There are two hallmarks that dominate the landscape in this stunning Ladue garden. One is a profusion of hydrangeas that flow along walkways, drift through beds and even climb brick walls. The other is an immense, regal grandiflora magnolia that holds court against the back of the red brick house and makes a sweeping bow across the brick patio to embrace both hard structures and fold them into the beauty of the garden.

Wow your neighbors with hyper-vivid flowers sprouting in your garden this spring. Your garden will pop with bright shades of pink, orange and yellow against the greenery. Check out local landscapers' favorite varieties to plant for a vibrant garden glow.

Youngsters can go on a “Missouri adventure” in the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Children’s Garden teaches kids 12 and under about the interdependence of all nature – humans, insects, animals and plants – in a variety of ecosystems.

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.

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.