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I placed an order online for the first time with MVG during their fabulous "Fall Extravaganza Sale". I wanted to "test the waters" and spent $70 on plants and herbs that I could not find locally. (Most notably their superb selection of lavender). I am pleased to say that the plants arrived within days of my order (all the way from CA to NC!) and were very healthy and packed perfectly with no damage! The pot sizes are small. However, the plants are doing wonderfully settling into my garden and I suspect them to be doing just fine come spring! I did receive a plant in error. I emailed them and received a friendly response promptly. Since they only ship a minimum of 6 plants, I could not get a replacement but was refunded the money with no problem. Even though the plant sizes are small, I would definately recommend MVG as a source to purchase hard-to-find plants and herbs.
Herbs arrived poorly packaged The basil and oregano were out of their pots with the roots exposed. The English thyme was badly bruised from rattling around in the box.
I contacted Mountain Valley Growers. They said to let them know what plants didn't survive. I did let them know that 4 out of 6 plants did not make it. I did not hear back from them regarding replacing these plants.
I would like to know one way or the other as soon as possible, as I will have to order more herbs from another grower if Mountain Valley Growers will not honor their guarantee.
On May 9th, 2009, snakemusik changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following:
I did hear back from MVG. They said they would ship out new plants next week.On May 15th, 2009, snakemusik changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following:
I've changed my rating to positive for one reason - customer service. MVG replaced all the plants that didn't make it and included 2 bonus plants as a gift. The plants arrived packed properly. They were a little weary from the trip, but revived quickly.
Along with many others who have commented, I am just awe struck by the professional way these people manage and execute on-line nursery transactions. The MVG plant packaging is the best I have seen ( except for ecolage's which is for much bigger plants ). The plants were in perfect condition, they are now thriving. The package tracking system and order confirmation were excellent. In my top three for first place.
I have ordered from this company several times and have always been very happy. This year money has been a little tight so I waited for the "June Jumble Sale".
On monday I placed an order for six packs of salvias, pelorgoniums, and gallardias. The plants arrived on tuesday (the day after I placed the order). Wonderful healthy plants - one of the salvias was actully blooming - packed efficiently and effectively. Will definitely purchase from Mountain Valley Growers again and again.
Can't wait for the the Fall Blowout Extravaganza!!!!!!
I have made several purchases from Mountain Valley Growers and they are my favorite online nursery. Good quality plants and fast ship. You can't go wrong.
As a first-time buyer with this company, I placed the minimum order of 6 plants. The company e-mailed me almost immediately to say that one plant was out of stock and asked if I wanted to order a substitute to complete the order. I did. The plants arrived on the day promised, beautifully packaged and healthy. No complaints here.
On May 14, 2008, lemurianne Ida Grove, IA (Zone 5a) wrote:
I received my first ever order from MVG and I'm EXTREMELY impressed by the whole experience. They kept me updated as they waited to ship my plants at the proper time for my zone, and shipped when they said they would with the plants arriving promptly and in VERY GOOD condition! The best I've ever seen plants in the mail! The herbs were more fragrant and the plants in general were in better condition than most of those in my local nurseries. If only all companies used the innovative and thoughtful packaging that MVG does -- it's minimal, recyclable and there was absolutely no mess involved. The fact that they are certified organic makes it all the more amazing. The prices are fantastic! I plan to place several more orders!
On Apr 10, 2008, glasslady Pleasanton, CA (Zone 9b) wrote:
I have used Mountain Valley several times. The first time I was living in Minnesota, and they were careful to advise us about shipping plants at the appropriate time for that climate. The plants all arrived healthy and did well.
When we moved back to California and I had to leave all of my plants behind, I placed an order in for a variety of salvias, lavenders and a scented geranium. It was, unfortunately, sent to Minnesota (where my former landlord apparently accepted and kept it) but MVG replaced the order at no cost to me.
I don't have the greenest thumb in the world, but I the Sweet Lavender and the Attar of Roses scented geranium that arrived in two inch pots are now in 23-inch pots and going strong.
I highly recommend MVG for plant quality and customer service.
On Sep 22, 2007, dmac085 Greensboro, NC (Zone 7a) wrote:
I wanted some more of some soft metal plant tags which attach with a wire tie like some I had recieved on plants I had received in a co-op. A couple of places to find them were mentioned and I ended up purchasing from Mountain Valley Growers. My order arrived in a reasonalbly fast amount of time, neatly packaged and exactly what I ordered. I'll be ordering from them again. Very pleased.
They have such an amazing selection of herbs. I ordered several herbs and flowering plants. All were very healthy when they arrived. Everything is thriving in my garden. They were very upfront about when they would be shipping to my area so I knew exactly when to expect them. It is so great when the things you order arrive in great condition and when expected.
On May 31, 2007, plantophobe Scottsdale, AZ wrote:
I love this company...I can't believe they aren't on Dave's top 30 list yet...I'm sure they will be soon.
I've placed at least 4 orders in the last 6 months, and every single time I've been very happy with their healthy plants, the prices, and the quick shipping. Not to mention all the great info and articles on the website. Plus, their site is organized and reliable with the way they update their inventory every week so you can always see whats in stock before you order. (This is definitely the nursery to order from if you have any OCD tendencies...because the plant sizes and the way they package & label everything always looks so neat and uniform. lol.)
On May 1, 2007, lydiaaruba North Charleston, SC wrote:
I recently ordered a wide variety of plants and herbs from this company; all arrived quickly, well-packed and healthy, I even had berries blooming on my strawberry plant when I opened the box! All the plants have been transplanted and are thriving. I've been very pleased and will be ordering from them regularly. Thank you!
On Apr 28, 2007, grampapa Wheatfield, NY (Zone 6a) wrote:
I have ordered from Mountain Valley twice. Their plants are consistently healthy and beautiful, always well-packed, and service is great. They always have good specials running with purchase. Excellent variety of herb plants and a wealth of information about growing herbs.
On Apr 11, 2007, Happenstance Northern, CA (Zone 10a) wrote:
Certified organic herbs and perennials, very prompt delivery, well packed and lovely good sized plants. A good first experience and after looking at their hard copy catalog, I know I'll be ordering again soon!
On Jun 26, 2006, bmuller Albuquerque, NM (Zone 7a) wrote:
I ordered ten or twelve plants from MVG a month or so ago. All plants (several African blue basils, a society garlic, a Skeleton Rose scented geranium, a lavender, some woolly thyme plants) arrived promptly--well-packed, in good shape, and good-sized--and continue to thrive after having been in my garden for over two weeks. This was my first experience with this company, but I fully intend to order from them again.
I have just received my order and have to say that my plants are all beautiful and very healthy. I will be ordering from them again. Professional packing and a great catalogue as well.
i'm completely satisfied with my first order from MVG. great communication, professional packing, fast shipping (less than a week) and good prices. 6 vitex for 36.45 including shipping. best of all, the plants were tall and healthy and actually have "trunky" looking stems already. i wish i could post a picture. you would swear that i've had them way longer than two days.
On Apr 23, 2006, gardeningjen Tollhouse, CA wrote:
I have been ordering from MVG for at least 10 years. I have be consistently happy with their products, service and delivery. One year I received someone else's order (presumably they received mine) and was told to keep that order and sent my orginal order. I got the opportunity to plant some things I would have never thought to purchase. This company communicates well with their customers thru e-mail when a problem arrises. I have had problems ordering on their web site and have had to either mail or fax orders in several times.
On Oct 12, 2005, dovey Columbus, OH (Zone 5b) wrote:
Over the past 4 years I have ordered from M.V.G. many times. I have never once been disappointed.
Sometimes I don't want to grow herbs from seed and sometimes I want more than what is offered from the garden department at our local DIY store.
It's the first place I check.
Organically grown
Fabulous herb selection; with a large collection of Lavender
Excellent customer service
A News Letter with a sense of humour and great information.... who could ask for more?
On May 27, 2005, johnsonjrbm Olympia, WA (Zone 7b) wrote:
First-time buyer from MVG. All plants were shipped promptly and properly, and arrived in good shape. They have a number of hard-to-find varieties, and their in-stock list is helpful. Only quibble is that their weekly in-stock update can be a little slow.
I will definitely order from them again.
On November 28th, 2005, johnsonjrbm added the following:
I ordered twice more from MV, and was very happy with the service. Only one plant arrived DOA, and they promptly credited me for it. I will continue to use them instead of Richters for live plants.
On May 25, 2005, Jnette Northeast, WA (Zone 5a) wrote:
Ffirst time buyer of MVG and was very pleased with the service and product. One thing they need to know is that UPS will deliver to a post office box now.
Thanks MVG for a pleasant shopping experience and thanks for your catalog.
On Dec 10, 2004, mad4roses Georgetown, TX (Zone 8a) wrote:
Mountain Valley Growers has been in business for many years, consistently providing high quality native plants at a great price. In all my dealings with them, they have been most friendly, helpful and courteous. They are a most conscientious organization.
On Jul 26, 2004, lunavox Seattle, WA (Zone 8b) wrote:
I've been ordering from MVG for years. I have nothing new to add to what's already been said by other reviewers-- I just wanted to add my positive vote. Ordering from MVG has *always* been a pleasant experience, and I'm very thankful that an organic mail-order nursery of this caliber exists! (Try subscribing to their cute newsletter too...it's full of useful info.)
I receive MANY plant and seed catalogs every year, but I had never heard of Mountain Valley Growers, and they are in my state. I had looked high and low for a particular plant and could not find it. Then their catalog showed up in my mailbox, and there was the plant I was looking for! I placed the minimum order (6 plants) for basil, oregano, lavender, and 3 different sages. The very next day I received an email from them telling me that the lavender I wanted was out of stock. They directed me to a page on their website to choose another plant (I was able to know right then that the plant I chose was in stock). I thought it was refreshing that they didn't just substitute another plant as some do, or leave me to find out when my order was delivered that it was short, and I told them so in my email. Within the week my plants arrived. They were packaged extremely well and as someone else mentioned, a little cardboard cover over the soil to keep everything together. The plants are healthy and thriving. I will not hesitate to do business with them again. Also included with my order was a duplicate catalog which I was pleased to pass on to my sister-in-law just last night when she said she was having trouble finding a particular herb. Although you must order a minimum of 6 plants, their prices and S/H charges are so low, and the quality so good, it is definitely worth every penny! They have won this customer over.
On Dec 8, 2003, Halfspied Star, NC (Zone 7b) wrote:
We buy herb plants from Mountain Valley. The plants are healthy and always in good condition. They are packed lovingly. Shipments get from CA to NC very quickly. The people are friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Their catalog provides lots of useful information. Top-notch.
I ordered my plants Monday evening online. Tuesday morning I got an email that said the plants would be at my house by the end of the week. My plants arrived Thursday afternoon, in great condition, with planting instructions. I am very impressed with this company.
I have ordered from this company twice and had an excellent experience both times. Their web site is very informative (although the multiple windows that open are a slight pain), their herb selection is absolutely excellent, their plants are packed perfectly, even with little covers over the pots to keep dirt from spilling. The plants themselves have all been really superior; I don't think they will mail inferior specimens. I would use them again, and again!
On Apr 27, 2003, Bug_Girl San Francisco, CA wrote:
I was very happy to find them as one of the few sources, in fact the only source I could find, for Apricot Blush Foxgloves. They really take time to care for their plants. They arrived very heatlhy. The also have a very large selection of herbs.
I was very impressed by the plants I received. All were healthy and all survived. Very good place to do business with. I'll order again this coming spring. (2003).
I was very impressed with my order of plants I just received.The packaging was excellent, and no spilling what so ever.The flowers were in tact, and beautiful and fresh.I do recommend them and my experience for the first time ordering was indeed a pleasure.
I ordered from Mountain Valley Growers several times in 2000 and was always impressed with the variety and quality of their plants and quick service. If you wait for one of their internet specials that have what you want, then order other plants you want, too to meet the 6-plant minimum, the per plant cost is quite low. They had a great "clearance" sale in September, and I got lots at $1 each, along with the minimum order of six plants at the regular price. Shipment is free to 11 western states, so it's a good deal for me in California.Although they don't include planting instructions, I have found MVG very helpful with recommendations and instructions either via e-mail or phone.
Well, my order from Mountain Valley Growers (MVG for short) arrived today. I ordered 20 plants of the variety Polygonum Multiflorum (aka Fo Ti),which is a fast growing vine whose leaves are used in some salads and stems and roots used for other herbal purposes. (MVG specializes in herbal plants and all plants come in 3" pots). Apparently, orders from MVG ship at the beginning of each week (a sensible shipping policy to prevent weekend standing IMHO). The invoice date on my order said it was shipped on 5/14/2000 (Sunday) and it arrived today 5/18/2000 (Thursday). Not bad, they came via UPS 3 Day Select and they were very well packaged in a medium sized box with small cardboard skids for the plants (looks like 3 or 4 per skid -- haven't gotten them out yet). The only gripe here was the shipping -- I was a bit surprised to see that they charged $.70 per plant for shipping. When you consider the total at $14 that seems a bit higher than it should be, but not overwhelmingly cost prohibitive. Garden tags were included for each plant as well. The condition of the plants is excellent -- they are all quite green, growing nicely, there are even a few new shoots and leaves sprouting. These are vines and I'd estimate they are around a foot in length already, which is pretty good sized really, especially from a mail order outlet. The cost was $2.89 per plant. As I perused their site I found their pricing to be average to below average which is good. I was minorly disappointed that there were no planting instructions included but we ARE talking about vines here -- doesn't take much to plant a vine. I first placed my order several weeks ago and when it came time to ship (May 7th) my card went over the limit. MVG sent me an e-mail claiming to have tried calling me on the phone although my phone did not ring from them that day (I was home). I called them back to sort it and had a great conversation with a woman who was very knowledgeable about the various herbs (in fact, I ended up doubling my order!). This gave me an opportunity to get to know the "company" a bit and I was very pleased. They're a pretty small operation, as opposed to some of the mammoths out there, but that was not a minus - it was very much a plus. The fact that she knew as much as she did about the plants they sold (including Fo Ti) was impressive.So the end-all-be-all -- I'll give Mountain Valley Growers a 9 out of 10 rating. Pros: Service, product, and packaging were great. Knowledgeable personnel and all plants arrived in good shape; prices are reasonable. Cons: Shipping seems a bit high and no planting instructions were included with the product.
I ordered about 15 plants from them last year; all did well except for the one my cat destroyed (but they warned about this in their catalog!) I really like the variety that they offer, and everything showed up in very good shape.
I've ordered from them twice and both times was very happy with the plants. They were packed well, and I received them in good condition (but I am only 150 miles from them, so don't know the conditions further out.)
