Defined by its landmark water tower, Compton Heights holds a place in history as one of the nation’s first planned residential developments. The 250-acre tract was laid out in 1889 and designed with curvilinear streets, lush landscaping and deed restrictions intended to preserve the subdivision’s tranquil “neighborhood” ambience.

Nestled deep in the woods, deer and turkey roam this 850-acre farm just outside of Morse Mill. Catfish, bass, bluegill and crappie fill a 30-acre lake upon which sits a refined lodge that is the family compound of Elke and Paul Koch. While the animals and natural elements have been a part of the land since 1969 when Paul’s family purchased the property, the lodge, or the farm, as the Koch’s affectionately call it, has only been in existence for four years.

Be it tending to pots overflowing with floral color or supervising projects so major they begin with earth movers and retaining walls, Kim Kelce, along with partner Nancy Pedley of Kelce & Pedley, spends six days a week up to her green thumbs in other people’s gardens. So where does she head when her workday is over?

For our October design issue, we asked local landscapers their favorite plant, flower or tree in their own yard. Check out what St. Louis professionals pick to beautify their gardens.

The region of France that turns on its head the tried and true axioms about the proper wines to serve with meats and fish or chicken is in the northeastern part of the country, bordering both Germany and Switzerland. The Alsace lies in the picturesque Rhine River Valley, just east of the Vosges Mountains. Its geography has informed its history as this picturesque land has changed hands between France and Germany several times. From the names of its towns and cities to its cuisine and wine production, one can easily identify both French and German influences.

Don’t mess with perfection. After rehabbing multiple old houses—and selling countless more—realtor J. Warner understands the truth to the old adage. So when he and his partner, George Hettich, found their current Clayton home, they knew to leave well enough alone, preferring instead to allow the house’s elegant proportions and sophisticated details to speak for themselves.