“Please don’t use the word ‘updated.’ The owners are celebrating their 25th anniversary in this home, and there’s always some amazing project going on, keeping it fresh and new.”  That’s designer Heidi Hartwig describing her clients’ spacious custom two-story in Chesterfield. And, as if to punctuate her statement, the sound of hammering upstairs is explained as a “refreshing” of the master bath, currently in progress.

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.

In Missouri, a native plant is a specie that exsisted prior to European settlement more than 200 years ago. Over time, native species in Missouri have adapted to our climate and soil conditions. Choosing native plants in your landscape allows the plant to coexist in nature rather than compete against it. Check out local landscapers favorite Missouri Natives.

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.