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On Jun 22, 2009, probichaud Madisonville, TN wrote:
Plant stock received in timely manner and healthy condition. In fact, ferns were so healthy that even though our resident wildlife dug up every one of them a few times, all are thriving! I will use again as soon as the weather cools a bit.
In March I ordered 2 celandine wood poppies through e-bay from this company. When I received them they were in excellent condition and exceeded my expectations. I planted them and they are doing so well, I am going to buy two more. Prices for multiple plants from this provider is good and shipping is pretty fast. I recommend them for great deals on multiple hard to find woodland plants.
On Feb 28, 2009, catloverrachel Columbia, SC (Zone 8a) wrote:
I have ordered several times from Viola Valley. Each time my order was delivered speedily, and with extra plants in my order. Yes, one variety was mislabelled - I got some charming spiderwort in various colors instead of the maltese cross I had ordered. But I know if I had complained, Bobby would do his best to fix the issue. And yes, most are shipped bareroot, which allows VV to keep their prices incredibly cheap. I will continue to order from VV.
On Feb 23, 2009, NativeSusan Decatur, GA (Zone 7b) wrote:
I ordered from the company's website. I was thrilled, because they offer native plants and other plants that I have not been able to easily find. The order arrived promptly with everything packaged in peat moss as they said. Most were bare root, but the rhizomes looked great. The rattlesnake orchid was just beautiful. Their prices seem to actually be a bit low for I got. I have seen similar ferns selling at other companies for five times more. I do understand that it is not a huge chain nursery, so I would expect to be more patient with large orders. Overall a great experience, and I would definitely order from them again.
On Nov 14, 2008, flowerfantasy Washington, IN (Zone 6a) wrote:
I have no had dealings with Viola valley from Daves but did buy from them on ebay and I can say I had no problems getting what I ordered. They even went so far as to help me to plant my pawpaw seeds as I had never tried growing them before. VERY VERY helpful with this. I would buy from them again and again.
This was my first time ordering from VVW.
I ordered 150 Vinca Minor bareroot plants. Excellent communication concerning order ship dates and planting instructions.
Plants arrived within 4 days of ordering. They were packed in peat and appeared to be in good shape.
Planted them the same day they arrived. It had rained the previous day so the ground was moist. They appear to be doing quite well.
I had laid out a grid, planting them 1 foot apart. As I was finishing the planting I discovered that I was short some plants. I e-mailed VVW about this problem. They were very prompt in returning my e-mail.
As they stated, mistakes do happen. They shipped me 50 more plants immediately. I received them within 4 days as before. They were in fine shape.
I appreciate doing business with people that stand behind what they say.
I know when I'm ready to order more plants where I will be getting them!
Thank you,
Leon
Viola Valley is a great resource for hard to find wildflowers. My order arrived quickly and they sent more than I ordered so that was a treat!
I received instructional emails before the plants arrived so I knew what to do when the plants arrived. Bare root means bare root, although there was some growth beginning on many of the roots. I planted them and they are doing very well.
I am more than happy with my order and plan to buy from them again.
You should check out Viola Valley if you are looking for a unique addition to your garden.
On Sep 6, 2008, SwimmingJewel Southold, NY (Zone 7b) wrote:
Viola Vally Wildflowers was very generous. I got more than I bid for, and was very pleased with the plants. They communicated with me at length directly after the auction was over, in detail about their plants and care. Yes, the plants are small, but there are LOTS of them. I really don't think anyone who gave bad feedback understood what bare root means. I am a professional landscape designer, and this is exactly what I needed for my new woodland garden at our new house. I also planted my plants the same day I got them and didn't let them sit around in the box for days. And when I planted them, I watered them in and I have kept them watered well every day. With a little care and TLC, imagine that...they are thriving! :)
Now I have a few groves of different plants from VVW, all peeking through the leaf mold mulch I used around them.
I have bought a number of orders and have had great experiences with this company. All of the little corms and bulbs have grown into wonderful plants. I have had no problems with the plants. I have given these plants as gifts to a friend who was starting a wildflower garden and he loved all of the plants and was very satisfied. I will order from this company again!
On Aug 22, 2008, Viola Valley Wildflowers responded with:
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On Aug 22, 2008 10:25 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added:
Thanks for lovely feedback, It is much appreciated. With working on there for the past 4 & 1/2 years and successfully with over 17,000 customers, it is so so nice to hear the good in all we do for many avid gardeners. Please be sure to contact us at any time with any questions or concerns. Bobby"
I ordered 250 bare root periwinkles (vinca minor) through ebay. It was a seamless transaction. I received the plants promptly. They were all healthy plants. They've only been in the ground two days, but they seem to be doing well. My only complaint is a sore back.
On Jun 16, 2008, melvatoo Denton, TX (Zone 7a) wrote:
June 15th, 2008
I found them on e-bay and ordered 5 Indian Pink bare roots...there was a lag time for me to be able to pay, and they were very understanding. I look forward to getting the plants...I have a small colony of Indian Pink and I like them so well, I am adding more...
Have used this vendor. I liked the variety they offered. Items were received (a little delayed) and appear healthy. Waiting for them to come up from their flower beds, so not able to comment on there success yet. Was frustrated a bit with apparent miscommunications from the vendor. Vendor did not take responsibility for miscommunications. Based on my experience and reported experiences below, I feel the vendor should consider evaluating it's methods and style of communication to avoid confusion and miscommunication. They may see an improvement in there interactions with customers if they make a few changes to their style of communication and how they communicate in general. As the vendor appears to read and respond in this consumer based forum, maybe the vendor will consider making an effort in this area.
On March 28th, 2009, beagelgarden changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following:
Update: Most of the plants I purchased show signs that they are up. I am happy with their rates of survival. It is possible that I may order from this vendor in the future, but it is likely that I will make that decision based on visible communication improvements.
Regardless of the vendors experience or credentials in their area of expertise, it is rather apparent that an opportunity exist for them to improve their knowledge on how to provide a positive experience for customers.
Viola Valley Wildfowers: I doubt that you will receive feedback as objective as what I am currently providing as a customer. This forum is used by gardeners who utilize numerous and various vendors, so their feedback (both negative and positive) should be taken as Gold to you. A majority of these gardeners are "experts" in assessing their experience with nurseries. These are individuals who have planed their planting more comprehensively in typical gardeners and are more likely to work with a nursery and understand some of the challenges nurseries go through. Their feedback is an opportunity for you to improve the experience of all your customers. I think that you will discover a great deal of benefit from finding a consultant, whose expertise is in customer service, in your area. Such a person could help your company improve this aspect of your business. With the current economy, this type of service maybe more affordable then what you would initially suspect.
I hope to use you as a vendor again in the future. Overall, I was happy with the plants I received and feel that your company’s focus on native forest plants is refreshing and creative.
I ordered Trilliums from them. 2 diff. kinds. They arrived bare root & packed in peat moss. Appear to be healthy good roots. Got in a timely manner & emails were prompt. Nice people. Probably won't see the blooms till next year. Would recommned if you want something unique you can't buy in the store. Purchased off ebay.
On May 29, 2008, cedarpost Petoskey, MI (Zone 4b) wrote:
I have had a positive experience with VVW. I purchased from them off of ebay. I ordered 40 garden phlox and 125 vinca minor cuttings. Both orders arrived packed in peat moss and in good condition. Before my plants arrived I received several emails from Viola Valley stating the order status. Overall, I am pleased with my purchases and the customer service provided. I will buy from them again.
Ordered 10 Spigelia Marlandica 'Indian Pink' roots which arrived dormant (as expected). Planted immediately after prepping them in warm water. Hopefully, their growth will catch up with what I already have as the bare roots still must break dormancy.
I will start by saying this isn't how I like to do things, but having e-mailed this company 4 times over the last month, and left them a phone message, and gotten absolutely no response, I don't see any other way to get their attention.
I placed a good-sized order w/them last fall, and received nice, healthy dormant material. Unfortunately, when it came up, the supposed Jeffersonia diphylla were all Caulophyllum thalictroides, the supposed Trillium luteum, to the extent that they've bloomed, are T. recurvatum, while the supposed T. recurvatum are a variety of things, some recurvatum, many not. The Disporum maculatum appears to be Prosartes lanuginosa, though of this I am not entirely sure.
I have received nice plant material, correctly named, from them in the past, and I understand that we all make mistakes. What I don't understand is this continued unwillingness to acknowledge or address them. ????
On May 18th, 2008, ellenshp changed the rating from neutral to negative and added the following:
It's now 24 hours since I POLITELY posted "neutral" rather than "negative" feedback for my mislabeled plants. I got no response either here or privately from VVW. Meanwhile yet another buyer posts the same complaint and gets instant (and unpleasant) feedback. I guess "negative" is what it takes!
As to sending photos, I can cheerfully (???) supply those if asked. However, 4 e-mails and a phone message have not been enough to get ANY response from these folks. Guess it's time to take off the gloves.
I own a business myself, and I cannot imagine handling complaints in this fashion. On May 18th, 2008, ellenshp changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following:
VVW is in the process of addressing this problem. They cannot find any record of my first three e-mails, and didn't get contact information in the 4th (sent through Dave's Garden). I look forward to a speedy and satisfactory resolution of the problem.On May 17, 2008, Viola Valley Wildflowers responded with:
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On May 18, 2008 5:07 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added:
This is inaccurate. We have dug all day yesterday and just finished packing for morning shipments. We had no absolute way until today that she finally called our simple phone number for an accurate contact manner. We have never received but a d-mail with no email response address. Please email me and I will forward the d-mail to all that does not speak of any email address to get back with this customer. This is unfair. I am calling you now as I just finally got the message on the machine you called. For heaven sakes, we are working a sunday and still calling you anyways. Didnt even give us a chance to call. 7 days a week is not enough for anyone.
On May 18, 2008 7:26 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added:
Lovely conversation with Ellen today. So glad we can work this out. We never leave things left un-repaired. BooBoo's Do happen. Glad to see that with a phone call away we could work this out. I will email once shipped through email address on the fall order. Now that I have it! Wish we could have worked this out before all this. We will be in touch very very soon"
I had a good experience with this company. They are very focused on customer satisfaction and I am satisfied. I ordered bare root tiarella, true and false solomon's seal, and wood poppies. The tiarellas are shooting leaves up and I have faith the others will too!
On May 15, 2008, hmsgoodhope Great Falls, VA wrote:
Very happy with ourchase. 3 weeks after planting 99% of plants (500 VINCA MINOR GROUNDCOVER PERIWINKLE VINE PLANTS) are growing fast. Good communications and instructions on planting / care. Just purchased additional plants and will but more as time allows. Highly recommend!!
I am not totally experienced so I needed help. I got it!
And I was spending more money than I planned. I loved dealing with Viola Valley Wildflowers and I plan on doing a lot more this autumn.
The "plantings" were strong, solid, healthy and ready to go. I was so impressed and happy.
Thank you!! Four Stars.
On May 13, 2008, patwood Lake Hopatcong, NJ wrote:
I just received a large order from Viola Valley that I placed on their web site. Big plants, all well packed. They have an ebay store as well, but quantity pricing seems to be better on their web site.
On May 8, 2008, kiroseko Jeffersonville, IN wrote:
I love this company! I've ordered from them many times. Everytime I've received my order quickly and the plants look great. I've never ordered bareroot plants that come up as quickly and reliably.
I needed 1000 more vinca bareroot starts fast. In the middle of a hectic
schedule, Viola Wildflowers sent them, they arrived the next day in great shape. They are all in, looking great, and I am going to get 1250 more. This is the best company I have purchased from thus far. Thank you so much.
5 stars
- Candace in Murfreesboro
I have purchased many plants from Viola Valley in the past few years and am consistently impressed with the quality and price. Viola Valley has enabled me to populate my woods with native treasures that would be cost-prohibitive from other vendors. The owner seems genuinely concerned about keeping his customers satisfied. His native flowers have given me much pleasure throughout the years, and have survived some harsh zone 4 winters. I have purchased from many mail-order vendors throughout the years, and can recommend this seller without reservation.
The communication from beginning to end was excellent. The plants appear to be very healthy, with nice strong roots and healthy leaves. Arrival was much faster than anticipated. Great experience.
On May 2, 2008, 75751 Fort Mill, SC (Zone 7b) wrote:
Another happy customer! I placed an order for 20 Trillium.
My order arrived quickly and healthy. I will order again
for more varieties of wildflowers in the future.
Thanks!
c&nn
On Apr 25, 2008, cathy4 St. Louis County, MO (Zone 5a) wrote:
Plants arrived good size, in a timely fashion. Prompt email response to a question I had.
My only concern was the plants were in the box with no packing materials and the box was smashed upon arrival. Luckily, the roots look okay, and if not, I feel confident ViolaValley will solve the problem.
On Apr 24, 2008, hothotpepper Great Falls, SC wrote:
I ordered some joe pye weed roots from them and they were absolutely huge and healthy looking. Their prices are very good. I will continue to order from them. Shipping was fast too.
I can only say positive things about Viola Valley Wildflowers. You can’t ask for better communication. Their prices are fantastic, service great, and the plants arrived in good condition and were shipped on time. Thanks for being an honest and reliable company.
On Apr 18, 2008, gardenlady123 Plainwell, MI (Zone 5b) wrote:
Viola Valley had a Classified ad on Daves Garden with a nice offer of free shipping in Jan08. I placed an order and asked for it be shipped in mid April... They sent an email letting me know my order was on the way...How to take care of the plants once they arrived. The prices were fantastic and I probably will order from them again!! They came all packed in peat and arrived in great condition. They had a great selection of the all the wildflowers I was looking for. Thanks, Ronna (aka = gardenlady123)
I ordered 25 Lily of the Valley(s). No info yet to report on the growth rate, quality, etc., but I can say that my order hadn't been place 12 hours when I received a personal email about the order. I received my order quickly. It was well packed and all look to be healthy, super quality. Will follow up with the rest of the story later!
On Apr 15, 2008, bbrookrd nantucket, MA (Zone 7a) wrote:
I ordered a small section of plants ( crested iris, several trillium, bloodroot, Jack in the pulpits and a few others) in Feb and they arrived just as requested in early April and all packed in peat in small baggies. All survived the shipping well and are now tucked into their new woodland home. I was very pleased and will order again from them. Patti
I bought vinca minor to use as a groundcover. Plants arrived quickly and were very healthy and ready to plant, not to mention the price was right!! I was very happy with the whole transaction and would definitely recommend this seller. I'll be back!!
On Apr 14, 2008, sandycj2004 Summerville, SC wrote:
My shopping experience with viola valley wildflowers was GREAT. My bulbs and roots arrived fast and was well packaged. Everything arrived just as described. No disappointments here. I'm a very satisfied customer and will be shopping with viola valley wildflowers again.
Butterflyscj
large healthy well packed ferns, they were aggressively growing again on the Second day after they got here. NOw that I know about Viola I think I may start collecting ferns
VIOLA VALLEY WILDFLOWERS is fantastic! I have ordered from them several times in the past two years and my plants have arrived very quickly. Once planted, the plants have done beautifully. In my opinion this is the best place to buy native plants and wildflowers.
