A decade ago or more J&P shipped great plants, had great service, and hired exceptional photographers. But they seem to be falling off a cliff just as Wayside Gardens did.
I stopped ordering from Wayside about ten years ago because everything I bought from them died. My guess is that they got shipments from suppliers, held them badly, and reshipped. And that all the time in transit weakened plants. Or else they had suppliers drop-ship and the suppliers bet that problems would never get traced back to them. My guess it that J&P's problem arises from steep cuts to their customer service department. A lot of companies treat operational departments as if they work regardless of how deeply operational budgets are cut. (See also BP and J&J.)
With rose nurseries failing at the current rate, I'm betting that it won't be long before survivors increase prices. Then maybe both the service level and the health of the roses we get will improve.
After all the factors are considered, my rating (today) for rose suppliers is Palatine, Antique Rose Emporium, and Rogue Valley Roses, in that order. That represents the top three in terms of success in my garden. Edmunds and Pickering are on the cusp. I have not tried Roses Unlimited. Will never order from Hortico or Wayside.
I'd love to order from J&P again if it ever makes sense to do so. I'm waiting eagerly for your evaluation Zuzu.
