I don't know what it is about people these days. So many want something for nothing, or mindlessly leave bad reviews to make their petty little lives seem important.
I saw lots of negative reviews of The Violet Barn, but I am a plant person, and know how much work goes into propagating and nurturing finicky Streptocarpus and Saintpaulia into new plants, so I took a chance that the bad reviews were either people trying to get free plants because they didn't properly care for the ones they received, or they just like complaining to try to feel self-important.
And I was rewarded! I never expected that plants I bought over the summer would bloom by fall. Yes, they were small when I received them, but I paid a SMALL PRICE for beautifully hybridized Streptocarpus, already leafed out.
For those who killed the young plants they bought:
Go on ebay and buy a 1970's water meter called The Plant Computer. Water only when the plants are getting dry, and use a diluted soluble plant food solution (as Rob suggests) each time you water, or feed them often.
STOP BLAMING YOUR FAILURES ON THE GROWER.
Something else I must commend The Violet Barn on is packaging. Anyone who has bought plants online knows of the horrors of unpackaging insanely taped packages. The Violet Barn has invented cardboard and rubber band packaging that is effortless, effective, and recyclable.
As for Customer Service, I contacted Rob, and found him to be friendly and informative.
I am writing this review because of a nasty Societal Flaw that I see:
* Expecting MORE than you paid for - then bashing when you get what you paid for.
* Expecting anyone providing anything to be a docile slave at your beck and call.
* Knocking down anyone who doesn't bow to senseless bullying.
In closing, I would like tell Rob how much I appreciate his hard work, and how he is preserving the availability of beautiful blooming houseplants that have become difficult to obtain. WE SHOULD ALL THANK HIM. read more