Re: Glasshouse Works Is it any good?

In a message dated 1/5/03 4:03:25 PM Eastern Standard Time, Arkrismer@aol.com 
writes:


> I recently found a website called Garden Watchdog where there were several 
> unfavorable comments about some mail order nurseries. There were many 
> negative comments about GlassHouse Works in Ohio. Has anyone had any 
> positive or negative experiences ordering from them
> 


Glasshouse is a rare plants nursery with a huge selection.  They carry many 
tropicals , ferns, begonias, plus an eclectic group of other plants.  The 
catalog is online.

This nursery is honest and it is one of the few in their field that answers 
email.  The problems (we have indoor growing space so grow some odd stuff in 
the long winters ) are that you do not always get the ordered plant by return 
mail.  Sometimes they root and grow one for you.  Sometimes this newly made 
plant will not be as large as you think it should be but may be the only 
source of the plant.  It can take three or four months to root and pot some 
rare conservatory plants.  The length of time to receive an order is often 
misunderstood.

In places their catalog will read that some plants will be a larger size if 
you order when they advise.  You can also order and discuss what you are 
getting, they might choose a color for you for example.  Some rare plants are 
slow growing so to have a cost you can afford, you will receive a very small 
plant.  Heronswood, a well thought of nursery, sends very small plants.  In 
both cases the belief is that you will be growing on the plant, knowing how 
to handle it.

Giving the idea of a large inventory some thought, you can see that the 
greenhouse will not have every plant, every month in prime condition so 
taking the advice from the greenhouse is a good idea.  I live an easy drive 
from Logee's, also well known, in the same field,  though smaller.  Not every 
plant will be the best every time you visit. Some are cut back for space 
reasons so you receive a cut back plant.  Understanding all of this, 
Glasshouse Works is a very good source for the plants your read about but 
will not see available locally.

If you see a big flowering special begonia and receive a very small rooted 
cutting you may well be disappointed. This is a greenhouse/nursery with 
essentially a good reputation with collectors and greenhouse owners but could 
be misunderstood by a gardener expecting something looking more like the 
pictures. As far as I know, they replace any item that does not live for you 
but you should be sure you know what you are ordering when you make rare 
plant choices.

Most hobbyists are delighted to have this source.  Aside from trades, 
societies and friends, many rare plants have very few sources easily 
accessed.

Claire Peplowski
NYS z4

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