Despite not being born among the vines, this proud Frenchman had a long-held dream to take his love of wine to a whole new level. In 2000, after 30 years working for the retail giant Carrefour, Michel left to make something that looms large in his country’s culinary identity – and to be true to his own passion and surname.

An ancient Japanese practice, bonsai is the form of growing miniature trees in containers, then carefully and meticulously trimming and grooming into art. A variety of trees can be used to create bonsai, which is a calming hobby for many garden enthusiasts. We asked local landscapers to share their favorite tree for bonsai.

Roses always have been special to the Missouri Botanical Garden. When first establishing the Missouri Botanical Garden, founder Henry Shaw wrote a book in 1882 dedicated to the emblem of his native England, “The Rose.” He wrote, “Human art can neither colour nor describe so fair a flower.” [Its] beauty is composed of all that is exquisite and graceful.”

The Butlers knew a thing or two about basement renovation; a decade ago they’d transformed their prior home’s cellar into an impressive entertainment complex. They were happy with the finished product, but hadn’t used the space as planned. “It was more for entertaining than living,” explains Kelly Butler. When she and Brian were ready to finish the lower level of their new turn-of-this-century home, they called on husband-wife duo Jeanne and Keith Liston of Liston Construction to take 3,350 unfinished square feet from wasted space to true multipurpose living for the family’s diverse needs.

Known for traditional style, designer Tom Manche of Tom Manche Interiors in Clayton is still game for letting a client’s desires and individual tastes take him to new places. The key to ending up in a good spot is not just having a good eye, but in having his ears open too.

When updating a hundred-year-old home in an idyllic neighborhood near Washington University, there are bound to be obstacles. “You don’t know what you’re getting into, and sometimes you’re pulling horsehair insulation out of walls,” explains Jill Worobec, certified designer with Mosby Building Arts. It’s a fun challenge, especially when working with clients like Worobec’s, one of whom was so psyched about the project that she took a sledgehammer and started the demolition herself!