Q: If I need a specific product that I can't see on your website can you get hold of it?
A: At Evergreen we are an importer as well as a manufacturer of artificial trees, plants and hedging. We have a team of highly skilled staff that are very good at custom building planting solutions and adapting various styles to specific needs. The vast majority of our orders are for bespoke designs so do not hesitate in giving us a call and making use of our complementary design service. If we do not have a product to suit your requirements, subject to quantity and lead time we would be happy to source and import a particular product to suit your needs. Get in touch for more information
Q: Can you send samples of your artificial plants to me?
A: If you would like us to demonstrate the quality of any of our products get in touch and we will arrange samples to be sent where possible. For products where samples are not available we can send further close up images and videos
A: If you have a specific product you are looking for then you can type it into the search bar at the top of the page. If you have a vague idea what you are looking for then cast your eye along the top tool bar and see if any of the drop-down product categories are relevant to the product you require.
If you would like something that differs from the products you can see on our website then give us a call and we can either custom build or source something to suit your needs.
Q: How will my artificial plant, tree or hedge arrive?
A: Your artificial planting will arrive securely packaged in either a box or wrapped on a pallet, once unpacked you can then dress out the foliage if necessary. Many of our potted items include a bonded stone finish, the stones will be supplied to you separately in a sealed packet. Snip a corner off the bag, pour the pre-glued stones over the card board or foam, spread the stones evenly in a thin layer and leave to set in a warm place. This should only take a couple of hours and then your display can be moved into position.
Q: Can you send samples of your artificial plants to me?
A: If you would like us to demonstrate the quality of any of our products get in touch and we will arrange samples to be sent where possible. For products where samples are not available we can send further close up images or images of products in situ.
Q: What are Evergreen Directs artificial trees and plants made from?
A: At Evergreen Direct quality is key and all of our artificial trees, plants and hedges are made from the highest quality silk, plastics and latex. Many of our products are also UV stabilised to protect the products from discolouring and fading outdoors. If you would like further information about the composition of any of the plants, hedges or trees do not hesitate to give us a call 01751 417776 or email enquiries@evergreendirect.co.uk.
Q: How do I place my order with Evergreen Direct?
A: All of the products that we have available can be purchased through this website, or alternatively over the phone. If you have any questions regarding an order, or if you would rather order over the phone then don't hesitate to give our friendly sales team a call on 01751 417776
Q: How do I Pay for my order?
A: All major credit cards, PayPal, bank transfers and cheques payable to Evergreen Trees & Shrubs Ltd are accepted. We can set up accounts for trade customers. All payments are taken through Sage Pay which safely processes payments on our behalf and is recognised worldwide for its security. If you would prefer making a payment over the telephone as opposed to through our website then give us a call on 01751 417776. All of our prices are VAT inclusive
Q: Is it safe to place an order with you online?
A: Shopping online at Evergreen Direct is extremely safe, we have invested in all the relevant security systems to ensure all your details are safe and processed correctly. All card processing is done using the latest EV SSL encryption techniques and no payment details are stored
Q: Do you offer trade prices?
A: We do offer a trade discount on larger orders, please contact us to discuss your requirements and the discount we can offer.
Q: What are Evergreen Directs artificial trees and plants made from?
A: At Evergreen Direct quality is key and all of our artificial trees, plants and hedges are made from the highest quality silk, plastics and latex. Many of our products are also UV stabilised to protect the products from discolouring and fading outdoors. If you would like further information about the composition of any of the plants, hedges or trees do not hesitate to get in touch.
Q: How do I Pay for my order?
A: All major credit cards, PayPal, bank transfers and cheques payable to Evergreen Trees & Shrubs Ltd are accepted. We can set up accounts for trade customers. All payments are taken through Sage Pay which safely processes payments on our behalf and is recognised worldwide for its security. If you would prefer making a payment over the telephone as opposed to through our website then give us a call on 01751 417776. All of our prices are VAT inclusive
Q: Is making payment safe through Evergreen Direct?
A: Payment through Evergreen Direct is extremely safe, we have invested in all the relevant security systems to ensure all your details are safe and processed correctly. All card processing is done using the latest EV SSL encryption techniques and no payment details are stored.
There are several ways of potting up - do call if you are unsure of any of the below and we will be happy to talk you through the potting process:
1. You could mix a small quantity of plaster of Paris (or cement) and put it into your planter (do be careful if using a ceramic or terracotta pot as plaster expands so do not use a lot as it could crack your pot), when it is just about going 'off' stand your tree / plant in at the required height and wait for it to set. Once this has set, you can dress the top with gravel or slate, moss or bark chippings, whatever you preference. To have a secure crust of gravel or slate you would need to coat it in PVA glue, spread on the surface and leave to dry (about 5 hours).
2. You could use expanding foam (available from our website or most DIY stores) in a similar way to the above and then dress as above. This is the method that we use and is probably the easiest, and by far the cleanest!.
3. An easier option would be to stand your tree/plant in your planter and then simply fill with earth, sand or gravel.
If your trees are going to be placed outdoors, you will need to have the planter weighted against the wind so we would advise you to use option 1 or 3 for potting or just fill the bottom of the planter with stones.
In terms of the installation start by configuring the 25cm/50cm tiles by clipping/unclipping together to create the panel size you require. You can secure the green wall either by hanging directly on your wall or what we would recommend is simply secure either a timber framework or trellis to your wall using the plug and screw method then stapling the green wall to the timber OR (If the surface will take them) using a heavy duty staple gun, staple the green wall directly to the wall/surface.
Use a nail or staple gun to attach the mesh backing of the green wall to the timber.
Trim off any excess foliage with some sharp scissors. These off cuts can be useful to plug any gaps you feel needs additional coverage.
Instructions for the Pre-Glued Stones to make the decorative bonded pebble finish:
Carefully cut a corner off the bag of pre glued stones or carefully open the bucket.
Trim any excess expanding foam that may have risen above the cardboard topper, at the top of your planter.
Cover the cardboard topper with the stones. You do not need to fill to the brim of your planter, just pour in enough stones to cover the cardboard and make a decorative finish.
Use something flat (ie a piece of waste cardboard) to gently pat the stones together flat and evenly.
If you keep your planting indoors in a warm place this will speed up the setting process or use a hair dryer to waft the stones with warm air.
The stones are coated in PVA glue which will become clear when dry and the stones have set.
The product/s you purchase may require some ‘dressing out’ (like you would an artificial Christmas tree).
You can bend the branch/stem with your thumb and forefinger to achieve the desired look.
The artificial plant will not ‘drop’ on its own.
Each stem of foliage contains memory wire so will stay in place once you have placed it in the position you require. Once the time has been taken to do this, we are confident you will achieve the look that we have achieved on our website.
If the product is a hanging basket or window box, sometimes the flowers/ plants can become a little bit compacted during transit, the flowers just need unfolding/ spreading out to give the full effect of the arrangement.
All of our products are either UV or non UV stable. If a product IS UV stable this means it has been made inherently UV so the effect from the sun's rays is slowed down significantly in order not to bleach the foliage.
If a product is NOT UV stable, this would be for interior decoration only as this would mean the foliage or stems could get bleached by the sun or the product itself is not hardy enough to withstand the elements.
How we pot the topiary balls up is using expanding foam.
Initially weigh down the planter by filling it to within an couple of inches from the top with soil, bricks, rubble etc.
Them spray expanding foam on top of this, if you then sit your ball on top, the foam expands up inside the mesh framework of the ball and sets solidly. This method will ensure your topiary is firmly secure in your planter.
It is the same foam that is used for wall cavity insulation so you can either buy locally or we sell this on our website. You only need to use this in the top section of your planter that comes into contact with the topiary ball.
You will receive- 1 x can of foam
1 x bag of pre-glued stones
How to pot up-
- Place your plant/tree still in its transporter pot into your chosen decorative pot
- Place stones, mud, or any bulky item into the bottom of the pot to raise the transporter pot close up to the rim
- Wedge the gaps around the edge of the transporter pot so this is now stable
- Use the foam to make secure (the can is big enough for two planters so you don’t need it all) and allow to dry
- Create a smooth surface, trimming any foam flat and then add your pre-glued stones (if your plant/tree came with a cardboard pot template you can place this back on and add your pre- glued stones on top pf this
- Allow to dry inside for 4-6 hours
How to dress out a Tough
When you received your trough, the plants will be in place but not dressed out. This allows you to be able to add the pre-glued stones to the surface easier.
Follow the instructions below to dress out your trough to its full potential:
Firstly - Pre-Glued Stone
- Carefully cut a corner off the bag or carefully open the bucket.
- Place the planter cardboard topper back on top.
- Cover the cardboard topper with stones. You do not need to fill to the brim of your planter just pour enough stones to cover the cardboard and make a decorative finish.
- Use something flat (i.e. a piece of waste cardboard) to gently pat the stones together and evenly.
- Leave to dry this can take a couple of hours.
Secondly – Dressing out the Plants
- Starting at the base gently pull down the stems.
- Next start by making the leaves have a more natural look but holding the tip and running your finger from the stem to the tip curving and shaping as you go.
- Remember that leaves nearer the bottom of the plant naturally have more of a curve than those closer to the top.
Creating a Hanging Basket or Planter
With the use of artificial foliage and blooms you can create an all year-round focal point for garden, patio and front door. All without the high maintenance that comes with real flowers. By ensuring you use outdoor artificial stems and blooms these are UV stable and means they are more durable and long lasting in colour.
The guide below is based on 35cm basket, using 8 stems.
You will need:
- Empty hanging basket
- Oasis
- Knife
- Artificial flowers and foliage
- A bucket (just to sit the basket in whilst creating the bouquet)
- Stone/sand
- Outdoor artificial stems, blooms
Before starting
BuBuilding the Bouquet
These flowers can then be simply interchange if you ever feel necessary or to change with the seasons.
Over time you will need to periodically clean your Green Wall to keep it looking at its best. Below are a few different methods that can be used:
Dusting – using a soft bristle brush, paint brush, duster and gentle sweep over the Green Wall ensuing all parts have been cleaned.
Compressed Air – you can purchase cans of compressed air and simply starting at the top of the plant work your way down blowing away the dust (this method is not recommended indoors as it makes the dust airborne.
Damp Cloth- using water only on a damp cloth wipe over the Green Wall leaves and remove the dirt, then using a dry cloth wipe off any excess water.
Repairing your Green Wall- periodically the weather may cause damage and some leaves, flowers may fall off. These can simply be popped back on if not damaged. If you find that they are damaged and there is always the option to add in new plants and simply slot them onto the panel.
SMALL PARCEL DELIVERY
These items will be sent to you via first class royal mail. We will notify you by email on dispatch of these goods and you can expect them to arrive with your regular mail a couple of days after this email.
DOORSTEP DELIVERY
Most of our products once prepared, are dispatched on a next working day courier service via APC. Upon dispatch we will email you to let you know you can expect your goods the following working day and tracking details will follow from APC. APC operate a doorstep delivery service and will drop the goods with you at the entrance of your dwelling.
PALLET DELIVERY
For bulk orders, or large items we send goods out on a pallet through the TPN network. This is a kerbside delivery service which means the driver is only obliged to offload your order from the vehicle to the roadside that boarders your premises. This service does not include taking inside the premises, set up, assembly, or removal of packaging. For this reason it is advised for these deliveries you organise help being available to move items into your premises.
We will send your order using the fastest, safest and most reliable delivery method possible. We will select the appropriate delivery method and carrier when you order. It is currently not possible to choose a carrier. We will email you on dispatch to let you know how what method your order has been dispatched using
DISPATCH COSTS
For orders under £200 delivery is charged for. The cost is dependent on the product, quantity and postcode. To find this cost simply add the products you require to your basket and there will be a break down here of you express and standard delivery charges. Delivery is free on website orders over £200 to mainland UK postcodes. Quotations and orders made via email or telephone may not always reflect the free delivery offer. Delivery of special/bespoke orders are not included in the free delivery offer. The free delivery that is offered is our standard service and therefore if an upgraded delivery is required a surcharge may be applicable to cover the additional cost of this service.
UK MAINLAND DEFINITION
UK mainland is a area pre-determined by our couriers that covers the central land mass of the UK. This sadly excludes any islands, Northern Ireland, and less densely populated areas of Scotland including the postcodes that start with HS, IV, KW, PA, PH, AB and DD. These areas are defined by each courier depending on their depot location and capabilities.
Non UK mainland post codes incur extra delivery costs and may take longer in transit to reach you. Because the UK mainland zones are out of our control we are always to happy to ‘shop around’ to find the most cost effective shipping method/courier to suit your address and order.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
For orders £1000+ that would justify a pallet delivery service we can arrange this for you. Please contact us with your order requirements along with your delivery address and we can pull together a shipping quotation for you
For other orders that would be dispatched in standard parcels, our designated courier currently does not offer international shipping options. We can however help facilitate if you would like to arrange your own courier or we can send to a freight forwarder for you.
The prices on our website include VAT so get in touch if you would like to order and deliver outside the UK. We will prepare an invoice for you with the VAT removed prior to payment.
Q: How do I return an item?
A: The items can either be returned through the post office or a courier firm (either arranged by us or yourself). For us to collect the item(s), we would deduct the fee from any refunds due. To return the item, it must be returned in the original packaging, cannot have been used or have been left outdoors. Please contact us to advise you are returning an item within 7 working days of delivery and we will provide you with a warehouse returns address. Remember to always put your name, address and order number in the parcel.
Q: What is your returns policy?
A: At Evergreen Direct we want to make sure you are satisfied with the plants you have chosen and give you 7 days from delivery to decide if you are happy with them. If you decide they are not what you are looking for then please contact us within the 7 days period to alert us. To return the item, it cannot be used or have been left outdoors and must be re-packed in original packaging. Returns can only be made on non bespoke items. A bespoke item is classed as a tree, hanging basket, window box or hedge that has been made exactly to your specifications and or dimensions. These products have been made specifically to your requirements and therefore cannot be resold. We can either arrange collection of your goods or you can arrange your own courier/ Royal Mail to collect the goods from you. We do not offer free returns and therefore the return carriage is at the cost of the customer. Please ensure the goods are insured in transit to cover you for any breakages en route and that you have proof of posting. A refund to the original payment method will be made within 14 days of return.
