Once farmland, University City’s original 85 acres were purchased in 1902 by Edward Gardner Lewis for his publishing headquarters, with future plans to develop the area into a “high-class residential district” and a model “City Beautiful.” The city’s population quadrupled during the 1920s, and in 1927 Cyrus Walbridge Merrell, a former executive with the J.S. Merrell Drug Co., decided to build his home in a newly formed subdivision.

Steve Schultz didn’t ask it in so many words, but landscape designer Jim Graeler knew what he was thinking.

It was 21 years ago and Steve had just purchased a contemporary, window-filled home on a one-acre lot in Town & Country. He knew he wanted landscaping that reflected the home’s sleek lines; an outdoors that would become an asset to the home’s interior. To acheive the look, he turned to Jim. 

Sculpt and shape your favorite evergreen into an interesting art form. Topiaries are a classic look that thrive in cold weather seasons.

“Topiary is not something I use often, but I like the concept they represent: using a unique evergreen as a focal point in the garden. A weeping atlas cedar is about as unique as it gets. These are one of my favorite evergreens to use amongst a garden of perennials or other evergreens because they will stand out no matter what.“ Katy Molaskey, Green Guys.

This inspirational garden honors the life and accomplishments of the extraordinary scientist and native Missourian who greatly influenced 19th and 20th century agriculture and education. Carver revolutionized farming in the South by introducing plant diversity, crop rotation, natural fertilizers and conservation methods. By the end of his life, Carver was an internationally renowned figure, one of America’s greatest scientists, teachers, humanitarians and advocates for productive, sustainable agriculture. The Carver Garden was designed for peaceful contemplation and learning.

    In some quarters, especially among spelunkers, Missouri is known as “the cave state.” It has over 6,000 registered caves, and there are likely many more buried deep within the earth, primarily in the Ozark Mountains but even in Hannibal, Jefferson City, Springfield and around St. Louis.

A faceted mirror from Brody’s and two sparking glass obelisks shine above a simple wood chest with clean, contemporary lines. “The entry gives you an idea of what you’re in for,” says Colleen Ertl, Vice President of Design at Diane Breckenridge Interiors. She’s referring to a transitional interior distinguished by its elegance, simplicity and brazen nod to the past, too.