Grove Way Nursery - Hayward, California

Sarah P.

This was a wonderful, bucket list experience for my boyfriend. He has been practicing the art of Bonsai for a couple decades now and has always wanted to come visit Grove Way. This past Saturday i mentioned it and he jumped at the opportunity to go. We spent a wonderful hour or hour and a half walking around enjoying the artistry and mastery on display. Talking with the owner and his son were both very positive experiences oh and you have to give the cat some extra lovin and scratches- it’s a total love bug and won me over! They have a gorgeous selection of pots and tools ranging in size, shape and rarity with pricing to match as well as starter trees all the way up to show pieces. If you’re in the bonsai world you probably already know about Grove Way but if you’re new go check it out. They are more than happy to talk with beginners and advanced students alike.

If you’ve never been it can be a little weird finding the trees but basically walk down the driveway towards what would be the front door of the house and there will be green foot prints that go up the porch and enter the house. Follow those and you’ll pass through the front room with pots and tools, a kitchen converted to a workshop then out the back porch (more pots here too!) and finally to the backyard to see the trees!

Watching the owner shaping the trees with such confidence, finesse and true mastery was hypnotic. He just was shipping away seemingly random and sporadic but truly it was the product of a lifetime devoted to the craft. I’m not a bonsai person and was totally geeking out a little.

Drew W.

I'm a local supporter of this long-established bay area business. The first bonsai I got from Johnny Uchida was a fat Redwood with a distinct jin on top, like lighting had struct it.

Today, I passed by there just to look at trees and relax. I was not planning to buy anything, to be honest until their "secret weapon" started purring and rubbing against my leg. I ended up buying dwarf spruce...

P.S.
I found out later from Johnny's son that the kanban musume cat's name is "Neko"... 😹

Kelsey B.

Wow. This place blew me away with customer service. I went here in search of a new pot for my bonsai. I showed them a photo but they said it would be better if I brought in the plant. Since I recently moved close by, went home got the plant. Not only did they help me find a beautiful pot for my indoor bonsai, they also helped me repot it at the store and showed me the steps and materials you need to repot a bonsai. So very kind and helpful and knowledgeable. I will be back again!! I also got a baby Japanese maple tree with full instructions how to care for it as I had always wanted one and i wanted to support thier local business even more. One day I will be back for a larger pot for my maple tree and purchase one of thier beautiful oasis outdoor bonsais that they have. My new favorite spot!!

Sydney F.

An amazing selection of beautiful, well taken care of bonsai. So friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back 🙂

Jerald Y.

Walked in and there was a guy working there and asked if he was the owner and asked for his name. He said yes and said his name is Mike. I proceeded to walk around the place for few minutes (prob less than 10 min because there isn’t much to look at..)

I came back to one tree I took notice and asked Mike what the tree was. He said it was California Juniper. I asked him how much the tree was and he got annoyed and said “$12,000 and why are you asking?”

I took my morning off from work to go check out this place and was dressed pretty casual. Perhaps that’s why he thought I wasn’t serious or couldn’t afford it. Regardless, I asked him total of 4 questions.

When I asked him why the attitude when I only asked him 4 questions. He said “I haven’t been open for long time and got tons of things to do”.

Why are you doing “tons of work”? To sell your tree.. that’s why you do it. And you lost a customer who can definitely afford to buy your trees. Honestly though, based on his attitude toward me, he probably judged me for how I dressed or looked and that speaks volumes for his character.

Lastly, few comments about the place:
- Very unorganized and dirty
- Prices (trees and pots) are overpriced by 30 - 50%. Some trees are overpriced by 2 times or even 3 times the market price. He was selling a medium sized California Juniper tree (not in very good shape) for $12,000. Are you kidding me?
- Trees are not taken care of very well and some are actually dying. Very dry and leaves crumble away with slightest touch.

If you buy your bonsai trees here, then you’re getting ripped off (more like scammed) by a rude unprofessional person. There are way better options im bay area for Bonsai trees and accessories. Trust me. Everything is overpriced at this place.

Elizabeth I.

They're very knowledgeable and helpful. Many of the trees are really impressive and the prices are very reasonable. There is also a friendly cat.

Cynthia H.

We came to this nursery about three years ago, so this is well over due. We had an amazing experience. The kids played with the resident cat, and the owner talked in length with us about his bonsai experience and how to care for a bonsai. Lovely place, spectacular and well maintained variety of old and newly potted bonsai trees and plants. Highly, highly recommend!

Sean R.

Beautiful nursery with an amazing variety of Bonsai! I am new to bonsai and the staff was very knowledgeable and helpful, taking the time to answer all of my questions and provide tips and information specific to my location. They helped me pick out 2 beautiful trees which I fell in love with immediately. I highly recommend to anyone even remotely interested in this wonderful hobby!