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The Professional Gardener

Wholesalers of liners - who has low minimum order?

18 years ago

Greetings everyone from an overcast Pacific Northwest!

The current thread about liner suppliers of ornamental grasses makes we want to expand on the *low minimum tray order* subject and ask all of you, which wholesalers do you like to order from who have a low ordering minimum, say one to three trays?

I am mainly interested in perennial plugs, but I would appreciate suggestions about ANY supplier that you've had a good track record with that has good quality plants. As I expand my selection of plants it would be really great to have sources (mail order) where I could purchase different varieties in smaller orders. I've had great success with my orders from Blooming Perennials in Oregon, but they have a six flat minimum...

Thanks much.

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Comments (6)

PollyNY
18 years ago
My favorite is Walters Gardens, no minimum. Their plugs are the best I've gotten, and they are great people to work with.

How about Northwest Bulb and Perennial in Oregon, no minimum, very good quality.

I'm just trying Van Hoorn this year.

I've had really good luck with bulbs, especially lilies from Ednie. Their minimum is about $100.00. Excellent bulbs, and the owner Jeffrey is absolutely wonderful to work with.

Netherland Bulb also for bulbs. I have not tried their plugs, but the bulbs from the wholesale book are excellent. No minimum.

I mentioned in the previous thread where I get my ornamental grasses, so won't re-iterate.

The really only place I have not had good luck with was Van Bourgondien, however, I only ordered from them once, so it may not be the norm.

I'd also like to hear the replies, maybe there are some great suppliers out there I'm missing.

But definitely do try Walters.

Polly
Embothrium
18 years ago
Well, if you go low enough in quantity then it really starts to become retail, in which case you might get better results shopping retail suppliers. These vary markedly in price and selection the same as wholesalers, some wholesale operations charging as much or nearly so as some retailers.

The OAN Buyer's Guide has many plants and suppliers listed, although it's mostly trees and shrubs. There's also the WSNLA web site, if you don't use that for leads already.
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PollyNY
18 years ago
I don't agree with the above, as far as getting better results shopping retail.

A lot of the wholesale companies are geared towards the smaller nurseries, especially the ones that sell to the independents, not chains.

I try to get as many flats as fills a box, usually two or three, due to shipping costs, but the ones I mentioned above are excellent quality, and certainly not retail pricing.

I also wanted to mention, not to shy away from the bare root. When I first started many years ago, I was very hesitant to order bare root. I got my first bare root order from Walters Gardens, and the roots were huge. I actually prefer them now. You just need to have everything ready to transplant, you don't have the convenience of letting them sit around a few days. If you want to try bare root, I would suggest some of Walters Gardens phlox.
Embothrium
18 years ago
It depends on what's being looked for, why small quantities are being sought from wholesale growers.
sandy0225
18 years ago
I've done well with agristarts in florida, getting a couple liners of bananas.
meadowridge
18 years ago
I have bought from Van Hoorn for the last several years and find their plants are great, prices reasonable, delivery is always on time and they are a pleasure to deal with. I buy from a few other vendors, but Van Hoorn is one of my favorites.

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