Hey everyone! I recently moved into a new house and last year, I ordered from Hayloft, but their prices are a bit steep for what I want to tackle this season. I'm looking to really establish my garden with some cottage garden perennials, and I've heard mixed reviews about The Secret Garden Club – it seems to have gone downhill according to Trustpilot. Does anyone have recommendations for reasonably priced online plant stores? Also, is there any truth to the complaints about The Secret Garden Club or is it just a loud minority? I'm looking at the wiki too, but I'd love to hear your personal experiences!
4 Answers
Ornamental Trees has worked well for me for tree orders. For other plants, I usually go with RHS, although they can be a bit pricey. J. Parker's is good for bulbs, and Farmer Gracy is reliable too, but I've had some ups and downs with their bare roots.
I highly recommend Farmers Gracy and Sarah Raven for online orders. They might be a tad pricier, but the quality is fantastic! For roses, I've had great experiences with David Austen and Peter Beales. J Parkers can be a bit hit or miss, but I managed to get some decent plants from them.
I suggest checking out some smaller nurseries like Beth Chatto, Bluebell Cottage Garden Nursery, Ballyrobert, and Shire Plants. They typically have amazing quality and a better selection, and they often grow their plants locally, which makes a big difference for hardiness. It's crucial to support local independent nurseries!
I've found that while I used to love Hayloft, their plants tend to be quite small and overpriced. I've had better luck finding unusual plants at B&Q for a fraction of the cost. Honestly, I'm cutting back on online orders because it's always a bit disappointing due to size and delivery issues. If you're close to a good local nursery, that might be the way to go!