Hi there! I’m Alyssa, the founder and grower here at Sycamore Hill Nursery, and I’m so excited to kick off our blog with answers to some of the most common questions I get about our nursery.
How did you come up with the name Sycamore Hill Nursery?
We’re actually the third owners of this land, and the previous owners called it “Mimosa Hill Farm” because of the mimosa trees that lined the entrance. But what really grabbed my attention were these majestic American Sycamore trees at the top of the hill that are over 100 years old! They’re truly breathtaking. So, in naming the nursery, I wanted to honor both the legacy of the land and the beauty of these sycamores, hence Sycamore Hill.
What inspired you to start Sycamore Hill Nursery?
You know how people say, “I’m finally doing what I loved as a kid”? Well, that’s definitely my story too. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of visiting nurseries with my mom or gardening in our backyard. I still feel the magic of being out in nature, finding caterpillars, and watching butterflies swarm around the garden. But as I grew up, I realized how much things have changed—yards are getting smaller, and the open fields where I played are now subdivisions. I also noticed a real gap in knowledge and appreciation for native plants as people in the industry age out. So, I decided I wanted to be part of the effort to keep that knowledge and craft alive and thriving.
Why focus on native Texas plants at Sycamore Hill Nursery?
In one word—resilience! Before I started the nursery, I worked as a gardener at Memorial Park in downtown Houston, where we had gardens filled with native plants. I was out there in the blazing heat of summer and the freezing cold, and those native plants just bounced back like champs. They look amazing in every season and hold up so well, even in tough conditions. That experience made me realize we needed more of these plants available for everyday gardeners, so that’s part of why I’m so passionate about growing them.
Sustainability seems to be a big focus for you. What are some of the sustainable practices you’ve put in place?
Sustainability is huge for us. One thing I’m really proud of is our rainwater harvesting system. Right now, we collect about 3,000 gallons of rainwater throughout the year to irrigate our greenhouse. Our long-term goal is to rely solely on rainwater, so we’re gradually increasing our storage capacity. We also use peat-free soil and avoid pesticides and herbicides entirely. My background in landscape architecture taught me to observe and understand what’s happening in nature before jumping in, and that philosophy guides a lot of what we do here.
What challenges have you faced starting Sycamore Hill Nursery, and how have you handled them?
Whew, where do I start? The weather has definitely been our biggest challenge. We’ve dealt with freezing temperatures, high winds that flipped our greenhouse twice, and then, of course, the late-season heat wave. But we’ve learned to be resilient and adaptable, just like our plants. For example, after the first greenhouse flip, we didn’t have enough time to order replacement parts before a freeze hit. So, we improvised by tucking our plants under the tables, giving them a good soaking, and wrapping them up at night. We’ve also reinforced the greenhouse to make sure that doesn’t happen again!
Is there a particular plant you’re especially excited about?
This is like asking me to pick a favorite child! But I’d have to say Clammyweed (Polanisia dodecandra) is a standout this year. It was voted Pollinator Plant of the Year by the Texas Butterfly Ranch for 2024, and it’s been an absolute rockstar. It blooms from May through October, can handle harsh conditions, and attracts bees and butterflies like crazy. It’s definitely on my “must-grow” list for next season!
What’s next for Sycamore Hill Nursery?
I’m really excited about increasing species diversity in the plants we offer. I’d love to focus more on growing plants from locally collected seeds and eventually offer those seeds for sale to the public. It’s all about creating more opportunities for people to access native plants and contribute to local ecosystems.
Any advice for someone who’s thinking about starting their own native plant nursery?
Just go for it! Honestly, the hardest part for me was just starting. I had the idea for a long time, but one day I decided, “I’m going to grab a tray, some seeds, and soil, and just see what happens.” My second piece of advice is to view mistakes as learning opportunities. Things won’t always go perfectly the first time, but every mistake helps you get better. It’s uncomfortable sometimes, but so rewarding when things finally click!
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