Business Details
45 Years
experience
Premier Native Plant Nursery & Eco-Friendly Landscaping in Chesapeake, VA
Southern Branch Nursery stands as a premier destination for native plants and eco-friendly landscaping solutions in Hampton Roads. Established in 1981 and revitalized in 2023 under the leadership of Navy veteran and certified horticulturist Trista Imrich, we specialize in cultivating Virginia native plants that support local ecosystems and wildlife. Our expertise spans pollinator habitats, wetland restoration, and conservation landscaping, serving clients across Virginia and Northeast North Carolina. As a female veteran-owned business, we prioritize sustainability, genetic biodiversity, and community engagement through educational workshops and partnerships. Our team of certified professionals combines decades of experience in environmental policy, horticulture, and landscape design to deliver tailored solutions that balance ecological function with aesthetic beauty.We maintain rigorous industry standards through certifications like Virginia Certified Horticulturist and Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional. By sourcing locally collected seeds and using recycled materials, we ensure every plant and project contributes to long-term environmental resilience. Our sister company, Wild Works of Whimsy, extends these principles through custom landscape design services that integrate stormwater management and habitat creation. With a commitment to transparency and client education, we empower homeowners and professionals alike to create landscapes that thrive ecologically and visually. Our inclusive approach fosters meaningful employment opportunities while advancing sustainable practices throughout the Hampton Roads region.
Services
Native Plant Nursery
Landscape Design
Habitat Restoration
Stormwater Management
Plant Consultations
Eco-Friendly Landscaping
Conservation Planning
Pollinator Gardens
Wetland Restoration
Wildlife Habitat Creation
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of native plant cultivation experience in Hampton Roads
- Certified horticulturists and Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professionals on staff
- Female veteran-owned business with community-focused employment practices
- Locally sourced seeds ensuring genetic biodiversity in plant stock
- Integrated landscape design and plant supply through sister company Wild Works of Whimsy
Associations and certifications
- Virginia Certified Horticulturist
- Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP-ID)
What people say
Expert native plant knowledge
Personalized design approach
Professional and thorough
Reasonable rates
Eco-conscious solutions
Services
Native Plant Nursery
We grow and supply Virginia-native plants including pollinators, wetland species, and upland varieties. Our inventory supports ecosystem restoration and wildlife habitat creation. Plants are grown from locally sourced seeds in recycled containers using sustainable practices.
Landscape Design
Custom landscape designs integrate native plants with stormwater management and habitat features. Our certified designers create functional, ecologically beneficial spaces tailored to site-specific conditions and client goals.
Habitat Restoration
Specialized restoration services for wetlands, woodlands, and pollinator habitats. We implement conservation practices that enhance biodiversity while meeting regulatory requirements for stormwater and environmental compliance.
Plant Consultations
On-site consultations provide tailored recommendations for native plant selection, installation, and maintenance. Services include invasive species identification, pruning guidance, and customized planting plans.
Stormwater Management
We design and implement rain gardens, infiltration trenches, and living shorelines that manage stormwater while creating wildlife habitat. Our solutions meet Chesapeake Bay preservation requirements and local regulations.
People
Trista Imrich
Owner & Landscape Designer
Navy veteran and Virginia Certified Horticulturist with 15+ years in environmental conservation. Leads Wild Works of Whimsy and Southern Branch Nursery, specializing in Chesapeake Bay watershed restoration and sustainable landscape design.
Carly DeLaurier-Flanigan
Nursery Manager
Pacific Northwest native with 15 years in Tidewater horticulture. Expert in pollinator plants and hummingbird-friendly gardens. Manages nursery operations and plant inventory with focus on sustainable cultivation practices.
Maggie Stewart
Landscape Designer
Tidewater native and TCC horticulture graduate. Specializes in permaculture and wetland restoration. Creates functional, eco-friendly landscapes that balance ecological needs with aesthetic appeal for residential clients.
Questions
What native plants thrive in Hampton Roads climate?
We recommend species like Coral Honeysuckle, Native Azaleas, and Serviceberries adapted to local soil and weather conditions. Our inventory includes wetland, upland, and pollinator varieties suited for coastal Virginia.
Do you offer landscape design services outside Chesapeake?
Yes, we provide design consultations within 30 minutes of Virginia Beach. Additional travel fees apply for locations further away. Remote plant procurement services are available statewide.
Can you help with stormwater management solutions?
Our certified team designs rain gardens, living shorelines, and infiltration trenches that meet Chesapeake Bay regulations while creating functional wildlife habitats tailored to your property's needs.
Are your plants suitable for deer-resistant landscaping?
While no plants are completely deer-proof, we offer native species with natural resistance like Live Oaks and Fothergilla. We provide guidance on strategic planting techniques to minimize wildlife impact.
Do you sell plants to landscaping professionals?
Yes, our Professionals Program offers bulk discounts, weekly availability updates, and delivery options for licensed landscapers and verified nonprofits. Minimum order requirements apply for delivery services.
What certifications do your designers hold?
Our team includes Virginia Certified Horticulturists, Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professionals (CBLP-ID), and Virginia Sustainable Landscape-certified designers with expertise in native plant ecosystems and conservation practices.
