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

Constance Sons, Owner, Native Wildflowers Nursery

Constance, welcome to Gardening.guru! Could you tell our readers a bit about yourself and your passion for gardening?

I own a small plant nursery in Tennessee. My love for gardening and all things plants has grown over the years, and I find myself always wanting to know more. Plants offer so much more than a pretty yard. They are therapy to the mind and comfort to the soul.

How did your journey with gardening begin, and how has it evolved over time?

It all started when I married my husband 16 years ago. His family had been in the nursery/horticulture business for 3 generations. At first it was just a job, but the more I learned and had to actually start growing plants, the more I fell in love with them.

You mentioned having a dedicated shed for your gardening equipment. What are your top three must-have tools for any aspiring gardener, and why?

Top 3 would be a shovel, of course, a gardening water hose, and, when possible, a strong man with muscle to help. Haha, that sounds funny, but gardening is hard work, so when a lady can recruit her husband or a strong teenage boy, it makes all the difference.

Speaking of tools, many parents struggle with keeping children safe and engaged while gardening. How do you balance gardening with parenting, and do you have any tips for creating a family-friendly gardening experience?

Oh yes. Each summer, our family grows a vegetable garden. The kids are always involved. They don't always like the hard work, but once they see the plants grow and start to produce fruit, a light bulb of amazement comes on.

Light is crucial for indoor plants. What advice would you give to new gardeners who might not have optimal natural light in their homes?

Check the plant's light requirements before buying. As stated, lighting is key, so it is only detrimental to put a plant in a space that does not have the required lighting. Always read the labels.

Transitioning from indoor to outdoor spaces, what are some creative ways to blend your gardening passion with outdoor living, especially for families?

Most families (especially in the South) spend lots of time on the back porch, whether it be by the swimming pool or cooking on the grill. We always like to add plants to the porch. It not only makes the porch look better, but brings natural life to the space as well. Keeping the kids involved in caring for the plants helps them appreciate them as well.