While a thread about PDN is still up, I'd say I have to agree they are somewhat declining. But I think that almost all of the mail order rare plant nurseries*, save one, are slipping in customer service quality. That one is Seneca Hill Perennials. As for the rest, I'm not going to name names but I'll just say I've ordered from most of the biggies. I do not mail order from Rarefind because I can drive there, but I've seen their packing operation in full force and the quality of the packing looks superior. Back to PDN, specifically, I had a plant that arrived VERY small in my opinion, and I broke its stem getting the rubber band off and it did not recover. My fault - granted. I simply asked could they ship a replacement, that _I_ would pay for plus the actual cost of the mailing/shipping. But bypassing the minimum order I'd have to for a 2nd order. My email was ignored. That is simply unacceptable for someone who placed a $200 order with them. I'm not that angry about it though. I think it's a difficult business. As we know quite a few mail order nurseries have disappeared in the past 5 years, more in the past 10 years. Especially ones that carried relatively unglamorous plants, like Dilworth Nursery in PA. It's a frightening trend in some ways. And granted, by "slipping" I'm counting relatively minor annoyances like what I see as an increasing trend toward "bait & switch" by putting a certain plant in the spring catalog, letting you order it and then emailing, "oops, those need 6 more months on the bench." Funny how that never happened in my mail ordering experiences in the 1990s. I think in the 1990s they were less pressured to rush things out! The miniscule plant from PDN I got whose stem was broken with the slightest provocation needed 6 months to a year more on the bench. * btw I am not counting Bluestone as a rare plant mail order nursery, just a mail order nursery. They are good, the plants are tiny but they don't hide that fact. And they are well grown so they establish quickly.

Today my secret trade arrived. I was thrilled to receive Titanic, Blue Mouse Ears, Little One, and Sea Yellow Sunrise. I did not have any of them before the trade arrived. I almost purchased Blue Mouse Ears yesterday. Just one thing was missing. The identity of the person who sent them to me. I did not find a note or anything that would indicate the forum identity of my benefactor. There was a last name on the return address, but of course we don't know people by their last names here, usually, and I certainly would not divulge it openly in the forum. I can only assume that this person wants to remain anonymous. So, whoever you are, my secret trader, please know that I am pleased as punch with the hostas you sent me. They arrived in excellent shape and I've got them soaking right now. I'll pot them up tomorrow. Two of them, Blue Mouse Ears and Titanic I had wanted for a long time, but never took the time to add them to my wish list here on Garden Web. And the other two, I'm equally tickled about. You must be psychic. Thanks so much, Lainey

DonB, I believe that Tony Avent suggests the montana hosta as a good choice for warmer climates because it emerges early like the plantaginea family does. I am too rushed this morning to verify that, but you can read what he says about hosta for warmer climates on his nursery pages under Learning or something like that. Bernd, in your post above, about "someone sick in the family," to whom are you referring? PDN's Tony Avent lost his wife a couple of years ago now, and recently (within the last year) remarried. I do not know of any other family member but his operation is not a small one. Quite the contrary. I had great service from them for years, but that was with my subtropicals and native plants for southern gardens, not the hosta. Then my very first hosta order was totally mixed up and it took a long time for me to forgive them for THAT. I guess it was hard to tell one dormant pot from another? Or one order from another? But I was tempted by the fine hosta they had which he originated and placed another order which was recently delivered correct varieties and in great shape. So I'm guessing they got their shipping department under control again.

Hello everyone - the Sun is actually shining here! Becky - hang in there. Your trials sounds so hard but you have perservered so far - I can't wait to hear the amazing story of how the money comes... Probably through the window like our dear, wise Jo says. CODY!! Welcome back! You are always so fun - I'm happy you're gonna spend more time with us. Canna - I've been touring the many hand crafted shops here in tourist land [Shakespearean Theatre] for info on what's selling best and discovered that PAINTED ROCKS sell like hotcakes. The ones I saw for sale were NOT as beautifully done as yours (of course we all KNOW you are a truley gifted artist) and are selling for $35-$60+. Thanks so much for the Hellebore and Malea's photos - both brought me joy. Jean - Your wonderful Lily photos are helping with the wait for flowers - thanks! I know how you feel - I've been going through my photos & even going to flower shops to help keep the winter blah's away, too... My yellow Flag iris' are holding on in their pots and I send you a great big smile whenever I check on 'em. I searched the web for info on epiphyllium's - all I find are photos of the exquisite flowers but I'd love to know what the plant itself looks like - do any of you have photos of yours? Daylily seeds: I finally fell off the wagon and bought a few daylily seeds - since I'm going to very carefully grow the Ida's Magic ones brother Joey gave us, I thought I might as well try for some others, too, to fill up a flat *grin* The crosses I HAD to have: ((Court Magician x Wedding Band) x Darla Anita) ((Isle of Zanzibar x Great White) x Mildred Mitchell) (Huckleberry Candy x Big Blue) Ornamental Grasses: Hey, Anita, I have several ornamental grass seeds I'll share with you if you'd like. If you still have some on your want list after you connect with Cody, let me know. Dawn - Bird with Maracas was just precious, thank you! Glad you joined the Traveling Daylily band, in your spare time. Mommabear the party animal - isn't G. a hoot? So HAPPY you are out and about, girlfriend, and letting off steam in French restaurants and all... Off to pack up RM's Valentine's box ~ Mareasemp