Martin Garden Center — Local services in Mauldin

My experience today- the day before Mother's Day- was unfortunately pitiful. I've been going there for years and never had any issues. Today , I wanted a hanging basket in i sae through the glass in the employee only section. I waited until someone came out and asked about it. The gentleman asked someone else if it was available out on the floor and they directed him to an area outside. I followed him as he quickly walked ahead of me to find it. When we got to spot he radioed back that they were not thete. At this point I realized he didn't understand my request. I said again what I was looking for and I don't think he understood again. We got back to the employee area and as he stood in the door way I pointed into the room and said I wanted that particular basket. He was already pissy about having to help me and then he went full jerk and said- "excuse me this is an employee only area" with a totally nasty attitude. Mind you he was holding the door cracked and all I did was point at the basket. I wasn't in the room or even trying to go in. It was obvious from the start he didn't want to be at work today but that is no excuse for his drama queen attitude. I told him that I will not be purchasing anything from them because of his attitude and the way he treated his customer. I then went and asked to speak to a manager and it turns out he is the manager to top it all off. Certainly not the way I would do business. It's a true shame because I loved going to Martin's up...

I discovered Martin Garden Center via Southern Living, after moving to NC a year ago. I drive approx. 4 hrs round trip (so don't get there as often as I would like), as the staff are warm and extraordinarily knowledgeable, the selection is extensive and high quality, and they are willing,....always willing....to go above and beyond to help (including recently selecting / putting together my window baskets plant selections in advance of my arrival, so I could just pick up/pay with minimal interaction). I'd venture it safe to say that at this point we all are tired of Covid, the masks, the waiting, the fear, the restrictions, etc. etc. But I would offer that we all need to temper our expectations. 50+ million people in this country have it so far worse than those of us still able to shop for plants and dig in the dirt. Martin's staff are doing I presume the best they can, with shortages of staff, putting their own health on the line so we can continue to do what we love....garden. Great idea....tipping the great staff who work so hard. I can't take credit given for a tip to Emily, that must have been another generous customer (kudos)....but will remember...

If i could give more than five stars, I would. Such a great group of people working here. I am a professional gardener. While I was selecting plants for a project, I received multiple offers of help from multiple people. They had a good selection of very healthy plants. The staff took time to talk with me, consult with me, give me other ideas, and they really just seemed to share my love for all things plants. The prices are comparable, if a little higher, but the service was exceptional, so you really get what you pay for. I spent just over a thousand dollars on azaleas, buddleias, bearded irises (of which they had an unusually delightful variety), and bulbs. I'm in the process of planting everything now, and really just revelling in these new plants, and the great experience I had purchasing them at Martin...