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Comments:Displaying the 50 most recent comments:
| Rating | Author | Content |
| Positive | 1AnjL
(6 reviews) | On November 19, 2008, 1AnjL (AnjL) Fremont, CA
(Zone 9b) wrote:I had ordered during their sale and received all bulbs promptly and in great health. I planted some at my house and some up in WA at moms house and they are all thriving! Great prompt service at a low price... I will definitely order from them again! | | Positive | TJettner
(2 reviews) | On November 17, 2008, TJettner Papillion, NE wrote: 2nd session I have ordered from Brent & Becky. The largest lily bulbs I have found. Great customer service and packaging. Thank you. | | Positive | nanny_56
(10 reviews) | On October 24, 2008, nanny_56 Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b) wrote:Received my order of 5 Anastasia Lily Bulbs this week. They are nice bulbs but not exceptional. I bought these at a price of 5 for 15.95 I believe it was. If they all grow and are true to name that is a great bargin for this particular lily.
| | Positive | WaterCan2
(20 reviews) | On October 20, 2008, WaterCan2 Suffolk County, LI, NY
(Zone 6b) wrote:Wow! Nice stuff! Just received my order placed back in April for Fall planting and couldn't be happier! Very good quality & great selection! | | Positive | slichtyler
(6 reviews) | On October 7, 2008, slichtyler Hillsborough, NC
(Zone 7b) wrote:I placed an order for about $150 worth of bulbs this fall, and I've been very pleased so far. The bulbs arrived quickly, and all seemed healthy. They were larger than I was expecting. (At first I was annoyed that they were charging more for some of the bulbs that my local nursery carries - but in truth, all of their bulbs were substantially plumper than those at the nursery, so I expect that they're actually offering fair value.)
Perhaps it's premature to write a review before I see my springtime display - but so far, an excellent experience. | | Neutral | Dodes
(1 review) | On October 4, 2008, Dodes Coudersport, PA wrote: I ordered a subsatnital number of tulip bulbs last fall and planted them according to directions. Although packaging was certainly adequate, several of my bulbs were mishapen and soft. I didn't plant those. Most of the tulips that came up in the spring were fine, but probably 1/10 of them either never came up or were tiny and not robust. In all fairness to the comopany, I never contacted them with the problem so I can't report whether or not they would have made it right. | | Positive | sandnsea2
(8 reviews) | On September 23, 2008, sandnsea2 Kernersville, NC
(Zone 7a) wrote:This is the most wonderful company EVER!!! I should have ordered every bulb from them this year and will in the future. I ordered daffodils and had a perfect experience. They promptly email you a confirmation of your order and the bulbs were in my hands in a matter of days. This company deserves an AAAAA+++++ rating. First class all the way!!!!!!! | | Positive | barb3204
(2 reviews) | On September 23, 2008, barb3204 Great Falls, MT wrote: The bulbs came in excellent condition and were nice and big. This is by far the best bulbs from any company that I have received. | | Negative | crocus1
(6 reviews) | On August 31, 2008, crocus1 Lawrence, KS wrote: I haven't received my order yet. But I ordered a catalog the week of the 3rd of August, midweek I believe. Called and was told it was put into the system on the 11th and would not get sent out till the end of the week. It's now the 31st of August and still haven't received it. Maybe I am impatient, but on the phone it didn't seem like they cared whether I got one or not. They were quite casual about it, like I was ridiculously demanding. I have already placed an order so I was not asking for a free catalog. Not my idea of good customer service. I won't place a negative until I get my order and it isn't up to par. I've ordered from 4 other companies in the same time period: all catalogs received promptly and Oakes was very nice on the phone with questions. Bluestone is always great to deal with. I'm not crazy about WFF but have never had problems with my orders and they respond very quickly by email to questions. (Bluestone Perennials, Oakes Daylilies, White Flower Farm!)
On October 16th, 2008, crocus1 changed the rating from neutral to negative and added the following:
Today I received my first order from B&B. The box was completely crushed by UPS. And yes the bulbs were just mauled a bit, but if the order had been plants, at least half would have been significantly damaged. When I called the woman had the gall to start off by announcing that I was the exception to the rule, that UPS was actually an excellent carrier. Since last year they left a box of dahlias marked NO FREEZING and NO EXCESS HEAT on the outside in front of my door with an outdoor temp of 33, I was not mollified by this response. After explaining the problem, it was made clear that B&B was going to do nothing unless my bulbs were destroyed. So much for customer service and support from the CLIENTS of UPS. Bad enough that when I called initially I didn\'t get a catalog in the mail until I complained on this site. (And I will say that the soon-to-be-owner did take the trouble to send me a catalog on his own after this comment was posted--unlike the office who simply sent a catalog in the first order box.) But to basically blow me off because I was lucky enough that the crushed box didn\'t destroy my bulbs really made me angry. I realize they are not responsible for UPS or its carrier employees; but they should in my humble opinion offered to send a letter of complaint to the company. Silly me. I guess this is not the sort of thing anyone does anymore. When my dahlia order from Old House Gardens was left in freezing weather, the original CSR also seemed indifferent. However, after finding out about it, the owner of OHG took the time to call and leave a personal apology and offered to reimburse me for the dahlias. That is my idea of good customer service, and I probably will not be ordering from B&B again--which is too bad as they have a lot of bulbs not usually available elsewhere. The quality of the bulbs did not seem any better than John Scheepers, however, and JS was very nice on the phone.
I\'m sure most people have had good luck with B&Bs and maybe they have such an established clientele they don\'t care about new customers. Whatever. When I said flat out to this woman that apparently she didn\'t care about my crushed box one way or the other (I assume she thought if the bulbs were fine, what was my problem?)--she went into a very fake rap about how of course she cared. She did not offer to do anything about it one way or another. I finally said, so basically I have to wait until UPS destroys some bulbs before you will pass on a complaint? She didn\'t say yes in so many words, just filibustered on if in future I had damaged bulbs.... In effect, UPS gets away with shoddy service like this in my area because none of their clients care unless they have to legally replace a bulb or other destroyed item. A sad commentary on customer service in this country.
As it happens, most of the bulbs from OHG are bigger and more interesting anyway. So in future I will order from John Scheepers and OHG.
On October 16th, 2008, crocus1 added the following:
I probably should have waited a day to post my comment as I sound like a crank. In fact, I am the kind of person who is very bad at complaining because I was brought up to be super polite. So when I do finally complain, I usually am conflicted about it and sound strident rather than firm. Maybe I am being unfair to B&B. I do think, however, that huge corporations that have monopolies on delivery get away with this kind of thing because they know that their clients are only going to complain when having to replace or reimburse a large number of products. B&B also uses DHL. I am unfamiliar with them (except for the news stories about all the people in OH who lost their jobs when local companies were sold to DHL--not likely to endear me to them as an alternate). Strictly speaking B&B can legitimately say it is not their problem or their responsibility, especially if I just happen to live in an area with lousy delivery people. But I won\'t be ordering from them again even so. | | Positive | odeymail
(3 reviews) | On June 17, 2008, odeymail Ormond Beach, FL wrote: Received healthy big amaryllis bulb, healthy clumps of dahlia tubers, and well- rooted healthy bareroot hosta plants from you on May 28th. Also we sent a fresh flower bouquet and vase from you to our 94 year old Aunt Peal in Dallas,Texas delivered DHL express on May 29th for her birthday. She said they were beautiful and the vase was great too. We have ordered from you before and you have never let us down!! Thanks for first rate plants, bulbs,cut flower bouquets and customer service!! Joyce in Ormond Beach, FL | | Positive | Sunshine06
(3 reviews) | On June 12, 2008, Sunshine06 Macon, GA wrote: Ordered bulbs during their half off sale and was pleasantly surprised at how nice and large and healthy they were.Never expected this from a half off sale.Shipping was very quick and they were packed nicely.Will order from them again. | | Positive | MorsisX
(21 reviews) | On June 10, 2008, MorsisX Lockport, IL
(Zone 5b) wrote:I tried them out this year for their dahlia and must report that Bent & Becky lived up to the hype found here @ Dave's.
The tubers were good looking and while all did not sprout those that did not were quickly replaced. Those that have already sprouted are gaining size quickly.
I will order from them for the fall for sure! | | Positive | lakesidecallas
(11 reviews) | On June 8, 2008, lakesidecallas Dandridge, TN
(Zone 6a) wrote:I order from Brent & Becky's every year and their bulbs and plants and customer service just keeps getting better and better.
Years ago I ordered a large quantity of bulbs (100) and they came in lily crates, which I love! They're so handy for carrying things, holding up tall pots, and storage.
This year I ordered some bulbs at their end of the year sale. Usually EOTY sales have sort of "iffy" material- the plants may have overgrown their pots, bulbs may have some mold, but B&B had perfect material. They also have a very quick turnaround time between order and shipping, once the shipping season starts.
Brent & Becky's is a wonderful place for bulbs, great customer service, great sales, and oh, yes, outstanding, sometimes very unusual or rare bulbs.
I only wish I lived close enough to visit in person for their 75% walk in sale! | | Positive | jojoringer
(4 reviews) | On June 6, 2008, jojoringer Joey in Conroe, TX
(Zone 8b) wrote:Wow! I ordered several crinums and some crocosmia from Brent and Becky's during their half price sale. The prices were unbelievable and when I received my bulbs I was stunned. They were huge! and very healthy. Their catalog is beutiful and informative. Their care and culture guide is easy to read and very informative. And to top it off, each plant came with a very nice preprinted green tag that can be used in the garden for years to come. I was so impressed! I can't wait to order again! | | Positive | Trey9123
(4 reviews) | On June 5, 2008, Trey9123 Greer, SC wrote: I ordered some hardy ground orchids, canna lilies, pineapple lilies, and a martagon lily. I received excellent bulbs, the shipping was fast, and when I called with a planting question, the staff was friendly and knowledgeable. On top of that, their prices are quite good. What else can you ask for. Would definitely order from again. | | Positive | GKayfes
(1 review) | On May 20, 2008, GKayfes Rosemount, MN wrote: I ordered canna rhizomes and they were shipped on the day, as promised. Everything was marked concisely and the order was complete. I will order from them again. | | Positive | Notho
(1 review) | On May 1, 2008, Notho Ithaca, NY wrote: I received Crocus, Tulip, and Hyacinth bulbs two falls ago and forgot to leave a good review last spring. All the flowers were the correct variety and the descriptions were accurate, only they didn't fully describe the brilliance of the colors. All these are finishing their second spring and the Tulips and Hyacinths are just as gorgeous as their first spring and the Crocus' had doubled their numbers (in the lawn, not in beds). I've already placed an order for this coming fall in anticipation of next spring. Nothing is better after an Ithaca winter than seeing the first splashes of color from a spectacular display of Crocus! | | Positive | NS
(2 reviews) | On April 27, 2008, NS Stamping Ground, KY wrote: This is a great shopping and gardening experience. I have never gotten dried out, nicked, or moldy bulbs and have always gotten them during the best time to plant them. | | Neutral | Miarka
(7 reviews) | On April 26, 2008, Miarka Ware Neck, VA
(Zone 7b) wrote:I have bought 3 batches of Crocosmia from B&B's and they have never come up. Also, their Gladiolus, sold as hardy here didn't come up the second year even though I dug them up and put them in the garage for the winter. I don't know, maybe it's me??? | | Positive | nitzi1944
(3 reviews) | On April 26, 2008, nitzi1944 Kings Park, NY
(Zone 7a) wrote:This is my first order with this company. The Liatris and Crocosmia are huge bulbs and well labled and packaged. I just planted them. I will order again. This company knows what they are doing.
On May 12th, 2008, nitzi1944 added the following:
The liatris are already showing signs of growth. All 10 of the \"Alba\" have sprouted. I can\'t wait for them to bloom this summer. So far, I am thrilled with this company. I am planning to order bulbs to be planted in the fall. The catalog looks great. This is top notch company to order from. You get what you pay for! | | Neutral | knexsen
(10 reviews) | On April 7, 2008, knexsen Virginia Beach, VA wrote: I'm not sure what to think about this company, and may have to ammend my review later. I placed an order a few months ago, and was a bit disappointed to see they were waiting to send it until the first week in April, as I am zone 7B and every other site I've ordered from sent my items a month earlier. Also, I'd ordered several seed packets and feel I should have received them much sooner!
After I reconciled with the waiting time, I eagerly awaited my order. It finally came Friday. I am disappointed. 5 items are apparently backordered, although no one indicated this to me. It's not even written on the invoice! All that's there is the initials "BO" penciled in--with NO EXPLANATION of any kind.
Additionally, the 5 Perovskias I received were all deeply water-logged. I am concerned they may end up with root rot.
The seed packets have little information as to the nature, care and cultivation of the seeds they contain. They don't even note if the plants are annual, perennial, etc.
I am going to e-mail customer service and hope that is not disappointing, as well. I see this company has obviously satisfied many customers, but maybe they just took on more than they could handle this year? I cannot say I am impressed at all at this point.
Company representative comment on April 8, 2008:
On Apr 8, 2008 11:41 AM, Brent & Becky's Bulbs added:Normally, when an order is put into our system, we use an "educated guess" as to when the appropriate time to plant will be. Mother Nature has had a fairly sick sense of humor lately and sometimes things warm more quickly than we thought. But that's why we email the acknowledgment to give the customer the opportunity to call to say, PLEASE send them earlier or PLEASE send them later, whichever the case may be! We really do want them to land when YOU want them, so we encourage people to give us a call if we you'd like it changed.
In the seed section of our catalogue and web site, we try to be clear as to how we plant them. Each section of the country is SO different, we could almost write a complete encyclopedia on each item, so we try to give general information for each area. We do call them annuals and biannuals in our catalogue because that's how they perform for us. Since "knexsen" is just down the road in Va. Beach, we assumed that they would perform that way for her, as well.
The Perovskia was grown all last summer in 4" pots and once the frost came, we unpotted them and put them in plastic bags with holes in them and stored them in the freezer - hoping to keep them dormant until planted in their new home. Perhaps the condensation in the freezer creates too much moisture! We do hope they perform beautifully as they have in the past when put through similar conditions. But if not, we want to know!
The "5 items" back ordered were 5 of the same item, Curcuma 'Aussie Plume'. Curcuma are sometimes slow to 'get going'. We held them as they weren't up to par for what we thought they should be. And it's often a call that is made at the spur of the moment. When you receive them, they will be well rooted in 4" pots and ready to be dropped in your garden or container. Bottom heat and a heated greenhouse sometimes isn't enough to encourage fast growth in some VERY tropical plants. I do hope you'll be thrilled with them when they do finally arrive!
If there are concerns, we encourage customers to call, write, email, fax, smoke signals...anything...anytime they feel the need. We are certainly not the largest bulb company but we try to be the best! And if we do drop the ball, we'd love the chance to make it right!
Happy Spring to all!
Jay Hutchins
General Manager
Brent and Becky's Bulbs
[e-mail:jay@brentandbeckysbulbs.com]
toll free 877-661-2852 | | Positive | haika
(7 reviews) | On April 3, 2008, haika Snohomish, WA wrote: One of my favorite daffodil sources. I only wish they had as wide a selection as they had when they were the Daffodil Mart! I'm really impressed with their website set up. Easy and quick...with all bulbs well represented with photos. The only small complaint would be that at least last year I didn't receive my order until very late in October. I placed it months in advance. Since it was a large order, I really had to scramble to get them planted in time! But they were well packaged and well labelled and I received them in a sturdy plastic container that is useful in the garden as a tote (surprise bonus!!!). I've already placed my fall bulb order for 2008! And I'm sure I'll repeat annually. | | Positive | ge1836
(7 reviews) | On April 3, 2008, ge1836 Central NY, NY
(Zone 6a) wrote:I had given up on mail order, didn't trust it at all.
DG list gave me hope, so I gave it one last try.
I am converted. Brent and Beckys Bulbs is my first order 2008.
The package was nicely put together, all dormant plants were in seperate bags with plastic labels, very nice 8" Cannas bulbs for forceing. I will definatly order from them again | | Positive | teenybopper
(2 reviews) | On December 31, 2007, teenybopper Loomis, CA wrote: I love their bulbs. I have had nothing but wonderful luck with this company!! | | Positive | lynne111
(1 review) | On December 31, 2007, lynne111 Clayton, NC wrote: I have ordered bulbs from Brent and Becky's for years. Always with great success. They and Plant Delights in Raleigh NC are my 2 favorite mail order companies!!
Lynne Manning | | Positive | susybell
(12 reviews) | On December 13, 2007, susybell Vancouver, WA
(Zone 8a) wrote:Been thinking about giving Brent & Becky a try for a while and finally ordered during their end of season 50% off bulb sale. I was very pleased with the order experience, even with the end of the season it was easy to tell whether an item was still in stock. They shipped the nicely packed order promptly and the bulb quality was very good, even though it was so late. | | Positive | DriftingDude
(6 reviews) | On December 13, 2007, DriftingDude Charleston, SC wrote: Mu bulbs arrived promptly and healthy. Great job!!!! | | Positive | 2sequoyah
(1 review) | On November 24, 2007, 2sequoyah Electric City, WA
(Zone 5a) wrote:This was my first order with this company. I waited too long to order bulbs and the usual companies I try had sold out of almost everything I wanted. I was very pleasently surprised to find that Brent & Becky's still had a pretty good selection. My order came in record time and everything looked very healthy and good size. Very well marked and packaged. I particulary like the catalog that came with my order - it gave a lot of ideas about groupings of bulbs that bloom at the same time and under the same conditions. I'll order from them again. | | Positive | cedar18
(3 reviews) | On November 17, 2007, cedar18 Lula (North east), GA
(Zone 7b) wrote:I received beautiful plump, newly dug. oriental lily bulbs this spring. They were fabulous and such a contrast to the "bargain" lilies of the same name that I bought at a big box store.
For the fall, I ordered several varieties of tulips and other bulbs. All were well packaged and in good shape. I did have one mislabeled bulb from the spring order, but the customer service response was great and I got a credit on my fall order.
I ordered daffodils from these folks when they owned the Daffodil Mart and was very pleased then too. I'll order again and again. | | Positive | jessmerritt
(35 reviews) | On November 15, 2007, jessmerritt Roswell, NM
(Zone 7b) wrote:Large healthy bulbs, friendly and prompt customer service! I'll definitely order from them again! | | Positive | juanwillis
(19 reviews) | On October 30, 2007, juanwillis Winchester, MA
(Zone 6a) wrote:I've ordered about 1500 bulbs from Brent & Becky over the past two years and have been thoroughly satisfied with the quality of the bulbs and the ensuing blooms. Theirs is definitely a catalog that I reach for first! | | Positive | tomtkitty
(8 reviews) | On September 20, 2007, tomtkitty Memphis, TN wrote: I enjoy receiving the catalog; my problem is with the shipping charges. I recently sent in an order, including the shipping charge with my payment. I then received a phone call saying I owed another charge because part of the order had to be shipped early. (This I understand, and I don't have a problem with it, though it would have been nice to know that up front. ) This week, I received a letter stating that I owed ANOTHER shipping charge. As it stands right now, the shipping charges exceed the price of the bulbs I ordered. If I had known I was going to have to pay triple shipping, I probably would not have ordered from them. Next time, I'll know better!
On June 12th, 2008, tomtkitty changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following:
All the bulbs bloomed beautifully, especially the tommies! Now that I know about the separate shipping charges, I will plan my ordering accordingly. | | Negative | lupinelady
(7 reviews) | On July 25, 2007, lupinelady Placentia, CA wrote: I ordered from Brent and Becky's Bulbs because they were so highly rated on this site. Unfortunately, my experience was not positive.
I ordered tulip bulbs and dutch iris bulbs. The tulip bulbs were the smallest I've ever planted in a decade of planting tulip bulbs. Only about 10% of the tulip bulbs came up and bloomed. It was a dismal display.
When I called Brent and Becky's to report my dissatisfaction, I was quizzed about my prechilling and planting methods. When they could find nothing wrong with my methods, I was told that I would need to call back when Brent was available and speak with him. They seemed to be at a complete loss as to how to handle a customer complaint! I called back the following week to try to speak to Brent. Again, he was not available. Finally, Brent and Becky's refunded the money that I had spent on the tulip bulbs.
I have been planting tulip bulbs in my southern California garden for 10 years. Every year I have great displays except for the year I ordered from Brent and Becky's. I will NEVER order from Brent and Becky's again. | | Positive | Lehewzher
(6 reviews) | On July 1, 2007, Lehewzher Frederick, MD wrote: I have placed several orders with them. They are the only one's I am aware of who sell fall blooming bulbs. I have planted and seen all of them come up and do so beautifully. I will order from them again - if I can find more planting space! | | Positive | EPHG
(3 reviews) | On June 10, 2007, EPHG Milltown, NJ
(Zone 6a) wrote:I bought Astilbies from this company. After they arrived, I kept them in the garage for over a month. I was worried that they would not all grow. I planted them and they started to grow! So far, all have all taken even the bulbs that had no growth initially. So far, So good. I have had good luck with this company. | | Positive | donn
(6 reviews) | On June 9, 2007, donn Great South Bay, Long Island, NY
(Zone 7a) wrote:My first order from Brent & Becky's was from their 50% off summer catalog sale, and I'm very pleased. The prices were excellent, the shipping prompt, and the packing was fastidious, to say the least.
I potted all 40 corms and bareroot divisions up on June 4-6, and virtually everything is already showing substantial growth.
Liatris spicata 'Floristan Alba'
Eryngium alpinum 'Blue Star'
Hosta 'Patriot'
Persicaria polymorpha
Rodgersia podophylla
All were very generous in size and judging from their performance so far, were also very healthy.
I'll surely do business with B&B again. | | Positive | natlaw01
(5 reviews) | On May 31, 2007, natlaw01 Vienna, VA wrote: Ordering was super easy and I received super quick. Everything was nicely packed and well labeled. The instructions they provided made it easy to plant and know what to do in regards to spacing and depth. I would definitely order from them again when I order bulbs (and actually have an order pending with them that will arrive in September and October for fall bulbs). I can't wait to see everything start to grow. | | Positive | moosegepp
(9 reviews) | On May 15, 2007, moosegepp Telford, PA wrote: My experience with Brent & Becky's was outstanding! They kept me informed of when I could expect my order, and they were true to their word. My tulips are gorgeous (and still in bloom here in zone 6)! Sometimes I just stare at them in amazement. The colors look so much better than in the catalog, which is usually the opposite with many other mail order catalogs.
I will definitely be placing an order from B &B's to replace some other tulips that didn't do so well from another more expensive mail order company. | | Positive | Dan1465
(8 reviews) | On May 11, 2007, Dan1465 Northfield, NJ wrote: Super fast shipping and very healthy Cannas make this Company excellent. I just recieved my order today and I am very happy. I plan to order again from them. | | Positive | Tropicanna
(12 reviews) | On April 24, 2007, Tropicanna Clemmons, NC
(Zone 7b) wrote:I've ordered from this company three times this year and have only good things to say. I get what I order, it's well packed, and the plants and bulbs have been very healthy. Customer Service is available and friendly and best of all- they ship really fast! |
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