The scoop on 'Select Seeds Antique Flowers'

Feedback History and Summary   119 positives 6 neutrals 1 negative

Comments:

Rating Author Content Positive rebecca101 (10 reviews) On June 23, 2008, rebecca101 Madison, WI (Zone 5a) wrote: This is a great company that has some unique seed varieties. I was very pleased with my seed order - germination has been great and the flowers are lovely. I will order from them again for sure. Positive Ronni92 (8 reviews) On June 2, 2008, Ronni92 East Stroudsburg, PA wrote: Although this company's name is"Select Seeds", the plants that they carry are also worthy of being noted in Dave's Watchdog Top 30. My order was placed in January or February, and the seeds were sent first, followed by the bulbs at the appropriate time for planting, and finally the tender annuals in May. I will order from them in the future because everything they sent was on time and the plants are perfect. Positive rucereus (14 reviews) On May 23, 2008, rucereus Carpentersville, IL (Zone 5a) wrote: I love the fact that they do not charge your credit card until the plants are actually shipped. I received my order 5/21. I ordered several container plants for my patio( 30 total) The plants arrived safe and healthy, but rather small. I'm afraid I will have some pretty sad looking containers until the plants take off, which I have no doubt they will. Positive lori4370 (4 reviews) On May 15, 2008, lori4370 Webster, MN (Zone 4a) wrote: recieved healthy good size plants. (my viola etain i ordered was much bigger than the ones i got from bluestone later). They send out seeds immediatly, and my plants i got right away too. (no wondering when on earth you'll get them like wayside) everything was in stock and i'm very happy with thier products and services. i will definatly be using them next year also. great source for fragrant heirloom plants. Positive gardenenvy (6 reviews) On April 18, 2008, gardenenvy Dover, NC wrote: I ordered from select seeds this year - for my mom and her friends. I didn't get an email confirmation, however that is surely my email provider and their "Spam blocker" since there are several emails I never get. When I inquired via select seeds "contact us" on the website, someone very nicely CALLED my home to tell me they had received the order and when it would ship. I received the very healthy plants yesterday, and the "flower girls" are all happy. Now I wait to see what else they want me to order for them! Positive plantslayer (13 reviews) On April 15, 2008, plantslayer Raymond, ME wrote: I have ordered seeds and annuals from this company and have been very happy with my purchases. They ship the seeds very quickly and they are good quality, I have had excellent germination rates. The plants came exactly when I had requested. They were lovely and took right off when I planted them. I have never had a delay, backorder or quality issue with Select Seed so I can't really comment on how they handle any issues that arise. That just tells me they focus on making customers happy to begin with. Positive zinnialover (3 reviews) On April 14, 2008, zinnialover Selinsgrove, PA wrote: vERY PLEASED, super fast and friendly.On my list for next year. Positive gemini_sage (24 reviews) On March 17, 2008, gemini_sage Winchester, KY (Zone 6a) wrote: I'm very happy with my first order from Select. The seed arrived quickly, and germination rates on everything I've started have been excellent! Will buy from them again! Positive dkaise (4 reviews) On March 16, 2008, dkaise Aurora, OH wrote: I placed my seed order on Saturday and received it within the week. (Peak season, too - March!) Great, prompt service. I browsed through the paper catalog, then ordered online through the website. The website was easy to navigate and the super-prompt shipping was great. Now, if the seeds all perform as anticipated, this will have been a totally great experience. I also really appreciated the fact that I was able to get some unusual seed varieties I have not seen elsewhere. Positive fragrance1st (3 reviews) On March 16, 2008, fragrance1st Marietta, NY (Zone 5a) wrote: Excellent company. I have ordered for several years and they provide good value. I really like thier catalog since they separate the fragrant stuff, therefore I don't have to look thru an entire catalog to find what I'm interested in. I have even added to my orders lst minute without any problem. The staff is always friendly and helpful and they have a good selection. Positive Katie_Jo (1 review) On March 3, 2008, Katie_Jo Wadsworth, OH (Zone 5b) wrote: Great selection, good communication, fast shipping! I will definitely be purchasing from Select Seeds again!! Positive faerygardener (6 reviews) On February 12, 2008, faerygardener Angels Camp, CA (Zone 7a) wrote: I order seeds from this company - nice selection and good service. Positive artemiss (4 reviews) On February 12, 2008, artemiss Toledo, OH (Zone 5b) wrote: This is one of my all-time favourite catalogs..an unusual selection, full color pictures, and who can resist the free packet of seeds with every order? I have also had great sucess with their germination rates, and appreciate that they indicate the approximate number of seeds per packet. Shipping was prompt, the sowing instructions clear and detailed, and customer service was VERY helpful when I had a question. Needless to say, this company is at the top of my "most recommended" list. ~a Neutral fpgill (21 reviews) On January 29, 2008, fpgill lexington, MA (Zone 6a) wrote: I was about to place an online order with Select Seeds (for 6 plants and 3 packs of seeds) when I noticed the shipping charge. Select Seeds is one of the companies that hits you with two shipping fees - one for plants and one for seeds. I asked if the seeds could be shipped with the plants and the charge discounted (nope). The shipping would have been 31% of the order. FYI, the shipping for seeds alone is $4 - compare to JL Hudson who ships up to 20 packets for $1.50. Thanks, but I think I'll have to pass on Select Seeds. Company representative comment on January 30, 2008: On Jan 30, 2008 9:57 AM, Select Seeds Antique Flowers added: We appreciate all feedback on our company and service. We choose not to ship seeds and plants together because the seeds leave from our climate controlled storage separate from our greenhouse and we do not want to expose the seed packages to high humidity and possible wetting, which would lower quality. It is a reality today that shipping is expensive and the cost is either partially included in the product price or levied separately. Our plants are shipped to be in the mail or on the truck no longer than three days- we offer an express service with no additional express fees. We feel this is an excellent value. Thanks to all! Marilyn Barlow, President, Select Seeds Positive ChiarinaPerfume (1 review) On January 23, 2008, ChiarinaPerfume Los Gatos, CA wrote: I have ordered both seeds and plants from Select, on the hearty recommendation of a friend, and am very happy that I did. The Parma Violets starts arrived looking sound and spunky and even tho i was not able to put them into place immediately after reciept (illness), they held their own for a good 2 wks. and thrived after I eventually put them into their 18" pots two week later.The violets have tripled in size, and I have been enjoying the constant production of fragrant blossoms (here in mid-coastal California) ever since Halloween! Bravo, Select Seeds! Positive PrimroseSue (8 reviews) On October 13, 2007, PrimroseSue Medway, MA (Zone 5b) wrote: Select Seeds is my favorite place to buy heirloom seeds and plants. They're always my first stop when I'm ready to order each year. Great selection, interesting tidbits about the plants, and great germination. Positive kittshouse (2 reviews) On October 3, 2007, kittshouse Lynn, MA (Zone 6a) wrote: Although I did not get a chance to order from this company this gardening season (2007), I have done so for the past three seasons. I would not hesitate to recommend them to any gardening buff. The plants I have purchasedfrom them are large, well packaged, and extremely healthy. No transplant shock, only great results. The seed selection is fabulous. Great germination rate. Have always had over a 90 percent germination rate with their seeds. If you like to 'stump' your neighbors and gardening friends, try some of the seed varieties they offer. They won't disappoint. Positive jessewoodson2 (3 reviews) On June 22, 2007, jessewoodson2 East Stroudsburg, PA wrote: This year was my first experience ordering from Select Seeds & I must compliment them on their service. The plant I received was in excellent condition, but for unknown reasons it dropped all of its leaves & withered. I waited until I was sure that it was really gone & called the company. I guess it was after hours, because I got the voice mail & left a message explaining the situation. The next business day I received a message on my voice mail that they had shipped a replacement plant, which I received 2 days later-also in excellent condition. No problems, no questions asked-problem resolved, & we were playing phone tag-I never even SPOKE to anyone-they just took care of it! I'm impressed! Thank you Select Seeds! Positive tillie2 (2 reviews) On June 7, 2007, tillie2 Penn Yan, NY wrote: This is my second year ordering seeds from Select Seeds. My ordering experience and shipping have been flawless, but it's their selection of interesting varieties that will keep me coming back. I've gotten great garden results from their older varieties. They have a vigor and grace I don't find in the plants from the local garden center. Neutral kkirschbaum (16 reviews) On June 5, 2007, kkirschbaum Brooklyn, NY (Zone 7a) wrote: I placed two orders with this company this past spring for seeds and plants. The seeds arrived very fast, but I did not receive my first order of plants until later in the spring. I was charged for the full order at the time the seeds were shipped. In principle, I think this is a dangerous practice, but since I did not have any problems when the plants did arrive, I can't really complain. The second order of plants arrived in very bad condition. The package must have been manhandled since the soil from the plants was all over the inside of the box and some of the plants (the moon vines in particular) had almost no soil. I planted them immediately, and within a few days it was clear they would survive (so I never needed to lodge a complain and thus cannot comment on customer service). The upshot is that I think the packaging is a bit slapdash, but depending on the order things might be fine (I had no trouble with the packaging in the first shipment of plants I ordered). I also quite like the selection of unusual and heirloom plants. Company representative comment on June 6, 2007: On Jun 6, 2007 11:01 AM, Select Seeds Antique Flowers added: Thanks for your comments. This will help us improve your gardening experience with Select Seeds. One clarification: Unlike most gardening companies, Select Seeds charges for items as they are sent, not when they were ordered. On orders with seeds and plants, the complete shipping charge for the total order is charged when the first items ship, as our software cannot split shipping costs. I hope this helps, and as always, Happy Gardening! Marilyn Barlow Owner, Select Seeds Positive robbieZone5 (5 reviews) On June 1, 2007, robbieZone5 Craryville, NY wrote: Select Seeds is a company that I've had great experiences with over the last couple years. I first ordered from them last year (2006). And, from that experience, I placed another (larger) order this year (2007). I have had to call them with questions about planting, and the staff is outstanding when it comes to answering questions. They also helped me determine the best time for delivery of part of my order (dahlias). My seed shipment was split up, but I am perfectly willing to understand that things do happen. And the rest of my order also arrived just fine. Plus it's really nice that they include the extra bonus seeds as a little extra surprise. I would highly recommend Select Seeds. Thanks! --robbie-- Positive riosamba (7 reviews) On May 29, 2007, riosamba Marlboro, NJ wrote: I have received a number of different plants from select seeds this year. Everything is growing very well. I will definately be back to order again next year. Positive RoseyQ (7 reviews) On May 17, 2007, RoseyQ Crystal Lake, IL (Zone 5a) wrote: Select Seeds Antique Flowers is an all-time favorite of mine. Beautiful flower selection and most are very easy to grow. I also wanted to mention a few other good companies I purchased seed from in early 2007. Renee's Garden, Botanical Interests, John Scheepers, Nichols, Johnny's, Seed Saver's All companies delivered quickly, with no out-of-stock, back orders, or other annoying problems. I started most of the seeds indoors and have had great germination on all, plus very healthy seedlings. I purchased Botanical Interests seeds from tinyseeds.com because they discount their seed packets at a very reasonable cost. Good luck to all of you in your gardens this season. Positive ladyschweig (6 reviews) On April 24, 2007, ladyschweig Brandy Station, VA (Zone 6b) wrote: I ordered plants from Select Seeds this year. Wow! The plants arrived hale and hearty and by far they utilized the most secure packaging I have ever seen. There was nary a leaf out of place, not even a leaf buffeted or broken. The plants were good sized without being pot-bound. I am very happy and will feel secure ordering plants again. I had success with their seeds last year, so I feel all around this is a good company to deal with. Positive r_rugosa (2 reviews) On April 22, 2007, r_rugosa Newark, OH (Zone 5b) wrote: I have had a very good experience with this company. I ordered seeds, plants and bulbs. I received the seeds promptly after ordering and they have germinated quite well and are growing on nicely. I received my plants this past week and they are healthy and doing well. I will receive my bulb order in the next week or two and expect they will be as fine quality a product as the rest. I recommend Select Seeds for their rare and unusual products. A very pleasant experience overall. Positive iowegian (2 reviews) On April 14, 2007, iowegian Griswold, IA wrote: This year I ordered seed and plants from Select Seed. The seed all came almost by return mail and the plants arrived exactly by the time I asked for them to arrive. You're right. They are a good company. Positive seagardener (15 reviews) On April 9, 2007, seagardener Southport, ME wrote: Consistently excellent plant quality and value. We have done business with this company for several years and have never been disappointed. Positive csl (6 reviews) On April 7, 2007, csl Jonesborough, TN (Zone 6b) wrote: I ordered calendula seeds from this company and received them very quickly. The seeds have sprouted nicely and I now have healthy-looking plants. Will order from again! Positive SimoneB (4 reviews) On March 15, 2007, SimoneB Lake Zurich, IL wrote: What a wonderful company to work with. Next year I will be buying a lot more. Wonderful catalog, good pricing, good seeds with good packaging. Super fast delivery. I was burned this year for the first time by another seed company and will be giving Select Seeds more of my business next year. One suggestion, maybe eliminate some of the mailings to save on paper and help the environment. OVERALL a A+ company to buy seeds from for the avid gardener. Thanks so much! I can't wait till they flower! Negative prosodygardener (2 reviews) On March 3, 2007, prosodygardener Columbus, OH wrote: Okay. This post may drag but I want to be fair and make sure I include as many details as possible so that when this negative comment hits Select Seeds, they will see I have maintained accurate and thorough notes of this first-time-buyer experience. On January 10, 2007 I ordered seeds for Bells of Ireland, Cup and Saucer Vine 'Alba', Sweet Scabious 'Snowmaiden', and Zinnia 'Benary's Giant Lime' online. I received my order on January 16, 2007 without the Zinnia 'Benary's Giant Lime' included. There was no explanation on the packing slip and no email or call. So I called and was informed that Zinnia 'Benary's Giant Lime' seeds would not be available until the first week of February. I waited until February 9 to send an email requesting the rest of my order. This time I was informed by voicemail they would arrive in the "middle of the month". On February 21 I called and was told many of the varieties of seeds offered by Select Seeds are sourced from Europe and that they "definitely will be mailed out by the last week of the month" (of February). You guessed it. No seeds. After sending a scathing email on February 28, I received another voicemail apology. This time an unnamed lady told me the seeds had been mailed out and I would receive them via first class mail by the end of the week. Well, I got them today, almost 8 weeks after requesting them. My reasons for this negative comment is singular: misinformation. There is no indication on the website or in the catalogue that some seeds are on backorder, or "not in-house" as they like to say. And I feel as though I was willfully misinformed by customer service when I called. Why not just tell me there is a possible 2 month delay from the time they take your money and the date you actually receive your product? I ordered so far in advance to circumvent the rush of early-sowers such as myself. Sure, I still have plenty of time to sow early - it's the principle, folks. In case you're wondering, yes, they sent free seeds with both orders (Thanks!), and yes, the packaging and quality looks superb. Too bad they hadn't been transparent with the problem and the reason behind it. Company representative comment on March 7, 2007: On Mar 7, 2007 5:10 PM, Select Seeds Antique Flowers added: We appreciate the careful documenting of events by our customer regarding his experience with Select Seeds, however, he is misinformed on one important point. All of our invoices sent with our seeds have the status of each seed indicated in the status column. BO indicates a backordered item as defined at the bottom of the invoice. The expected date given us by our overseas supplier did turnout to be inaccurate. Many reasons can explain this, possibly from late arrival from the field, to a failed germ test which would send it back to be cleaned again, removing additional low germ ( often lighter seed) and going back to retest, (another delay) before sending it out to us. While all this doesn't concern our customer, it is a reality of the seed business. We did expect the seed on our expected date of Feb 6, and when this date passed, we contacted our supplier and we were only able to receive a small portion of what we had ordered. We are sorry for his inconvenience, and we hope this rebuttal sheds a little more light on what happened. Happy Gardening All! Marilyn Barlow ,Owner, Select Seeds Positive Theresa24 (4 reviews) On February 28, 2007, Theresa24 Orange Park, FL (Zone 8b) wrote: I have ordered both plants and seeds from this company several times and am always pleased with the package I receive. Shipping is prompt, plants are well-packed and healthy. Very nice catalog too. Positive sacmae (1 review) On February 5, 2007, sacmae Plain Dealing, LA wrote: This is the first time I have ordered from Select Seeds. I placed my order on Mon, Jan 30,2006 online. I live in north Louisiana, and was pleasantly surprised to arrive home from work Friday, Feb 2, 2006 and see my complete order waiting for me at my doorstep! Now that's what I call customer service! Next year I will be ordering much more from this company. Positive dmac085 (26 reviews) On January 17, 2007, dmac085 Greensboro, NC (Zone 7a) wrote: Just a comment on a pleasant and efficient online seed ordering experience. Order was placed easily from the website and was recieved in a reasonable amount of time. Recieved one free packet of seeds from a $16 order. Pleased with the transaction. Positive Hellobebe (2 reviews) On January 3, 2007, Hellobebe Buffalo, NY (Zone 6a) wrote: I have ordered from Select Seeds in the past and have done so again this year. Their catalogue and website are great, informative, and easy to use. The plants I received were healthy and very well packed, they have a unique cardboard sleeve/ box which carefully protected the plants until I opened them. All of the plants performed better than average in my gardens. My orders have always shipped at approximately the date I requested. Best of all, the prices are great. All in all, I give Select Seeds two green thumbs up! Positive renwings (6 reviews) On October 10, 2006, renwings Sultan, WA (Zone 8a) wrote: This company will definately being getting more of my business! A rep from the company called me to make sure my credit card number was correct after the transaction was refused and I got more order very quickly after that! They came in a bubble envelope instead of just a regular envelope, which is a nice touch and they included free seeds, which is a nice surprise! The seed packets have lots of usefull and pertanent info on them, printed on the front clearly. No more searching the packet for the info I need. They had the seeds I was looking for and many others that looked very entising as well. I can't wait to see how beautiful they are and order more next year! On April 25th, 2007, renwings added the following: I made another order this spring and splurged for some Regal Lily bulbs for my birthday. The order arrived and when I unpacked the bulbs, they all look great, except for one bulb that had rot issues. I planted the rest and called to report the rotten bulb. I didn\'t even have to ask for the bulb to be replaced, the rep. immediately told me she would send another one. This company really impresses and thrills me. I am rapidly becoming a devoted customer. Positive vabyvlue (9 reviews) On July 12, 2006, vabyvlue Taylorsville, UT (Zone 6b) wrote: I read the positive feedback that this company had back in spring and based on it ordered from them...well, what can I say, after seeing how healthy and nice the plants that I ordered were, I had to order again, and again. I also ordered their seeds and got a whole bunch of free ones. I can't wait to see their 2006/2007 catalog and order again... Positive gie (1 review) On July 5, 2006, gie Cumberland, MD (Zone 6b) wrote: Just recently ordered a poppy collection of seed from these folks and the service was OUTSTANDING! It took only 4 business days from the day I oredered before I had the seeds in my hand. The packaging was terrific...shipped in a thick bubble envelope, then inside that another envelope, then inside that the seed packet envelopes. I was at first a bit disappointed because the one particular seed I really wanted the most in the collection was substituted for another type. I knew this was a hot ticket item and worried that may happen. It stated in the catalogue that substitutions may be made. I called them over the July 4th holiday and left a message concerning this. July 5th they called and left a very long detailed message on my answering machine. The seed had sold out (I knew they sold out the year before also). They were very apologetic and simply explained that they were sold out. They even gave me credit for that seed so that when they once again have it I will get it free, including postage. WOW! Talk about going above and beyond...too bad more companies aren't as serious about doing good business like this company. Honestly, they had no obligation to do anything other than what they had already done. They also included the "free seeds with every order" just like they promised, and they were another poppy variety also. Very nice! It sure is nice to know that there are still companies out there that place a high value on customer satisfaction. Jeff K Cumberland, MD Positive woof12 (11 reviews) On June 27, 2006, woof12 wrote: Nice selection of seed and plants. Placed several orders with them & always satisfied with plant delievery and customer service, when something isn't right they fixed the problem. Aloso answered emails that were sent unlike some other companies. Plus they send" free" seed with the order. Positive ladyisle (30 reviews) On June 15, 2006, ladyisle Bohemia, NY (Zone 7a) wrote: I've ordered several times from Select Seeds and have been either happy or really happy with their plants. I have a 8ft tall Brugmansia that is 3 years old, and was only a large seedling when I got it. Only one plant died shortly after I got it early last month. I called them last week to see if they could replace it, and I just received it yesterday-4 x bigger than the original. They have quality uncommon plants at a reasonable price, and are very nice to deal with. Definitely one of the best! Neutral Ms_Linda (1 review) On June 13, 2006, Ms_Linda Myerstown, PA wrote: I placed two orders with this company. The first came in two shipments - seeds in the mail and plants (again) USPS. In my area the USPS is the WORST way to get anything delivered. When the seeds shipped I was billed on my credit card the FULL amount of shipping for seeds and plants. I had picked ship dates (as they offered on the site) and after waiting an additional week, beyond receipt of the seeds, and ship date, still not getting my my plants I placed a call to see where the stuff was. I was then informed the plants were not large enough to be shipped. Ok, so why did I have to phone them to get this info? They had both an e-mail address and my phone number. A delay on their part, I expect them to contact me. I did get my plants then three days after placing a phone call. The box was clearly marked with an 'up arrow' that my wonderful (NOT) mail carrier let on the patio (in the full sun) upside down! Second order; They do indeed have a lot of unique plants. So, I decided the first time around was a series of flukes. Had to be as they had NO negatives on this site. Well, I was wrong in that assumption. I was again billed an amount on my credit card - yes I check my activity each day on the card. So I waited and waited (again one assumes you are billed something has shipped, right?) I got tired of waiting for the arrival of something after 6 days and again phoned them. I was told that two of the collections I wanted were 'sold out' and it must have happened as I placed my order, thus the order went thru. Sounded odd to me, but what I do know about their computer system. I was told the third collection was going to be shipped yet that day. Yes, the very day I had called! The collection did ship and the plants were not in very good shape at all! Two were very tattered as if they had been in a wind storm. The others not as bad but not the best. As I looked at my invoice I noted I was overcharged shipping by $8.00!! And as someone else noted their shipping is not cheap in the first place. By now I had more then enough and did again phone to ask about the over charge and too complained about the two tattered plants. They did (very promptly) credit me the $8.00 and a reasonable amount for the two plants and a shipping allowance for those plants. I am not sure if I will order from them again or not. The experience was not good at all. I am not used to having to watchdog or babysit my orders. I do not care for the DHL to the USPS method of shipping either. It may be more my area, but all in all, the USPS delivers the worst crushed boxes!! On the other hand they DO have some very unique plants to offer! Since the matter was resolved I will post a neutral comment vs negative. But it more negative then neutral - as I did give them two chances with two different orders.

Read the rest of the comments

Return to the Garden Watchdog homepage

Learn how to link to this page