Hi all, In the last few years I have bought from a few different mail order online sites. In general I have been satisfied with the quality. Recently I have become more particular about the overall appearance of my trees, the branching structure, the straightness of the trunk, etc.. Can anyone recommend a grafter who takes care in the overall aesthetic of the tree and not just the grafting aspect? I am looking to buy a number of 1 to 3 gallon size maples and don't mind spending more for higher quality plants. I have enough stragglers already :).
Japanese Maples Nursery Northeast Conifers Perennials Shrubs Trees Topiary-gardens.com Very good selection and the best customer service around. Also recommend Buy Japanese Maples Mr.maple.com
I absolutely second Topiary Gardens - Diana is fantastic; easily half my collection has come from her. If she can fit it in a box she'll ship it, and her packaging is top notch. If you'd like a picture before committing, she's happy to oblige. Whitman Farms is another excellent source; Lucile (owner) always sends a picture first so you can decide. Especially now, with the busy season starting, I would recommend calling if you haven't had a reply to your email within a couple of days. Both also have a LOT that isn't listed on their website, so don't be put off if you don't see what you're looking for. Garden Design Nursery is also very good, Eastfork Nursery (Sam gets her trees direct from Buchholz Nursery), Mr. Maple, and Conifer Kingdom are also other good sources.
My most beautiful trees ordered online have come from: Matt and Tim at Mr. Maple Diana at Topiary Gardens Sam the Maple Lady at Eastfork Nursery Can't recommend those three high enough. A Saiho from Mr. Maple A Mikawa Yatsubusa from Diana Hard to see the form but an Amber Ghost from Sam
Maplesyrup, I just realized that you're in NYC. Diana - Topiary Gardens - is in Marcellus, NY, so she would be the most logical to purchase from as her trees are already acclimated to your climate and she only carries what does well in your zone/area. Bonus, you could even go pick your trees out yourself! (Very jealous here, lol) She is currently moving everything out from the greenhouses due to the warmer weather. :)
