Trista Imrich wants to change the way you think about your yard. The certified horticulturalist and president of the Virginia Society of Landscape Designers isn’t interested in the usual manicured lawn—she’s on a mission to bring wild, purposeful beauty back to the Chesapeake Bay region, one native plant at a time.
Since launching Wild Works of Whimsy in 2014, Imrich has become a quiet force in sustainable landscaping, partnering with Southern Branch Nursery to show homeowners what their outdoor spaces can become. From restoring a crumbling shoreline, managing stormwater runoff, or turning a backyard into a buzzing haven for pollinators, her work sits at the intersection of ecological responsibility and genuine artistry.
But for Imrich, it’s never just about the plants. Her designs are built around a simple but radical idea: that humans and wildlife don’t have to compete for space. The landscapes she creates are meant to feel like sanctuaries—places where people can exhale, and where birds, bees, and butterflies can actually thrive. SouthernBranchNursery.com
This article originally appeared in the Best of Virginia 2026 issue.
