I buy various seeds and plants direct or via the internet and am a sucker for mail order, promotions and mind numbing mail shots – yes they do work on me at least!

Experiences 2013
Van Meuwen
I start with a bad experience with Van Meuwen. The first purchase of plug plants was OK and although the plugs were very, very small with almost no soil, they did grow away.
I was then emailed to buy a special limited offer of plants for £4.99 but I was charged on my credit card £13.99 the full price. A good job I looked and checked. Umpteen emails and technical problems at their end eventually elicited a promise of a refund.
Many weeks later and the next credit card statement had no refund so back to the email.
A cheque arrived today with no apology but that is as much as I expected.

Vita Sementi is a sister brand of Van Meuwen as is Vernons Geraniums which I have had several good plants from in the past. All these businesses are owned as divisions of Branded Garden Products Ltd by Thompson & Morgan one of our key sponsors. I hope they sort out the Ipswich business for next year.

Wallis Seeds
I buy from Wallis because you can get bigger quantities and the plain seed packets are saving the cost of photography and colour printing.
Last year I included one packet that was out of stock and they held back the whole order until I spoke to the team. The owner called me back to apologise and ask what I would prefer him to do. Great service.
This years supply arrived promptly and in good time for my new sowing. A company with good service that I am pleased to use again.