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March 2024 by Janean Long
A few weeks ago I got my heart set on planting some camellia bushes in my front yard so I Googled where can I buy camellias in Forest Hill. One name came up. Larry Bates Nursery. So, I decided what I wanted, planned what I thought would be a nice outing and drove 20 miles to buy 4 new camellia bushes. We arrived at Mr Bates' nursery and were "greeted" by an employee. We told him what we wanted, he told us where they were and drove off. I am a handicapped individual and did not really want to traverse the hillside he motioned for us to take in my power wheel chair but I wanted camellias. I got to the end of a row and wanted to buy 4 pots but before I could tell anyone that, a man who I later found out was Mr Bates himself, came across the yard yelling at me to get out of where I was. When I tried to explain to him that his employee sent me down there to look for what I wanted, he got even ruder. He made no attempt to find out what I was there for or assist me in making a purchase. He was being rude and seemed to be proud of it. He told me he would not even talk to me until I got "up to the house" but he himself never went in the direction of the house. I guess he doesn't need customers who may be there to only spend $100 or so. He was very, very rude and my day and plans were ruined. We went down the road to Poole Brothers Nursery and were treated quite nicely. Have a nice life Mr Bates. May your camellias bring you much joy in the afterlife.
Was not stuck on a pipe. Wheel was turned sideways in the dirt and NO help was offered. And, I was ONLY in that area because I knew what I wanted and YOUR emplyee told me to go there to get what I wanted. You were obvously having a crappy day and took it out on me. I even phoned twice and was brushed off-AGAIN. Being offensive with a customer is always a good way to make them defensive. Shopping for a bargain? Maybe. And that's wrong with that? And how would you know what I was shopping for when your first words to me were, "I'm going to get rude" followed by "Get out of there"?
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April 2022 by Steve Menard
Mr. Bates is a breath of fresh air! I'm sitting here trying to think of words good enough to do justice to the customer service the wife and I received. Mr. Bates made us feel "at home". He set us at liberty to walk the property and was never too far away when questions arose. He gave his educated opinion on our choices and we left with confidence on our choice of trees. If you're looking for camellia trees/bushes, this nursery is the place to go! I was told he carries approximately 90 varieties of camellias. I didn't count them but I saw a LOT of camellias! I couldn't have asked for more. Awesome experience Mr. and Mrs. Bates!
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May 2021 by Michael Straney
Larry and Jose are super knowledgeable with their camellias. They are very friendly. Great prices. Beautiful plants.
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March 2021 by Peter Cheng
I love this nursery. The owner toured us around, hundreds of camellias. so hard to decide. I have never seen this many camellia in my life. Thanks Larry for the tour and education on camellia.
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March 2021 by Brian LeDoux
Excellent plants, fair prices... knowledgeable
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February 2021 by Mary Alice Hale
We love this Forest Hills nursery!! I've purchased many of the sasanqua camellias, and just recently, 3 of the japonicas. My favorite is Pink Perfection. The name says it all. The Bates are lovely, and patient!! It was hard to decide because there are so many choices.
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October 2020 by Trey Johnson
Plants dropped leaves within week. All 3 died within 3 months. Were planted in raised beds, 12 inches, and basic reply from owner was it was my fault, and no guarantee. Have a 20 years plus same variety that i planted when first moved here and several other varieties all doing fine. I'd avoid this nursery as they simply dont back their product well. And are pricey too for what you receive.
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July 2020 by JD
Best availability and really great price for for a very wide variety of camellia's. In addition they are grafted to sasanqua stock. Much better than an air layer or a cutting. Especially important for reticulatas.
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February 2020 by dan cooke
Plants dropped leaves within week. All 3 died within 3 months. Were planted in raised beds, 12 inches, and basic reply from owner was it was my fault, and no guarantee. Have a 20 years plus same variety that i planted when first moved here and several other varieties all doing fine. I'd avoid this nursery as they simply dont back their product well. And are pricey too for what you receive.
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February 2020 by Glenn Turner
Vast selection of camellias and he knows each one. Meeting him is like talking to a friendly encyclopedia of all things camellia.
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January 2020 by Amanda
The hours posted online showed they were closed. I called the number a man answered immediately “ this is Larry” he said. I asked his hours he said he would be there til 5pm. So I stopped by, he was busy with customers that was there before me, told me to look around and he would be with me shortly. Exceptional customer service, knowledgeable, and friendly. I purchased 4 plants, and will definitely go back for more. Thank you, Mr. Larry, I enjoyed our conversation!
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March 2019 by Nito Acosta
Mr. Bates is wonderful and super knowledgeable. His camellias are a 10/10. I'm so glad I stopped by.
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February 2019 by Kaye Kaberlein
Great selection of well-grown camellia plants! Mr. Bates is very knowledgeable and willing to share his expertise on growing camellilas. Many plants are hard-to-find varieties that I've wanted for a long time. Thanks, Mr. Bates.
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December 2018 by JoBob Hines
always enjoyable to go by and see the lovely camellias and sasanquas.
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March 2018 by Andrea Couvillon Fontenot
Mr.Larry is so nice and informative! So many beautiful camellias to choose from at a great price! Highly recommend this nursery
