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Message: 'Hi,
I just want to thank you for another great garden.
All my vegetables were wonderful this year. I order all my seeds from you.
I was very impressed with the Parks Early Thickset Peppers. This was my first try with them and they were wonderful. Applesauce tomatoes are big and great tasting.
Also, all my flowers were beautiful.The Sunny Smile Sunflowers were filled with blooms. My Easter Egg plant is filled with eggs and everyone can't believe it's real.
Thanks for another great year. Look forward to receiving my 2010 catalog.
Thank you for being such a dependable company.
Linda from Virginia'
After reading the reviews here, I almost didn't order, but I'm glad I did. My seeds arrived within two weeks (minus one packet but right after I placed my order they informed me that those would be shipped later). They communicated well with me regarding shipping dates, etc. I counted several seed packets when they arrived: I wasn't shorted any seeds. I went with Park because I couldn't find such selection at low prices anywhere else on the web. When I bought seeds from them when I was a kid, they grew very well, so hopefully the quality is the same. I did buy after the seasonal rush, so maybe that's why they came so quickly. At any rate, I am satisfied with my purchase.
I placed my order for flower and herb seeds on May 17 and received them on May 23. The order was well-packaged and complete. I'm very pleased with this experience.
On May 19, 2009, brandywinefran West Chester, PA wrote:
I was really surprised by all the negative comments, since my orders this season (seeds) were fine. I have ordered seeds from them for quite some time.
In fact, I needed to add two types of seeds to my second order, and my request was handled with no problem by a helpful CSR.
Maybe I was lucky, but honestly, I have no complaints. Hope these negative trends are addressed soon, they've been a good source for me.
On Apr 26, 2009, Sharkey Marianna, FL (Zone 8b) wrote:
I placed an order several weeks ago for various items. The seeds arrived in a timely fashion. The rest of the order was on back order, but nothing that I had to have immediately. The two plants arrived a couple of weeks later. The day I called in my order, they included a free Lord Baltimore hibiscus. I didn't realize what I was getting until I looked it up on the Internet and it is a beautiful plant that should actually live through our cold winters here. (All of my tropicals froze last year.) The Rose of Sharon I ordered arrived in good condition. It is a young, healthy plant with good roots.
When I called in my order, I was helped by an extremely friendly and knowledgeable young lady by the name of Sarah. She went out of her way to accommodate my needs and make suggestions.
I liked the fact that they did not charge my credit card until they shipped the items. There were three different charges. I don't like paying for something weeks or months before I receive it.
With the negative reviews, I was skeptical about ordering from them, but I couldn't be more pleased. Last year I ordered Disco Belle hibiscus seeds from them and they did so well that I wanted to order more this year.
My experience was EXCELLENT and I would highly recommend Park Seeds to anyone. Their prices are reasonable and the shipping is not as high as many other seed companies. Their seeds are enclosed in foil packs to keep them fresher, which is great if you are getting seeds for spring and fall.
I ordered online and my order was acknowledged right away.
I requested three corkscrew vines and the order was for
plants.
I placed the order on 3/30 and had a shipping confirmation
on 4/07. That's quick enough.
The plants arrived and are absolute beauties. I have had
these before from other sources and these are as good
as the best I have had and better than others.
I will use them again. I have for years, I know they time
orders, and they have in the past even gone ahead and
sent me things sooner than they had planned because I
asked.
I admit I was hesitant to order from this company given all the recent negative comments I read here, but I have used them many times in years past and never had any major issues. I also had a credit to use, so I gave it a shot.
My order consisted of some vegetable and herb seeds and supplies. I placed my order on line on 3/30. A notice there said something to the effect that due to heavy demand, processing time would be 7-10 days. I was notified that one item I wanted was out of stock so I deleted it from my order. Well, I got everything today which was earlier than I expected given that I chose regular shipping.
As an aside, I've never experienced problems with germination. In fact, depending on the variety, I've had success with some Parks seeds that were 7 years old!
I ordered various items from Park Seed in October 2008... I ordered quite a few flower seeds (monarda, shasta daisy, blanket flower, larkspur, snapdragon, foxgloves)... they arrived about 2 weeks later in envelopes with individual directions on each as to recommended sowing instructions. It seems like they have difficulty when something isn't in stock and they are still selling items.
I just recently placed another order for more seeds and still haven't received them yet. I called and talked to someone saying that they expect delivery in mid March... so I'll update everyone as to how that turns out.
All in all I love their website, the variety of what they offer, and the sales they have on a lot of seeds, etc. I realize it is frustrating for people who anticipate their orders being sent right away however.
On Feb 24, 2009, Rhizomes123 Pittsburgh, PA wrote:
I placed an order for garden seeds and received them in the mail in a reasonable amount of time (2-weeks). The seeds were packed nicely in a bubble envelope and everything was as ordered.
On Feb 22, 2009, ashndavid2001 Golden Valley, AZ wrote:
I have been very satisfied with Park Seed Company. I do love their different varieties that they have for different flowers. the seeds i have recieved do very well.
I ordered 2 Dwarf Black Fig Trees and a Meyer Lemon in the fall that were delivered only three days later. The Meyer Lemon tree arrived with grocery store sized lemons, already on the tree.I highly recommend Park Seed Company for dwarf 1ft Fig Trees and lemon trees. Thanks.
On Nov 21, 2008, Spookycharles Langley, WA (Zone 8b) wrote:
I've occasionally ordered seeds from this company in the past. All germinated very well, aside from one ordered last year that did germinate very well but was most certainly not what the label suggested.
It was supposed to be a bush spaghetti squash so I planted a lot of them but they all ended up being a large vined pumpkin which makes this a tentative positive rating because it does make me a little apprehensive... But everything else I've planted from them has been true to type and I've never had any other problems with this company.
Additionally, I just received a plant order yesterday for three hellebore plants. I wasn't quite sure what to expect since I've never ordered plants from this company, but they were very well packaged, were shipped promptly and arrived in wonderful condition.
While they wouldn't be my first choice for full-priced products, they do have some good offerings and I have gotten some great seeds and plants from them.
On Aug 17, 2008, Moonglow Sunset Zone 17, CA wrote:
They have a great selection on herbs, and I got hooked. Shipping I thought was steep; however, it satisfied the ID because the seeds arrived with a quickness.
Some of the seeds are Back-Ordered, and they were clearly stated on the packing slip.
It was a breeze to order from them online, and when I checked on my order via telephone, customer service was great as well.
I will be ordering from them again.
On September 24th, 2008, Moonglow added the following:
Thank you very much for taking the time to write. Please extend my THANKS to your team.
Order Reference No: 5419051 - 1On Aug 17, 2008, Park Seed Company (aka Park's Gardens) responded with:
"
On Aug 19, 2008 12:40 PM, Park Seed Company (aka Park's Gardens) added:
I am happy to hear that you are pleased with your products and service.
We would love to forward your compliments; if you would send us your order information, we can let the appropriate department know that their efforts were recognized and appreciated. Please email me your zip code, last name, and order number.
Thanks again,
Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Department
e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com"
Giving Park's a positive overall, because the seeds are always excellent. Nice selection, good germination rate. That said, the plants are not good. I used to have excellent luck ordering live plants from them, and if it's a barerroot plant, I'll still do it, but I'm done ordering live plants from them. For several years, they've looked like they've been thru the wringer, and most of them die. I ordered 3 dwarf phlox from them this year, and one died almost immediately after arrival, and the other two sprouted new shoots about 1/2 an inch tall, then died. One other plant I ordered was DOA, having been wrapped in a plain sheet of paper to keep it from drying out, which obviously didn't work. Long story short, excellent for seeds; dicey at best for plants.
On Jul 28, 2008, Park Seed Company (aka Park's Gardens) responded with:
"
On Jul 28, 2008 3:46 PM, Park Seed Company (aka Park's Gardens) added:
I am happy to hear that you enjoyed your seeds so much.
We would love to forward your compliments; if you would send us your order information, we can let the appropriate department know that their efforts were recognized and appreciated. Please email me your zip code, last name, and order number.
Thanks again,
Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Department
e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com"
I've ordered seeds from Park's in the past and have always had good luck with them. I can't comment on the live plants, since I have never ordered any from Park's. Judging from most of the recent comments, it seems the problem lies with their handling of live plants versus just ordering seeds. I would probably order seeds of things I can't find anywhere else, and buy live plants locally.
On Jul 21, 2008, Park Seed Company (aka Park's Gardens) responded with:
"
On Jul 24, 2008 10:46 AM, Park Seed Company (aka Park's Gardens) added:
I am happy to hear that you enjoyed our products so much.
We would love to forward your compliments; if you would send us your order information, we can let the appropriate department know that their efforts were recognized and appreciated. Please email me your zip code, last name, and order number.
Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Department
e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com"
On Jul 19, 2008, organic_kitten West Blocton, AL wrote:
I ordered 3 fringe trees. These trees were not easily available to me locally.
The three trees arrived in beautiful shape. They had been packed so carefully that I cut the packing box off of each one to access plants whose roots were still moist.
The foliage was in excellent shape, and the trees were larger than advertised. Instead of getting trees that were 18 inches tall, I got trees that all were at least a good foot taller.
The trees would not have been in any better shape had they been packed and delivered the same day.
Kay
On Jul 19, 2008, Park Seed Company (aka Park's Gardens) responded with:
"
On Jul 24, 2008 10:48 AM, Park Seed Company (aka Park's Gardens) added:
We appreciate you taking the time to let us know how pleased your are with your product. Thank you! Your opinion is valued and we, of course, welcome feedback. It's customers like you who act as a reminder of why we do what we do and the importance of supplying only top quality products and offering the best service possible. Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Representative
[e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com]"
I odered bean, corn and watermelon seed. Delivery was quick. 1 item was on back order but it arrived 5 days later. I have had good germination with what I ordered so far. Will plant the other item later. If I have a problem I will let you know.
On Jul 12, 2008, Park Seed Company (aka Park's Gardens) responded with:
"
On Jul 15, 2008 9:09 AM, Park Seed Company (aka Park's Gardens) added:
Dear Irishkm,
I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed our product so much. We do constant test on all our seeds to keep our germination rates high. Your opinion is valued and we, of course, welcome feedback. It's customers like you who act as a reminder of why we do what we do and the importance of supplying only top quality products and offering the best service possible. Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts
Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Department
e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com"
I ordered my Tribute day-neutral strawberry plants in mid-May and received them about a week and a half later. They sent them 2-3 day Priority Mail, and the plants arrived 2 days after they were shipped. The strawberries are leafing out quite nicely and I have already had to remove a flower bud.
After reading the complaints here I made sure to call their customer service and make sure what I had orderred was in stock - for the prices they charge on their sale items it makes making that ONE phone call worth the effort.
Their shipping was comparatively fast (I've orderred from 5 or 6 places this year), but don't bother with the 2 day FedEx shipping (unless you're getting it for free). Just because FedEx sends it in two days doesn't mean you will get it two days after orderring. You should still expect to wait a week and a half at least. Still not as slow as about half of the places I orderred from.
The CS lady I talked to was pleasant. She even asked me if I knew that the items I orderred were on sale (of COURSE I did...that's why I orderred! :-D ).
All in all a good experience. Packaged well and things look healthy. The asparagus I orderred was still cold when I took it out of the box - I have NO idea how they managed that one.
Ordered 4 varieties of seeds (plants couldn't be shipped to Canada, sadly). All four varieties are thriving, particularly the Rudbeckia Green Wizard, (which looked so cool in the picture I HAD to have it). Quite unique varieties at a reasonable price, and the wait wasn't even that long for international shipping. And just looking at my original invoice, I noticed somthing I hadn't before; they list the country of origin for the seed varieties. Rather cool if you want to look like a smarty know-it-all to your neighbors.
Even though I wouldn't be able to order their plants due to cross border restrictions, I still enjoy the weekly emails; they have quite a number of interesting ideas that I can incorporate into my yard.
On May 23, 2008, gardenlemur Pittsburgh, PA wrote:
I ordered both seeds and plants from Park Seed Company. The seeds germinated beautifully and the plants arrived a few days ago. The plants look to be in great shape, and the Million Bells assortment has nice blooms starting. I am very happy with my purchases.
I have contacted them with questions on a few occasions. Contacting them via telephone seems to be more productive and more personal than emailing. When I emailed, I got annoying auto-responses saying they would get back to me within 48 hours and when the answers came, I was irritated that it seemed like they hadn't read my question correctly. In addition, the responses seemed very generic (you can also see that here in responses to complaints). I am pleased with Park's telephone customer service but not their email service.
Had I read all these reviews before I ordered (I am a new member here), I would have avoided Park Seed like the plague. Maybe I got lucky with my small orders or maybe they are not so bad after all because, so far, I am content. In any case, Park Seed should consider cleaning up their image and business processes.
On May 23, 2008, smlechten Strongsville, OH (Zone 5b) wrote:
I ordered several seed packets for a new vegetable garden this year, as well as some live strawberry, blueberry and rose of sharon plants. Overall I was quite pleased. I ordered based on ParkSeed's participation in Upromise College Savings program, and for a special offer making their otherwise high-ish pricing very competitive. Most of my seeds and seed starting equipment shipped promptly. My live plant matter arrived quite quickly. One seed packet is still MIA - out of stock. I have to say though, my cc was not charged for anything until it actually shipped. Communication was good - notices for each shipment were received, however no communication about my Eureka Cucumber seeds that are still MIA. All my live plants arrived in great condition, and are thriving.
I've bought seeds and plants from Park Seeds for years, and never had any of the problems mentioned by others. (I must be living right...)
Bought a boatload of seeds from them again this year - coreopsis, heuchera, balloon flowers, salvia - and everything's germinated and ready to go into the garden (if it ever stops raining and warms up).
Bought some daylilies and a peony. Daylilies are in and look good - no sign of the peony yet...
On May 11, 2008, Park Seed Company (aka Park's Gardens) responded with:
"
On May 17, 2008 8:50 AM, Park Seed Company (aka Park's Gardens) added:
I am happy to hear that you enjoyed our products so much.
We would love to forward your compliments; if you would send us your order information, we can let the appropriate department know that their efforts were recognized and appreciated. Please email me your zip code, last name, and order number.
Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Department
e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com"
On May 7, 2008, Gardenia731 (Arlene) Lakeland, FL (Zone 9a) wrote:
Before discovering this great website I placed an order with Park Seed and to be quite honest I totally regret placing the order after reading so many bad experiences.
So far I am not sure if I should say I've been lucky or there is improvement on their services after so many complaints. I am going to keep my experience as Neutral until all items are received but quite honestly I am happy with the seeds and speedy shipment.
The seeds came in right away and have not started on too many of them yet.
Seeds: Ordered 04/28 Received 05/02
Achillea Cerise Queen.......too early to tell
Blanket Flower Arizona......too early to tell
Balloon Flower Astra B
Blue Stokes Aster ............. Began sprouting 05/05
Cucumber Pearl
Chives
Clematis Radar Love..........too early to tell
Mother of Thyme
Corn Sweet Riser
Okra Burgundy
Plants: Ordered 4/28- Shipped 05/06- Not received yet.
1. LONICERA SEROTINA FLORIDA
2. CLEMATIS WILL GOODWIN
3. CLEMATIS AMANDA MARIE
4. CLEMATIS RAMONA
Shipping is kind of steep but you can't have it all. Their prices are very reasonable and they run a lot of great sales. Well, I truly hope I can return and edit my experience as a positve one very soon.
On May 8th, 2008, Gardenia731 changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following:
05/08/08 Plants arrived and only missing one but I already knew they were out of stock. Plants came in great shape. No complaints from me so far. I am happy with my purchase and shipment. Nothing broken or dead.
On May 10th, 2008, Gardenia731 added the following:
The plant that was out of stock arrived yesterday. That was not much of a wait. Thank you!On May 14th, 2008, Gardenia731 added the following:
Seeds: Ordered 04/28 Received 05/02
Achillea Cerise Queen.......too early to tell
Blanket Flower Arizona......sprouting 05/08
Balloon Flower Astra B
Blue Stokes Aster ............. Began sprouting 05/05
Cucumber Pearl
Chives
Clematis Radar Love..........Nothing at all.
Mother of Thyme
Corn Sweet Riser
Okra Burgundy
Plants: Ordered 4/28- Shipped 05/06- 05/08
1. LONICERA SEROTINA FLORIDA
2. CLEMATIS WILL GOODWIN
3. CLEMATIS AMANDA MARIE
4. CLEMATIS RAMONA
The above all growing so beautiful. Already had to add a very long bamboo stick in order to keep from tangling with others.
Wisteria Sinesis Blue: Planted after 3 days and it is growing so nicely. I am very excited about all these plants. They are very healthy looking. Yaaay!
On May 7, 2008, Park Seed Company (aka Park's Gardens) responded with:
"
On May 17, 2008 8:56 AM, Park Seed Company (aka Park's Gardens) added:
I am happy to hear that you enjoyed our products so much.
We would love to forward your compliments; if you would send us your order information, we can let the appropriate department know that their efforts were recognized and appreciated. Please email me your zip code, last name, and order number.
Jay Johnson
Customer Contact Department
e-mail:JJohnson@parkseed.com"
Hello, this is my first time ordering from Parks. I ordered qty.3 of the Rainbow Candy daylily which I received at the proper time for planting up here in God's country Minnesota. I have planted and can't wait to see the results. My order was packed and shipped perfectly and I have every confidence that they will turnout like their picture. If so I know I will order again.
I purchased quite a few plants from Park last year after we bought our first house. The results were excellent, with the exception of a couple of daffodils and iris that didn't survive the winter. They promptly replaced those plants. I would buy from them again.
For the price I pay for plants from this company, I am free to experiment and give things a try. As a new but enthusiastic gardener, I really appreciate that. I understand that I'm not buying premium stuff, but they do a nice job packaging the small plants they give you. As long as they stand behind the plants that don't flourish I'm very comfortable giving them my business.
I was surprised at the size and quality of the pomegranate tree they sent. It looked like it had died back a little but I just cut off the small dead stems and the new young leaves looked great. They also shipped it in a reasonable time and it was secured in the box well so no shipping damage.
I ordered 20 seed packets from Parks in early March. 16 were shipped that week; I was only charged for what was shipped. The backordered items were shipped the following week and I was not charged until they shipped.
The seeds themselves all have germinated quite well and I am impressed with the vigor of the seedlings thus far. I have no complaints about the products I received. Great seeds and a great price - Thanks, Parks.
The seeds i never had problems with but i wanted to wait to rate them on the basket of berries i ordered for spring shipping. Well everything arrived packeged well and alive... pheww, the blackberries and raspberries had buds breaking, every single strawberry now has big leaves, the blueberry came rootbound but was very big, the only problem i had was they came a month later than advertise to my zone, but received an email a couple days before arrival
Ordered 2 packets of flower seed from their website early a.m. on 3/17/08 and received them on 3/22/08. They sent an email to tell me when the seed was mailed.
On Mar 22, 2008, briantroberts Greenwood, SC wrote:
YOU MUST DIRECT YOUR PROBLEMS TO BILL, HE IS THE MAN, HE GOT ME A $250 REFUND IMMEDIATELY UPON COMPLAINING OF MY PLANTS THAT DIDN'T GROW RIGHT, THE JAY JOHNSON GUY IS A LITTLE PUPPET, THE BILL CAT CAN MAKE THINGS HAPPEN
I have been getting emails and catalogs from Parks and Wayside for about a year now. I was a little hesitant to order from them because of their lower rating on GWD, but decided to give them a try because they had the two types of clematis I was looking for, and at a great price. When placing my order (the first week of March), I also found an English rose that I thought I should try as well. The clematis both arrived about a week later, and the rose came about two weeks later than that (this week).
I received a shipping notification email only for the rose, which listed both packages' tracking numbers, but they were linked incorrectly to USPS. When I emailed Parks' to inquire about finding a correct tracking link, they sent the auto reply immediately, and then personally emailed me back with an apology and new link to FedEx within a couple of hours. I was impressed with the quick response!
Anyway, both clematis look great and have already put on several inches within just a couple of weeks. I'd never ordered a bareroot rose through the mail before, so I was kind of surprised that the roots weren't wrapped, but I followed the directions of unpacking it and soaked it overnight, and now it's already showing signs that it's beginning to break dormancy. I'm getting it in the ground this weekend, and can't wait to see it bloom!
I was impressed with the quality of the plants I received, the quick shipping and great packing, the timely and friendly response to my inquiries, and the great prices (the lowest I've found for what I bought). I'd recommend giving them a try.
I couldn't believe the negative reviews about Park Seed! I have used them for several years and have had very positive experiences with their seeds. I will never raise seeds again with out their wonderful BioDome! I have been getting the seed to germinate in about 5 days and have had a 96% germination rate or higher. No experience with their plants though..
I only ordered three packages of seeds from Park. I received the first seed package within one week and was told that the other two items were back ordered. I received the remainder within 9 days of my original order. I did find their prices to be a little higher than others, however, I am happy with my overall experience with them.
We appreciate being beginners ,that Park Seeds gave a little info book how to germinate and plant our seeds, and the useful info on the packets. We also liked the catalogue, today is a tuff business environment online and people demand so much. We are very satisfied with our order we recieved within one week, and will recommend Park Seed Co. to all who ask us, Thank you for the great service. We live in another state that Park Seed Co is located and are retired . Keep up the good work and handling Organic products.
On Feb 12, 2008, faerygardener Angels Camp, CA (Zone 7a) wrote:
I order from Park seed every year and have been pleased with their service. One year I emailed as a coleus packet didn't germinate and they sent a replacement right away. This past weekend I had a question on a partial order and was surprised when my email was answered immediately over the weekend (had expected to wait until Monday at least). My experiences with the company have always been positive.
