Barbara Lien Named Gardener of the Year

Out of approximately 580 members in 24 clubs across the state of Montana, Whitehall resident Barbara Lien was selected as the “Gardener of the Year” during the Montana Federation of Garden Club’s yearly convention held in Billings in June.

Barbara has a B.S. in Earth Sciences from Montana State University, and an M.S. in Landscape Architecture from Washington State University along with additional courses in graphic design, Information Design, technical writing, and AutoCAD. She taught basic landscape design courses to homeowners throughout the Spokane Parks and Recreation Department from 2009 to 2012.

Barbara does a lot of volunteer work for the town and has put in lots of work at the Silver Tower Park where a native plant garden was developed along with the Blue and Gold Star Markers.

This club member excels in everything she does. With her degrees in landscaping and design and environmental studies, she has applied her skills in this community, taught the Montana Federation of Garden Club’s Landscape Schools, and created beautiful gardens at her own home. Barbara developed several berms using plants, shrubs, and trees as well as planting many native plants around her property. She is currently working on designing an edible garden.

Congratulations, Barbara!