When the Judges purchased their home in 2009, the turn-of-the-last-century Victorian didn’t need much work. That’s because Kelly’s grandparents – the previous homeowners, who’d purchased the place in the sixties – had already put in enough sweat equity to revive the once-tired stick style.

For our June/July Outdoor issue, we asked local design professionals their opinion on outdoor water fountains. Are they a classic or a craze? Here’s what the professionals had to say.

For Michelle, whose garden encompasses eight acres in the heart of St. Louis County, gardening is all about sharing. Whether it is three cuttings of special mint passed on to a fellow gardener, dinner in a succulent-filled greenhouse for family and friends or an invitation to the general public to view the garden as part of last year’s Nature Conservancy tour, she firmly believes the historic garden, of which she now considers herself the caretaker, is meant to be enjoyed by others.

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.

Color. Bold, beautiful, exuberant, raucous, dazzling color sets the tone for this spectacular West County pool and patio space. But just below the brilliant surface, there is sentiment, nostalgia and peace.

To understand both aspects, requires knowing the story of how the garden came about.  It began when the homeowner’s mother passed away leaving her the family ranch-style home and 2.5 acres of property.

Long-blooming annuals and perennials bring color and texture to your garden all season. Check out our local landscape experts' favorites.