Meet Lindsey Pickard | Gardener

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsey Pickard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsey, how does your business help the community?
Our native plant nursery in Northeast Florida addresses critical environmental challenges caused by rapid development in Nassau County while fostering community engagement and economic growth. By specializing in native plants, we contribute to biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration efforts, while also serving as an educational resource for sustainable landscaping practices. Through community engagement initiatives and partnerships, we promote environmental stewardship and support the local economy. In essence, our business not only helps preserve local ecosystems but also empowers individuals to make a positive impact on the environment.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is more than just a native plant nursery; it’s a hub for community, education, and environmental stewardship. What sets us apart is our deep-rooted commitment to fostering a gardening community that thrives on sharing knowledge, supporting one another, and celebrating the joys of cultivating native plants.

I believe in the power of gardening not only as a means of beautifying spaces but also as a way to provide for ourselves, support wildlife, and give back to the environment for generations to come. Whether it’s the excitement of spotting a Zebra Longwing butterfly on a passionvine, helping gardeners navigate pest management, or witnessing the pure delight in a child’s eyes as they taste a freshly picked cherry tomato, every moment reinforces the profound impact of gardening on our lives and the world around us.

I take pride in offering plants that not only enhance landscapes but also provide vital benefits to wildlife and the environment. By reducing the need for herbicides, pesticides, and excessive watering, we contribute to cleaner air and water while mitigating pollution and runoff.

Building this business hasn’t been easy. It’s taken countless 16-hour days, seven days a week, but every moment has been worth it. I’m fueled by my passion for learning and my dedication to creating a welcoming space where gardeners of all levels feel empowered to ask questions, share experiences, and grow together.

Through this journey, I’ve learned the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the incredible power of community. I want the world to know that our brand isn’t just about selling plants; it’s about cultivating connections, inspiring stewardship, and nurturing a love for gardening that transcends generations. Together, we can create a more sustainable and vibrant world, one native plant at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
To be honest, our trip would be pretty lame. we’d indulge in some well-deserved relaxation by renting a hotel room and catching up on much-needed sleep. The luxury of not making any decisions or fielding endless questions is the ultimate dream getaway for overworked moms.

However, if we’re up for adventure, we’d head straight to a freshwater spring to swim with the manatees. Soaking in the beauty of nature and peace. If we decide to stay local, our days would be filled with soaking up the sun on the beach, taking leisurely walks along Egans Creek to admire the wildlife, and then enjoy the downtown area of Fernandina Beach. For dinner, we’d appetizer hop because there are too many outstanding restaurants to choose from; The Patio, Wicked Bao, Espana, Akari Sushi to name a few. And to cap off the night, we’d be giggling all the way from the Palace Saloon to the Green Turtle, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere and live music.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to extend a heartfelt shoutout to the UF Master Gardener Volunteer program, whose guidance and resources have been invaluable in shaping my journey in the native plant nursery business. Their dedication to environmental education and community outreach has been instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding of native plant ecosystems.

I’d also like to express my gratitude to the Florida Wildflower Foundation for their advocacy and support in promoting the use of native wildflowers, which play a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity and supporting pollinator populations in our region.

Additionally, I want to acknowledge the Florida Association of Native Nurseries for their commitment to promoting the use of native plants in landscaping and restoration projects, as well as for providing networking opportunities and resources for native plant nurseries like mine.

Last but certainly not least, I want to give special recognition to The Florida Society of Native Plants. Their dedication to the preservation and appreciation of Florida’s native flora has been inspiring and their support has been instrumental in driving forward the mission of our native plant nursery.

To all these individuals, groups, and organizations, I extend my deepest thanks for their unwavering support, mentorship, and encouragement. It is thanks to their efforts that I am able to make a positive impact on our community and environment through my business.

Website: www.ameliasnativewildflowers.com

Instagram: amelias_native_wildflowers

Facebook: Amelias_Natives

Other: Tiktok: @Amelias_Natives