We stumbled into The Growing Place on a rainy Father's Day after a farmers market left us wanting…read moremore, and walked out two hours later completely enchanted. In the rain. Nobody complained once. This is not a garden center. It is an experience. The grounds are laid out in a way that feels less like retail and more like exploration, with magical little pockets of gardens tucked throughout that pull you deeper in at every turn. Twenty six gardens maintained across the property, each one more beautiful and considered than the last. We were mesmerized, all of us, adults and kids alike, just wandering and discovering in the drizzle like we had nowhere else to be. The plant selection is exceptional with a strong emphasis on natives, which is exactly what we have been hunting for as we plan out our garden for next year. Prices are reasonable and feel fair for the quality of what they carry. But the real story here is the staff. Joanne has worked at The Growing Place for over 35 years and helps maintain those 26 gardens herself. When our daughter bought a rose bush recently Joanne spent genuine unhurried time with her, walking her through exactly how to care for it. That kind of knowledge sharing and patient generosity is rare and it is clearly baked into the culture of this place. Four generations of family ownership spanning nearly 90 years will do that. You can feel the legacy in every corner of those grounds. They also run community events and educational classes for aspiring gardeners of every level. This is a place that genuinely wants you to grow, literally and figuratively. Our new forever garden center. No question.

Lots of seasonally varietal flowers…read more Safely, Zero vegetables Excellent service by all White American females, sero diversity Us Minorities know how to grow gardens better than anyone!!

Tried out their U-Pick Vegetables and zinnias with my son today. It was a great time. We picked a…read moremason jar's worth if zinnia's for $7. We also picked some San Marzano tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, carrots, and sweet peppers. I would love to buy some chicken eggs next time. My son also enjoyed feeding the goats and can't wait to come back to feed the chickens. All of the staff members were friendly, but Ken was amazing. Even my son said, "He was super nice!"

Since the new owners, Not Just Grass, bought the business from Tim Norris and his family and still…read moreuse the Spring Bluff name, the quality of certain services has gone down. My recent experience is an example of this, I have been a long time customer since Mr. Norris owned the business; I was planning on continuing to use the services of the new owners/Not Just Grass as usual for all my landscape needs. Last April 2024, after working out details in March, I had old shrubs removed from the front of our house and new and different types planted. However, the work supervisor (Tyler) did not come with the work crew to lay out the planting plan, he had given them a work diagram, so unfortunately some of the shrubs were planted too deep, spacing was wrong on one side, and no soil amendments added, etc. I had asked for dirt and mulch to be added, but no mulch was added around the new plantings (I had to do a couple of bags myself around each plant later to help keep the soil moist after watering). They also left deep ruts in the yard/grass with equipment while removing the old, large yews. I contacted Tyler about the ruts and he did have them come back to fix that, however a year later now and the area is still sunken and no grass in spots (I will have to do a proper repair myself again). Tyler did not come back to supervise that original rut repair work. Flash forward to Spring 2025 in March, I contacted Tyler again because 1 of the shrubs had died last Fall (it was planted too deep) and another also looked dead at the time (before leaves started coming out), I let him know this and asked about replacement plants since they were under the 2 year plant warranty that Mr. Norris always provided and currently, Not Just Grass still honors. I never got a response, it was basically crickets. I sent text, e-mail, I called and left a message. I called the office and spoke to Kris who relayed my concern/messages on, but still no communication/follow-up from Not Just Grass/Tyler. Finally, I had run out of patience and had enough of the poor quality of service and called the owner, Greg V. (spoke to Kris again because he was out) and I also sent an email to the plant nursery. I explained to Kris and in my email(s) the lack of communication on their part and that I just wanted a replacement plant for the dead one (that I expected the same variety, a certain size to match the ones that did survive, and for it to be healthy), and that I would come to the nursery to pick it up myself. I also explained that I would be taking my business elsewhere from now on because of the poor service and quality of work. The owner did respond once in an email trying to tell me that Tyler had reached out on May 9, 2025 (nope, I never received a text, phone call or email from him and give me a break - May 9th 2025, when I had been trying to communicate with him since March 2025!!). The owner offered to have them come plant the replacement plant or I could pick it up as I had told them that was my plan. I replied that I hadn't heard from Tyler and that I would come pick it up and what I expected the quality to be, etc. When I went to pick up the plant, I was basically given the cold shoulder by Tyler (landscape supervisor) and Mackenzie (the plant nursery manager), I did see them, but they ignored Kris when she asked Mackenzie if she wanted to talk to me, Kris was told they were busy as they whizzed past us. Tyler indicated to us that the plant was down at the end of the nursery building. Kris, their Admin. who is basically in the office the majority of the time taking care of phone calls and orders, was actually the person who helped me find the plant (it did have my name on it) and load it into my car for me. The soil in the container was very dry, but that also made it easier to lift, and helped us out. I watered it well when I got home. So, there's my recent experience with this company (Not Just Grass) still using the Spring Bluff Nursery name, but not providing the quality of service, plant knowledge, and dependability that the former owners provided to their old and new customers. Also, their prices have gone up! It's just sad and no way to treat loyal customers! I have found another landscape company, thankfully, who have already planted the replacement shrub, added soil amendments, fixed the other planting that was struggling, and nicely mulched the area the way it should have been done last year.

they are super knowledgeable and I love all of the new things taking place here! I have heard that…read moreSchaefer's Greenhouses is planning some awesome things!

I was very disappointed today when I went to Schaeffer's greenhouse 100 year anniversary. I've been…read moregoing to Schaeffer for many years and well as to say it was definitely different when I walked in, but honest to goodness they got a bar there, and the bartender looked like she was an actual street walker totally totally inappropriate for the Schaefers greenhouse that I know I'm not sure where they're wanting to go with this new management stuff, but I guess it remains to be seen but right now I'm not holding out much hope

If you seek attentive service and quality plants, Nelson Holmberg operates the finest greenhouses…read morein the Chicago area. They know how to satisfy their clients with the best green and blooming plants for all seasons. Nelson Holmberg knows the value of customer satisfaction and loyalty. They stand behind their plants and merchandise. You can count on Nelson Holmberg to come through and make you smile. Check out their glorious in-house grown poinsettias! or their Easter lilies, Mother's Day gardens or Fall outdoor mums.... ! Support your local, independent retailers for a strong economy! Speak Polish? ... Ask for Liz... Mowimy Po Polsku! Nelson Holmberg is the very best!

Last year I purchased a Meyer Lemon tree and Got my first Pie from it, Thanks to Colin of Mangel…read moreFlorist in Chicago. What a treat. Always loved plants and this was Amazing to me. kevin j herman,aifd,cfd,ms. Chicago

Easy transaction from order to delivery. Two loads delivered next day and dropped exactly where I…read morewanted. Great communication throughout the process. A+ would reccomend.

Looking for a Firecracker Plant, staff was very helpful…read more They had a good amount was directed to the back of the greenhouse. Price was reasonable I also picked up a few other plants. Was worth the trip from Winfield out past St Charles on RT64!!!

This is one of the few places with heirloom veggies, so I visit every spring and get my tomatoes,…read moregreen peppers, and basil. They also have very healthy trees, bushes, flowers, you name it. It's a beautiful place--the way all their landscaping is set up. Too bad the parking is not. Montgomery has the better parking lot, but not as many veggies. Try to visit during an off hour, while people are working, so you don't have an issues. It's very difficult to leave without something you don't need, so keep that in mind :)

I've never been but they are the first place I call for help when it comes to caring for my Majesty…read morePalm. Everyone Ive spoken to has been caring, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable when it comes to being a plant parent. There have been times where I've been at my wits end with insect issues and theyve turned my day around by just simply chatting with me abt steps i can take to solve the problem. Highly recommend them!

I went here to find some baby trees for out landscaper to plant for me…read more The trees were low-cost and shall grow to be quite lovely My husband rented a U-Haul so that we would not get dirt in his SUV (which turned out to be not required, they laid down plastic) I was able to bring our dogs on a leash and we all had a great time Very nice service and I was able to see what the trees would mature into in about 8-12 years

What a beautiful Nursery! as the Former Publisher of Gardening How To, I've been to many Garden…read moreCenters. Lupe and Angie were amazing. Lupe was extremely knowledgeable about Plants, Trees... their service has been great. Love that they have events as well.

Words can't explain the quality and variety of plants available here. Prices are excellent as…read morewell. Annuals, perrenials, vegetables make this a great one stop shop. In addition, they provide employment for a diverse group of individuals. This place deserves your support.

Great non for profit to support and employ special young adults and older…read more Go for,your spring, summer and fall flower needs! Prices are very reasonable. Staff is very helpful. Go early or later in the day to beat the mid day weekend rush. Love the mission to help and work with those in need.

My boyfriend and I were in downtown Geneva checking out some of the shops before dinner when I…read morenoticed there was a plant store. I am so happy I found this place! Their plants look really healthy and they have an amazing selection. I had been looking for a scindapsus pictus (often called a satin pothos, but I learned while I was here that it's not actually a pothos). The nurseries I'd been to never had one and so I was pleasantly surprised they had quite a few to pick from! Laura was super helpful and kind! They have a really pretty setup. They sell adorable decor and plant pots as well. As someone who is new to plants, I appreciated Laura's expertise and advice. She answered all my questions thoroughly. I was advised that I could buy soil for my plants from them in the future whenever I need to repot. She gave me a plant card with information on how to care for my plant at checkout. I also joined the plant points program. I live kind of far but will drive out here again to buy another plant, soil, or anything else I may need in the future! If you're a plant person, you must visit GROW Geneva.

I stopped by with a friend when I was in town, and I hadn't been to their new location. This one is…read moreso much bigger than their old shop, so it's great to see that they're doing well. They have a good mix of common and more rare plants, and prices are reasonable for the most part. Their $5 Saturday in store and online plant special is always a good deal (the day I went it was a 4" peperomia frost in store and a 4" lipstick plant online). Their new store has more homewares, jewelry, and gifts/trinkets than their previous location, since this one has more space. They had some cute things. Definitely a fun place to browse, and for plant-lovers like myself it's extremely hard to walk out empty-handed.

We went to Wheaton nursery to find good privacy trees for our yard. With the help of a worker, we…read morewere able to select the ones suited for the space. They were able to deliver and plant (at extra cost) and have 1 year warranty so if they don't work out, it's nice to know they stand behind their trees.

Very friendly staff, tons of plants inside. They also have an outdoor area. They have a kids corner…read morethat amused my child while I shopped, I appreciated it!