Nursery Review: Growing Crazy
1. Digital & Ordering Experience
Website Functionality: An easy ecommerce web site to use - Shopify based so has all the bells and whistles that come with that very sound platform.
Stock & Availability: All the main Pelargonium groups are on a drop-down and the available varieties are listed first so it’s easy to avoid the out-of-stock ones. Good photos and descriptions of each variety
2. Delivery & Sustainability
Logistics: Sadly, the default delivery is by Evri. I contacted Growing Crazy to see if there was an option and was told if I commented on the next order they would use Royal Mail. So, I did, and lo and behold the package just arrived in very good time delivered by our usual jolly postman - nice one!
Eco-Credentials: A good effort to use planet friendly packaging. Cardboard and newspaper do the heavy lifting/protection of the plants which are in peat pots. Each plant has a biodegradable bag to keep it moist and stop the compost escaping. The plant labels were white plastic - I’m OK with that. Good clear stick-in labels.
3. Packaging & Plant Condition
Secure Transit: A good design of mailing pack. Evri managed to crush both deliveries but the plants seem to have survived.
Plant Condition upon Arrival: The plants arrived nicely moist and in good condition despite being crushed. The plants were of a good size compared to Fibrex and Ellwoods.
Substitutions: No substitutes were needed
4. Potting On & Cultivation Success
Potting Medium: 50% Peat free multi with 50% horticultural grit
Establishment: All plants have grown away well. I left the peat pots on the plants. The plants will just about be big enough to give a decent show this year (June delivery)
Scorecard
Website & Ordering: 10/10
Overall Plant Range: 10/10
Late-Season Availability: 8/10 In mid June the range was understandably limited but still easy to find enough for an order
Delivery Speed: 8/10 Evri could have been quicker but acceptable - Royal Mail first class.
Packaging & Sustainability: 9/10
Initial Plant Quality: 8/10 One plant was a bit wonky and one sided but will be fine
Establishment & Vigor: 9/10 All plants doing well
After-Sales Support: 4/10 see above regarding delivery options
Final Verdict: I’ll give them 8/10
Would I order again? Yes, already have ordered a third batch, Growing Crazy are in my top three suppliers