Houston Garden Center

Since this place has been here, I have heard nothing but horrible things about the customer service. In fact, there was an irate customer when we walked in this evening (should have been a clue). I had been to this location once before to look at plant supplements, and I was neutral about the place. We didn't buy anything then because the prices were outrageous for the supplements. We decided to go back this evening because everything was half off. We arrived at 6:30, browsed the whole place, and fell in love with a couple of plants. We went inside to look at the pots, and we were abruptly stopped and a manager (?) barked at us, ""We're closed. We closed at 8. We didn't know that you guys were still here"". It was 8:05 (I checked my watch). I apologized and explained that we did not know what their hours were (considering that they are not posted on the property anywhere). The last time we had been there, it was after 8, and they were still open. So I asked if any of the registers were still open, hoping that we could purchase the 2 plants and come back the next day for other items. The lady said that one is still open and the cashier would be able to check us out. The cashier, who refused to look in our general direction just stood there. Since we were being totally ignored, I asked the manager (?) if we were still able to check out. The manager (4 feet away from us) ignored my question. Soon, a ""gentleman"" that worked there ran up to the cashier, told her something in Spanish, then rudely said to me, ""No. She can't do it. You have to leave."" It is now 8:07. I placed the plants down, then apologized again for being there after closing because I thought that they were open until 9. As I'm walking out, the manager (?) snidely said, ""I can put them to the side and you can come back to buy them in the morning"". I simply said ""No"", then walked out. Going down the driveway, still in disbelief over the tones of the voices and how generally rude they were, we see that the gates are padlocked and we cannot drive out (it is now 8:10). We turn around and have to get them to get us out. I understand that they were probably tired and ready to go home, but basic manners would have been great. The problem could have been solved in one minute rather than 5. A simple ""I'm sorry, we didn't realize that you were still shopping. Our registers are already closed down"" would have worked for me. I would have apologized and been on my way. Instead, we were barked at by one employee, completely ignored by another, and yelled at by a third. I forgot to add that several employees saw us at 8, but just walked on by, no mention of closing. I admitted to being wrong, apologized, yet received the worst customer service ever. I never argued for them to re-open a register, or commented on the lack of visible store hours or how they were behaving. Had I done that, it would have fallen on deaf ears and I would have wasted my breath. All of this, 5 minutes. more

DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE!!! No one there speaks english not even the manager, or she just chooses just to pretend not to speak english when you need to exchange something. My husband and I brought over 300.00 worth of ""Double Knockout Roses"" in the early spring. Well they are blooming now and they ARE NOT DOUBLE KNOCKOUT'S!!! I am currently trying to contact someone in corporate to get this settled. I feel like if you pay extra for something you should get what you paid for. If anyone else have issues with this location here is the number to corporate 713-218-0860 and join me in my complaints about this sorry place! more

I wouldn't have taken the time to write this review if I hadn't noticed that others have written in with similarly bad experiences. I do not think the poor service is unique to the Missouri City store alone. I think all the stores personify the company business model, ie: hire primarily non documented aliens who barely speak English and supervise them with documented aliens who barely speak English and certainly cannot answer a botanical question. Have you ever tried to call a location? Store phone numbers are non existent in local ads...nonexistent on the company website. They don't want you calling the store. more

Be careful taking your kids here!!! As of April-2009 this place employed a REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER who preyed on small children!!!! BE CAREFUL!!!!!!!! more

I would driive across town and pay higher fees along with gas prices not to have to deal with the people that work at this place. If you hate your job get a different one. Its not my fault you work there, but I do not need to tolerate your attitude due to your dislike of your job. i was looking for plants, grass, rock, and pea gravel. i asked the lady at the desk who had no idea what pea gravel was. After explaining to her what i needed and realizing she had very little english vocabulary I moved on to speak with a manager. The manager for some reason was rude, and had very little interest in my 500.00. I guess they do too much business to need a measley 500.00 bucks for there cash register. After i was treated like shit i just walked out and took my business elsewhere. I will not go back to this place. Pros: selection Cons: worst place customer service wise. more

I have been going to the Missouri City Garden Center for 12 years and regret that my last three visits have been most disappointing: The associates show no interest in the customer, have no desire to help with questions and prefer to stand around in huddles talking (the manager included). Almost all of them do not speak English, so, thinking it was a language issue, I spoke to them in Spanish; I got the same reaction. Absolutely no customer service and proud of it. What a shame. That garden center would be so successful if the associates actually made an effort to sell. The only associates who are hard working and helpful are the ones who load the top soil, mulch etc. I get more customer service at Home Depot so I will just move on and not go o the Houston Garden Center any more.. Pros: Clean, with many varieties Cons: Terrible Service more

I have been in Houston 4 years and never bought plants. When it came time to get some for my balcony I naturally went to the place you see all over town; HOUSTON GARDEN CENTERS. I am bad with plants but wanted to get a few for my balcony with Spring almost here. I asked the manager if he could show me a few plants that would work for me, that would fit my sunlight situation and would be easy to maintain. He then had some guy who does not speak English assist me and of course this guy could not understand anything I said. So I went back to the manager, who was completely disinterested in helping me. I tried to tell him my sunlight situation and budget. He didn't really listen. Showed me two trees in the $60-100 range never even asking what kind of plants I might want or what my budget was (I didn't want trees, I wanted plants and herbs). The 3rd time I was speaking to the manager and he showed he wasn't interested I walked off and left. I will not go back to a place that treats its customers this way, especially a new customer. I can get plants just as easily at Lowe's, Home Depot, Wal-Mart or many other locations around Houston. I would recommend you do the same. more