Frequently asked questions about hardy bamboo and ornamental grassessedges purchased on line from the Pot and Grass Co. Colchester EssexUK

  Packaging and care

At The Pot and Grass Company we value your custom and we understand that purchasing bamboo and grasses is not cheap and represents a considerable investment on your part. We respect the  trust you have in our company and we will do our utmost to ensure that your plants arrive in first class condition to justify that trust and that investment.

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Pre Packaging Preparation

When we receive your order we will select the best plants from our available stock. If conditions are unsuitable for shipment the plants will be tagged and reserved for you until an appropriate time when we consider the conditions are more conducive  to transportation replanting and the general welfare of those plants.

Bamboo culms or canes will be shortened to about 1 meter before dispatch. This obviously keeps your shipping costs down but more important the plant needs this pruning in order to settle itself quickly into its new home. In the first few months your new plant will need its energy to gain a good foot hold. When the plant is establishing itself it will struggle to supporta large amount of top growth. Also this top growth will increase the plants exposure to wind rock which is detrimental to the new root growth and stability.

Grasses and sedges will get a hair cut or  trim if required to between 35 cm and 40 cm to avoid damage and to meet the  packaging standard. Don't fret it will grow back in a couple of weeks

Your plants will be packed  a few hours before their dispatch.  Prior to their shipment the plants will be inspected to make sure they are in good condition. This will include an inspection of the root ball and the top growth.

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Primary Packaging Method

Once the plants have been inspected and approved for shipping the root ball will be membrane. This is the process we have found most suitable to ensure the root ball stays intact throughout transit even if the plant experiences rough handling. Once the membrane has been applied the root ball and pot will be bagged and . The pot will be sleeved in a flexible mesh toprovide strength support and avoid damage.

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  Secondary Packaging Method

Once your plants have been dressed they will be packed into a rigid corrugated cardboard carton. The plants will be held securely,  protected from damage and cushioned from any impact by in-filling the void space around the plants with either clean straw or news paper cuts or a combination of the two.   The cardboard carton will be firmly closed and taped,labeled Live Plants Please Handle with Care and This Way Up (but please ignore me everyone else does)   The document envelope with the shipping documents and dispatch note will be fixed to the top outside of the carton.  Your order will then be either picked up by or dropped off at the Parcel Carrier or Royal mail depending which is the most appropriate for the shipment and we would expect you to be in receipt of your plants within 36/48 hours from the startof the dispatch process. We will inform you your plants are on the way.

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Commitment:

The P&G is committed to recycling and wherepossible to using recycled materials in its packaging. Be assured your orderwill arrive in good condition and properly packaged. With the exception of thedelivery note enclosure and the parcel tape the packaging and fill should be atleast 99% recycled, recyclable, or compostable. Don’t be surprised if yourplants arrive in a Vintners claret box with straw filler. (Handy if you have a hamster.)

 

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