By Cindy Peterson
Eustis Graduate Turns Passion for Plants into Blossoming Business
For 19-year-old Lukas Wishork, a love for plants has grown into a thriving business. Raised in Eustis, Lukas’ passion for greenery was sparked early in life, influenced by his grandmother who has worked at the same plant nursery for almost 30 years. Surrounded by plants and the natural beauty of the nursery, he found inspiration and a peaceful escape, eventually deciding to pursue a future in horticulture.
“I’ve been around it my entire life,” Lukas says. “I’ve always loved plants, and it’s really peaceful out there at the nursery with her.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Lukas, then just 15, started working alongside his grandmother at the nursery.
“I was always around it, and I loved it,” he says.
As the world turned to home projects during lockdowns, Lukas saw an opportunity. He reached out to other nurseries, obtained his retail certificate, and filed for a fictitious name to officially launch his own business, Down to Dirt Plant Nursery.
Initially, Lukas began by selling plants online through Facebook, which quickly gained traction as people sought to fill their homes and gardens with greenery. As online sales slowed, Lukas adapted by participating in local markets in Umatilla, Eustis, and beyond, often collaborating with Whimsy Markets to reach more customers.
A significant turning point came when TD Bank in Lady Lake reached out to Lukas for plants to decorate their grand opening. The event was a success, and since then, Lukas has provided plants and floral arrangements for many of TD Bank’s grand openings across Florida.
“One of their events last year had a 30-foot hay maze with florals and palm trees, and this year they want a faux ivy backdrop with a 6-foot butterfly made out of flowers,” he says.
This has led Lukas to expand his offerings to include weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions, specializing in creating unique floral arrangements and centerpieces for weddings and events.
“It’s awesome bringing people’s visions to life,” he says. “It really makes your brain work.”
With no physical location yet, Lukas is preparing to build a greenhouse to further expand his business. He credits his success to his passion for plants and his determination to make something meaningful from it.
Visit Facebook.com/downtodirtplantnursery for more information.
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
