very nice picks! :)

Thanks Christina. I'm guessing that the coloring difference in the 2 H. Scabra is due to the seller's growing conditions & lighting differences...?

Tyler

Very beautiful!

I will apologize in advance if it's against the rules (I don't remember ALL the rules of all the forums I visit :( ) Are you allowed to tell us where or from whom you purchased these? Again - if it's against the rules, then nevermind.

Hey those are good picks, Tyler. I have a couple of small scabras too. Way smaller.

Pluto, lol I like the flexible specificity of your zone. IDing a plant source is okay, as far as I know. Only the use of the forum to sell stuff is not allowed. There's a separate thing for it, somewhere in Houzz, no clue where.

Of course! IMO, word of mouth is the best way to spread the word about reputable sellers (or less favorable experiences). I've had both and always appreciate feedback from others.

In wandering around the web, I stumbled across this site http://sphaeroidinstitute.com. This list is a few months old, so wasn't sure what may be available, and emailed the seller inquiring about my selections after perusing the list and creative descriptions. No pictures, though. I asked, but this guy is more old school - including payment method. No PayPal or online payment option. Strictly check or money order. He's very trusting though. He mailed my package (USPS Priority) the same day I put the check in the mail. Without even waiting for the check to clear. I mean, who does that anymore? No one in my experience. He's in Vista, California and I'm in San Diego so I received it very quickly.

In regards to bang for the buck, I feel like I got more plant than I paid for and need to contact him asking if he undercharged me. I was expecting the Lithops and H. Cooperi (my 1st choice in that was gone but he offered a better option for the same price so I let him pick one out for me). He said the black H. Scabra was gone though and offered me a cutting of a black clone for free. Those 2 clearly aren't cuttings.

Good luck,

Tyler

Tyler - Thanks for this. Internet shopping can be really sketchy now - at least if you know one person who didn't get fleeced it makes you feel a little better about things.

Pagan - I'm not sure what you mean about the flexible specificity? Do you just mean the a/b? Or my addition of the NEO for Northeast Ohio? When I tried to look up my address, it said 6b, but when I look by zip code it said 6a...

I laughed out loud at your description of the seller Tyler! LOL!! In a good way, though, don't take me wrong. :)
Steven is a very nice individual

You know...I order from a native plants nursery in my area (midwest), and I was equally shocked when they shipped my order BEFORE invoicing me. When I asked, they said they had never had a problem. I guess people that seriously love plants aren't usually thieves. Gives you hope, doesn't it ?

there is still good in the world! lol

Hi Rina. No, I had no idea I wasn't emailing and purchasing from a "Regular Joe". No disrespect meant. Just relaying my experience in hopes of it benefitting others or at least letting them know what to expect. Sounds like maybe I am the last to know though as at least a few of you are well aware of Mr. Hammer already. I saw the link he provided to his mesembs publications. Haven't had the chance to check it out yet.

Christina- Steven had me cracking up in a couple of his email responses. He definitely has a way with words. I did email him regarding the additional plants that he included that weren't in the total we "discussed". Still waiting to hear back. I don't want him to feel ripped off when he gets the check and feel that I shorted him. Although my succulent table is getting rather full, I hope to purchase from him again in the future. Always room for one more, right? Just shift some stuff around and squeeze it in somewhere.

dbarron, yes that's 2 unexpected things that happened to me recently from online merchants. Nice surprises.

Tyler

Tyler beautiful plants !! That dark scabra is really nice !

Ordering from hammer is always a real treat and his emails are humorously witty and at times cryptic. I wish he had an updated plant list this spring