St. Louis is a town I’ve longed to return to since my last visit, forty plus years ago. With a “thank you” to the Garden Club of St. Louis, for inviting me to lecture, I recently had the opportunity.
What always lingered in my mind about St. Louis was the charming small town feel of a major regional city that also truly captured the gaiety of the old Broadway musical (“Meet Me in St. Louis”). And the gracious, happy residents with an easy-peasy approach to everything. These wonderful thoughts of this special town with its mid-western sensibilities were reaffirmed when I was a houseguest in the Ross family home.
All comfy and cozy with such a lovely view from my window of this white-washed brick home (and its back courtyard). A welcome retreat anytime of the day…
Spring was in full swing in another courtyard, reminding me that a view always seems more appealing through wooden gates.
And blue hydrangeas were a welcome sight to this Newporter!
Opening onto the courtyard scene is a dining room whose walls are lacquered just that delicious hydrangea color, perfect at any time of the year but especially in the spring.
I also had another very compelling reason to visit St. Louis…the Parterre Bench had just taken up residence at Michelle Trulaske’s home (replacing, I am honored to say, the Chatsworth bench designed years ago from one at that English stately home by Oscar de la Renta). Doesn’t it look as though it had been created specifically for this spot? Framing the width between the raised brick border, the two back curves of the Parterre Bench repeat the half circle at the top of this handsome crescent-shaped wall.
A true centerpiece of Michelle’s elegant garden, The “Parterre green” shade complements the blue iris blooming around her pond.
Walking around Michelle’s parklike property…
…included a peek into one of the prettiest formal vegetable gardens I’ve ever enjoyed (notice that the spindles on the surrounding wooden fence are narrow enough to keep out bunnies and squirrels). Centered by a greenhouse (just the right size!) and sturdy (the operative word) wooden tuteurs, there are many take-aways from this creation.
There’s even a chicken house.
In addition to garden visits, my time included lunch at the impressive St. Louis Art Museum, a divine dinner following my talk at the St. Louis Country Club, a stop by the needlepoint shop, Sign of the Arrow and on the way to the airport a visit to the Missouri Botanical Garden (the oldest in our country) with its fourteen acre Japanese Garden. I’m already looking forward to my next trip!
Mark your calendars…next week, on June 7th, I will be featuring 12 insights on garden design gleaned from St. Louis gardens. See you then.
I loved living in St. Louis – and have lost track of the number of belts and pillows finished at Sign of the Arrow! As a docent at the Botanical Garden I’ve never forgotten the delight visitors took in both the Japanese Garden and the Garden for the Senses. The numerous and superb cultural amenities of the city (The Zoo, Science Museum, St. Louis Symphony and Art Museum to name just a very few) and the absolutely gorgeous housing stock make St. Louis a real hidden gem!
Lovely tour, Bettie! Just know you had a wonderful time. You are so very fortunate to be invited to such beautiful places, as well as meeting interesting people. I so enjoy being able to share your tours. Hope your weekend is a pleasant one.
Your blog is beyond delightful! You are always, charming, engaging, enthusiastic and enlightening! Just like you were in 4th grade when I first met you in Mrs. Plaisted’s class at Westlake! We were 9 years old!
Never will I forget you, and your wonderfully kind and gracious Mommy!
Lucky me to have known you all these years; and still be learning from you!
Oh Penny, what a compliment…and it touches me so that you still remember that long ago year. But I learn as much from you! Just wish we didn’t live on opposite coasts.
When are you coming back this way…or do I need to Netjet?? xxB
Bettie,
I meant to write to you weeks ago….as soon as you left St. Louis. It was a pleasure spending time with you in many of the familiar places you feature above. You were a delight to have in our city and it was fun to be a part of planning your visit. When I look at all the beautiful photographs you feature I am proud that St. Louis has become my adopted hometown after 34 years.
It truly is a wonderful place and we have much to show off and feel good about. That is why they call Missouri the “Show Me State”!
Please come back soon and I hope to see you in Newport in the near future.
Fondly, MH
Oh Thank you, dear Meredith. You were such a aprt of my happy memories!! I still miss you all muchly…Hope Newport is in your plans soon, xo B.