Green Thumb Nursery - Ventura — Local services in Ventura

I have been frequenting this nursery for about 13 years. I appreciate the selection and, despite a few reviews to the contrary, find the pricing to be about right. There is an older Asian gentleman I've seen a few times as well as an older Hispanic one who are absolute pleasures.

A little over a week ago, I phoned (and trust me, it is no easy feat to get someone on the phone which I get - they are out helping customers) and asked if there was a supply of narrow leaf milkweed. I was told yes so I drove in from Moorpark. When I arrived, all that was available was the Tuberosa variety. I went to the information booth and was met with a stare... I then saw a team member who was nearby and asked about the other type and was told that the supplier was tapped. I nicely (and trust me - I was nice even though I wasted 40 minutes driving in) suggested that someone may want to tell the staff about the difference as I was told it was available on the phone and it's hard to get caterpillars to eat the tuberosa. I was met with a rather large load of attitude and the man (maybe late 20's early 30s with glasses) told me that he saw caterpillars on that type all the time and that monarchs definitely eat that plant. Well, I have a butterfly sanctuary in my back yard. My father was a well known entimologist and I've been working around insects for about 50 years. I do not need anyone to "mansplain" things to me. But I bought a few plants anyway... guess what? The monarch caterpillars avoid them like the plague. I consulted a Monarch specialist and was told the caterpillars are not drawn towards that variety. Regardless, the attitude of the team member was very off putting and now I'm stuck with plants I don't want or use.

Long story short - please educate your staff on milkweed which is insanely popular at this time of year. I assume the man in the glasses was just having a bad day and I hope it got...

Ironic how the recording on the phone (as you wait for the representative) states they will go the extra mile to give you good service and answer your questions. "Just ask" haha...

Called in to ask about what seeds they carry (need to buy a few different gardening seeds for an event) after waiting for 5minutes, the reps tell me they carry the item I asked about. When I ask him the size and price range he got annoyed. Told me to wait another 2 minutes. Gives me a price range. When I asked him about the size of the package, gets annoyed again. I'm sorry this might be the "extra mile" kind of question but I need to buy large quantities so it's very relevant to me to get pricing and quantity. His annoyance and unwillingness to help was extremely irritating considering the recording I'm listening to every time he puts me on hold is all about how helpful they are.

I move past the attitude. Maybe he's having a bad day. Ask about other types of seed I'm looking for (my apologies, didn't realize it took you 5 minutes to check for the items you carry) ... isn't there a computer for you to quickly browse your varieties???

The guy tells me no! He says he has other calls and I should of asked all my questions the first round !!!!!!! Unbelievable! I nicely said thank you, and hung up. I'm in awe ! The guy straight out refused to continue helping me. As if I was asking the undoable from him.

Don't advertise you willingness to help consumer when this is the service your employees provide. I'll be going somewhere else, clearly.

Called Home Depot: great customer service. Lady told me all items they had, the varieties, price range. Even asked me if I had any MORE questions! Then even told me to have a great day! Now that's what I'm talking about ! Looks like I'll take my business there... what a shame...

Always love a trip to Green Thumb! Beautiful plants, awesome holiday decorations, an entomologist on staff that is very helpful. Great nursery for anything plants, garden, or for gifts. This is a great store to discover new plants for the garden or house, and has the plumbing, garden tools and most anything you need around the house. The indoor plant greenhouse is absolutely amazing. I almost always come home with a plant or two, even if I'm not looking for anything specific! I've been shopping here since at least around 1976 or so. I find the plants and seeds here a tad more expensive, but the quality of the plants and supplies are higher as well. I have 20+ year old roses from Green Thumb that are still amazing! Green Thumb carries very good quality plants that are well cared-for and if you need any help, staff is always happy to share their knowledge with you, so you can take the best care of them at home.

One of my favorite stores of all time!

A true gem of a store! 💎

I hear they have classes on gardening now, too! I'm going to have to look into those!

If you haven't checked them out, definitely do so when you have a few hours to spend. You'll be glad you did!

If you have a plant having a problem, take a leaf or a few in a zip lock baggie, and a photo of your tree, shrub, vegetable or whatever. Calling in advance to speak to an entomologist or plant specialist is a good idea, too. They can hook you up with whatever soil amendment, spray or whatever you need! They've taught me a lot about my plants over many years.

Great staff that knows their stuff! A valuable resource in...