For a change of pace, today I can report an entirely satisfactory delivery.
I ordered 10 Fuchsia plants from The Earthworks. I didn't go to the main site, which sells small starts for 75 cents each, although that sounds like a good idea too. I went to the ZenCart annex, which sells plants in 2 1/2" pots for $3.25.
I had bought little Fuchsias from Pedricks Corner in the past. Their plants are only $3.00 each, but they sell only upright Fuchsias, they have a much smaller selection, and the packing and labeling are inferior to this new source.
Pedricks sends barely rooted cuttings in baggies and labels the baggies. Even if you bury the baggies partway to show the name of the plant, the writing fades away as soon as you start watering your garden in earnest. I really resent the extra step of making my own labels, so I was pleased that The Earthworks has nice printed labels for each plant.
All 10 were sent in a flat-rate priority box, so I paid only $11.35 in shipping. I ordered them on March 15th and was asked when I wanted them delivered. I said "before March 23rd". They were mailed on Monday, the 19th. I received e-mail notification of that with a confirmation number, and they arrived this morning on the 21st.
Each plant in the box is wrapped separately in newspaper. Under the newspaper, the pot is encased in a plastic bag, secured by tape to contain the planting medium.
Here are all 10 of the little beauties.
I bought: Sheryl Ann, Heidi Ann, Baron de Kettler, Ovation, Golden Anniversary, Pink Marshmallow, Lena, Deep Purple, Royal Mosaic, and Veenlust.
The website is a little wonky. There aren't enough buttons to push for site navigation, so you have to go to the site map to find links for FAQ's and other useful info.
www.fuchsias.net/zcart/
This is a great source for Fuchsias. They sell trailing and upright varieties and have a huge selection. Today they're listing 160 trailing varieties and 208 upright varieties.
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