I'm giving two stars because the staff there are very nice. But the value is nowhere to be seen. I bought a gift for a co-worker, a salt dish that totaled $30.87, that did not work as her gift. So I took it back 7 days later to find out they will not refund your money. They give store credit...guhreat! Just what I don't need! No refunds should be posted clearly. Now that I know, I will not make the mistake of buying from here again. Be careful before buying anything here- you might just be stuck with it or out your money if their merchandise doesn't work for your needs. read more

If you need a special gift or are furnishing your glamor pad, this spot has what you need. For many years they have curated a beautiful and high quality selection of house-wears, jewelry and gardening items. I love to stop by and window show and seek some inspiration. Sell some stock before you visit, the prices are in-line with the high quality! Half joking, they actually have a wide range of price points so you can likely find something whatever your budget. 4th Street shopping district in Berkeley is a great spot to visit, plan a longer visit and have a bite too. It makes the moderately challenging parking situation feel worth it. read more

So many beautiful things that cost a lot of money here! I've always loved this place but couldn't often afford it. The things I have purchased from here are beautiful and classic and this time around my spouse found a John Derian platter that he could not pass up! Workers were gracious and wrapped the item carefully since we were visiting from out of town. read more

Despite its name, the store sells very little having anything to do with gardening. There's one small corner of the store that has a few gardening items, plus a few plants; but if you want a much better selection of either, go to a real nursery (like Cactus Jungle just up 4th or Berkeley Horticultural). The rest of the store is an eclectic mix of items: books, salad bowls, linens, art, bath soap, jewelry, furniture, and more. Similarly to going to a real nursery if you want a better selection of gardening items, you probably ought to go to a store specializing in whatever it is you're looking for (e.g., if you're shopping for furniture, go to a real furniture store). I guess this is the kind of store you might go to if you want to get a gift, but have no idea what to get. While it's all seemingly quality merchandise, it's way overpriced. Oh, and there are no refunds! Only store credit. I guess if there's one eclectic item you've just got to have no matter the cost (and could never dream of ever returning it), then shop here. read more

Cool little garden shop to poke around in. They have alot of interesting and ultra high end stuff that is either directly related to or at least peripherally related to gardening. As many have noted it is a great place to find that high end gift for the gardener in your life. That being said many items are too expensive to actually use in a garden so I wonder of many simply use them as props more of less. The staff is super friendly and you can think of it as a (I'm totally dating myself here) as a super high end Smith and Hawken read more

See all

Here's how they get you. Nice things, helpful sales people, who don't tell you all the facts. A small sign posted at the counter, but no disclosure by sales staff who keep you talking, and you find out after your $1000 purchase that there's no refund on any purchase. SLIMY. I'm stuck with a Fermob bench that doesn't suit me, because I foolishly thought that my purchase wouldn't be irreversibly permanent the moment I walked out the door. Never, ever, ever again. Anywhere else would treat you better. I wish them best in this economy. read more

One of my all time favorite browse stores. Everything at the Gardener is impeccably curated. The whole store is on my wish list, from ceramics, to housewares, to books to furniture, however prices are fairly astonishingly high. I appreciate their attention to aesthetics and detail, and love walking through here to get inspired. Arguably you cannot go wrong (in my book) with a gift selected here, however it's a spendy establishment, so brace yourself for the Goop pricing. read more

See all

This is a cute little store with cute little boutiquey type things and I like coming around here. Their prices are quite high, but I like to come in, sit in a nice chair, perusing books they have. They are so unique, that just sitting and enjoying the space provides ample inspiration. I've only bought a few things here and am glad for my purchases. But this is a window-shopping/fantasy short of place. read more

I have been coming to the Gardener for a looonnnngggg time, and is always a stop when I come to Fourth Street. The inventory fluctuates but always has something for gift giving (including to me!). Given the closing of so many retail stores these days, I glad the Gardener is still here! read more

This place is a must stop by when you're in the area. It's got tons of trendy and high end products that'll make you want to redesign your whole home! Great spot for gifts for friends as well as inspiration. read more

The Gardener - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Berkeley, California

Oh em gee Meridith. All the items here are amazing. I spent all of my hours parking in this one store alone! I really like their assortment of plants(especially the air plants). I spent most of my time reading the aeration book sitting next to these plants to get more info on them. As far as I'm aware of, I had yet to see anything under $15 so you can only imagine how expensive things can get here. However, if you're a gardener or have a passion for plants and aesthetics then this store is right up your alley. read more

The Gardener - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is a wonderfully curated shop with tons of unique, useful and pretty things. Michelle is awesome! I purchased a few pots years ago, came back recently and purchased a small yellow fermob table and a potting bench. The bench was too big for my car so I had to organize a LUGG to deliver it to Sonoma. Michelle was super helpful. I loved my potting bench so much and ended up using it as an outside bar so I called to see if they had another one and they did! Michelle helped me AGAIN and was excellent in every way. I will be shopping there again. I wish we had a shop like this in Sonoma. They have great stuff that is hard to find and well made. read more

These guys carry high quality items that I personally find to be great choices for gifts. Been coming here for the last 4-5 years on and off and never walked away disappointed I do wish they had longer store hours, but today, Renee was a total boss and gift-wrapped my purchases even though they were less than 10 minutes to closing time. She was super nice about it and the packaging was really nice to look at. I think that's pretty awesome service for someone about to finish up their shift! Definitely coming back again. read more

This is my favorite shop in town - and this is coming from a non-gardener. The Gardener seems to scour the world for items made by local craftspeople. It's like Smith & Hawken meets an upscale, more refined/sophisticated version of Cost Plus minus the food department. The Gardener is in a different league than Cost Plus, but they share the idea of bringing together goods from around the world. You'll find Diptyque candles, poetry books, cookbooks, delicate gemstone jewelry, scarves, toiletries (soaps, lotions), handprinted dish towels, flower bulbs, plates, glasses, notebooks, lunch bags, garden furniture and more. Gorgeous items can be found throughout the store. It's hard to say what you'll see here (because the inventory is so unique, diverse and global). Right now you can find ornaments throughout the store, including some amazing palm garlands and Peruvian woodwork ornaments. My picks: * Handmade copper Indian prayer bells * Eco-friendly metal lunch boxes * Pablo Neruda poetry books read more

The Gardener - Pine garlands - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

Gardnening...not so much! Home decor, jewlery...more like it. Cute shop, perhaps for a gift?? I have loved it in the past, but I was bored on my trip through today. Selection was sparse. I would try again next time! read more

I usually stop here when I come to 4th Street. Today was sidewalk sale time and between that and a walk around inside, I came out with a few nice things. As Jean K. says, the store is charming and features mostly high end and often pricey merchandise. And in terms of Tchochkes that you want and don't need or practical items that you can use, this shop seems to do that better than say Scout on the Temescal area of Oakland. The Gardener title is somewhat misleading in terms of the variety of stuff that they sell. It is also nicely layed out and is fun to explore (like Scout). The staff is also friendly and helpful (No snarkiness here). read more

Beautiful store full of things I will never be able to afford, nor would I really want, but love to look at. I got several ideas for versions of things I could make myself, by crochet or knit. This is the place you go when you have to get something for your mom and it has to be special and you've looked every where else and you are willing to spend a lot of money because you have been beaten down by the modern industrial shopping conspiracy and just want something that she'll like. Or you are rich. Those are the reasons you shop here. I do have to agree with the snarky staff assessment. My friend bought some really super delicate bamboo appetizer forks, with tines that would probably not withstand the weight of a fairy balancing delicately on one slippered toe (and why she got these, I have no idea, as some of her friends, including me, are total slobs and klutzy), and she had to practically beg the guy to wrap them in paper so they wouldn't get damaged on her drive back to Oregon. He did so with a sigh and an eye roll. She didn't ask for a reach around, just paper, so I don't get the attitude. read more

A beautifully laid out store with lots of lovely things to look at. When I used to go here (emphasis is on the "used to") I would often find inspiration for my home and my life. If you buy something here, make sure to have them gift wrap it - as they do the best gift wrapping anywhere - zen inspired, lovely, elegant. The staff/service tends to be snarky holier than thou almost rude rolling eyes we're so smart and chez panisse mafia organic and you're so, oh so, oh boring that I will deign to serve you berkeley cool but that's only part of the reason I don't go here anymore. Here's the other part of why I don't shop here anymore: My wife bought a $200 cashmere throw as a gift for a dear, dear friend. It was on sale, marked down from $500. My wife had been shopping there regularly since they opened. She went to pay for the item and asked for it to be gift wrapped (see above paragraph) She was told that they don't giftwrap sale items. She pointed out kindly that she was a regular customer, and was purchasing this expensive item as a gift. She was again refused - rudely. She asked to speak to the manager, explained (kindly and patiently) her frustrations, again pointed out that she had spent thousands of dollars in the store, and was again refused a gift wrap. (quizzically, my wife still purchased the item. I would have left it on the counter) 2. I had purchased several bamboo cutting boards from this store. I loved their beautiful design and eco-friendly durability. I have several at home, and have given several as gifts. I must have purchased ten of them from the gardener. When I was about to open my cheese store - fifteen miles away, I called them, asked to speak to the manager/buyer and asked for the source of these fabulous boards, so that I could sell them in my store. She refused to share the name of the supplier with me. I explained that I wasn't a competitor, was running a cheese store fifteen miles away, and furthermore that I was a regular and frequent customer. She again refused, rudely saying that "if I gave you the source, we wouldn't be as special as we are. " She hung up on me (that's when I remembered that the Internet exists and was able to find the source in about 30 seconds.) I then discovered that they had been selling these little bamboo boards for 150% of wholesale, charging tens of dollars more than mfrs suggested retail. So let's review, shall we? nice insprirational stuff, well laid out store , really snotty help, inflexible rules and they charge too much for items that you can find elsewhere. read more

Similar to Jeff D.'s review, I have an urge to shoot down The Gardener's stars for its lack of customer concern. I am at odds with their return/refund policy and the LACK of communication about said policy. I bought a book, already wrapped, for my boyfriend. Charged the $25-or-so to my credit card. Down the street, at Castle in the Air (Love!), I found an even better gift for him. Charged the $75-or-so to my credit card. Not being in a position where I can just be droppin' $100 on the excuse that it's the holidays, I drove back to The Gardener the next day to return the original book. I approach the counter. The woman is nice. I pull out the book - untouched by anyone but me and TG employees - and my receipt, and say, "Hi there, I'd like to return this." She smiles at me, does some processing, never asks for my credit card, never asks for my government-issued photo ID, and asks, "Okay, so returning this book for store credit?" "No, I'd like the money just returned to my card. Thanks." She purses her lips and makes this "ahh, your kind never learn" kind of face and taps her finger on the bottom of my receipt, "NO CASH OR CREDIT REFUNDS." "No refunds." she says. "Okay," I say, stewing things over. "I'm not trying to be difficult, but this thing has never been opened and I literally purchased it less than 24 hours ago. It cannot just be sent back to my card?" She shakes her head like, "m-m," and I look at her. I decide not to be hasty in my distaste, and tell her, "You know what, never mind. I'll just take the book." "Just take the book?" Isn't that what I just said? "Yes, I'm not interested in store credit." She asks why I wanted to return the book, in an overly saccharine way. She's like Dolores Umbridge to me now. "Well, I got it as a gift. But I found something more expensive for the person." - I threw in the "expensive" bit hoping she would understand that this was a financial issue for me, and not just a willy-nilly spending spree remorse problem that I have. Alas, they were ill-spoken words, because she apparently thought I meant "I received this book that I am trying to get a CC refund for from a friend. But that friend got a more bank gift from me. So I want to return this cheap thing which my friend bought me but have the money go to my card via this receipt I just so happen to have." "Oh, well, foo on them!" she said, trying to make light of the situation. At this point I didn't want to explain that, again, I am not in a position to be droppin' $100 on the excuse that it's the holidays and decided to think if I had been a victim of poor customer service. A phone call to the store and an icy and sleepy sounding "Well, sorry, that's our policy," and I have decided I have. I plan to head in there one more time. To face what I perceive will be a stonewall of a manager. And explain that if the return policy is not explained prior to my credit card being swiped, then I have NOT been properly informed of what my rights as a customer are. That is poor customer care. Yes, it's, like, $25, but I wouldn't be so incensed if I didn't feel there was a lack of communication there. I mean, seriously, what's $25 in TG store credit going to get me? A toothbrush? Maybe a single martini glass? I'm stuck with a frikkin' book about goat cheese, the tape hasn't even been lifted from its wrapping, and all you can do is make me feel like I've lost an overdue library book? It's a BOOK, it's not like I bought a pair of earrings, wore them once, and pinned them back into the hanger. Hoity toity motherf*ckers. read more

Love this store for the fragrance section & has been my "go-to" for scents I don't find elsewhere-which is nice, who wants to smell like everyone else?! I want to give a huge shout-out to the extremely helpful, professional and very pleasant OMA that has helped me in fragrances. She was very informative re: the Fragonard line and as one of the fragances is no longer made she was very kind (and generous) with sample packs remaining. She did this generous act without my requesting this and left me feeling restored in the goodness of humankind and definitely will get my future purchases from OMA. Thank You OMA!! read more

This is just a fun place to stroll through, even if you don't end up buying anything. They have something for everybody and the layout is really unique and inviting. A lot of really neat artisan and handmade items. Great selection of Japanese gardening tools, which aren't easy to find off of the internet. They are expensive. But, they aren't selling crap. That's the trade off ghasts and ghouls. If you want something that's gonna last and looks good, it's gonna cost you. It blows my mind sideways that people pluck down $10+ a day for a crappy sugary "coffee", but give the sticker shock face when they see a $50 handmade item. (steps off of soapbox) The staff rocks and the inventory is ever changing. It always smells good. A hidden gem in a sadly pretentious portion of Berkeley. Anyway, we dig The Gardener. read more

31/2 -4 Interesting selection of merchandise. Somewhat obtuse. Wonderful design to the interior of the store. Not always so easy to find anything to buy here for my taste. Absolutely beautiful wooden bowls that would be great as a wedding gift. Some new Martha Stewart endorsed hoses in nice colors. read more

For years this was my favorite store. I would come several times a month to browse. Perhaps it just me, because I want less stuff, I never see anything I want to buy or wish I could buy. It is still a nice store but it seems empty and what they do have on display is not as unique as it was was several years ago read more

Every time my husband and I visit the Bay Area we stop by the Gardener store to see what's new! This store provides an incredible collection of unique items, often one of a kind handmade pieces, and showcasing local craftspeople as well as specialty items sourced from all around the world. Great selection of cookbooks and lifestyle books, home decor, and a a limited selection of exclusive furniture. The Gardener does a great job of setting themselves apart from mainstream stores, always aspiring to provide unique and fresh items that you can't find just anywhere. They carry high-end, well made products. read more

Completely overrated! Wake up! They price everything almost triple of what it should be- seen a lot of these pieces before. I was not impressed at all- as soon as I stepped inside I was expecting to be amazed because I heard so many things about this place. Basically it feels like just an accumulation of a rich person who copies a lot of other much more interesting, genuinely unique boutiques. There's an underlying "Crate and Barrel" feeling to it, only they are the "Independent" Crate and Barrel or an Urban Outfitters for adults- that type of facade if you catch my drift. Customer service wasn't as bad as people said it was though. But then again I didn't really talk too much to the employees- just observed. read more

The Gardener caters to more than just your green thumb! Although The Gardener offers garden tools best found at Home Depot or Sears, it's best to splurge on creams, soaps and toothpaste imported from exotic locales (Italy, Portugal or Spain for instance) or nice dishes. I give The Gardener FIVE STARS for selling Botot. read more

Walked in here today for the first time. Now I want to move in here. I do. Interesting and lovely variety. Pricey and reasonable, depending on what you're looking at. They seem more interested in having interesting merchandise than following a preset price range. Refreshing. Came away with some lovely and perfectly balanced drinking glasses $6/each). Left without the $1500 patio chair I really wanted...for now. read more

I have been receiving emails from The Gardner for many years now. My first visit was for a book signing yesterday. It is a beautiful store. All of my senses were awakened by the sights and aromas. The employees were very polite and helpful and I can see how sometimes this level of formality can border on unfriendly or lacking warmth. I wish I had more time to explore. P.S. Just be aware the restroom is unisex. I entered after a child and his dad had occupied it. It was as I imagined after said occupants. Since the store has so many unique items, I wonder if they would be able to find a fun plaque or sign to place on the wall behind the commode to remind those who stand to Please Place Seat Down. read more

The Gardener is a beautiful shop that I love to visit when I'm on Fourth Street. It's true, many items here are unbelievably high priced.. case in point: a 3-piece set of nesting bowls, $425. Yeesh. But a closer look will reveal that many things at The Gardener are actually within a reasonable price range. They carry a variety of great books on edible gardens, succulents, and everything Michael Pollan. They also carry a small assortment of plants, unique artisan containers, and beautiful hand-crafted tables and chairs. Current favorite: Adorable egg-shaped French milled soaps in a variety of scents- choose any six to be housed in an adorable half dozen egg carton, $25. Yay, Easter!!! *Note: Additional stores in Healdsburg, and in the SF Ferry Building :) read more

Beautiful things, but their prices on most items are CRAZY! The staff is cold and snobby, which I never really get, I mean if you want me to buy this really overpriced stuff shouldn't you at least try to be nice. I went in today and despite the fact that it was quiet and there were at least 5 people on the floor I still had to walk right up to someone and ask for help only to have them point me to another person. Aggravating, but I still bought the most beautiful earrings... read more

This place is great for window shopping, getting a gift or some oohing & aaahing. Their prices are on the high end, but they also offer higher end products. They have a variety of fancy soaps, home gadgets and other decorating items. There are also some fabulous pieces of furniture. I love their blend of East & West. This is one of my favorite stores on 4th Street in Berkeley. Don't let the name fool you, because I don't have a green thumb and I still love this place. read more

They had some beautiful and unique gifts here. Their prices were a little steep, but not comical. I personally love their French soap collection which was actually very reasonably priced. Also their collection of different succulent plants outside were gorgeous.... but very expensive. I wanted these so bad it hurt. read more

See all

I live in Montana. Great place to live...bad place to shop! As a result, i am forced to shop online. The worst thing about online shopping is that you don't get to see or inspect what it is you are buying. The gals at this place are amazing! Cyndea and Ona both went above and beyond to send me pictures of the items i was looking for and even looked around the store to try to find more. My stuff was packaged so well, it could have dropped from the sky and been fine. While I'm pretty set with what i have for now, i will be checking back as the next winter holiday approaches to see if any new colors come in. It's probably good that i live far away...or i would surely be broke. Lol. read more

We always stop here as it is a progressive and relevant place to buy decorations and garden plants. I haven't taken the leap to start planting cactus but we often think they are beautiful and look easy to maintain. read more

Looking for the perfect gift?... GO to the gardener. Its a bit pricey but i love this store! read more

I can't imagine this place getting less than a five star rating! This was the first store I ever visited before moving to the Bay Area, more than 20 years back, and it was directional then and remains so now. Warm, organic modern -- I was thrilled to encounter this vibe then, and I still go for it now. In Berkeley, The Gardener is to home goods what Chez Panisse is to food. Good range of price points, with unerring curation. A favorite! read more

Consistently good quality and unique items. Like to stop in whenever I am on 4th Street - have been doing so for years. Beautiful wrap for gifts too. This location has more of a range of products than the dinky space at the SF Ferry Building. Jewelry is pricey, but usually don't go there to shop for jewelry. Other items within a reasonable range of prices, some surprisingly affordable. Another favorite local small business. read more

I was here back in November visiting from Los Angeles and I must say it is such an adorable shop. Such cute jewelry, gifts and home decor all in very good taste. This was hands down my favorite place on this little street of shops. I will be back if I ever make it to berkley again. read more

I may never be able to afford anything here. $32 for a small salad bowl? Forks that cost $10+...each? $150 pepper grinder to accompany the $150 salt shaker? (That's right, $300.00 for the set. NOT a typo) But, whenever I'm on Fourth Street, I drop by anyway just to pretend I'm highly sophisti-ma-cated. Furniture and housewares all made from earthy materials like stone, glass, and wood. Ceramics, plant fibers, and paper products as well. Expensive and posh looking items yet not arrogantly chic. read more

I have often shopped at this store mostly because I supremely believe that boutique type, non-big box businesses need our patronage to survive. I continued to do so not because but inspite of the customer service and staff who are simply horrible. There's absolutely nothing more pathetic than sales people who confuse the perceived value of the merchandise on display at their place of work with their own worth. The first rule for any successful retailer is to ensure that the customer always has a pleasant and memorable experience and will return again and again. There is a reason Nordstrom has done very well even though they offer much less sales than say Macy's - its the superior customer service stupid! Even if contrived & insincere, many of us will pay full price for good service...for the very same reason we do not shop Macy's even if they were giving merchandise away. The Gardener has a well laid out space, the sort that attempts to convince one that pieces of colorful worthless crap mostly made in china these days, is somehow a "must have". One would think that would be accompanied with equally played up happy & warm service. For years my friends and I played along, humoring them as we indulged in shopping trips that supported the store but left us feeling mostly hollow from our encounters with very unpleasant shop attendants with their very dour expressions and frequent under their breath whispering (gossiping) about customers on the floor. Another reviewer used the word "snobbish" to describe them but I beg to differ. That word actually suggests a certain level of accomplishment or footing in society and cannot be ascribed to what honestly are common shop hands who certainly couldn't have too much going for them if they are to be found toiling away at this establishment. Instead these people are rude, sully and generally have a chip on their shoulder for whatever reason. My one friend, a doctor suggests that they may in fact be clinically depressed - she would know. I personally remain curious as to why the owner of this store chooses to convey her disdain for the many customers who support her business by endorsing the terrible behavior of her staff especially the younger ones. To inflict these poorly trained personnel upon patrons who could easily purchase these same items for much less through the various media available today, simply suggests one thing....she can't possibly care! So my friends and I have decided that we will no longer patronize this business until its owner makes the effort to convey the respect and equally high end customer service those who have enriched & supported her and the Gardener deserve. read more