Seeds of Wisdom

Pat Ross, owner of Landscape Concepts, Inc., sheds light on her business that’s coming up roses.

Text: Emily Schnitzler
Photos: Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton

“For a beautiful landscape, understanding the soil is your key to success!”

DESIGNER SKETCH
Hometown: I grew up a in a small, rural community in Southern Illinois.

Background: My grandfather was interested in organic gardening. He grew unusual crops like peanuts and popcorn that intrigued me as a child.

Education: I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

Favorite parts of the country: The Blue Ridge Mountains and the Dakotas are probably the most beautiful natural landscapes where I've vacationed.

Favorite landscape ever seen: I love the Botanical Gardens. I've lived in St. Louis for 25 years and always find something new there that excites me.

www.landscapeconceptsstl.com

What aspects of landscape design do you focus on generally and specifically this time of year?
We are a landscape design/build company. We focus on developing usable and aesthetic exterior spaces, and our designs are planned specifically to meet our customers' individual needs and style preferences. Our crews provide quality installation of retaining walls, paved patios and walks, plantings and landscape lighting. Throughout the hot summer months, we work with our customers to develop proper watering techniques.

How do you work with your clients to develop a design for their garden?
At the start of a project, I meet with clients to review their current situation. We discuss areas that they would like to address, problems that need to be corrected, how they would like to use the space, as well as their materials, colors and style inclinations. After a thorough site analysis, we develop a scaled base map, formulate a budget and select the materials. Details are tweaked until everyone is happy!

As many currently contemplate their summer landscapes, how do you ensure clients' gardens transition through all the seasons?
In our continental climate, it is important to incorporate evergreen plants into a landscape to provide winter color and substance. I also like to include deciduous plants with a strong branching structure. Plants displaying winter color with berries and foliage, and structural/textural plants – such as swaying grasses, seed pods, interesting bark and unique buds – can all add interest during the cold, dormant months.

What are the must-haves in a client's landscape?

  • Best Possible Soil. It's so easy to get excited about walls and patios, plants and color displays, and all of the other visible enhancements. But if you want a beautiful garden, it is important to work with a company that understands soil composition and  how to modify it. This is the key to success.
  • Yard Art. It's fun, it's an easy way to add your own style, and you can change it as often as you'd like!
  • Family Gardens. Developing and maintaining a garden with your kids and grandkids is rewarding. In our family, we enjoy growing tomatoes, peppers and zucchini and remark about their tastiness! Together, we plant a special flowering tree to remember a beloved family member or pet who has passed.