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I recieved two orders from this company this year. It was the first time I've ordered from them. I found their catalog descriptions to be very accurate regarding the size/age of the plants I was ordering. All my plants arrived appearing healthy or had well developed root systems if shipped bare root. The plants I received in the spring all grew well and the Cypridpediums listed as blooming size all bloomed.
I got a laugh reading some of the negative comments about Thimble Farms. They grow a lot of rare plants. The plants are labeled 'rare' because they are more demanding than other plants. If you don't do your homework regarding temperature zones, sun exposure, soil conditions, chilling or drying periods, and nutrient requirements you're going to have poor results and/or kill some plants. Plants die unexplainably all the time. I expect to lose some of the plants I ordered. I'm not going to blame them for the loss, I'm going to figure out what I did wrong and try again next year and the year after until I get it right or conclude that maybe that species is just too tender for my area. Thats part of the satisfaction of growing plants. If some of you don't like their plants...........well, that leaves more for me.
On Aug 27, 2007, crazy_gardener Wainwright, AB (Zone 2b) wrote:
I've ordered twice from them now.
Great selection of unique plants to choose from and wonderful customer service. I live in a small town and our nurseries don't carry perennials like they sell.
Although the plants look kind of rough after shipping, they rebound in to time. They also send their plants in plastic bags replacing the pot to reduce shipping costs.
On May 17, 2007, Cretaceous El Cerrito, CA (Zone 9b) wrote:
About a month ago I checked on the availability and pricing of a number of ferns via e-mail, and then printed out the order form and sent it via snail mail. (Fraser's Thimble Farms do not have secure online ordering). The cost of the order included the required phytosanitary and CITES certificates for export to the USA, plus shipping.
Yesterday, a large box arrived on our doorstep containing ferns and tree ferns (Cyathea brownii, Cyathea smithii, Dicksonia fibrosa, and Dicksonia squarrosa ). Two of the smaller ferns I had ordered were not available. The plants were all in good condition and are also well sized for the price.
I haven't had a full-blown experience with this company--YET. I have sent out a cheque and: 1) with the ever-vascillating quality of The Postal Service--globally--there's no telling when they'll receive it; 2) when I receive the plant items, I'll be able to comment on whether my experience goes one way or the other.
I'll return with further commentary following my receipt of the plants I ordered!
On May 10th, 2007, blue_cherry added the following:
I have mixed feelings about this company. They undeniably have a huge, and uncommon selection of plants--a BIG plus. They telephoned to inform me that they didn't have one of the plants I'd ordered (Parma Violets), insofar as their plants were reverting back to 'standard' violet form, and they were discontinuing the product altogether; they called also to remind me of the option to either accept credit, or choose--in this case, $15--a substitute. The phonecall was another big plus.
The plants arrived in OK condition; I'm an optimist in situations like this--my position is usually 'TLC' will go a looong way; i.e., 'the plants will perk-up in time'. On the other hand, the plants literally looked like they were stepped-on! [a BIG MINUS].
Another MINUS here--for 'me'--is what in other scenarios might be called a lack of 'Bedside Manner': I found--the woman at any rate--to be clipped and cold in her 'interactional' skills. In my book, 'pleasantness', particularly in service-providers, 'matters'---it's one of those 'you attract more flies with honey than vinegar' things!On May 13th, 2007, blue_cherry changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following:
Yesterday, May 11th, I sent the company an email detailing my disappointment in the condition of one plant in particular (of 3 that had been shipped). I received a reply today--May 12th--that not only politely addressed the problem I'd described, but included a statement that they'd send a duplicate plant, gratis.
Although I'm very happy to be receiving a replacement plant, I'm most impressed with the communication process here. The company didn't let the complaint linger; it was dealt with immediately, and without rancour--at least none that I detected in the return email!
On Sep 29, 2006, RichardMH Chemainus, BC Canada wrote:
I ordered three hard-to-find shrubs. They were shipped promptly by express mail, arrived in good condition and were full 1 gallon size, as advertised. I checked the availability of the plants using email, then printed out their order form and send it in by snail mail.
I live in northern Wyoming and ordered orchids from Thimble Farms. The orchids showed up looking great and have survived now for two years in the garden. Prices seem quite reasonable when compared to other nurseries which sell orchids. I plan on ordering a few more this year.
My only concern is that they did not provide any instructions for planting and care of the plants.
On Feb 11, 2005, jcroutch Abbotsford Canada wrote:
This site would come up when I was looking for unusual plants (that I couldn't find at my local garden centre). They have a huge list of interesting plants. Just like anywhere else, you have to compare on pricing, but I found some very good deals in the catalogue. In both of my orders, the plants were packed well, all labelled, and were healthy. I'd recommend dealing with Fraser's Thimble Farm.
Initially I placed the smallest order I could for the plants I wanted as many where rare the order added up to much more than I had originally intended. The plants arrived in two days, tightly packed (more or less bare root) in good condition. I have since ordered several times and have been pleased. I have found that a quick phone call has yielded great cultural information on the more challenging species. So far I have ordered, Cypripediums, Bletillas, Tree Ferns, and numerous other treasures. I would recommend and reorder from them.
Lots and lots of interesting and rare plants are offered by this place! All received were healthy and of good size ... and prices not too bad either! Certainly can't beat them for their selection of ferns!
I have dealt with Thimble Farms for many years. All of my transactions have been VERY satisfactory. The plants are larger than many other companies(I bought the same kind of plant(different varieties) from several nurseries). Most of the plants have thrived(I think that the weather and I killed the others). I have no complaints about this excellent company. This fall, the only nursery I am ordering from is Thimble Farms.
Nice selection of harder to find plants.
I ordered hellebores from them this year. Pretty good prices for what I recieved.
Royal Hertiage was a nice 1 gallon size, the spotted hybrid fits into 4" pot.
Emails were answered promptly, & although they shipped when we unexpectadly got cold weather, they had insulated so well that the plants were unharmed.
