The feedback on Garden Watchdog is 2 to 1 negative. This matches my experience from back in the 90s. I would not buy plants from them due to bad experiences I had. I have since found other, better places to buy bulbs.

OK. Thanks for the comments. Could you tell me a bit more specifically what issues you had? Were the bulbs (or plants) unhealthy? Was it customer service? I've never bought from them before and the catalog was enticing. I've never seen so many varieties of dahlias, for example, but of course I'll heed the warnings of fellow gardeners! Thanks again.

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If you like Dahlias, check out Brent and Becky's Bulbs. They typically have what seems to me a large selection, though I have only gotten a few Dahlias from them. I find that they have great customer service and I've always been extremely pleased with the variety and quality of their bulbs and plants.

The problems I had with plants were they didn't arrive in good shape. At the time I was ordering from them I was ordering very basic bulbs, and these seemed to be okay. But I would be wary if enticed by specific interesting cultivars of bulbs because there did seem to be a lot of complaints in garden watchdog about things coming up that were not as described.

I know what you mean about their catalogue, I see new things in there that interest me each year.

I just noticed a new posting on the garden watch dog site this afternoon saying the plant material arrived in horrible condition. The poster also commented how beautiful (and misleading) the catalog is.

If you are looking for dahlia bulbs, I have heard others who grow dahlias, recommend Swan Island Dahlias as one grower that they were happy with. I have only ordered dwarf dahlia bulbs from Brent & Becky in the past, and that worked out well. I actually waited until they went on sale 1/2 price, but the growing season was under way at that point and they did get off to a late start. I was happy with them, but I thought their selection was limited compared to Swan Island who specializes in dahlia bulbs. Not sure if they are rated at Garden Watchdog.

Here is a link that might be useful: Swan Island Dahlias

Thank you everyone!

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