Shady Grove Gardens and Nursery

Founded in 1986, this business has evolved from a landscape design firm into a flower farm and wedding design company, serving the High Country region of NW North Carolina for over 20 years. The husband and wife team, Susan Wright and Brent Cochran, bring over 38 years of flower growing and 20 years of floral design experience to their work.

The farm employs organic methods throughout, growing flowers without pesticides and without the use of heated greenhouses. They manage 100 acres, farming on only 5 acres while the rest is maintained as woodland and old fields to attract beneficial insects and birds. The farm is committed to conservation, removing invasive non-native plants and managing habitats for rare species. They also recycle and reuse materials wherever possible.

The farm offers a variety of services including floral design, DIY cut flowers, and bulk flowers for weddings and other events. They are proud members of the Specialty Cut Flower Growers Association and the International Chapel Design Group. Susan Wright, with a background in biology, handles bridal consultations and floral designs, while Brent Cochran manages the farm and postharvest processes. The farm also participates in the 'Slow Flowers' movement, emphasizing the importance of locally grown flowers.