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I recently ordered begonia Mandalay Pearl and begonia Bonfire. I received notice of shipment on Monday and received the plants on Tuesday -- super fast shipping. The plants were large and healthy and beautifully packed so they arrived in great shape. There was also a surprise "extra" -- a Pseuderanthemum rubrum. I have ordered from Avant Gardens before and wouldn't hesitate to order from them again. They have great plants and great service.
On Jun 20, 2009, PadreWayne Mount Pleasant, MI (Zone 4b) wrote:
Ordered one hellebore and five moonflowers (the morning-glory type vine, not the Datura) -- all arrived in the time specified; plants are healthy, good size, and were packed with precision! High marks for great service. And I think they sent me an extra moonflower -- a gift to a new customer?
On Jun 17, 2009, kristinmaria Pittsburgh, PA wrote:
This could have been a negative, but Avant Gardens couldn't have been nicer. I ordered a bunch of plants from them, and I'm 99% certain I specified a different shipping address than my billing address. You guessed it, the plants went to the wrong address, where they languished in a box for several days.
Worse, when I checked my emails, I realized that they had informed me of their intention to mail the plants to that address and asked for confirmation. I never responded, so they went ahead and sent to the wrong address. I thought for sure they were going to rub my nose in that and tell me it was my own tough luck for not answering their order confirmation and would refuse to replace any of the plants.
Instead, to my delight and amazement, they agreed to a total replacement of the order--with no arm twisting necessary. I had carefully told them which plants were probably going to make it, and which were not, but they went ahead and replaced the entire order, no questions asked. I really appreciated that. I do think it was their mistake in sending it to the wrong address, but it was definitely my mistake not to have responded to their confirmation email.
On top of all that, the plants look great. Nice size, very healthy, and all are thriving. Thanks so much!
I ordered several plants, including some tender vines. These arrived in excellent condition, moist and nicely wrapped so that the foliage was also protected. Since I planned to put these in my river garden, it was 2 days from arrival to planting, and they have acclimated beautifully to the garden. One of my picks was not available but they had notified me beforehand.
I first ordered from Avant Gardens when I was seeking Hellebores and trailing Coleus which were not available at my garden centers. Their plants are carefully packaged for shipment and mine always arrive when promised. Perennials in my garden from their nursery are thriving.
I ordered a Witchhazel "Diane" about two months ago and it arrived today. The plant was much larger than expected and well branched. This was a wonderful value for a hard-to-find shrub in my area. The packaging was well done and the shipping was prompt. Communication about the shipping date was excellent. I would order from this company again without hesitation.
On Aug 9, 2008, debilu Fingerlakes Region, NY (Zone 6a) wrote:
I just placed an order on Wed, and received it today, very surprised with such quick delivery. There was a note on the outside of the box stating to place it out of direct sun, which my husband did - I was not at home when it was delivered. The plants are nice and large, healthy, and well packed. I'm very pleased.
On Jul 18, 2008, fluffysquirrel Sicklerville, NJ wrote:
What a nice company to deal with. I bought several Caramel Heuchera and not only was the customer service impeccable, the plants were packed with great care and arrived swiftly. They were in wonderful condition despite the heat wave we have been experiencing. I will definitely do business with Avant Garden again and I highly recommend them!
On May 23, 2008, Cynthiascat Catonsville, MD wrote:
I've known about Avant Gardens for years, but this was my first order by mail. I ordered two C.'Golden Spirit' and didn't expect them to be so good sized for the price. Needless to say, I'm very pleased. At such a busy time of the year for nurseries, I found the time from order to receipt to be quite fast, and quality of the plants and packing were excellent.
A catalogue was included with the order, and unlike the (perhaps new?) gardener below who commented on lack of pictures on the website, the catalogue is full of pictures. No, not glossy photos that may have nothing to do with quality of stock or the knowledge and integrity of the proprietors, (heck spring hill has pictures if that's what ya want ) but WORD pictures :-) . That's the best kind of catalogue and a sign of a nursery not catering to just the impulse buyers. Real depth of selection, as if they are selling their own favorite plants and know what they're selling and how each plant performs. I feel another order coming on....
My first order with this company will certainly not be my last. I purchased annuals, houseplants and a few perennials. The annuals where in quart pots for the same price other websites charge for a 3" pot or dinky plug. The coleus Sedona I ordered are gorgeous and all at least 12" tall.
I also got miscanthus Gold Bar in a quart pot for half the price I paided Wayside last year for a 3" pot, and the root system is very well developed. They are already larger and fuller than the ones that have been in the ground for a year.
The packing was suberb, and all of the packing material went directly into the compost bin. A+++ on that. A delicate jointed euphorbia I ordered didn't have one bent or bruised stem and it is quite a large plant.
I couldn't be more pleased with my experience.
Ordered plants on Sunday. On Monday morning, the company informed me there was a glitch with my credit card, which we resolved easily, and the plants were shipped same day. They arrived on Tuesday, well packed and very healthy. My best mail order plant expereince.
Ordered plants in the middle of the summer heat and my zeal was luckily curbed. They held off on shipping until it was cooler and everything arrived (large!) in healthy shape with buds etc. Annuals were huge and recovered well, cool bonus plant. Can't wait to order again!
On Sep 11, 2007, DonShirer Westbrook, CT (Zone 6a) wrote:
I ordered from Avant this fall largely because of the comments on this thread. It may sound like an echo, but the plants not only arrived sooner than I expected, but they were well packed, larger than I expected from other nursery mail orders, and evidently in good health. If they do well in my garden (as I have every reason to expect) I will definitely order from Avant again.
Research on DavesGarden website prompted me to select this company for a purchase.
I just received my first order from this company and found it to be a fabulous experience from start to finish. I ordered three pineapple lilies and a variegated cattail at the end of June. I was informed by email that they would hold the order until July 2, due to some very hot weather were having here. The order arrived on July 5 after 3 day shipping and was perfect in every way. The plants were much larger than I had expected (about 12 inches tall) and they included a free bonus plant I have never hard of before, but am very pleased to try out. I would definately order from this company again, and look forward to perusing their website for rare plants next spring. Just one of the best I have ordered from!
On Jun 17, 2007, lillyo Marlborough, CT (Zone 6a) wrote:
I just received my first order from this nursery of some unusual annuals that I could not get locally. The plants were beautifully wrapped in newspaper, much easier to deal with and better for the environment than packing peanuts. All the plants were healthy, despite the box having been left in full sun by the UPS delivery person, who must have been blind to miss the handwritten messages on the box's top about not leaving the box in the sun. They had been out of one of the plants that I ordered and had taken the time to contact me and ask if I wanted to substitute another plant and followed that with some suggestions. The plants were a good size and not at all root bound even though the order was a late one. They were kind enough to include an exceptionally lovely bonus plant. I look forward to doing business with them again.
It is always a positive experience dealing with Avant Gardens. Interesting selection of plants that are well grown. The packing and shipping is excellent and I have never lost a plant from them.
I discovered Avant Gardens in an Internet search for a particular plant I was looking for, requested their catalog, and ordered about half a dozen plants.
l couldn't be more pleased. Everything came in excellent condition. This is small family run nursery that propagates what they sell and is a terrific resource for plants that are not commonly available.
An excellent company...A+ excellent from hard to find plant selections to correspondence to delivery! They even located an item previously noted as sold out for which I am grateful. Plants received in excellent condition!
On May 16, 2007, bbrookrd nantucket, MA (Zone 7a) wrote:
I placed an order with Avant Gardens on April 13, 2007 for several viburnums, and other shrubs plus some unusual perennials. They sent a confirmation with a date for shipping, then followed that with an e-mail saying that due to frost warnings that they were holding the order for a couple of day. Today a BIG box of "as good as it gets" plants arrived plus a very generous bonus shrub. They must have picked out the bonus based on my order, as it couldn't have been more perfect. The plants are huge. I am totally thrilled with the service, the selection and the shipping. Patti
First order from Avant arrived yesterday, and I've already placed a second. Carefully edited plant selection, quality material at reasonable prices, excellent communication, exemplary packaging, and a bonus plant, too.
On Apr 26, 2007, CoreHHI Bluffton, SC (Zone 9a) wrote:
First order from Avant Gardens and it went well. Just received the plants, they were starting to coming out of dormancy. Prefect for planting. Packaging was great. For sure a small company by the way it was packed. Well packed in newspapers and some other organic stuff that I'm not sure what it was. Looks like everything is healthy and what I ordered.
I would order from them again. They have some hard to find plants.
The order I placed this summer arrived in great shape, this company
knows how to pack plantings, very satisfied and will
do business in the future. plants were exceptional in
size and boy did they grow once planted. First class
company to do business with.
On Aug 17, 2006, dirtyharry Aurora, CO (Zone 5a) wrote:
This was my first order from Avant Gardens and I'm sure it won't be the last. My plants were shipped in a timely manner and great care was taken in packing them. They were good size plants and a free plant was included.
On Jun 25, 2006, warrendavisx Haddonfield, NJ wrote:
My first order was based on reviews found here...This is an excellent, professional operation. Their plants are first rate. The customer service and communication is outstanding. Everything you need to know about costs, condition of plants, shipping, etc., is covered explicitly and comprehensively. Not only would I never hesitate to buy here again, this would be a first choice. A+
On Jun 8, 2006, manofroses West Yarmouth, MA wrote:
Excellent service!!! I have ordered by mail twice in 3 years--both times for me to pickup at the nursery. Order was accurately assembled and waiting for me on day I had specified. Plants were healthy and well rooted. A well laid out nursery with clean, attractive plants and knowledgeable staff. Plants from first order have all thrived--tags were accurate and very helpful as to siting and care. Expect second order to be a repeat. This is an excellent operation--small enough to have direct contact with owner, but offering a relatively wide variety of plants, including some not found elsewhere by mail. Website is well organized, attractively designed, informative and complete.
On May 17, 2006, tobee43 a sub zone 4A in a 6A, NJ (Zone 4a) wrote:
i rec'd my order yesterday. it was a rather large order and when it came it was quite clear the shipping company had taken very bad care of the package. most all the plants had been smashed beyond repair. i called avant immediately and left a message, i also sent an email and fax about the situation. since it was after 5 p.m. i knew i would not hear back that day, however, was concerned about when i would hear back.
well, no concern was nessesary, an email explaining that i would get an immediate credit back for the entire order. i was able to reach them this afternoon and explained that some may make it....but it was insisted that i had a total refund.
things happen....i get 30-50 orders yearly because i use them in my business. you get good plants everyday....what you don't get is EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!!!! it just simply doesn't happen........EXCEPT HERE!
i will not hesitate one second to order from avant gardens again. fact is, of course i would rather have the plants than the money back, but it's good to know that you have nothing at all to worry about if something DOES happen. i highly recommend them and you can be assured that i will place just as large an order next season.
On June 9th, 2008, tobee43 added the following:
Another absolutely PERFECT order from this company.
They are by far one of the best mail order companies one can find anywhere today. I have rec'd time after time wonderful plants at reasonable prices.
Buy with Absolute Confidence from Avant Gardens. You will NOT be disppointed!
On May 16, 2006, ladyisle Bohemia, NY (Zone 7a) wrote:
I just received my order today and I am actually shocked by the size of the plants. They are really big, and potted in the appropriate size pots to accomodate the size. I don't think I've ever gotten such nice mailorder plants, for any price (exception being roses). In my opinion, the plants were inexpensive, especially because they are uncommon and large.
They even sent me a free coleus.
Thank you so much for the great plants and service.
I made an on-line order for the first time from Avant Gardens. My order was relatively small, just 8 plants of Campanula. I was quite impressed with the extent of the variety they had on line. Their on-line store was well arranged and easy to use. The ordered plant came within a week in good shape. Each plant was carefully wrapped, then they were placed in a box in good order with adequate padding. Their shipping and handling charge US$8 plus US$1 per plant was a little more expensive than I had expected but it was still acceptable to me. Overall it was a very good experience to me, while I am dealing with another retail store that is saying "next week shipment" for three weeks and still waiting.
On Oct 21, 2005, Jadwin59 Rochester, NY (Zone 6a) wrote:
Very good experience. I ordered six specialty geraniums I couldn't find at my local garden center, and they were reasonably priced, large plants, well rooted, comparable in size to what I would expect from a garden center. In very good condition and well packed.
They also included a free large sized plant. This was an unexpected bonus.
Shipping charges are on the high side, but worth it if you're ordering something you can't find locally and want to be sure that everything arrives promptly and in good condition. I have had so many bad experiences with other nurseries, ordering plants that were DOA or teeny-tiny or not what they were advertised to be, that I am willing to pay more for the expectation of no problems, good service, and well-sized plants. I will be ordering from them again.
On July 4th, 2008, Jadwin59 added the following:
Ordered again from them this year to get six plant varieties I can't find locally. Again, expensive but a good experience; and I respect the fact that it costs a lot of money to pay people to grow, pack, and ship plants in good condition.
You need to know what you're ordering when you order from this company, as the catalog includes only descriptions. But once you've decided on a particular plant, this is a reliable source for NE gardeners.
The plants I just received are gorgeous. I didn't expect such beautiful plants at the end of the summer. The bonus plant they sent was a lovely surprise.
Since I am only 2 hours away from Avant Gardens, I decided to drive there instead of ordering through the mail. I figured they probably had many more items than just what was in the paper catalogue.
What a treasure trove! A tremendous selection of rock garden plants including the rare Lewisia tweedyi, endless coleus, a whole greenhouse of hostas and shade perennials, etc. Everything looked quite healthy despite the cruel drought. I found "Trish" to be extremely knowlegable and very helpful...a true gift from God. She was also willing to state when she didn't know the answer to a question, but when the owner, Kathy Tracy arrived I was able to get some identifications on rex begonias that weren't in the catalogue. Some plants that looked especially good this time of year in case you happen to be lucky enough to live nearby:
Caryopteris divaricata Snow Fairy- variegated white and green, lovely
Leonotis menthoides - beautiful Agastache like orange flower
Orostachys spinosus- weird succulent
Pedilanthus tithymaloides variegata- Zic Zac, attractive yellow, red and green mix
Begonia "Sinbad" - pretty white veined green leaves, reddish underneath
And many more, too numerous to list. I would feel confident ordering from them through the mail...there wasn't a "dog" plant in sight! Extremely, extremely strongly recommended!!
On Aug 19, 2005, gregr18 Bridgewater, MA (Zone 6b) wrote:
I visited Avant Gardens today, and I was extremely impressed, both with the kindness and knowledge of the staff and with the selection of very healthy, interesting, and unique plants that they had to offer.
I always ask nursery owners a lot of questions about their plants, and sometimes I feel like my questions aren't particularly appreciated. At this nursery, the staff encouraged questions. The owner took time to talk to me about my selections and volunteered information about them, and answered my amateurish questions about how to protect tender perennials and how to preserve my coleus over the winter. This gave me the confidence I needed to try growing some beautiful plants that I might otherwise have avoided. Also, while I was in one of the outdoor greenhouses, a humming bird came in and visited some flowers. I think that was a pretty good endorsement. Needless to say, this nursery will be high on my list in the future.
I ordered several plants from this company this year, chiefly because it was the only source I found for Dephinium 'Blue Delft'. The delphinium alas, had a broken stem and did not make it but Avant promptly sent a check to me when I emailed them and let them know. This is the kind of company I will shop from again, one that sends very nice plants and stands behind their product. Thanks again!
On Apr 15, 2005, 75751 Fort Mill, SC (Zone 7b) wrote:
My shopping with Avant gardens is a positive one. I
ordered several perennials and a few annuals. They
arrived very well packaged and healthy. The shipping
was rather high, but I would shop with them again beacuse
of the wonderful product and quick service.
On Nov 30, 2004, Missyinbama Louisville, KY (Zone 6b) wrote:
Wonderful plants - well sized and many are hard to find elsewhere. Shipping may be a bit high, but sale plants are a good value, especially since I like to collect hard to find plants.
