The Canny Gardener - Page 3

I received an email from the Canny Gardener last Tuesday, 2nd April, telling me my plants (medium plugs) had been despatched, and to expect their arrival within 3 or 4 days. The following Monday they had still not arrived so I rang Canny Gardener, and was told that actually delivery often takes a week, and to ring tomorrow if they still didn't show.

Anyway, next day, that is today, 9th April, the postie turned up with a plastic bag which contained the remains of a polystyrene box, which in turn contained the remains of my plugs.

The box, which was fairly shattered, was held together with a couple of elastic bands, courtesy of the post office, and most of the plugs were, understandably, very much the worse for wear.

I have planted them up and we shall see how many actually make it.

Needless to say, I shall not be using them again, I will go back to the usual Jersey Plants or TM, at least they package the stuff securely.

Just so you know!

Thankyou Verdun and Lilylouise for your comments.

I have spoken to someone at Canny Gardener this afternoon, the response was that they were very apologetic about the damage, and would I contact them at some future date and let them know how many of the plants failed to survive, and they would then consider replacement or reimbursement!

The more I deal with them the less impressed I become. They do not seem to appreciate that they are not selling inanimate objects but living plants, with a very short window of opportunity to plant up for the summer.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Write a letter to the managing director. Make the points that you have already made above and say that most companies would replace the plants without question in these circumstances. Say that you are a member of a gardening forum which is discussing this firm and you would love to tell them that your complaint was dealt with fairly. However, if it should be that you do not get satisfaction, you will be forced to take the matter to Trading Standards, since you feel that shoddy packaging is the cause of the problem and the firm is under a legal obligation to provide good which are fit for purpose. Substandard packaging is bound to lead to substandard goods in the case of live plants.

Disgraceful ..... Terry, good advice given by both Verdun and Lill, dont give in to these people you must complain, yes let us know how you get on, thanks

Anthony Milne commented on this thread when it started- prehaps he would like to make new comments now

Latest update on the situation:-

Following an exchange of emails, I have now been promised a replacement for the damaged plants.

From the next available batch, week commencing 13/05.

Jeez, I hope they're fast growing!

Many thanks to everyone who commented re. my problem.

That's good news Terry  What plants are they?

Pam LL x

p.s I didn't order the Streptocarpus

Pam,

They're Petunia Summer Classic, I ordered 60 medium plugs to go into flower pouches which hang on a timber framework I built at the front of the house.

The unsightly council bins sit behind the frame, so you can't see them from the street! Flower pouches up the sides and across the top, and a Jasmine growing up some trellis in the middle.

It looks nice when the summer weather is kind, but didn't really reach its full potential last year, with all the rain and all.

Fingers crossed for this year!

Terry Wilson wrote (see)

Pam,

They're Petunia Summer Classic, I ordered 60 medium plugs to go into flower pouches which hang on a timber framework I built at the front of the house.

The unsightly council bins sit behind the frame, so you can't see them from the street! Flower pouches up the sides and across the top, and a Jasmine growing up some trellis in the middle.

It looks nice when the summer weather is kind, but didn't really reach its full potential last year, with all the rain and all.

Fingers crossed for this year!

That sounds really lovely Terry  As Verdun says they will soon catch up - lets hope they send them well packed next time

Pam LL x

I see the Canny Gardener is now offering a prize on this website - canny what??

Saw this thread and read with interest..perhaps they should be renamed 'Canny be A***d'....

It's just a thought 

Verdun wrote (see)

Fairygirl......I have told you about your language before
Doesn't sound like any fairies I know

Verd-you're just hanging about with the wrong ones that's all!

...but i've got me coat anyway..