There is something about walking into a locally owned nursery that a big box garden center will never be able to replicate. The people who work there actually know plants. They know what grows well in our coastal climate, what struggles in the inland heat, and exactly which succulent is going to thrive on your windowsill versus slowly die in the corner.
Ventura County is home to some genuinely incredible independent nurseries — and they deserve your business way more than the national chains do. Here’s where locals actually go.
This one is as local as it gets. Plant Shop 805 is a family-run nursery and retail shop based in Ventura, owned and operated by three siblings born and raised right here in Ventura County. Their mission is to grow and sell one-of-a-kind arid adapted plants in a sustainable and environmentally conscious way — and they want to help you get the most out of your landscape without relying on big box agriculture. They carry indoor and outdoor plants, botanical gifts, garden supplies, seeds, and soil. Don’t miss their in-shop plant propagator — it’s genuinely cool to watch plant science in action.
Tucked in the hills of Ojai, Flora Gardens Nursery offers a wide selection of decorative and native plants and is very conveniently located for customers in the Ojai Valley. Locals rave about the staff being friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful — and reviewers consistently note they find plants here that simply aren’t available anywhere else in the county. If you’re already heading to Ojai for the day (and honestly, why aren’t you?), make this a stop.
Nature’s Best Nursery has been a family-owned and operated business since 1984, serving the Santa Rosa and Conejo Valleys from the same location for over 30 years. Their plants are typically 50–60% lower in price than the average big box retailer — and the selection is massive. Acres of trees, shrubs, flowers, hedges, and ornamentals, plus a bilingual staff that makes everyone feel welcome. Convenient for residents across Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, and Camarillo.
For the native plant enthusiast, this one is a must. Matilija Nursery has the largest inventory of California native plants and non-native irises in Ventura County. They specialize in retail, wholesale, and restoration — so whether you’re a home gardener or working on a larger landscape project, they have the knowledge and inventory to back it up. This is exactly the kind of hyper-specialized local gem that makes Ventura County’s garden scene so special.
or the native plant enthusiast, this one is a must. Matilija Nursery has the largest inventory of California native plants and non-native irises in Ventura County. They specialize in retail, wholesale, and restoration — so whether you’re a home gardener or working on a larger landscape project, they have the knowledge and inventory to back it up. This is exactly the kind of hyper-specialized local gem that makes Ventura County’s garden scene so special.
Deeply Rooted is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10AM–6PM in Camarillo.
This is exactly the kind of independently owned, community-rooted small business that makes Ventura County worth living in. Kristen built something real here — and it deserves your support.
Go in. Browse. Pick up something beautiful. Tell them VCLocalsOnly sent you. 🌱
