St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Factoria’s front entrance garden has been given an “Award of Merit” by the national Perennial Plant Association.

Designed by Warren Klink, the church’s Sexton and a professional landscape architect, the garden softens the harsh concrete at the church’s entrance and adds color and movement with Bergenia, Panicum, small leafed Boston ivy, and seasonal flowers. Plants were also chosen for their lower maintenance and water needs, in keeping with the church’s environmental commitment. Judges praised the garden’s “lovely textures” and “good winter interest.”

Klink will represent the church in St. Louis, Mo., in July to accept the award. The design will also be featured in an upcoming issue of Perennial Plants Journal.

The church is located at 4228 Factoria Blvd. S.E.