Shopping Guide: Growers Direct
Growers Direct - An Informed Shopper's Guide
Why You Should Visit
- For the Gardener: You'll find a vast selection of plants, trees, and seedlings, perfect for any gardening project. This is especially true if you are looking for vegetable plants. Shoppers also regularly purchase fruit trees here.
- Expert Advice is Available: The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable, happy to share gardening tips, ideas, and how-to advice. You can expect excellent advice from staff about plants and gardening in general.
- Competitive Pricing: Prices are generally cheaper than at other plant providers in the Bay of Plenty (BOP). You'll find great value for your money. Some items like ceramic pots can even be found at half price!
- Wide Variety of Plants: Growers Direct boasts a wide range of well-grown plants, including Hydrangeas, Hibiscus, and vibrant Canna. You will have no trouble finding a good selection of plants.
- Convenient for Regular Customers: Many customers have been going to Growers Direct for years, particularly for their summer vegetable plants. You will find that the plants are very healthy, and the punnets often come with generous amounts of plants.
- Enjoyable Shopping Experience: The location offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. You can easily spend an hour browsing the selection and enjoying the experience.
- Excellent Quality: You can expect high-quality products. The plants are well-grown and of a very high standard.
- Rural Setting: The business is a large, rural wholesaler and retail location.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Invasive Species Concerns: Be aware that Growers Direct has been criticized for selling known invasive species, such as Bangalow Palms, Kermadec Nikau, and King Palms, despite awareness of their negative environmental impact. If you are concerned about native ecosystems, you may want to look elsewhere.
- Inconsistent Mail Order Service: If you are a mail-order customer, there is a risk of receiving the wrong plant or experiencing poor communication and delays with your order. Some customers have reported not receiving responses to emails or phone calls. One customer was met with a sarcastic reply after a mistake.
- Limited Amenities: Although it's a great place, a coffee shop or coffee facilities are not available on-site.