Lavender Rhododendron

Mon Jul 28, 2008 8:07 pm

Does anyone happen to know of a good online source from which to purchase two Lavender Rhododendron shrubs?

I am a bit wary of online nurseries, however chasing after my four year old and six month old makes it difficult to make it to the local nursery. I fell in love with my sister's lavender rhodes in New Jersey and have selected the perfect spot for them right near our side door.

I was recommended to go here on another forum, but I was wondering if anyone here had a good experience with this or any other online gardening resource?

Just a bit nervous about ordering online, but the convenience factor is sure hard to avoid...

<a href=" http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/l ... ndron.html">Rhododendron</a>

Can anyone help me?

Missy L.

Mon Jul 28, 2008 8:36 pm

Now, *this* one I can give you a little help on.

Please go to www.davesgarden.com and look for "Garden Watchdog." This is a very large collection of user reviews of over 6,000 on-line vendors, from small, independent seed merchants to huge rose propagators. There's a separate section of DG with reviews of local, in-person vendors as well.

Look through the relevant listings on the Watchdog and then make a decision based on your location, the vendor's reliability and quality of plants, vendor's customer service--are plants guaranteed? is there a money-back or replacement plant policy? etc. Prices and shipping may also be a consideration.

I ordered from one on-line source this spring and LATER--after I experienced poor service and no response from the vendor re. my order--found out that the reviews for this vendor were heavily negative.

Now I check Garden Watchdog.

There's no fee to read the Watchdog listings or to add a review.

Good luck on finding your ideal plant from an excellent vendor.

Cynthia H.
USDA Zone 9, Sunset Zone 17

Mon Jul 28, 2008 10:21 pm

I've ordered from and gone to Rare Find Nursery in Jackson NJ and have had good experiences with them. Their selection of Rhododendrons is overwhelming ( I called and asked questions but not about rhodies) and I believe they have an August Dog Days Sale.
www.rarefindnursery.com

Tue Jul 29, 2008 9:53 pm

Wow! Thanks so much to both of you. That GardenWatchdog site is very interesting: I'll definitely be sitting down in the near future and compiling a list of companies with good ratings. What a great source, thank you!

I'll be sure to check out rarefindnusery.com as well, especially after hearing about their rhode inventory!

Thanks so much!

Missy L.

Wed Jul 30, 2008 12:05 am

You're welcome missybelle. I hope you find what you want.