Delivery

Rootballed open-ground specimens loaded on a lorry for a dedicated delivery, in this case to the London area.

Rootballed open ground specimens loaded on a lorry for a dedicated delivery, in this case to the London area.

We have been Mail Order Specialists for over 30 years. Following a short period post-covid when we were unable to offer delivery, I'm pleased to confirm that our mail order service is back up-and-running again.

Nevertheless, collection is welcomed whenever possible as being best for the plants. As a first step towards normality post-covid, we are pleased to allow anyone collecting pre-ordered plants the opportunity to walk round our display planting if they so wish. Please see our Visiting page for further information.

We use a number of different delivery methods, dependant on the size and nature of the order. The plant size usually determines the method, whilst the delivery address defines the delivery cost, so do please let me have the relevant postcode if delivery is required. No prices are quoted on this page as there is constant fluctuation. These days, all the carriers are regularly monitoring the price of diesel and adjusting their prices accordingly, sometimes even a weekly basis. I will of course let you know the carriage cost for your order prior to your final confirmation. Once I have quoted a price, I would intend to honour it, however, do be aware that if a longer than expected time passes between the quote and the actual delivery, and there is significant change in the price of fuel, then it may be necessary to review the carriage price quoted. 

24 hour carrier
We have used a 24 hour carrier for many years. We currently use APC. I am aware that they are not the cheapest carrier. However, my experiences with the cheaper options are frankly terrible. With APC, the plants leave us one day and arrive with you the next. However, you do need to be aware that no carrier will insure plants these days. They consider them to be "perishable " items - and even if delay or damage is caused by their incompetence, there is no comeback from the carrier. Choosing this method of carriage implies acceptance of this risk and we will not be responsible for any damage that occurs in transit. We have chosen our carriers with great care and have worked with them for many years and found them to be reliable. Nevertheless, accidents can and do happen from time to time. This method is appropriate for smaller orders of plants in 3 litre or 5 litre pots. You also need to be aware that there is a 120cm length limit on parcels. In terms of plant size therefore, given that this includes the pot and all packaging, the plant height is limited to approx 110cm. Any plant to be shipped in this way that is taller than this height will need to be carefully reduced to fit, or curved around the end of the box, dependant on the characteristics of the plant.

APC will provide a pre-delivery notification, by email and text. Please be sure to give me your mobile phone number in order to benefit from this communication. It is also possible to specify where the parcel should be left if there is the possibility of no-one being home at the time of delivery. Please give me brief instructions accordingly (eg in the porch).

The cost is determined by the number of plants and the consignment weight. The carrier applies surcharges for Scottish addresses and Offshore Islands. 

Pallet Delivery
The open ground plants are all too heavy for the normal carrier networks, so the best way of getting these to you is often on a pallet, delivered through a national pallet network. We currently use United Pallet Network (UPN), which consists of a network of individually owned logistics companies.
This is a brilliant system whereby the plants are fixed to the pallet at all times and are not man-handled. The other beauty of it is that you pay per pallet, regardless of how much is stacked on it (within the overall size constraints of the pallet). The cost is determined by your postcode area and the standard service typically takes two days. There are other next day / morning / timed services available at additional cost if you need to know or specify more precisely when delivery will be made. Please be aware that the pallet company typically make a charge for re-delivery if it is not successful on the first attempt.

You could try combining orders with family or neighbours to make delivery costs most efficient. This is an excellent solution for many of the open-ground plants, a greater quantity of pots, or awkward shaped plants that are more vulnerable.

Please also understand that all delivery methods are technically to the kerbside of your property. No matter which delivery method is chosen, the driver is not obliged to leave goods in specific places, nor to position them in your garden under your direction. Sometimes a driver may be prepared to offer you some assistance, but this should not be assumed. If this is required, then it should be discussed with me prior to finalising the order details. Be aware that any assistance given on your property is done so as a gesture of goodwill. Neither the driver, the delivery company, nor us the supplier, will bear any responsibility for any accident or damage that occurs as a result of assistance rendered.

Larger specimens and Larger orders
As we continue to offer increasingly mature plants, they may be too large even for delivery on a pallet. In these cases we have other transport solutions which can be tailored to your individual needs, according to your location. 

It is important please for you to mention at the time of discussing delivery options, any access restrictions that might be relevant. We will not be responsible for any inconvenience, delays or damage caused by unsuitable access.

Please also understand that all delivery methods are technically to the kerbside of your property. No matter which delivery method is chosen, the driver is not obliged to leave goods in specific places, nor to position them in your garden under your direction. Sometimes a driver may be prepared to offer you some assistance, but this should not be assumed. If this is required, then it should be discussed with me prior to finalising the order details. Be aware that any assistance given on your property is done so as a gesture of goodwill. Neither the driver, the delivery company, nor us the supplier, will bear any responsibility for any accident or damage that occurs as a result of assistance rendered. 

Collection 
Collection is of course no problem and is more than welcome. Indeed hiring a van can be a very cost effective solution because it avoids all the costs associated with the recent regulations restricting commercial delivery and gives you control. However, please remember that it is essential that we know you are coming so the plants can be ready for you. It is always important to email me with your order in advance so that I can check and confirm availability size and price details. Please be aware that during the winter planting season, the open ground stock is lifted to order. It is important to place your order far enough in advance of wanting to collect it that we can have it lifted and prepared for you. This takes time and care to do properly, and is weather dependant. 

5 litre pots packed for the 24 hour carrier
5 litre plants packed for the 24 hour carrier
Medium sized rootballed open ground plant strapped to its pallet for delivery through the national pallet network UPN
Rootballed open ground Chimonanthus strapped to its pallet for delivery through the national pallet network UPN
Large rootballed open ground Magnolia loaded for dedicated delivery

Offshore Islands
Unfortunately, due to the associated costs of ferries, carriage to "offshore islands" is more expensive. These include the Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, Scottish Islands, and the Channel Islands, as well as the so-called "Highlands" of Scotland. I know you are all part of the UK and I apologise. However, it is out of my control. The cost for each destination is different, so please ask. However, I can tell you that it is calculated by weight. It is expensive for only one or two plants, but subsequent additions add very little extra, so a large order is likely to be considerably cheaper per plant than a small one.

Northern Ireland, Europe and Beyond
As a result of Brexit, we are no longer able to sell to Europe or Northern Ireland. This is beyond our control. Nor do we currently export further afield. There are simply too many regulations which are too time-consuming and too expensive.


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