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I have ordered from Old House Gardens several times. Every time has been an excellent experience! Great phone service, friendly, and professional. I feel like they really do have my best interest in mind instead of just trying to "make a sale". I am a garden designer, and I am not afraid to recommend them to my customers. I have also shared their information at educational garden presentations. They are one of the best mail order garden companies I have dealt with, and I will continue to use them for my bulb purchasing. Expect great items, quick shipping, and beautiful results when you place your order.
My experience with Old House Gardens has been fantastic! Customer service is excellent. Last year I had a dahlia bulb that didn't grow. Not only did they replace it but they sent me a free bulb of another variety as well! They really stand behind their product!!!! I have ordered again from them, and again everything is great.
I placed a very small order with Old House gardens, so it is hard to make a definitive statement right now. My 6 hyacinths of 2 varieties were sent immediately, and the bulbs appear healthy. Scott's handwritten note on the invoice was a nice touch. Unfortunately, the prices seem pretty high across the board.and many of the choicer items tend to sell out immediately. I guess the proof of the pudding will be how the bulbs perform next Spring. I'll try to update this review at that time.
On Oct 31, 2011, hopflower Santa Rosa, CA (Zone 9a) wrote:
I, too, have ordered many times from Old House Gardens; both for myself and for gifts for friends. I feel that they do the horticultural world a great service and try to buy from them, support them, and recommend them to friends and customers. There is a wonderful world of choice on their website and in their catalogue, with charming illustrations and interesting concepts in gifts, cards, notes, and tote-bags. Complete descriptions and little facts and trivia are often included on the page, which makes ordering from them fun. They are as passionate about bulbs as I am. I just received three plump Rubrum lilies, and two types of narcissus. They are all immaculate specimens; and always, always healthy and of the best quality. I cannot recommend Old House Gardens and their friendly staff enough.
I have ordered from Old House Gardens for years and am very happy. I have received hand written notes on the inventory included with my bulbs, with little tips showing they paid attention to my order, even when it was just the minimum order! This company has things I couldn't find anywhere else. Twenty years ago I ordered Tulipa Acuminata from a catalog to share with my grandmother. When we moved mine was destroyed and my grandmother has passed away, I searched for years for these and finally found them with OHG. After telling my story with my order (I wasn't asking for anything free) I received an email with a refund that they are sending them to me free! What thoughtful people must run this company. Thanks OHG,
Paula
Posted on June 20, 2009, updated July 25, 2011
One of the best on-line plant sources I've found. Healthy bulbs, great advice, and trustworthy. When I order an heirloom plant from them I am sure I am getting "the real thing" and not a modern version of a 19th century variety. Their tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are peerless. The best selection of plants that are virtually impossible to find today and at reasonable prices considering the quality of their bulbs. If you want a period garden, Old House Gardens is indispensable.
On July 25th, 2011, phdler added the following:
Still the best. Pricey but you do get what you pay for AND you support the continued existence of some superb and rare garden heirlooms.
Posted on April 9, 2009, updated June 10, 2011
Very happy with my order from Old House Gardens.
Bulbs were nice sized and when they bloomed in spring, truly named. They have great customer service, reasonable prices and unique varieties. I'll buy again.
On June 10th, 2011, LeeAnne151 added the following:
I've purchased several more times from Old House Gardens and been very pleased. Last fall they did have a problem with a tulip being switched by their supplier but they wrote about it in their newsletter and they gave credit plus some extra for the inconvenience. Excellent customer service!
On May 25, 2011, evelyn_inthegarden Grizzly Flats, CA (Zone 8a) wrote:
Posted on November 7, 2008, updated May 25, 2011
Thank you Old House Gardens! What an amazing experience! I ordered bulbs this year from several different firms, and I must say, that this company is FIVE STAR rated! The Foxtail lilies that were sent were 10 times the size of another bulb company, and the bulbs were fresh and alive as opposed to being shriveled and dry. All the rest of the order was top notch as well. Kudos to this wonderful company. I was unable to order all that I wanted, but maybe next year, I will only order from them, as I believe I have all I need, but there are some that I wanted from them but were a bit pricey, but, I feel, not out of line, but worth the money. I will order more from them next year. You MUST look at their online catalog, even if you don't need any bulbs! Keep those heirlooms going! Great job!
On May 25th, 2011, evelyn_inthegarden added the following:
Again, this bulb company does not disappoint! The Estella Reijnveld tulips were superb! I put some in pots this year and when they started to bloom put them on the front porch to shelter them from the rain, snow and wind. They have held their blooms for over a week now, going on two weeks. Also, I wanted to mention, I bought this same tulip from another source...their tulips were a third of the size and the blooms were too.
All the rest of the others were excellent as well, but this particular tulip is a favorite of my husband's and he wanted me to be sure we had some for him to view. What an eyeful!
On May 7, 2011, oldetownecorrie Columbus, OH wrote:
I placed two Dahlia orders from this company this spring. All of the tubers looked fantastic. I started them inside and they are already producing healthy plants after a few weeks. Each order came with a personalized hand-written note. I am already looking forward to my next order. Thank you Old House Gardens!
On May 7, 2011, LoisTW Groton, MA (Zone 5b) wrote:
Two years ago I placed a large order for fall planted bulbs. I was really pleased when everything came up the next spring but I am amazed at the results this year. Already many of the bulbs have multiplied - they are beyond gorgeous. I just received my spring planting order - cannot wait for the results.
On May 4, 2011, ajcarpen Hudsonville, MI (Zone 6a) wrote:
I have ordered from OHG for many years. I have ordered predominately daffodils in many varieties and peonies (also many varieties). Their bulbs are always very healthy, come with planting instructions, and have ALWAYS bloomed! Their peonies are also beautiful. I cannot say enough positive things about their customer service and how personal it is. Their bulbs naturalize wonderfully. When I chose to go with OHG, I chose wisely.
The bulbs I ordered preformed fantastically! I ordered 3 broken tulips and some crocus. They were beautiful! I hope they all come back next year! I might have to dig them up because our soil has a lot of clay and I live in a drought-prone area so i have to water the garden they're in.
I am very happy with OHG and would have no troubles ordering from them again! They shipped them on time and quickly (I had almost forgotten I'd ordered them).
Posted on November 15, 2010, updated April 21, 2011
Just planted my first order of over 100 bulbs from OHG and the bulbs were in excellent condition. Each bulb comes with clear planting instructions on the bag. One sampler I ordered was sold out and they subbed (as requested in the original order) with another sampler plus they generously supplied extra bulbs which increased the value well over the originally ordered sampler. They give nice personal service with handwritten notes on your order form. A pleasure to do business with and I cannot wait to see how the bulbs look next spring.
On April 21st, 2011, pmabreu added the following:
All the bulbs have come up nicely, the daffodils look beautiful. The tulips look healthy and just waiting for the blooms.
I just received my first order from OHG, a shipment of sundry spring-planted bulbs, and I could not be more pleased than I am. First, I had received an email notice of the shipping date so I was able to plan ahead and get them right into the ground. Second, each set of bulbs was packed separately in sturdy brown bags with the name and color-coded planting instructions affixed to it. Third, the contents of those bags were mature, very large bulbs in each case. Finally, most of them were bulbs I could not obtain anywhere else---in any size or condition. A nice piece of lagniappe was the handwritten, personal note that accompanied the order.
I had ordered two bulbs not recommended for the Deep South, and the firm had contacted me about that earlier. I had recognized this, but had seen each grown in my area, so I did not amend my order. Yet, it is good to know that each order is given that sort of individual attention.
I've ordered with a friend from this company and for years I have read their catalogs, lusting after the contents. I have even gotten advice regarding old daffodils from Mr. Kunst. I grow old roses, camellias, and azaleas, many from the gardens of ancestors, but for some reason (timing, I think) I had never placed a personal order. It was the pink rain lilies that overcame my laziness. I remembered them from the first garden I'd ever known, my mother's, and had never before found any that were grown in the U.S., collected from U.S. sites, before. Naturally, OHG had what I sought. Now I receive the OHG newsletter and am planning future bulb additions to my garden.
It is good to know where the the bulbs I order are grown and that they are true to their name and history. I've seen some of the Dutch cousins of some I have in my garden that have been handed down through generations, and they are not at all the same. I always know that won't happen when I order from OHG.
The Internet is a wonderful thing for gardeners: you can work all day in your garden, then place your orders for plants and bulbs in the evening, when you really are aware of a specific need.
Just received my spring order and as usual they were beautiful! Iris, Daylily and Glads. All healthy and the Iris and daylily had already started sending up green shoots!! Customer service was top notch as usual. Thanks!
On Apr 20, 2011, pantegogardener Arlington, TX wrote:
I have bought bulbs from OHG for several years. Orders were always accurately filled. The bulbs or plants were always good sized and healthy and produced beautiful blooms. I have recommended the company to several of my friends.
Posted on April 21, 2010, updated April 12, 2011
I have always had a great experience with OHB and this year is no different. My dahlias that I received are larger than any other mail-order company. And I always find something that I can't find anywhere else.
On April 12th, 2011, Lazydaisy153 added the following:
I received my Spring order from OHG yesterday. It was packed with great care. The bulbs are nice and plump as always. Their selection of heirlooms is unbeatable.
On Feb 21, 2011, AphidsDontRock Grosse Pointe, MI wrote:
I have been ordering from OHG for years and appreciate both the high quality of their bulbs and their excellent customer service. Their approach to the canna virus situation is a model for other nurseries. They have a lot of integrity and it shows.
On Jan 4, 2011, AngryRedHead Austin, TX (Zone 8b) wrote:
Posted on April 25, 2009, updated January 4, 2011
I ordered 10 Wyoming Cannas and 25 Abyssinian Gladiolus bulbs, and they look wonderful! The bag of cannas were heavy, and the roots were gorgeous. The gladiolus bulbs were fat and firm and equally gorgeous. The selection and prices are great, and the company is charming. The website is very easy to navigate, and I'll definitely be ordering from this company again.
On January 4th, 2011, AngryRedHead added the following:
This year I moved and divided my original order from Old House Gardens, and I was absolutely astounded at how vigorous the plants were. I more than doubled my original order which I think is the sign of a remarkable product that obviously had a great start. I was going to order more cannas this year and was very sad to see only one variety being offered due to viral infection. However, I was very pleased to see the nursery's response which is a mark of dedication to their plants and customers.
Posted on July 5, 2010, updated December 1, 2010
Ordered last year, waited for this season to give an accurate review.
Crocus: just as described. Pleased with these.
Daffs: robust and generously sized, but not the variety I ordered.
Oxblood lilies: I was skeptical of the directions to bury them so deeply, but followed the directions exactly, even using a ruler. They never came up.
Multiple e-mails requesting assistance went unanswered.
On December 1st, 2010, RedMechanic changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following:
Scott contacted me personally after reading about my experience. Because I use different contact information on this site than I do to make online purchases, he cross-referenced my general location and bulb selections with company invoices in order to figure out who I was. This went entirely beyond the realm of average customer service, and impressed me greatly.
After profuse apologies for the situation, he replaced the dud lilies and the mistaken daffs, and threw in a boatload of freebies as well, including a gorgeous peony.
I am more than satisfied with OHG's response to my problem. (After discussion, we've determined that an overzealous spam filter is likely to blame for their lack of response to my initial inquiries.) I encourage anyone to purchase from them with the assurance that any errors will be made right. I look forward to placing my next order with them.On Dec 1, 2010, Old House Gardens - Heirloom Bulbs responded with:
"On Jul 5, 2010 3:52 PM, Old House Gardens - Heirloom Bulbs responded with:
RedMechanic,
We're sorry that we've disappointed you! (Actually, we're horrified!) Please call us at 734-995-1486 so we can make EVERYTHING right for you. We stand behind all of our bulbs 100%, so have no fears. I don't know how we missed your earlier emails, but if you call us you'll be sure to reach us. We'll even pay for your call!
Scott Kunst, Owner "
On Nov 6, 2010, bbrookrd nantucket, MA (Zone 7a) wrote:
Posted on April 17, 2007, updated November 6, 2010
In Aug. of 2006, I ordered some bulbs for spring 2007, unfortunately one of their suppliers had a crop failure on a couple of the gladiolus bulbs I had ordered. They sent me a nice note with the credit PLUS
an extra 10 %, PLUS a couple of extra bulbs of ones that they could ship from my initial order. Now I consider that this is a company that is truly trying to please. The bulbs that they did ship are first rate as always. I had already placed a fall order and now I have credit to use. Can't wait. Patti
On October 16th, 2007, bbrookrd added the following:
I am once again very pleased with the bulbs that I ordered from them this fall. They are healthy and the sizes are as listed. Their selection is always first rate. I especially like that they give an extra 10% when they can not fill something on the order. I had one narcissus that had that fate due to crop failure, but getting a nice hand written note plus the bonus refund is a nice gesture. PattiOn November 16th, 2008, bbrookrd added the following:
I recently got my fall order from Old House Gardens. They ship nice healthy bulbs that are always harder ones to find and desired, especial Narcissus which I love and can always find a place for in our garden. I love their interesting Catalog, I just wish I had deeper pockets. Nice people and always arrives with a nice personal note. That is special these days. On November 6th, 2010, bbrookrd added the following:
I got my order this week as ordered. I had not noted in my Journal the shipping date, so I emailed them about my confusion and got a quick reply. Great service. I also got a credit plus 10% for a Narcissus that was not available with a nice personal note from the packer, Kelly. A most pleasurable place to do business., and the bulbs are first rate gems and are all true special addition to our garden. Patti
I am so thrilled to see that Old Haus is still around! I can remember stories my mother would tell me as a child about the wonderful canna lilies and other beautiful things she procured from this Nursery. Cannot wait to get my order!
One of the best companies I've ever dealt with, period. Good, true to form bulbs, outstanding personalized customer service, and a great mission....preserving some of our history. Old House Gardens will never let you down...they haven't let me down for 6 years in a row!
For the past two years my sisters and my mom and I have ordered Old House Gardens heirloom daffodil bulbs for my sister's birthday. She is a historian who appreciates the background stories on each of the bulbs which OHG supplies in the catalog and in the shipping. I especially like that we can authorize them to substitute bulbs that will grow in her zone if necessary. This year they sent a personalized note when the order shipped, which is timed to the planting season of the zone to which it's going. Awesome customer service and even "awesomer" daffodils!
The bulbs are AMAZING! They remind me of flowers my great-grandmother and grandmother had in their gardens. My garden has a unique look now, not the same flowers as everyone else has purchased from the big box stores. The service is friendly and costumer oriented. The website is filled with pictures, so you know what you will be getting, and lots of grower information. Beautiful bulbs delivered straight to my door.
On Aug 24, 2010, aboutheidi Philadelphia, PA wrote:
Over the years I have planted many cannas and I really have to say that Oldhouse really has their **** together. I have never received such good merchandise, other companies just send 1 or 2 eyes and every bulb I have ever received from these guys has at lease 3-4 eyes. This is a really great nursery that others should look to for the standard!
There are some companies that are a pure pleasure to order from, and Old House Gardens is one. I order from them probably two or three times a year. The selection is great, the service has always been prompt and accurate. The bulbs are very high quality and healthy.
One of the things that makes me feel connected is the note the people who fulfill the order leave for me, sometimes Scott, the owner writes a note, too. I can't think of any other companies where I actually know the owner from correspondence by ordering over the years, but Scott and his employees have managed it. The result is the connection created, also a trust. I know if there were ever an issue with the bulbs, I can pick up the phone and ask Scott.
Given the many years in which I have received an excellent product as well as excellent service from Old House Gardens, I suppose now is a good time to witness to such here in this forum. Each year, I look forward to the arrival of OHG's catalog just as a small child anticipates the toy catalogs published before Christmas. I have spent many hours sitting at my PC waiting to get first shot at some of their very rare bulbs from the "Hortus." While paintings don't quite equate with tulips, dealing in such rarities and being one of the few sources for them in the USA, the staff and owner at OHG would have every right to develop a somewhat 'snooty" attitude (eg. "We're the only show in town.") My experience has been quite the opposite. I find them bending over backward to help. Yes, they make an occasional error, as have I. Yes, I have had the occasional bulb not perform as I had hoped......Who's fault? hungry squirrels; a too wet winter; who knows. As long as the numbers are reasonable (and they have been better in my experience with OHG than most other bulb suppliers), I accept every gardener's fate and am able to appreciate all the successes adding to the beauty and joy in my garden. A failed plant happens despite the best of care.......(and I do admit that I sometimes am too caring, and my excessive TLC has ended up killing more plants than I care to admit.) Despite even my errors, I know that OHG will do everything possible to "make it right." To me, that is the attitude of an exceptional company. I can purchase very good bulbs from many sites (and I do). Very few bulb suppliers go beyond the beyonds just to insure that the buyer is satisfied. OHG supports not only their product, but also their customers. This is why I will continue to spend several hundred dollars a year at OHG. I trust them and have grown to appreciate the very personal care given to me. I wish that all the toys I lusted after as a child had provided me even half the pleasure I have received from the bulbs at OHG.
Happy Gardening and may everyone find joy and peace in their lives!
On Jul 10, 2010, linus6800 Tellico Plains, TN wrote:
I have placed many orders with Old House Gardens and they are without a doubt the best mail order plant company I have ever dealt with. I have ordered hyacinths, peonies, dahlias, bluebells, alliums, silver bells etc, etc, and I have never had anything fail to thrive -not even one single bulb.
I also love their mission of preserving the old heirloom varieties which to my eyes fit the landscape so much better than the somewhat gaudy modern versions I see in some other bulb catalogs.
On May 15, 2010, dlmc914 Flowery Branch, GA wrote:
Old House Gardens has provided excellent product, true as advertised, along with incomparable customer service.
The dahlias I ordered for my Southern garden, not only flourished beatifully, but multiplied and thrived in this humidity.
When I started to lift the tubers last fall, they had multiplied beyond my expectations!
OHG/my experience- an exemplary company of the way gardening SHOULD be.
I placed a large order for daffodils, tulips, lilies, and crocus from OHG. I have no regrets! Their service, expertise, and passion are exemplary. A little pricy but for the quality you get and the fact that you're supporting a small business, it's well worth it. All the bulbs I planted performed beautifully except one single tulip that failed to thrive. Still pretty good for the size of my order.
I'm delighted with my bulbs! Last fall I purchased and planted Spanish Bluebells, crocus (Tommies), and an Edulis Superba peony. Every single plant came up - I counted them! This is the first time I've ever planted bulbs, so you can imagine how happy I am with the result. I've just planted the daylilies I ordered for spring planting, and can't wait to see how they turn out (although I realize I may have to wait until next year for them to bloom.)
I have now ordered three times with Old House Gardens, always with extreme satisfaction. I just received my spring order and was greatly impressed with the personal service I received. 3 rare Louis Cayeux canna were unavailable. Scott from Old House Gardens called my home, explained the situation and substututed with 3 cannas that were more expensive at the lower price of the Louis Cayeux! As always, the bulbs/iris and daylillies were all in excellent shape when I received them. This company consistently makes me feel like a highly valued customer :)
On Apr 22, 2010, MartBright Centre Hall, PA wrote:
Posted on April 19, 2010, updated April 22, 2010
I ordered in January so I could get the spring-planted bulbs I wanted. They called me in March to say that they lost my order and just found it and did I still want the stuff? Of course what I wanted was sold out. So I said never mind. They didn't seem to care at all--didn't try to make it up to me in any way, throw in an extra, nothing. They just said "Fine" and rang off. I had ordered from them before and their bulbs are very expensive and rare. They make such a big deal about what a great company they are. But I won't order again after this experience. It's sad to see customer service declining in so many companies.
On April 22nd, 2010, MartBright changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following:
Scott called me the day after I left my rating and I already have my order, at no charge. I actually feel bad not paying for it, but he insisted. He really bent over backwards to make this right and I think he was just mortified at what had happened. As for the person responsible for the screw-up, well--chances are she won't make a mistake like that again!
A great company--I have no doubt about that now and I look forward to planting this afternoon!On Apr 22, 2010, Old House Gardens - Heirloom Bulbs responded with:
"On Apr 21, 2010 11:47 AM, Old House Gardens - Heirloom Bulbs responded with:
MartBright, I'm sorry we disappointed you, and I hope you'll give us a chance to make things right! Your order wasn’t really lost. We just neglected to charge your card for it in January, so we called in March to let you know we’d be charging it then. Lemon lilies were sold out by then, but yours had already been reserved for you -- and I’m sorry our Customer Service person was confused about that when she talked with you. We’ll send your entire order to you today at no charge. We want you happy! Scott"
I have ordered from them for years. Every interaction has been outstanding. The bulbs always arrive in perfect condition and are usually much larger than what comes from inferior companies. The order arrives with a handwritten note that makes me feel like a friend is sharing bulbs with me. The flowers bring me joy, and I have tried many unusual items that I would never have known about but for OHG. I will be a happy customer for as long as I can still dig!
On Apr 21, 2010, zuzukitty Saint Clair Shores, MI wrote:
I have been ordering heirloom bulbs from Old House Gardens for the last five or six years. Their customer service is fast, friendly, and exemplary, and their bulbs are outstanding. I've probably purchased at least fifteen or twenty varieties of daffodils from them over the years, and they never disappoint. I've recently begun buying quite a few hyacinths from them as well, and after seeing them all in bloom this spring, I was just knocked out by their beauty and fragrance. It's hard to understand why these stunning heirlooms should be in danger of going extinct. I have not seen anything like them anywhere else. I plan to buy more this year, as I'm hoping for an even bigger rand better display next spring.
On Apr 21, 2010, Maxine17 Kings Mountain, NC wrote:
These are the nicest folks to deal with! In moving from Virginia to Tennessee to Louisiana and now North Carolina, Old House Gardens has been my constant garden source and friend. I am delighted with my bulbs in re-creating "grandma's garden." My cannas have also been gorgeous and my first year peonies are up and have buds. Scott is also great in keeping me abreast of my favorite Ann Arbor deli!
