I’m Nicole, the owner and founder of Buds and Botanicals LLC, a small specialty cut flower farm rooted in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. With the “help” of our two boys, Barney and Clyde, Tom and I make up the two-person, two-dog team behind the farm.

Buds and Botanicals began in my mom’s backyard in 2020 as a way to turn my love of gardening into something of my own, during a difficult time after my father’s passing. What started as a small hobby has grown into a 1.5-acre farm.

I’ve worked in the greenhouse and horticulture industry since 2017, from growing and delivering flowers to managing 10 acres of flowering annuals, working in a florist shop, and now helping other growers through my work in wholesale plug sales. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to see just about every side of the industry—and it’s only made me love growing flowers more.

Tom has been part of the journey from the beginning. He’s the mechanical and efficiency-minded half of our team, while I gravitate toward the floral design, and business side. Somehow, my crazy ideas usually become reality because of his help and ingenuity.

I’m proud to call myself a “Piney.” Being born and raised in the Pine Barrens has given me a deep appreciation for its history, agriculture, and the people who call it home. To me, being a Piney and being a flower farmer have a lot in common: both require resilience, resourcefulness, and a willingness to do things your own way.

Today, we both work full-time in the greenhouse industry, but Buds and Botanicals is where our passion really comes to life. We love growing something beautiful together and sharing it with our community.

Our favorite flower? Iris!