Westbrae Nursery — Attraction in Berkeley

I stopped by here feeling down after a trip to the hospital about a week and a half ago and felt comforted by the greenery. One of the employees showed me to the native section and I bought a large ceanothus I'd been looking for and a couple of native perennials -- then on the way out I spotted a pretty, flowing grass and asked the person who had been helping me to confirm it was native-- he said it was to southern California, which was good enough for me as a novice gardener so I bought two. Normally I would have checked to confirm this, but it was raining and he sounded confidant. A few days later I went to plant, and looked up the plant, and guess what? Not only are they not native, but the species is actually invasive! It's not something that I can ethically plant, and frankly, I'm shocked that any reputable nursery would sell it.

I live about an hour from the nursery, but had to be back in the area today so figured I'd take the plants back then, although I couldn't find the receipt -- I didn't keep track of it because I would normally never try to return a plant. But selling someone an INVASIVE plant for their NATIVE plant garden, after confirming that it is native, seemed like a pretty big misstep that I was sure the nursery would want to rectify. So I was really disappointed today when I went in and found the staff not only utterly unhelpful, but also unnecessarily rude. When I told them that a staff person had told me the plants were native, the woman at the counter said, "ACTUALLY all our native plants have stickers on them" -- why not consider telling your STAFF that?? I'd much rather the original person just tell me they didn't know if it was native, rather than making something up, but there seems to be no trepidation here about peddling trash and lies as long as someone is buying.

The attitude today was unnecessary, the lying to begin with was unnecessary, and frankly, selling invasive plants is irresponsible. Maybe consider a special sticker for your plants which have the potential to decimate our local ecosystem?? I never thought I'd be so disgusted by a nursery. Phooey on me for trusting their staff and not googling the plant in the rain or inside (during covid) before buying.

Anyway, if you are looking for informed staff, civil customer service, better prices, and a better variety, there are many superior options in Berkeley, not to mention one just up the street at...

I recently purchased String of Pearls succulent from Westbrae Nursery and I got a huge rash (on the front part of my neck). Its been more than 5 weeks and I am still recovering. I returned the plant to the store and was given a store credit as a refund. I was sad because the staff didn't tell me (obviously they didn't know) that the plant is toxic especially for pets and children. I am not a plant specialist but how did I find out? I had to track back my weekend activities and looked up on google if the plants I bought would give rashes. I was right. Please look up on google about the plant before you purchase them. Don't expect the staff to tell you about it. I realized that my love for plants almost cost my life. If something worse happened to me, I cannot be protected by the law because there is no law against selling poisonous plants. IT IS LEGAL TO SELL toxic plants. Once again, please do your research about the plant before purchasing...

Small but a great nursery. Their staff is pleasant, helpful and professional. They have always provided me with answers and were willing to assist. They typically have a small selection of annuals, a larger selection of perennials (some from Annie's), grounds covers, bushes, small and/or flowering trees, succulents and vegetables. They also carry pottery and plant support (although expensive), some soil and there are also indoor plans and anything you need to kill unwanted plant creatures:-). Their prices range from reasonable to high, depending from whom they purchase their plants. Sometimes I wish that they were to sell certain bushes in smaller sizes, so then they will be more affordable. (I can wait for them to grow. I am patient.) Despite this one concern, I believe that they deserve...