We ship out thousands of orders, and tens of thousands of plants, each
year. We take pride in the fact that we send healthy, well-grown and
groomed, plants. These are carefully wrapped and boxed and shipped out as
soon as possible--more than 90% of orders are shipped within a matter of days of
our receiving them.
We guarantee safe delivery of all orders, and healthy, properly labeled, and
true-blooming plants. On occasion (about 1 in every 100 orders), we'll
have to make good on our guarantee. Sometimes, plants perish in weather
that's too hot or cold, sometimes the post office "squashes" a box
and, sometimes, we're to blame for poor packaging or clerical mistakes. In
such cases, we'll reship plants, issue a credit, or refund money (we need to do
this on about 1 in every 200 or so orders). In any event, we always try to
please and look for ways to improve our growing, shipping, or service.
From Phyllis, in NJ
My terrarium plants arrived in healthy condition and were expertly
packed! I am very happy with my selection and will order again.
Thank you. February 12, 2008
From Mary, in MO
I ordered a violet from you quite a while ago. I have to tell you
it is spectacular. It has the white edge on the green leaf, and has
white flowers with green edges. I had it 6 months in June, and it
started to bloom. It has been loaded with blooms ever since. It
was packed so well when it came, and it was in perfect condition. You
grow the prettiest violets I have ever seen. I am getting ready to
order again. Just love your plants. February 24, 2008
From Carol, in IL
I received my order on Friday, February 22. Even though we were in
the midst of a raging ice storm, your careful packaging kept the plants in
wonderful condition. Thank you so much for the care you took with my
order. I am certain I will enjoy the plants. February 26,
2008
From Barbara, in ME
I wanted to again thank you for handpicking the box of violets for
me at the Connecticut show, to display during my lecture at the Portland
Flower show in March. I know they will have a big "WOW" factor!
My friends and I enjoyed our day at the show tremendously, but I have to
admit I cannot remember a single thing about any of the display gardens.
I think I had a hard time getting my focus past booth 700! February
27, 2008
From Lisa, in TX
I received my order of "10 different standard violets, seller's choice"
about 1 pm this afternoon. I had to write to tell you how happy I am
with my order. The packaging was superb, there was absolutely no
damage, and the plants were clean and fresh. I couldn't be more
pleased. March 5, 2008
From Sandy, in CA
Just a note to say Thank you, the plants I ordered cam this morning in
fine shape. The packing was amazing and it was so nice to see buds on
the plants already. Thanks again. March 6, 2008
From Carol, in KS
Just wanted to tell you the African violets go here Wednesday, and they
were in great shape! Thanks so much, I'm sure my daughter will really
enjoy them! March 6, 2008
From Allen, in NC
My order arrived in excellent condition. They were packed
perfectly. The violets had some flowers on them and very healthy
growth. Most of the streptocarpus were (and still are) in flower.
The "streps" colors are so saturated they look like orchids. Job well
done. March 6, 2008
From MaryLea, in TX
My plants arrived yesterday. All are in great shape. The
packing was fantastic--insulation, etc. Now to get them potted and
watch them grow and bloom. You and Olive have been very courteous on
the phone. I am looking forward to ordering more later. Thank
you. March 6, 2008
From Marilyn, in CO
I just received an incredible birthday surprise. My son ordered
African violets from you. they were so well packed and arrived without
even a bent leaf!! I can't wait for them to bloom because, looking at
your website, I'll have some really fabulous and showy plants. Thank
you for your care in shipping. March 13, 2008
From Maria, in PA
Received my order yesterday....I was very pleased with the packaging!
I have been an avid indoor and outdoor gardener for years, but just recently
have become more of a violet collector....so thrilled to add these to my
home! Many thanks! March 14, 2008
From Maria, in IN
Just wanted to let you know that my violets arrived safe and sound.
I was surprised, and delighted to see that all but one was blooming! I
am very pleased with my order. Thank you so much for the care taken in
packing them for shipment. I also appreciate, again, your thoughts on
why 'Windy Day' had not bloomed in the several years I'd had it. It
was making up for lost time, now, though; and is a gorgeous plant. My
other violets as well, have been delights that I ordered from you in the
past. I encourage everyone I know to order from you. March
21, 2008
From Alicia, in FL
My episcias arrived yesterday. I cannot be more happy. I
want to express to you my satisfaction for the plants size, health, and
perfect condition. The package was a piece of art, and the insulation
protected the plants from cold and heat. Thank you very much for all
the care and love that I found in this transaction. March 27,
2008
From Cara, in TX
Recently got some of your wicking potting mix; did a major (for me)
repotting of all 10 of my av's a bare two weeks ago, and they're getting
ready to bloom already! Great stuff, and great service, too. ...a big
"thank you" for sharing it with those of us who aren't as wise.
March 31, 2008
From Jack, in SC
My columnea arrived so well packed March 12th and have doubled in size
and the 'Goldilocks' had a pretty yellow bloom today. Well pleased.
April 4, 2008
From Albus, in OH
Plants came Thursday and I love them!! Thanks so much.
April 4, 2008
From Fran, in England
Just a quick note to say that all the streps arrived safe and well
today. I'm absolutely delighted with them. I'm so glad that I
got all the ones I wanted and some are even flowering already. I also
can't believe they arrived so promptly. I'll be back later on to get
some av's too! April 4, 2008
From Endo, in Japan
The day before yesterday, the plants which you sent arrived safely.
The state of the plants is perfect and has made the still beautiful flower
bloom. A appreciate your kindness. Thank you. April 9,
2008
From Beverly, in FL
I received my violets today. I am very pleased with them.
There was not one leaf bruised or broken, and not one grain of soil out of
place. I hope they thrive. April 10, 2008
From James, in TX
Just wanted to let you know that I received the package today. All
of the plants are in great condition! I was shocked to see how many
were either in bud or had blooms on them...it'll be hard to buy off ebay
with plants like this available! Thanks. April 10, 2008
From Mary, in IL
Thank you so much for my order. You did as promised and gave me
many varieties. Thank you. They were packaged extremely well and
arrived safely. Thank you so much, these little plants are just what I
was looking for. April 12, 2008
From Vikki, in OK
I recieved my 20 beautiful violets Saturday. Not one of them lost
a leaf or even had a bent leaf. I am so impressed with you I am making
out another order to send off the end of the week. No more e-Bay
violets for me. Thanks so much, you're all amazing. April 14,
2008
From Anne, in NC
All my 'bitty begonias' and the petrocosmea arrived in fine shape and
look wonderful. Thank you for quick shipment and world-famous
protective packaging--I would mind traveling all cuddled up like that!
April 17, 2008
From Deborah, in CA
All the plants arrived in great shape. I'm really excited to get
them potted up and blooming! I'm very pleased with everything.
Thanks so much for a smooth and pleasant transaction! April 23,
2008
From Alicia, in NJ
I received my order today. I just LOVE ordering from you!
Both plants arrived absolutely beautifully, not one broken or damaged leaf!
I am overjoyed with the plants and the condition of these plants! I
can't wait to see blooms. Many thanks and I will definitely order from
you again in the future! April 24, 2008
From Gregory, in IN
Very, very impressed with my shipment of violets. They are worth
every penny I paid. They were packed and shipped better than ANY mail
order nursery I've ever dealt with. Anyone who is hesitant to buy
plants through the mail need not worry. You are sure to receive
carefully packed and quickly shipped plants that will definitely become the
highlights of your collection! I just can't say enough good things!
April 26, 2008
From Ed, in IL
I have ordered a few plants a year from you over several years.
The plants received were always healthy and arrive promptly in good
condition. I would recommend ordering from you to all of my growing
friends. Be well and good growing. April 30, 2008
...and some "constructive" criticism: Yes, we
sometimes get complaints--we guarantee safe delivery on all orders and
occasionally need to process a refund or send a replacement plant (our average
is about 1 in every 100 orders). We haven't printed these. These are
the more specific complaints/comments that customers have made--we reprint them
so that we have a chance to explain, improve our work and, perhaps, avoid
similar problems in the future.....
From a customer in CA
1/4 of my plants were subs, or 26 percent. That is too high for my
satisfaction. 'Electric Dreams' was substituted for 'Edward's
Delight', 'Aca's Summer Parfait', was substituted for 'Gemcraft
Pink Pearl', and 'Blue Turtle' was subbed for 'Happy Harold',
'Ruffles n Lace' was substituted for 'Ma's Fat Froggie'. The
'Ruffles n Lace' is sickly, pale, and discolored. Maybe 8 leaves
removed to make the plant look better. I have 600 or more plants and I
know what I am looking for. I am not the type of customer who does not
know the difference between a good plant from a poor one. Please advise, I
am not happy at all.
Our reply: Very sorry for the
substitutes. Except for 'Ma's Fat Froggie' the others were all listed on
our "collector's treasure" pages as "out of stock" at the time you ordered.
When ordering, you allowed us to substitute, if needed. We did our best in
selecting varieties that were most similar either in flower or leaf color and
type when substituting. We're sorry you didn't like the plants we
selected. As for 'Ma's Fat Froggie', this is a very unique plant.
'Ruffles n Lace' is the closest we could come. It was a very mature plant,
without removing the outer leaves, it would have been impossible to wrap for
shipping. We could have substituted with another variety with green
flowers, such as 'Ma's Frog Land', but it would lack the distinctive ruffles on
the edges. We have no way of knowing what customers expect unless we have
more information, such as giving a list to choose substitutes from. We
won't be able to accept plants being sent back to us. We will give you a
credit for 'Ruffles n Lace'. You may use this any future order.
From Barbara, in NY
I just ordered 3 plants from you, one of which was 'Tomahawk',
standard violet. When I clicked on 'Tomahawk', the violet I saw was
not what I got for the name. The picture shows a bright red flower with
deep green leaves with a hint of yellow in them. I got a deep burgandy
flower with dark green leaves. It is blooming now. The picture of
the full blooming plant is what I wanted.
Our reply: Unfortunately, this is the
best we can do. African violets do not exist in "true" (fire-engine)
red--'Tomahawk' is typical of the reddest varieties that currently exist.
It's not possible, genetically, for them to be "redder". To most, this
passes for "red", though it will look "burgandy" to many. Also remember,
that the appearance of the plant will be greatly affected by culture and
light--colors are deeper when grown in cooler (i.e. but still above 62f degrees)
rather than warm temperatures. Also, light can make a plant "appear" to be
more or less colorful--every window and light-bulb is different in the color
spectrum produced. As for the web-site, this is also the best we can
do--the colors shown there are representative (some better, some worse) of the
varieties we grow. Nearly all the plants pictured were grown by us under
our conditions--what you see is what we have, given our care and conditions....
Have a question? Problem with an order or with our
service?
If you'd like an immediate response, please call us during business hours
(12-5 pm EST), since we don't always have the time to deal with letters or
e-mails promptly. We aim to please.
For questions regarding culture and care of your plants, we ask that you
review the web-site first, since most problems and commonly asked questions are
addressed here. If you need a personal response, please call us (again
during business hours) since we may need information you hadn't thought of
providing concerning your plant's condition. Again, we haven't the time nor
staff to personally reply to all letters and e-mails.
Have any comments of your own on our plants or our service? Both
constructive criticism as well as complements are welcome. All will
be read, but we haven't the time to reply to each.
