So happy with Damanakis Nursey!!! A month ago I drove miles and miles to the fancy native plant stores in Tilden Park and Berkeley...all in search of the most common local native plant we have--some coyote brush. Nobody had any. But I had a nice tour of the bay area hills on a gorgeous winter day. Kept searching nurseries, until today, when driving between Castro Valley and San Ramon on Crow Canyon Road--there it was--a nursery with signs saying "open" "9-6" "sale" and the gates were wide open so it looked welcoming. A woman working on a huge pile of soil offered to help. And surprise of surprises, she had coyote brush! A whole bunch of it so i bought four! I had to resist buying more plants, a pomegranate tree, some flowers... but I'm sure I'll be back! read more

Nonexistent/slightly unwelcoming service, plants in varying states of health, no labels or prices on many plants. The prices are ok, but not substantially better than other nurseries within a half hour drive with attentive, informed, and welcoming staff. read more

Good prices, interesting assortment and very helpful owners. Got here late, but the choice of fruit trees and shrubs was exciting. read more

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What a dump. Horrible quality. Wouldn't take anything even if was free. Too bad because it's a beautiful location.

This family-owned nursery is not the largest, but Mrs Damanakis is very sweet with helpful knowledge and will assist you to help you find what you're looking for. They have a good number of drought tolerant plants, I just found out they have a good collection of hard to find persimmon trees too! ($60 ea for 4-5 ft.) And just picked up 2-3 year Acer Palmatum Japanese Maple Tree that should be bright orange in the fall ($20). A great stop stop when shopping... read more

Damanakis Nursery - Japanese Maple - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Saw the beautiful pictures and high rating on Yelp, so we had to come by. The entrance to the nursery was a bit confusing as there were no markings to which area we should enter. We were greeted by a nice lady that asked us if we needed anything in particular. Then she let us roam around on our own, which was greatly appreciated as we just wanted to browse and get some Rose bushes and Marigolds. This place is not like some of the nurseries I've been to, where there is a plethora of colorful flowers and plants in various stages to garden. This place is more for those that are hardcore Landscapers. There were some fruit trees in their very early stages of fruiting, there were plenty of plants, but looked a bit on the dry side. I get it...there's a drought. The many different types of trees were nice and of course I love seeing all the Japanese Maple trees, but we didn't see anything that caught our eye. Tip: Wear shoes/boots. Parking lot and nursery is on Dirt. read more

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Very cool place. Zero customer service. The woman there didn't offer any assistance. But it's a great place to check out. Prices seemed very reasonable. read more

For the price, can't beat it. I got two Desert Willows and two citrus there. All have been growing well.

There comes a time in a persons life when they run across people that are just a joy to be around. This is my second time coming here. I was here last week and had a wonderful time with the owner and his wife. They're from Greece. And the husband looks like a Greek Santa Claus. This is not your typical nursery. Don't go here if you're looking for annuals to decorate your garden quickly, or soil amendments. That's not what this place is all about. This is a place for perennials, trees, fruit trees, boxwoods and such. I picked up some English Lavender last week and was so happy with them I came back again today for some more. If you're buying a quantity Santa Clause is always cutting deals. Right at this moment they are having a 50% off on all trees so wouldn't wait. I'll be back soon to look at their fruit trees. It's just so nice to walk around their setting and to be able to chat with a knowledgeable characters read more

What a gem that we found here! So many selections! It is like a maze of surprises. Every turn we make is a new discovery of neat trees, plants, shrubs etc. We met Mr. Damanakis and he is so sweet and honest with a good sense of humor. We bought several items which we have not seen anywhere else, as we have been visiting local nurseries quite often lately. I do admit that we go to the big box stores too (more so for convenience and inspect what is available, but there is not a glimpse of comparison when we found Damanakis Nursery! Especially because we love to support family businesses! Make sure to bring cash to support the business (merchants have to pay credit card fees). Every little bit counts! Love this place! We are already planning to go back in a few days to get more gems! read more

Nick and his family run a beautiful and unique nursery. Would definitely recommend a visit! read more

Damanakis Nursery - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Prices are great. Especially considering all the large trees they have in stock. The staffing is threadbare but Nick and Sunday are lovely people and well worth the time. 12ft smoke trees and Gingkos, lots of good sized perennials. If you don't mind a nursery without a garden center vibe, give 'em a shot. read more

A very nice of collection of fruit trees you cannot fine at any big box stores. Would come back for more plants.

Do not drive all the way here if you are looking for a clean and welcoming experience. Nothing is marked or priced, and there was a beer can in one of the pots! Their fruit trees looked the best, and I think this is a good reason to come here. Otherwise, perhaps stick with landscaping service. Don't find here if you are trying to find stuff for your garden, and don't already know exactly what you want. 3 stars for fruit trees. They looked amazing! read more

They were very friendly and helpful in finding me what I needed. Prices are good and they provide planting advice too.

Looks like a dying nursery. Not much selection and the service wasn't very attentive either. Plants didn't look so healthy.

Don't expect any fancy and slick setups here. But they have a very nice selection of drought tolerant plants among many other garden plants and trees. The nice lady was very warm and inviting and seemed to know all about the different species. Seemed very open to referring other nurseries if they do not have what I was looking for. Everything is priced very good. Only wish the plant card info was updated as many are faded by the sun. Definitely would check here first before anywhere else. read more

Bought a peach tree here last year. So far doing very well. Had a large selection of plants to choose from. Folks who help you live on site and are very knowledgeable. Would be happy to buy from this place again. Comparable prices for fruit trees too. read more

Great nursery. Support your local mom and pop establishment. We bought several fruit trees. Great collection of fruit trees. We moved to California from out of state and don't know much about gardening conditions or methods here. Nick and Summer knows 1000 times more than average Home Depot person in their nursery department. Very knowledgable and helpful. I though prices are even cheaper than those big box stores. read more

They know everything and have everything. Go and talk and you'll learn more in half an hour than a year of working with a landscaping architect. And the nursery itself is a wonderland of crazy overgrown lush marvelousness. Wish I could pack a picnic and just hang out. read more

Extremely helpful and knowledgeable staff! They were there to help me with the thousands of questions I asked since I am a beginner in gardening. They have a large selection of plants and flowers. I will definitely be back! read more

I shopped there about a month ago. Bought two large shrub plants. The elderly lady owner was just the warmest person. She was there alone sitting out in front of the little office. They have a large variety of different trees and plants fir landscaping. Nothing fancy but a nice place to take your time and look around. Her husband who is the owner is elderly and ill. The lady, whom I forgot her name was just the sweetest sweetest person I really connected with. She is so humble, and absolutely loves her business. She knows she and her husband are aging, but the love they have for this nursery is heartwarming. I highly recommend you take the time to check this place out. They survive on this business, and rely on customers to keep it afloat. I was so happy to give her business. read more

The elderly couple that runs this place are closing it down for good. The husband is sick and so they're going out of business. The sale right now is pretty good especially for large trees. We got a Japanese Maple thrice the size of those at Home Depot for less than half the price. I see that many complaints come from 'customer service' issues. I guess no one cares that they are elderly and that they are not backed by some big corporate. Too bad. I wish they were not going out of business. read more

Loved this place. Bought some boysenberry bushes that are thriving now. Will go back next spring for sure

First of all I would've given them more stars if they aleast had their trees marked to know what I was looking at, I don't even care about the nobody coming out part or the messy unorganized walkways, but aleast mark some of the trees , but these guys do have a lot of trees/plants, I would give them another chance if I find out they start marking the trees/plants tho read more

I swung by and did buy the plants I planned to get, but I didn't find the woman very inviting, but rather brusque.

I found this place by accident and what a GREAT place. The owners KNOW their stuff. I am a new homeowner, I went there to ask what trees would grow fast and need min care!! He sugguest two trees, don't ask what kind - they are huge now and I didn't have to do a thing. Their prices are terrific, very cheap for the size of the trees that I purchased. He even delivered them to my house. I live in Castro Valley so it wasn't a big deal. read more

Incredible options available of all fauna and flora, but unfortunately, closing down the business due to owners health issues. Great place to buy your larger trees since they're trying to sell everything and discounts are everywhere! Pretty much a jungle due to lack of organization and probably lessened attention to the property with the long term illness of the owner, but definitely worth the trip!! read more

This place was very intresting. its not the most upkept place, so dont expect some perfectly mancured nursery. however they had a HUGE selection of fruit trees, including things that you typically dont see, and his prices were incredibly fare. read more

Navelets it is not, but it is by far made up by excellent prices - so the nursery isn't much to look at but the personal service, knowledge and enthusiasm are first class. Nick and Sunday are delightful folk, more than happy to do business with them. read more

I have known Nick and Sunday for many years, as he takes care of my huge yard. He is so knowledgeable, that every single plant and fruit tree will thrive under his care. My 12 fruit trees, grapes, numerous bushes and roses are always getting amazing comments from my guests. Nick is incredibly resourceful, efficient and fun. He can do the job of 2 guys in half the time. He knows where, when and how to cut, trim, plant etc.... Both he and Sunday are warm hearted individuals. The individual who has issues with "non natives and accents" does not know what he is missing out! Let's accentuate the essential and incredible qualities and talents of Nick and Sunday read more

Sweet little family owned nursery! Very friendly team, responsive, knowledgeable and professional. I just bought a home with a huge lot with practically nothing but weed growing on it and I had no idea what to do with it (I didn't think I could afford to hire a gardener this year). It's been only a month since I moved in but thanks to Nick, now my lot is all clean, I already have privacy trees all around the perimeter of the property, fruit trees and a blooming rose garden - with irrigation system dripping water above the roots of each plant individually! All of this costed me less than 1/4 the price they estimated for replacing my chain fence for a privacy wood fence. My yard looks green, relaxing and it surprises me with delicious fruits - I enjoy it every day. Now I'm even considering hiring Nick to build me a small patio - he comes up with great new ideas and is amazingly resourceful at executing them! I am all new to Oakland and I feel that the Damanakis family contributed quite a lot to my getting to like this place so much. I would highly recommend them! read more

Wonderful Nursery ! Highly recommended . We had 14 trees from Damanakis nursery planted in our yard . Wonderful

Nick is incredible...he recently landscaped our backyard. The waterfall is amazing! He tied in plants with incredible rock work. If you need any landscaping at all, give him a call. read more

I wonder how they got 4.5 stars on yelp... This place is a joke. No customer service AT ALL. I called the number on yelp on day 1, I needed a 24 inch box tree, a lady picked up my call. I told her what I needed, she ask me to call her husband, she's not sure about any ordering or planting. So I called the husband who picked up and said he's driving and ask me to send a text message to him with what I needed. I texted the information on the tree I needed and asked for an estimate to deliver and plant. A day passed, no response, no call back. On day 2, I called the main number again, same lady picked up. I asked if she remembered me and asked if her husband discussed with her about my order. Her answer was "I don't know and I will tell my husband when he's home", with no apology. Now it's day 3 and still haven't gotten an answer or a call back. Why would you direct your phone number to a person that has absolutely no knowledge of your business? Seems like whoever owns this place has either too much business so they don't care about you or they just totally don't give a shit about anything. Ugh. read more

A friend told me about a nursery on Crow canyon road that had tons of options for fruit trees. I have driven on Crow canyon road many times and remember seeing it before, just had never been. I bought a bunch of fruit trees and ended up getting a few other small plants while I was there. It wasn't as organized as a Home Depot but they had way more options. The place was huge and the prices were half of what I would have paid anywhere else. The owners were a cute Greek couple and were very nice! read more

I agreee with others who gave Damanakis good reviews. Nick and Sunday are friendly people. I enjoy talking with Sunday in general and about plants. We love to go to their nursery. They know what they have and can tell you where it is. Nick is high energy and loves to talk plants. Nick knows his plants! Damanakis is a more natural nursery where Nick grows some of the plants on the premises. My husband loves trees and buys at least one every time we go. Once we needed some speciality trees. They ordered the for us and delivered. Service is excellent. It is really fun to wander around this spacious nursery. Their prices are very, very reasonable. Whenever we go there, we leave with a car load of plants. Damanakis is always my first stop for plants for our rentals and home.. read more

I came in looking to get some advise on setting up a vegetable garden. A woman was in the back watering plants and yelled if she could help me. I asked where I could find plants for a vegetable garden. She vagely directed me into a direction and I happened to find just some cucumber plants and few others. The place was a mess and there were no price tags or any other signs of the price. I left and do not intend to come back. read more

I don't know if this place changed hands since the last review, but it is a total dump. Trees have fallen over and clearly have been left there for a long time. The place is overrun with weeds. The plants are in no discernible order, and don't have descriptions or pricing on them that I could see. The plants are also obviously neglected and not healthy. It's an unkempt, disorganized jungle. There were at least 5 adults (English was not their first language) just standing around the entrance vs doing anything to maintain the place. They were kind of scary, actually. It was a complete waste of my time to drive out there. I'm writing this review because I was totally mislead by the other reviews. read more

Thanks to the other Yelpers who led me to this place. It was exactly as described: an intriguing and endless maze of plants. Working our way through the selection (and we didn't get through it all) yielded some delightful discoveries. We came away with a gorgeous eureka lemon tree, a fan palm, and another leafy deck plant for under $100. And they deliver. read more