I was looking to replace my Barbara fuchsia plant which I’d had for yonks . The grower ,which professed to be specialising in these plants promised to send one when it was ready .It came at the start of June ……..a dried brown stick in a soggy pot of compost .The grower or seller was called Victorias and had many good reviews . I complained and am currently waiting for a replacement……….it’s July now so not holding my breath .Anyone know where I can buy a decent , if possible ready to plant out Barbara fuchsia.
@bcpathome My neighbour buys from Lockyear fuschias and is pleased with their plants (touch wood, fingers crossed etc). His baskets always look stunning. They have Barbara apparently. https://www.lockyerfuchsias.co.uk/html/b.html
Edited to add, he actually visits the nursery, but if you give them a ring apparently they are very helpful
I don't normally buy Fuchsias but I saw one yesterday called Jack Stanway. I liked the leaves which were an unusual grey/green.
@bcpathome I realise that these nurseries are busy and selling plants is seasonal. A plant that arrives in such a poor state is not the fault of the buyer or the carrier it has left the nursery like it. They say it is sold out on line so where is your refund? Perhaps they would be interested that they are included in this thread and not for positive reasons?
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
I had a look on Trustpilot and the website and it dawned on me that l'd bought a grape vine from them back in 2019. It was a healthy plant and it's doing very well. I wounder if they have become possibly victims of their own success or (contentious statement incoming) it's anything to do with the use of peat free compost? I know commercial nurseries aren't forced to use it just yet, but the majority of them do. They certainly have a lengthy trading policy. https://www.victoriananursery.co.uk/Trading-Policy/
@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.
Thanks @GardenerSuze I'll check out Claire Austin and see if they have the O nigrescens as that is the one I'm interested in at present
Thanks AnnieD and Gardener Suze . I take on board what you’ve said and for the link to websites . Kind of you to try and help . I will give them a little longer to send my replacement which they tell me they are growing for me . I have all their emails so I’ve plenty of ammunition should it come to that . I wouldn’t mind but it was ordered in March ,to be received when it was ready so they had plenty of time to get organised . Just won’t use them again and suggest others think twice also .
If someone buys an item of clothing on line that is faulty it is covered by 'distance selling'. When it comes to plants I think it can easily become more of a grey area.
Many gardeners will simply accept that they will hear no more but they have still parted with their hard earned cash. Others may also think the mistake is theirs and put it down to lack of garden knowledge.
The company in question at the beginning of this thread seem to want to support those new to gardening. This is very worrying.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
All the companies I have dealt with on line, have always either refunded or replaced dead or dying plants. They often request a photo first, but that is not unreasonable. It is only the poor companies that don't do this.
How can you lie there and think of England When you don't even know who's in the team
I've bought happily online from many of those mentioned, but not sure that https://www.tortworthplants.co.uk has been mentioned yet. Good communication, and good packaging (if a little pricey).
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They have Barbara apparently.
https://www.lockyerfuchsias.co.uk/html/b.html
Edited to add, he actually visits the nursery, but if you give them a ring apparently they are very helpful
@bcpathome I realise that these nurseries are busy and selling plants is seasonal. A plant that arrives in such a poor state is not the fault of the buyer or the carrier it has left the nursery like it.
They say it is sold out on line so where is your refund? Perhaps they would be interested that they are included in this thread and not for positive reasons?
It was a healthy plant and it's doing very well.
I wounder if they have become possibly victims of their own success or (contentious statement incoming) it's anything to do with the use of peat free compost? I know commercial nurseries aren't forced to use it just yet, but the majority of them do.
They certainly have a lengthy trading policy.
https://www.victoriananursery.co.uk/Trading-Policy/
@bcpathome assuming you paid by credit card, you can possibly open a claim for charge back.
https://www.visa.co.uk/how-you-pay-matters/chargeback-purchase-disputes.html
I wouldn’t mind but it was ordered in March ,to be received when it was ready so they had plenty of time to get organised . Just won’t use them again and suggest others think twice also .
Many gardeners will simply accept that they will hear no more but they have still parted with their hard earned cash. Others may also think the mistake is theirs and put it down to lack of garden knowledge.
The company in question at the beginning of this thread seem to want to support those new to gardening. This is very worrying.
The primulas, 35 comments, deleted, 18 angry smilies 2 laughing.
It is only the poor companies that don't do this.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border