Liyah S.

Yesterday afternoon May 10, 2025 we drove more than 30 minutes to go to this nursery because my autistic child wanted to purchase some plants for me as a Mother's Day gift and go to Michael's to purchase some pots to paint to put them in. He also wanted to see if there was any hope for his bonsai tree that wasn't looking too great. As we entered the nursery my autistic child was looking at the plants. Last visit here was great, tons of customer service and even someone who looked like us "black" worked there. This time the vibe was very strange. When I asked about the bonsai plant a man who worked there was very mean and said it's dead. He said you were supposed to do this and that. The mean tone was not ok and it was like we did something personal to this person. Mind you there was a child an autistic child present hearing about his plant. You should have seen the hurt in my child's eyes. My autistic child has so much empathy towards plants, animals, trees. We went to Muir Woods and he didn't understand why us humans would surround redwood trees with dead trees to make wooden paths, wooden barriers, and wooden benches. He said it would be the same if we saw things around us made from human skin. Anyway maybe our presence in the store was not wanted. My autistic child was wandering happily through the store trying to find the perfect plants for me. He found two and wanted to explore more. So I approached the counter and there were two salespeople behind it. The same man with the rude tone and another person. I asked can I leave these two plants (you can see them in my photograph) on the counter my son is not done shopping yet. They said yes. This is important to note that my autistic child spent a lot of time picking the plants he wanted. What happened next could have caused heartbreak, let down, and perhaps a meltdown (which would look like tons of sadness because his original choice had been taken from him). We explore the outside and inside again. We arrive at the counter there was one salesperson with two other ones looking busy not too far from the counter that saw us waiting while the other one helped a customer. No one stopped what they were doing to even ask if I needed help. When someone finally helped us I said I want to purchase the two plants I was told I could leave up here. The person said what plants in a rude way. I'm thinking to myself oh no! My autistic child is looking distressed and while they were looking I told my child let's go look for two better ones to take his attention off of his original one being put back after I asked permission to place them there. He choose two other ones and then while I was paying he skipped off to look for a hanging plant to hang in our backyard. The staff said the plants were put back without an apology or anything. We were the only Black customers in the nursery and we were the only ones that were not approached to ask if we needed any assistance. If this business doesn't want Black people spending money here it really showed yesterday 5/10/25 afternoon. And if these plants weren't for me for Mother's Day I wouldn't even purchased them after they put the original ones back that my autistic child chose. All I saw yesterday after I spent over $40 on two small plants, sunflower seeds, and a hanging plant for $24.50 was angry faces as they watched me use Apple Pay to make my purchase. Please do better because you lost a customer that happened to be Black and buys her autistic child who loves plants anything he wants no matter the cost. Let me repeat that whatever he is into there is no price point. He could have spent $200+ in your nursery and that would have been fine, and I would have paid by debit not credit. Next time smiles and great customer service shouldn't be limited to people who are not Black.

Cecilia A.

Encinas Nursery is the ultimate neighborhood nursery! The friendly staff takes the time to educate you on plant care, and they have a stunning selection of handmade pots and beautiful plants. I absolutely love this place--it's my happy place!

Sandra N.

Encinal Nursery is easily one of the top nurseries in the Bay Area. You will so effortlessly find the rarest healthiest plants here at a reasonable price. Some babies I took home with me: Begonias, Colocasias, Stromanthe, Peace lilies, Venus flytrap. My plants are still thriving at home so I'm glad they are so healthy to begin with. Encinal has a wonderful selection of both outdoor and indoor plants, pots (ask for a drainage hole if you'd like!) as well as soil. They are dog friendly so bring your furry buddy! During COVID, they taste necessary precautions to keep everyone safe. Workers are wearing masks and the nursery is mostly outdoor. Encinal Nursery is well worth my drive from San Jose. Their indoor house plant selection is unbeatable!

Ada F.

This is one of my favorite nurseries to go to! Situated in the lovely Alameda neighborhood, there's already a sweet small town feel to the nursery. Unfortunately they do not have a parking lot, it's all street parking so that's the only downside. Lots of plants outside but I typically look for my indoor houseplants. I loved their little greenhouse where they have all sorts of succulents and greens. I bought two cute succulents and they have already grown so much afterwards! They also sell lots of different pots and saucers, very reasonable price too. They drill holes if you need it!

Tu-Anh N.

WHEN: Monday @10am During Covid-19 the business hours are changed to 10am-4pm everyday. There's one way to enter, and different way to exit. All staff are wearing masks, and the majority of this nursery is outdoors. It's better to come during the weekdays where it would be less people and better chances of parking. I lucked out and found one right out front! I was hear longer than expected because I am a rookie when it comes to plants. But it's okay because Ryan, a new staff there was super helpful! He was able to tell me what plant I was holding (ones that didn't have a label). Otherwise most plants come with the name and brief instructions on how to care for them. It's my second time here, but I came out with (tax not included): ALGAONEMA - CHINESE EVERGREEN - $21 This gorgeous plant was a 6 inch. I could have paid about $4 more for the other one with larger leaves. But Ryan told me that this plant will get there in 2-3 months...plus there were more leaves in this one! MONSTERA ADANSONII - BLUE SWISS CHEESE - $6.99 These tiny starters were cute, but I made the mistake of handling them too much during the day, splitting the two stems in separate pots. So yeah they are dead now. It's okay, I bought 3 of these. PEPEROMIA OBTUSIFOLIA - BABY RUBBERPLANT - $3.49 This adorable house plant was so reasonably priced! This was the plant that had no label and Ryan was able to tell me what it is! EDNA'S BEST POTTING SOIL (20QT) - $7.99 Gotta have soil since these will need to be potted! They have a variety selection of soil, in different sizes! I bought the bigger one since its only a couple of bucks more. I had a great time here. Definitely coming back.

Andrea L.

I love this local nursery. I've been so many times over the last couple months that when I get in my car, my phone automatically shows me the route there -- ok thanks for shaming me, iPhone. Great selection of indoor and outdoor plants, refreshed throughout the week. They also sell pots and drill drainage holes in them upon request. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. They'll help you repot a plant you're purchasing if you ask, and if something is going wrong with a plant you've purchased, you can bring it back so they can help you troubleshoot. They're active on social media (IG @encinalnursery) and responsive over email (orders@encinalnursery.com). And if you need a small plastic planter pot or two (under 6"), it's free. It's a double-edged sword to live so close to this nursery. I've spent a decent amount here in the last few months.

Ed U.

** The following review reflects my experience prior to the shelter-in-place order currently in effect. ** Jamie was determined to find tomato plants. I'm not really sure what provided the impetus for his mission, but we were in Alameda looking for a nursery. We almost missed it because this stretch of Encinal is residential. In fact, we thought it was somebody's house with elaborate landscaping. It was only when we walked through the gate that we noticed what a well-stocked nursery it was with quite the tomato plant selection and a helpful staff to match. They've limited their hours in the age of COVID-19, and pre-orders have been understandably restricted. But for fresh tomatoes, it's worth it. RELATED - Ambling in Alameda? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2Ik8mky