Anyone used J Parker online?

madjackslam

I've always found them to be good, and I must confess I look forward to receiving their catalogue. I think a lot of the stuff is quite expensive, so tend to have a look at the "sale" items, and if there's anything on there that appeals, then order that. Rarely order anything at full price. I also like the fact that they offer a "free" something with every order. Encourages you to try something new, although I have now got quite enough oriental lilies of one kind or another, thank you! Never really tried plug plants from them, so can't comment on quality of those, but perennials and shrubs have been sound.

I would prefer it if their range was a bit more traditional. They seem to offer new/improved/exciting varieties, whereas I would prefer it if they sometimes stuck with the classics. But that's just me!

sheep-ali

I first used this company over 20 years ago & I have no complaints about the quality of plants.
I do find them a bit pricey but I, too, stick to the special offers in the catalogue.

fruitful_3

I have used Parkers for years - BUT - I use Parkers wholesale. The plants are much cheaper if you want a quantity, although they are smaller plants than you would get in a garden centre - maybe get a few gardening friends together and put in an order. I ordered loads last autumn, potted them up and kept in polytunnel over the winter (we are in the North of Scotland). As soon as it began to warm up they started into growth and made good size plants by the time I was ready to harden them off and get them in the ground. They are aimed at the large garden/estate but the minimum order is not huge but don't forget to add VAT onto the final bill. I reckon on only paying about 30% of what I would pay for the same plants in a nursery. Had some failures for the first time this year but sent a refund with no question as it was too late to replace the plants.

cyclonebri1

I too have used Parkers for years, but won't anymore.

Previously they supplied most of listed item to their 3 garden centre outlets at a good discount to thier listed catalogue prices.
They stopped doing that 2 years ago, no reason to visit their garden centres any longer,

This year I ordered about £50 of stuff, some catalogue and some online offers.
Very poor sized plants, esp decor grasses, and pathetic packing.

Even worse when i complained about grass plants smashed so badly they could not be planted I got the reply, "plant them, and in 3 months if they don't grow we will replace":mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

When I complained again a week later the previous complaint hadn't even been logged.
Full apology, and replacement plants sent, no extra sweeteners.
Replacement plants were as bad as the 1st lot.

I'm done with them.:mad::mad:

caboroig

Isn`t it strange, so many varied reports. Some people happy and others just left totally angry.
For myself, I have used Parkers every year and over a period of many years. I have always been satisfied and found no quibbling on the few occasions when a replacement has been necessary or a refund has been given. I must be one of the lucky ones - you have to speak as you find.
On a different tack - I had no plums, no cherries and no apples this year. Strawberries, very good crop, loganberries super and my thornless blackberry has gone absolutely crazy. Not a good year for my carrots, parsnips. Greenhouse tomatoes provided a reasonable crop.

dianasnan

I received the worst mankiest quality pluglets that you would ever see from Parkers and none of them grew.

Thought that complaining wouldn't do any good so didn't at the time.

Would never buy from them again and go to a local garden centre where I can see the plants.

cyclonebri1

Sorry for a repeat but today I was travelling 3 miles past their centre at Anwick, Sleaford.

What was a genuine nursery and outlet for their range is now an outlet for plastic mushrooms and radio active dragonflies.

They are gone, but still intend to visit up at Manchester, but only when I'm passing by, ;)