Tammy Sons: Native Plant Specialist & Industry Leader

Tammy Sons: Native Plant Specialist Industry Leader

My entire life has been shaped by plants, soil, seasons, and the belief that native species can transform a landscape more powerfully than anything man-made. I’m Tammy Sons, CEO of TN Nursery. For over 30 years, I’ve worked with gardeners, homeowners, environmental groups, and restoration teams to reintroduce resilient, native plants into the American landscape. 

I’ve spent decades observing how native perennials, trees, and ferns behave in real conditions—through harsh winters, wet springs, droughts, and unpredictable weather. That hands-on experience guides every recommendation I make and every plant we ship.

TN Nursery grew from a small family operation into a nationwide supplier, not through luck, but through a commitment to plant quality and honest horticulture. I learned the trade from my father, Roscoe Tate, who taught me how to read the land, respect the ecosystem, and understand the role each species plays in creating a healthier environment. Carrying his legacy forward has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

Trusted Nationwide for Native Plant Knowledge

Over the years, our plants have been selected for significant national projects and landscapes, including:

  • Arlington National Cemetery
  • The Washington Monument grounds
  • Multiple projects with the History Channel and the Discovery Channel
  • Large-scale conservation and wetland restoration sites
  • University and state research programs
  • Pollinator habitat development and streambank erosion repair

These partnerships reflect the trust placed in our nursery and my extensive knowledge of plants.

Professional Growth & Continuing Education

To strengthen our online presence and better serve customers nationwide, I completed marketing coursework through Harvard Business School Online. Pairing educational training with decades of horticulture experience has helped me modernize TN Nursery while staying rooted in time-tested growing practices.

Featured Expertise & Media Recognition

My plant expertise has been quoted and featured in national media, including:

  • Real Simple
  • Homes & Gardens
  • Tripple Pundit
  • Regional USA Today features
  • Gardening editors and horticulture publications
  • Sustainability and eco-focused blogs

These features highlight my commitment to sharing clear, honest, and practical plant guidance.

Areas of Special Expertise

  • Propagating and growing native perennials
  • Restoration ecology and habitat rebuilding
  • Bare-root planting techniques
  • Soil improvement and long-term plant health
  • Choosing regionally appropriate species
  • Pollinator-focused landscape design
  • Woodland and shade gardening
  • Cold climate survival and overwintering strategies

My Purpose as a Grower

My goal has always been to help gardeners succeed—whether they're planting one milkweed or 500 trees for a restoration project. I believe in making native plants accessible, in teaching gardeners why they matter, and in supporting healthy ecosystems with every plant we grow.

TN Nursery is more than a business to me; it’s a legacy built on passion, responsibility, and love for our natural world. If I can help someone create a thriving garden, restore a damaged landscape, or fall in love with native plants for the first time, then I know I'm doing what I was meant to do.