7 minute read
Cover Story
Member Highlight
Back in 2014, wanting to add diversity to our own property, I found myself asking a common question: where can homeowners get their hands on pesticide-free native plants? Frustratingly, there were very few answers. That’s when I, Julie Borneman, decided to step out of my comfort zone and start a new hobby, Watermark Woods - Native Plants. As a master gardener, Audubon at Home Ambassador, and proud self-declared plant nerd, I was probably overly confident in my ability to start a plant-based business, but I tried anyway.
On our property in Hamilton, VA, my husband Chris, our two sons and I showcased our resourcefulness and commitment to sustainability. We got creative by repurposing cinderblocks and old pallets to craft unique sales benches, converting an old feed trough into a potting station and strategically integrated numerous garden hose sprinklers. We have several demonstration areas where we can test plants and customers can observe the strengths and challenges of established native plants. I cultivated plants from seeds, cuttings, and wholesale plugs, and added select finished plants to our inventory. Of course, I faced many obstacles like overwatering, underwatering and simply killing a lot of plants, and I learned a lot those first few years.
As I sold plants from our yard and hauled native plants to offsite sales, I also embarked on a journey of horticultural education. I took classes to earn the VNLA Horticultural Certificate and the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional certification, crucial qualifications that not only enhanced my credibility in the horticulture world but also provided me with the additional knowledge needed to cultivate plants on a larger scale. The exploration of native plants is an ongoing endeavor, and both my staff and I are committed to continuous learning, drawing insights from external sources and each other.
It wasn’t long before I realized Watermark Woods is not a oneperson show and way bigger than just a hobby. We hired our first employee, then another and another and so on. Every year we add benches to the sales area and more space to our propagation areas as well. The number of plants species we offer has grown to over 600. We have several demonstration areas where customers can observe established native plants. With zero marketing or advertising budget, Watermark Woods is growing annually based purely on word of mouth and our fantastic earthsaving plants. Today, we are a recognized name in the native plant community, and we get folks visiting from all across the eastern seaboard.
What makes me most proud about our nursery are three things: our rich native plant database, our incredible staff, and smart customers.
Our website hosts an extensive plant database, giving you the opportunity to explore a wide array of plant varieties tailored to your growing conditions. Homeowners can leisurely browse plant information and images from the comfort of their homes, even downloading a wish list to streamline their shopping experience when they visit Watermark Woods. Landscapers, too, have found this database invaluable, as it allows them to seamlessly switch between plant lists and photos to showcase options to their customers. This tool has become a favorite for many of our customers and an indispensable asset for our staff.
Our exceptional team at Watermark Woods is always here to discuss your planting needs, assisting you in finding the perfect plant for the right spot. Each team member brings their unique expertise and passion to the table. Whether it’s David’s love for ferns, Susan’s knack for managing gardens in an HOA, Nan’s dedication to re-wilding wooded areas, BJ’s enthusiasm for meadows, Kerry’s knowledge of insect relationships, Gina’s pruning expertise, or Celeste’s design skills – we’ve got it all covered.
Customers frequently visit armed with pictures and lists, dedicating hours to explore our plant signs and tap into our collective knowledge. We invest time in understanding individual homeowner landscape requirements and goals. Often, we hear about new, unique insects or birds someone has attracted to their yard. Homeowners today are exceptionally informed, recognizing the unique relationships, such as the pawpaw and Zebra swallowtail butterfly. I strongly believe they leave our nursery empowered with the understanding to enhance their yards sustainably. They also form connections with like-minded individuals dedicated to preserving our environment.
The success of Watermark Woods has enabled us to contribute meaningfully to our community in diverse ways. We support numerous nonprofits, donate to schools, churches, and scout groups, and actively participate in talks and educational initiatives. Co-sponsoring a nature book club is a source of pride for us, fostering community and intellectual exchange among nature enthusiasts. Our commitment extends beyond financial contributions, as our dedicated employees engage in various talks and educational sessions, sharing their expertise and passion for native plants.
The remarkable success of Watermark Woods serves as a foundation for our community involvement. Our commitment to giving back is evident in our support for nonprofits aligned with our causes. We extend our support to schools, churches, and scout groups through diverse donations. Our engagement goes beyond financial aspects, with employees actively participating in talks and educational sessions to share their knowledge of native plants with the community.
Through these partnerships with advocacy groups, we aim to play a proactive role in safeguarding the environment and promoting sustainable practices within our community. As stewards of nature, we understand the interconnectedness of our success with the well-being of our community, and our commitment to giving back aims to make a lasting positive impact.
The community aspect of this venture has been truly heartwarming. Each passing year brings more people to our doors, transforming Watermark Woods into a cherished hub for plant enthusiasts eager to engage in discussions and celebrations of native flora. It’s not just about shopping; it’s a place where customers, armed with their coffee, come to share thoughts on native plants, wildlife, and life in general. Some even drop by simply to explore the offerings in our ‘Little Free Plant Book Library’. It’s become a welcoming space, even for those not inherently drawn to plants, as they find unique gifts in our gift shop for the nature-loving individuals in their lives. The unexpected sense of community that has flourished around Watermark Woods has become a source of joy and fulfillment for us and the community.
Watermark Woods – Native Plants has transformed from a personal hobby into a thriving community hub. Initially driven by a quest for pesticide-free native plants, the nursery’s commitment to sustainability and education has cultivated not only an exceptional plant inventory but also a genuine community spirit. The pride we take in our comprehensive plant database and outstanding team reflects our dedication to accessible information and customer experience. Beyond being a recognized name in the native plant community, Watermark Woods has become a platform for meaningful contributions – through donations, talks, nature book clubs, and advocacy support. Our unexpected growth and sense of community stand as a testament to the power of passion and sustainability, above and beyond the traditional role of a plant nursery.
