FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Southern Branch Nursery FAQs

  • We sell plants native to NC and VA and some select nativars (native cultivars). We try to grow as much from local seed as possible, but do bring in many plants from other trusted nurseries as well. Plants include trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, ephemerals, grasses, groundcovers, and vines.

  • At Southern Branch Nursery, we focus on VA and NC native plants to support local ecosystems, preserve biodiversity, and promote sustainability. Native plants thrive in local conditions, requiring less water and maintenance, and provide essential habitats for wildlife. Avoiding non-natives and invasives helps prevent ecological disruption. Our commitment to native plants also allows us to educate the community on sustainable gardening practices and the importance of ecological balance.

  • Plant Warranty Policy

    We take pride in the quality of our plants and want you to have gardening success. Here's what we offer:

    Warranty Coverage

    Retail Plants

    • Perennials, trees, and shrubs: 6-month warranty

    • Plugs: No warranty

    Installation Plants

    • Trees: 1-year warranty

    • Perennials: 6-month warranty

    • Plugs: 30-day warranty

    Professional Discount Plants

    • No warranty on items purchased with a professional discount

    What’s Not Covered

    • Landscaping plugs (retail)

    • Plants damaged by drought, overwatering, pests, or weather extremes

    • Plants unplanted more than 14 days after purchase

    • Clearance or final sale items

    • Improper planting or unsuitable site conditions

    Making a Warranty Claim

    To initiate a claim, please email us at sales@southernbranchnursery.com before bringing in your plant. We’ll confirm warranty eligibility and let you know the next steps.

    Once confirmed, please bring:

    We offer a one-time replacement (if available) or store credit equal to the original purchase price, valid for 30 days.

    Have questions? We're happy to help guide future success!

  • Yes! As part of our commitment to reduce waste, we reuse pots to help keep them out of the landfill. We do NOT take pots with labels, stickers, prints, white pots, orange pots, square pots, and pots that don’t fit our standard sizes.

  • Yes! Visit our Facebook page for upcoming events.

Wild Works of Whimsy FAQS

  • We offer design services and consultation throughout Hampton Roads, though fees may vary for distances exceeding 30 minutes from zip codes 23454/23322.

  • We do offer limited virtual consultations for clients outside our normal range, but within VA or NC.

  • Conservation landscaping involves designing and maintaining gardens and green spaces that incorporate native plants to support local wildlife, improve water quality, and enhance soil health. This approach focuses on sustainability by reducing the need for irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides. It also aims to create natural habitats, manage stormwater, and reduce erosion, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem. Conservation landscaping combines aesthetic appeal with environmental stewardship, promoting a balanced relationship between human activity and nature.

  • Yes, some flooding and erosion issues can be addressed or improved through our expertise in sustainable landscape design and native plant solutions. Our conservation landscaping techniques utilize native plants with deep root systems that stabilize soil and improve water infiltration. By creating rain gardens, installing permeable surfaces, and strategically planting vegetation, we can manage stormwater effectively, reduce runoff, and prevent erosion. Our team will work with you to develop a customized plan to mitigate these problems and enhance the resilience and beauty of your landscape.

  • No, we are not licensed landscape architects. However, we are certified landscape designers, certified horticulturists, and Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional, Level 2-ID (installation and design) certified. This means we have extensive training and expertise in sustainable landscape design, horticulture, and stormwater management. While we are qualified to stamp plans per city requirements, we cannot conduct certain tasks reserved for licensed landscape architects, such as large-scale urban planning or structural landscape architecture.

  • Sustainable design focuses on creating landscapes that are environmentally responsible, resource-efficient, and harmonious with the local ecosystem. It involves using native plants, reducing water usage, minimizing chemical inputs, and incorporating elements that support biodiversity and soil health. Sustainable design aims to create beautiful, functional spaces that enhance the natural environment, manage stormwater effectively, and reduce the overall ecological footprint.

  • We offer limited small-scale commercial services. Contact us for more information.

  • Not at this time.

  • Yes! Select "not sure" on the contact page under services, and you will receive a link to set up a complimentary 15-minute phone call. During this call, we will discuss your project goals and help you choose the appropriate level of service.

Composting FAQs

  • For further information about our composting program, in cooperation with Tidewater Compost, please see the Tidewater Compost FAQ here.

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