If gardens could be likened to gemstones, the landscape of Laura and Josh, featured on a recent Frontenac Garden Club tour, would classify as a sparkling emerald. From hydrangeas to hostas to pyramidal arborvitae to groundcover astilbe, it glows with more shades and hues of green that could be dreamed up on an artist’s paint palette. The occasional flashes of pink and lavender from hydrangeas, impatiens and spikes of astilbe act as glowing facets reflected off the green of the plants.

What: 

Each October, the Missouri Botanical Garden hosts one of the most beloved fall events in St. Louis.  Best of Missouri Market® is your chance to discover and support local artisans, artists and businesses.

Guests 21 and over can sample unique fall flavors at the festival's craft beer and cocktail court. Explore and take home some of the region’s best spirits including wine, beer, mead and more.

The market will also feature several local restaurants, food trucks and coffee brewers offering seasonal flavors to visitors.  

Incorporating vines into the garden can seem like a great idea, yet an intimidating one. Deciding on where you want them to grow and what purpose you hope them to serve is the easiest way to start. Whether it's to decorate fences, trellises, walls, groundcover or even fill pots, there are plenty of options for any situation. Additionally, vines can be used for privacy and shade with some intentional planning. With the proper knowledge of how to select and care for vining plants, both a green space or a hardscape can be turned into a lush, sophisticated oasis. 

If there were two words to encapsulate this renovated space, they would be timeless and inviting. Purchased by a young couple, the home had undergone numerous renovations by the previous owners, resulting in a mixture of finishes that left it feeling disorganized. “With young children, we wanted a space that felt warm, inviting and lived in—not a showpiece we’d be afraid to use,” says the homeowner. Looking for a design company to guide them through each part of the renovation, they turned to Bailey Todd of White Cliff Studio to take on the project.

When St. Louis native Laurie returned after spending two decades in California, she envisioned a home that would blend the breezy elegance of the West Coast with the grounded warmth of the Southwest. 

    To bring that vision to life, she partnered with Megan Temple of Megan Temple Design on a complete redesign. “Our goal was to create a space that felt warm and comfortable while being highly customized to Laurie’s style,” says Megan.

Ellis Builds Inc.

This extraordinary staircase became the unexpected centerpiece of the entire renovation. Not part of the original design, it took shape through an on-site collaboration between the designer, homeowners and skilled trim carpenters. The goal was a clean, elegant railing that would seamlessly integrate with the existing curved stairs and upper landing; and the results speak for themselves. Photography by Joe Harrison, JH Photography Inc.

FLUX Modern.