It is often said that a Chinese garden is built, not planted. Designed by Chinese-born architect Yong Pan, this garden is a showplace of extraordinary craftsmanship. The architectural elements were designed and built using the traditional colors indicative of a southern Chinese Garden: black, white, gray and reddish brown for the different elements such as the walls, pavilion, bridges, and blue stone pavings with their exquisite mosaic designs.

Looking to add some perennials with “pop” to your garden? Go Native! That’s the advice of M.A. Ward, perennial plant manager at SummerWinds Nursery in Ellisville. Not only will you have plants with gorgeous flowers, you will be helping the environment in more ways than one.

While the calendar says that spring officially begins in April, I’ve always looked to May as the heart of the season. Trees, bushes and flowers are in riotous bloom, the sun goes down later and later, and warm days are becoming the norm not the exception. We’re starting to think lighter, feel lighter (after shedding tights, winter coats, sweaters – and maybe a few pounds) and many of us are eating lighter.

A seasonal trend for some, a lifestyle for many, the growing popularity of urban and rooftop gardens in the last decade has been significant. The development of the nouveau foodie persona, and the rise of the farm-to-table movement, have played a huge role in encouraging otherwise cement-treading, air-conditioned dwelling individuals to pick up a spade and bend from the waist for hours upon hours to tend a plot.

Nestled in the heart of the historic Benton Park Neighborhood, Jessi and Jamie Hatfield’s one-story rebuild effortlessly exudes the celebrated character of the home’s distinct locale. After taking one look inside, however, it’s obvious that the couple’s custom-designed standout is anything but expected.

Heidi Sowatsky of Decorating Den encourages clients to buy high-quality furniture and reupholster and refinish old furniture whenever possible. “If you’re consistent in your style, you can then move the furniture from room to room and home to home without difficulty,” Sowatsky says.

Judy and Don Walter’s previous home was completely tailored to their personal preferences. To make the move easier, Walter says she flbrought over a lot of ideas from the old house to the new house, which has significantly more space and natural light.