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| Company Comment, posted on March 14, 2008: |
Important information on planting Wildflowers & Ferns:
Please keep in mind that most wildflowers and ferns do not require any of these fancy plant foods or fertilizers. Just think, in the woodlands who takes care of them out there. Keep in mind we only send Top Qualtity Wildflowers & Ferns that are low maintenance for many returning BLOOMING years of these beautiful perennials.
Our plants come to you bareroot; packed in peat moss. We hand select, count and label each package. We put our TLC into our Plant root, bulb and rhizome selection NOT the fancy labels you see so many of the Larger chain Prepackaged plant root companies.
Plant as soon as possible. It is important to keep the roots cool and moist while you are waiting to plant. If you cannot plant right away, store in refridgerator (34-38 degrees) or in a dark, cool place.
Site Preparation & Planning:
Remove all weeds and grasses-existing weeds compete with new plants for water, sun and nutrients. A more natural appearance will be achieved if plants are grouped by species or scattered randomly as opposed to planting in rows. Large plants need spacing of 1-2 ft apart, medium need 1 ft, and smaller need 6-12 inches. plant just below surface with the bud side upright position.
Planting Time:
Planting time best on an overcast day and cool. If you plant in full sun, keep the plants in shaded area or in bucket with some water-this is especially important with fiberous roots.
Watering:
It is best to water your transplants as soon as planting as possible. If you are planting in a large area, stop periodically to water what you've planted, especially on warm dry days. If planting in the early spring or in the fall, alot of watering may not be needed. Moist to the touch. If planting april-summer, water thoroughly. Thanks for all your future purchases and previous from viola valley wildflowers. I had one customer that suggested using in her ferns the water gel for her dry area along the woodlands rather than tote the water bucket there. We have seen many use the gel on the roots as it retains, disburses and releases just enough moisture throughout the summer months for optimum performance. Please be sure to email us if you have any questions ever about wildflowers or ferns. We have over 28 years experience. We can only help! ! !
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| Feedback History and Summary |
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Comments:Displaying the 50 most recent comments:
| Rating | Author | Content |
| Negative | trillium11
(2 reviews) | On August 7, 2008, trillium11 Kansas City, MO wrote: I ordered over 100 plants in early May; they were described as bare root. In the plant industry, bare root means a whole plant with the oil removed.
The plants arrived several weeks later, most with no tops, just roots. Of the 2 species that had leaves, one was so badly packed that the leaves were badly bruised and immediately died. The other species had a few leaves and flower buds but no roots, just small stem cuttings. Another species had no leaves and was just very small pieces of the underground stem, or rhizome, with no roots.
With the exception of the above-described 2 species with leaves, all the other roots were soft and/or moldy.
The ebay listing promised the plants would be packed in peat moss. Many plant sellers use peat moss for packing because peat moss contains properties that inhibit bacteria and some other microbes, thereby reducing mold and rot. All the plants were packed in moss but not peat moss. No other moss has the anti-microbial properties and they all harbor microbes that cause mold and rot.
One plant was described as a rare color form of an uncommon species; 3 of 10 roots have since produced leaves and flowers- of a different and very common species. It bloomed at the end of June; this species ordinarily blooms in April and does not rebloom.
As of today, none of the rest has produced a single leaf. I did do some digging where they were planted and found only empty shells where the roots had rotted away.
These plants all had the characteristics of having been in cold storage for a long time and then kept at a higher temperature for a while. I emailed Viola Valley an inquiry about cold storage and received a very rude and ranting reply that none of there plants were ever kept in cold storage and that they did not have any cooling devices, not even a soft drink cooler, on the property.
Nearly half the plants arrived with no labels for identification. I was left to identify them by eliminating the ones that were labeled and examining the roots for identifying characteristics.
An email communication a year or so ago about the source of their plants assured me that all their plants come from their own land.
Viola Valley advertises that they have a Tennessee license to dig and sell plants. I’ve been involved in several plant rescues in Tennessee over the last years and know that a permit is required to rescue plants in that state but have never heard of a license to dig and sell.
The email above described also proclaimed that all tops had to be removed and returned to the dig site. Since all plants are considered under the law to be part of the real estate they are growing on, no permit or license would be needed to dig plants from one’s own property. So why do they have a license? Where do the plants come from? Several of the wildflower species offered do not naturally grow in Tennessee.
My conclusions are that the plants are kept in cold storage for long periods of time; Viola Valley is not overly concerned with species identification, especially if one species will bring more money than another; that these plants are dug on property not belonging to Viola Valley Wildflowers and probably illegally; that this operation is working over a large area and several states.
These conclusions are based on more than 50 years of gardening and working with wildflowers and involvement in a number of conservation activities, a BS degree in biology-botany and a career in legal research.
Company representative comment on August 13, 2008:
On Aug 13, 2008 2:54 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added:Native Wild Plant Certificate - To collect, sell, or raise native wild plants for sale in Tennessee.
TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
KEN GIVENS REGULATORY SERVICES
COMMISSIONER Plant Certification
APPLICATION FOR NATIVE WILD PLANT CERTIFICATION
NEW
RENEWAL
CERTIFICATION NO.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP
BRANCH
Please print or type information requested in spaces where indicated.
MAILING ADDRESS
Firm:
Owner: Contact Person:
Address:
City/State/Zip: County:
Email address Phone: ( ) Fax: ( )
Total Collecting Area - Acres
List below all locations where native wild plants are collected.
LOCATION CITY COUNTY ACRES
Signature (Application not valid unless signed) Date
For Departmental Use Only
Certification No.
Date Processed:
A Plant Certification Inspector will be contacting you to set up a time to inspect your native wild plant stock. No
certificates may be granted without a current inspection.
Check List of items needed to be mailed to the above address for issuance of a certificate:
List of Vendors or collection areas, Signed form, $200.00 signed check per business location made
out to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and certificate number located in the memo field of check.
Please send completed application to:
Tennessee Department of Agriculture
Plant Certification
P.O. Box 40627, Melrose Station
Nashville, TN 37204
(Rev. 8/03)
Yes, we pack in peat mix, yes you need a liscense. Please dont if you plan on selling go by the information stated above from someone that is not a nursery and doesnt know how much we go through just to provide a wonderful selection of wildflowers & ferns. Many appreciate our honesty, trust in us as you know what you are receiving from our nursery.
Please see link here for all the information you will ever need and is required by the state of tenn. [HYPERLINK@tennessee.gov] | | Negative | perenniallyme
(5 reviews) | On July 29, 2008, perenniallyme Jamaica Plain, MA wrote: Last year I bought several varieties of plants from Viola on ebay. They didn't explain in their ads that most items were not plants and not even root systems, but miniscule little bits. I don't even know what you'd call them. The cardinal flowers ( 5 or10 bits ) never sent up a single shoot. I think I had 3 teeny lobelia out of 10 or more, Only one of 2 asclepias tubers sent up one scrawny shoot. The jacob's ladder actually grew - but that one they sent actual roots, albeit tiny. I can't remember what else I bought because nothing else came up. I will never buy from them again.
On August 11th, 2008, perenniallyme added the following:
On August 7 I responded by d-mail to the d-mail they sent me. I sent them my ebay name and info they requested. I haven\'t yet heard back from them.
Company representative comment on August 12, 2008:
On Jul 30, 2008 2:50 AM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added:Please be sure to contact us at [e-mail:bbfults@blomand.net] as all do. This doesnt resolve any issue when we dont know there is a problem you are having growing what you have ordered. We keep records of all orders. I can look up what was ordered and also help you with the identification of plants. As for the listings, all know we are a bareroot and bulb nursery. Please contact us to update this feedback and resolve this simple issue. We will eagerly await your response whoever this may be.
On Aug 7, 2008 12:40 AM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added:If we can find out your user name we can certainly go back as far as five years and pull the order and see what was purchased. Statement made that nothing came up but dont remember what was ordered. We need to know if we can further assist you. We will look up which you planted and if they were to be planted in your zone. Still awaiting your response to the d-mail and inquiries we have attempted to make. Please respond as we work with all.
On Aug 12, 2008 9:28 AM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added:We have not heard from this customer in over a year. We are eagerly working with her and looking up the order as she does not remember what was bought.
Contacting a seller even over a year later would have eliminated this rating. If you are having problems with the growth a year later, email photos, email us directly? something rather than leaving a rating that is unwarranted when we dont know who you are and what you are having a problem with. Please wait for our response as we have to look back so far.
On Aug 12, 2008 10:17 AM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added:Customer purchased only 3 cardinal that they stated came up not 5-10. The jacobs ladder she only bought 3 and they came up. Bought 2 butterfly weed and one came up. 1 didnt make it. 10 spring larkspur apparently didnt. The only problem they had was the spring larkspur and I those are the easiest to grow and 1 butterfly weed. I am resending the 10 spring larkspur and one butterfly weed. Please remember buyers if something doesnt come up, we work with all. Fb here doesnt help matters. Just a simple email. WE ARE A BAREROOT AND BULB NURSERY AS STATED IN EACH AND EVERY LISTING. This was the complete order placed for a total of $17.53. We have no pictures or emails supporting the loss or returned product as we have a return policy but we will send replacements anyway | | Positive | robeattie
(1 review) | On July 4, 2008, robeattie Lake Ozark, MO wrote: I ordered 250 bare root periwinkles (vinca minor) through ebay. It was a seamless transaction. I received the plants promptly. They were all healthy plants. They've only been in the ground two days, but they seem to be doing well. My only complaint is a sore back. | | Negative | nicole91
(1 review) | On July 3, 2008, nicole91 Water Mill, NY wrote: Many of the items I purchased arrived dead , all of the bulbs did not produce many of the ferns arrived tangled and dead. I would say that approx 20 percent of my order survived. I emailed the company 3 times and did not get one reply. This is NOT a company who is concerned with product quality, I would never nor recommend buying from them. A total rip off. | | Negative | gg_carolv
(1 review) | On June 17, 2008, gg_carolv Severn, MD wrote: I am really disappointed in the way in which Violavalley Wildflowers at their Ebay store has handled my very large order that I placed with them during the winter months. The plants were sent at the end of April, planted in my gardens, and most plants are doing great. I have emailed Mr. Bobby Fults on at least 5 ocassions, asking to email me regarding the problems I've had with the 20 red cardinal flowers, 4 blue cardinal flowers and also the Asiatic wildflowers that I never even received in the first place. I bought well over 100 plants from this Ebay seller, and I spent quite a bit of money on the plants and s&h.
It has been a nightmare trying to get The Fults to answer a telephone call placed to them, or to even get them to answer my numerous emails. I am so disappointed that I bought so many plants and Spent so much money with ViolaValley, but they now won't even answer my emails. They certainly aren't living up to the Ebay ethics code that is something that sellers and buyers agree to abide by. My ebay name is Summerflowergardens. I'm sure that you have those emails from me, if not, I will resend every single one of those back to you, to refresh you on this ongoing issue.
PLEASE Mr. Fults, contact me regarding the plants that need to be replaced. I am leaving Neutral feedback today, as I am Hoping that you will finally respond to me.
As I said earlier, many of the plants are growing very nicely, please just honor your commitment with Ebay and replace those plants that you say on your stores auction pages that you will handle all request and concerns immediately. Now, may I ask that you do that for me too? Thank you.
gg_carolv
On July 20th, 2008, gg_carolv changed the rating from neutral to negative and added the following:
I am Now leaving NEGATIVE feedback, as The Fults Never bothered to get back in touch with me. I left Neutral feedback in June, hoping that Mr. & Mrs. Fults would at least call me. They NEVER bothered to call or email me, even though they asked for my telephone number so that they could \"handle this issue immediately\"-their words, not mine. That was stated by mrs. fults (I\'ve been told that she is probably the one that answers-very sporadically-when emails are sent to their email address. In addition to this ongoing issue of dead plants from VIOLA VALLEY WILDFLOWERS, they NEVER sent me the ASIATIC Wildflowers that I bought and paid for. I told them this several times via emails and telephone calls to their business telephone #. I am very upset that they don\'t seem to care at all about their product or their customers. They are VERY Unprofessional and I have been in contact with another person that won plants from through Ebay, that is having the SAME problems with them. All I asked for was to speak to Mr. or Mrs. Fults regarding the dead plants and those plants that never arrived in the shipment. I bought OVER $200 worth of plants from them, NOT including the shipping and handling charges and this is how they treat their customers. Buyer beware, as they don\'t seem to care about the buyer once they receive their payment! I am so sick and tired of unprofessional people and their careless, rude behavior. They sell a product and then don\'t want to be responsible when a problem arises. They are the ONLY sellers on Ebay that I\'ve ever had a problem with.
I had to re-register with Dave\'s Garden website, as they couldn\'t send me my password; just in case Mr or Mrs Fults responds to this feedback that they \"don\'t know who this person is\".... that seems to be their pat answer when told that their rudeness, lack of correspondence and unprofessional behavior result in these Negative feedbacks. My previous feedback was left as gg_carolv on June 17th, in case they want to know when the first feedback was left on this website. Again Mr & Mrs Fults, I am requesting that you please replace the 20 red cardinal plants and 4 blue cardinal plants along with the Asiatic Wildflowers that I NEVER received! Many of your plants are growing beautifully, so I am pleased with several of the types of plants that I bought or won through your auctions, that is why I can\'t understand WHY you won\'t respond, I bought so many plants from you and spent a lot of money on your \"guaranteed to grow\" plants.... PLEASE HONOR YOUR EBAY COMMITMENT!! I did, by paying you promptly, now live up to your OWN Commitment at your ebay store. Please at least contact me so that we can speak further on this ongoing issue, you have my email address and phone #. I will leave a message Again at your telephone #, hoping that you have the common courtesy to reply. I just want to resolve this problem as soon as possible so that I can put this issue behind me! Thank you. | | Negative | Angora_Rstoratn
(2 reviews) | On June 17, 2008, Angora_Rstoratn South Lake Tahoe, CA wrote: Angora Restoration Group.
Located at South Lake Tahoe, California.
Founded by Angora Fire survivors, Local Community members, Ebay members. USFS Tahoe Basin Management Team - Angora Restoration Project, Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, plus many other organizations involved in restoring the devestating aftermath of the Angora Fire, June 24, 2007.
As a member of this organization and organizer for the group, we purchased 12 cinnamon ferns through our Ebay affliate, known as Angora_Restoration_Group.
Immediate payment was made to violavalleywildflowers through Paypal.
Upon notification of order, automatic emails were generated for payment received along with planting instructions
* * Soon following, personal emails were received ~ which lead to harassing communications from seller.
We attempted on numerous occasions to resolve these issues.
Phone calls attempted ~ during working hours, with a polite voice message left to call us back.
Never received a return phone call.
* * * * * * * * * *
Many Angora Fire families, community members and others have voiced their opinion on leaving "negative feedback", since Viola Valley Wildflowers have set up a "block" on Ebay bidding/puchasing privledges
Without even a reason or a given apology for the rudeness, inconsiderate behavior, OFFENSIVE EMAILS (which can very easily be displayed here), .placing a BLOCK on Ebay purchasing, we are left to leave NEGATIVE FEEDBACK.
* * * * * * *
If so some reason, Viola Valley Wildflowers decides to allow angora_restoration_group to bid on their auctions, feedback will be reversed.
Over 250 homes were destroyed along with United States Forest Lands and California Conservancy. Viola Valley Wildflowers has left a negative impact on us.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
.
On June 24th, 2008, Angora_Rstoratn added the following:
Mr. Bobby Fults:
Shipping as stated in your Ebay auction that we purchased:
US $6.95 + $1.00 for each addtional auction won
Postal Service Priority Mail® Estimated delivery 2-3 days*
US $0.65 Insurance Optional
We purchased 6 lots. at 3.25 = 19.50
6.95 shipping plus 5.00 (extra for each lot) = 11.95
total $31.45.
Paypal payment made immediately.
Harassment through personal emails with comments stating:
" I wouldnt be able to shut my eyes knowing I stole from someone"
"We ship in the containers that are required by usps and also tenn. dept of agriculture"
.USPS and TENN Dept of Agriculture have been contacted.
USPS has Priority mail service, with Priority mail labels and boxes available for shipping. NO where is it stated that mailings must go our in Priority Mail boxes. LARGER plain boxes with Priority mail labels can be used, which you have mailed your plant material in.
Your Ebay customers have emailed us!
Tenn. Dept of Agriculture was notified. They request fast shipping to ensure proper delivery of fresh plant material, but it is up to the vendor to furnish shipping methods, which are not controlled by Dept of Tennessee.
Mr. Bobby Fults, you had another Ebay name similar to Viola Valley Wildflowers last year (or 2 years ago) which was CANCELLED due to hundreds of buyers leaving negative feedback. You can not deny this.
Mr. Bobby Fults, please refund our funds paid to you through Paypal for the order through your website.
We, at Angora Restoration Group no longer wish to have any dealings with you or Viola Valley Wildflowers.
All we ever wanted was to purchase ferns and possible wildlflowers to restore some vegetation to the lands that were burned.
We are very happy to look elsewhere on Dave's Garden for wonderful and courtious customer service, something that wasn't found here, as it is also written in other messages.
On June 28th, 2008, Angora_Rstoratn added the following:
Second request: REFUND our funds of 25.95 for website order.
On June 28th, 2008, Angora_Rstoratn added the following:
PAYMENT HAS BEEN MADE! INCLUDING SHIPPING!!!!
YOU DECIDED TO SHIP IN 2 BOXES!
YOU'VE SENT US HARASSING EMAILS!
WE HAD TO CALL THE LOCAL SHERIFFS DEPT IN YOUR NEAREST TOWN TO S-T-O-P THE HARASSING EMAILS.
All we ever wanted were plants.
There was a fire.
It burned~
We're trying to make it green again.
And you have the nerve to tell us that
"I wouldnt be able to shut my eyes knowing I stole from someone"
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?
________________________________________
I f, " NOW" you tell us that shipment has been made... GREAT!
FANTASTIC.......OVER AND DONE WITH.......
On August 8th, 2008, Angora_Rstoratn added the following:
Update:
Only 5 out of 12 giant cinnamon ferns ordered through Ebay have shown any growth.
Only 4 out of 20 cinnamon ferns ordered through your website have shown any growth.
Just to let the readers know:
All of the ferns received have been planted in separate containers and in organic soil. It has been a few months with spring/summer like conditions and with plenty of water to ensure their growth.
What is Viola Valleys Wildflower policies on replacing dead plant material such as fern crowns?
We would like to know.
Sincerely,
Angora Restoration Group
Company representative comment on August 8, 2008:
On Aug 8, 2008 4:24 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added:Please disregard this whole feedback by one buyer. They are presently being served with papers for this site interference of our wonderful website and selling practices.
By no means do we sell to another seller as stated. They store product. We dig fresh daily. We would never sell for resale. We know of this seller and have personally contacted them. They are not pleased with this feedback either. The matter has escalated and soon to be resolved. Contact me via email if you have any doubt in our service, product and personable family business that has fallen victim to an unpleasant transaction that has continued here and on other sites. A customer refusing to pay actual shipping costs to beat the system is no cause for all of this harshness. My apologies for their behavior. Sincerely Bobby at Viola Valley | | Positive | melvatoo
(8 reviews) | On June 15, 2008, melvatoo Denton, TX
(Zone 7a) wrote:June 15th, 2008
I found them on e-bay and ordered 5 Indian Pink bare roots...there was a lag time for me to be able to pay, and they were very understanding. I look forward to getting the plants...I have a small colony of Indian Pink and I like them so well, I am adding more... | | Neutral | beagelgarden
(3 reviews) | On May 31, 2008, beagelgarden Defiance, OH wrote: Have used this vendor. I liked the variety they offered. Items were received (a little delayed) and appear healthy. Waiting for them to come up from their flower beds, so not able to comment on there success yet. Was frustrated a bit with apparent miscommunications from the vendor. Vendor did not take responsibility for miscommunications. Based on my experience and reported experiences below, I feel the vendor should consider evaluating it's methods and style of communication to avoid confusion and miscommunication. They may see an improvement in there interactions with customers if they make a few changes to their style of communication and how they communicate in general. As the vendor appears to read and respond in this consumer based forum, maybe the vendor will consider making an effort in this area. | | Positive | shelleya
(1 review) | On May 29, 2008, shelleya Tulsa, OK wrote: I ordered Trilliums from them. 2 diff. kinds. They arrived bare root & packed in peat moss. Appear to be healthy good roots. Got in a timely manner & emails were prompt. Nice people. Probably won't see the blooms till next year. Would recommned if you want something unique you can't buy in the store. Purchased off ebay. | | Positive | cedarpost
(1 review) | On May 28, 2008, cedarpost Petoskey, MI
(Zone 4b) wrote:I have had a positive experience with VVW. I purchased from them off of ebay. I ordered 40 garden phlox and 125 vinca minor cuttings. Both orders arrived packed in peat moss and in good condition. Before my plants arrived I received several emails from Viola Valley stating the order status. Overall, I am pleased with my purchases and the customer service provided. I will buy from them again. | | Neutral | mmcake
(2 reviews) | On May 23, 2008, mmcake Neenah, WI wrote: I placed an order in late April, the payment for which was transferred from our Paypal account on May 1 (three weeks ago). I emailed the company earlier this week regarding our order and did not receive a reply, but did get an email with planting instructions (only). Does that mean the plants have been shipped?
I emailed again today and phoned the company. I actually had to call twice because the answering machine gave very little time to leave a message. I am hoping for 1) a response ASAP and 2) plants that reflect the very positive feedback VV has received from the majority of their other customers. I am hoping to change this review from neutral to positive....
On May 26th, 2008, mmcake added the following:
We arrived home this evening to find a box on the doorstep. When I opened it I found the bareroot plants to be well packed and in good condition.
I will leave the rating at neutral since the money was taken three weeks prior to shipping and communication was lacking. However, I do understand that this is a nursery's very busiest time of year and I am certain they are very busy. I would consider ordering from them again if the plants do well.
On May 26th, 2008, mmcake added the following:
Company representative comment on May 26, 2008:
On May 26, 2008 3:08 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added:We filled all orders and nearly 200 a day to the best of our ability. My apologies if most know we ship within 1-2 weeks of shipment. We also state everywhere and in each and every email to allow 1-2 weeks plus travel time. We only ship 3 days a week and dig the 3 other days. We do the best we can and when there is a few days give or take all understand. I am very sorry you were anxious to receive but we strive to provide top quality fresh product and not rush our orders as we dig all fresh personally. We are a family owned/operated business. 5 years now we have held this policy and all understand. We can only do with what we have . We work from 6 a.m. till midnight daily. We work very hard for all. That is why they all come back for more and more. Sorry there is always going to be a few not happy. We do the best we can. | | Positive | alheline
(3 reviews) | On May 23, 2008, alheline Dundee, IL wrote: Ordered 10 Spigelia Marlandica 'Indian Pink' roots which arrived dormant (as expected). Planted immediately after prepping them in warm water. Hopefully, their growth will catch up with what I already have as the bare roots still must break dormancy. | | Negative | Hostafarian
(14 reviews) | On May 18, 2008, Hostafarian Etna, CA wrote: I placed several orders for Trilliums over the last year with this company. As the Rhizomes arrived dormant there was no way to identify that they were actually the correct species. When the plants emerged this spring it was obvious that mistakes had been made on three of my orders. There are two types of Trilliums, pedicellate and sessile. On a sessile Trillium the flower sits directly on the leaves. On a pedicellate Trillium the flower sits on a short stem rising from the leaves. With the exception of one rare western species never offered for sale all pedicellate trilliums have plain leaves as opposed to mottled (marbled). The three orders I refer to were for pedicellate species. All three emerged with mottled leaves and no stem. Rather than write a negative review at that time I e-mailed the company informing them that mistakes had been made and that we needed to talk. I was sent three messages that I can only describe as ranting. They said that I was making accusations, that Bobby was a trillium expert and never made mistakes, that in over twenty years in business nothing like this had ever happened and so the problem obviously was with me, not them. Apparently they don't keep records of their sales because they demanded proof of purchase and stated that since I buy lots of Trilliums how did I know it was their plants that were mislabled? (I place a tag with the suppliers name when I plant bare root stock). They then went on to say and I quote, "sounds like someone who doesn't work things out, just threatens". Real friendly folks. Soo, heres a big NEGATIVE.
Company representative comment on May 18, 2008:
On May 18, 2008 4:34 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added:We have honestly worked with so so many customers. I address every issue with every customer. There was one simple request. Send us a list of what was purchased and photos to show was has come up. None of this was presented as this customer by no means wanted to cooperate to smooth out this transaction. Please call as I state everywhere. 1-931-635-3505. There is no one that is perfect. Mistakes do happen. We dig toad trillium and of many species different leaf patterns ect.. all at blooming size. All healthy stock and as accurately as can be described. I simply stated that all their trillium was purchased from another seller. Check their feedback on ebay. They only purchased one variety from us. These are not our purchases they are referring to . This is a shame that anyone at any given time can go to daves and leave false fb. I work with all. Ever since the other day someone un-identified leaves fb and all false accusations and it has caused all out kaos.. Such a shame. We work with all. We are the best around. Please be sure if you ever have any doubts contact us directly. Working with over 20,000 customers in over 4 years, excellent rep on ebay and at our website and a few get together and try to ruin it for us. | | Positive | ellenshp
(1 review) | On May 17, 2008, ellenshp Oswego, NY wrote: I will start by saying this isn't how I like to do things, but having e-mailed this company 4 times over the last month, and left them a phone message, and gotten absolutely no response, I don't see any other way to get their attention.
I placed a good-sized order w/them last fall, and received nice, healthy dormant material. Unfortunately, when it came up, the supposed Jeffersonia diphylla were all Caulophyllum thalictroides, the supposed Trillium luteum, to the extent that they've bloomed, are T. recurvatum, while the supposed T. recurvatum are a variety of things, some recurvatum, many not. The Disporum maculatum appears to be Prosartes lanuginosa, though of this I am not entirely sure.
I have received nice plant material, correctly named, from them in the past, and I understand that we all make mistakes. What I don't understand is this continued unwillingness to acknowledge or address them. ????
On May 18th, 2008, ellenshp changed the rating from neutral to negative and added the following:
It's now 24 hours since I POLITELY posted "neutral" rather than "negative" feedback for my mislabeled plants. I got no response either here or privately from VVW. Meanwhile yet another buyer posts the same complaint and gets instant (and unpleasant) feedback. I guess "negative" is what it takes!
As to sending photos, I can cheerfully (???) supply those if asked. However, 4 e-mails and a phone message have not been enough to get ANY response from these folks. Guess it's time to take off the gloves.
I own a business myself, and I cannot imagine handling complaints in this fashion.
On May 18th, 2008, ellenshp changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following:
VVW is in the process of addressing this problem. They cannot find any record of my first three e-mails, and didn\'t get contact information in the 4th (sent through Dave\'s Garden). I look forward to a speedy and satisfactory resolution of the problem.
Company representative comment on May 18, 2008:
On May 18, 2008 5:07 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added:This is inaccurate. We have dug all day yesterday and just finished packing for morning shipments. We had no absolute way until today that she finally called our simple phone number for an accurate contact manner. We have never received but a d-mail with no email response address. Please email me and I will forward the d-mail to all that does not speak of any email address to get back with this customer. This is unfair. I am calling you now as I just finally got the message on the machine you called. For heaven sakes, we are working a sunday and still calling you anyways. Didnt even give us a chance to call. 7 days a week is not enough for anyone.
On May 18, 2008 7:26 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added:Lovely conversation with Ellen today. So glad we can work this out. We never leave things left un-repaired. BooBoo's Do happen. Glad to see that with a phone call away we could work this out. I will email once shipped through email address on the fall order. Now that I have it! Wish we could have worked this out before all this. We will be in touch very very soon | | Positive | chels580
(2 reviews) | On May 16, 2008, chels580 Brockport, NY wrote: I had a good experience with this company. They are very focused on customer satisfaction and I am satisfied. I ordered bare root tiarella, true and false solomon's seal, and wood poppies. The tiarellas are shooting leaves up and I have faith the others will too! | | Positive | hmsgoodhope
(1 review) | On May 15, 2008, hmsgoodhope Great Falls, VA wrote: Very happy with ourchase. 3 weeks after planting 99% of plants (500 VINCA MINOR GROUNDCOVER PERIWINKLE VINE PLANTS) are growing fast. Good communications and instructions on planting / care. Just purchased additional plants and will but more as time allows. Highly recommend!! | | Positive | skammons
(1 review) | On May 15, 2008, skammons Memphis, TN wrote: Ordered 250 vinca from this company and received them exactly as promised. Very pleased with my plants. | | Positive | NancyMo1944
(1 review) | On May 15, 2008, NancyMo1944 Gerald, MO wrote: I am not totally experienced so I needed help. I got it!
And I was spending more money than I planned. I loved dealing with Viola Valley Wildflowers and I plan on doing a lot more this autumn.
The "plantings" were strong, solid, healthy and ready to go. I was so impressed and happy.
Thank you!! Four Stars. | | Positive | emil001
(1 review) | On May 15, 2008, emil001 wrote: Nice plants, quick shipping, and quick responses to email communications. I've ordered from them 2 years in a row now... | | Negative | golden55
(1 review) | On May 14, 2008, golden55 Willow Street, PA wrote: I am rating a negative because Viola Valley hasn't responded to my e-mails 3 weeks ago. I made a pretty large purchase in January and potted them up and labeled them because the ground was frozen. As Spring arrived and plants broke dormancy, better than half the order were wrong plants. I understand they were shipped bareroot with no foliage and some mistakes are possible but: yellow star grass became yellow violas; blue lobelia became Jacob's Ladder, merrybells haven't bloomed, but they don't look like merrybells; painted trillium didn't flower, but the foliage came both spotted and plain leaf so that's suspicious; I'm still waiting for the dodecatheon to come up. Plants that were accurate were cohosh, twin leaf and hepatica. I am torn about ordering from them again. It's very hard to find some of these plants. Many folks have had good experience with them, but unfortunately I haven't.
Company representative comment on May 14, 2008:
On May 14, 2008 8:08 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added:That is correct.. We work with all. I have no idea honestly who this could be as we answer each and every call/email 100% satisfaction and worked with over 20,000 customers without a hitch. No pictures received of this mishap apparently or an email. If a simple phone call would have been made we could have worked with whoever this is hidding behind an unknown user name here at daves. We are by no means perfect. We do make mistakes and are willing to admit ours and work with all but apparently this feedback was intentional as we have never heard of this situation nor a simple or complex problem.
To all that purchase from us, will purchase from us please know Bobby and I work with thousands a year personally. This negative is very upsetting and does affect the way we work with the public. We have to address our issues not hide behind them. If I only knew any of this it could have been avoided. A picture, call email only could have helped. SAD HERE AT VIOLA VALLEY!
On May 14, 2008 8:11 PM, Viola Valley Wildflowers added:golden55 signed up on May 14, 2008
just to leave this feedback. ALL MY CUSTOMERS EMAIL ME OR CALL. A SIMPLE DIAL OF A PHONE TO 1-931-635-3505 is ALL THAT IS NEEDED. WE LIVE AND WORK THIS 18 HOURS A DAY. SUCH A SHAME THIS CAN SO SO EASILY BE DONE TO A GOOD SELLER. | | Positive | patwood
(20 reviews) | On May 13, 2008, patwood Lake Hopatcong, NJ wrote: I just received a large order from Viola Valley that I placed on their web site. Big plants, all well packed. They have an ebay store as well, but quantity pricing seems to be better on their web site. | | Positive | kiroseko
(1 review) | On May 8, 2008, kiroseko Jeffersonville, IN wrote: I love this company! I've ordered from them many times. Everytime I've received my order quickly and the plants look great. I've never ordered bareroot plants that come up as quickly and reliably.
| | Negative | dirthound
(7 reviews) | On May 8, 2008, dirthound Cohocton, NY wrote: Received nice selection of woodland bulbs,excellent value for price. Good packing,communication.Only problem was bareroot fresh red/ blue cardinal flower.Kept in cool moist,low light enviorment, no luck,all died. Have good luck with bare root dormant. Overall ,nice value.
On June 20th, 2008, dirthound changed the rating from positive to negative and added the following:
After waiting and watching for 2 months,I am changing my rating. I have been gardening/landscaping for 50 years.I have transplanted 100s and 100s of plants ,started from seed/cuttings, but the only luck from my first order was golden seal and blue bells. Most bulbs never even sprouted, cinnamon ferns rotted,as stated before all cardinal flowers died dispite being cool/moist and in shaded /semi-shaded area.I have never had this amount of loss ever,having purchased from many places over the years. Sorry , but will not buy from them again. | | Positive | rightway
(1 review) | On May 5, 2008, rightway Murfreesboro, TN wrote: I needed 1000 more vinca bareroot starts fast. In the middle of a hectic
schedule, Viola Wildflowers sent them, they arrived the next day in great shape. They are all in, looking great, and I am going to get 1250 more. This is the best company I have purchased from thus far. Thank you so much.
5 stars
- Candace in Murfreesboro | | Positive | jasperar1999
(1 review) | On May 5, 2008, jasperar1999 Jasper, AR wrote: Very prompt and polite. Plants arrived in excellent condition and are doing well in my garden | | Positive | lmtsher
(12 reviews) | On May 2, 2008, lmtsher Saint Paul, MN wrote: I have purchased many plants from Viola Valley in the past few years and am consistently impressed with the quality and price. Viola Valley has enabled me to populate my woods with native treasures that would be cost-prohibitive from other vendors. The owner seems genuinely concerned about keeping his customers satisfied. His native flowers have given me much pleasure throughout the years, and have survived some harsh zone 4 winters. I have purchased from many mail-order vendors throughout the years, and can recommend this seller without reservation. | | Positive | lkstarr
(1 review) | On May 2, 2008, lkstarr Monee, IL wrote: The communication from beginning to end was excellent. The plants appear to be very healthy, with nice strong roots and healthy leaves. Arrival was much faster than anticipated. Great experience. | | Positive | 75751
(39 reviews) | On May 2, 2008, 75751 Fort Mill, SC
(Zone 7b) wrote:Another happy customer! I placed an order for 20 Trillium.
My order arrived quickly and healthy. I will order again
for more varieties of wildflowers in the future.
Thanks!
c&nn | | Positive | cathy4
(4 reviews) | On April 25, 2008, cathy4 St. Louis County, MO
(Zone 5a) wrote:Plants arrived good size, in a timely fashion. Prompt email response to a question I had.
My only concern was the plants were in the box with no packing materials and the box was smashed upon arrival. Luckily, the roots look okay, and if not, I feel confident ViolaValley will solve the problem. | | Positive | hothotpepper
(1 review) | On April 24, 2008, hothotpepper Great Falls, SC wrote: I ordered some joe pye weed roots from them and they were absolutely huge and healthy looking. Their prices are very good. I will continue to order from them. Shipping was fast too. | | Positive | Springaling
(1 review) | On April 20, 2008, Springaling Gustine, TX wrote: I can only say positive things about Viola Valley Wildflowers. You can’t ask for better communication. Their prices are fantastic, service great, and the plants arrived in good condition and were shipped on time. Thanks for being an honest and reliable company. | | Positive | gardenlady123
(5 reviews) | On April 17, 2008, gardenlady123 Plainwell, MI
(Zone 5b) wrote:Viola Valley had a Classified ad on Daves Garden with a nice offer of free shipping in Jan08. I placed an order and asked for it be shipped in mid April... They sent an email letting me know my order was on the way...How to take care of the plants once they arrived. The prices were fantastic and I probably will order from them again!! They came all packed in peat and arrived in great condition. They had a great selection of the all the wildflowers I was looking for. Thanks, Ronna (aka = gardenlady123) | | Positive | kiabird
(2 reviews) | On April 16, 2008, kiabird Clarksville, TN wrote: I ordered 25 Lily of the Valley(s). No info yet to report on the growth rate, quality, etc., but I can say that my order hadn't been place 12 hours when I received a personal email about the order. I received my order quickly. It was well packed and all look to be healthy, super quality. Will follow up with the rest of the story later! | | Positive | bbrookrd
(27 reviews) | On April 15, 2008, bbrookrd nantucket, MA
(Zone 7a) wrote:I ordered a small section of plants ( crested iris, several trillium, bloodroot, Jack in the pulpits and a few others) in Feb and they arrived just as requested in early April and all packed in peat in small baggies. All survived the shipping well and are now tucked into their new woodland home. I was very pleased and will order again from them. Patti
| | Positive | Pozie
(1 review) | On April 14, 2008, Pozie Dandridge, TN wrote: I bought vinca minor to use as a groundcover. Plants arrived quickly and were very healthy and ready to plant, not to mention the price was right!! I was very happy with the whole transaction and would definitely recommend this seller. I'll be back!! | | Positive | sandycj2004
(1 review) | On April 14, 2008, sandycj2004 Summerville, SC wrote: My shopping experience with viola valley wildflowers was GREAT. My bulbs and roots arrived fast and was well packaged. Everything arrived just as described. No disappointments here. I'm a very satisfied customer and will be shopping with viola valley wildflowers again.
Butterflyscj | | Positive | IronHead83
(1 review) | On April 14, 2008, IronHead83 Wichita, KS wrote: large healthy well packed ferns, they were aggressively growing again on the Second day after they got here. NOw that I know about Viola I think I may start collecting ferns | | Positive | Carrie375
(1 review) | On April 14, 2008, Carrie375 Pittsburgh, PA wrote: VIOLA VALLEY WILDFLOWERS is fantastic! I have ordered from them several times in the past two years and my plants have arrived very quickly. Once planted, the plants have done beautifully. In my opinion this is the best place to buy native plants and wildflowers. | | Positive | bandjroberts
(1 review) | On April 14, 2008, bandjroberts Goodview, VA wrote: A class act-Viola Valley Wildflowers is probably the best source, for what they offer, on the web | | Positive | MadAnne
(1 review) | On April 14, 2008, MadAnne Brevard, NC wrote: I moved into a new house last July. I ordered plants from Viola Valley. I planted at a terrible time of year and during a drought affecting the whole region. Lo and behold my plants are popping up beautifully. I just placed my order this year and it arrived in record time.
If you want wildflowers this is the place to go. |
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