About Christie's Fine Gardening
Our Mission
Christie's Fine Gardening is committed to developing gardens tailored to your lifestyle and maintenance needs. Our craftsmen create a garden setting as a whole piece, with artistic flair and an understanding of what will connect you with nature, every time you go into your garden.
Our Philosophy
We are passionate about landscapes. We believe that Nature's gardens connect us to the Earth and uplift the human spirit.
We approach your garden with an artistic palette, working with you to develop your domestic escape—customizing it to your natural conditions, style and budget. Each member of our design team of highly-skilled craftsmen is certified by the Virginia Society of Landscape Designers.
Our passion for landscapes includes a commitment to earth-friendly practices and approaches. In our plans, as we look for ways to uplift the human spirit, while also reducing the carbon footprint.
Christie Barry, owner, VSLD
Born in Toledo, Ohio, Christie came to Richmond as a student of the University of Richmond's Westhampton College. She graduated cum laude, concentrating in English and the applied arts. The Phi Beta Kappa of leadership—ODK—would serve her well at Christie's Fine Gardening.
After college, Christie worked at Elk Hill Farm, where she met her future husband Kevin Barry, and United Methodist Family Services. In these experiences, she learned to motivate and inspire groups of young men, needed skills when she began managing her gardening crews.
At the same time, Christie earned a Masters of Education, Virginia Commonwealth University, in Special Ed., and worked in the Henrico and Hanover county public school systems. In 1984, she transitioned from education to work at Best Products headquarters, as a procedure analyst, reorganizing work flows for many departments.
In 1990, Christie teamed with Martha Gray, a renowned landscape designer in West End Richmond. Martha specialized in residential landscapes with a very hands-on approach. Soon, Martha began diverting accounts to Christie, and Christie's new business grew to 11 workers with as many trucks. Christie was a natural at creative gardening, with a flair for color and design. Clients also love her leadership skills and enthusiasm.
Christie is certified by the Virginia Society of Landscape Designers. She enjoys developing the layers of the garden from large trees to the bulb level. Her “hands on approach” in starting the business 17 years ago is one of her greatest assets in “reading” your garden.
Kevin Barry, co-owner
Born in Newport, Rhode Island, Kevin grew up in a naval family. The undergraduate courses he took at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in applied arts and art history would serve him well in later years at Christie's. He went on to receive a Master of Science degree in counseling from VCU. Kevin and Christie met at Elk Hill Farm in Goochland County, while working with troubled youth. From Elk Hill Farm and United Methodist Family Services, they moved into the world of business at Best Products Corporate headquarters from 1985 - 1993, where Kevin worked as a buyer. These jobs would later help him assume management and administrative roles at Christie's. As Christie's Fine Gardening grew, Kevin joined the company in 1993.
Kevin’s attention to detail in lawn mowing, spraying of yards with the safest products and proactive pest management awareness is superb. He consults regularly on site with area specialists. Kevin recently obtained a Class A Contractor’s license for the business.
