Here's a cleaner version that keeps your tone and frustration while tightening the grammar and flow: Twice in the past week, I've walked into Good Earth and walked out with nothing. I really want to support local shops instead of big box stores, but they never seem to have what I'm looking for, or the prices are outrageous for what they're offering. One of the things I've always loved about shopping local is the knowledge and help the staff can provide. Unfortunately, the last two times I asked for help, I ended up sharing more knowledge with them than they shared with me. That's honestly sad to see. I've loved going to this place over the past couple of years since moving to the area, but I think I may skip it moving forward. I understand this may make me sound like an entitled customer, but I genuinely hope the business sees feedback like this and steps up their game. read more

Good Earth is such a fun place! I've bought plants, home decor, kids toys and even visited for a private event. While prices are not inexpensive, the product quality is high. We even stopped in to use this as our 'pumpkin patch' for multiple years. They've got a great assortment of plants and in late spring there are herbs and tomatoes and other plants. Then they pivot to summer and then fall flowers and decor and into winter. There is something for everyone! Staff is so friendly. They will stop to answer questions or guide you if you are not sure of what to buy. They may not be readily viewable when you go to check out, but I've never had to wait more than a few minutes for someone to pop up at the register. The parking lot can be busy and it isn't huge, but there is street parking around. read more

I bought a hydranga last year which did not look too healthy to begin with but the owner assured me that it would perk up. I dug and filed a hole in a partially sunny area and watered it daily. It continued to die. I went back twice and talked to the owner who said I was not following instructions. It died, the owner said it was my fault. They do not stand behind their products. This year I'm going to Home Depot and Menards. read more

My blind dad shyly asks "what should we get for your mother for Mother's Day?" I tried to keep it simple... "she likes perfume, but..." "What about ... she's dreaming of maybe some kind of yellow bushes... there's that shop on Madison in River Forest..." I woke up David (I can't drive anymore due to low vision) and we headed over to good earth where everyone was just as kind and helpful as we remembered. We left with their last two forsythia bushes and a rose bush-- all cat safe plants-- and three bags of compost. Without their help, it was literally the blind leading the blind. They answered our questions and got us the right plants and materials. At the last minute I realized I had grabbed a hydrangea (which is not a cat safe plant) and I had to leave my totally blind dad in line while I dashed off to ask for a rose bush. It was accomplished in maybe three minutes at the most-- I ran out and asked a person who watering plants, he brought me to one of the same people who had helped us with the bushes, she showed me the rose bushes, I picked one, and she carried it up to checkout so that I could run ahead. The first person we had interacted with at the store was then the one who helped us out to the car and loaded the bags of compost. My mom was exuberant. read more

Good Earth Greenhouse - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - River Forest, Illinois

See all

racist workers. went in to purchase a plant and was treated differently as opposed to the white customers there. weird experience & the cashier even opted to take an older white woman when I was next in line because they "were waiting at the other line for longer"...? Umm yeah no. do not go here and expect decent customer service if you're a person of color. read more

Been meaning to stop here for a very long time and finally went last weekend. They have pretty good collection of plants but a I think it's over priced. They even have their own bakery products which so cool. I love plants and cafes it's a perfect space for someone like me, only thing I think the plants are a bit overpriced. read more

Good Earth Greenhouse - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - River Forest, Illinois

See all

It is a nice greenhouse with a nice selection. Their prices are higher than big box stores and is local. Do not go if you want customer service, it is hard to find someone. read more

Good Earth is the premier garden store in the West Suburbs. Great Selection, fair prices, and outstanding customer support are their trademark. Conveniently located on Madison Street in River Forest with ample parking. Open year round with a Cafe located inside. Kid friendly. I attached some photo photos of the tree and bush project I coordinated with them this year. read more

See all

Amazing nursery and plant shop! Extremely knowledgable staff will help you find the right plant for you. Once, their credit card machine was down and we promised to pay the next day, and they gave us a discount on future plants! They also have a little cafe that makes great coffee and smoothies. read more

I rode passed GEG a few times. I figured one day I could stop in and look around for some plants. Well today was a nice day to get out and browse for plants. There were some colorful and beautiful flowers. As, I walked down each aisle looking at plants & flowers. I felt a little strange and out of place. I wasn't sure if the people there ever saw a colored woman shopping for plants/flowers. I got these crazy weird stares. I had on my mask. I guess. I was out of place cause no one was wearing one. There were No greeting or how may I help you? The workers kept on putting out plants or whatever they were doing. I also went to the cafe side to order a snack. The young girl didn't greet or say not one word to me. You don't have to play me twice in the same day. It was my queue to leave and never return to this Greenhouse/Cafe again. Nice location. Beautiful flowers and plants. Just not worth the effort to come here and be treated rudely. I guess it wasn't my lucky day coming here. Reading the reviews and I see two that are very disturbing about this place. Change has to be made in this world. read more

See all

Good selection, super friendly staff. A must visit for local flowers and gardening needs. read more

Good Earth Greenhouse - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - River Forest, Illinois

I had a great experience today buying houseplants, soil and Valentines cactus plants & pots for my family. It's so nice to visit the greenhouse, especially in the middle of winter. The woman at the counter offered to pot everything for free which was really nice but I declined since potting stuff is super fun for me. Mike helped me to my car - very nice guy! Thanks, Mike!! Good prices, great selection, easy lot parking. The cafe looked awesome too- really nice counter lady- but I didn't have time for food today. But it looked really nice. I'm eager for spring to come! read more

Good Earth Greenhouse - I made little cactus Valentines for my family! Pots, soil and cacti from Good Earth Greenhouse. - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - River Forest, Illinois

Very helpful and friendly from the time I walked in the door the time I left help all flowers which I didn't know anything about. Just wanted to start a new project. Very helpful. read more

I bought 5 Christmas wreaths here - 2 x 36" and 3 x 24". I was DELIGHTED to discover today how easily the greens can be removed from the metal frame for composting. Usually greens are all wired together and it's often very difficult if not impossible to take them apart for composting. With the Good Earth wreaths, the greens are held in place with prongs that can be easily pulled apart to release the greens. Only the pine cones were lightly wired on. So the greens can be composted and the round frame can be re-used for another wreath. Fantastic! read more

Good Earth Greenhouse - Christmas wreath greens are held in place with prongs that can be pulled apart to release greens for composting after Christmas. No wires. - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - River Forest, Illinois

See all

I had a pretty magical experience here pre-covid. The greenhouse is just gorgeous in the winter, and they have three birds named "The Boys" who will call back if you whistle. The house plants I got here (sansiveria, peace lily, golden pothos, etc.) were very healthy and grew well. In my experience I was helped quickly and offered assistance by multiple workers, but I can't speak to post-coronavirus. read more

See all

We've appreciated having a local place, even though the prices are high.  We are very disappointed to see that they are selling plants labeled "native" but they are actually cultivars.  This is an important distinction for those wanting to create helpful pollinator gardens.   This article explains the difference. https://www.ecobeneficial.com/2014/04/native-cultivars-vs-native-plants/ read more

I needed to turn my holiday party into a festive wonderland. The staff at good earth green house got me squared away with greens for the center piece a couple of evergreen shrubs to liven up the patio (and to rehome later), finally a gorgeous variegated Poinsettia for wow factor at the entrance to my condo. read more

My favorite location to purchase indoor plants. The staff are all extremely helpful and knowledgeable in answering my questions. I recommend this beautiful location. Super love all of their plants and accessories. I'm a frequent biweekly customer. read more

See all

Called in for a sympathy basket delivery. Rosa was beyond helpful. She actually put together two different baskets, sent me pics of each (her idea!), modified one of them, took another pic to make sure I was satisfied, and then made the sale. I mean... whaaat! Also, she was super nice about it and didn't treat me like I was high maintenance or annoying. So refreshing to get above and beyond customer service. Also... the price was not outer limits. Total with basket, three plants, and local delivery= $60. Call Good Earth and ask for Rosa!! read more

Good Earth Greenhouse - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - River Forest, Illinois

I love shopping for gardening items for two reasons. I think it livens up the exterior of the home and it is an official indication that colder days are behind us. The maintenance of one's garden is a different story. I prefer low maintenance flowers and I was able to find that and more here. Good Earth met my needs. A nice selection and a few genetically engineered flowers too. I know, trained flowers seems like a short cut. But flowers rehiring less maintenance is a no brainer for me. I have no desire to spend several days a week in the flower beds. Aside from the flower selection, there were other great aspects of this shopping experience. We were warmly greeted and assisted when needed. Prices are reasonable and it is in a convenient location with ample parking. read more

I actually stumbled across the greenhouse by accident yesterday because I was searching for the Juice Joint and only noticed "Good Earth Cafe" across the front of the building. The greenhouse is attached to the back of the cafe area, where it could be easily overlooked if you're not really looking for it. I also have a feeling it's better (and more popular) during warmer seasons -- not late November. The whole greenhouse had a lot of flowers (poinsettas at this time of year), shrubs, wreaths, trees, and other such greenery, but no fruits or vegetables. I kind of expected more of those, and herbs, but all I saw were pumpkins outside. Either it was the off season or I just didn't see the herbs. Along with the plants were a lot of baskets and vases to hold everything in. Organic soils and plant food were available for purchase, too. Every section was clearly labeled and there's a little booth in the middle of the greenhouse for (I assume) making your purchases. Inside the cafe is a little gift-wrapping station for flowers. It was a cute little greenhouse, but I wasn't terribly impressed. Like I said, I should probably come back during peak gardening times. I also don't like the location of this place (I passed through too many sketchy neighborhoods to get here) but I guess I can't really hold that against them. It's cool that River Forest has an organic greenhouse, it's just not worth it for me. read more

See all

Support local business. I really like this place. Perfect spot on Madison. Its out of my way, but I enjoy talking to people who actually enjoy working with horticulture. The staff is very nice and knowledgeable. Its a breath of fresh air...literally. A few months back, the owner was incredibly nice to my senior senior mom when we were purchasing a plant for a friend. He helped with the pot selection and foil wrapped it to make it look pretty. I am sure he doesnt remember, but it meant a great deal to us both. The flowers are beautiful, lush and not picked over. So glad they are around. read more

I have bought many plants from this store and all of them are healthy and beautiful. They also carry many nice planters. But I promise I will never go back any more. Today I was in their pots area and an old man start washing the floor with water near me and the water is literally 2 feet away from me. Yes He was only cleaning the area where i was standing. I am asian woman But i am not always feel that i am a victim. But I DID feel really weird at that moment. I didn't say anything to him because I know he will say I am overreacting. So I just step in the water and leave the store. Racist that was the word in my brain. Well, at least not friendly. read more

I attended an acoustic jam here from 10:30 to 12:30 today. I love that there is a greenhouse with a cafe. Live plants and fresh food go well together, and greenhouses are especially charming in the cold months. The cafe was spotless. The bathroom was spotless. The food was fresh. I ordered the porcellian sandwich, which has thin sliced, slow roasted pork, pineapple habenero slaw, gouda, thin sliced apples and lite mayo on a toasted ciobatta roll. I really enjoyed my sandwich. It was warm and comforting with a delicate balance of sweet and tangy. They also offer smoothies. I really enjoyed the cafe, but did not take the time to check out the greenhouse, other than sitting in it to play music. One note to management: I slipped three times on the floor that was wet from mopping. Luckily I caught myself each time and did not fall. Please either reserve mopping for after closing or put out signs to warn people. The floor was very very slippery. That is the reason I am giving four stars instead of five. This is an accident waiting to happen. It would be terrible if a customer slipped while holding a baby, or if an elderly person slipped and broke a hip. read more

I love the Good Earth Greenhouse! I have been going there for years. The selection of indoor plants and seasonal annuals and perennials are wonderfully available and varied. Great helpful staff!! Lovely place to visit. read more

I drove an hour to get here (arrived at 5:20) just to have an older man close the door and say they closed at 5pm starting in July. The door and website says 6pm. He had a very unpleasant demeanor I won't be back,ever. There is nowhere that states summer hours with a 5pm close time. So unfortunate. No way to treat customers. read more

I love this place! Such friendly workers and very helpful when you need anything from suggestions to great plant details. The deli is great for treats and food! Thank you everyone! read more

No customer service. Not one employee greeted me nor asked if I need help. So I left.

They'll have something that will make a beautiful addition to your garden or window sill,prices are fair also(the people who say they'rere high priced probably by there fake plants at Wal-Mart)Sara(h),the younger cashier is AWESOME,she totally has a positive vibe! The Jap Maples are also some of the best looking around you'll find(remember you get what you pay for so loose the bigBox retailers and shop here and support local read more

It's a great place and it's affordable. Some of the time there is more people trying to help then other times. But great selection of annuals and good prices. read more

Really nice selection of plants, and the greenhouse helps in keeping a lot of things healthy and happy. The cafe is really cute, although I think that's attributed more to the kitchy crafts and gifts for sale more so than the cafe itself. It doesn't look like a full service cafe from what I could tell and the employees by the register seemed anxious that I was looking around at the coffee station -- probably not in the mood to whip up a cappuccino for anyone at that moment. Either way, Good Earth has a wide selection of beautiful things to grow and a whole lot of stone/cement statuary -- mainly fountains and bird baths, but plenty nonetheless. A pretty place to gather pretty things for your garden. read more

Spent my morning here today. Had several questions, no one in sight. Made my decisions, went to counter. Eventually a scowling, pony-tailed man came out, rang me up, stated $160,and held out his hand. Never met my eyes,smiled,said thank you....nothing! Is this dude the owner? If not, he needs some training or a different job. Plant selection a little wider than the big box stores, but expect to pay triple the average price. Not worth it overall. I wont be returning to the "Good" Earth read more

This place is local and fantastic. Excellent customer service in both their garden center and their cafe. On our last trip, we bought plants for our home. The employee helped us with everything we needed and answered all of our questions. We had sandwiches and smoothies in the cafe which were delicious. The lady serving in the cafe was so friendly and helpful. I can't recommend them enough. I have been there many times in the past and have had the same wonderful experience. read more

Ah the dilemma of the DIY landscaper/yard shaper in the west 'burbs. You can go to Home Despots where plants are cheaper but you are on your own for help, or you can go to someplace like Good Earth. Folks are pretty knowledgeable, and willing to share that knowledge. They often have plants that other greenhouses/nurseries do not. Ain't cheap, but it's River Forest, so the locals can afford it. If I was loaded I would buy all my plants from here. read more

Unfortunately, as much as I'd love to rate them higher, I have been disappointed a number of times since they've opened. Here's why: 1. Lack of organic, sustainable, hormone and antibiotic free produce and meats. With a name like Good Earth, I was hoping they'd differentiate themselves from the other big box stores in Elmhurst and offer healthier options. Unfortunately, not only is their produce conventionally raised, it always looks a couple of days old. 2. Poor quality of service. Honestly, although everyone is very nice, their service is . . . well, a little inept. It takes forever to make a crepe; forget about trying to order one over the phone to pick it up! And I've been in their garden center trying to find someone to answer a question to no avail. Great concept, though - I find it convenient to have a small neighborhood store that I can run into for a couple of things instead of battling crowds and the parking lot at the local Jewel or Dominicks. But they'd definitely improve in many customers' minds if they had more organic foods and fresher produce. And improve their quality of service. On the plus side, they do have a decent wine selection for a small store. read more

Only open to 5PM weekdays, which is weird for a store, and especially weird for a café. Went here for a wreath and some boughs. Paid $21 for a small wreath with juniper berries and cones. It took a while to pay for it, they seem really understaffed. Nothing was really going on in the café, but I guess if you stood there for long enough someone would come over. read more

I visited this shop over the weekend at the urging of friends and found the combination greenhouse and market quite inviting. Staff were friendly and helpful even if the coffee bar/station moved a little slow. Enjoyed exploring the wine selection and found the beers quite diverse. Overall I think the proprietors are trying to raise the bar in Elmhurst. About time! read more

Have had to go there twice during the the shelter-in-place because they were the only shop that had what I needed. I went both times with mask and gloves and planned to keep at least six feet from anyone else--- as much for their health as mine. I wrote off the first incident because it was early on and perhaps everyone hadn't got the message. Went again in the last week. Tried to make a super quick, surgical strike. The place was slammed. No one was counting customers. Customers were reaching across one another, fingering merchandise, putting it back. Yes, there were (confusing) arrows on the floor near the till but no one was enforcing that people obey. Many customers were without masks or gloves. AS WERE THE STAFF. When I asked the staff why they said they couldn't be bothered. Additionally, the staff were most unhelpful and downright rude. I will never, ever go there again and I will be sure to let everyone know what to expect if they do. read more

Lovely place, great service, nice plants, singing birds, and delicious coffee and snacks in cafe. Thank you for this wonderful experience!

It makes me so sad to rate this place only 2 stars - but I'm thinking of giving it another chance. Maybe I didn't get the full expirence? Maybe I missed something?! Someone fill me! I just don't get it. Yes, the greenhouse plants are great and much appreciated in the burbs...but that's about it. I mean, yes they do make crepes as well - and you get to watch - but what's the big deal? From what I saw: -the groceries aren't unique or nutritionally savy -everything seems pricey -the cafe is big but the selection of eats is small -they don't have much to eat that is vegetarian friendly I mean, I'd rather go to Trader Joe's and then hit up a plant shop for somd good herbs. So again, what am I missing? I almost feel like this place is at it's peak in the early morning for the coffee go-ers, but again, who knows. Never tried their coffee. Overall just not impressed. I would love it if they either dropped their prices or got some really hard-to-find goodies in there. read more