Tonkadale Greenhouse — Local services in Minnetonka

When you first pull up, the place appears a lot smaller from the outside than inside. The parking lot was full although we did manage to find parking efficiently.

Upon walking in (we managed to not have to wait in line due to covid restrictions), we were greeted by a worker. Although it is her duty and position to go over the covid-19 rules, we felt she put them off the wrong way and gave us a wrong first impression as a customer.

You walk in, and there really isn't a pattern, organized way to go or way. The plants did not appear entirely organized and kind of just scattered. However, the greenhouse appears significantly larger inside than outside. Although they do ask you to limit your time to 1 hour, this could be difficult if you wanted to see your options. The aisles are narrow and some of the plant options arent available for sale until a future date. This threw me off because they are displayed on the sales floor among the others on the tables. The aisles are narrow so you may not be able to have a cart or navigate a cart very well. Especially during busy hours.

Overall, I did not find the place very kid friendly. However, the staff overall was very friendly when approached but seemed to be fast paced or in a rush. I do give 3 stars for the selection of planters, they drill holes for free in any planter of purchase, and the nice employees we did encounter. There also was a nice selection. Prices were fair to moderately high. I personally would not return and would reccomend the Rose Garden Center in Stillwater where the atmosphere is more laid back and friendly. Also, as a customer you are more...

I was looking at pictures the night before I went and I thought that this was a nice place, had a few cool plants just the normal but we decided to go since in pictures I saw a few plants I wanted. We drove up and it looked like this cute little greenhouse, nothing much. We got inside and it was HUGE!!! It went on for a mile!! There were so many rows of plants. They had a bunch of cute cacti to the left of the entrance and straight ahead was the main greenhouse. It honestly looked nothing like the pictures. Had a way bigger selection. It had lots of succulents and plenty of foliage plants. When we entered the main greenhouse one of the first things I saw was a plant that I told my sister if I saw I would die. AND IT WAS THERE!!! I also found this cool plant that I had been looking at in amazement since I went to the como conservatory. The prices really ranged though, some plants that were a more common find were expensive and ones that weren't were cheaper. Another thing that slightly bothered me was labeling. Some plants had a label saying exact species, some had the genus and others didn't have a label whatsoever. I don't mind that really because I do like to do my research. Overall, we went with 40 minutes till closing time and that was definitely not enough time. All of their pictures I don't know where they are. I feel like we barely scratched the surface. I got a string of hearts, dischidia ovata, Peperomia silver frost, Peperomia Rana verde, a type of selaginella, anthurium (but not a normal one), and a sedum. It was very worth the 30 minute drive and we will definitely be...

I understand these are challenging times for small businesses. But it’s also an opportunity for some to shine and some to show their true colors. Unfortunately, Tonkadale is the latter. Their current reservation system is very confusing. When you choose your time slot, it doesn’t tell you anywhere that the time you select is or isn’t available. I tried calling to ask about it and the phone wasn’t answered. It said online they recommend reservations but didn’t require them. I assumed this meant we could wait to get in until something became available. I made the trip here hoping I was correct but understanding if I wasn’t and hopeful someone would explain it to me so I could make another reservation. The man at the door was extremely rude. When he asked if I had a reservation and I said no, he said “our store is reservation only” and walked away. When he came back, I told him the website said they weren’t required but were suggested. He said “we had one walk in available yesterday”. I’m not sure what that means? He walked away again. I continued waiting hoping to figure out when I could shop! When he returned (from being rude to another person), I asked how he recommended I make a reservation. He chuckled at me and walked away again. Again, I understand these are tough times to be in business but confusing policies, confusing online reservations, and very rude employees aren’t going to do you any favors as far as staying in business goes. I’ll plan to take my business elsewhere and suggest you do the same if you except to be treated courteously at places you’re trying to...