Would you go back?

[***super_nova***]

We are doing extension and I want whatever is going to be left of my garden to be easy care, no mowing, no bending type.  That means paving what is still unpaved and putting in number of huge pots and troughs, so I can plant and weed without bending (bending too much). 

So, I went to look some places that sell large pots to give me an idea what is there,and how many thousands I should plan for.  I ended up in Pots Galore on Springvale Rd.  and they had number of things that would suit me very well and I was planning to spend quite a bit there, once I decided exactly.  But while I was there they had a really nice pot on special, so I grabbed it.  Or should I say 2 nice shoppers helped me to put it in the trolley - it weighs a ton.  So when I went to look for a saucer I could not actually lift it to try for size.  But there was only one kind anywhere near the size and shape (square) and it was the same glaze.  I also noticed that the same saucers were priced 2 different prices; looked to me as some was very old stock all dusty, and the new ones were priced lot more, which is not surprising considering the drop in our dollar.  Anyway, the cashier, who said she is the owner, would not sell the saucer for the marked price.  She said that the one digit "faded"; well there was no space for another digit between the price and the $ sign.  I did not particularly care, it was $10 difference, but in all the grand scheme of things it was not relevant; I was just bleeped off that she was so rude about it.  I just kept saying, OK I pay but is it right size for this pot and she confirmed it is.  When I got it home I realised the saucer is too small, about 1cm too small.  I am furious, I should have checked as the guy loaded it for me, but I was upset by this woman screaming at me, I just wanted to get out of there and never come back. 

As a matter of principle I feel I should go back and ask for my money back.  But I hate confrontations and the place is 20km from here..........   So, should I go back or just stick it in my messy corner with all the other unfortunate items I have no use for, and hope one day I will have a pot to fit it?

[bright.ton42]

What a good idea, and they're not expensive either. 

[gleee58]

Why do you want to keep the worms out? Are they not good for plants?

[***super_nova***]

Yes, i was looking at these wheely things but most of my pots are too big and heavy for them.  🙂

I have never had much luck with natives in pots.  This particular pot was for some geraniums; I guess they also do not like to be too wet, so maybe they can be without a saucer,  but I hate it when water runs out from the bottom of pots and stains the paving.  Funny, I always thought that geraniums are so quintessentially "European village"  but apparently they are from Africa, and in Europe they have to store them for winter and lose about 1/2. 

---

[katymatey*]

 Geraniums like it dry. I have one long narrow bed on the hot side of the house. I have tried lots of things over the 40 years we have lived here and they are the only things that thrive, except for salvia. The geraniums I cut back at the end of winter, and if I particularly like one I break off bits and stick them in the ground. They strike readily. If the odd bit grows out too far over the path, I just snap it off as I go past. 

In pots they do ok, but wouldn't be happy with wet feet.

[***super_nova***]

yes, geraniums do well in quite dry conditions, but in pots they do need bit more moisture.

[**tay**]

You have to wonder if someone like that WOULD refund you, you may find yourself being yelled at again.

[cherry*135]

Yes, tay I would be concerned about that too. I think simone's advice was good - to call the store let them know the saucer is not in fact the right size and see what the meanie lady says about that... what her 'attitude' is.

If phone call goes badly, I  would also drop in the convo that I had planned to spend a few $1000 on my renovated garden but because of bad customer service I have rethought that, and will be spending that money elsewhere.

[2011.narelle · Accepted solution]

I'd probably be really annoyed but instead of driving out of my way for another argument,I'd spend my $ elsewhere.I'd whinge about them to any gardening friends i know.Very bad customer service & they are meant to charge the price on it.If the pricing is wrong,that's their fault.

I have mainly concrete,so i have countless container plants in my yard.If you are planting water thirsty plants or mature trees in them,then the saucer is a must in Summer.They dry out so quickly no matter if they were well watered the day before.A lot of plants are high maintenance in pots.Trees & palms are heavy & difficult to unpot & trim the roots when they outgrow the pot.Horrible back breaking job so pick your plants carefully.

If it's a large pot & adding small plants,i break up some styro box to add before i put potting mix in for things a bit drought tolerant & other plants that hate being waterlogged.All my cacti & succulents have styro in 'em.

For some shrubs like camelia that don't look thirsty until it's too late, i pot an indicator plant like violets with them.When the violets wilt a bit,i know they are ready for watering.

[lloydslights]

All very good points, Narelle.

And the "moisture indicator" violet is a good idea.

DEB