Explore. Create. Bloom.

Welcome!

I’m Nina! A long time forager, explorer, plant lover & art maker. I live in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains of NC surrounded by the inspiration—and materials—I bring to my art. For as long as I can remember, I have been in love with the botanic world. Truth be told, I’m kind of plant-obsessed. I love growing plants & flowers, making art with them, and even using them for teas and healing. So, if you like plants, you’re in the right place!

At Blue Ridge Botanic, you’ll find information about flowers, folklore, foraging and more. Follow along, as I explore the special places and plants that inform my work and hopefully get some inspiration on how to connect to the botanic world in a more joyful, creative ways.

I hope you like what you see and that our time together will motivate you incorporate more plant-based passion into your every day!

Featured

Chasing Wildflowers in Shenandoah

Wildflower adventuring in the Shenandoah Valley. Join me for a waterfall tea party and an unexpected foray into a magical forest full of bluebells!

Secret Stories of the Weeds: Henbit & Deadnettle

Henbit and Deadnettle are considered weeds, but these little plants have some interesting nutritional benefits as well as charming folklore associated with them.

Secret Stories of the Wildflowers: Spring Ephemerals

Spring Ephemerals are a delicate class of short-lived wildflowers that bloom in early spring and are specially adapted to this mercurial season.

Secret Stories of the Club Moss: Lycopodium

Plants are so cool! And Lycopodium is no exception. Read on to discover all the incredible ways we have used this odd little, evergreen groundcover.

My Favorite Mushroom Guide

Even though I’ve been foraging for mushrooms since I was a kid, I always check my trusty guide to make sure I’ve got it right. Read on to learn about my favorite guide!

Secret Stories of the Houseplants: African Violets

African Violets are some of the most popular and well-known houseplants, but in the wild they are extremely rare! Read on to learn all about their interesting history and folklore.

Secret Stories of the Trees: Spruce

Spruce trees are an ancient evergreen species with rich and beautiful folklore traditions surrounding them.

5 Easy Ways to Identify Turkey Tail Mushrooms!

Turkey Tail mushrooms are prolific and fun foraged find! Learn 5 easy ways to identify them!

Celebrate with Forest Tea!

Celebrate your next hike with Forest Tea! It’s a perfect end to a winter hike, it’s delicious and highly medicinal too!

Secret Stories of the Trees: Holly

Holly is an iconic evergreen that has a long and rich history of folklore and use in winter traditions.

**Conservation Matters**
As a former Environmental Educator, conservation has always been an important part of how I walk in this world. A portion of all proceeds created at Blue Ridge Botanic goes to help support the work of United Plant Savers.