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Warning about buying plants online

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  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @susiegray1952 I have just read your post' Love2garden' I am hoping to keep this thread running  so that as many gardeners as possible become aware of the problem.
    If it is slipping down the list and you feel able to post that would be good.  Thankyou Suze.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    I have only purchased plants online from 3 companies.  The most recent were Ashridge Nurseries  and Puddle Plants -  both 4 years ago - healthy well packaged plants.  The other 1  was bare root strawbs from J Parker about 8 years ago.  No problems with any of these suppliers at the time.
    However, I did purchase several Black Grass ( O nigrecens ) from a local Garden Centre. I found they were riddled with Vine weevil grubs which had eaten into the roots.  Despite clearing and re potting, the plants never did well.  First time I have had difficulty keeping these particular plants alive and healthy.
    I guess the moral of the story is that you can come a cropper whether buying online or from a Garden Centre/Nursery.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @philippasmith2 I think the problem with Ophiopogon[black grass] is it is one of the slowest plants to root weevils would make this even more difficult.. I did plant some for a charity plant stall along with an assortment of fifty plus plants. I checked each pot before the day, every plant had good roots and I knew they would do well. The exception was four pots of Black Grass planted months before, not enough roots had developed for the plants to be sold.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    @GardenerSuze as I said, I've never had such a problem with them before.  In my previous garden, I had them in an East facing manger type trough on the house wall.  They were planted with Sempervivums and both thrived together and flowered profusely.
    I made the fatal error of not taking some of the Black Grass with me ( having to rent for a few months ) so my error.
    As to the "root" issue, yes. the plants I purchased had some of their roots decimated but they weren't plugs and  after 2 years of care, I would have expected to see some improvement.  As said, I've not had an issue with them before.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @philippasmith2 I am growing Ophiopogon variegata. I purchased it from Claire Austin on line last year. Again it seems slow but it's evergreen leaf is interesting like a small Carex Evergold. With all plants purchased from this nursery the buyer is give very comprehensive information on planting watering and general care .Everything that is needed for successful growing. Also a useful reference for future planting.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • TenNTenN Posts: 184
    You only ever order once from them. I have no idea how they are still in business.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @TenN Thankyou for adding your thoughts. I am sure you will agree as many gardeners as possible need to be aware All comments welcome.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • TenNTenN Posts: 184
     In terms of J Parkers you do need to do some potting on and nurturing because most stuff is in 9cm pots but the prices are good and the customer service very good. They've replaced stuff for me very quickly if needed. The best rose in my garden was one of their lost label roses.
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    This is an example of their Facebook pages,  out of 44 smilies, 29 of them are angry ones.
    There should be 30 comments. They delete all the bad ones!   There are none left on there,  this is just one post.   They’re all like that,  to find the bad comments,  people have put them on other gardening sites.
    T
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Hi @Lyn Yesterday there were 400 views some will be people revisiting but others will be reading this for the first time. As long as there are views and with the help of other posters who can add something I will continue to high light this thread.  Thanks
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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