South elevation of Belmont from the Long Walk rose arbor. Photograph courtesy of the author and Gari Melchers Home and Studio, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg

The 36-year Journey: Fallow Farm Fields Transformed Into Native Plant Oasis. Debbie Eisele takes us into the native woodland groves of Fran and Andrew Boninti, just outside of Charlottesville. The Bonintis have been landscaping their property for over 36 years, growing plants from cuttings and transforming fallow farm fields to an oasis for people and wildlife. Photo courtesy of Fran Boninti

Form and Function: Uniting Beauty and Sustainability. John Magee is a naturalistic landscaper in Loudoun county who shows us three gardens he has designed using eco-friendly, sustainable, pollinator-friendly plants and methods. He believes that landscapes should not only be ornamental, but useful to the environment and wildlife. Photo by John Magee

Gari Melchers’ Belmont: Historic Gardens Preserved. Beate Ankjaer-Jensen, cultural resource manager at Gari Melters Home and Studio, shows us the preservation efforts for the property’s historic gardens. Photo courtesy of Beate Ankjaer-Jensen and Gari Melchers Home and Studio, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg.