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On May 17, 2013, MDepicci Silver Spring, MD (Zone 7a) wrote:
Posted on May 16, 2013, updated May 17, 2013
I ordered hundreds of dollars worth of stuff from Annie's. Much of it came in good condition. However, about 20-25 percent of plants arrived nearly dead. Most of them did end up dying, although I could revive a few. No other place I've ordered from has such a high failure rate, even giant discount places. Their packaging is awful. Some plants actually arrived on their side, or upside down and smothered in their container. In others, the soil fell out and roots were exposed. Or the soil was totally dry.
I emailed them a few days ago to tell them that there was a problem with the packaging. Also, I had not received some plants that were supposed to be in the order and I asked about them. I received a somewhat curt reply. She said she'd send me the date for shipment of replacement plants the next day. She also asked for more details of the shipping problems. She did not say anything about the plants that never arrived.
I wrote back detailing the problems with shipping. I didn't hear back. Yesterday I received more plants. Again, 20 percent of them were in really bad shape. I took photos of them just out of the box so she'd know what I was talking about. Most of the stems were broken off several of the plants, and others were wilted. I also said that she had not yet answered me about the plants that never arrived. I said I wanted an ETA for garden planning purposes.
This was the reply in its entirety: "I assure you we do ship good, healthy plants. Any plant that has backordered can be shipped as it grows big enough to ship. We can contact
you as that happens. The plants that fail can be replaced. Not to worry."
So, apparently, they do not believe their customers who tell them (and send them photos) that their plants arrived in bad shape. And they do not make a habit of either contacting their customers before shipment if stuff is backordered, nor do they try to guess when a new ship date will be. They will only let me know when it is ready to ship. I would certainly like the option of canceling if it will be a long time!
I wrote back expressing irritation, saying that when I order nursery plants, I want them to be reasonably reliable. I wish I could propagate all plants from seed, but I do not have time or space. I don't want to have holes and dying plants in my garden while I try to see if I can revive them. I gave a list of plants that have failed. I haven't heard back.
Every email I received has been curt, none have apologized. The sense I get from them is that I think I must have screwed up, because they couldn't possibly have. Or something. Their attitude is really mysterious. I suppose they are doing well enough that they are not particularly concerned about losing a customer!
It's frustrating, because I absolutely love annuals, and they have the by far the best selection of unusual annuals that I've been able to find. I would love to be able to shop there regularly. I spent a huge amount there this season, but obviously I will not again.
I called the mail order number and asked to speak to a manager to find out if it was indeed their policy not to inform customers about backorders, nor to give estimated ship dates. The person on the phone asked the name of the person I'd been emailing with. She said that person *was* a manager. So I guess that is their policy.
On May 17th, 2013, MDepicci changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following:
Soon after I wrote this, the person with whom I was emailing gave me a detailed description of what would be replaced and when. Anything that could not be replaced was refunded. Some of the shipping costs were also refunded. I am satisfied.
Some plants I had ordered before this arrived today looking absolutely gorgeous. Which is kind of too bad, because I'm going to start buying up all their stuff again.
On May 17, 2013, Johnboy369 Fort Collins, CO wrote:
I just received my plants from annies and they look great. The shipping was a little pricey, however, the way they were packed makes up for it. No damage and hardly even any soil spilt during it's shipping. Thanks!
On May 10, 2013, joimack6953 Wheat Ridge, CO wrote:
I've looked at this website for a few years and was a bit hesitant ordering plants for Colorado from a California grower. This year I gave in and I'm so glad I did! My plants arrived impeccably packed and in perfect shape. Since they are perennials I'll see how they winter. And... I just placed my second order with Annie's!
I recently placed my first ever order with Annie's and it arrived as scheduled, but several of the 8 plants I ordered were very damaged, a shipping issue I am sure as they were well-packed to begin their journey, it seemed. On arrival some were pushed through to the underside of the container and had broken leaves - they must have endured quite a ride because the packaging was great.
I wrote and sent photos to Annie's asking what could be done, I really wanted the plants not necessarily a refund. They promptly wrote back offering to replace all the damage plants, even though I suggested only a few. They arrived the second time in fantastic condition, no charge, healthy happy plats - I am a happy happy customer and will definitely order from them again. Kudos to Annie's for their great follow up and customer service.
Excellent on-line vendor. Prices somewhat higher, but the plants come in excellent condition and are well worth the price. This is the first time purchasing from this site. I will be a repeat customer
When Annie's catalogue arrived I nearly tossed it because it is to my taste annoyingly cutesy. Too many fluffy words, not enough basic information. BUT when I took another look, I saw a really interesting collection of plants. And when the plants that I ordered arrived, they were healthy and well packed. Also, the "wish list" feature on the website works very well--so well that it will probably make you order more plants than you originally intended...
My mother ordered 5 plants for me for my birthday. The plants arrived healthy and well packed. Soon after, one of the five plants began to wilt and looked near death. I emailed Annie's to see if they had any ideas of how I could try to save it. To my shock and delight they immediately offered to send me a brand new plant free of charge with free shipping. They also told me that the box could fit 3 more plants if I wanted to purchase a few more and it would still ship free. Of course I have a wish list about a mile long. So I called and put in my order. So happy with this superior customer service. Amazing job!! I will definitely order from them again.
Posted on April 8, 2013, updated April 17, 2013
Until recently, Annie's Annuals had very predictable service, which was excellent in every way. Packing was superior, and I had never received anything less than healthy plants in exceptional condition. My last two orders, which were placed recently, were very disappointing. One order consisted of four plants, but I received only one plant, which was a sweet pea. The packing list showed nothing for the three strawberry plants -- no back-order status or anything else. I thought perhaps they would be shipped separately, but the strawberry plants never arrived, so today I phoned to ask what happened to them. I was told that they weren't available when I placed the order, although there was nothing to indicate at the time of the order that they were not available. I asked the customer service rep I spoke to why they had not notified me of this and she was at a loss as to why I had not received an email letting me know to expect a delay. Another recent order arrived in deplorable shape. There were several plants, all of which were ragged and beat-up because the the packing carton did not contain the usual packing peanuts that I've come to expect. Most of the soil had fallen out of the individual containers and was lying at the bottom of the carton. I phoned to complain and was told that Annie's no longer uses the peanuts because customers have been complaining about them. Well, then, USE something else, for heaven's sake. One of the containers was completely overturned inside the carton, again due to a lack of protection. The customer service rep I was speaking too kept trying to put the blame on the shipper. I kept reminding her that the reason the plants were in such poor condition was not the fault of the shipper, but was the result of a very careless packing job. I've bought from Annie's for many years, but at this point, I'm going to rethink whether I'll use this nursery ever again.
On April 17th, 2013, JoeyInOregon changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following:
I received a phone call from someone at Annie's, who offered me an apology, replacement of one of the plants that was so damaged from the poor packing job that it appears to be dying, and free shipping on a pending order. I'm once again very pleased with Annie's Annuals and will continue to purchase from this nursery.
On Apr 9, 2013, zelda64 Spring Hill, FL (Zone 9a) wrote:
I recently bought a couple plants from Annies. I bought a Psoralea pinnata "Kool-Aid Bush" and a Lessertia montana "Mountain Cancer Bush". They both came to me beautifully. They were shipped to me very quickly also. Michelle over there has been great. She answered my emails promptly and was just a pleasure to deal with. They have a wonderful selection of unusual plants and I look froward to ordering some more.
Posted on April 4, 2013, updated April 4, 2013
Posted on April 4, 2013, updated April 4, 2013
Great service. The company called me before shipping to make sure it was ok to ship since the weather in my area has been pretty bad. Can't ask for better personal service than that. The only negative I have is with the shipper who doesn't understand what "this side up" means and appears to have used the box as a kickball (maybe just frustrated as not being able to do that as a child). There was some very small breakage and some dirt over the inside of the box, but the company's good packaging kept the plants safe and they appear very healthy. I would use this company again without reservation.
On April 4th, 2013, cerealkiller added the following:
Actually, I am in Howell, NJ. Not sure why Ramtown is showing up.On April 4th, 2013, cerealkiller added the following:
Just as an aside, I have read more than one comment about shipping charges which is more than annoying. We shop at these nurseries with the idea that we're looking for unique products that fit what would be our ideal gardens. You want to save money (or so you think) at big box entities that sell gallon cans of mundane plants that have been traumatized on their own during their transportation and you think that just because they are in big buckets that they are somehow "safer" from disease, will grow better, and better yet, somehow, you're not paying for their transportation costs? This is like laying the worst possible low grade shingles on a house that will last only 10 years without fraying because you want to compensate for labor costs, even though the amount as a percentage is minor. If I am going to try to find the best cultivars for what I want to represent as my house and represent as part of myself I will pay the transportation costs. Otherwise plant weeds you can pull from the roadside (although some of those might work based upon your needs being fair about it). Everyone make mistakes, especially the ones that b*tch way too much. There is way too much pettiness in this society.
On Mar 29, 2013, funnthsun (Carisa) Raleigh, NC (Zone 7b) wrote:
Just received my order. Awesome! Healthy nice sized plants, very well packaged. I paid the " high" shipping costs. The reason it is higher is because they ship 2-day air, so that your plants get to you as quickly as possible. Annuals don't do as well as perennials, boxed up. It is always helpful to know the full story before adding a negative review just based on shipping costs.
Also, 1 plant was backordered, then ended up not being available from the grower, so they sent me what I wanted as a substitute at their cost for shipping. Also, threw in another plant as a replacement for one that was looking piddly, no questions asked. They let me add a couple more plants, also for just the cost of the plants, so that the box would be filled, still no shipping cost to me. No company would ever do better than that! Extraordinarily satisfied! Worth every penny of my original shipping costs. Top notch company.
I love everything about Annie's. I have only done mail order and might I say a lot of it through them. Plants always arrive in great shape, well packed and healthy. I am planning a trip from Washington State to Annie's. I am looking forward to it. In the meantime, I shall just read the wonderful catalog and look at the slide shows. You do a great job guys.
On Jan 31, 2013, grandholly Fayetteville, AR wrote:
Lovely plants, well packed, unusual for gardens here in NW Arkansas.
The first time I ordered must have been when the company was new to the national market. I ordered several interesting-looking annuals and tender perennials. They arrived within days. It was then February in my gardens, Zone 6B/7A, not even close to what California apparently is like in February. I planted some out on arrival and tried to keep others alive in their shipping pots until a normal date for outside planting. Neither was very successful.
It had not occurred to me that I had to *tell* them not to ship until the right season for planting here. I decided that had to be an aberration and tried them again a couple of years later. The plants were fine.
I have not yet tried ordering plants when it's the wrong time to plant here, so I don't know whether that situation has been fixed. But the quality is good enough, and the plants unusual enough, that I am willing to try to remember to order after I've gotten all the plants from other companies for spring planting.
Posted on January 28, 2012, updated November 14, 2012
Great plants and service. Some things that they have you won't find anywhere else. Shipping is high but It tends to be from west coast to the east. Sounds like a fun place to work too!
On November 14th, 2012, Frank1965 added the following:
Ordered arrived blindingly fast and in excellent shape. And there was a bonus included! Annie's has things that you cannot get anywhere else and I've never had a problem with anything.
On Oct 31, 2012, BrisbaneAnne Brisbane, CA (Zone 10b) wrote:
Annie's Annuals is in the SF Bay Area where I live. I have heard good things about them and enjoy their lovely catalog. I finally made it to their Fall party this year. I was SO impressed with the plant quality and selection. Bought a whole bunch of plants at a great price. So far they are all growing beautifully. I look forward to visit there again come Spring.
I cannot say enough good about Annie's Annuals. I've been buying plants online for several years now, and the plants I get in the mail are always big and very healthy and beautiful. They have great pictures of them on their website, so you know exactly what you're getting. There have only been a few plants that didn't make it, and when I called they quickly sent me replacements for free. I love the unique variety they have, also. I highly recommend them! Thanks!
On Sep 29, 2012, Nola_Nigella New Orleans, LA (Zone 9b) wrote:
Annie's are so wonderful: the plants and the people. My first web order arrived banged up, and they sent out replacements right off. Their wishlist feature (they'll email you when the items come in) is a bit dangerous to the wallet, but completely enjoyable. Flower Floozies FTW!
On Aug 22, 2012, chumort Chicago, IL (Zone 5b) wrote:
Just about every time I look up plants I find interesting on this website it seems that Annie's Annuals carries them. My favorite part of their site is that you can look through great photos and information and if the plants you want aren't in stock you have the option of starting a wish list and they'll e-mail you when they become available.
As some people have stated, the shipping can be quite expensive. I felt it was worth it to get plants I haven't found elsewhere. My plants arrived quickly and well packed.
On Aug 10, 2012, FiremanDave Red Bluff, CA (Zone 9a) wrote:
Overall excellent experience.
Ordered Erythrina, Euphorbia, Puya. First time online order but have purchased plants directly at the garden show in SF.
Plants were much larger than I would have expected, the Erythrina was over a foot tall and very stocky. Puya was small but well rooted, Euphorbia was about 8 inches tall with three branches and arrived in very good shape, even though it is naturally brittle.
Plants looked well hardened off and ready to pot up or plant out. Was surprised that Annie's "Filled the box" giving me a free Asclepias to fill the 4th spot on the 4 space box.
Posted on April 21, 2012, updated August 3, 2012
Posted on April 21, 2012, updated April 21, 2012
As much as I love to browse and buy from Annie's, I have to say that every single plant of Matilja Poppy that I have purchased has died. I've gotten three plants, THREE separate purchases in the past 6 years and all have died within the first couple of months.
These last three plants which had been on my wish list YET again, had barely any root systems to them, so they were not likely to survive. The thing that really bothered me was that I did not know that these plants had no guarantee at all and the only time I found out was after I had received them along with a note that was included in my order stating that they were not guaranteed due to poor expectations of propagation or something to that effect.
I am very saddened about this as I really want this plant for my garden. I did not try to contact this company because after reading the note they included, it seemed to me that the point is mute.
Antoinette Hague
On April 21st, 2012, Gourd added the following:
After reading the other negative comments, it appears that the customer service at Annie's is no longer there. I will not be purchasing anything from them in the future.On August 3rd, 2012, Gourd changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following:
I have been in contact with Annie's Annuals and they have been great to me, very nice, and after several calls, they sent me some really well rooted plants and I couldn't be happier. It feels good to know that some companies make good on their promises.
The plants were a whole lot larger than the first ones and I am very pleased.
THANK you Annie, On Aug 3, 2012, Annie's Annuals and Perennials responded with:
We take customer service seriously and welcome any and all calls regarding our plants and the condition in which they are received. If you ever have a question or a concern, please don't hesitate to call.
As noted on our sign, Romenya coulteri is notoriously difficult to get started in a garden and extremely sensitive to root disturbance. We recommend transplanting our 4" starts very carefully into gallon containers and letting them fill out before attempting to plant them in the garden. Not overwatering is KEY. Unfortunately, due to how sensitive this plant is, we do not guarantee it past it's receipt. It's a grow-at-your-own-risk kind of situation and we try to be emphatic about that on the sign before purchase:
Received my first order about a month ago. Shipping is expensive but plants arrived faster than expected and packaged wonderfully. Plants are doing great in my garden! I will definitely be ordering again! Thanks Team Annie's!
I had never mail ordered for plants before but found what I was looking for online a Annie's. The plants were shipped when requested, arrived the next day and I was so impressed with the size and health of the plants and the packaging kept them safe and sound. I would definitely order from Annie's again.
I ordered from Annie's a few times in 2011 and was happy with the plants; they are super healthy and packed extremely well. This spring I received 2 lupines "Thomas Church", 2 columbines "Krystal", 1 lewisia "Sunset Strain", 1 brugsmania "Charles Grimaldi", 1 clarkia "aurora", and 1 CA poppy, "Apricot Chiffon". The CA poppy had lost most of its soil in the shipping and didn't look like it would make it, but I planted it anyway and it has started blooming the last few days. The clarkia and the 2 lupines also have been blooming, and the brugsmania is getting huge; I'm sure it will flower beautifully. I am a bit disappointed that the columbines didn't flower and have now died back for the season, but in my garden sometimes columbines only bloom the second year; we'll see. Overall very happy with this nursery, just wish the shipping wasn't so high!
I have ordered from Annie's several times over the years and am always impressed with their packaging and plants. The only thing better is to visit the nursery in person.
On May 26, 2012, islander1938 WASHINGTON ISLAND, WI wrote:
Normally I wouldn't pay to have plants shipped by air. But since I live in the mid-west that's the way they ship long distances.Their plants are interesting which is what caught my attention. The plants received seemed healthy and I'll probably have to work extra hard to kill them. Don't worry about buying from this company.
I ordered 3 Petunia exserta and 3 Nicotiana mutabilis. The order was confirmed 5/16 and arrived in Minnesota on 5/23. The plants were packed like they were going on a moon trip. Really I don't think anything short of a bomb could have harmed them- they looked great! It took me awhile to figure out how to remove them from the packaging but I planted them tonight. I am really excited to see these beautiful healthy plants do their stuff!
On May 21, 2012, psychloman Brooklyn, NY (Zone 7a) wrote:
I ordered 11 plants from Annie's this year. Anthemis sancti johannis,calceolaria kentish hero,calceolaria mexicana,collinsia,delphinium,mimulus puniceus,pentstemon thorn,petunia axillaris,platystemon,schizanthus,stylomecon and zaluzianskaya.I couldn't be happier with the performance of these plants.The calceolaria mexicana,mimulus,petunia,platystemon and zaluzianskaya are blooming heavily and will need larger pots soon.The calceolaria mexicana,petunia and zaluzianskaya are incredible and are well worth growing.Ive never seen a petunia or calceolaria like this.I only wish annie would franchise on the east coast,the shipping is so high and it is a miracle these plants arrive in such good shape.I must add that the stylomecon did not make it,the neck of the plant had started to rot during shipping and came off when I removed it from the box.But all in all I am more than happy with the plants.
Annie's Annuals & Perenials, what a blast! The catalog made me feel like a little kid looking at a Christmas catalog. I wanted something from each page. Not only are the plants outstanding, but the shipping and handling of the plants are outrageous! Not in 30 years of ordering plants through the mail have I ever received plants packaged so wonderfully. Thanks Annie & crew, you are truely amazing!
Art, San Antonio Tx
On May 10, 2012, clpgirl Chippewa Lake, OH (Zone 5b) wrote:
Posted on May 1, 2012, updated May 10, 2012
Posted on November 12, 2009, updated May 1, 2012
Posted on July 12, 2009, updated November 12, 2009
While browsing DG this morning I saw the review of Annie's and realized I'd been amiss in not giving extremely positive feedback! I read about Annie's on DG, and , although they were in Calif., and it can be a long shipping process to Ohio, decided to give them a try.
What a delightful experience! Annie's treats customers and plants with care and consideration. These plants have now been in the ground here for over a month, showed no signs of shipping stress-due to the well thought out packing. The rootballs were huge and the plants-a diverse mix-took off rapidly. Several plants have outdone those from the local 'upscale' nursery, where I paid 3x as much for a larger size. Annie's is great! Thanks DGer's for the info about this special place. Thanks Annie's for a wonderful experience!
On November 12th, 2009, clpgirl added the following:
Was unexpectedly in the Bay Area last week and my friend and I took a 'field trip' to Annie-s, since I've been so delighted with the plants they shipped to me in Ohio. Employees were very, very helpful, and the variety of plants could have kept me wandering for hours and hours.
Neither my friend nor I had any intention of purchasing plants (I was flying back to Ohio the next day). My friend who lives in Sacramento and has xeriscaped her front yard, couldn't resist the huge selection of Calif. natives, and purchased 6 to fill in a bare spot.
I wandered off to the fuchsias and found a rare variety, procumbens. Figured if I was taking back one plant, I might as well take back 4! Purchased 2 Verbascum Southern Charm and an Orlay "White Lace Flower". Annie's packed my purchases very securely for travel, and I took my little box with air holes home on the plane. Also bought some garden gloves and a "Flower Floozie" t for a friend.
I just want to thank Annie's again for a great experience. You have 2 customers for life!!! (Now, if I only had my own shipping company............................)On May 1st, 2012, clpgirl added the following:
Since my last posting I have ordered from Annie's every year.(I've been a bit lax in my postings...) Receiving their box is like Christmas and my birthday together!!
I look forward to their catalog every year, and don't mind the shipping cost cuz the plants are packed so very, very well!
I would recommend Annie's as a 5 plus star vendor to ANYONE!!! I have overwintered several tender plants in my breezeway/greenhouse and they continue to thrive after 3 years! Her perennials for my area are some of the sturdiest in my garden beds.
This year my box had been smashed in transit. Called Annie's cuz one tomato had been broken. NO PROB! Would send a replacement right away.....i'm serious when I say that I would buy all my annuals from Annie's (if they were closer :)
Thank you Annie for your consistency, beautiful plants and wonderful customer service. Can't wait til next year!!On May 10th, 2012, clpgirl added the following:
By now, Annie's feels like family!
When I called about the replacement tomato plant, for some reason I mentioned that the last trip my best friend and I had taken prior to her unexpected passing was to Annie's. I told the rep what a good time we had.
What a touching surprise that when I received my replacement tomato Annie's had added several annuals and a note saying they were in honor of my friend....
WOW!
Annie's care about people and plants and you can't ask for better anywhere,
Thank you so much Annie's. I am overwhelmed....
This was my first order from Annie's. Looking through their beautiful catalog was such a treat, I had to give them a try. I ordered 4 Nepeta and 4 Achillea. They arrived promptly. The condition they arrived in was a revelation! Lush and perfect. Packing was excellent. I am going to place a larger order immediately. I am in California, so these plants were overnighted to me- they were so well packed, however, that I believe they would have done equally well shipping to a greater distance.
I've placed several orders with Annie's Annuals, and each time I have been very happy with the huge size of the plants. They do not send tiny little twigs out like some mail order nurseries do. I've even gotten one or two that have been merrily blooming away under all those packing peanuts! Many people have commented on the high cost of shipping. The cost of shipping 1 plant is the same as the cost of shipping 8, and I have never had a plant arrive with any damage. The plants are healthy, very well watered and EXTREMELY well packaged. I am willing to spend a little more on shipping (but I buy 8 at a time to minimize the per plant cost) since they always send me big, healthy unusual plants in perfect condition.
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).
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!!
