Native Plant Design Workshop

Unlock the Beauty of Your Garden with Native Plants! Join the Wild Works of Whimsy and Southern Branch Nursery owner Trista Imrich at the Elizabeth River Project's Ryan Resilience Lab for an Introduction to Designing with Native Plants—a beginner-friendly workshop where you’ll learn how to create a sustainable, low-maintenance landscape that supports local wildlife and thrives in the Hampton Roads environment.

In This Workshop, You Will Learn:

• The benefits of using native plants in your garden

• How to assess your landscape and choose the right plants

• Design principles to create a beautiful and functional garden

• Tips for sustainable gardening practices

Bonus: Take Home a Native Plant to add to your landscape! Handouts will be provided to reinforce what you learn.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or enhancing an existing garden, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to design a landscape that’s both beautiful and environmentally friendly.

Reserve Your Spot Today! Space is limited. Sign up now to secure your place and begin your journey towards a thriving native plant garden.

About Your Instructor

Trista Imrich is the owner and fearless leader of Wild Works of Whimsy and Southern Branch Nursery. A Navy veteran (Surface Warfare Officer), this Ohio native has a Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Management and brings her unique perspective on landscape design and native planting to Hampton Roads.

Trista has extensive experience with the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP), Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA) requirements, and mitigation projects, including living shorelines, rain gardens, infiltration trenches, and conservation landscaping. She is a Virginia Certified Horticulturist (VCH), a Designer (VSLD-certified), and a Level 2 Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional in design and installation (CBLP-ID).

Trista contributed to creating and editing the “Native Plants for Southeast Virginia” guide and is an active advocate for sustainable practices in the region. She frequently speaks at events, garden clubs, and community groups, sharing her passion for native plants and practical insights into sustainable landscaping

Part of The Ryan Resilience Series
Made Possible by Virginia Natural Gas