Kevin Barry was raised with a green thumb. After developing his gardening skills at his grandfather’s farm in South Dakota, Barry went on to get a degree in horticulture in business. Now, with nearly 40 years of gardening experience, Barry teaches others how to successfully garden in the Leander area through his business, Barryhill Garden Center.

The background

Barry previously managed the center when it was known as Red Barn Garden Center, but purchased the business in 2021. In recent years the business has rebranded and is now family-owned and operated.Barry's goal is to educate customers no matter where they are in their gardening journey. He said the business fields questions all day about plant issues and recommendations.

“We often get compliments for spreading the knowledge because we don’t ever just want to sell somebody something and pass them off like, ‘See you next time,’” Barry said. “We are selling you long-term success.”

Marketing director Angelica Berkes said the center tries to help customers prepare for weather, especially with the unpredictable changes in recent years. Barkes said the company even prints up hand-outs with tips for helping plants thrive all year.

“We’re at the mercy of the weather so we’re adaptable in this environment," she said. "You gotta grow around it.”What they offer

Customers can find all sorts of plants, from perennials and tropicals to houseplants and herbs and vegetables. The business sells items for plant care including plant food and soil, mulch, compost and pottery.

Those looking to start their garden from scratch can find an array of flower, fruit and vegetable seeds.More details

In his time in the industry, Barry has seen the gardening world go from a space dominated by men to becoming an inclusive space led by women and women of color.

“Fortunately we’ve diversified to having 60% of our industry run by females and another 15-20% is run by females of color,” Barry said. “I think it's just awesome because you get a whole other perspective on how to run our type of business.”Barry and Berkes said gardening is for everyone and simply takes some trial and error. Berkes encourages individuals interested in stepping into the scene to connect with a community.

“It’s a whole lifestyle,” Berkes said. “It’s easier when you’re surrounded by people who are like-minded, who want to grow and gain that experience.”

With the business thriving at its current location, Barry said he hopes to expand with three different locations throughout the city of Austin in the next five years.

Gardening tips from Barry:

• Plant native plants which will adapt well to the limestone and clay in the Texas soil. Some native plants include flame acanthus, also known as the hummingbird bush, and esperanza, also known as yellow bells.
• Plant in the fall so plants have time to dig their roots in and take up water from the ground rather than depending on you to be their only water source.
• 690 A N. Bagdad Road, Leander
• www.barryhillgc.com