Randee steadfastly believes that “native plants are the most glamorous things in the world”. He bases that opinion on not only the plants’ inherent beauty, but perhaps most importantly, in the beauty that they create as dynamic, living participants in the natural world. He gives the example of the milkweed in your garden—a pretty but perhaps not a show stopper of a bloom in itself, but the milkweed in bloom attracts the striking monarch, a sight no one can help but take pleasure in, and then perhaps the monarch might catch the eye of a child who witnesses a monarch at eye level for the very first time. And what, Randee asks, could be more beautiful than watching a child who is captivated by a monarch in flight? 

Nature By Design is a true “mom and pop” business so rare in today’s world. The pride of ownership is reflected in the care they take with their plants and in selecting plants wisely.  When helping people with landscape design, Carla and Randee make sure that their clients are aware of any existing invasive plants on the property and also that any plants they recommend will be “the right plant for the right place” over time. Another example of their commitment to improving the ecological benefits of gardening is that they require that their growers certify that no neonicotinoid pesticides were ever used on the plants they purchase, meaning that their customers can rest assured their plants are safe for our pollinators and insect feeders. While the nursery business can be tough, Randee and Carla generously share their knowledge and enthusiasm and are determined to provide area gardeners with a wonderful selection of Chesapeake area native plants.  Make plans to visit their gem of a nursery soon!