Terra Bella Nursery — Local services in San Diego

This place is new and has a lot of potential to be awesome. It has a very hip vibe - a nursery with a fancy coffee shop attached. We did not try the coffee shop because it was very crowded (usually a positive sign). So this review is for the nursery only. As we were walking around inside, we commented how this would be a cool place for events, like a professional happy hour. Or wine and paint or wine and plant nights. It just had that feel.

So why just 3 stars? Honestly, I feel like my primary complaints can easily be remedied, and it would very quickly become 4 to 5 stars.

1. Labeling sucks. Labeling of what the plants are and how much they cost are basic must-haves for any nursery. They fail here. Pricing labels are few and far between. Every item needs to have a price tag if it's not in a specific section that is clearly labeled. For example, they had these hanging orchids all over the place. There was a tag on them that contained zero info. That tag should include the fact that it's an orchid (at the very least) and the price. I only knew it was an orchid because my dad is a collector. The labeling is by far the biggest offense. 1.5 stars off for that alone.

2. While the music added to the ambiance, it was a little too loud. My sister and I had to yell to each other to be heard, even outside. I think they're trying to drown out the freeway noise, but the music was just too darn loud. It's a nursery, not a bar. 1/4 star off for the loud, loud music. I feel so old for saying that, but seriously... it was loud.

3. Service was non-existent. There was no one walking around to see if anyone needed any help. As an introvert, this doesn't bother me too much, but I thought it was weird, especially with how big the place is. Although, it feels like it would be difficult to get help if needed based on our checkout service experience. Where the other 1/4 star is knocked off is trying to checkout, there was no indication of where the line should form, so we were all kinda globbed together wondering what to do. And there was a 2nd guy behind the counter who didn't offer to help the next guest. But when we went up to him, he was ready to help us. It was really weird. Basic customer service skills seem to be lacking here. If the music was a little lower, it would also be easier to communicate between customers and workers.

Other issues/oddities that some may find issue with, but didn't contribute to my overall rating: prices are a touch expensive and parking gave me anxiety. The prices on many plants seem comparable to other nurseries, but the price of pots... dude. I do not know how they can sell any pots. They are ridiculously overpriced. Unless they're lined with gold and handmade by endangered antarctic penguins, I have no idea why they would be so darn expensive. The parking situation and getting to the nursery is a bit questionable. They ask people getting coffee only to park on the street. There are nice parking spots for nursery customers... once you get through the gate and past the building. Only one car can get through the gate at a time and the old parallel parking spot lines are visible on the pavement, but they have computer printed no parking signs there. It's pretty confusing for someone going there for the first time.

But I gave this place 3 stars because of the plant selection, ambiance, and potential for awesomeness. I'll give it at least a month before I return to give it another try. Even with the focus on my complaints, I'd recommend giving this nursery a try. It isn't my favorite in the area, but has the potential to become top 3 for me with...

Positive Pathos Preview

Ok let me start off this review by saying I’m a frequent local customer. (I like to support local as much as I can being a small biz owner myself). I thought it was going to be negative! I’m so glad I was wrong!

I had a hard experience at this place literally the day before. I felt sad my fav-go-to planttty dude was gone:( and my poor Thai constellation was sick!

The next day I went in looking for Ariel. I heard that she was a fairrryyy plant goddess who also happened to be a smart cookie! Mannnnn I’m so glad I went! She was SUPER DUPER helpful. Ariel is an expert who loves plants! She explained to me how my plant got sick and how to avoid it next time in a way that wasn’t condescending. I liked that Ariel didn’t make me feel patronized, and she was sincere instead of being demeaning even though she was clearly more knowledgeable. She took the time to listen to me and truly empathized with my sad plant heart. She then directed me to a new plant and was so sweet directing me how to love it well moving forward.

I can’t speak enough good stuff about this place! I’m sad my sweet Coco is gone but I’m glad they added Ariel (who is a baddie) and a wonderful addition to this place🤗

$$$

On the pricey side but they have decent sales and the plants are always worth it! I’ve never had a plant die I’ve purchased from here...

Pros: Customer service is top notch! I was let in early to the VIP room and explained every plant. I came back the next day to buy a plant and the worker remembered me which made me feel good! Huge plant selection that rotates on a regular basis! They will always have a plant that I want, and if not they know if that plant is coming on their next shipment. Best variety of plants!

Cons: Like other posts I think there’s a great opportunity to label every plant with the name/price! However whenever I did ask said worker about the price he knew it off the top of his head, and even mentioned if it rings higher at the register to tell them to honor it which was nice. SOME not all plants would need more care if bought (yellow leaves, ripped leaves etc) but there’s probably 10+ options of each plant if you don’t like that specific one. A lot of people will say the prices are high, which yes in comparison they can be. BUT every time I’ve gone there’s been promotions, which I never see at other nurseries. Also I think a lot of it is paying for the convenience of having access to buy the plant. I know if I want to buy a specific rare plant they will not only have it BUT have multiple options to...