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.