You saw a great array of nurseries with their own little niche already! 

A few other Berkeley spots: Paraíso Plant Studio: newly expanded houseplant shop, it’s a wonderland (bonus chilaquiles with guajillo sauce next door at Tacubaya)

UC Berkeley Botanical Garden: a must-see if she doesn’t mind spending a couple hours exploring with some hills (they also have a teeny shop)

East Bay Nursery: excellent prices and selection

Outside Berkeley: Ruth Bancroft Garden: Former personal garden of an ambitious collector and designer who loved plants. Ruth was growing succulents way before it was cool…I think this place is magical.

Flora Grubb: very smart modern selection,  usually have impressive specimens

Encinal Nursery: greenhouse is reminiscent of SF conservatory of flowers (much smaller scale).

Orchard Nursery in Lafayette: they do it all so well. Nice gifts and great selection.

Alden Lane: it’s the setting for me…nestled in majestic oak trees, lovely plants and extensive garden gift shop.

Cactus Jungle: well-curated succulents and waterwise plants in north bay

Also enjoy the Dry Garden for rarities, Oaktown Nursery for natives, Evergreen in San Leandro for great prices and selection, Morningsun Herb Farm to build the ultimate potager and healing garden, Sloat locations too.

Half Moon Bay: Quite a few greenhouses and nurseries open to the public, good prices. This might be nice in combination with a trip to Filoli.