However, the two things I don't like about them are the husband and wife snapping at each other in front of customers - I heard it yesterday and last year as well and that fact that it would seem as if their employees are required to refer to the owners and "Mr. Hyde" or "Mrs. Hyde".

The owners snapping at each other is completely unprofessional and the reference to them by employees is off-putting making me wonder how their employees are treated.

What bugged me when I made the long trek there is that a lot of the plants weren't ready yet. But an employee was nice enough to take me in a greenhouse (not open to public) and find one for me. But some just weren't ready at all - maybe because it's so much further north.

From past experience, I have learned that going to Well-Sweep this early is NOT a good idea - second week in May
is when most of their stuff goes out, and pickings are pretty good right up into early June. . .but then, things
go down hill fast. Yes, their season IS a bit later than
the rest of the State, but you must have noted as you were
driving that you were constantly climbing. . .it's at a
fairly higher elevation. As long as you plug-in to their
optimum retail period (mid-May/early June), I still think
they have some of the best plants at excellent prices
around - and having their free catalog in advance can save
you lots of time when you're there!

Carl

One of my reasons for starting this thread was with the hope that they might see it and become aware of the fact that they are off-putting to their customers.

Carl, it's not climb for me; actually, I'm at a higher elevation than they are. And since I can't stand crowds I'd rather go early in the season than at peak season.

I love Well-Sweep. They are about 25 minutes from me. I go there at least once every few weeks. Also took my daughter to one of their work shops.

I've never heard anyone arguing. Nor was I aware that addressing the owners formally, by the staff, was the norm. This doesn't mean that it doesn't happen. I have no problem directing David to this thread. I've recommended Well-Sweep to many people. I also include their catalogs in swap boxes. I do this only if I've purchased plants for the swap from Well-Sweep.

I'm going to email David the URL to this thread. It doesn't hurt to hear some constructive criticism.

Mariann

ellen

Yes, it is an extremely stressful business and living/working on site does contribute to a loss of privacy, but that's the price you pay for being in such a business and living on-site. It is not an excuse for rude behavior.