Don,

What does Consumer Reports really know about horticulture? Zip. Go to Garden Watchdog instead.

All 5 or 6 garden based businesses belonging to the bankrupted Walter Drake parent company were sold off to Gardens Alive!’s parent company back around the turn of the century I think, maybe a bit earlier than that. I think the group includes Spring Hill, Brecks, Gurneys, MI Bulb, and something else.  You can tell by the marketing plan.

If you order hardy bulbs like tulips, they’re probably ok but they’re likely not topsize or just barely. Anything else like shrub starts & tender bulbs will be iffy. I’d order elsewhere for these reasons:

·        I don’t have money to burn

·        I like quality

·        I prefer to support the better nurseries out there.

That said, if you’d just like to try it as an experiment, give it a shot.  But be prepared to write a scathing letter to Consumer Reports when you end up disappointed.

Kitty

If I recall correctly, Consumer Reports gave MB a good rating had nothing to do with plant quality but everything to do with the replacement policy
My neighbor ordered stuff, arrived dead and MB just kept sending deaf and often rotting plants
Save your $$$$
Cheryl

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------ Original Message ------

From: Don Martinson
To: p*@hort.net
Sent: March 3, 2017 at 2:11 PM
Subject: Michigan Bulb Redux

I realize this list is not primarily a rating system for nurseries, but I have a question.

Many years ago (at least), Michigan Bulb Co. had a less than stellar reputation.  Then, imagine our surprise when Consumer Reports gave them a good rating, apparently based on the purchase of a single clematis plant.

As I recall, they underwent a change in management/ownership, but their catalog still lists plants without proper names, overly optimistic zone ratings (IMO), and very cheap prices (an Itoh Bartzella peony for $14.99).  I am willing to accept smaller plants, as long as they will survive, and will not hesitate to request an adjustment for any unsatisfactory items. Their shipping charges are nominal, although they apparently offer an merchandise credit, as opposed to an outright refund.

Am I getting senile in my old age to even consider this?  Do I dare try for a few items (<$50).  Has ANYONE placed an order from them in the past few years?  Results?

Thanks,


-- Don Martinson🌿 
  Milwaukee, WI

"If you are not killing plants, you are not really stretching yourself as a gardener."

   ~J. C. Raulston