Growing up in suburban St. Louis, these homeowners always felt drawn to the vivacious vibe of urban living, and almost 20 years ago decided to make the move to University City for a much-needed change of pace. When it came time to transition out of their first place together and into something with more space for their growing family, the duo found themselves two blocks away on a tree-lined street of historic homes and had a feeling that this was where they should plant their roots.

“Interior design is like a signed piece of art. Client satisfaction is, of course, most important, and I’m very detail-oriented. But as a creative, I like to think outside the box, to take risks.” That’s designer Tom Manche describing the “signature” philosophy that has contributed to the success of his award-winning, full-service design firm for two decades. 

Debbie Jacob’s enthusiasm is infectious. It boils over when she begins to talk about her garden. 

Therefore, it isn’t surprising that participants in the ballroom dancing class she was taking a few years ago at the Creve Coeur Government Center would know of her passion for plants and her struggle to transform the garden of the Ladue home she and her husband Don had recently purchased.

If you find yourself tight on space in the garden or prefer container gardening, using compact and dwarf versions of plants can provide the same effect in a smaller package. We asked local landscapers to share their favorite mini-me versions of plants.

People of all ages can tickle their senses by visiting the Zimmerman Sensory Garden. This garden gives visitors an opportunity to draw on their senses. People enjoy smelling popular herbs like rosemary, lemon thyme and lavender. A whiff of the chocolate flower is sure to tempt any guest’s sweet tooth. The sounds of the Shell Fountain and the Solari bell will engage guests as they make their way through this garden.

“The bulk of the back yard was a blank slate,” says Richard Poynter, president of Poynter Landscape. Lead landscape architect Bob Wilhelm did have a few pre-existing features to work around: Mature trees, for example, and a sturdy wooden deck. The deck created access issues during construction, but it was worth keeping, Poynter says, because it softens the surrounding hardscapes and adds linear aspects to the overarching design scheme, too, which is zoned for a kitchen, living room and pool.