Barryhill Garden Center cultivates space for Leander’s new and seasoned gardeners

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.”

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.

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.”

“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