For the bedding plugs from Jersey they show you what the 3 sizes are, the bigger the plug the more costly. Perennial plugs are more of a problem as you don't know what size is coming but a good guide that the pricier it seems the bigger the plant, hence someone wasn't impressed with Parkers as they are on the small side but cheap. I've been impressed with Hayloft sizes but some may consider them dear.
I seem to have been unlucky with buying on-line with very few being successful, except bulbs from Parkers (their bare root plants are not good but their bulbs, for which they are famous, are). Being fortunate enough to be retired and having our own transport, we can go to several excellent garden centres all within about 15 minutes' drive of home. Not only can we examine all plants minutely, get good advice when required and all the other accoutrements necessary for good planting, we can put our feet up in a coffee shop too!
Whatever you do, don't buy from Sarah Raven. I have heard from quite a few people that they were disappointed with purchases. My last effort was a packet of Lysimachia 'Beaujolais' seeds - there were 6 seeds in the packet for £2-odd and only one germinated.
Crocus supply RHS and Waitrose. When Crocus first started supplying Waitrose their online customers (me) were sent rubbish. I have not used them since.
Fotheringills and, Bloms very good.
some catalogue pictures show a great many more blooms than in reality. But they make nice reading with the pretty pictures.
i now tend to use local garden centres which grow to our soil type and give advice, but some plants sold at this time of year are the runts
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It was more that i just couldnt tell what size item was for sale and compare. I go to wholesalers as well, but its a trip for me too.
For the bedding plugs from Jersey they show you what the 3 sizes are, the bigger the plug the more costly. Perennial plugs are more of a problem as you don't know what size is coming but a good guide that the pricier it seems the bigger the plant, hence someone wasn't impressed with Parkers as they are on the small side but cheap. I've been impressed with Hayloft sizes but some may consider them dear.
I seem to have been unlucky with buying on-line with very few being successful, except bulbs from Parkers (their bare root plants are not good but their bulbs, for which they are famous, are). Being fortunate enough to be retired and having our own transport, we can go to several excellent garden centres all within about 15 minutes' drive of home. Not only can we examine all plants minutely, get good advice when required and all the other accoutrements necessary for good planting, we can put our feet up in a coffee shop too!
I'm on my third loyalty card for coffee in our GC in less than a year... (I can give it up any time I want!)
Whatever you do, don't buy from Sarah Raven. I have heard from quite a few people that they were disappointed with purchases. My last effort was a packet of Lysimachia 'Beaujolais' seeds - there were 6 seeds in the packet for £2-odd and only one germinated.
That's disappointing - I bought a faux garland from Sarah Raven this Christmas and it's really nice, but I haven't tried any plants.
And the catalogues are so gorgeous too...!
Yeah...
Crocus supply RHS and Waitrose. When Crocus first started supplying Waitrose their online customers (me) were sent rubbish. I have not used them since.
Fotheringills and, Bloms very good.
some catalogue pictures show a great many more blooms than in reality. But they make nice reading with the pretty pictures.
i now tend to use local garden centres which grow to our soil type and give advice, but some plants sold at this time of year are the runts
I forgot to mention many nurseries around Capel Manor are all in competion with each other, so good quality and reasonable prices