Greenman's Plant Ramblings

Packing and Shipping

Question: How do you package/ship live plants?

Answer: Your plants are packaged with extreme care. Through much testing we have developed techniques that insure safe and healthy delivery. Preparation of plants for shipment is one of the most time consuming aspects of our operation. A single plant can take upwards of 10 minutes to prepare and package. In many cases the plants are removed from their containers. This not only saves shipping weight and allows us to recycle containers, thus reducing costs, but it is often the best way to adequately secure the fragile rootballs. The rootballs are securely bagged in a perforated baggie while preserving the structure and shape. This allows the rootballs to be secured to the box by generous use of tape. The aerial portions of the plant are carefully wrapped and are also secured to the box. This method prevents alot of jarring during the rigors of transport. If the rootball and aerial portions are allowed to move independently then much unseen damage can result. The fine roots and the attachment points to the stems can sustain damage that would not be visible to the customer upon arrival. This root damage is what often results in shipped plants "crashing" several days after receipt. Taping the rootballs and aerial portions to the box prevents this sort of damage and invariably results in healthier, happier plants. We realize that it can be difficult to un-do our packaging efforts but we hope that the customer will be willing to take as much time and care in removing the plants as we have in packaging them. It is also worth mentioning that with many of the species we offer it is necessary to remove some leaves in preparation for their journey. Removal of larger leaves on plants such as Brugmansia or Salvia, which are heavy users of water, will conserve the moisture contained in the rootball by preventing excessive transpiration. This solves much of the stress issues with shipped plants, especially tropicals. We do our best to get the rootball moisture level at the optimum prior to shipping. Too wet or too dry can cause many issues, including root rot during the shipping process. All plants to be shipped are quarantined in a staging area where the conditions can better prepare them for the rigors of the journey. We meticulously inspect the plants prior to quarantine and again prior to shipping to make certain that no pests or health issues are passed along to our customers. Being an organic operation requires vigilance in such matters. As you can see we here at Greenman Gardens take packaging and shipping very seriously and we strive to take as much care with every plant as one would a cherished pet.

UNPACKING YOUR PLANTS:
Most packages are prepared by disassembling the box so that the plants can be well secured. It is recommended that the customer also disassemble the box in order to remove the contents. You will notice the taped seams. Cut open any taped seams and pry open the pre-glued ends so that the box opens like a book and lays flat. Carefully cut through the tape wherever it is attached to the box and then simply lift the plants out. The wrapping on the aerial portions can be removed by cutting the tape that attaches it to the rootball. Then, in most cases, it can be lifted off like taking off a sock. If it doesn't slide off then don't force it, just carefully cut it with scissors. At this point you can allow the plant to rest for a couple of days in a cool, shady location. Cover the rootball with paper to prevent sunburn to the tender roots. If the rootball is moist then leave it alone. If dry then give it a little water. After the rest period use scissors to remove the bags from the rootball as they are taped tightly to contain the original shape. At this point you are ready to transplant your new plant to its new home.

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