Over the past few years, I've received catalogs from over 75 nurseries, seed sellers, and horticultural supply providers. I've shopped (not necessarily purchased from) many many more online. Lots of them are reputable and reliable, some are not. One of the best ways to ensure you are dealing with a good company is to check out any potential supplier on Garden Watchdog. I wouldn't consider buying from a company I wasn't familiar with before checking them out on that website.

Speaking of Garden Watchdog, they have a list they call "The Watchdog 30" that highlights 30 companies with the best reviews. If a company makes that list, you can buy with confidence! You can also use PlantScout in conjunction with Garden Watchdog to find a reliable company that sells a particular plant you want. PlantScout has links to Garden Watchdog.

I wouldn't really know where to start to list all the good nurseries and suppliers out there. But here are a few that you should probably stay away from:

-TyTy and affiliated companies - Probably the worst of the worst. So bad that they were finally removed from Garden Watchdog. See list of some affiliates at http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/300/RipOff0300300.htm)

-Burgess Seed and affiliates - Pretty sorry bunch. See list at http://davesgarden.com/products/gwd/whoownswhat.php

-Gardens Alive! and affiliates - Still bad, but at least you have a chance of getting something alive. See list at http://davesgarden.com/products/gwd/whoownswhat.php

Are you looking more for perennial nurseries, edible gardening nurseries and/or seed suppliers, annual suppliers, tree and shrub nurseries, tools and supplies, or other things?

Here is a link that might be useful: Garden Watchdog

I've been using Bakers Creek for the past several years. They're heirloom, non-hybrid and non gmo seeds.
www.rareseeds.com
I've not had any problems with their service. My most recent order came in, a few of the seeds I ordered were sold out and they sent me a check for the refund along with my order. I thought that was nice.
I've also ordered from Gurney's in the past and have not had any problems with them.
It really depends on what you're trying to grow and if you want plants or seeds to arrive. The plants from Gurney's have arrived in good shape, but I've killed a few throughout the summer but not due to the quality of their product but rather my own fault.
I've also ordered from Seeds of Change and have had no problems.

As for local heirloom seeds, seems like "All Seasons Gardening and Brewing" in Nashville carry some heirloom seeds by Seeds of Change but don't quote me on that one, you'll have to call and verify. http://www.allseasonsnashville.com/
Good luck!

I bought a lot of seeds from Seeds from Italy which is at www.growitalian.com. I had GREAT success with everything that a planted from there. I started about 200 tomato plants and took them to the Middle Tennessee Plant Swap when they were about 1 foot tall. I also gave my neighbor about 12 plants and they had so many tomatoes they could throw them away. Love them 'maters!

Here is a link that might be useful: Seeds From Italy

Tly59, you never told us what kinds of gardening companies/catalogs you are looking for. Are you seeking sources for edible gardening supplies or what?

I've got a couple of favorites. One is Kitchen Garden Seeds. It's one of the loveliest catalogs and a good read, even if I don't order from it.
http://www.kitchengardenseeds.com/
Another one is Southern Exposure Seed Exchange.
http://www.southernexposure.com/index.html

Thanks for all the recommendations. I had forgotten about the Garden Watch Dog - I will check back there!

I am looking for reliable perennial plant and vegetable seed companies. I used Baker's Creek last year, and really like them. I got sucked in by some companies in the past offering plants for very cheap prices, and got what I paid for - very few things that lived!

A good nursery in the Williamson Co., TN area would also be greatly appreciated!

Happy Gardening to you all!

I'd love to see some more responses to this. I received my Stokes catalog last weekend. It's nice, but it is focused on the shorter season, more northern regions.

I want something that I can look at away from the computer. I'm mostly growing veggies.

Any suggestions? Even suggestions like "Park is nice" but I buy elsewhere....

Searching this forum for posts about catalogs didn't have much luck.

We ordered from several last year, both plants and seeds and had the best luck and experience with:
Baker Creek Seeds www.rareseeds.com (veg seeds awesome customer service)
Territorial Seeds www.territorial.com (plants, seeds)
Southern Exposure www.southenexposure.com(very informative catalog)
Seeds of Change www.seedsofchange.com (my favorite seed packets, resealable)
Richters www.richters.com (from Canada but has the best selection of herbs I have ever seen)
Abundant Life www.abundantlifeseeds.com (another very informative catalog)

I had excellent germination rate from all of the seeds we ordered from these catalogs, most offer mainly organic seeds though so they are more expensive.

Double thumbs up for Bakers Creek - bought 160.00 worth this year, 2 packages came up short and they immediately sent me 2 new packages to replace each type short. Great company.

I ordered my heirloom seeds from a company here in TN last year. WONDERFUL results. They usually sell out early, but they are a small company with great service. Family heirloom seeds here in TN.

http://www.newhopeseed.com/

Which reminds me...I need to order for this year!
Susan