Be sure to open the shipping carton immediately upon arrival to promote air circulation, and then review the instructions included. If you are not able to plant immediately, keep the opened carton in a cool place protected from direct sun. Complete instructions for preparing soil, planting and growing are included with each shipment.
Q: What is the proper planting time for my area?
Proper planting time is based on USDA recommendations and is subject to change based on weather conditions and plant situations. Click here for our current shipping schedule.
Q: If I specify express shipping when will my order arrive?
A: When all items reserved are on-hand, normal in-house processing time is two to three business days. Our express shipping service is USPS Priority Mail with a normal transit time of two to three business days, which is in addition to in-house processing time. If you have reserved an item not yet in from our growers or your zone has not yet opened proper planting, your order would be held until all items reserved are on-hand and/or planting is proper in you area.
Q: What does "in stock and reserved" mean?
A: All products labeled "in stock and reserved" are in the last phase of processing. These products are being prepared for shipping and should leave our facility within two to three business days. However, please note that processing time may be extended during the busiest part of our spring and fall seasons.
Q: The plants I have received have no green growth. How long will it take for them to start growing?
A: Experienced gardeners know that many plants get the best start and suffer the least shock if planted while they are "sleeping" in the dormant state. In the case of trees and shrubs, this is before leaves and flowers appear; in the case of herbacious perennials, this is before top growth starts to break dormancy and shows signs of growth. But rest assured that plenty of activity is taking place below the ground where the all-important root system is developing!
Q: When will my plants start blooming? How big will they get?
A: Each plant description on our Web site and in our catalog include height and width (or spacing) and bloom season. For most bulbs, this is the size of healthy plants and their bloom period in the first season of growth. For perennials, this is the size, as a rule, after 3 years of growth. Usually you can expect a few blooms from newly planted perennials the first year, but peak blooming won't appear until the second or third year. For shrubs and trees, unless stated otherwise, the size given is what you should expect after 3 to 5 years. In most cases, the photographs on our Web site and in our catalog illustrate mature plants at peak bloom.
Q: Why is the container size of the plant I received different from what was stated on your website?
A: Due to inconsistencies in industry standards, pot size advertised and pot size shipped may vary slightly.
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