Hirt’s Gardens Unboxing Review!

[19Mateo83]

So I recently ran across a random add on Etsy for Hokkaido dwarf Chinese elms. I have always wanted one for its microscopic foliage and it’s a tiny elm, who doesn't like tiny elms? I contacted the shop owner and asked a few questions. He was very friendly and knowledgeable about his stock and got back to me very quickly. That sealed the deal for me, I ordered two. At $9.99 a piece I wasn’t complaining and the shipping was very fair. I ordered them on October 24th. Here it is October 27th and I have little trees in hand. 3 days from Ohio to North Carolina, that’s about as good as it gets!
The packaging was very professional and seeing nursery certifications and inspection certificates on the box is a relief. This is a professional nurseryman.

 

[19Mateo83]

The packaging is about as good as you could ask for and the little card with a QR code linking you to all the info you need is a really nice touch and very helpful for people who don’t have a wealth of plant knowledge.
The trees arrived in perfect condition and are absolutely awesome for little starter trees, they are well branched and the foliage is the smallest I’ve ever seen on an elm!
All in all I am very happy with these trees. For a random Etsy add I am thoroughly impressed with the quality and service from Hirt’s Gardens and look forward to ordering from them again. I was also sent a thank you message and a 10% off code my next order! Hirt’s Gardens can also be found on amazon and at Hirts.com.

I am no way affiliated with Hirt’s but I do like to support small businesses and small nursery’s.

 

[Colorado]

Nice review! They look like good little elms for the price! I had a Hokkaido a couple years ago but it perished, I think I let it get too cold on a spring freeze after it had leafed out. I like the species though. Tiny, microscopic leaves!

 

[ShadyStump]

I am now fascinated.

 

[Scorpius]

Just ordered three myself. Thanks for the review.

 

[BrightsideB]

They are cool! I was thinking about getting some I saw them also! Though it is Mulberry miniatures that grew it I suppose.

 

[penumbra]

I have bought many times directly from Hirt's Gardens. I have always been very well pleased.
BTW, they also have Seiju elm.

 

[rockm]

Nice little trees...FWIW, that microscopic foliage can be a bitch to manage--it can make you want to tear your hair out...don't ask me how I know.

 

[19Mateo83]

Nice little trees...FWIW, that microscopic foliage can be a bitch to manage--it can make you want to tear your hair out...don't ask me how I know.

How do they do with the winters in Virginia?

 

[rockm]

How do they do with the winters in Virginia?

Have to provide decent protection against prolonged temps below 25 F. You can get die back of twigging and trunks. I have a friend who had a very large older specimen hakkaido brought in from the west coast. It gradually died back on its trunk over several years because of a couple of bad winters.

 

[Tums]

I've ordered from Hirt's a couple times and it's been mostly a good experience. You obviously have to keep your expectations about the plants reasonable given the price. They (or one of their growers) usually have at least something interesting.

 

[penumbra]

How do they do with the winters in Virginia?

Mine go in a cold frame over winter.

 

[19Mateo83]

I think mine will probably have to come into the garage on really cold nights or stick them in the grow tent with the tropicals for this winter.

 

[rockm]

I think mine will probably have to come into the garage on really cold nights or stick them in the grow tent with the tropicals for this winter.

I think that would be a Little much for Charlotte. Your zone 7b and 8a probably isn't going to be an issue for them outside under mulch. Looks like average low temp in Jan where you are is 34 F. My Jan. average low is 27.

 

[penumbra]

I think that would be a Little much for Charlotte. Your zone 7b and 8a probably isn't going to be an issue for them outside under mulch. Looks like average low temp in Jan where you are is 34 F. My Jan. average low is 27.

I agree whole heartedly and envy your weather in Charlotte. It is the teens to below zero that are a concern for me.

 

[19Mateo83]

I agree whole heartedly and envy your weather in Charlotte. It is the teens to below zero that are a concern for me.

We do get in the teens here occasionally and rarely to the single digits but it seldomly stays in those temperatures for more than a night or so.

 

[shimbrypaku]

I have a couple I’ve been messing with, they go on the ground in December.

 

[19Mateo83]

I have a couple I’ve been messing with, they go on the ground in December.

Awesome good to know!

 

[WNC Bonsai]

I am keeping my “sensitive” plants like that in a window well recessed a couple feet below ground level and opens to the garage bays. I can access them by opening the windows to water them, they get light through the window well cover, and should be pretty well protected. I am keeping my Hokkaido and Cork Oak in there instead of in the garage. These look like a good deal so I may be adding a few to the window well!

 

[penumbra]

I am keeping my “sensitive” plants like that in a window well recessed a couple feet below ground level and opens to the garage bays. I can access them by opening the windows to water them, they get light through the window well cover, and should be pretty well protected. I am keeping my Hokkaido and Cork Oak in there instead of in the garage. These look like a good deal so I may be adding a few to the window well!

Window wells are an often overlooked asset.