I’d like to sort of go off on a tangent of my other post to this thread if that’s ok.

I mentioned preferring to support better nurseries. A lot of good, independent and privately owned nurseries are struggling. We lost Munchkin a few years back. And I know there are others on the edge.  I have to watch my pennies but I like to put the little I have toward the good guys.  One super company I’ve enjoyed for many years is Garden Vision. If you need shade plants I heartily endorse them. This is their 20^th anniversary and they’re offering some special Epimediums in collections. I ordered what they call the Throwback Collection of 6 Epis they offered their first year at a 21% savings over the individual prices. And the price for all 6 was what he had had to charge for just one 20 years ago. I also ordered a special variety of Jeffersonia dubia called ‘Dark Centers’.

In our area the newspaper puts on a contest for the best of everything. People nominate and then vote for their favorite Beauty Salon, Dog Groomer, Print Shop, you name it. For many, many years a local family nursery was always voted the best but they had to close. Now, sad to say, Menards is voted the best nursery in a city of 253,00 people.

Kitty

There were a bunch of mail order nurseries that were bought…I do know those cheap red tulips bulbs are still alive at church and in my yard.  I was given money to plant something and had to be from Michigan Bulbs.  Well I wanted flowers and did buy the bulbs.  Still here after 25 years.  Somehow I doubt the quality is very good  but other gardeners here like them.  I think I am past them though.  Ha  Ordered my seeds from NARGS surplus seed exchange last night.   Not going to see many of those in local stores.  Probably will not see them in my garden but somehow some grow, flower and amaze me.  Heavy freeze tonight.  Had a Arisaema up from that seed exchange(another year) and really tried to warm it up since in the ground.  Remay and 3 sizes of pots…heat supposed to be trapped overnight.  That was my thinking anyway.  Nancy  Tennessee

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