This past Friday, we had the pleasure of welcoming the Virginia Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (VA ASLA) to James River Nurseries for a Native Plant Walk—right here at our nursery in Richmond, VA. A huge thank-you to David Lisowski of Balzer & Associates for leading the walk and sharing his expertise, and to SiteOne Henrico for generously sponsoring lunch. It was a fantastic day of learning, connecting, and celebrating the role Virginia native plants play in sustainable landscaping.
Why Native Plants Matter in Virginia Landscapes
Native species are adapted to our region’s climate and soils, making them a smart foundation for low-maintenance, resilient landscapes that support local biodiversity and pollinators. For a reliable overview and plant selection guidance, see the Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation’s “Native Plants for Conservation, Restoration & Landscaping” resource.
What We Highlighted on the Walk
- Design with place in mind: Using natives to create four-season interest and site-appropriate planting palettes for commercial and residential projects across Central Virginia.
- Performance & maintenance: Right plant, right place—leading to reduced inputs, better long-term performance, and predictable maintenance.
- Habitat benefits: Plant communities that support pollinators and songbirds, integrate with stormwater-friendly practices, and enhance urban ecology.
- Specification & sourcing: Selecting region-appropriate species and proven cultivars backed by reputable growers and local availability.
Partnering With the Design Community
We’re proud to collaborate with landscape architects, builders, and contractors to translate high-level design goals into thriving, buildable plantings. Events like this VA ASLA walk deepen the dialogue around native plant selection, installation best practices, and long-term stewardship.
Plan a Visit—or Your Next Project
Whether you’re designing a new landscape or refreshing an existing site, our team can help you craft a native-forward planting plan that’s beautiful, functional, and built to last.
👉 Contact us today to start your project.
