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Where to buy online these days?

ChilliBobChilliBob Posts: 98
in Plants
Hello everyone, we purchased a fair few plants yesterday from a garden centre, they had a decent selection, but not everything I was after.

I've ordered plants online before, but a long time ago (think more like 15 years ago!). I know my Mum has too, with various degrees of success. I think I used Thompson and Morgan and it was just okay, I think she favours Sarah Raven, but thinks they're pricey!

So, what are you recommendations, and indeed suggestions of places best to swerve, when purchasing plants online. 

I'd vastly prefer to buy in person, but it just doesn't seem possible for some of the things I'm after! 

Thoughts most welcome!
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  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It largely depends on what you're buying.
    Lots of good online outlets, and many provide a big range of all kinds of plants, and some are more specialist - clematis, roses, trees, bulbs  etc.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    What is it that you're looking for? No single seller will have everything, and some are quite specialist. I haven't ordered any growing plants online this year (yet!) but some I've had good stuff from in the last few years are Plantagogo and Dorset Perennials.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @ChilliBob Yes what are you looking for. Plantagogo for heucheras, Knoll gardens grasses, Norwell Nurseries for the rare and unusual, Middletons salvias the list goes on . Sarah Raven is expensive but you get what you pay for. Avoid plants that are about to flower as they may not survive the journey. [Alliums for instance now].
    Plants are often in 9cm pots so can be smaller and need potting on before planting out.
    P and P can also be expensive.

    Often you can find different plants at plant fairs and NGS open gardens for a fraction of the price. A third or more of the plants in my garden came from these sources.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Jenny_AsterJenny_Aster Posts: 945
    Shop around online, be careful with plants you buy on Amazon though. Saying that, because I'm a Prime member delivery is free, though some sellers add a delivery charge - I steer clear of those, eg Suttons. But if I see something I really want and can't get it anywhere else, I've been known to grudgingly pay the delivery charge.

    Many well known garden companies sell through A, and there are some fledgling companies that are very good and are worth following. I always read the comments about the product, if there are about 1% griping (and there's always one) I ignore, but if the trend is negative, the seller gets skipped. I do follow a few sellers such as Premier Seeds, T&M, Sarah Raven (seeds and bulbs) to mention a few. 

    B&Q I've noticed are selling a large range of products from other sellers where delivery is free, for the few things I've bought that way (a toolmate bench, 4 growbag trays, and a pack of 6 tomato planters) their price couldn't be beaten elsewhere, and delivery was free and prompt. I'll certainly be buying more online for things from them. Think they are fighting back regarding A.

    But... you can't beat having a good mooch around a garden centre on a lovely Spring day.




    Trying to be the person my dog thinks I am! 

    Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.
  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718
    There are some recommendations here

    https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/comment/2449790#Comment_2449790
    Rutland, England
  • ChilliBobChilliBob Posts: 98
    Thanks for the replies everyone. The list isn't that extensive at the moment, but would include:

    Salvia
    Lavender
    Verbena B
    Rosemary
    Wall flowers
    Heather/trailing plants
    Climbers (tbd exactly what)
    Rhododendron Saint Tudy - very specific here, and seems is not that widely available! - Saw this at Hyde Hall and it certainly ticked our boxes!

    I'll take a look at the suggestions :)

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If you like clematis - Taylors, Thorncroft and Hawthornes are the ones to check out. Peter Beales also stocks a good variety, and that would be a good site if you want roses.
    Also - there's always a rose thread on the forum and you'll get loads of help there if roses are your thing  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    I would advise against being in too much of a hurry to buy everything online (except very specific unusual things). For instance, you list Verbena b. In a few weeks it will be everywhere in garden centres, including places like BM Bargains, The Range, B&Q etc, at a much lower price than you'll generally pay online, and no P&P. 
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I agree @Loxley :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • AthelasAthelas Posts: 946
    Downderry Nursery (https://downderry-nursery.co.uk/) have a great selection of lavender
    Cambridgeshire, UK
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