NATIVE HERE NURSERY is part of a larger organization, California Native Plant Society. The Nursery is located at a well-known intersection in Tilden Park in the Berkeley Hills. NATIVE HERE NURSERY is a few paces away from a large roadsign that points out the locations of the golf course (to east), Little Train (to south), and Lake Anza (to north). Upon visiting the Nursery, one becomes aware of hundreds and hundreds of potted plants, each plant situated inside a chickenwire cage, for protection from birds, animals, and curious fingers. Most of the plants are for sale. All of the plants tend to have a humble appearance. In other words, if you are interested in a splashy heliconia, or a peperomia having a wild design like a painting by Ed Paschke, then you need to go to a different type of nursery. During my visit, I had little chats with five of the nursery workers, two young ladies, and three older folks. The workers are friendly and, although occupied and busy with their plants, are willing to engage in a little chit-chat. To a young woman, I mentioned that the only native plants that I knew about were Fuller's teasel and fiddle dock. The worker's eyes lit up, and she knew these plants. (I was not really seeking any information, except for confirmation that I'd somehow got the names right.) I had a longer conversation with two of the older workers, and to her I mentioned the hardiness of the desert holly and of the creosote in Death Valley, and of the juniper trees in Joshua Tree Nat'l. Park. To this, the woman added that when she was in Arizona, she became familiar with tamarisk living in the deserts. I replied, "Well, I know about tamarack, and so I guess that I can also remember tamarisk." Then I asked her how juniper trees could thrive so well in Joshua Tree National Park, despite weeks and weeks of temperatures of about 115 degrees. The woman replied, "Because Joshua Tree is in the high desert, where one finds more moisture than in Death Valley, and where the nights are cooler." "Thank you!" I replied, "so that explains it!" Please see my attached photos of juniper trees in Joshua Tree National Park and of desert holly in Death Valley. It is because of my visits (and devotion) to southern California deserts, that I was able to have a few minutes of quality time with the Native Here Nursery employee. On my way out, I visited the modest gift shop at Native Here Nursery, and bought a cloth patch and a sticker. These are circular, and they read, "California Native Plant Society" with an image of a yellow flower in the center. read more

Native Here Nursery - The Native Here Nursery worker was able to explain, in part, why desert holly is able to survive in Death Valley. (see my photo) - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Berkeley, California

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All I am trying to do is buy some food for my caterpillars to eat but they really put you through the ringer. Tried calling their phone but it doesn't work you can only leave a voice message. I emailed and asked if they have the California Honeysuckle in stock which they did then they say we cant give it to you because it could spread a disease to oak trees (I dont have any oaks nearby just hungry caterpillars) also they do not ship. I live in California, the California honeysuckle is native to California, the butterflies that live in California lay their eggs on the plant but we cant give it to you. They must really hate money or something I dont know whats going on but I guess this is what you call a business. I later found out you can get the plant on Etsy for half the price they are charging here and they will ship it to you within 3 days! so happy caterpillar cultivating! read more

Fantastic place to get beautiful plants at great prices! The gardeners are friendly and knowledgeable. Nursery is laid out according to where in the Bay the plant is from, so I could easily find plants suited to my garden. Laid back, non profit, and a lot of fun to walk around (since there is a load of info posted about every plant) - doesn't get better than that! read more

This native plant "nursery" is actually located in Berekey's Tilden Park, across the golf course entrance. They're only open a few days a week and it is staffed by enthusiastic plant lovers. There is a wide variety of plants, organized by region, but many are really tiny and will require tremendous TLC to get flourishing in your environment. That said, the prices are average to low. It's like going to an antique or thrift shop...you gotta hunt around for treasures. There are usually several locations with the same type of plant, so if the ones you found look a little scraggly, there might be nicer specimens elsewhere. Keep searching! This place is NOT like a commercial nursery where every plant is pristine. The Bay Area has a bunch of micro-climates and it's unrealistic to expect every plant to thrive in the Berkeley Hills area. I was sad that they didn't have much for the hot/dry climates of the inland Bay Area. I appreciate the signs showing the plants during different seasons. Oh, and did I mention how helpful and friendly the folks are working here? Awesomeness. :) read more

Native Here Nursery - nicer specimens of yellow monkey flower, only $8 - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Berkeley, California

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This is a wonderful non-profit nursery in which sales benefit the California Native Plant Society and the nursery is fascinatingly divided up by the origin of the species. I have spent hundreds of dollars if not more there over the years on our native landscaping. Unfortunately it is currently in a major staffing transition and I was just treated VERY rudely by one of their employees, as well as her managers. It's pretty clear (including based on the current notice on their web site that they are in a transition period) that this place needs to clean house and find new, positive, inspired management and staff. What so soured me on this place? Today, they were out of a species that I inquired about (a beautiful and hard-to-find "Fairy Lantern"), but said they'd get it in soon and to check their web site, but that it will often sell out quickly. I asked if since it sells out quickly, they could please hold one for me and call me when it's in so that I can pick it up, which is what the other native nursery's offer to do for simple inquiries like this - because that is good customer service. I was shocked when a young woman who was ringing me up for two other items not only said no, but when I constructively suggested that they implement a system to do this, she got short with me and accused me of just thinking about myself. What?! I am a native plant lover just trying TO BUY SOMETHING from them! And yet she persisted in speaking rudely and condescendingly to me when all I was asking was to be put on a list for them to call when the species comes in. At that point, I felt like one might expect to feel when being spoken to so rudely, and obviously didn't want to purchase anything from them. When I told the rude employee's managers what had happened, instead of being upset with her for treating a customer so rudely, her managers got upset with ME for getting upset BECAUSE I was treated rudely. I was both shocked and disappointed. It seems pretty clear why this once wonderful native plant nursery is having problems holding good staff -- they need new leadership and management who will re-instill the culture this place once had of excellent customer service. I am sad to say that I will not return here again until I am confident new leadership and staff is in place. Go to Oaktown and Watershed native plant nurseries - they show much more appreciation for their customers and offer far superior customer service. read more

I was worried about overusing water in my garden and wanted to find some draught resistant native plants. This volunteer run nursery was so great. The plants are propagated and cared for by volunteers, then organized by East Bay region, so you can find your neighborhood in their signs, and there's plants that fit your needs. It's not cheap, though not super pricey. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. We got a sticky monkey plant and some grasses. read more

If you are looking to plant local plants that have come from your area, promoting local fauna, this is your place. Super peaceful nursery up in the hills. 100's of species to choose from. They have talks throughout the year on different types of plants and how to take care of them. You can get information on what will survive best in your yard with minimal care and , in many cases, minimal water. read more

I found this nursery by accident and enjoyed my brief visit. Bought one plant and it is still growing - yes this is exciting for me.

This is the place for natives that will thrive where you live, if you live in Contra Costa or Alameda counties. These are not those flashy pampered hothouse darlings, but solid, vigorous plants that are local varieties of staples such as oak trees, grasses, manzanitas, and some fun surprises, too! I have a difficult hillside that resisted nearly everything I planted, till I bought a native needlegrass from my exact area, and now it is naturalizing into a bunchgrass prairie with no effort where others formerly gave up the ghost. With plants it really is all about location, location, location, and these dedicated volunteers have it covered. You get what you pay for! No connection, just love their plants and helpful advice. read more

It's great to have this native plant nursery devoted to local native plants. But the quality and robustness of what they have to offer is somewhat lacking. I wish they could offer plants in better shape.. some are OK but some are not really that great. Stlll, it's great to have the native plants available read more

Just returned from the Native Here annual native plant sale and I have to say that I was amazed at the range of plants they had on hand and how helpful the volunteers were in helping us in our selection. The sale continues tomorrow (10/11/09) and shoudn't be missed! read more

It's that time again! The Bringing Back The Natives Tour sponsored by the East Bay Native Plant Society will run all day Sunday May 4th. The last day to register is April 27th in order to get your booklet listing all the magnificent gardens from Pinole to Fremont on the tour's10th anniversary We all know the state of the State's water this year (longer?). The tour will help you green up without wasting our resources. These are the people we want to talk to about how to mend our ways while having a gorgeous day in the outdoors of eco-happy backyards (front and sides too!). So take in one garden or as many as you can get to. You will feel so knowledgable and satisfied at the end of this day, I promise. Contact bringingbackthenatives.net by April 27 for your guide. They make a $15 donation go a long way but if you can't afford that you are still welcome (please give if you can). Payment is by PayPal. read more