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On May 22, 2009, Karldan Norfolk, VA (Zone 8a) wrote:
As usual, I had a very good experience with T & M. I HAD to have the "Cherry Brandy" rudbeckia. Germination about 50%, still got over 30 healthy plants for about 10 cents each.
Morning Glory "Carnivale de Venice", 100% germ. "Crunchy mini bells" peppers, 100% germ. Bonus seeds of cactus zinnia and marigold "boy o boy" (My favorite french marigold) most welcomed.
On July 21st, 2009, Karldan added the following:
The Cherry Brandy Rudbeckia plants are awesome in bloom. Stocky, well branched, and the blooms are true cherry red, none of the "rust or mahogany" shades normally seen in this flower. Shame, shame on the American breeders for ignoring this native plant. T & M has developed beautiful double and quill flowered forms, some top award winners. The bonus seeds of cactus flowered Zinnia are beautiful. Very large clear colored beauties, and for free. T & M remains my favorite of the seed catalogs, mainly for the ecletic and exotic seeds unavailable elsewhere. Oh, and the Crunchy Mini Belles peppers started blooming while still in the jiffy cubes. Needless to say, they are now loaded with sweet delectible peppers. I have a hard time growing the large blocky bells, and this is a perfect solution.
I ordered 2 items, both of which I could not find at the same place. Response to the online order was quick, shipment was quick and I received within a few days. My "free" packet was EGGPLANT (not a favorite of mine....anyone want them?) Everything was packaged nicely and received in great condition. I haven't started the seeds yet, so I can't speak as to germination, but I'm confident!
I love the selection from this company and have never had a problem with germination of seeds. As a matter of fact because the pkts. have so many seeds I have been able to replant with success for years from the same pkt. flowers and vegetables. I look forward to seeing the beautiful catalog each year.
On Oct 10, 2008, compostuser Bremerton, WA (Zone 8b) wrote:
Each year, I place and order with this company. I select plants not available at my local nursery. I agree, some seeds DO NOT germinate or die weeks after germination, but I simply send the empty seed packet and receive a replacement. If I choose, I can also request a complete refund.
The FALL catalog has a coupon $10 off your order. Hence, you are only paying for the S&H charges - which $3.95. You can't beat that price.
You can also get FREE S&H if you know the code.
Lets see...
in 2007 The code was VC2007
in 2008 The code was VC2008
On Sep 26, 2008, lilaclily Lombard, IL (Zone 5a) wrote:
I'm really surprised to see so many negative reviews here. I have had nothing but the most positive experiences ordering from Thompson and Morgan.
Sure, I have had a few instances where the seed packets were empty or contained less seeds than advertised. I've also had extremely poor germination rates. But T&M customer service has always, ALWAYS been top-notch for me. Emails were always returned quickly and courteously, and replacements have always been quick to be shipped out at no charge.
I consider myself to be an experienced gardener with a dislike of the common plants you see everywhere else. From perennials to annuals, herbs to vegetables, Thompson and Morgan is my #1 choice for seeds, followed by their sister site, Value Seeds.
On Jun 18, 2008, LiliMerci North of Atlanta, GA (Zone 8a) wrote:
Last week I placed an order with TM for $35 and used their $10 off coupon. Later a rep called me at home to let me know that the coupon was not good because the seeds are on sale. I am OK with that. I felt that their sale prices were good and they have a very nice selection. I cancelled the original order because I had to make modification to the seeds selection w/o the $10 off. I did re-order and waiting for the order to make my final decision. I am upset to read about the germination rate below, but since they guarantee their seeds, we will see. May be the guarantee won't apply because I bought the seeds on sale. I thought their customer service was excellent and all my email complaints were promplty answered. I feel the 7.00 shipping was excessive but the price is probably still pretty average for most online company. Heck, gas price is at $4 a gallon, it will cost me more to go out and buy seeds. So, I will wait and see when the seeds arrive and what kind of germination rate before making my final decision.
On June 18th, 2008, LiliMerci added the following:
I forgot to mention but when you are buying TM seeds, they do indicate what kind of 'experience' you need to germinate those seeds. It thought that was very good because it kept me from trying to buy too many seeds that I may be too hard to germinate.On July 10th, 2008, LiliMerci changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following:
My seeds did not come after 10 business days and I contacted TM about it. TM assured me that my seeds were sent. I do not blame them if mail service did not deliver the products. My email were answered promptly and replacement seeds were sent. I received seeds today. From the shipment, I can not tell if these were seeds that were originally sent or the replacement package. I can not say enough what EXCELLENT customer service they have. I have not dealt with many companies with prompt service as TM. My highest recommendation to them.
I received most of my order promptly, and the rest as soon as it was available. The hosta seeds were supposed to have 50+- seeds, but only had 32. I called and was given new seeds immediately. It turned out that the first packet were not hostas at all, but some sort of tomato. I now have 2 mystery tomato plants flowering, as I let the rest go since they were not hostas. None of the Silver Fox Foxglove seeds that I sowed germinated. I felt that I had bothered them enough already and it was becoming too late in the season try again. Plus, I was already getting overloaded with seedlings. They have a wonderful selection of seeds, many of which are hard to find elsewhere. Considering that, and the excellent customer service, their prices are fair.
A great selection of hard-to find species and unusual varieties. I placed my first order in Jan. '07. The order was confirmed and arrived quickly. Everything was correct, and some nice freebies were included. I see a lot of complaints in this forum about low germination of T&M's seeds, but I have not found their seed deficient. I start many perennials from seed---some are a challenge to grow and require patience and/or special conditions to grow. So far I have had good germination rates for all the T&M seeds I've planted thus far, some of which have required stratification, heat or light for germination. For $1 T&M offers a very useful seed-starting guide: given the number of negatives appearing here from people having trouble germinating their seeds, it would probably be good if they gave free copies of the guide with each order and kept the free seeds...
In short, I feel this is a great source. There is a trend toward many seed retailers offering choice perennial varieties only as plants, this is an expensive, and in my opinion less fulfilling way to fill a perennial garden. Regarding prices---there are some eyebrow raising seed prices in the T&M catalog (one Verbascum I bought was nearly $1/seed), but if it's an unusual variety I'd rather it be offered at a high price than not at all, which is after all very likely the only other alternative. It isn't really fair to fault a company for its prices---nobody is holding a gun to your head making you purchase overpriced seeds, if someone is willing to pay their asking price for a particular seed, then by definition it is not overpriced.
On Jan 19, 2008, starlight1153 Seale, AL (Zone 8b) wrote:
I have been buying from T&M for quite awhile now. I buy some, and then go back and buy more and repeat the proces s over.
I love the sales they have and have always have recieved my seeds within just a few days.
Usually I have always recieved a fre e packet of some sort of seed with my order. it is great because it give sme a chance to try new cultivars and if those grow here than I can expand my flower buying fromthem to other types of seed they carry that similar.
I was a little dissapointe dthis time thought to find that while online it said I was goign to receive a free packet of white eggplant seeds and it showed up on line, but when i got my email confirmation and order is was not there.
I am going back to place another order already and excited about being abe to get $10 off on orders over $35 bucks.
Hope the coupon works. Figure the missing freebie was some computer glitch on my part this time.
On Jan 19, 2008, lovesroses New Hartford, CT (Zone 5b) wrote:
I see a lot of whining going on but I have to fly in the face of it and say that I LOVE Thompson and Morgan! As a Master Gardener who has worked for White Flower Farm and given a couple of Seed Starting talks there, I know the pitfalls that can beset gardeners, especially if they are new at it. (Use the best materials available! DON'T go cheap for starting mix! REALLY make sure you have the right lighting!) Yes, Thompson and Morgan (a company that originated in England) offers seeds that may be a little trickier to start. But these seeds are treasures from around the world, most are rare, and they are offering us A HUGE BUFFET of fabulous choices!! (Aren't we Americans just a little bit spoiled? And demanding?)
That all has to figure into their costs, and after working in the business, I know that the profit is small and hardwon when you are selling little packets of seeds for a few dollars (think of how many they have to shuffle, pack, and sell to make any real money, folks!!) They offer rarities and delights that could so easily disappear from a tough marketplace...many garden business are stumbling or folding in recent years!
Think bigger picture - anyone want to go back to limp offerings of a few Marigolds, Petunias and tomatoes again? Hoping everyone will appreciate that seed starting is an adventure, see what you can get to grow, instead of acting like Nature should arrive on our doorstep wearing a guarantee.......
and that if you want the romance of gardening to continue, Thompson and Morgan deserves and needs our support!
P.S. Try their Eschscholzia 'Champagne and Roses' - Easy to plant outside, and absolutely mesmerizing in the garden, plus - I'll bet none of your neighbors will have it!!!!!
I was shocked to see how many people have complained about this company. I have been ordering from them for years and I have always been aware of the fact that some seeds are harder to germinate than others, and often they have a lower germination rate. (This information is always provided to you in their catalogs!) My plants have never come "untrue" from seed, and their prices are quite competitive. Sure, hard -to-find plants may cost more but that is due to supply/demand and the fact that some plants don't produce many seeds, or because growing them from seed may not always be the best way to propagate them. They have been around since 1855 and I firmly believe that they know what they are doing.
On Sep 25, 2007, rebecca101 Madison, WI (Zone 5a) wrote:
This year was my first time ordering from T&M, and I'm glad I did. If I had seen their terrible rating on the Watchdog before ordering it might have scared me away - fortunately (this time) I didn't look until after ordering.
I ordered several kinds of annual flower seed. Germination was poor on two varieties (papaver rhoeas & scabiosa atropurpurea), but this was probably due to my method (direct seeding - should have winter sowed for stratification). Germination on other varieties (also direct seeded) was good to excellent. Overall the rate was comparable to other companies I've tried. And the flowers truly surpassed in their loveliness. I was especially impressed with the clarkia bottae, clarkia elegans, and eschscholzia 'Thai Silk Lemon Bush'. Very unique varieties I didn't see for sale elsewhere.
They have the most drool-worthy catalogue in existence, and I personally enjoy it immensely.
My one complaint is that their prices are completely ridiculous. I would not buy from them if you can find something similar (at 1/2 or 1/4 the price) elsewhere. But it may be worth it sometimes to turn to them for something particularly fine or rare.
On Apr 21, 2007, doghill6 Rogue River, OR (Zone 8a) wrote:
I get their catalog first, but order from them last every year. Their prices are a little higher, but the others are catching up. They have unusual things and interesting varieties. I don't have trouble with germination much, but one time I got Japanese Maple seeds from them and only a few germinated. I always have a few failures, especially with the tricky stuff from any company and I usually assume it's my fault. So I like T&M. It's fun to try the weird stuff. Plus, this year they sent a nice pair of gloves with the order. I love free stuff.
All of the seeds I bought from Thompson Morgan were just about 100% germination. I liked everything from the fast shipping to the germination. I wasn't thrilled with their prices, but I didn't have to buy from them.
Debby
On Apr 2, 2007, LooneyLinda Mantua, UT (Zone 4b) wrote:
This is my first time ordering from T & M, partly because of the negative comments. I decided to order and do my own experiment. I have Russian Black, Black Cherry, and Sun Gold from three sources. T&M's seeds have had 100% germination where the others have not. One highly-rated company had less than 50% germination.
I used the same soilless mix, with the same heat.
While this may not occur on all their seeds, it was interesting.
On Apr 1, 2007, cannaqueen Mantua, OH (Zone 5a) wrote:
Reading all the negatives almost scared me away from ordering from this company, but they had some unique sunflower seeds not found elsewhere. I ordered Little Dorrit
sunflower seeds and planted them in a plant propagotor with
a heating pad set on low temp. Also planted Dwarf Yellow
Hedging sunflower seeds. They germinated within two weeks. The other sunflower seeds ordered will be started
outside when the ground gets warmer. Unique seeds tend to
be more expensive, but worth the try one time.......
On Mar 4, 2007, whitehen Salem, MA (Zone 6a) wrote:
Used T&M for seven types of annual seed. All came within ten days of ordering and my germination rate was over 95%.I will be ordering again next year as they carry a great assortment of seeds!!
On Mar 1, 2007, Windy Belleville , IL (Zone 6b) wrote:
I ordered when seeds were on sale in June. I set the packages aside with the rest of my seeds to be planted for the following growing season.
A week ago, I took the seeds out to sow in peat pots and found two of the packets contained no seeds at all.
I wrote to the company to see if I could get a refund or credit and explained that I would hold off on a rating until I got a satisfactory solution. I did not think that ordering from a company it was necessary to actually have to open seed packets on receipt to make sure there was actually a product inside.
Even though they were on sale, I expect "something" for my money.
I will leave the neutral rating and either mark it up or down depending on if and when I receive any acknowledgment of my email about the order.
On March 27th, 2007, Windy changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following:
I was contacted by a representative of the company March 27,2007 about the problem.
I had sent an email to them on the 26th of February but apparently this was not followed through then. I sent a copy of the email to the rep and I am going to receive a credit as I do intend to order from this company again.
So my rating is upgraded from neutral to positive today.
I placed a small order using a coupon code that came with the catalogue they sent me. The items arrived properly packed and in about 10 business days. They included some free pepper and lettuce seeds. If I grow them, I'll edit this with germination rates later.
On Jan 6, 2007, celtic_dolphin Boone, NC (Zone 4b) wrote:
I love the incredible variety this company offers! I've never had any difficulty ordering, unless you count the ones that sold out before I placed my order -- my fault for not ordering earlier. The staff has always been very helpful and courteous in these situations though. I've never ordered plants from them, only seeds, and I've always been very, very pleased!
On Dec 29, 2006, DonShirer Westbrook, CT (Zone 6a) wrote:
I have bought seeds from T&M for several years. Their annuals usually come through in fine shape. Perennials are a mixed bag: even though I try hard to follow their propagation instructions, about a quarter of them fail. I have not succeeded with their Poppies at all.
Nevertheless, they do offer many varieties other seed companies do not, and even though their prices are generally high, there are a few bargains for generic strains, and I will probably continue to order seeds from their extensive catalog and cross my fingers when I plant them.
On Nov 12, 2006, containergarden Los Angeles, CA wrote:
For vegetable seeds, I have found no better supplier than Thompson and Morgan. My germination rates with their seeds have consistently been excellent. I cannot comment on their flower seeds, because I don't grow flowers. The prices on some of their seeds are a bit high, but I've found excellent value on their outlet, valueseeds.com.
On Jul 3, 2006, tiffanya Sumner, WA (Zone 8a) wrote:
I have made three purchases from Thompson & Morgan this year. The seeds started thus far have produced some lovely plants. The only thing I'd suggest for improvement is for them to put photos of the plants on all the seed packages (so I don't have to print the photos and attach to remind myself which are growing). ;-)
On Apr 11, 2006, dmac085 Greensboro, NC (Zone 7a) wrote:
I purchased about $40 worth this year. I used snail mail due to the fact that the web site couldn't process a $10 off code properly on the computer. I still received my seed within a weeks time. All seed was shipped and there were a few free packs included. The prices are little on the high side but they are the only source for Cosmos Versailles Tetra,
Chrysanthemum Primrose Gem and Linanthes French Hyb. Stardust Mix. The cosmos VT are gorgeous! Color exactly as catalog describes.
On July 13th, 2009, dmac085 added the following:
07.13.09 Made 2 purchases of .99 cent items, was able to use online coupon codes for additional savings and shipping and communication was fast. Received my first order today and expect the second soon. Very pleased with ordering process, great values and prompt shipping/communication from this company. Hope to have success with some winter sowing and in situ sowing next spring and this fall.
On Mar 11, 2006, beaker_ch Columbia Heights, MN (Zone 4a) wrote:
I can't speak for the viability of the seeds, but I did place an order with them for seeds and I also took advantage of the half price offer for the patio greenhouse. Both the seeds and greenhouse arrived in less than a week. The greenhouse was easy to put together and I was surprised at the size. It was larger than I expected.
On Mar 6, 2006, Live2garden Waterford, WI (Zone 5b) wrote:
I have been ordering from T&M for at least 5 years - probably closer to 10 years (I usually spend $200 to $300 a year) and I always look forward to receiving the new catalog. It is always the first one to arrive and I enjoy the detailed germination and growing-on requirements. In fact, I often pass on extra catalogs to friends who are reluctant to start seeds so they can use it as a guide. However I agree that they send out too many catalogs per customer. I haven't noticed any germination problems other than the ones that need very strict stratification...but even those tend to be ok if I keep track of the temperature schedules (cold, warm, cool, etc). I have to admit, though, that I have NEVER gotten my sedum ussuriense to germinate...although this year I did get my sempevirvum to do so after I accidentally froze them instead of refrigerated (my greenhouse refrigerator was still set on "christmas cookie" temperature). The simple germinators, like pansy, impatiens, petunias, salvias - have all been successful for me. But I have to belly laugh at their refusal to sell any poppies that are "somniferums" but maybe that is just the US government picking on our overseas cousins! Customer service has been great in my experience...I had one pack of ageratum arrive empty this year - the foil packet was there, just no seed anywhere inside. I had a replacement pack (N/C) in less than five days! (with seed). I also had a packet of New Zealand delphiniums with two foil packets inside - so it more than made up for the empty one (though I did feel guilty about complaining about the empty pack without offering to pay for the double pack). Overall, T&M are one of my favorite seed companies. (I also heavily use Park garden). When it comes to germination....how much is that just the luck of the gardener? I always figured that this was my fault in some way, I never thought that it could be a company. I guess I have to keep better track of this and do some comparison experimentation in the future. I have 20 packs of pets from T&M and 5 or so from Parks this year....maybe I will do a count of seeds planted vs seedlings emerged and see if this brings any problems to light (for either company I guess).
On April 25th, 2006, Live2garden added the following:
Well, I kept track of germination this year in light of the comments made.
Interestingly, I had 0% germination for the impatiens! 0% - I guess it didn't take a sophisticated notebook to notice this statistic. I also got 0% germination on the Park's impatiens. The impatien seeds that I bought off-the-rack from a local garden store germinated near 100% so I do not think it was my technique or growing conditions. They were planted side-by-side in different plastic containers but in the same humidity and temperature chamber. The cheap off the rack ones are growing nicely, the expensive ones are duds. (I need to do my petunia calculation yet.)
The other plants seeds that I bought from T&M are doing fine. I have not calculated the actual germination rates but for the most part, there are no glaring deficiencies. The lesson I learned is that I will not be buying impatien seeds from T&M (or Parks) again. I will stick to the bargain seeds, even though the selection isn't as good.
I am keeping my rating positive because I still have more germination than not for the most part, although I am very disappointed with the impatien picture.
On Jan 25, 2006, Indigoez Floresville, TX (Zone 9a) wrote:
I've been ordering from T&M for several years now, and despite some having sad germination rates, I have been generally happy with their seeds. I've gotten good germination on all the ones (that I've planted so far) from my order this year. They also have many rare seeds that I haven't found anywhere else.
I put in an online order and it showed up five days later. The seeds were exactly as I ordered. The website was simple to use. Seeds are a bit on the expensive side, though.
On Mar 9, 2005, nevadagdn Sparks, NV (Zone 7a) wrote:
I carried back two free packets of T&M seeds that came in a gardening magazine I bought while in the UK. It's probably illegal to do that, but eh--it wasn't C4 or plutonium...I haven't tried the Laurentia yet, but the Achillea 'Summer Pastels' have germinated nicely in spite of my cheerful neglect method of seed starting (put jiffy mix in pot, moisten, add seeds, sprinkle decomposed granite on top, put pot(s) outside where it's cold and wait for results). Based on this experience, I think I'll try T&M seeds off the retail racks here before trying mail order and see how things go.
On January 1st, 2006, nevadagdn added the following:
I took the plunge and ordered a few packets of seed from T&M this year--I'll see how things go. They included a couple of free packets, which was nice. I ordered through the internet, and confirmations and shipment were all reasonably quick. Unfortunately, none of the nurseries in my area carry a T&M rack any more: it probably wasn't cost-effective.On April 17th, 2006, nevadagdn added the following:
Germination rates aren't bad. The difficult-to-germinate varieties are predictably difficult to germinate. The easy ones are equally predictably easy. The Dahlia seed I ordered erupted into little plants within days, and now I have a whole pot of little plants demanding to be pricked out and put in their own pots, if you please!On November 23rd, 2006, nevadagdn added the following:
After much experimenting and soil-through-the-house-trailing and mess-making, I have come to the conclusion that T&M seeds have perfectly acceptable germination rates--IF you know how best to grow a given variety from seed. The "problem" is that many of T&M varieties require specific germination conditions, and those varieties differ from those of most common seed-grown garden plants. It pays to read up on what you are growing.
On Feb 24, 2005, jessamine Fort Wayne, IN (Zone 5a) wrote:
I have been buying from T&M for close to 20 years now. The first time was at the Chicago Frank's store. Franks is now history but thankfully T&M is still going strong. The one time I had dificulty with germination I have to wonder now, if it was due to delivery in a massive ice storm in Wisconsin. No matter, the company replaced the seeds when I requested it. I think I recall in the catalog where you can choose a substitution if they are out of something or refuse it. My only complaint is that sometimes what English growers really like is not to US taste. I try to check the databases to see if some of the uncommon ones are what I expect them to be or if the British outlook is affecting the discription. In the past I have been surprised and pleased to find additional packets and a note saying they found germination rates were not up to expectation. The Germination Times is a gem but I miss being able to get copies of Successful Seed Raising. My copy has had to be laminated and I fear losing it. Jessamine
I have ordered several times and have been pleased with all aspects of each experience.
*Selection: Outstanding, and they'll even try to find things for you if they don't happen to have them.
*Prices: A little high, but arguably worth it for the service and selection, which have in my experience been better than well-known US competitors. You also get gobs of free seed packets if you happen to order the right combination of varieties. You can't tell in advance if you only use the website, but if you have a paper catalog you can see which selections will yield a free offer.
*Catalog: Stellar! Very informative, with good pictures.
*Website: Very good -- Good pictures, well-described plant info, and detailed germination instructions. Be sure to check out the fact sheets for additional info. Could use a better search feature, however.
*Service: Superb -- Pleasant sales people on the phone, who instantly connected me to the staff horticulturalist who spoke to me at length! Prompt email responses (usually). The horticulturalist even searched for a plant I wanted that they didn't carry, and when she couldn't get it through their suppliers, she suggested that I order from another place that did sell it retail! I once forgot to add something to my order, and emailed them to see if I could add it. They told me that my order had already been processed, but they'd send me the desired packet separately with NO shipping charge.
*Shipping: Reasonable prices, and quite fast, with the exception of an order I placed just before thanksgiving -- that one took awhile, but understandably so perhaps.
*Quality: Great so far. I've only started some orange geraniums, black/white dianthus, and asarina so far, but I've had a 90-95% germination rate on those, and the asarina seeds were from 2001!
On February 26th, 2005, porcubat added the following:
A note on CUSTOMER SERVICE:
T&M's customer service has become hit or miss (mostly hit though) -- depending on what sort of question you ask, I believe.
Any questions I've asked that got routed to the horticulturalist were quickly given attention. I've only once had problems with germination, and was immediately offered a replacement packet, although notified that it would likely be from the same seed lot. Their staff horticulturalist has repeatedly provided near-immediate phone and email response. She is fantastic, personable, dedicated, and a stellar example of a real service-oriented employee (and no, I don't know her personally or have any other motives here -- just impressed!).
Other questions I've asked that may pertain to sundry supplies have never received replies. On March 3rd, 2005, porcubat added the following:
Update on customer service:
Wow, they certainly watch this forum -- I was contacted within one week of posting my last email about customer service, with an offer to take care of my questions ASAP! They clearly strive to take care of their customers!
I have purchased seeds from this company for a long time and have found them to be very good. The seeds sprout well and produce beautiful plants. I like the huge variety of hard to find flowers and plants. Its like no other seed company in the US. I highly recommend them.
On Aug 2, 2004, gizzmo93 Iowa City, IA (Zone 5a) wrote:
I have ordered from this company twice. Both times my orders have arrived within a few days after placing the order. I have had great results with their seeds and would surely order from them again.
Fast shipping, great catalog. Lots of free seeds with purchase. Not the best germination rate, but most of the seeds I bought were rated at a more experienced level. Of the ones that failed, the company cheerfully and quickly sent replacement packets. Very pleased and will order from again.
they stick by their products. They will replace or refund after refering you to their hort expert.
i had 30% germination rate on abutilon. they replaced it with another lot. same results. the hort lady worked with me and we determined that this is what can be expected.
I lost my first batch of Mimulis due to dampening off. no problem they replaced no charge
I've ordered seeds from this company for the past two years. Their catalog is great as is their web site. The seeds arrived very quickly. My germination rate was about the same as seeds I got from different companies. They have more varieties than most other seed companies. I will continue to order from them in the future.
I am familiar with T-M from numerous trips to the UK where their catalog is the Bible for gardeners. So I ordered from them in 2003.
(2003)The number of seeds in each packet was fewer than from other US suppliers, but the incredible variety of seeds offered and superior plant and planting information made them worth it for me (having limited terrace space, I could afford to sacrifice seed count).
(2004) They promise more seeds per packet this year which is good. Based on 2003, I ordered more seeds than I can possibly use (friends will get gifts).
Major complaint: Their website is awful. They do not have -and need- a "search" button. Finding flowers, especially by common name or characteristic (ie Fragrance) is nearly impossible.
Additionally, many of their plants use Latin nomenclature or names more typical for Britain than in the USA. Given the size of the company, they can afford to rectify this and to improve their site.
So what is my recommendation? Easy. Order their free PRINTED catalog. Spend some time with it and note your selections. ONLY then go to their website and place an order.
You will be pleased with the results (and when you place your order, tell T-M to make their site user friendly).
I've ordered from them for the first time this year and I am very pleased with the service I received. There was one type of seed that I could not find so i contacted customer service by e-mail to which I received not only a prompt response but also a link to the seed I wanted. Even though it was currently unavailable I was placed on a "waiting list" so that when the seed becomes available it will be sent to me so that I don't need to check regularly.
All seeds arrived quickly and quickly they germinated, with strong and healthy looking seedlings. I am very pleased with this experience and shall return for new orders - as soon as I work on some new flower nedsin my garden. With the germination rate I had this year I am not sure how much space will be left for new garden beds
I have placed several orders during the last couple of years. Every order came through without any problems. Now T&M pay the GST (Canadian tax) on all orders and I love the freebies as well. In my experience, germination is on par with other companies (considering the 10 million and 1 variables from seed to flower and the general degenerative tendency of everything in this world, I'm surprised that anyone could have such high expectations from any seed company). Most of all I love the information given on each variety, color pictures, planting suggestions, germinating instructions, hardiness rating, and seed count. Their's is the Catalogue of Seed Catalogues and when I buy I am definitely making a well informed decision. When it comes to variety - a delectable smorgasbord from all over the world. Have placed 1 order from their 2004 catalogue and now off to place another.
