Purchasing an old off-market home in mid-renovation after a leak caused significant water damage is not for the faint of heart. But for a St. Louis couple who had both grown up just a couple of streets away, it was a sentimental return to a neighborhood they loved. Located on the west side of Forest Park, the picturesque setting offers convenient dog walks, nearby golf, family picnics on Art Hill and frequent trips to The Boathouse and the Zoo, which the couple and their young daughter take full advantage of.

  Natasha Merchant-Pappu has lived all over the world. She is comfortable in Massachusetts and Connecticut, London, Bombay and Poona in India. But there is probably no place where she is more at home than in her Ladue garden. 

Technology has made it easier for users to do almost anything around the house. It’s also making big waves in the gardening community. Innovative new tools utilize technology to track plant growth, create flexible watering schedules and act as a visualization tool during the planning process. These additions to your gardening routine can improve your garden’s efficiency and give you more insight into the inner workings of your plants. 

Soil Monitoring Systems

A low-maintenance summer staple, hydrangeas are shrubs most recognized by their vibrant blooms. Often planted in early spring, these plants average around 2-feet of growth each year and will return every summer once planted. 

Creating the Right Environment

After being on hiatus since 2019, the Wildflower Concert Series makes its return to the Nature Reserve this summer, offering three nights of performances by local artists surrounded by Missouri’s beautiful outdoors.  

Performances will take place on the lawn of the Nature Reserve’s Bascom House surrounded by the beautiful Whitmire Wildflower Garden. This free event occurs on June 27, July 25 and August 22. Visitors can arrive at 5 p.m., music starts at 6 p.m. and the concert ends at 8 p.m. 

By Unique Landscapes. This serene outdoor retreat blends Mediterranean-inspired design with modern sophistication, featuring a white stucco fireplace, built-in seating with striped cushions and a canopy-draped pergola. A natural wood dining table anchors the space, complemented by a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and relaxed woven textures throughout. Framed by lush greenery, the setting invites effortless entertaining and quiet moments alike.