Kathryn Krystine Burleson has always loved plants, even as a child. Carrying her interest into adulthood, she decided to trade her corporate job and hours-long commute for a home-based plant nursery and never looked back.

“I wanted to work at a nursery for so many years, and every one I would apply to [said] it just didn't make sense for them since my background was [in] accounting,” Burleson said. “So, I just do [it on] my own.”

The options

Burleson opened Pflugerville Pfoliage and Plants in January 2021, offering a range of medium and low-sun plants. She carries everything from common house plants to hoyas, succulents, bromeliads, lantana, agave, herbs and rare houseplants. Burleson also sells plant-related goods such as hangers, flower earrings, succulent candles, and soil that she makes herself.

In addition to curating a selection of plants and pots through wholesale vendors, she also buys from individuals and trades plants for products and services. One thing she hopes people recognize about the nursery is the large variety of plants that she offers.


How it works

Burleson uses her years of experience and plant expertise to guide customers in the right direction.

“The first thing I ask is where do you want to put the plants?” Burleson said. “What's your lighting like? Are you home a lot? Plus, if they have an animal and they're concerned about pet-safe plants, I have a group of plants that I carry for them.”

She also asks customers about the types of leaf shape and color they prefer and makes personalized recommendations based on their plant ownership experience.


The local impact

Burleson also focuses on giving back to the community by donating plants to local plant stands in the Austin area and keeping prices affordable to make owning plants accessible for all.

“There's no need for any competition, but there is a need to share, and I want everybody to have a plant,” Burleson said. “If you have $5, I have a $5 plant. If you want the $900 plant, I have that too.”

She also holds free events at the nursery for people to visit and pot their own plants with provided materials and refreshments. In the future, Burleson hopes to host a pink plant party to showcase the variety of pink offerings at Pflugerville Pfoliage and Plants.