This interview is with Jackie Sons, Owner at Native Wildflowers Nursery.

Jackie Sons, Owner, Native Wildflowers Nursery

Jackie, welcome to Agriculture.buzz! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey to becoming an expert in the world of gardening?

Founder and CEO of Native Wildflowers Nursery. She began an online plant nursery in 2014 and built it from the ground up. Her woman-owned business is one of the most prestigious nurseries, offering plants direct-to-consumers. Expanding her business, she has also founded Perennial Nursery Co. and the newest addition to the portfolio, Nance Plants.

What initially sparked your passion for plants and gardening? Was there a particular moment or experience that solidified this passion for you?

My husband's family has been in the nursery business for generations. At first, I was not very interested, but after necessity, I got involved in the business and fell in love with plants. It was kind of by accident, but now plants are one of the things I enjoy most about the outdoors. I love discovering new plants and learning how they grow differently.

You mentioned choosing plants based on lighting in your home. How do you advise customers at the garden center to choose the right plants for their specific needs and environments?

READ THE LABELS. Most plants you find in the garden center have labels (or tags) that come with them. Read them thoroughly before making a purchase. Consider if you have an area where the plant would do well. No matter how beautiful you think it is, if you do not have proper lighting at home, your plant will not thrive.

Speaking of garden centers, what are some common misconceptions people have about them, and how do you guide customers towards making informed choices?

One tip I always use when visiting a garden center, especially a new one, is to look at the health of the plants they have. I have been to a few garden centers where all their plants looked awful. Not watered properly, plants dying, etc. If the garden center has not properly cared for the plants before even selling them, the health of the plant may be compromised. You want a plant healthy and well, not one you have to nurse back to health.

You emphasized the importance of sand for your raised garden beds. What other lesser-known tips or techniques have you discovered that have significantly impacted your gardening success?

Too much sun can be a bad thing. I have lots of flowers that call for full sun, but it can be too much in the summer heat. If you plant flowers or plants in full sun, always make sure to check on them often and give them extra water in mid-summer. They can't take the heat.

Many aspiring gardeners face challenges like limited space or resources. What advice would you give to urban dwellers or those with small gardens who want to experience the joys of growing their own food?

Hire a landscaper when you can afford it. Getting all the plants into small spaces can be challenging, especially if you are new to gardening. It will be worth your money to hire a landscaper to help. Some plants, like the Virginia spring beauty, stay small and would work well, but the Cinnamon fern is huge and would outgrow your other plants. Landscapers know more about the issues each plant does or does not present.

Transitioning from personal gardens to a larger scale, what are some key differences and considerations for those interested in nursery growing or even starting their own garden center?

I would say workload is one of the key differences. We all get excited and want to plant and grow, but we do not realize the amount of work that it actually takes. Weeding, watering, and providing adequate shade are all things to consider. Be sure you have plenty of help. Some trees, like Red Maple, can handle more rain and water than a Succulent can. Be sure you are well-managed to handle what you plant.

Finally, what's the most rewarding aspect of your work in this field, and what message would you like to leave with our readers about the importance and impact of gardening?

The most rewarding part of gardening for me is seeing life grow and change. Nothing is more satisfying than planting a white trillium bulb and seeing it poke its head up in early spring. All your plants will grow and change throughout the season, and I am pleased to see all these changes, knowing I grew them. It's food for the soul. Plants are good for the environment and air quality, so they are beneficial to the Earth, not just the grower.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Get out there and start a garden. You won't regret it!