Everything You Need to Know: Your Gardening Questions Answered
Dive into our comprehensive FAQ for insights, tips, and guidance on making the most of your Black Sheep Perennials experience.
General Information
Black Sheep Perennials is a specialized online nursery dedicated to providing gardeners of all levels with mature perennials, ornamental grasses, and ferns. We pride ourselves on offering a broad range of plants, including unique and hard-to-find varieties, and delivering directly to customers in most areas of Ontario and Quebec.
We specialize in a variety of mature perennials, ornamental grasses, and ferns. Our selection is carefully curated to include both popular favorites and rare, unique species that can transform any garden into a vibrant, thriving space.
Our focus on rare and hard-to-find perennials, coupled with our commitment to eco-friendly practices and community support, sets us apart. We offer detailed, daily gardening tips through our blog and engage with local schools to support terrarium-building programs. Additionally, our direct-to-consumer model allows us to ensure the quality and maturity of every plant we deliver.
No, Black Sheep Perennials operates exclusively online. This allows us to serve a wider area and ensures that our customers in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, and surrounding regions have access to our unique plant offerings.
We do not offer visits to our nursery as we are an online-only operation. This focus helps us maintain the highest quality of care for our plants until they are shipped directly to your door.
For any inquiries, please reach out to us via email at info@blacksheepperennials.com. Our dedicated team is available 7 days a week and responds promptly to all questions.
To subscribe to our newsletter, simply enter your email address in the subscription field located at the bottom of our website. Our newsletter includes monthly promotions, exclusive offers, and a wealth of gardening advice.
Our customer service team operates online and is available 7 days a week. While we strive to respond to emails very quickly, please allow up to 24 hours for a response.
Black Sheep Perennials is actively involved in supporting local communities, particularly through school programs related to terrarium building. We also follow eco-friendly practices in our operations to contribute positively to environmental conservation. If you're interested in involving your school or community project with us, please reach out via email.
Products
We offer a diverse selection of mature perennials, including shade-tolerant ferns, vibrant ornamental grasses, and a variety of flowering plants that thrive in different conditions. Our catalog is designed to cater to gardeners of all levels, with plants that are both easy for beginners and intriguing for experienced gardeners.
Yes, we take pride in offering an assortment of rare and hard-to-find perennials that can be the highlight of any garden. Our collection is curated to include unique species and varieties not commonly found in other nurseries, making Black Sheep Perennials a go-to destination for gardeners looking for something special.
Our plants are grown with the utmost care, ensuring they reach maturity in optimal conditions. We use sustainable growing practices, avoiding harmful pesticides and utilizing organic methods whenever possible. This not only supports the environment but also produces healthier, more resilient plants.
While our online catalog showcases a wide range of our plants, we understand you might be looking for something specific. If you have a particular plant in mind, please email us at info@blacksheepperennials.com. We'll do our best to accommodate your request or offer a suitable alternative.
Care instructions are listed in the product description on our website for each item, ensuring you have all the necessary information to help your new plants thrive. Additionally, our website's blog is updated daily with gardening tips, including plant care, design ideas, and troubleshooting advice.
We only sell mature plants in one-gallon pot sizes to ensure immediate impact in your garden upon planting. Each product page on our website provides detailed information about the plant's size, specifically highlighting our consistent use of one-gallon pots for all our offerings.
Our website includes detailed descriptions and care instructions for each plant, including sunlight requirements, water needs, and preferred soil type. You can use this information to determine if a plant is suitable for your garden's conditions. If you need further assistance, our customer service team is happy to provide guidance.
Absolutely! We offer a wide range of plants suitable for gardeners of all skill levels, including beginners. Look for our selection of easy-care perennials, which are specifically chosen for their low-maintenance requirements.
While not all our plants are certified organic, we employ organic growing practices as much as possible. Our commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly gardening means we prioritize the health of our plants and the environment.
Due to the nature of our online store and the variability in plant appearance throughout the seasons, the photos on our website are representative of the plant type and quality you can expect to receive. We ensure that each plant shipped meets our high standards for health and size.
Ordering and Shipping
Placing an order with Black Sheep Perennials is easy and secure. Simply visit our website, browse our selection of perennials, ornamental grasses, and ferns, and add your chosen plants to your cart. Once you're ready, proceed to checkout, where you can enter your delivery information and payment details. Before browsing, you have the option to check if we deliver to your postal code.
We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, for online purchases. Our payment gateway is secure, ensuring your details are protected throughout the transaction process.
Yes, before browsing our selection, you can enter your postal code on our website to verify that we deliver to your area. This ensures that we can serve you without any delivery issues.
To ensure the viability of our service, we now have a minimum order requirement of 4 plants. This helps us maintain our high standard of delivery across Ontario and Quebec.
Our shipping season begins on May 1st and concludes on October 31st each year. This schedule is designed to align with the optimal planting times, ensuring that your new perennials, grasses, and ferns establish well in your garden.
Your order will be carefully packaged to ensure the plants arrive in excellent condition. Our staff personally deliver each order using environmentally friendly materials wherever possible. We ensure timely and professional delivery directly to your address.
Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive an email confirming the delivery details. While we don't offer tracking, rest assured that our team will deliver your order on schedule.
Given the nature of our products, all orders are shipped using a service that ensures plants spend the minimal necessary time in transit. Currently, we do not offer an expedited shipping option, as our standard delivery times are optimized for plant health.
If you receive a plant that has been damaged in transit, please contact us immediately at info@blacksheepperennials.com with a photo of the damage. We stand by our satisfaction guarantee and will work with you to resolve the issue promptly, whether through replacement or refund.
If you need to change or cancel your order, please contact us as soon as possible. While we cannot guarantee changes can be made once an order is in the packing process, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Delivery
Currently, our delivery service is limited to most areas within Ontario and Quebec, including major cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa, as well as their surrounding regions. We are constantly evaluating the possibility of expanding our delivery zones, so please check back for updates or contact us for more information.
We deliver to a wide range of areas within Ontario and Quebec. Before making a purchase, you can easily check if we deliver to your specific postal code directly on our website. This feature ensures that we can provide our services to your location without any issues.
Before completing your checkout, you'll be prompted to select a delivery date, typically 5-7 days from the current date, ensuring your new plants arrive at the best time for planting. We diligently process and dispatch all orders swiftly to minimize the time your plants spend in transit.
We charge a $24.95 delivery fee on all orders. This policy allows us to ensure the best possible delivery service directly to your doorstep.
Our plants are packaged with great care, using eco-friendly materials that provide ample protection during transit. We ensure each plant is securely positioned to prevent damage and reduce stress, so they arrive at your home ready to thrive.
If you're not home at the time of delivery, the carrier will leave the package in a safe place near your doorstep or with a neighbor, if possible. We recommend leaving instructions for the delivery driver if you have a preferred spot for such cases. You will receive a notification indicating where your package was left.
Yes, we deliver to all types of residences, including apartment buildings and condos. Please provide any necessary instructions during checkout to assist the delivery person, such as entry codes or specific drop-off locations, to ensure your plants reach you safely.
Before finalizing your purchase, you'll have the opportunity to select your preferred delivery date, ensuring your order arrives on the requested day. We prioritize fulfilling orders for the selected dates, allowing you to plan your gardening activities with confidence.
Our packaging materials, designed with sustainability in mind, are recyclable or compostable. We encourage you to recycle the packaging according to your local municipality's guidelines to minimize environmental impact.
Yes, all our deliveries are contactless to ensure the safety and well-being of both our customers and delivery personnel. Your order will be left in a predetermined safe place, minimizing direct contact.
Returns and Guarantees
We stand behind the quality of our perennials, ornamental grasses, and ferns with a satisfaction guarantee. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, please contact us within 7 days of receiving your order. We will work with you to find a resolution, which may include a replacement or refund.
Yes, we offer a satisfaction guarantee on all our plants. Our goal is for every customer to be delighted with their purchase. If your plants do not meet your expectations upon arrival or fail to thrive despite proper care, please reach out to us for support and resolution.
If you need to request a refund or replacement, please send an email to info@blacksheepperennials.com with your order details and a brief explanation of the issue. Including photos of any problem with your plants can help expedite the process. We will respond quickly with the next steps to resolve your concern.
In the rare event that you receive a plant different from what you ordered, please contact us immediately. Provide your order number and a photo of the plant received. We will arrange to send you the correct plant or offer a refund, depending on your preference.
We understand that sometimes plans change. If you change your mind about your purchase, please contact us as soon as possible. Returns due to a change of mind are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and while we strive to accommodate our customers, returns in these instances may be subject to a restocking fee.
Please inspect your plants upon arrival and report any issues within 7 days of receipt. Prompt reporting allows us to address and resolve any concerns effectively, ensuring your satisfaction with our products.
If a return is necessary due to an error on our part or a problem with the plant's condition, we will cover the return shipping costs. For returns due to other reasons, such as a change of mind, the customer may be responsible for return shipping expenses.
Refunds are processed promptly upon receipt and inspection of the returned item(s). Please allow up to 5 business days for the refund to be credited back to your original form of payment.
To be eligible for return, plants must be in their original condition. While we understand that plants are living items and conditions may vary, returned plants should not be significantly altered or damaged from their original state.
We encourage customers to follow the provided care instructions closely, as plant care is crucial for their survival. If you've followed all care instructions and your plant fails within the first 7 days, please reach out to us. Each case will be reviewed, and we may offer a replacement or refund, depending on the situation.
Promotions and Discounts
To stay informed about our upcoming promotions, we encourage you to sign up for our newsletter. This is the best way to receive the latest updates on special offers, seasonal sales, and exclusive discounts directly to your inbox. You can sign up through our website's homepage.
Yes, we value our customers who make large orders and offer discounts to show our appreciation. If you're planning to purchase in bulk, please contact our customer service team at info@blacksheepperennials.com to learn more about our bulk purchasing discounts.
While we currently do not have a formal loyalty program, we regularly acknowledge and reward our repeat customers with exclusive offers and discounts. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and keep an eye on your email for special promotions tailored for our loyal gardening community.
To apply a promo code to your order, proceed to checkout with your selected items. You'll find an option to enter your promo code at the payment stage. Enter your code in the designated field, and the discount will be automatically applied to your total before you finalize the purchase.
Generally, only one discount code can be used per order. Our system applies the best available discount to your purchase to ensure you receive the maximum benefit. For specific promotions, please refer to the terms and conditions provided with the offer.
No, but we are working on it. Offering gift cards is something we're currently developing to provide our customers with a convenient and thoughtful way to share the love of gardening. Stay tuned for updates!
Signing up for our monthly promotions is easy! Simply subscribe to our newsletter through our website. By subscribing, you'll not only receive updates on monthly promotions but also gardening tips, new product announcements, and exclusive offers.
Sale items are priced as marked, meaning additional discounts usually cannot be applied to these already reduced prices. However, special promotions may occasionally include further reductions on sale items. Please check the specific details of each promotion for more information.
Our products and services are of superior quality and are priced accordingly. We dedicate ourselves to providing exceptional perennials, ornamental grasses, ferns and customer service, reflecting the value and care we put into every plant we offer. While we may not offer a price match guarantee, we believe in the unmatched quality and value of our offerings.
Our year-end sale is an annual event that typically takes place in October. It's our biggest sale of the year, offering significant discounts on a wide range of our perennials, ornamental grasses, and ferns. This sale is a great opportunity to add to or start your garden at exceptional prices. Details and specific dates are announced ahead of time through our newsletter and on our website.
Eco-Friendly Practices and Community Support
Black Sheep Perennials is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. We follow several eco-friendly practices, including using organic growing methods, employing water conservation techniques, and choosing sustainable materials for our packaging. Our operations are designed to minimize our carbon footprint and promote a healthier planet.
We believe in giving back to the community by supporting educational initiatives. Each year, we collaborate with local schools on terrarium-building programs, providing plants, materials, and expertise. This hands-on experience encourages students to learn about botany and the importance of eco-friendly practices. Schools interested in participating can reach out to us via email.
Absolutely! We welcome interest from schools wishing to participate in our terrarium-building program. Please send us an email with details about your school and program needs. Our team will review and get in touch to discuss how we can work together.
Yes, we prioritize the use of sustainable packaging materials in all our shipments. Our packaging is designed to be recyclable or compostable, aligning with our goal to reduce waste and promote recycling efforts among our customers.
Whenever possible, we avoid the use of synthetic pesticides, opting instead for organic pest management strategies. This approach helps protect the local ecosystem, including beneficial insects, and ensures our plants are healthier and more resilient.
We're always looking to support community projects that align with our values of sustainability and environmental education. If you have a project in mind, please email us with details about the initiative and how Black Sheep Perennials can contribute. We review all nominations and will reach out if there's a fit.
Our blog is a fantastic resource for tips on eco-friendly gardening. We cover topics like composting, natural pest control, water conservation, and choosing the right plants for your environment. These tips can help you create a more sustainable and vibrant garden.
Health and safety are paramount in our nursery operations. We closely monitor plant health, use organic growing methods, and implement integrated pest management techniques to minimize risks. Our careful shipping practices also ensure that plants arrive at your door in excellent condition.
We are continuously exploring new ways to enhance our sustainability practices and community engagement. Future initiatives may include expanding our terrarium-building program, introducing more native plant varieties, and partnering with local environmental organizations. Stay tuned to our newsletter and blog for updates.
Gardening Advice and Resources
Our blog is an excellent resource for beginners, offering daily updates with gardening tips, how-to guides, and advice for starting and maintaining a beautiful garden. From selecting the right plants for your space to watering and fertilizing, we cover everything you need to know to start your gardening journey.
Yes, we provide specific advice on caring for ornamental grasses and ferns on our blog and in our plant care instructions. Whether you're interested in adding texture to your garden or creating a lush, green space, our tips can help you choose and care for these beautiful plants effectively.
For a low-maintenance garden, we recommend perennials such as Sedum (Stonecrop), Lavender, Echinacea (Coneflower), and Daylilies. These plants are not only beautiful but also drought-tolerant and resilient, requiring minimal care once established.
To attract wildlife like birds, butterflies, and bees, consider planting native perennials, providing water sources, and leaving some areas of your garden a little wild for habitat. Our blog features articles on creating wildlife-friendly gardens with plant recommendations and tips.
Certainly! For shady areas, Hostas, Ferns, and Astilbes are excellent choices. For sunny spots, consider Black-eyed Susans, Lavender, and Salvia. Each plant's product page on our website provides detailed information about its sun requirements to help you make the best choice for your garden.
Preparing your soil is crucial for plant health. We recommend incorporating organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure into your soil before planting. This improves soil structure, provides nutrients, and enhances moisture retention. Detailed soil preparation tips can be found on our blog.
The best time to plant perennials is during the cooler months of spring or fall. This allows the plants to establish roots without the stress of extreme heat, leading to stronger, more resilient growth.
Most perennials benefit from a layer of mulch to protect their roots during winter. Cut back dead foliage in late fall, and apply a thick layer of organic mulch. Some perennials may need additional protection, such as evergreen boughs or specialized plant covers, which we discuss in our winter care guides.
While we currently focus on providing written resources through our blog and newsletters, we are exploring the possibility of offering online workshops or webinars in the future. These sessions would cover various gardening topics, from basic care to advanced landscape design.
Our blog can be accessed directly from our website's main menu. It's updated daily with gardening tips, care guides, and inspirational ideas to help you create and maintain a thriving garden. Be sure to check back regularly for new content.
Privacy and Security
At Black Sheep Perennials, we take your privacy seriously. We use industry-standard encryption technologies when transferring and receiving customer data exchanged with our site to safeguard your personal information. Our website is also regularly scanned for security vulnerabilities to ensure that your shopping experience is safe and secure.
Our privacy policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. We only collect information necessary for processing your orders and improving your experience with us. We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for their marketing purposes without your explicit consent. For more detailed information, please visit the privacy policy section on our website.
Absolutely. If you decide you no longer wish to receive marketing communications from us, you can opt out at any time. Each of our marketing emails includes an 'unsubscribe' link at the bottom. Clicking this link will remove you from our marketing email list. If you encounter any issues, please contact our customer service for assistance.
We ensure the security of all credit card transactions using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption technology, the standard in online transaction security. This technology encrypts your credit card information to prevent it from being intercepted during transmission. Additionally, we comply with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) requirements.
We value your trust and respect your privacy. Black Sheep Perennials does not sell or rent customer information to third parties. Occasionally, we may share information with third-party partners who assist us with our business operations, such as shipping and payment processing, under strict confidentiality agreements. These partners are prohibited from using your information for any other purpose.
Miscellaneous
We're always on the lookout for passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team. If you're interested in working with us, please send your resume and a cover letter explaining why you'd be a great fit for Black Sheep Perennials to our email address. Keep an eye on our website or social media channels for job postings and opportunities.
Yes, we occasionally offer internships and volunteer opportunities, especially in areas related to horticulture, environmental sustainability, and e-commerce. These positions are a great way to gain hands-on experience and learn more about the nursery industry. For more information and to apply, please contact us via email.
Your feedback is invaluable to us. Whether it's a compliment, a suggestion, or a concern, we want to hear from you. Please email us with your feedback or use the contact form on our website. We're committed to continuous improvement and appreciate your insights.
While we strive to be environmentally friendly by not producing a printed catalog, our complete and up-to-date plant selection is available on our website. This allows us to offer the most current availability and information. If you need assistance navigating our online catalog or have specific questions, our customer service team is happy to help.
We are continuously evaluating the possibility of expanding our delivery areas to reach more gardening enthusiasts. Updates on expanded delivery locations will be announced on our website and through our newsletter. Stay tuned!
Our future plans include expanding our plant selection, enhancing our eco-friendly practices, and exploring new ways to engage with and give back to our community. We're also working on digital tools to enrich our customers' gardening experiences. Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.
We love hearing from our customers about what plants they'd like to see in our collection. If you have suggestions for new plant varieties, please email us. While we can't promise to add every requested plant to our inventory, we seriously consider customer input as we plan our future offerings.
Yes, we enjoy collaborating with garden designers and landscapers. If you're a professional in the gardening industry looking for unique perennials, ornamental grasses, or ferns for your projects, please contact us to discuss how we can work together.
We're always looking for beautiful gardens to feature on our blog. If you've used plants from Black Sheep Perennials in your garden and would like to share your story, please send us an email with details and photos of your garden. Selected stories will be shared on our blog and social media.
The best way to get personalized gardening advice is to reach out to us via email. Our team has extensive knowledge about perennials, ornamental grasses, and ferns, and we're eager to help you with your gardening questions. You can also explore our blog for a wealth of gardening tips and information.
Technical Support
If you're experiencing difficulties placing an order on our website, please try the following steps: ensure your internet connection is stable, clear your browser's cache and cookies, or try using a different browser. If the issue persists, please contact us directly at info@blacksheepperennials.com with a description of the problem, and we will assist you promptly.
You can update your account information by logging into your account on our website. Once logged in, you'll be able to change your personal details, including your address, email, and password. If you encounter any issues while updating your information, please reach out to our support team for assistance.
Our website is designed to be compatible with the latest versions of major browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge. For the best browsing experience, we recommend using the most current version of your preferred browser.
If you encounter a problem with our website, such as a broken link, error message, or any other issue that affects your shopping experience, please let us know by emailing info@blacksheepperennials.com. Include as much detail as possible, such as the URL of the page and a screenshot of the issue, to help us resolve it quickly.
For technical support, please reach out to our dedicated team via email at info@blacksheepperennials.com. We're here to assist with any issues you may encounter on our website, from account problems to order placement difficulties. Our team strives to respond to all inquiries promptly and efficiently.