(Do you understand that I wish to avoid being sued? But that I have the
necessary documentation and contacts to prove my case in the event that such
a suit is attempted?)
Barry
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My name is XXXXXXXX XXXXXX and I wanted to let fellow CP'ers to be aware of
the following events that transpired between Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx (sp?) and
myself three years ago.
(((The reference to Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx is to the owner of the nursery I have
identified as Xxxxx Xxxx'x---Barry)))
I called him and wanted to buy misc. CP (cephalotus/ darlingtonia etc....)
and mentioned that I was planning to go on a trip down south to see CP in
their native habitat. The main purpose of the trip was to collect seed of
the SE pinguicula so I could establish those species into my collection.
He then offered me .50 cents for as many as 300 of each species of
sariacenia that I could collect. Even though I needed money, there was
no way that I would mass rape the land and put even more stress on these
endangered plants.
Several months prior to this phone call, I was planning a trip to see
Niagra Falls, and noticed that I would be passing his house on the way.
I was told he would not let me in to see his plants because he did not have
insurance. I now suspect he simply didn't want me to see that he really
doesn't have any plants in there. He gets the plants in and fills the
orders that have accumulated. (Does he really grow plants other than
darlingtonia and cephalotus). But then again, why bother growing the plants
when he can get "suckers" to pick them from the wild? He risks nothing and
offers near nothing in exchange. Whoever is caught collecting the plants
will have to deal with the law. What a nice position for him to be in.
Just wanted to let you all know where the plants from Xxxxx Xxxx'x really
come from.
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Howdy,
I have been keeping my dealings with Xxxxx Xxxx'x to myself.
However, Xxx'x story has prompted me to come forward.
I am big in to getting kids to grow CP. I have a nice size
group of kids whom I encourage. Several of them have been quite
taken with my Nepenthes collection, primarily my N.rafflesiana. Several
years ago (about 4 or 5) I gave them Xxxxx Xxxx'x brochure and it
had a listing for an N.rafflesiana. It was a bit pricey (for a kid),
so I subsidized the purchase.
The plant we received from Xxxxx Xxxx'x was _not_ an N.rafflesiana.
This thing was a pure bred mutt. It seemed to have a bit of N.gracilis
in it. Instead of dealing with this place further, I made a cutting of
my plant and helped root it (more of a learning experience anyway).
This Nepenthes is still cluttering up my collection. It has
no redeeming qualities whatsoever. It has _huge_ internodal distances and
thin leaves with small traps. Truly a plant only a mother could love.
This is not the only shady deal with Xxxxx Xxxx'x I have heard of.
I would suggest you steer clear, at least when it comes to Nepenthes.
There are plenty of good, honest dealers. If anyone would like a listing,
I would be happy to give you a copy.
Xxxxx
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I too have a bad experience with Xxxxx Xxxx'x
I once needed to get a lot of live sphagnum moss in a hurry and
didn't really want to go out and collect some (lots and lots
near here) so I ordered a bushel from Xxxxx Xxxx'x. I called
them up and said I needed a bushel quickly and was it possible.
They said "No problem, if you pay by Visa will send it out tomorrow"
fine I said and thought I'd have it in a couple days. I'm only
200 km from them and the post should be quick. 2 weeks later
still hadn't received my moss. Called them up, "Sorry, we ran out
the day you called but are getting more today. We'll send it out
tomorrow." 2 weeks later moss still isn't here but Visa bill is, they
charged it the day I called. I called them up and got the same song.
This went on for 2 whole months when I finally got my soggy box
with a garbage bag full of moss. There was lots of ants and cranberry
and sticks and grass and whatever.
Xxxxxx
...once bitten, twice shy...
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Xxxxx Xxxxx mentioned another thing that I have also encountered: plant id
from Xxxxx Xxxx'x. I can't tell you how many stories I have heard about
their sending incorrectly named plants. But then again, if he doesn't grow
the plants in the first place, how is he supposed to know what they are?
I forgot to mention one other thing. He also offered me .50 to .75 cents
for each drosera/ping (from other countries) that I could send him. I was
truly offended. Needless to say, I did not take him up on this offer either.
He told me flat out that he is only interested in this for the money. I
think it is a real shame. I grow these plants because I really find them
fascinating. I still get excited watching a VFT close around an insect!
Pardon me for venting here, I just think everyone should know.
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I have to put my input in here about Xxxxx Xxxx'x. I have heard MANY
bad stories about this guy, although the field collecting one is a
first.
I have called him up myself and gotten the same insurance excuse and
I've also gotten mislabelled plants from this guy.
In short, I would STRONGLY advise against buying anything from him.
my $.02
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