to keep the roots cool and moist while you are waiting to plant. If you cannot plant right away, store in refridgerator (34-38 degrees) or in a dark, cool place. Site Preparation & Planning: Remove all weeds and grasses-existing weeds compete with new plants for water, sun and nutrients. A more natural appearance will be achieved if plants are grouped by species or scattered randomly as opposed to planting in rows. Large plants need spacing of 1-2 ft apart, medium need 1 ft, and smaller need 6-12 inches. plant just below surface with the bud side upright position. Planting Time: Planting time best on an overcast day and cool. If you plant in full sun, keep the plants in shaded area or in bucket with some water-this is especially important with fiberous roots. Watering: It is best to water your transplants as soon as planting as possible. If you are planting in a large area, stop periodically to water water youve planted, especially on warm dry days. If planting in the early spring or in the fall, alot of watering may not be needed. Moist to the touch. If planting april-summer, water thoroughly. Thanks for all your future purchases and previous from viola valley wildflowers. Email me at bbfults@blomand.net if you need further assistance. Happy Planting!! Negative AndSteijc Reno, NV (1 review) October 13, 2008 Plants never grew! Poor customer service. Never to responded to emails. Won't buy from again. Company representative comment on October 17, 2008: On Oct 14, 2008 11:14 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added: Please respond or contact us immediately concerning this. We have never received a complaint or inquiry on an order of anything not growing. We will address this issue immediately upon more details of who this is? On Oct 15, 2008 10:40 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added: Another days has passed. Checked through past months emails. No inquiries on file of any complaint. Signed up left negative on daves for first time ever and wont respond to d-mail or inquiry. We dont know how any reno purchase either by records. Hope to find who this may be to smooth out this transaction. All fall planting is for spring 2009 blooming season as we all know. On Oct 16, 2008 11:14 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added: Still awaiting if this is actually a legitimate claim. Hope this customer is able to contact me concerning any/if they have a transaction with us Positive grumpyeld Pittsburg, KS (1 review) September 12, 2008 This was my first time ordering from VVW. I ordered 150 Vinca Minor bareroot plants. Excellent communication concerning order ship dates and planting instructions. Plants arrived within 4 days of ordering. They were packed in peat and appeared to be in good shape. Planted them the same day they arrived. It had rained the previous day so the ground was moist. They appear to be doing quite well. I had laid out a grid, planting them 1 foot apart. As I was finishing the planting I discovered that I was short some plants. I e-mailed VVW about this problem. They were very prompt in returning my e-mail. As they stated, mistakes do happen. They shipped me 50 more plants immediately. I received them within 4 days as before. They were in fine shape. I appreciate doing business with people that stand behind what they say. I know when I'm ready to order more plants where I will be getting them! Thank you, Leon Positive Barbsgirl Quincy, MA (2 reviews) September 06, 2008 Viola Valley is a great resource for hard to find wildflowers. My order arrived quickly and they sent more than I ordered so that was a treat! I received instructional emails before the plants arrived so I knew what to do when the plants arrived. Bare root means bare root, although there was some growth beginning on many of the roots. I planted them and they are doing very well. I am more than happy with my order and plan to buy from them again. You should check out Viola Valley if you are looking for a unique addition to your garden. Positive SwimmingJewel Southold, NY (Zone 7b) (3 reviews) September 06, 2008 Viola Vally Wildflowers was very generous. I got more than I bid for, and was very pleased with the plants. They communicated with me at length directly after the auction was over, in detail about their plants and care. Yes, the plants are small, but there are LOTS of them. I really don't think anyone who gave bad feedback understood what bare root means. I am a professional landscape designer, and this is exactly what I needed for my new woodland garden at our new house. I also planted my plants the same day I got them and didn't let them sit around in the box for days. And when I planted them, I watered them in and I have kept them watered well every day. With a little care and TLC, imagine that...they are thriving! :) Now I have a few groves of different plants from VVW, all peeking through the leaf mold mulch I used around them. Thank You Viola Valley Wildflowers! ...Joyce Grigonis Positive obliqua Pittsburgh, PA (13 reviews) August 22, 2008 I have bought a number of orders and have had great experiences with this company. All of the little corms and bulbs have grown into wonderful plants. I have had no problems with the plants. I have given these plants as gifts to a friend who was starting a wildflower garden and he loved all of the plants and was very satisfied. I will order from this company again! Company representative comment on August 22, 2008: On Aug 22, 2008 10:25 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added: Thanks for lovely feedback, It is much appreciated. With working on there for the past 4 & 1/2 years and successfully with over 17,000 customers, it is so so nice to hear the good in all we do for many avid gardeners. Please be sure to contact us at any time with any questions or concerns. Bobby Negative trillium11 Kansas City, MO (2 reviews) August 07, 2008 I ordered over 100 plants in early May; they were described as bare root. In the plant industry, bare root means a whole plant with the oil removed. The plants arrived several weeks later, most with no tops, just roots. Of the 2 species that had leaves, one was so badly packed that the leaves were badly bruised and immediately died. The other species had a few leaves and flower buds but no roots, just small stem cuttings. Another species had no leaves and was just very small pieces of the underground stem, or rhizome, with no roots. With the exception of the above-described 2 species with leaves, all the other roots were soft and/or moldy. The ebay listing promised the plants would be packed in peat moss. Many plant sellers use peat moss for packing because peat moss contains properties that inhibit bacteria and some other microbes, thereby reducing mold and rot. All the plants were packed in moss but not peat moss. No other moss has the anti-microbial properties and they all harbor microbes that cause mold and rot. One plant was described as a rare color form of an uncommon species; 3 of 10 roots have since produced leaves and flowers- of a different and very common species. It bloomed at the end of June; this species ordinarily blooms in April and does not rebloom. As of today, none of the rest has produced a single leaf. I did do some digging where they were planted and found only empty shells where the roots had rotted away. These plants all had the characteristics of having been in cold storage for a long time and then kept at a higher temperature for a while. I emailed Viola Valley an inquiry about cold storage and received a very rude and ranting reply that none of there plants were ever kept in cold storage and that they did not have any cooling devices, not even a soft drink cooler, on the property. Nearly half the plants arrived with no labels for identification. I was left to identify them by eliminating the ones that were labeled and examining the roots for identifying characteristics. An email communication a year or so ago about the source of their plants assured me that all their plants come from their own land. Viola Valley advertises that they have a Tennessee license to dig and sell plants. I’ve been involved in several plant rescues in Tennessee over the last years and know that a permit is required to rescue plants in that state but have never heard of a license to dig and sell. The email above described also proclaimed that all tops had to be removed and returned to the dig site. Since all plants are considered under the law to be part of the real estate they are growing on, no permit or license would be needed to dig plants from one’s own property. So why do they have a license? Where do the plants come from? Several of the wildflower species offered do not naturally grow in Tennessee. My conclusions are that the plants are kept in cold storage for long periods of time; Viola Valley is not overly concerned with species identification, especially if one species will bring more money than another; that these plants are dug on property not belonging to Viola Valley Wildflowers and probably illegally; that this operation is working over a large area and several states. These conclusions are based on more than 50 years of gardening and working with wildflowers and involvement in a number of conservation activities, a BS degree in biology-botany and a career in legal research. Company representative comment on August 13, 2008: On Aug 13, 2008 2:54 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added: Native Wild Plant Certificate - To collect, sell, or raise native wild plants for sale in Tennessee. TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE KEN GIVENS REGULATORY SERVICES COMMISSIONER Plant Certification APPLICATION FOR NATIVE WILD PLANT CERTIFICATION NEW RENEWAL CERTIFICATION NO. CHANGE OF ADDRESS CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP BRANCH Please print or type information requested in spaces where indicated. MAILING ADDRESS Firm: Owner: Contact Person: Address: City/State/Zip: County: Email address Phone: ( ) Fax: ( ) Total Collecting Area - Acres List below all locations where native wild plants are collected. LOCATION CITY COUNTY ACRES Signature (Application not valid unless signed) Date For Departmental Use Only Certification No. Date Processed: A Plant Certification Inspector will be contacting you to set up a time to inspect your native wild plant stock. No certificates may be granted without a current inspection. Check List of items needed to be mailed to the above address for issuance of a certificate: List of Vendors or collection areas, Signed form, $200.00 signed check per business location made out to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and certificate number located in the memo field of check. Please send completed application to: Tennessee Department of Agriculture Plant Certification P.O. Box 40627, Melrose Station Nashville, TN 37204 (Rev. 8/03) Yes, we pack in peat mix, yes you need a liscense. Please dont if you plan on selling go by the information stated above from someone that is not a nursery and doesnt know how much we go through just to provide a wonderful selection of wildflowers & ferns. Many appreciate our honesty, trust in us as you know what you are receiving from our nursery. Please see link here for all the information you will ever need and is required by the state of tenn. http://tennessee.gov/agriculture/regulate/permits/ Negative perenniallyme Jamaica Plain, MA (Zone 6a) (9 reviews) July 29, 2008 Last year I bought several varieties of plants from Viola on ebay. They didn't explain in their ads that most items were not plants and not even root systems, but miniscule little bits. I don't even know what you'd call them. The cardinal flowers ( 5 or10 bits ) never sent up a single shoot. I think I had 3 teeny lobelia out of 10 or more, Only one of 2 asclepias tubers sent up one scrawny shoot. The jacob's ladder actually grew - but that one they sent actual roots, albeit tiny. I can't remember what else I bought because nothing else came up. I will never buy from them again. On August 11th, 2008, perenniallyme added the following: On August 7 I responded by d-mail to the d-mail they sent me. I sent them my ebay name and info they requested. I haven't yet heard back from them. On September 13th, 2008, perenniallyme added the following: I had many emails from Viola since I last wrote, mostly very argumentative and trying to blame me for why the pitful little bits of stuff without even roots they sent me didn't come up. They have it wrong in their response, the cardinal flowers did not come up, and they didn't send me any replacements for the lobelia or asclepias as they said here that they were going to do. That, however, is fine, as I'm not interested in planting any replacements from them. The teeny bits of plant matter that they call plants would probably be squirrel food long before they had a chance at survival. It appears to me that they are not really interested in making their customers happy, but only interested in having negative feedback removed. Company representative comment on August 12, 2008: On Jul 30, 2008 2:50 AM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added: Please be sure to contact us at bbfults@blomand.net as all do. This doesnt resolve any issue when we dont know there is a problem you are having growing what you have ordered. We keep records of all orders. I can look up what was ordered and also help you with the identification of plants. As for the listings, all know we are a bareroot and bulb nursery. Please contact us to update this feedback and resolve this simple issue. We will eagerly await your response whoever this may be. On Aug 7, 2008 12:40 AM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added: If we can find out your user name we can certainly go back as far as five years and pull the order and see what was purchased. Statement made that nothing came up but dont remember what was ordered. We need to know if we can further assist you. We will look up which you planted and if they were to be planted in your zone. Still awaiting your response to the d-mail and inquiries we have attempted to make. Please respond as we work with all. On Aug 12, 2008 9:28 AM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added: We have not heard from this customer in over a year. We are eagerly working with her and looking up the order as she does not remember what was bought. Contacting a seller even over a year later would have eliminated this rating. If you are having problems with the growth a year later, email photos, email us directly? something rather than leaving a rating that is unwarranted when we dont know who you are and what you are having a problem with. Please wait for our response as we have to look back so far. On Aug 12, 2008 10:17 AM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added: Customer purchased only 3 cardinal that they stated came up not 5-10. The jacobs ladder she only bought 3 and they came up. Bought 2 butterfly weed and one came up. 1 didnt make it. 10 spring larkspur apparently didnt. The only problem they had was the spring larkspur and I those are the easiest to grow and 1 butterfly weed. I am resending the 10 spring larkspur and one butterfly weed. Please remember buyers if something doesnt come up, we work with all. Fb here doesnt help matters. Just a simple email. WE ARE A BAREROOT AND BULB NURSERY AS STATED IN EACH AND EVERY LISTING. This was the complete order placed for a total of $17.53. We have no pictures or emails supporting the loss or returned product as we have a return policy but we will send replacements anyway Positive robeattie Lake Ozark, MO (1 review) July 04, 2008 I ordered 250 bare root periwinkles (vinca minor) through ebay. It was a seamless transaction. I received the plants promptly. They were all healthy plants. They've only been in the ground two days, but they seem to be doing well. My only complaint is a sore back. Negative nicole91 Water Mill, NY (1 review) July 03, 2008 Many of the items I purchased arrived dead , all of the bulbs did not produce many of the ferns arrived tangled and dead. I would say that approx 20 percent of my order survived. I emailed the company 3 times and did not get one reply. This is NOT a company who is concerned with product quality, I would never nor recommend buying from them. A total rip off. Negative gg_carolv Severn, MD (1 review) June 17, 2008 I am really disappointed in the way in which Violavalley Wildflowers at their Ebay store has handled my very large order that I placed with them during the winter months. The plants were sent at the end of April, planted in my gardens, and most plants are doing great. I have emailed Mr. Bobby Fults on at least 5 ocassions, asking to email me regarding the problems I've had with the 20 red cardinal flowers, 4 blue cardinal flowers and also the Asiatic wildflowers that I never even received in the first place. I bought well over 100 plants from this Ebay seller, and I spent quite a bit of money on the plants and s&h. It has been a nightmare trying to get The Fults to answer a telephone call placed to them, or to even get them to answer my numerous emails. I am so disappointed that I bought so many plants and Spent so much money with ViolaValley, but they now won't even answer my emails. They certainly aren't living up to the Ebay ethics code that is something that sellers and buyers agree to abide by. My ebay name is Summerflowergardens. I'm sure that you have those emails from me, if not, I will resend every single one of those back to you, to refresh you on this ongoing issue. PLEASE Mr. Fults, contact me regarding the plants that need to be replaced. I am leaving Neutral feedback today, as I am Hoping that you will finally respond to me. As I said earlier, many of the plants are growing very nicely, please just honor your commitment with Ebay and replace those plants that you say on your stores auction pages that you will handle all request and concerns immediately. Now, may I ask that you do that for me too? Thank you. gg_carolv On July 20th, 2008, gg_carolv changed the rating from neutral to negative and added the following: I am Now leaving NEGATIVE feedback, as The Fults Never bothered to get back in touch with me. I left Neutral feedback in June, hoping that Mr. & Mrs. Fults would at least call me. They NEVER bothered to call or email me, even though they asked for my telephone number so that they could "handle this issue immediately"-their words, not mine. That was stated by mrs. fults (I've been told that she is probably the one that answers-very sporadically-when emails are sent to their email address. In addition to this ongoing issue of dead plants from VIOLA VALLEY WILDFLOWERS, they NEVER sent me the ASIATIC Wildflowers that I bought and paid for. I told them this several times via emails and telephone calls to their business telephone #. I am very upset that they don't seem to care at all about their product or their customers. They are VERY Unprofessional and I have been in contact with another person that won plants from through Ebay, that is having the SAME problems with them. All I asked for was to speak to Mr. or Mrs. Fults regarding the dead plants and those plants that never arrived in the shipment. I bought OVER $200 worth of plants from them, NOT including the shipping and handling charges and this is how they treat their customers. Buyer beware, as they don't seem to care about the buyer once they receive their payment! I am so sick and tired of unprofessional people and their careless, rude behavior. They sell a product and then don't want to be responsible when a problem arises. They are the ONLY sellers on Ebay that I've ever had a problem with. I had to re-register with Dave's Garden website, as they couldn't send me my password; just in case Mr or Mrs Fults responds to this feedback that they "don't know who this person is".... that seems to be their pat answer when told that their rudeness, lack of correspondence and unprofessional behavior result in these Negative feedbacks. My previous feedback was left as gg_carolv on June 17th, in case they want to know when the first feedback was left on this website. Again Mr & Mrs Fults, I am requesting that you please replace the 20 red cardinal plants and 4 blue cardinal plants along with the Asiatic Wildflowers that I NEVER received! Many of your plants are growing beautifully, so I am pleased with several of the types of plants that I bought or won through your auctions, that is why I can't understand WHY you won't respond, I bought so many plants from you and spent a lot of money on your "guaranteed to grow" plants.... PLEASE HONOR YOUR EBAY COMMITMENT!! I did, by paying you promptly, now live up to your OWN Commitment at your ebay store. Please at least contact me so that we can speak further on this ongoing issue, you have my email address and phone #. I will leave a message Again at your telephone #, hoping that you have the common courtesy to reply. I just want to resolve this problem as soon as possible so that I can put this issue behind me! Thank you. Company representative comment on September 23, 2008: On Sep 23, 2008 9:48 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added: We have reshipped 20 red cardinal, 4 Blue Cardinal and 10 Asiatic. Please plant the red cardinal out of the direct sun. Keep in BOG WET conditions. I potted 2500 for an order this past spring and they never lost one. There is much research even on the daves forum about the proper care. I have sold these for well over 25 years and no one has ever had a problem. This is the safest time I figured for you to make another attempt. We sent this package nearly two weeks ago with no response again from the buyer Negative Angora_Rstoratn South Lake Tahoe, CA (2 reviews) June 17, 2008 Angora Restoration Group. Located at South Lake Tahoe, California. Founded by Angora Fire survivors, Local Community members, Ebay members. USFS Tahoe Basin Management Team - Angora Restoration Project, Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, plus many other organizations involved in restoring the devestating aftermath of the Angora Fire, June 24, 2007. As a member of this organization and organizer for the group, we purchased 12 cinnamon ferns through our Ebay affliate, known as Angora_Restoration_Group. Immediate payment was made to violavalleywildflowers through Paypal. Upon notification of order, automatic emails were generated for payment received along with planting instructions * * Soon following, personal emails were received ~ which lead to harassing communications from seller. We attempted on numerous occasions to resolve these issues. Phone calls attempted ~ during working hours, with a polite voice message left to call us back. Never received a return phone call. * * * * * * * * * * Many Angora Fire families, community members and others have voiced their opinion on leaving "negative feedback", since Viola Valley Wildflowers have set up a "block" on Ebay bidding/puchasing privledges Without even a reason or a given apology for the rudeness, inconsiderate behavior, OFFENSIVE EMAILS (which can very easily be displayed here), .placing a BLOCK on Ebay purchasing, we are left to leave NEGATIVE FEEDBACK. * * * * * * * If so some reason, Viola Valley Wildflowers decides to allow angora_restoration_group to bid on their auctions, feedback will be reversed. Over 250 homes were destroyed along with United States Forest Lands and California Conservancy. Viola Valley Wildflowers has left a negative impact on us. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * . On June 24th, 2008, Angora_Rstoratn added the following: Mr. Bobby Fults: Shipping as stated in your Ebay auction that we purchased: US $6.95 + $1.00 for each addtional auction won Postal Service Priority Mail® Estimated delivery 2-3 days* US $0.65 Insurance Optional We purchased 6 lots. at 3.25 = 19.50 6.95 shipping plus 5.00 (extra for each lot) = 11.95 total $31.45. Paypal payment made immediately. Harassment through personal emails with comments stating: " I wouldnt be able to shut my eyes knowing I stole from someone" "We ship in the containers that are required by usps and also tenn. dept of agriculture" .USPS and TENN Dept of Agriculture have been contacted. USPS has Priority mail service, with Priority mail labels and boxes available for shipping. NO where is it stated that mailings must go our in Priority Mail boxes. LARGER plain boxes with Priority mail labels can be used, which you have mailed your plant material in. Your Ebay customers have emailed us! Tenn. Dept of Agriculture was notified. They request fast shipping to ensure proper delivery of fresh plant material, but it is up to the vendor to furnish shipping methods, which are not controlled by Dept of Tennessee. Mr. Bobby Fults, you had another Ebay name similar to Viola Valley Wildflowers last year (or 2 years ago) which was CANCELLED due to hundreds of buyers leaving negative feedback. You can not deny this. Mr. Bobby Fults, please refund our funds paid to you through Paypal for the order through your website. We, at Angora Restoration Group no longer wish to have any dealings with you or Viola Valley Wildflowers. All we ever wanted was to purchase ferns and possible wildlflowers to restore some vegetation to the lands that were burned. We are very happy to look elsewhere on Dave's Garden for wonderful and courtious customer service, something that wasn't found here, as it is also written in other messages. On June 28th, 2008, Angora_Rstoratn added the following: Second request: REFUND our funds of 25.95 for website order. On June 28th, 2008, Angora_Rstoratn added the following: PAYMENT HAS BEEN MADE! INCLUDING SHIPPING!!!! YOU DECIDED TO SHIP IN 2 BOXES! YOU'VE SENT US HARASSING EMAILS! WE HAD TO CALL THE LOCAL SHERIFFS DEPT IN YOUR NEAREST TOWN TO S-T-O-P THE HARASSING EMAILS. All we ever wanted were plants. There was a fire. It burned~ We're trying to make it green again. And you have the nerve to tell us that "I wouldnt be able to shut my eyes knowing I stole from someone" WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? ________________________________________ I f, " NOW" you tell us that shipment has been made... GREAT! FANTASTIC.......OVER AND DONE WITH....... On August 8th, 2008, Angora_Rstoratn added the following: Update: Only 5 out of 12 giant cinnamon ferns ordered through Ebay have shown any growth. Only 4 out of 20 cinnamon ferns ordered through your website have shown any growth. Just to let the readers know: All of the ferns received have been planted in separate containers and in organic soil. It has been a few months with spring/summer like conditions and with plenty of water to ensure their growth. What is Viola Valleys Wildflower policies on replacing dead plant material such as fern crowns? We would like to know. Sincerely, Angora Restoration Group Company representative comment on August 08, 2008: On Aug 8, 2008 4:24 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added: Please disregard this whole feedback by one buyer. They are presently being served with papers for this site interference of our wonderful website and selling practices. By no means do we sell to another seller as stated. They store product. We dig fresh daily. We would never sell for resale. We know of this seller and have personally contacted them. They are not pleased with this feedback either. The matter has escalated and soon to be resolved. Contact me via email if you have any doubt in our service, product and personable family business that has fallen victim to an unpleasant transaction that has continued here and on other sites. A customer refusing to pay actual shipping costs to beat the system is no cause for all of this harshness. My apologies for their behavior. Sincerely Bobby at Viola Valley Positive melvatoo Denton, TX (Zone 7a) (9 reviews) June 15, 2008 June 15th, 2008 I found them on e-bay and ordered 5 Indian Pink bare roots...there was a lag time for me to be able to pay, and they were very understanding. I look forward to getting the plants...I have a small colony of Indian Pink and I like them so well, I am adding more... Positive beagelgarden Defiance, OH (3 reviews) May 31, 2008 Have used this vendor. I liked the variety they offered. Items were received (a little delayed) and appear healthy. Waiting for them to come up from their flower beds, so not able to comment on there success yet. Was frustrated a bit with apparent miscommunications from the vendor. Vendor did not take responsibility for miscommunications. Based on my experience and reported experiences below, I feel the vendor should consider evaluating it's methods and style of communication to avoid confusion and miscommunication. They may see an improvement in there interactions with customers if they make a few changes to their style of communication and how they communicate in general. As the vendor appears to read and respond in this consumer based forum, maybe the vendor will consider making an effort in this area. On March 28th, 2009, beagelgarden changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following: Update: Most of the plants I purchased show signs that they are up. I am happy with their rates of survival. It is possible that I may order from this vendor in the future, but it is likely that I will make that decision based on visible communication improvements. Regardless of the vendors experience or credentials in their area of expertise, it is rather apparent that an opportunity exist for them to improve their knowledge on how to provide a positive experience for customers. Viola Valley Wildfowers: I doubt that you will receive feedback as objective as what I am currently providing as a customer. This forum is used by gardeners who utilize numerous and various vendors, so their feedback (both negative and positive) should be taken as Gold to you. A majority of these gardeners are "experts" in assessing their experience with nurseries. These are individuals who have planed their planting more comprehensively in typical gardeners and are more likely to work with a nursery and understand some of the challenges nurseries go through. Their feedback is an opportunity for you to improve the experience of all your customers. I think that you will discover a great deal of benefit from finding a consultant, whose expertise is in customer service, in your area. Such a person could help your company improve this aspect of your business. With the current economy, this type of service maybe more affordable then what you would initially suspect. I hope to use you as a vendor again in the future. Overall, I was happy with the plants I received and feel that your company’s focus on native forest plants is refreshing and creative. Positive shelleya Tulsa, OK (1 review) May 29, 2008 I ordered Trilliums from them. 2 diff. kinds. They arrived bare root & packed in peat moss. Appear to be healthy good roots. Got in a timely manner & emails were prompt. Nice people. Probably won't see the blooms till next year. Would recommned if you want something unique you can't buy in the store. Purchased off ebay. Positive cedarpost Petoskey, MI (Zone 4b) (1 review) May 28, 2008 I have had a positive experience with VVW. I purchased from them off of ebay. I ordered 40 garden phlox and 125 vinca minor cuttings. Both orders arrived packed in peat moss and in good condition. Before my plants arrived I received several emails from Viola Valley stating the order status. Overall, I am pleased with my purchases and the customer service provided. I will buy from them again. Neutral mmcake Neenah, WI (2 reviews) May 23, 2008 I placed an order in late April, the payment for which was transferred from our Paypal account on May 1 (three weeks ago). I emailed the company earlier this week regarding our order and did not receive a reply, but did get an email with planting instructions (only). Does that mean the plants have been shipped? I emailed again today and phoned the company. I actually had to call twice because the answering machine gave very little time to leave a message. I am hoping for 1) a response ASAP and 2) plants that reflect the very positive feedback VV has received from the majority of their other customers. I am hoping to change this review from neutral to positive.... On May 26th, 2008, mmcake added the following: We arrived home this evening to find a box on the doorstep. When I opened it I found the bareroot plants to be well packed and in good condition. I will leave the rating at neutral since the money was taken three weeks prior to shipping and communication was lacking. However, I do understand that this is a nursery's very busiest time of year and I am certain they are very busy. I would consider ordering from them again if the plants do well. On May 26th, 2008, mmcake added the following: Company representative comment on May 26, 2008: On May 26, 2008 3:08 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added: We filled all orders and nearly 200 a day to the best of our ability. My apologies if most know we ship within 1-2 weeks of shipment. We also state everywhere and in each and every email to allow 1-2 weeks plus travel time. We only ship 3 days a week and dig the 3 other days. We do the best we can and when there is a few days give or take all understand. I am very sorry you were anxious to receive but we strive to provide top quality fresh product and not rush our orders as we dig all fresh personally. We are a family owned/operated business. 5 years now we have held this policy and all understand. We can only do with what we have . We work from 6 a.m. till midnight daily. We work very hard for all. That is why they all come back for more and more. Sorry there is always going to be a few not happy. We do the best we can. Positive alheline Dundee, IL (3 reviews) May 23, 2008 Ordered 10 Spigelia Marlandica 'Indian Pink' roots which arrived dormant (as expected). Planted immediately after prepping them in warm water. Hopefully, their growth will catch up with what I already have as the bare roots still must break dormancy. Negative Hostafarian Etna, CA (14 reviews) May 18, 2008 I placed several orders for Trilliums over the last year with this company. As the Rhizomes arrived dormant there was no way to identify that they were actually the correct species. When the plants emerged this spring it was obvious that mistakes had been made on three of my orders. There are two types of Trilliums, pedicellate and sessile. On a sessile Trillium the flower sits directly on the leaves. On a pedicellate Trillium the flower sits on a short stem rising from the leaves. With the exception of one rare western species never offered for sale all pedicellate trilliums have plain leaves as opposed to mottled (marbled). The three orders I refer to were for pedicellate species. All three emerged with mottled leaves and no stem. Rather than write a negative review at that time I e-mailed the company informing them that mistakes had been made and that we needed to talk. I was sent three messages that I can only describe as ranting. They said that I was making accusations, that Bobby was a trillium expert and never made mistakes, that in over twenty years in business nothing like this had ever happened and so the problem obviously was with me, not them. Apparently they don't keep records of their sales because they demanded proof of purchase and stated that since I buy lots of Trilliums how did I know it was their plants that were mislabled? (I place a tag with the suppliers name when I plant bare root stock). They then went on to say and I quote, "sounds like someone who doesn't work things out, just threatens". Real friendly folks. Soo, heres a big NEGATIVE. Company representative comment on May 18, 2008: On May 18, 2008 4:34 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added: We have honestly worked with so so many customers. I address every issue with every customer. There was one simple request. Send us a list of what was purchased and photos to show was has come up. None of this was presented as this customer by no means wanted to cooperate to smooth out this transaction. Please call as I state everywhere. 1-931-635-3505. There is no one that is perfect. Mistakes do happen. We dig toad trillium and of many species different leaf patterns ect.. all at blooming size. All healthy stock and as accurately as can be described. I simply stated that all their trillium was purchased from another seller. Check their feedback on ebay. They only purchased one variety from us. These are not our purchases they are referring to . This is a shame that anyone at any given time can go to daves and leave false fb. I work with all. Ever since the other day someone un-identified leaves fb and all false accusations and it has caused all out kaos.. Such a shame. We work with all. We are the best around. Please be sure if you ever have any doubts contact us directly. Working with over 20,000 customers in over 4 years, excellent rep on ebay and at our website and a few get together and try to ruin it for us. Positive ellenshp Oswego, NY (3 reviews) May 17, 2008 I will start by saying this isn't how I like to do things, but having e-mailed this company 4 times over the last month, and left them a phone message, and gotten absolutely no response, I don't see any other way to get their attention. I placed a good-sized order w/them last fall, and received nice, healthy dormant material. Unfortunately, when it came up, the supposed Jeffersonia diphylla were all Caulophyllum thalictroides, the supposed Trillium luteum, to the extent that they've bloomed, are T. recurvatum, while the supposed T. recurvatum are a variety of things, some recurvatum, many not. The Disporum maculatum appears to be Prosartes lanuginosa, though of this I am not entirely sure. I have received nice plant material, correctly named, from them in the past, and I understand that we all make mistakes. What I don't understand is this continued unwillingness to acknowledge or address them. ???? On May 18th, 2008, ellenshp changed the rating from neutral to negative and added the following: It's now 24 hours since I POLITELY posted "neutral" rather than "negative" feedback for my mislabeled plants. I got no response either here or privately from VVW. Meanwhile yet another buyer posts the same complaint and gets instant (and unpleasant) feedback. I guess "negative" is what it takes! As to sending photos, I can cheerfully (???) supply those if asked. However, 4 e-mails and a phone message have not been enough to get ANY response from these folks. Guess it's time to take off the gloves. I own a business myself, and I cannot imagine handling complaints in this fashion. On May 18th, 2008, ellenshp changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following: VVW is in the process of addressing this problem. They cannot find any record of my first three e-mails, and didn't get contact information in the 4th (sent through Dave's Garden). I look forward to a speedy and satisfactory resolution of the problem. Company representative comment on May 18, 2008: On May 18, 2008 5:07 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added: This is inaccurate. We have dug all day yesterday and just finished packing for morning shipments. We had no absolute way until today that she finally called our simple phone number for an accurate contact manner. We have never received but a d-mail with no email response address. Please email me and I will forward the d-mail to all that does not speak of any email address to get back with this customer. This is unfair. I am calling you now as I just finally got the message on the machine you called. For heaven sakes, we are working a sunday and still calling you anyways. Didnt even give us a chance to call. 7 days a week is not enough for anyone. On May 18, 2008 7:26 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added: Lovely conversation with Ellen today. So glad we can work this out. We never leave things left un-repaired. BooBoo's Do happen. Glad to see that with a phone call away we could work this out. I will email once shipped through email address on the fall order. Now that I have it! Wish we could have worked this out before all this. We will be in touch very very soon Positive chels580 Brockport, NY (2 reviews) May 16, 2008 I had a good experience with this company. They are very focused on customer satisfaction and I am satisfied. I ordered bare root tiarella, true and false solomon's seal, and wood poppies. The tiarellas are shooting leaves up and I have faith the others will too! Positive hmsgoodhope Great Falls, VA (1 review) May 15, 2008 Very happy with ourchase. 3 weeks after planting 99% of plants (500 VINCA MINOR GROUNDCOVER PERIWINKLE VINE PLANTS) are growing fast. Good communications and instructions on planting / care. Just purchased additional plants and will but more as time allows. Highly recommend!! Positive skammons Memphis, TN (1 review) May 15, 2008 Ordered 250 vinca from this company and received them exactly as promised. Very pleased with my plants.

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