Customers frequently praise the knowledgeable and friendly staff, wide plant selection, and reasonable pricing at this nonprofit garden center. Several reviewers highlight the organization's mission to provide employment for individuals with disabilities. However, lower-rated comments indicate that service quality and store maintenance have declined since previous staff departed, with some noting inconsistent pricing practices at the register.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 92 reviews (87% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 92 Google reviews (55 with written comments, 5 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 42% of reviews.
Most recent review: September 25, 2026.
Service: Gardener serving River Forest, Illinois.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Photos
Customer reviews
4.8
★★★★★
92 reviews on Google
5★80
4★7
3★4
2★0
1★1
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
AR
Avra RobinsonLocal Guide · 165 reviews
★★★★★
This was a sweet little plant and garden store. It was mainly outside with one small trailer type building with indoor items. The people who worked there were lovely...so kind and helpful. Some of the plants seemed a little tired and dry, but I visited in late August at the end of the summer season. I found quite a few healthy indoor plants, which is what I was searching for. They were reasonably priced. The store helps to raise money to support people of differing abilities, which I loved. 💚🪴 One thing to note: if you are driving east on Madison Street, go past the store to find the parking lot. The parking lot just west of the store has signs that say you will be towed if you are parking there and going to Empowering Gardens.
Was walking to another garden center, but this one was closer. So, I went in asking specific requirements to buy an indoor plant for a friend whose dog passed away. Got a plant and pot for a reasonable price! Highly recommend! It's an NGO!
Huge variety of potted flowers, vegetables, succulents, to take home and transplant. Very knowledgeable staff to assist your choices. Some gift items too. Profits benefit services for folks with handicaps.
Staff was awesome, super helpful. The prices are extremely low, it is a non profit I believe. Atmosphere is wonderful and they even gave me some freebies which are doing great! Would definitely recommend stopping in.
They had everything I needed, and the people working were more than happy to greet my son and I, offer assistance, and point out the toys for toddlers to play with the gravel.
Decently priced, and a wider selection than I thought they'd have.
