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

Jackie Sons, Owner, Native Wildflowers Nursery

Can you tell us about your background in gardening and landscaping? How did you first become interested in this field?

I married into a family in the gardening business. Honestly, I did not know anything from a weed to a flower. But as the years passed, I slowly developed a love for all things plants and started learning what each one was.

What has been your journey to becoming an expert in gardening and landscaping? Can you share some key milestones or experiences that shaped your expertise?

Initially, it was observation. I started to see which plants thrived in different conditions — in the sunniest spots, shadiest corners, windiest edges, or areas that got too much rain. Some winners were easy to see, like lavender or succulents in those dry, sunny patches. But what worked for some spots? One of the first big mistakes I made was planting certain plants in the wrong spot. I tried to grow fancy hydrangeas in a spot that was too sunny and dry. Those poor things loved shade and ended up wilting. It was a learning curve.

I discovered microclimates within a single yard. Some spots can be more sheltered from the sun or wind, and the soil might retain moisture longer. I also committed some laughably egregious errors by planting veggies at the wrong time. Too early and I ended up with tiny, frost-bitten tomatoes. Watching weather forecasts became as important as any gardening calendar.

Trial and error also taught me to consider soil type, local pests, and weather patterns. For example, heavy clay soil can be hard on plants like carrots but great for hardy trees like oaks. Sandy soil, on the other hand, might drain too quickly for some plants but is wonderful for herbs like thyme or sage.

In the end, I just learned to fail a lot. But each mistake was a chance to see why something failed and how I could adjust. So, to answer your question, a lot of it just came from getting my hands dirty, taking notes on what thrived where, and then adjusting for next season.

You’ve mentioned adding sand to raised garden beds. Can you walk us through this process and explain how it has improved your gardening results?

The first step in adding sand to your raised garden bed is assessing the soil. If your current soil is dense, sticky, and prone to waterlogging—usually the case with clay soil—adding sand will help loosen it up. This is essential because clay particles tend to compact, making it difficult for roots to penetrate and for water to flow freely. On the other hand, if your soil is already sandy, you may not need more sand as it could worsen drainage problems, especially if you live in a dry area.

Choosing the right type of sand is crucial. You want to opt for coarse builder’s sand or sharp sand, which is typically larger and more granular than fine sand. Fine sand or playground sand may create more problems than solutions, as it can clump and reduce drainage. Coarse sand works best because it mixes well with soil and provides enough space for water to move through the soil more efficiently.

In your experience, what’s the most common mistake homeowners make when trying to boost their home’s value through landscaping, and how can they avoid it?

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when landscaping to increase value is failing to research their landscaper or plants. Everyone wants a beautiful yard, so sometimes the excitement of making your home more attractive to the next buyer leads to jumping right into a landscaping project without thinking through the potential consequences. This can be an expensive mistake that costs money on unnecessary or poorly thought-out plant choices, leads to wasted time and money, or even results in landscape features that can decrease your home value.

The first mistake is not doing due diligence on your landscaper. In this instance, hiring your best friend’s father who does it on the weekends without doing any background checking is not a great way to approach your project. While many people may not give this step enough thought and hire the first name they come across in a Google search, not screening landscapers can lead to many unforeseen problems. This includes unmet expectations, unprofessional behavior, or subpar workmanship, which can be an easy fix or, in extreme cases, a serious eyesore. Plant choices, installation, and maintenance plans that don’t make sense for the space are also common issues that can arise when you hire a landscaper without checking their reviews and work history.

Every landscaper has a different level of experience, knowledge, and creativity, which can impact the overall design and quality of work they provide. Choosing a landscaper that is both licensed and insured will also impact your project, as you want a professional who is upfront about materials, costs, and timeframes, as well as one that can help you make better design decisions based on your budget. The key here is to not only conduct research into the landscapers you are interested in but to vet several different landscapers before narrowing down your search to the top choices. While many landscapers have websites with project galleries and credentials listed, it is important to note how much recent experience they have in your local area and with a similar style of home and landscape. Look for landscapers that offer references or can easily explain the design and installation process to you, as well as those that provide clear and comprehensive estimates upfront.

You’ve shared your love for indoor houseplants. Can you describe a challenging indoor plant you’ve successfully grown and the specific care techniques you used?

The fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is one of the most challenging houseplants to care for. Its huge, glossy leaves are an iconic staple for many interior designs, but it’s also known to be quite a diva plant. They need bright, indirect light, consistent moisture without becoming soggy, and they prefer stable temperatures and humidity. Any shift in lighting, draft, or humidity can make them drop their leaves. It can be stunning when it looks good, but a real prima donna.

On the other hand, if you want a fiddle leaf fig that actually thrives indoors, you’ll need to give it bright, indirect light consistently. Place it by an east- or south-facing window and rotate it every few weeks to ensure even growth.

The soil should be kept consistently moist but not soggy. Check the top 1–2 inches for dryness, and water accordingly. Choose a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to drain away. Keep the temperature consistent (65–75°F) and away from cold drafts or sudden temperature shifts. They also enjoy humidity, so mist occasionally or use a humidifier, especially in winter. Feed them monthly during the spring and summer with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Wipe the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth, as this can help the plant absorb light more efficiently. If you provide these basic needs consistently, it should stop its dramatic leaf-dropping act and actually start growing tall and lush for you.

Many gardeners struggle with soil health. Based on your hands-on experience, what’s one unconventional but effective method you’ve used to improve soil quality in your garden?

Lime is one asset we have found that greatly increases the health of our soil. We planted tomatoes two years in a row, and they did so poorly we almost didn’t plant anymore. We decided to try one last time. We had our entire garden area covered in lime, then tilled it deep into the soil. We had better tomatoes that year than ever before. It’s fairly cheap and works wonders for soil health.

Can you share a landscaping project you’ve undertaken that significantly enhanced your outdoor living space? What were the key elements that made it successful?

We wanted our outdoor fire pit to be more than just a place for s’mores in the summer. We envisioned a warm and cozy atmosphere that we could enjoy in the colder months too. We also wanted the area to be inviting year-round, so we decided to use natural rock elements paired with evergreens. We began by building the fire pit. The actual pit itself was built with flat rocks stacked on top of each other to form a solid wall. We went with flagstone for the patio as it’s long-lasting and slip-resistant. We laid river rock around the outside to facilitate drainage and to soften the patio’s transition to the yard. We also incorporated some boulders into the space to act as extra seating. As for the landscaping, we began by planting upright evergreens along the back of the pit area for privacy and wind protection. We chose junipers and other taller plants in this area. Moving in towards the fire pit, we placed shorter evergreens in boxes and planters to further define the space without obstructing views. We varied the textures and colors, including deep greens, blue-greens, and gold-tipped shrubs and plants to keep the area from feeling monotonous in the winter. We also wanted the rocks and plants to complement each other, so we planted small shrubs and creeping juniper and sedum plants between the boulders. We love how they help soften the lines between the stones and how they add a more natural look and feel. We also added stone benches and cushions to the area and added pathway lights and a few spotlights to highlight the fire pit and evergreens at night. We made the paths wide and level for easier access to the fire pit even when it’s damp or snow-covered. It worked out so well that the fire pit has become our favorite place in the yard. The stone and evergreens have created an area that feels warm and lively all year round.

Looking back on your gardening and landscaping journey, what’s one piece of advice you wish you had received when you were just starting out?

Just enjoy the ride.