Parrino's Greenhouse Garden Center & Florist

On July 9, 2008, BotNist wrote:

As a professional Botanist, having apprenticed at the Botanical Gardens and now currently working at the cornell cooperative extension horticulture labs, I visited this greenhouse (as I typically survey all in the area) and what I've seen is remarkable - remarkable defiiency at outrageously high prices. The owner of this business seems more interested in mulching and making the grounds of his greenhouse look beautiful then he is in actual plants.

The plants are not of even mediocre quality, but there's plenty of kitsch (pewter, ceramics, straw sculptures, etc..) available if you're into that sort of thing - and even those are priced high (NYC has cheaper prices, if that tells you anything). The plants were akin to weeds and as I touched a few petals of the more vibrant ones, they fell from the stem as they were saturated with cooking oil (something shyster florists do to preserve them). This greenhouse would sell weeds at a high price if they could get away with it.

There's a fine florist in the town and on nearby rte 22 there are a number of viable, reasonably priced and better quality vendors (Kessman's I believe is the name of one of them). If you're into wasting money in tourist traps, mediocrity that lasts for a day and getting ripped off, check out this place. Otherwise, you'd be better off getting your flowers at the nearest A&P.

The service was unintelligent, knew nothing about any of the plants and on the snobby side - she acted as if I was bothering her immensely when I merely asked if they had any winter cactuses.

I cannot fathom how this place will stay in business another year.

On March 17, 2008, CultivatingKate from Holmes, NY wrote:

As an active member of the local garden club I very much appreciate the work Parrino's does to provide the high quality plants we use in our planting of the village, the special ordering of the plants we use in our design, the good care they take of the growing of the plants, the prep of the planters, etc. I buy many of my own annuals and perennials there because the quality is far superior to many other local nurseries. The prices are somewhat high, but the plants are better quality. You get what you pay for.

On August 26, 2007, ICitizen wrote:

The greenhouse was empty for 20 minutes. The florist was rude and no one else spoke english. it's obvious this guy cares nothing for customer and is just interested in a quick buck - he's the highest priced nursery in a 100 mile area and it's apparent that most of his so called "experts" are illegals. Stay clear of this one! There are plenty more within 5 miles who do not employee illegals, speak english and have knowledgeable staff.

Save yourself time, aggravation and money. Avoid this place at all costs