Golden Nursery — Attraction in San Mateo

I really wanted to like this place. Independently owned and good selection, all things I value. So why only 2 stars... Today I went there to check out their selection of native California plants. I wasn't too impressed, but found one plant. On my way to the check out I passed their succulent section. There are signs everywhere stating that 2" pots cost $2.99. There are rows and rows of 2" pots with various succulents and again multiple signs 2" pots cost $2.99. So I picked one and went to check out. Upon checking my receipt I noticed that they had charged $7.99 for the 2" plant. When I asked why the clerk responded it is a rare plant and cost more. I pointed to all the $2.99 signs and he went to get his supervisor. The supervisor showed me the $7.99 sticker on my 2" pot of which I replied that all the 2" - $2.99 signs are misleading, it should state "most" or a give a range. He just shrugged and pointed again to the sticker on the pot. I never got the idea to check the pot since there were big signs all over the place stating that 2" pots cost $2.99. If I hadn't checked the receipt I would not have noticed the price discrepancy. So the 2 stars are for their misleading...

I needed some soil and was in the area so I stopped in to check them out for the first time today - they have a decent selection of both indoor and outdoor plants, easy parking and and a pretty space.

HOWEVER. I picked up a colocasia and found it covered in aphids, so I put it back and went to check out the indoor plants where I found more of the same. The indoor plants are very pricey and most were suffering from significant spider mite damage. They were asking $26 for a sickly, common dieffenbachia in a 6" pot - I can get the same (much healthier) plant at my local safeway for $10.99

Even if their prices were better, I wouldn't have bought any of the indoor plants because spider mites are agressive and prolific and the plants were packed in so tightly, there's no way any of them are pest free.

I ended up leaving without buying anything, including the soil that I came for because I was worried it would be infested with pests as well.

I love finding new nurseries, but I'll be staying away...

Great fixture in the San Mateo area. Nursery has a pedigree going back three generations. Okay, maybe two, maybe I can't count.

All the flowers you need and Plants you need and vegetables you need and trees you need and shears you need and shovels you need and the hori-horis you need and bark you need.

You REALLY need a hori-hori. No joke, no joke.

Yummy nom noms.

Best yet are the second or third generation owners of the place who really know what they're talking about.

Maybe not the best prices, but you don't go there for the best prices, you go because they know what they're talking about.

Bonus points dare: think of four different kinds of plants. Every 5 minutes, pick one in your head, go up and tell them you are having trouble with your plants looking weak. Ask what kind of fertilizer you should...