When East coast native Dorian Tomace had the opportunity to transfer to St. Louis for a job opportunity, she thought why not! A change in pace from the hustle and bustle of city living to the more relaxed lifestyle of the Midwest was appealing. After a home-finding visit where she had zeroed in on Chesterfield, Clayton and the Central West End, Dorian fell in love with the urban vibe of the Cortex area on the eastern edge of the CWE. 

It was the need for more space that prompted Melinda and John Ross to start looking for a “forever” home. They loved to entertain; their two children would soon be teenagers; and they wanted to stay in the immediate near-West County vicinity. 

There are two hallmarks that dominate the landscape in this stunning Ladue garden. One is a profusion of hydrangeas that flow along walkways, drift through beds and even climb brick walls. The other is an immense, regal grandiflora magnolia that holds court against the back of the red brick house and makes a sweeping bow across the brick patio to embrace both hard structures and fold them into the beauty of the garden.

Wow your neighbors with hyper-vivid flowers sprouting in your garden this spring. Your garden will pop with bright shades of pink, orange and yellow against the greenery. Check out local landscapers' favorite varieties to plant for a vibrant garden glow.

Youngsters can go on a “Missouri adventure” in the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Children’s Garden teaches kids 12 and under about the interdependence of all nature – humans, insects, animals and plants – in a variety of ecosystems.

If you want to know anything about growing herbs in the Midwest, talk with Mary Hammer. She’s a member of the St. Louis Herb Society and chairman of the group’s upcoming Herb Sale at the Missouri Botanical Garden April 27-29. The effervescent Mary can fill a book just off the top of her head when she taps into her knowledge of how to grow, use and harvest these stars of the garden, kitchen and even the medicine cabinet.