Garden

[gardenman]

Twenty to thirty years ago you had a lot more mail-order options for live plants than you do now. There's been a ton of consolidation that's taken place in the mail-order gardening world. Seemingly "independent" companies are often now part of a larger gardening conglomerate.

The Gardens Alive company now owns Audubon Workshop, Gurney's, Breck's, Henry Fields, Iseli Nursery, Michigan Bulb, New Holland Bulb, Spring Hill Nursery, and Weeks Roses. All used to be independent companies selling unique products but were absorbed by Gardens Alive. There are other gardening conglomerates out there also. Jackson and Perkins, Park Seed, and Wayside Gardens are now all part of one company.

These days places like E-Bay and Etsy are often your better options for plants. Smaller growers who truly care about their plants and raise them with care can be found there more than elsewhere. (Though check the reviews as there are bad people there also.) Many smaller, independent nurseries now do much of their business through sites like E-Bay or Etsy. You can often get better plants, more variety, and more personal service through one of those sites than from one of the big guys. The world is changing and retail is evolving faster than much of the rest of the world. Sites like E-Bay and Etsy let the little guys compete with the big guys and often deliver better plants and better service at a lower price. 

[luvmyteddy4]

All of the plants I have ordered from qvc came perfect. The hibiscus plants from Barbara King are doing so well and have tons of blooms on them now. I can't wait until they bloom.

I have ordered strawberry and tomato plants and lots of other plants that did very well.