Christie Barry, owner

Christie Barry

• Born in Toledo, Ohio and resided there and in Chicago and Bethlehem, Pa.
• Many summers were spent in New England as a camper and camp counselor.
• Student of the University of Richmond/Westhampton College and graduated cum laude with an English Major and Art minor.
• Her wide range of experiences in athletics, the applied arts, music, student government and clubs earned her the Phi Beta Kappa of leadership award (ODK).
• After college, Christie worked at Elk Hill Farm and the United Methodist Family Services with trouble youth. There, she met her husband of 41 years, Kevin Barry.
• She received her Masters of Education in Special Education in 1982, and worked in the public schools system and alternatives to corrections facilities.
• In the mid 80’s, she transitioned from education to work at Best Products headquarters as a procedure analyst, reorganizing workflow for many departments.
• In 1990, looking for alternatives to troubled youth and troubled companies, Christie worked at the Great Big Greenhouse and then teamed with Martha Gray, a renowned residential landscape designer.
• Through Martha’s referrals, Kevin’s co-ownership and a lot of hard work the company grew from there.
• In 2019 Christe lost the ability to walk and started to use a wheelchair at work running the company and at home. Although she had been struggling with a progressive very rare condition throughout her life (schwanomatosis), it was a tough transition. After 4 years she has liquidated the company and retired. She spends her time writing her blog (christiesfinegardening.com/blog/) to help the average homeowner learn how to main and develop their gardens; teaches landscape classes; tutors under priveledge children and swims.
• The “hands on approach” and cleverness in approaching a problem with clever and beautiful solutions is one of her greatest assets.
• Christie is certified by the Virginia Society of Landscape Designers and served on the board as Treasurer in 2010 and 2011.