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On Mar 30, 2012, vommarlowe Overland Park, KS wrote:
I decided to order some perennials here because they're a Top Watchdog company. I am SO GLAD that I did.
I bought a foreclosed home and needed many plants to fill the sad, deserted landscape. Annie's website is very easy to use and they have useful, helpful comments about the plants--including ideal locations for plants in both coastal locales and further inland, which I found super-helpful (some plants need a bit of shade in hotter climes, for instance) and they're honest about what will not thrive. Invaluable.
So I made an order and went to the shopping cart and about died when I saw the shipping charges. But after comparing to other companies, it worked out only a little more, so I went ahead and ordered.
My first order of sixteen plants arrived this week. I can now see why the shipping is so high. Unlike several other online companies I have purchased from, Annie's sends their 4" pots in truly solid packaging, including putting the root balls of *each* plant in a wet newsprint, then a small sandwich bag, then back into the 4" pot, so that they would travel without drying. There were a few that they did not wrap that way (the ones that wouldn't handle it) and those were carefully wrapped with a cunning cut sandwich bag that covered the dirt but not the plant and rubber banded in place. All of this is then put in cardboard frames, carefully sheltered with peanuts, and then mailed. My goodness, I'm surprised their shipping charges are so *low*, honestly.
The result was that my plants arrived in great shape and have already recovered (on my sheltered semi-sun porch) and are ready to planted. In previous orders from other companies, I have had to baby shipped plants with seaweed extract, trimming, and other pampering.
I have not found any other company that has such a selection of perennials and annuals. If you want wildlfowers or beneficial attractors, I would especially recommend them. I have found many hard-to-find selections. I was so pleased with my first order, I immediately placed a second one!
On Mar 24, 2012, sugarbean Raleigh, NC (Zone 7a) wrote:
I was amazed at the size and condition of the plants when they arrived. They were beautiful! When I've received 4" pots from a lot of mail-order places the plants are a little on the puny side with yellowing leaves that needed trimming. These were 6 inches tall, full, with healthy leaves. There were no yellow or dead leaves I had to remove. They arrived quickly and undamaged.
A place I will continue to purchase from.
On Mar 8, 2012, jenturk71 Dallas, TX (Zone 8a) wrote:
Gorgeous plants, great service. Years ago some of my plants were in a bad state when I received them. Annie's immediately replaced them. My one complaint is that shipping is a little crazy high. I can't buy from them as often as I'd like due to the price, but lovely stuff and great company.
I've ordered twice from this nursery over the past couple of months. The staff is very helpful with advice and prompt with responses. The plants have arrived in great shape.
The only problem is me taking their advice. They warn me that something isn't going to grow here in humid Florida. So far, they've been correct unfortunately. So many interesting things on their site that will not thrive here in Florida. I'll keep trying though.
On Sep 22, 2011, analyticalblond San Diego, CA (Zone 9a) wrote:
Posted on September 9, 2011, updated September 22, 2011
O.k. - I have read the postings and have seen that Annie's is rated with Davesgarden.com as a Watchdog 30 being the highest rated among the community.
I have placed my order and it ships this Monday and I am very excited.
Some say the shipping is kindof high but I feel if the plants are properly packaged, which takes a real person doing this, and they arrive healthy, then there shouldn't be an issue.
The more that is ordered, the less you pay in shipping. Also, Annie's does mention they only ship Monday through Wednesdays.
I'm hoping to have my order by Tuesday because they do mention that in CA, shipments usually are sent overnight.
One last thing, Annies only ships 4" potted plants. Their philosophy is that if you get a plant that is already flowering then the plant will have a stunted growth - not to mean it will always be that way but if it has spent so much time in a pot that it matures in that space, it will take a lot longer to flourish in an open situation. Additionally, with smaller plants, the growth it will experience outside of a pot will allow stronger root systems and give a healthier, more vibrant plant. That makes sense to me.
I have purchased many, many plants on-line - some companies have left me feeling ripped-off; others have been a thrill. I'm hoping Annie's will knock my socks off!
Living in Southern California presents me with so many challenges gardening wise - this is the first nursery I have come across on-line that actually offers a huge selection for my zone - 10 that's not just tropical/succulants. Ughh...you see those everywhere - I wanted more and knew there had to be more.
I am so excited - after I recieve my order, I'll be back posting my whole experience.
Sweet:)
On September 22nd, 2011, analyticalblond added the following:
Hi All!
So I received my order!
Everything was beautifully package and arrived unscathed. Part of my order was not fullied in that the 6 Anchusa azurea "Alkanet" was now on back-order but that's o.k. because with Annie's website, you can make a wishlist for items that you like and when they become available, you are given priority notification via email - Sweet!
Now, over the span of 36 hours, I had two casualties. I emailed/called Annie's and received wonderful customer service. I talked with both Judy and Debbie, on two seperate calls, and both were so nice and helpful, I can't tell you how much I appreciate being treated so well.
Anyway, I was sent replacements which I received yesterday.
My experience with Annie's has been exceptional and I can vouch for their products as well as their commitment to customer satisfaction. Their products are not mainstream which means you are going to get a true selection of unique and beautiful plants (a very difficult combination for my Zone - 10).
On Sep 7, 2011, plantgnome1 nowhere land, NY (Zone 6b) wrote:
i chose to try & purchase 1 delphinium elatum and when i got to the page where the shipping charge appears I nearly fell off my chair. the plant was $9.00 the shipping was to be $28.00 which is over 3 times the cost of the plant-are they kidding me. talk about over the top.I don't care if they package the plant in gold plated boxes-that is ridiculous. I immediately deleted all my information and went back to my old standby Bluestone Perennials. I only gave a rating based on the shipping charges as I will never purchase from them because of the exorbitant shipping charge for 1 plant.
This is the first time I have ordered annuals via mail order. I ordered from Annie's based on the reviews here. I was disappointed and the neutral rating is because there were both positives and negatives. It was a mixed bag. Most of the annuals I got from Annie's are not doing well. I am an experienced gardener and all were planted and cared for appropriately-- except the two that were DOA. Their sweet peas are leggier and bloom more sparsely than the same ones ordered elsewhere that are planted among them. The Nicotiana and Sunflower Autumn Beauty are the only plants I ordered from them that are doing as expected. For the money, it is not worth it. They also do not have many of the varieties they carry in stock at the same time so it is difficult to place just one order and get even most of what you want, which results in much costlier shipping for separate orders.
On Jul 25, 2011, Annie's Annuals and Perennials responded with:
"On Aug 1, 2011 9:14 PM, Annie's Annuals and Perennials responded with:
We pride ourselves on our customer service and we answer all emails and phone calls personally. We are certain that this experienced gardener planted and cared for the plants well, however we are very dismayed to hear that two of the plants were dead on arrival. Just a quick phone call or email and we would have sent replacements immediately. If there are other issues, we would like to hear about them as well - we can help! Due to the complexity of growing so many different plants from seed - and each individual plant's requirements and demands - it's not possible for every plant in our catalog to be available at the same time. We have the most varieties available simultaneously at the beginning of spring, which we know is not always a good time for those customers under snow on the east coast. Please do drop us a line at your convenience so we may take care of the issues you had."
Although I couldn't justify the $$ to order annuals from CA. I did order one of the "Flower Floozie" t-shirts. It arrived promptly, is good quality, priced reasonably. The only problem is that many of the shirt sizes are out of stock, I would love to get some of these shirts as gifts for friends. Annie's, please re-stock ASAP!!
On Jul 14, 2011, Highmtn Cliff Dweller, WA (Zone 8b) wrote:
I have purchased from Annie's Annuals and Perennials before. The plants could have been a little bigger (and maybe a little cheaper) but they were VERY WELL PACKAGED for shipping, and in very good shape when they arrived. The plants always seem to take right off and thrive. My experiences with this company have been A+!
: )
This was the first year I ordered from Annies Annuals and WOW am I glad I did! I place orders for plants every year, especially for the variety and Annies not only has the variety it has the quality. All of the plants I received from Annies were good sized and in large pots, not plug plants. All the plants I ordered survived and I placed a large order of 20+ plants - all different. I didn't hesitate when it came to the shipping charges since I do mail order quite frequently and didn't feel the charges were out of the norm. And, Annies kept me posted with emails as to when expect my shipment which arrived on time - all plants in perfect condition. I only wish I could post pictures of my beautiful plants ordered from the west coast, and grown on the east coast for everyone to see! I plan to continue to order from Annies in the future and I check out their web page weekly. Thanks Annie!!!
I ordered 10 plants from Annie's, all plants arrived in excellent condition and well packaged (although I don't believe the peanuts were necessary). The plants were healthy and of a good size and compared to other online plant sites I have used, they were superior in all categories.
Yes, I was hesitant about the shipping charges, they are what appears to be high, which is why I decided to order 10 plants instead of just 2. But, based on the packaging, shipping from the west coast to the east coast, the size of the package, the size and health of the plants, and excellent service, it was worth it and inline with what I believe to be average shipping charges I would expect to pay for anything with the same criteria. Also, from personal experience, generally if a company offers 'free shipping' the cost of shipping is factored in somewhere else, because they can't actually give 'free shipping' and still profit from the sale. I don't believe anything is really shipped for 'free', it is just a good marketing tool.
I placed this order several months ago, got the plants in the ground right away, and every one of them survived, grew quickly (some are already 2 feet tall) and all have flowered, and under poor environmental conditions. I am in SW Georgia and it has been unseasonable hot, ie 99 and above, and zip, zero rain for 8+ weeks now. The farmers are planning for a loss this year, sad to say. The plants had to be healthy to make it. They are lovely.
I do plan to purchase plants from Annie's again, and will purchase a quantity that will justify the cost of shipping, although based on my positive experience I would make a of a smaller quantity, in spite of the charges for shipping. In other words, you get what you pay for and in this case I believe I came out ahead.
Final notes:
I am an organic grower and rarely order anything that does not meet the requirements necessary to be labeled 'organic', so this was an unusual purchase for me, but I would do it again.
Annie's offers an incredible variety of unusual plants, so I do get questions such as, "Oh, where did you get that plant, what it is? Wow!"
the plants arrived but after over month one of them did not make it. I emailed re: their replacement policy. They felt it was d/t to my error, and refused to replace the plant, considering that I spent over a hundred dollars with them. I felt that the cost of one plant would've been a gesture of good business. My local nurseries have no problem with replacing items with in the year that have died. (doesn't happen too often) Considering that I spend thousands of dollars a year on gardening. They know that I'm coming back.
On Jun 3, 2011, texasbelle Mid Gulf Coast, TX (Zone 9b) wrote:
My first order from Annie's arrived yesterday and it certainly won't be my last....the plants were large and healthy. However, the beautiful catalog that was included may be my bank account's undoing....my wish list grew exponentially while I looked through it!!!! Thanks, Annie, for the beautiful plants!
This was my first experience with Annie's and I'll be back for more and more of their wonderful plants. Large plants arrived healthy and ready to bloom. My only complaint: I want them all...
On May 29, 2011, Speckled_Hen San Antonio, TX (Zone 8b) wrote:
A delight to order from! This nursery has inspired me in so many ways. I just love their attitude and style and I am now a customer for life. My plants arrived in wonderful shape and were very healthy. I even got a bonus plant! Their customer service is supurb. Their catalog and plant offerings are unique and delightful - you won't believe how colorful and fun their print catalogs are! Annie's is addictive - I want more, more! They have a great Facebook page by the way where Annie posts lots of photos and answers questions. The shipping is a bit expensive but you'll see why when you get those beautifully packed plants. The only thing that's hard about ordering from Annie's is making up your mind about which plants to choose - they're all so exciting, you'll want them all. Don't hesitate to order from Annie's - you'll be glad you did.
On May 13, 2011, bookreader451 Troy, NY (Zone 5b) wrote:
I have coveted some of the more unusual plants fron Annies and I placed my first order this year. I cannot believe the care these plants were packed with. They are all large and healthy and lovely. I will definately order again.
Just received my first order from Annie's. Plants are large, healthy and packed perfectly! VERY pleased! I've ordered from different nurseries and this one will definitely be added to the 'Thumbs-Up' list.
I have been following Annie's Annual since 1999. I had my first nursery retail job at a Northern California Nursery/Home Improvement store.I had gone to a trade show in San Mateo. I remembered the small display space,but the vibrant examples of so many exotic plants. This really caught my eye. Since the year before I had just completed a internship in France at National Botanical Garden. I was gaga for any thing different or unique. Annie's has it and then some! I had another interaction with Annie's company a few years later at Empire Nursery. A nursery I was working for at the time. Again I was excited to see the plants that were delivered. Since then I have moved to Southern Oregon and dreamed of having my own little Nursery. I have ordered many plants from the catalog. 2 years ago I insisted on going to Richmond for Mothers Day.
I was not disappointed. I was in heaven! Any thing I buy from Annie's is a real attention getter from my garden friends and any one that loves something different.I highly recomend a visit if you are in the vacinity of Richmond. Most importantly try to order from catalog. You will not be disappointed!
On Apr 19, 2011, crazy_for_abies Fresno, CA wrote:
Been lurking on their website for a few years now, but had never ordered or been to the nursery. My wife and I went this month and the experience was as incredible as others have said. Overwhelming selection of rare plants, great prices, and was pleasantly surprised to find they had many plants listed as unavailable on their website. Service was perfect: help if you need it but freedom to wander alone for those who prefer it. I will be back as often as possible.
I have been wanting to order from Annie's for a couple of years now, since I've read and heard how wonderful they are. I really like the unusual varieties of plants they offer.
I finally put in an order this year, and I'm glad that I did. All of the plants are healthy, good sized, and packed well. I had to call them to fix my payment on one of my orders, and I am impressed with how friendly they treated me on the phone. Great customer service! Beautiful plants!
On Jan 22, 2011, mrs_colla Marin, CA (Zone 9b) wrote:
Posted on February 24, 2010, updated January 22, 2011
Posted on February 7, 2010, updated February 24, 2010
Posted on March 9, 2007, updated February 7, 2010
I ordered plants and they arrived here the same week!
I looked on the website, and found plants I never heard about! I looked them up in my many plant books, and a lot of them are not in books! Unique plants you won't find in your regular nursery, plants that nobody around you has! That alone is very exciting!
The plants are very well packed and have good roots! I was a bit scared to order small pots, I've been burned by small pots before ( even smaller plants in them with practically non existing roots) but these are wonderful! I also like the fact that they are grown outside. I live not too far from the nursery, and I can relax knowing they will not get in a shock when planted, and I don't need to pamper them in order for them to survive!
I am planting them today, ask me for pictures in a month or two!
Thank you Annie, it is what I hoped for, I will order again!
Christie
On February 18th, 2009, mrs_colla added the following:
New plants from Annies's; lovely!
Thank you!
ChristieOn September 13th, 2009, mrs_colla added the following:
Again a happy customer here, great plants, well packed and big roots!On February 8th, 2010, mrs_colla added the following:
I have ordered over and over again, and I have visited many times.
This nursery is a treat to go to, a destination!
It is clean, well laid out, organized and sells an enormous collection of plants!
I am very very happy!On February 24th, 2010, mrs_colla added the following:
Annie's plants are always great, nicely rooted and delivered promptly.
I couldn't ask for anything more!
Thank you Annie!On January 22nd, 2011, mrs_colla added the following:
I have not written about my last 5 orders. They were all fantastic. Clean, fantastic roots, fast shipping.
I feel I am repeating myself, but, it shows that this nursery keeps up the good work, the awesome selection and the healthy plants.
A great source of unusual vegetables seeds, always come meticulously packaged and ready to grow. Try the arugula, it's the same type you get in Italy--spicy and nothing like what you get in the supermarket.
On Oct 15, 2010, wildflowerhoney Naples, FL wrote:
Placed my first order with Annie's Annuals and am delighted with the transaction from start to finish. Fun online catalog with lovely photos and comprehensive plant descriptions make easy choosing the right plant for the right locale. Availability list, wish list, and shopping cart work like a dream; no glitches. Love the remarkable selection of unusual and hard-to-find plants. Especially grateful for the super speedy shipping--mailed Tuesday and arrived Thursday from California to Florida. Wow! Nearly instant gratification. Professional packaging--plants arrived without a leaf out of place, bustling with life, with strong, tight rootballs, healthy leaves, and flower buds. Purchased during the 25% off sale--but these are first-rate plants, healthier than what can be found at local nurseries. Well worth the price. Will buy from again and again because these plants can't be beat for health and size and the service is dazzling.
I am so impressed with the quality and size of the plants shipped. Their website gives a great amount of detail for the nuances of each plant - very helpful. I always have zone envy, so this site was perfect for me to try new things! LOVE ANNIES!!
On Sep 2, 2010, ecrane3 Dublin, CA (Zone 9a) wrote:
I've been a long-time customer of the retail nursery, but lately I've been too lazy to drive up there (or the plants I wanted were mail order only) so I've placed a few mail orders with them. Plants always arrive very quickly and packed extremely well, quality is excellent. Highly recommended!
I'm leaning toward a neutral because paying $30 for a 4" pot of an easily grown plant is just too much, even if it includes shipping. But on the other hand, it is a great place to visit. I have to wonder also about people who are willing to pay so much for things like wildflowers in 4" pots that are easily grown from seed. No one put a gun to my head to buy the plant with shipping that was more than the cost of the plant, so I guess I have only myself to blame.
On Jul 7, 2010, mikerotell Franklin Park, NJ wrote:
Incredible selection and I'm sure top quality plants however shipping to the East coast makes it cost prohibitive for that "must have" plant or two. I would love to give Annie's a shot at winning me over but just can't justify the exorbitant shipping charges. It is the rare occasion that I can't find the same plant somewhere else with more reasonable shipping & handling charges. That being said, I would suggest that those on the East coast, more specfically gardeners in New England & the Mid Atlantic order from Select Seeds in Connecticut. Their selection and quality are top notch, packaging is stellar and shipping is a fraction of what Annie's charges to our area.
On Jul 6, 2010, lissabird New Hyde Park, NY (Zone 7a) wrote:
My father and I *love* this seller. After walking around a number of local garden centers seeing the same plants over and over again, year after year, I figured there had to be a better way! So, this year we tried a selection of mail order plant sources and by far, so far, Annie's is our favorite. Such perfect packing! Such immaculate condition upon arrival! Such healthy roots! Such amazing selection!
Not to mention the website is well designed in its ability to be sort flowers/plants by color. IMO, this makes landscape/garden planning even easier. Since for me color is what it's all about!
The only downside is the hefty shipping price. Especially since we're all the way on the other coast. But, the beauty delivered is definitely worth it if you do not want to have to grow rare beauties from seed. And the careful packing, out of the 6 companies we ordered from this summer, was by far the best and least damaging. It was clear these plants had been well loved and cared for. &Now they will be well loved and cared for just on another coast! Such jet setters they are!
First let me say that the website and plant selection are awesome ! However I feel close to $30 for shipping is just a bit too high. I know in some cases Fedex is a good choice but with most seed or bulbs USPS Priority Mail would suffice. I was going to order some things frm the website but I can't justify close to $30 for shipping 1 bulb and some seeds. Maybe give us a choice on the shipping especially in the economy we are in right now. Just a suggestion.
I’ve purchased from Annie’s both by mail and at the nursery over several years. Plants are shipped promptly in packaging that’s ultra-ingenious and effective – never a hair out of place. Without exception, plants I’ve received are properly labeled, well-rooted and robust. I enjoy the website (esp. slide shows) and appreciate the knowledge and helpfulness of both on-site and on-line staff. But most of all, I’m grateful for the wealth and variety of plants Annie’s brings into cultivation and into our gardens. I wander around my backyard sometimes just saying ‘Thank You, Annie’.
Great plants, lovely Nursery, lots of hard work...falls down with not very friendly staff...especially if your a professional...this spring I took my clients shopping (fifth year in a row) I had to fill out yet another form! that's three in as many years...each with a slightly tighter ruling. After gardening in the Bay Area for 24 years this is not the norm. Not sure if I will be taking clients there again?
When ones spending $300.00 plus in a single spree one would like to be treated like a fellow business person rather than a person on the verge of a criminal act on the scavenge for a meagre discount...
And yes they do quite often take labels out of your plants...this has happened to me several times...as I have to sort them out between clients later it is quite irritating
On the bright side, the 'old Longs Drugs" on Pleasant Valley, Oakland sells them for less & guess what...they are friendly to all..even! if you are a fellow gardner
Mail order has been exceptional,plants arrive in great condition. If you are able, by all means visit the nursery,they have a great selection of unusal varieties seldom seen. It is a very special nursery.
I love everything about Annie's: their catalogue, their plants - everything! I've picked up wonderful gardening tips too as I live in SoCal. I've ordered numerous times and ALWAYS the plants arrive in good shape, healthy and QUICKLY. I don't think I've ever had a plant from Annie's croak on me!
If I have a complaint it is the cost of shipping, but that has nothing to do w/Annie's, it's the cost of living in California!
:-0
I feel lucky that I'm living in Bay area, because Annie's locate just 15 miles away from me. Normally, I'll do the research on their website first and then drive over there to get plants. Annie's is huge, there are hundreds of plants in the farm. The plants are healthy, I got over 30 plants from there last year, and they are all growing fairly well. You can find some really rare plants in Annie's, I got one unique African bulb plant there. After I had replanted it for just one month, it bloomed gorgeously. Because it is rare, you can hardly find the information about this bulb on internet, not even in Dave's Garden website date base. In addition, the workers are nice and friendly.
