The Rhoads Garden — Local services in Upper Gwynedd Township

This is not the most flexible place for moms with small children which is unfortunate because they had a good selection of children’s books toys that were of the theme of good humanity.

Soon after we entered the store, my son saw a selection of kid gardening tools and fell in love with a broom. It was the perfect size for him so I was not going to turn it down especially because it encouraged cleaning. But he was very attached to it and did not want me to leave the broom at the registry with some plants that were selected for purchasing. He wanted to sweep with it and did so. I didn’t even see any baskets at the entrance that I came in to store my smaller items. So I went back to my car and grabbed some bags. This worked out better because we were entering the fragile section and a basket probably wouldn’t safely manage a broom. I was also happier to have a bag because I have chronic elbow pain and it is exacerbated by anything that pulls on my elbow. A shoulder bag is much more manageable for me especially as a maneuver a young boy around delicates. Shortly after entering the fragile section, I was able to convince my boy to depart from the broom so I could put it in the bag. We came across the children’s section, where I happily added more stuff to the bag. Then I was approached by who seemed to be a manager. She gently scolded me that I cannot put merchandise into a bag, it must be in a basket (basket? The entrance I came in, had no baskets). And told me that I must put my items to be purchased as she pointed to a registry far away from the other registry that I already left items. She didn’t even give me time to explain myself... she continued her scolding as she walked away and delegated the orders to one of her staff who seemed very reluctant to follow through. After that, I put away the things that I were in my hands to be considered to be bought and proceeded to the registry where I already left things. (It was very likely that I would have bought more items, especially since there was so much of the store we didn’t get to). The staff at the registry was very friendly. I think they felt badly that I was scolded. It seems that the manager was fearful that I would steal... but I think there could have been a much nicer approaches especially since I had a young boy and no help. She could have offered to take some of my things to the registry and asked which registry is better for me, she could have offered to get a basket for me. She could have given me time to explain myself and so that my child could understand that I need to leave the broom at the registry.

I don’t think that I have ever written a bad review before. In fact, I think I have only written one other review and it was a positive one. Just a little background so the reader can understand my disgruntlement: Prior to this, I had a deep appreciation for this establishment. They did beautiful potted herb center pieces for my wedding on 9-4-09. I still have one of the terracotta pots. It is also sad because my son loved it there. He loved the pond with the fish among many other things. There are other garden stores... Prixex is...

Last week, I bought several perennials, amounting to about $150.00. I also brought along my mother-in-law and uncle, who also spent at least the same. When I arrived home, I packed the plants onto the covered porch on a bench after a light watering and planted them the next morning. The last plant I did was a cornflower or bachelor's button, as it's commonly called. When I pulled the plant out of its pot and began to loosen the roots and soil, I saw the stems wilting and falling over to reveal a heavy yellow aphid infestation that had sucked the life out of the stems and some lower leaves of the plant. It was falling apart from all the damaged lower parts and unplantable in its current condition. So why did I choose that one? While shopping, I let my uncle (he went to horticulture school) choose that plant on bud appearance as he is generally better at that than me, and we didn't think to dig in the bottom for bugs. Besides, we had been there for an hour and had to get going.The plant had been on the ground and was likely over-watered. I called Rhoads, not for a new plant, not for a refund, but as a courtesy to let them know so they had the opportunity to check their other plants and prevent further infestation. The woman on the phone informed me I could come in any time and get a new plant. It was no problem. I live 25-30 minutes away, so I doubted I would do that. But I had an opportunity the next week, and so I stopped in and inquired. The woman at the front had no idea what I was talking about. Another woman came up and gaslit me about what bugs do to plants, what bugs look like, and was generally as rude as possible. She said I should have put it in a bag and brought it in (no one told me that, besides it was mushy and infested) and asked for my receipt. When I produced the receipt, she asked which item that plant was and how much I paid! Their receipts don't itemize their products, so each price doesn't tell you which "perennial" or "annual" goes with which plant! Ridiculous! In the meantime, a man came up to try to smooth it offer and walked me back to the perennials. He showed me a table where the plants were now up and offered me one. They didn't look good, but they didn't have aphids. They did have fungus gnats and flew around my car the whole way home, but that's not as much of a big deal. I'm not even 100% sure it was the same spot where I picked up mine. I never asked for a replacement. I certainly didn't ask to be belittled in front of other people at the front desk (nor did I let that persist), and I definitely didn't ask for a refund from an apparently unorganized, outdated, pricing system. Hire someone who knows how to take care of plants and is aware of the different types and colors of aphids and who treats customers with respect instead of that cranky old witch who thinks she knows everything. Nothing is worse than over-watered plants or a know-it-all. Let her know that thrips are hard to see with the naked eye, not impossible by any stretch. Adults are up to 1-2mm long. I won't be back, nor...

Paying more for floral arrangements at Rhoads Garden is a choice. Unfortunately it can be hard to get them to think outside the box. For get-well or sympathy/funeral they plop a book down in front of you with all the standard, predictable worn-out arrangements that say “I couldn’t be bothered to think of you” that you can get anywhere. They look at you like you have two heads if you want something different/custom/personalized - and are willing to pay for it. A special container, a creative presentation, something different and meaningful to the recipient. They don’t have time, brush you off to fend for yourself and then act like they don’t know how to write the order. Why should I have to tell a floral “designer” what to do? They should be thrilled to be trusted with a nice statement project occasionally, and proud to have it say “Rhoades Garden!” This is the 3rd time I’ve ordered something special and each time despite the final cost I have to pull teeth to get assistance.

UPDATE: I received a call from general manager Mike 3 days later. He wanted to turn my experience around. I appreciate businesses that really care about customer feedback - they want repeat business and a good reputation in the community. The designer created the most exquisite array of greens and flowers with such attention to the details tucked in throughout. It was stunning and worthy of the person and occasion. The designer obviously put so much thought into the arrangement and added heart and soul to it. Mike contacted me personally, sent a picture of the arrangement and invited to me come to the shop to see it before it was sent. Of course we were proud to send this most lovely l statement! If you want a custom exceptional arrangement and superior customer service, let Rhoades Garden do it. They appreciate your business and care that...