Ordering from Sarah Raven- just unlucky?

[ZeroPlastic]

I've had such trouble buying things from Sarah Raven- it always seems the luck of the draw whether the thing will actually turn up or be cancelled. Most recent order I took great care only to buy things listed as in stock. Half my order wasn't dispatched for over a week. The other half has still not been sent weeks after I placed the order.

Thinking of giving up completely which is a shame as I love Sarah herself and the ideas on the website. Have I been unlucky or are they like this with everyone?

As an example, I used to buy fruit trees by mail order from the excellent Scotts of Merriott. They went bust about 20 years ago partly because they refused to go online (not even a website).

I have mixed feelings about SR. This year I got wrong tomato seeds ( but they assured me that although the name on the packet is different to what I ordered, they were mispackaged and actually will be the ones I ordered- time will tell). Others are failing to germinate. On the other hand the 2 dahlia tubers I bought are growing into robust plants, while Farmer Gracy’s dahlia is a hopeless whisp of a plant that won’t be able to support flowers so I’m working myself up to chucking it out.

The tomato seeds that I got last year have been rubbish again this year.

Same, I really miss Wilko, they had the best bulbs and reasonably priced too!

Now I use Farmer Gracy and Hayloft, both are good, but I miss walking down the highstreet to Wilko to pick my tulip bulbs!

I’ve not ordered from SR this year because last years plug plants were so terrible.

But ordered some salvias from Crocus and the plants were immense- excellent value and already looking like they have been in for a year

I try not to order from that business because most of the seeds I've had don't come up true, my tulips were half the wrong colour, and they get orders wrong, which is just a faff. And I don't really love the vibe, it's far too privileged for my liking.

SR used to be brilliantly reliable in my experience, but much less so in recent years. It's a shame. I didn't mind paying more when the plants were such good quality.

Farmer Gracy bulbs have been good, the bare root plants less so. Crocus aren't bad.

My impression is that the business is falling apart this year? Beautiful website and all these awards (self nominated?) but appalling plant delivery, quality, performance with only a few exceptions. So much wasted time & money - has really ruined my summer gardening experience this year.
Farmer Gracey (& the local garden centre) has delivered accurately and promptly with only one plant failing to date.
Sorry - but have been trying for three weeks now to communicate with SRaven -as things stand theyvare in pocket having collected payment on items not delivered or delivered dead. Haven’t responded to emails, whatsapp = impersonal robot chat.( Can’t stand it, but tried regardless). Phone line is dead/not connecting. I’m disgusted & concerned that the business is verging on disfunctional & failing…?🤔

I have just had a very disappointing experience buying plants from SR. First they were delayed and then when they did arrive the plants had snapped stems , dehydrated roots and leaves torn and holey. Not what I expect for the top dollar prices , I just hope they survive .

That's bad. I think they can be expensive, but I have never had a problem with things I have received from them.