Recommended Mail order suppliers

I don't know if we are allowed to talk companies/brands etc (so feel free to delete this thread if inappropriate/against the rules….)

Does anyone have any recommendations for mail order plants – general garden plants rater than specialist suppliers?

I got my copy of J Parkers catalogue today and enjoyed looking through it but wondered what I might be missing out on.

So any idea warmly received.

 

Marshalls is my favorite, also Thompson & morgan,

 

Marshalls get my vote to, but Thompson & morgan Yuck!

I was very impressed with my first package of seeds from Jungle Seeds the other day. Smart box, pretty seed packets, "exciting" when opening.

Chiltern Seeds, on the other hand, sent me a catalogue, vouchers for this and that, ... I hunted high and low for my seed packets ... and then I found a little piece of paper saying "We are processing your seeds order and they will be with you shortly"

I'm sure their seeds will be fine, but I thought it a waste of money to send me a catalogue - I've just placed an order, I don't suppose very many people are disorganised enough to immediately need to order again, and they could put the catalogue in the package with the seeds when they send it out and save a bob or two.

Moles Seeds are worth a look if you can buy in bulk - share some seeds between you and your mates for example. I bought 250 Sweetcorn seeds (to make absolutely sure I have the 100 plants or so I need in a year) ... but when you compare their prices on a per-seed basis with others then Moles are frequently significantly cheaper. (Note that there is NO sowing information on the packet - you have to visit their web site to see that - but there is plenty of detail there)

 

Hi Skinmonkey
If you are thinking of purchasing plants as opposed to seeds . Generally I would always try and buy from a local nursery or GC , where you can see the size and condition of the plant . I have purchased plant from J Parkers ( which is also Mirror Gardens ) and I was not overly pleased with the quality. If as you say you are after general garden plants , use the glossy brochures as a shopping list and visit your local GC. Ask around for the best ones for quality/price in your area.

 

Years ago Thompson and Morgan seemed to supply good quality stuff, but not any more. A plant someone sent me for Christmas was dead on arrival (could have been to do with delays due to the bad weather and indeed the bad weather in itself, I suppose), but worse than that, I ordered a primula collection - 2 denticulata, 2 viallii and 2 candelabra. All except one denticulata turned out to be common cowslips - and I know they're not common for everybody but in my garden they literally grow like weeds, so I was not best pleased. Should have complained of course, but at the time it felt like too much hassle.

I would recommend Buckingham Nurseries, though, for trees and shrubs.

 

I use Moles for big value for money packets (but watch out for shipping costs kicking in), Realseeds (good value packs and I save seed on a large scale) and T&M (but only when they send me a voucher for five pounds worth of free seeds!).

That's my local nursery (got a 10% off card). They're the best I've known, where I buy all my soft fruit, cider apple trees, hedging, most of my spuds (as I can select the size), etc., and even my last lot of hens:

 

Hi

I'm not impressed with Thompson & Morgan, i ordered a selection of plants which were on offer, lavenders mainly, most were dead when they arrived. Only one out of 6 survived. Their plants always look so good online as well. I go to the garden centres now, or Wilkinsons, where i have bought loads of bulbs and plants that have been great.

Good luck, sometimes it is just trial and error.

 

In my experence stores like Wilkinsons ,B&Q , Aldi etc have some great buys if you get in early when plants are delivered ,their after care is almost zero.
Had some great Impatiens and Petunias last year,watch for the special offers and of course 10% over 60's card ,24 plants per tray and then I potted them singly ..
I also search out local small grwers for more unusual plants but these are becoming less ans less .

Dave

 

I really like "Seeds of Italy". They have some unusual seeds as well as all the old favourites.

 

I have used Nicky's seeds for a few years, they often have the odd specialist seeds I can't find elsewhere

I have also heard good reports of sarah raven but haven't used her myself

ariadae

 

Hi All



Depending what you are after is the main problem localy

I have found Van Meuwan very good and the prices £££ for what you get is realy good compared to a smaller supplier and at least they do change the varietis more plus if you buy on line loads of offers each month . TM I dont bother with anymore and it was a suprise to se others on here feeling the same way just thought I was being fussy, but lateness of plants especialy....My surname starts with a Y and Iam sure because of this everything takes a age to turn up... with the big boys.

I still like my local nursery down the road with just the one person running the whole thing.



Spruce

 

I've not had any problems with Sutton's seeds. Haven't bought any plants from them though.

They have an Eden Project section in their catalogue which I have bought from this year, but obviously I will have to wait 'til later in the season for results.

 

I recently ordered some seeds from 'SeedsofItaly.com' they arrived quickly and within 4 days i have 4 seedlings through for the giant basil and 3 seedlings through for tomatoes 'cuor di bue' - i was very shocked by the speed of them, i just have to keep them alive now!!

 

There are about a dozen nurseries that i buy perennials from, some i use throughout the year and others perhaps just once and another i use specifically for my Alstroemeria collection.

In my opinion buying online is a very good way to buy.

The place i use regularly is a nursery in Worcester called Worlds End nursery, place the order on a Monday, dispatched Wednesday and delivered on Thursday.
Their value for money and overall service is excellent.

 

I use Plantworld for seeds they always have things that are a bit more unusual, always plenty of seeds in the packets,usually send free seeds too(dierama last year), also had seed from Chilterns last year which were great too.