In 2015, PEC finished the renovation and expansion of our historic headquarters office, which was built in 1784 in Warrenton, Virginia. As part of the vision for a more sustainable building, we began extensive restoration work on the office grounds. 

“Once we completed the building addition, I was anxious to see PEC keep up the momentum and continue with the landscaping. We made such an effort to have the building reflect the organization’s values — from the reuse of an old building, geothermal HVAC system, solar panels, state-of-the art windows and insulation — it was important the landscaping also make a statement that was in keeping with our programmatic goals.” -Douglas C. Larson

Doug Larson, former vice president of PEC

As of summer 2018, the garden is largely complete, and we are proud to name it in honor of Doug Larson. Doug is a former vice president of PEC, and served in that capacity for 16 years before his retirement in 2016. Thanks to Doug’s passion for natives and dedication to the organization, Piedmont residents have a site that they can visit that demonstrates how native plants can be used in an urban and suburban landscape.

The Design

Since native plants are supposed to be a part of our local landscape, they use less and provide more. They also provide food and shelter to local wildlife, which helps build a stronger ecosystem.

The primary design was provided by PEC’s own Dan Holmes, director of state policy, who has a background in horticulture and a masters in landscape design. Celia Vuocolo, PEC’s habitat and stewardship specialist, was responsible for selecting the perennials and designing the pollinator garden.

Plant List