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

Constance Sons, Owner, Native Wildflowers Nursery

Constance, can you tell us a bit about your journey to becoming an expert in travel, gardening, landscaping, and plants? What sparked your passion?

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.

Was there a defining moment that solidified your decision to pursue this professionally?

It was more handed to me. Sit in my lap, so to speak. I married into the nursery business, and as business progressed, I fell in love with the work.

Many people find incorporating travel with their love of gardening enriching. Can you share a memorable trip you took that inspired your own garden or landscaping projects?

Our family took a trip to Key West, and one of the shady streets was lined with ostrich ferns taller than I was. I had to have my photo taken with them. This helped me to put into perspective that simple green ferns can add beauty and charm to streets and walkways.

What valuable lessons about plants and gardening have you learned from visiting different regions or countries?

Every region has its own flourish of plants. Key West had lots of bright-green foliage and tropical plants, while our trip out West to Wyoming yielded a very different type of plants and landscapes. Every plant can’t grow just anywhere.

How do you adapt those lessons learned from your travels into your own gardening practices at home?

I like to see what is easy to maintain and what takes a lot of work. I choose just a few plants that are high-maintenance and incorporate them with easy-to-handle plants to balance the workload.

Let’s talk about your approach to landscaping. What’s your philosophy when designing outdoor spaces, especially when incorporating elements inspired by your travels?

Take your time and research what plants you need first. A lot of time and money is wasted when rushing into planting things that simply don’t work for the landscape. Same thing with places we travel. Most places hire landscape professionals who know what the best plants are for the best climates.

Many travelers bring back plants or seeds from their adventures. Do you have any tips for ensuring these souvenirs thrive in a new environment?

Making sure the plant you bring home can survive in your climate is key. As stated, lots of plants need various climates, sun/shade, or watering. Make sure you know how to care for the plant before trying to take it home.

Speaking of souvenirs, what’s your most prized plant or gardening-related item you’ve brought back from your travels, and what’s its story?

I usually do not bring plants home from our travels, but our family loves to collect rocks from the landscapes. We take ours and sometimes put them in our fish tanks so they can be nicely displayed, and we share a story about them from time to time. Plus, rocks won’t die. LOL

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

Travel. You only live once.