The History of TN Nursery
TN Nursery began in 1959 on a modest piece of farmland in Middle Tennessee, long before the internet or e-commerce reshaped how gardeners buy plants. Founded by the Sons family, the nursery grew from a simple belief: strong, healthy plants grown in native soil will always outperform mass-produced varieties. Tammy Sons’ father, Roscoe, was the heartbeat of those early days. A natural grower with a deep love for the land, he taught Tammy how to identify wild species, care for seedlings, and understand the rhythms of nature. Some of her earliest memories include walking beside him through beds of native wildflowers and rows of bare-root trees.
Family Roots and Generational Knowledge
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, TN Nursery expanded its reach beyond Tennessee, shipping plants to landscapers, garden centers, and homeowners across the Southeast. Even as demand grew, the business remained rooted in simple values: grow naturally, price fairly, and treat customers like neighbors. Roscoe believed good plants came from good stewardship of the land, and Tammy absorbed every bit of that philosophy as she grew up working alongside him.
Entering the Modern Era
When the digital era arrived, Tammy recognized an opportunity to bring the family’s native-grown plants directly to gardeners nationwide. She modernized operations, expanded growing fields, introduced online ordering, and built TN Nursery into one of the country’s leading e-commerce suppliers of native trees, shrubs, ferns, and perennials. Even as the nursery scaled, the hands-on family knowledge never disappeared. The business blended old-fashioned horticultural skill with modern convenience, becoming one of the most trusted sources of bare-root native plants online.
Supplying America—From Homeowners to Landmarks
Over the decades, TN Nursery has supplied thousands of landscapes across all 50 states. From homeowners restoring their backyards to large-scale pollinator projects and erosion control efforts, the nursery’s reach is now national. TN Nursery has proudly supplied plants to iconic locations such as the Washington Monument and Arlington National Cemetery, further establishing its reputation for reliability and quality. What began as a small family farm has evolved into one of America’s most respected growers of native bare-root plants.
A Legacy Rooted in Tennessee Soil
Today, TN Nursery remains a true family legacy—still guided by Tammy Sons and powered by generations of horticultural know-how. The nursery continues to promote native plants that restore ecosystems, support wildlife, and strengthen pollinator populations. More than 65 years after its founding, TN Nursery stands as a bridge between old-world plant knowledge and modern online accessibility, committed to offering plants that thrive and landscapes that last.
What started in 1959 as a family dream is now a nationwide movement rooted in Tennessee soil, tradition, and a passion for growing plants that make a difference.
