Johns Nursery 210

It’s clear that the owner, John, consistently displays a rude attitude, and unfortunately, the staff tends to follow his lead. At first, I wondered if my experience was unique, but after seeing numerous reviews echoing complaints about poor customer service and disappointing interactions, it’s obvious this is a recurring issue. John and his team need to smart up if they want to stay in business, there are several other nurseries nearby offering attentive service and quality products, it’s not surprising that John’s Nursery often appears deserted. Customers now days are looking for businesses that value them, and this nursery falls short in that regard. Try Fruit Trees Only in County RD 16A, the owner there is smart and will value your business.

This was our 2nd visit and it is truly the nicest nursery in the area!! Everyone who work here is extremely helpful!! The quality of the plants they have is AWESOME!! We bought 2 Crepe Myrtles today and they were outstanding compared to another nursery in the area that we visited yesterday. We will definitely continue to come back to buy all of our plants here going forward!!

Misleading Advice and Dismissive Customer Service I recently had a very disappointing experience at Johns Nursery on CR-210 in St. Johns County that I believe other customers should be aware of. I visited the nursery specifically looking for Blue Daze plants. I did not see any available, but I did see morning glory, which can look somewhat similar. Wanting to be sure, I asked a male employee behind the counter—who appeared to be either a manager or owner—if morning glory was the same as Blue Daze. He confidently told me that they were the same plant. Relying on that information, I purchased four plants and took them home. After planting them next to my existing Blue Daze, it became obvious they were not the same plant. I called the nursery and spoke to the same individual. When I explained the situation, he giggled and asked what I wanted him to do about it. I simply requested the correct plant, given that the purchase had been based on his guidance. I even asked if he wanted me to dig the plants up and bring them back. He told me to do so. I dug them up, returned to the nursery, and found the same person behind the counter. At that point he again insisted that Blue Daze and morning glory were the exact same thing—going so far as to say it was the “most popular plant on the planet”—and then refused to take the plants back because they had been planted. [Side note: Use Google, ChatGPT or go on any botanical website Blue Daze and Morning Glory to find they are not the same plant.] The issue here is not simply about four plants. It is about being given incorrect information by staff, then being treated dismissively when attempting to resolve the problem. When I mentioned that I would not return and would share my experience with neighbors, the response I received was mocking rather than professional. Customer service matters, especially for a local nursery where customers rely on staff expertise when choosing plants. Unfortunately, this experience demonstrated a lack of both product knowledge and basic respect for customers. Based on this experience, I cannot recommend Johns Nursery and will be taking my business elsewhere. Update to Owner’s response. I don’t believe I was given misleading information - IT WAS WRONG INFORMATION. Google, ChatGPT or any on-line garden website will confirm (They may have similar blue flowers, but they are completely different plants with different growth habits. Blue daze = low groundcover. Morning glory = climbing vine). My wife has two sisters. They are from the same family but obviously not the same! Now as to not allowing returns on plants. I was advised to bring them in with the person on the phone knowing I already planted them. It was YOUR MISTAKE in providing wrong information. So, don’t take them back but provide customer service…own up to your mistake and try to make things right. You literally mocked me infront of other customers when I said I would not do business with you again and would tell my neighbors about the experience. Shameful for any business owner!!!!!

I went yesterday and picked up a couple of plants. They have species that the big stores do not have. Overall, plants look healthy and free of disease. The price is about the same as HD. So don't go looking for a bargain. Their Bougainvillea on a lattice was a couple more dollars than HD. As previous reviews state, they aren't the friendliest bunch. So don't go looking for tea and biscuits. However, they will answer whatever questions you have. Very knowledgeable folks. They provide carts to load up your plants. You then go into the store at the end to pay. Efficient set up. Bring help if needed. They don't offer valet or concierge services. Happy shopping!