Meet the Owners Nicole Zelyez and Nicole Chernyakhovsky

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Zelyez and Nicole Chernyakhovsky and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole Zelyez and Nicole Chernyakhovsky, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Larkspur Landscaping’s success lies in our ability to make deep connections and tap into what people really want – a connection to nature. We create spaces that resonate with our clients’ individual stories and memories. We delve into the essence of what makes each space and experience uniquely personal, asking clients about their cherished memories like their favorite flowers in their Nana’s garden or the tea their mom made during childhood. Our approach goes beyond mere landscaping; we create sensory experiences that resonate on a personal level so the spaces we craft are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful. Each garden is as unique as the family and children who find joy, peace and play within them. This dedication to personalization, sustainability, and storytelling is what truly sets us apart and fuels our continued growth. Our gardens are not just planted, but deeply felt and lived.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

The inception of Larkspur in 2020 by Nicole C. was sparked by a serendipitous realization. After repeatedly being asked about the creator of her stunning gardens (herself), she saw the potential for turning her passion into a full-time endeavor. Nicole C. honed her skills by shadowing a renowned designer, quickly mastering the craft. Nicole Z. joined later that year, bringing her unique talents to the partnership. Our growth has been organic, fueled by word-of-mouth and the visible appeal of our garden installations, capturing the hearts and imaginations of those who encounter our work.

We infuse a lot of love and soul into each garden, aiming to leave the planet more beautiful. A crucial part of our mission is supporting local pollinators, essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems. Our commitment to enhancing biodiversity not only beautifies spaces but also contributes to a larger ecological legacy, one yard at a time.

Our leap into an artistic and creative career was fueled by our bond as best friends for over 15 years, sharing a mutual passion for the beauty of nature, exchanging seeds, plants, and countless gardening stories. Nicole C., with her deep knowledge of all plants and an incredible eye for design, transforms spaces into breathtaking garden masterpieces effortlessly. Meanwhile, Nicole Z.’s love for experimenting with new color combinations and textures brings a vibrant, innovative spirit to our creations. This synergy of vision and creativity, combined with our desire to break free from corporate constraints, has been the cornerstone of our journey, making every garden a testament to our friendship, passion, and artistic flair.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

We would start the day with brunch at The Kitchen in Boulder, where they offer a farm-to-table dining experience in a classy atmosphere. Don’t miss their excellent cappuccinos and their rotating menu.

Then, we’d head to the Red Queen Bookstore and Cafe in Lafayette for a morning of browsing. Afterward, we’d spend the day exploring Vintrey, Thalken, and Little Herbal Apothecary (their herbalists are AMAZING) all located in Lafayette.

Of course, we would also visit the stunning plant collections and peaceful landscapes at the Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street.

In the evening, we’d enjoy dinner at Acreage Stem Ciders, indulging in The Acreage burger paired with a refreshing cider flight while taking in the panoramic views of the mountains at sunset. And don’t forget to treat yourselves to their delicious cider donuts!

For another memorable dinner experience, we’d recommend trying Tecocalli in Lafayette for authentic flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.

Dedicate a day to exploring the great outdoors at Rocky Mountain National Park. Start your day with a visit to Moxie in Lyons for a lavender latte and a Kouign-Amann. And before heading home, make sure to stop by Oscar Blues for a Dale’s Pale Ale.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Our family and our esteemed clients.

Our family has been the bedrock of this endeavor, providing unwavering support, encouragement, and sometimes even sacrifice, to help bring our vision to life.

Equally crucial to our success are our clients, whose trust in our expertise allows us to turn their gardens into vital habitats for pollinators. Their readiness to embrace our vision, often giving us carte blanche to implement our ideas helps us design gardens that not only delight the senses but also serve a critical ecological function.

Website: https://www.larkspurlandscapeco.com/

Instagram: larkspur_landscaping

Image Credits
Photos by Larkspur Landscaping and Alexei Smirnov