Our Story

Southern Branch Nursery was founded in 1981 by Eric Gunderson, who was one of the pioneers of the native plant nursery industry in the Hampton Roads area. In 2023, the nursery was acquired by Trista Imrich, the owner of Wild Works of Whimsy, a landscape design firm that focuses on creating beautiful and functional gardens that support the local ecology.

Trista is a Navy veteran and a certified horticulturist and designer. She has a passion for native plants and their role in restoring and enhancing the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. She is also an active member of several local and state organizations that promote native plant conservation and education.

Our Services

We offer a range of services to help you create your dream garden, whether it is a small backyard oasis or a large-scale restoration project. Our services include:

• Consultation: We provide expert advice on how to select, plant, and maintain native plants for your site conditions and goals.

• Design: We create custom landscape design master plans that incorporate native plants, wildlife habitat features, stormwater management practices, and aesthetic elements.

• Installation: We install your landscape design with care and professionalism, using quality materials and plants from our nursery or other trusted sources.

• Education: We share our knowledge and experience with you and the community through workshops, presentations, publications, and outreach events.

Our Plants

We grow a variety of native plants for sale to the public, to the landscape nursery trade, and to nonprofit organizations. Our plants include:

• Pollinator plants: These are plants that attract and support bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators with their nectar, pollen, or host plant qualities.

• Wetland plants: These are plants that thrive in wet or moist soils, such as freshwater or saltmarsh grasses and wildflowers. They help filter pollutants, reduce erosion, and provide habitat for aquatic wildlife.

• Upland plants: These are plants that grow in dry or well-drained soils, such as trees, shrubs, grasses, and perennials. They provide shade, shelter, food, and beauty for terrestrial wildlife.

• Straight species: These are plants that are genetically identical to their wild counterparts. They have not been modified by human intervention through breeding or selection. They are more likely to adapt to local conditions and interact with native fauna.

Our Certifications

We have earned several certifications that demonstrate our commitment to excellence in our field. Our certifications include:

• Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (Level 2): This certification recognizes our proficiency in designing and installing landscapes that protect the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

• Virginia Certified Landscape Designer: This certification verifies our competence in creating functional and attractive landscape designs that meet the needs and preferences of our clients.

• Virginia Certified Horticulturist: This certification confirms our knowledge of plant identification, culture, pests, diseases, and best management practices.

Our Memberships

We are proud members of several professional associations that support our industry and our mission. Our memberships include:

• Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association: This association represents the interests of the nursery and landscape industry in Virginia and provides education and networking opportunities for its members.

• Virginia Native Plant Society: This society promotes the conservation and appreciation of native plants and their habitats in Virginia and educates the public about their value and diversity.

• Virginia Society of Landscape Designers: This society promotes the highest standards of professional landscape design in Virginia and provides continuing education and recognition for its members.

• Chesapeake Conservation Landscape Council: This council advances the adoption of conservation landscaping practices that benefit the Chesapeake Bay watershed and its inhabitants