We are sorry if this gets a bit complicated, but there are things we can do and things we can't. It's better to tell you in advance.  If you're in a hurry, just read the bold type.

Hostas are extremely hardy, surviving winters as far north as zone 3.  But after they break dormancy, which usually happens here in March, they can be damaged or even killed if they freeze. Because of the damage done if they freeze,  we are usually a bit conservative in our shipping.  Nurseries sending perennials that are not bothered by freezing may ship several weeks before we do.

Since we don't really have any personal knowledge about gardening in most areas of the country, our scheduled ship dates are usually based on what customers in your state have requested in the past. Some states cover a wide range of climate, some people have a different opinion about the best time to plant, and some people just get a bit antsy in the spring and would prefer that we ship earlier. We don't mind in the least.  Frankly, we don't have any desire to take care of the plants any longer than necessary.  If you would like to suggest a ship date, we will be glad to ship whenever you like. As long as you accept responsibility.  If your plants are damaged by cold because you requested they be shipped earlier than we recommend, we will not replace them.  If you do not know when it is safe to ship to your area, we suggest you let us decide when to send your plants.  We may not predict the weather any better than you, but at least we'll take the responsibility if we make the mistake. 

Because of the freezing problem, if we pick the ship date, we may not be able to ship the week that your plants are scheduled. If the weather does not cooperate, we may delay shipment.  If your plants don't arrive when you expect them and it's snowing outside, please don't call and ask where they are.

On the other hand, if you request a ship date, we will not change it unless for some reason here we cannot get the plants out.  Some people, for various reasons, have to have their plants at a certain time.  We will not second-guess your request. If we can, we will ship the week you request whether we think it makes sense or not.

We do not guarantee shipment or delivery on a specific date, ever.  We just can't do it.  What we can do, usually, is tell you which week your plants are scheduled to be shipped. Over 90% of our orders are shipped when scheduled, but rain, tornados, earthquakes, or the fact that someone didn't show up for work can mess things up.  And sometimes the plants aren't ready when we thought they would be.  And all kinds of other things can happen. Ship dates are hopes and estimates, not promises.  It is possible that your plants may be delayed, but we will not ship before the scheduled ship date. If you have special circumstances that requires more precise scheduling, call us and we may be able to suggest a solution.

Generally, if we can't get all of the orders out that were scheduled for a given week, what's left will be sent out early the next week, so if your plants don't arrive on time, we ask that you wait until the end of the next week to inquire.

This must be important too, since we're back to bold type:

We do not recommend growing hostas in containers indoors or in greenhouses.  We grow in containers here, so obviously it can be done, but that's not what Mother Nature had in mind and if you don't know what you are doing, the plants may rot.  We will not replace any plants ordered early for growing in containers indoors.  If you call us and tell us that your plants died, we will just tell you that we told you so. Don't you just hate when someone does that?

For those of you in the North who want to get a head start, please remember that the plants will put on more growth here than there. 

If you like, you are welcome to request the week that your shipment is scheduled.  Some people like their plants the first day it's not freezing, some on the last conceivable frost date, and some folks take vacations or whatever, so as long as you have read every word above, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.  Just send us an email, refer to your order number, tell us which week you would like your plants delivered.  If you are requesting earlier shipment, please indicate that you read this information and will take responsibility if the plants are damaged.  Please do not request delivery or shipment on a specific day.  We schedule by week only, generally for delivery by Friday, and cannot ship on a requested day.

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