Bargain Plant Catalogs: Yeah, or Nay?

 You've probably gotten a few plant catalogs in the mail with amazingly cheap prices and beautiful pictures of healthy plants. The one's I usually get at my house are Burgess, Four Seasons Nursery and Farmer's Seed Company. The prices are really amazing but savvy shopper that you are, you're probably wondering what the catch is. I've ordered from these companies and here is my experience. 

First, when you order you will get no confirmation email with an order number. 

Second, they will not tell you when they are shipping your order. 

Third, they will ship your order when they get around to it, not necessarily when it makes sense for you to receive it. For example, I got my order of Oriental Lily bulbs and bare root gooseberry plants in November which has got to be the worst time to get them. Pretty sure all the plants are dead. Speaking of which, 

Fourth, they will send you tiny, half dead plants. You might be good at reviving plants but depending on when you get them (like November) there might not be any way to save them. 

Fifth, if you try to contact them to request a replacement plant, you will get no response whatsoever. I've never been able to find a phone number to call and my emails have gone unanswered. 

So, all that being said. If you still want to get in on the low prices, suit yourself. I've just taken to throwing the catalogs straight in the recycling bin.