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Gethsemane Garden Center
Category: Shopping Home & Garden Nurseries & Gardening Nurseries & Gardening [Edit]
5739 N Clark St(between Edgewater Ave & Hollywood Ave)
Chicago, IL 60660
Neighborhoods: Andersonville, Edgewater
(773) 878-5915
Announcement
Warm up in our Greenhouse! We have a large selection of unique tropicals, cacti, succulents, bonsi, & orchids. Stop in and see!
- Hours:
Mon-Fri, Sun 10 am - 6 pm
Sat 9 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
140 reviews for Gethsemane Garden Center
Review Highlights
"so friendly and such great flowers, plants and etc."
(in 80 reviews)
"We buy our Christmas tree here every year."
(in 8 reviews)
"Their greenhouse is a slice of HEAVEN in the winter."
(in 15 reviews)
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140 reviews in English
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Review from Jennifer S.
Chicago, IL
2/7/2012 6 photos
I want to live here! I visit about ten times a year and alway choose one day just to go take pictures. My husband and I got married this past year a couple blocks away at St Gregs and rather than have a florist, we just went to Gethsemane, bought a ton of flowers and had potted plants line the pews. St Gregs ended up planting all of our wedding flowers in their garden ;)
This place is beautiful, the staff is super helpful and chatty and I always feel happy after leaving (albeit, broke..)
Thanks Guys!! -
Review from Sharee M.
1/17/2012
I have never shopped here, but I did attend a garden and community show one say in the summer. It was really cool. I got to see a lot of local artist and businesses as well everything that this place has to cover. It was great to walk around and look at all the plants that they sell. They also had a lot of other items for buy as well.
In the summer, I might go back and get some flowers for my apartments to plant. Great job on the fair last summer!Listed in: Da' Edge
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Review from Phyllis S.
Chicago, IL
12/30/2011
Okay, if you are going here, prepare to encounter legendary Andersonville 'TUDE that is only exceeded by the servers at The Hop Leaf.
Take a deep breath and remind yourself that the workers here are cranky and snooty because of the high rent they pay to live in the neigborhood and the stupid questions that they constantly get asked by the patrons. (I actually LIKE to visit Andersonville, by the way.) I'm giving this place 4 stars because visiting it is still an incredible experience.
Prepare to park a few blocks away and walk, cause parking sucks, especially on a weekend. Bring your patience too if you choose to go on a weekend in the summer (like I did).
That being said...this place is amazing. If you are visiting Andersonville, be sure to stop in to experience it. It's kinda like a visit to a botanic garden greenhouse, with the added benefit of being able to buy the plants you like.
The plants are displayed in an indoor fairyland that has its own individual climate zones in the different buildings. There are lovely statues, fountains and garden decorative elements.
The selection of plants, whether indoor or outdoor is mind-blowing. I'm no botanist, but I can tell it is quite varied.
The prices seemed rather high to me, so I'd suggest that you only go there to buy the plants you can't find anywhere else.
Remember, if you are looking for houseplants, the staff at Marguerite Garden Inc, is just down the street and the staff are WAY nicer there. -
Review from Sara B.
Chicago, IL
2/7/2012
this is a great shop. they are all very knowledgable about plants and flowers. i also love to go to the garden/plant shows that they offer.... great Customer Service too.
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Review from Jeffrey S.
IL
1/28/2012
Can't beat having this oasis in the neighborhood. Year round offerings to make your home more beautiful and lush. A little on the expensive side but it beats getting a plant from Home Depot and missing all that botanical foreplay with the super knowledgeable and very helpful staff.
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Review from Patrick O.
Chicago, IL
12/7/2011
We go to Gethsemane every year to get our live Christmas Tree and as always there is a great selection to chose from. Even at this crazy time of the year the staff is always friendly, pleasant, and not a rude person in the bunch.
The young woman who helped was dealing with 4 different customer's at once and handled it perfectly.
They do offer a modest delivery charge if you want your Christmas tree delivered to your home. They do wrap the tree and do a fresh cut on the bottom of the tree so that it will be able to get water when you place it in the tree stand.
Love this place great for any time of the year garden needs.
Great asset to the Andersonville neighborhood. -
Review from John And Jen R.
Chicago, IL
12/29/2011
This is a fantastic Nursery! I went here with the hubby one weekend and I forget the gentleman's name but he was so nice and helpful. It was my first time really buying plants for the home and he educated me and told me everything I need to do to care for it. I could definitely tell that the plant had already been cared for and grown properly. At first i thought that this place was a little pricey so we also bought a few plants from Home Depot for cheap. Well here we are months later and the plants from home Depot have died and the Gethsemane Plants are still holding true. You pay for what you get... I will return Gethsemane!
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Review from Tom M.
Chicago, IL
8/28/2011
The staff here is the shizzle.
The selection of plants (houseplants are my vice) is off the chain.
What a gem. -
Review from Frankie R.
Chicago, IL
9/17/2011
sweet baby Jesus.......this place is FABULOUS!
Granted, here comes a big ol gay boy with a cart full of plants....I was a walking target and sales person's dream come true, I'm sure.
But the sales folks there were SUPER knowledgable and so willing to help suggest plants for me.
And they are totally willing to give you great deals.
Every employee I encountered was amazingly nice. Two thumbs up! -
Review from Mark S.
Chicago, IL
4/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Look - I love this place. What's not to love about it? They have everything and extremely high quality plants. The prices here are just too high. I would rather drive just North of Skokie to [won't tout a competitor in this review] and save a few bucks. That said:
Staff: 5 stars
Selections: 5 stars
Quality: 5 stars
Setup / Layout: 4 stars
Price: 1 star
Don't get me wrong - I will continue to shop at Gethsemane! -
Review from Susan D.
4/10/2011
Having just moved to the vicinity, I had noticed the lovely yellow signage for this place as I passed by on Clark Street quite a few times. I vowed that as soon as the weather warmed up, I would go in and get some house plants. It was over 70 today, so this was THE day!
I walked in and fell in love, instantly. How can anyone NOT like flowers and foliage? I could see right away that I was in for a treat. I grabbed a cart because I knew I'd be getting too much to carry around. It is such a pleasant place to be - taking in the beauty of the well-tended botanical garden wonderland. It is like the Disneyland superstore of gardening, but without the sterile, uncaring feel of a cheesy store like Walmart.
There is so much to choose from. I wanted one of each! All of the plants, flowers and shrubs are beautifully maintained. It is apparent that they have the best home until they find a new one with a customer ... and many probably actually have it better there!
The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. You never have to go looking for help, because it is right there around every corner. If you tell them what you want, most likely they have it -- and if not, it'll be on its way at some point. They are full of ideas, intriguing and helpful information. If a prototype of a garden center were to be used -- this would be it! It is clear that all of the staff love their jobs and have a passion for what they do. Which means an extra bonus for customers. This will be my go-to for all my gardening and plant needs. They just do it the best! -
Review from Chitown D.
Chicago, IL
3/16/2011
To quote Flavor Flav, don't believe the hype.
There's no question that there's a great selection and staff are knowledgeable and nobody enjoys supporting local and private businesses more than I do, but the markup here is unbelievable. Not to mention that the traffic/parking for Gethsemane is probably responsible for half the accidents or near misses in the city.
Honestly, I end up killing most of my outdoor plants by about mid-August, but even if I kept them until the first frost, it's just crazy expensive. If you feel strongly about the plants, fine, I understand - but please, please do not buy watering cans, potting soil, or any other supplies there, as it's just daylight highway robbery and reinforces their price jacking. I have honestly found all these supplies elsewhere (at the hardware store across the street, not Lowes or Home Depot) for more than 50% less. Don't even get me started on the price of the Christmas trees. Ouch!
After being a sucker for years, I now opt for a nice family-owned nursery in Evanston that has plenty of selection for much better prices. -
Review from Kristin P.
Chicago, IL
6/28/2011
Love, love, love Gethsemane. Can't say enough good things about it. I'm not the kind of person who considers shopping fun, but a visit to Gethsemane is like visiting a botanical garden. I could hang out there all day. The place is huge, beautiful, and has EVERYTHING.
The thing that really keeps me coming back is the people who work there. Every employee I have ever encountered has been so unbelievably, thoroughly, exceptionally helpful, knowledgeable and just plain cool it astounds me. Where do they find these people? I arrived in Chicago 4 years ago a novice gardener and now I actually feel like I know what I am doing because various Gethsemane employees have patiently answered all of my endless questions time and again.
Yesterday, one employee (if only I could remember his name!) spent nearly half an hour helping me pick up an entire collection of 20 plants for my shady, hard-to-grow-stuff-on deck, carefully considering aesthetic compatibility as well as consistent watering needs. I'm a little Type-A when it comes to this stuff and thought I was being the most high-maintenance customer ever but Mr. Cheerful seemed to be enjoying the entire exercise and when we were finished, He thanked ME!
You will pay a little more here than, say, Home Depot, but the prices aren't outrageous and it's well worth knowing that your plants will thrive instead of shriveling up halfway through the summer.
Did I mention that I love this place? -
Review from Christine F.
Chicago, IL
4/30/2011
Every year, I think I can keep a plant alive, and I head over to Gethsemane for some hanging plants.
I never actually succeed at keeping the plant alive (sniff) but this place has a great selection of stuff. Herbs, hanging flowers, potted flowers, you name it, they probably have it.
Hopefully, dear reader, you have more of a green thumb than me. I would probably give Gethsamane more business if I had more confidence in my plant upbringing abilities. -
Review from Gary B.
12/9/2010 1 Check-in Here
We have been here several times as it is close to home. They do offer a wide arrange of seasonal flowers, pots etc. They are always busy and the holidays add a whole new level to "busy"
We go here each year to buy fresh garland and poinsettias. My suggestion is to have a plan so that you can avoid the squat shoppers or people who are plain clueless.
Our plan is consistent...hit up the outdoor area first. Make your selection and they will give you a receipt for the cashier. Next head to the greenhouse area to make your selection, drop them off with the lady who will wrap them and provide you with a receipt for the cashier. Next, head indoors to pay for your items. Warning...it will be extremely hot in there.
Once your are finished reverse your route...pick up your flowers, head outside to pick up your items and you will be on your way.
I do have to say that every person that I have dealt with have been extremely friendly and helpful. Maintaining their pleasant nature has to be difficult when you are dealing with the public and either freezing their ass off outside or burning up inside. -
Review from Laura W.
Chicago, IL
3/21/2011
First off: http://www.howjsay.com...
The pleasure of walking through the Garden Center makes it a worthy destination, whether or not you're in the market to buy a plant.
If you grew up loving "The Secret Garden," it's easy to romanticize a stroll through Gethsemane's abundant greenhouse. Then there is the section of fountains, gargoyles, and other stone wonders that remind me of relics that might be found in one of the courtyards of Miss Havisham's dilapidated mansion.
Adorable gift shop, and the most gorgeous collection of handmade Polish pottery I've ever seen. Two friendly sales ladies helped me pick out a piece to send to my mom. They informed me that the pricing of the pottery depends on the density and intricacy of the patterning on each plate.
Maybe it is nostalgia that stirs me most deeply when I enter Gethsemane, but it's been enough to inspire me to educate myself more about living green things. -
Review from Rachel L.
8/16/2011
Fabulous nursery. I went here to get new plants to go in a corner. I was able to describe the light conditions where I wanted to put them, and the guy took me around and showed me what would work. When I did pick my plants, they not only wrapped them up and took them out to the curb for me, but the guy also drilled a hole in the new pot for me so that it would drain properly. My only minor complaint was that on a Sunday afternoon they were so busy that it took a while to find someone to help me.
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Review from Jade T.
7/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
So, um ....
I don't know anything about plants. I don't pretend to know anything about plants. I don't have a garden or indoor greenhouse. Anything that's green is in refrigerator.
Why did I go to Gethsemane? To buy a baby cactus for a photography assignment.
However, I was pretty damn impressed with this place.
- It's HUGE! Taking up about two-ish blocks of Clark St.
- Super friendly and helpful (they approach you, instead of avoid you - which is good)
- Large and diverse selection of plants (I think)
- Reasonable prices (I think)
- Great for browsing (and buying, of course)
- Oooohhh, fresh herbs! Suck it $3 2oz basil in plastic!!
I know this review isn't too helpful at all, but I'm telling you if I ever develop a green thumb I will be going to Gethsemane regularly. Maybe if I ever befriended a botanist or gardener, I'd take them here. I wish I could sleep in their water fountain section, it's that soothing.
Oh, and I got my barrel cactus and named him Jose. 5 STARS!! -
Review from Lakshmi R.
Chicago, IL
6/20/2011
I've always had wonderful experiences here. This morning was no different. In search of herbs, potting soil and advice, my bf and I stopped in to see what could be done about my infant basil plant, a random houseplant, and whether it would be possible to grow rosemary indoors. We received a negative on the rosemary, thanks to the particularities of my windowsill/sunlight situation. But a green light for mint. And lots of information on repotting, soil and pruning that was incredibly useful for a plant-killer like myself. The staff here are so nice and helpful, the prices are reasonable, and I can't wait to return.
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Review from Minna A.
10/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
"L.O.V.E. Y-O-U." by Wyclef Jean, no joke, the song that played in my head when I walked in the doors on a sunny Saturday morning. Weird? A bit.
It's BEAUTIFUL inside! The garden center spans a whole two blocks and has so many variety of plants, even as the Chicago Winter looms nearer.
The staff is so knowledgeable and patient, and even stuck with me and my friend as we kept going back and forth, back and forth on what to get. Convinced my friend (who was looking for a mid-sized house plant) of getting a better, low maintenance plant then the one that was more aesthetically pleasing. The total cost for his 3.5 foot tall plant? A mere $20!
I also bought some African Violets for my window pane. Now I'm not one with a green thumb, but it's hard not to be with the resources and guidance the staff here provide! I wish I could go back and buy a whole vegetable garden. Maybe something I'll start planning for spring?
Oh la la~~~~ -
Review from Willem V.
Glen Ellyn, IL
9/6/2011
First of all, they were open Labor Day and since we were in Andersonville, that was a pleasant plus! We went to check out the Bonsai plants and accessories as we are horribly starved of any of that in the West Suburbs, it's truly amazing how little quality ANYTHING you can find in Bonsai in the burbs.
At first glance we felt we had landed in Bonsai heaven, and this certainly holds true for the quantity and quality of the offerings. At second inspection the variety of species is OK, but is your rather common fare of Chinese tropicals with the exception of a few very nice and very expensive trees. An OK assortment of pots were also rather common and colorful, and over half of them turned out to have their watering trays irremovably and often crookedly glued to the pot. Upon asking, our friendly store assistant thought that was a strange question, why wouldn't they be glued? :-). Price-wise we felt they were somewhat over the top and pretty much asking top dollar for everything. Andersonville can probably carry such price-point, and perhaps I want my cake and eat it too..... but too rich for my taste. My rating is definitely reflecting the high prices. Nice enough store though. -
Review from Aimee M.
8/4/2010
If there was a group for folks with black thumbs (as opposed to green thumbs) that would be the group for me. Unfortunately, I didn't get the gardening gene that my mother carries (must be a recessive gene).
But I'm bound and determined to change that. Gethsemane is a perfect place to learn more.
First, the staff is so knowledgeable. The old saying that you should learn something new every day? I learned a lot that day--light refraction from windows, NASA testing, clean air plants, watering guidelines--all so interesting and helpful! And they're not snooty with that intelligence either. I was greeted immediately when I entered and everyone I encountered was friendly and really seemed to love working there.
Second, this place is huge. Tons of different flowers, herbs, houseplants, vegetables. And everything looks so healthy and beautiful. Even if I wasn't interested in plants, I know I would have stopped in to browse.
I left with 2 interesting flowers and some mint and lemon thyme all ready for me to take care of. I was so impressed with Gethsemane, I'd love to come back and visit every season.Listed in: Outside the Mall
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Review from Netta S.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 11/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
Back in 1985 or so , I happened upon a tiny little garden shop. It would become the place where my growing little family would embrace autumn with a bright orange pumpkin and seemingly on the coldest day in December pick out our "it's really too big for the living room" Christmas tree.
As my boys grew so did Gethsemane. We went from an awesome back porch garden with flowers cascading the banisters and sweet cherry tomatoes. To a Rogers Park two flat with hellebores and giant elephants ears showcasing the block.
Gethsemane will be my retirement job. I have spent so much money here and have garnered so much satisfaction from doing so. You will love it.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/5/2010
Back in 1985 or so , I happened upon a tiny little garden shop. It would become the place where my… Read more »
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Review from Rachel G.
9/27/2010
I have been wanting to try Gethsemane forever and finally last week I made it over. Wow....I was certainly impressed and can't wait to come here next Spring for flowers!
I was on the hunt for some Fall Mums and decided to come here b/c the Home Depot/Farmer's market route disappointed me last year. To tell you the truth I was a little nervous coming here b/c reviews made it sound like they were really expensive, so I came prepared. But I was pleasantly surprised when the mums didn't break the bank and were only maybe a dollar more than your typical yard stores.
They had many different types of mums and lots of colors...it was so hard to chose what to get! They were full and flowering and healthy looking. Walking through the buildings, I was blown away by how many different plants, flowers, pots and other awesome garden accessories they had. And their giftshop was cute and so festive for the Fall. I am bringing my mom here ASAP!
They have a small parking lot of the far north side of the property and are only open till 6:00pm on the weekdays (which is a bummer b/c usually I try to avoid shopping on the busy weekends). This place is fantastic and I can't wait to come back. Let's hope their mums stay pretty and don't die on me! -
Review from Lori M.
6/4/2011
Gorgeous greenery ~ breaking my bank
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Review from Susan L.
Chicago, IL
8/10/2010
Wonderful customer service! These folks know their stuff, and know who to ask if they themselves don't!
The plants I've purchased here are high quality, and I think their gift shop is a lovely place to find a present for anyone!
Their greenhouse is a slice of HEAVEN in the winter! -
Review from Unity O.
5/7/2010
So, the truth about me is this... I am truly a product of this instant gratification generation & patience is a virtue I know nothing about. So doing things that take time and a whole lot of something I do not have (patience) seem somewhat ludicrous to me.
All that said...last year I started gardening (weird I know!) for the first time ever. I am not what you would call a "green thumb" nor have I ever desired to be. But, with growing concern for our environment & also all the unhealthy crap they use to grow the stuff we eat. We decided to jump in & try growing our own stuff. Since I am total noob at this, I started by going to Home Depot for supplies until I was gently prodded on FB by one Paige W to try Gethsemane.
Well, I was hesitant to try them because to be honest this place scares the crap out of me. It is so big, beautiful & stocked with all sorts of garden stuff that I just sort of feel lost. Plus it seems all the people who go in there know what they are doing & what they need so it is bit intimidating. Well, I got over myself and wandered on over there to purchase some organic & natural soil for my lovely seedlings for this season.
I was more than pleased with my visit...not only were the staff there friendly, supportive, informative, helpful, courteous, and over all awesome, they did not make me feel stupid for asking questions I am sure they thought tedious. Another plus, is that they do not follow you around while you wander around admiring all that they have...you might get asked a few times if you need help, but otherwise you are left to look & that my friends is lovely.
So...why 4 stars instead of 5, well truth be told their prices are a bit on the high side. I know, I know it costs to try to be all green & stuff...but that is the one thing I hate about this place.
So, if you are in the market for flowers, herbs, plants, pots, lawn decorations, seeds, etc...give Gethsemane a try. You will not be disappointed. -
Review from Erin M.
Chicago, IL
8/12/2010
Not only is this place the best garden store I've ever been to, it's also one of the most calming, Zen places to spend time in Chicago. It's beautiful, friendly, and generally refreshing.
As far as plants, they have the best quantity and quality of both indoor and outdoor varieties. The prices are reasonable and the variety is overwhelming.
They also have an incredible selection of statuaries and fountains. They have everything from St. Francis of Assisi to Tibet-inspired statues to abstract modern-shaped fountains. Even if you aren't in the market for this sort of piece, it is worth taking a stroll through the collection just to relax.
The gift shop is absolutely amazing. It ranges in price from "Wow, that's stupid cheap" to "I'll buy this when I win the lottery." Everything they carry is well crafted and extremely unique. It is a good place to gift-shop for any occasion. The merchandise covers a massive spectrum: kitchen and house-wares, jewelry, decorative items, indoor vegetation and accessories, odd books, ornaments, nursery items, live finches, wind chimes, mobiles, and on and on and on.
At Christmas, not only is this the best place to shop for gifts and decorations, it is also the absolute BEST place to get a freshly cut Christmas tree. There are hundreds and hundreds of trees to choose from; all different species, heights, widths, and price ranges. They are all carefully handled and in wonderful condition. The staff is friendly and happy to help you find the perfect tree. They have streamlined the entire process and are so helpful that the entire tree-getting experience is completely stress free.
Kudos on everything. This place is perfect. -
Review from Kirsten A.
Chicago, IL
5/31/2010
This was my second year returning to Gethsemane for summer flowers and even though it was POURING rain, it was just as wonderful as the last time.
This cute as can be yellow cottage inspired building houses tons and tons of flowers, gardening items, seeds, gifts, and more. The staff is super helpful! They can answer just about any question you have from why your succulents are leaning to feeding your orchid or even what plants are the best for balconies with lots of wind. They'll help you design your floral layout with their expert eye too!. This time, the poor employees braved the rain in the open air sections with nary a complaint to be heard. A lovely young gentlemen traipsed about the aisles with me, shirt soaked, pointing out red flowers I might like.
As far as prices, I have found them to be reasonable compared to other gardening places. Yes, sometimes they can be more than the big box home improvement stores, but you get what you pay for. I'd rather spend a few dollars more for plants that are well loved and a sales staff that has tons of knowledge! A must do for the plant lover. I can't wait to stop by for Christmas and check out all the greenery then too. -
Review from Daphne L.
4/13/2010
Annuals and perennials and herbs, oh my!
Yet another business I have driven or walked past dozens of times and said "I have to check this place out." When, oh when, am I going to stop waiting so long and get in these places? We are novice gardeners, decided just this year to redo our yard, and with Home Depot a block away we've made that our primary place for all things garden, but no more! Gethsemane is THE place for your outdoor needs with everything you need under one roof. We walked into the outdoor planter/ceramic area, and, great moogly boogly, they have an unbelievable selection. All shapes, colors, sizes are available. We walked thru the shrub selection, the greenhouse, and inside. I could have spent an entire afternoon selecting amazing flowers and plants for inside and outside. They have a great selection of pots..my brain was on overload.
I am currently obsessed with heirloom tomatoes and decided that I'm going to grow my own this year. I found a varied selection and the salespeople were wonderfully helpful and gave me great tips. They told me to stop in or call anytime for help should I need it. Every Gethsemane staffer we encountered was super friendly and helpful, and it's clear how much they love what they do and where they're doing it. This is definitely my preferred yard and garden supply center from now on. -
Review from Elizabeth W.
Des Plaines, IL
6/22/2010
The staff at Gethsemane are 100% awesome. They know basically everything about everything, whether you need help sizing out your trellis plans or want to grow a bonzai tree, and are happy to stand around and go through every little detail with you if you wish. Their selection is excellent; their bird baths are the best around (and I should know; we looked at about seven places before coming back and buying one here); their plants will not die on you so long as you put forth a minimum of effort. Why four stars then?
It's for the same reason I can't give five stars to any garden center I've visited so far. They promote invasive species. I think exotic plants belong in the exotic greenhouse and should be grown indoors. Plants like Japanese Barberry shouldn't be sold as something for your yard, because they spread into local ecosystems and destroy habitats. If I could, I would give Gethsemane an extra half star because they, unlike others, do actually promote the native species they carry--last year I saw a lovely display of native grasses, for example. Unfortunately, having the knowledge and ability to make this kind of display doesn't mean Gethsemane has stopped carrying the dangerous, exotic alternatives.
In any case, they're a great alternative to Home Depot or other hardware store garden centers, as they're family owned and will never have a weekend where they only sell two shrub species, and both are invasive. (I was a a Lowe's recently that had barberry and a species of fig that literally strangles other plants to death, and that was ALL besides flowers.) They also have great little architectural salvage items for your yard, if you're into/can afford that sort of thing. (Sadly, I am the former but not the latter.) They also have a huge parking lot! For a business in Chicago, this is a huge plus. -
Review from Cee T.
Chicago, IL
7/10/2011
A vast array of PLANTS, FLOWERS AND POTS, OH MY! My first visit to GGC was yesterday and I'll be returning today......because, I was given black mulch instead of black soil! I don't mind though, it'll give me another chance to drive the _ miles to get to this wonderful place :)!
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Review from Chris K.
Chicago, IL
11/22/2010
It's a little overwhelming if you are just an amateur apartment "gardener" - sort of like going into Paulina meat market when all you want is some ground beef for burgers. I was walking around in a daze learning more than I could possibly remember about all sorts of flowers and plants. The people who work there are terribly friendly and helpful, and they were able to give me a perfect "prescription" for the plants to choose based on my parameters.
I would like to give it a 5, but the prices are a bit steep. -
Review from Kristen S.
Chicago, IL
8/17/2010
Totally amazing garden center - probably the best staff in the city. They know everything and anything about plants! The guy spent about 20 minutes with me talking about the care and love of gardenias. Oh heaven. And for the first time, with his advice, the gardenia that I bought is actually thriving! Amazing!
They have a bonsai section, which my husband adored. They have a little bit of an expert on staff as well.
Such an amazing place - if you cannot get up to the Botanic Gardens, come find yourself at peace with the plants here. You will not be disappointed and you will probably take something home with you! -
Review from John F.
7/2/2007
Lovely place, but prices are outrageous and seem to cater to Lakefront folks who either don't have cars or don't know hows to get to the suburbs or exurbs where things are cheaper. For god's sake, rent a truck and visit Woldhuis in Grants Park (see my review). Also, their statuary comes largely from Continental and Randy, the owner of that firm, will sell you direct for much less if you pay him cash.
Don't support gougers and don't be so fast to assume you can't get anything similar elsewhere.
PS: They do have a nice clearance sale the weekend after Labor Day. Better buys there on decor than on plants. -
Review from Jo W.
3/28/2009
So... I'm going to let you in on a not-so secret - I hate flowers. Yes, I'm a girl, and I hate flowers.
Yet when my friend took me here today so he could get some plants for his place, I found myself wanting to buy some pretty flowers or plants for my own apartment. I gave up on doing the 'adult thing' of owning a plant years ago when every plant that entered my apartment would die. Clearly I can't take care of another living thing (except my cat, but I'm convinced he's immortal).
Here's the thing I liked about Gethsemane - they had some info cards above every plant. So I found one I liked, but read that it does better in humid environments. Knowing my apartment gets very dry, I knew this wasn't the plant for me. And so I moved on and read up on more plants.
As I wandered around admiring some of the pretty plants, I saw a beautiful orchid on a high shelf. An employee approached me and asked if I needed help. He got the orchid down for me and explained a little bit about it to me. After determining they're pretty but require more maintenance than I would like, he took me around and showed me some other plants and flowers he thought I might like. With each one he was patient with my lack on knowledge and went over care, best environments, and normal life span. I truly appreciated his help, but ultimately determined I'm not quite ready for the responsibility of owning a plant.
While waiting for my friend to finish up what he was doing, I continued to wander around their huge facility. I went from the greenhouse into the actual building and found a large room with decorations for the home and outdoors. They even had *fake* flowers, which is much more my speed.
After my friend finished paying, I noticed yet another large room - this one had candles and jewelry among other things, and I found myself really enjoying some of the small wooden signs they had on display.
Every employee I witnessed was friendly and helpful, like they truly loved their jobs. That is SO nice to see! Another nice touch - when you enter the greenhouse they have a cute table with kleenex for their customers. At first I thought it was for people like me who have allergies wreaking havoc, but then I realized they were for people like me who wear glasses that immediately fogged up thus making me blind. So the kleenex were very appreciated.
In addition to plants, gifts, and flowers, they also have everything under the sun you could possibly need to maintain your plants - beautiful pots, gloves, tools, fertilizers, seeds (can I grow watermelons in my apartment?), sprays... the list goes on.
If you're a plant/flower enthusiast or just looking to start out, this is the perfect place to get started. -
Review from Dave K.
San Francisco, CA
9/14/2006 2 photos
It's like a plant matching service. You walk in, they ask you a bunch of questions about your personality and your living space, and then they find you ten or so suitable plants. Your choice of curtains, presence of children, and desire to paint your walls will all be important factors. I picked out a small Neanthe Belle ($5.99) that should thrive in my low light apartment.
Really knowledgeable staff. I can't wait to go back. After wrapping your plant in a paper bag, and then another plastic clear one, they give you a little handout so that you can't mess things up. Great for indoor plant novices like myself.Listed in: Get out of EV!, Mid-W HOLLA!
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Review from Adele n.
Chicago, IL
9/2/2008
I bought geraniums here in May. They are so fertile that sometimes I think it's a little pornographic. Seriously, they flower like crazy about every ten days. I'm like, "jeez, guys, get a room already!"
So if you're into flower porn, I highly recommend shopping at Gethsemane. -
Review from John B.
5/6/2007
I'm so glad a live a short walk (and shorter bus ride) from Gethsemane. I don't have a lot of outdoor space, but I do have some gardening needs, and Gethsemane can fill them all. Since I don't have a car, it's a plus that they're so near a bus stop. Who wants to be carrying a tray of plants for a mile?
Gethsemane truly is a "garden center." In addition to plants and planting needs, they have tons of other stuff for your outdoor space: fountains, decor, garden furniture, you name it. In the fall and winter, they feature tons of potted plants and indoor decorations, including Christmas ornaments and wrapping paper. This is always where I buy my Christmas wreaths and garlands.
Gethsemane gets knocked down a star for a couple of reasons. First, they are pricey. I've stopped buying herbs here, since I know that if I wait a month, I'll find cheaper -- and hardier -- herbs at the farmers market. A friend who knows what she's doing buys her perennials here, but buys her annuals, which are going to die at the end of the season anyway, at Home Depot. The other problem with Gethsemane is that they treat everyone like they don't know what they're talking about. This is understandable, since most of their customers probably don't, and it's good that the staff is knowledgeable. But I've been here with people who know their stuff, and sometimes it's hard for them to get a straight answer. Sometimes it's better to say "I don't know" than to dodge the question.Listed in: Buy Buy Clark Street
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Review from Robert F.
Chicago, IL
6/23/2008
I've never been accused of having a green thumb, but after an afternoon at Gethsemane, the evidence is mounting. The most obvious thing about Gethsemane is that the employees love plants. This is critical, as it provides the proper motivation to be extra patient with plant illiterati such as I, so I don't take my newly purchased plant and kill it slowly over a period of weeks with improper care.
Thanks to the thorough and entertaining education given by a particularly patient employee, the wife and I are proud gardenparents to a thirsty tomatoe plant, a pot full of aggressive herbs (the quadrouplets), and a Cuban Oregano plant named Fidel.
