David Hainstock, 73, of House Springs earned first place with this picture he took earlier this month at his house.
Sue Frisch of Cedar Hill earned second place with a picture of a 35-year-old wisteria vine at her home.
Dawn Tucker, 59, of Hillsboro earned third place with a picture she took in July at her house, which was built two years ago. “We found this old women’s bike on our property, and it is from the 1940s,” Dawn said. “I bought a basket for the front of (the bike) and planted flowers in it. Then a friend of ours was getting rid of this water trough, so I took it and now have turned it into my flower garden.”
Darlene Drury, 76, of Festus took this picture last year of her lily garden, which includes a bush trimmed into the shape of a deer. “We started with a blank slate and hard piece of land given to my husband (Richard Drury) and I on our family farm in the mid-1970s,” Darlene said. Her husband built the house and other structures on the property while Darlene taught herself how to garden and landscape. “Over the past 50 years, we have turned our rocky piece of land into two acres of the dream we had all that time ago.” Other creature-shaped bushes include an elephant, horses, a turtle, a peacock, other small birds and a dragon.
Darlene Drury, 76, of Festus took this picture at home in 2022. “After a garden tour we took to Europe a few years ago, I came home and made a sketch of a garden shed. I went to my husband, Richard Drury, and asked if he could build it, as our other shed was long past due to be torn down,” Darlene said. “After he finished the build, he added stone walls and a patio for sitting. Behind the walls is a lifted bed with hedges that I have been sculpting into a large dragon surrounded by other flowers.” The couple received the land in the mid-1970s, and Richard built the house and other structures on the property while Darlene taught herself how to garden and landscape.
Darlene Drury, 76, of Festus took this picture earlier this year of her home garden. “Behind one of the many stone walls my husband, Richard Drury, has built, I have planted and sculpted birds into the hedges that hug the rose and lily gardens,” Darlene said. “To add to the fairytale-like feel, we installed a four-tiered fountain that draws endless birds, squirrels and even the occasional bride and groom for photos (our granddaughter and grandson-in-law)!” The couple received the land in the mid-1970s, and Richard built the house and other structures on the property while Darlene taught herself how to garden and landscape.
Rick Roussin of Festus sent this picture of an array of potted plants.
Rick Roussin of Festus sent this picture of some harvested peppers and tomatoes.
Rick Roussin of Festus sent this picture of his “Forever Susan” Asiatic lilies.
Margo Oberkrom, 75, of Cedar Hill took this picture in September 2024 of her cat, Barney 5, lounging in a pot while she was transplanting a miniature rose bush. Barney 5, named because he was a barn cat and Margo’s fifth cat, has since died. “He always wanted to be by us. Barney was a rescue kitten from the (Animal Protective Association),” Margo said. “The miniature rose is thriving and doing great. It reminds me of my sweet Barney 5.”
Roger Paul of Arnold took this picture in June. “My compass flower has really taken off this year. It’s over 10 feet tall!” Roger said.
Donna Hartmann, 75, of High Ridge took this picture in July in her garden. “This is one of my favorite species of lily,” Donna said.
Donna Hartmann, 75, of High Ridge took this picture in May 2022 of her backyard water feature. “It is the focal point of the entire yard, and it is very relaxing to listen to the waterfall,” Donna said.
Donna Hartmann, 75, of High Ridge took this picture in June 2020 of her garden. “This is one of the best photos I have taken of my flowers and hostas in bloom by my pond,” Donna said.
Ray Huskey, 70, of De Soto took this picture in July at his house. “I started all these flowers from seeds in my homemade greenhouse this year,” Ray said. “The antique wagon that they are in I made myself, since I am a cabinetmaker by trade and a retired art schoolteacher. As I age, I enjoy flowers, nature, photography and waterfall photo trips with my brother each fall.”
Roxane Howard, 65, of Pevely took this picture in July of the plants decorating her deck. “I love spending evenings here with my cat and husband,” Roxane said. “The patio lights make it feel magical. The orchids are in bloom, and the sweet smell of basil and sage are delightful. All the flowers in bloom are soothing to the eyes. This feels like a little piece of heaven with the sound of frogs on the pond bellowing in the background.”
Sue Frisch of Cedar Hill sent this photo of a 35-year-old wisteria vine at her home.
Carol Gordon, 83, of Pevely took this photo in July at her home. “I’ve lived here now for 52 years,” Carol said. “I love hostas and just kept planting them. I have no hired help.”
Carol Gordon, 83, of Pevely took this photo in July at her home. “I’ve lived here now for 52 years,” Carol said. “I love hostas and just kept planting them. I have no hired help.”
Carol Gordon, 83, of Pevely took this photo in July at her home. “I’ve lived here now for 52 years,” Carol said. “I love hostas and just kept planting them. I have no hired help.”
Stella Wolf, 65, of Arnold took this picture in July of her flower garden, which had been damaged from the tornado that came through the area in March. “I am a retired, award-winning former professional florist,” Stell said. “This is the first year I have been able to go outdoors and enjoy planting flowers and decorating. I have suffered surgery after surgery for the past six years due to two separate car accidents from distracted drivers.” Stella’s latest surgery in March 2024 dealt with her spine, and she now gets around using a cane or walker. “I enjoy celebrating a year without any more surgeries, outdoors, enjoying my talent with flowers.”
Stella Wolf, 65, of Arnold took this picture in July of her flower garden, which had been damaged from the tornado that came through the area in March. “I am a retired, award-winning former professional florist,” Stell said. “This is the first year I have been able to go outdoors and enjoy planting flowers and decorating. I have suffered surgery after surgery for the past six years due to two separate car accidents from distracted drivers.” Stella’s latest surgery in March 2024 dealt with her spine, and she now gets around using a cane or walker. “I enjoy celebrating a year without any more surgeries, outdoors, enjoying my talent with flowers.”
Stella Wolf, 65, of Arnold took this picture in July of her flower garden, which had been damaged from the tornado that came through the area in March. “I am a retired, award-winning former professional florist,” Stella said. “This is the first year I have been able to go outdoors and enjoy planting flowers and decorating. I have suffered surgery after surgery for the past six years due to two separate car accidents from distracted drivers.” Stella’s latest surgery in March 2024 dealt with her spine, and she now gets around using a cane or walker. “I enjoy celebrating a year without any more surgeries, outdoors, enjoying my talent with flowers.”
Jacquie Toole, 64, of De Soto took this picture in 2024 of one of her Peruvian apple blossom cacti. “I have been propagating them for 20 years,” Jacquie said.
Jacquie Toole, 64, of De Soto took this picture in 2024 of one of her Peruvian apple blossom cacti. “I have been propagating them for 20 years,” Jacquie said.
Jacquie Toole, 64, of De Soto took this picture in 2024 of one of her Peruvian apple blossom cacti. “I have been propagating them for 20 years,” Jacquie said.
Don Arbogast, 69, of Arnold took this picture of his yard in July. “This sunflower decided it did not want to grow in the shady backyard and asked a bird to deposit him in the front yard,” Don said.
Don Arbogast, 69, of Arnold took this picture of his garden in July. “Some birds love to bathe surrounded by zinnias, cleomes and daylilies,” Don said.
Don Arbogast, 69, of Arnold took this picture of his garden in July. “(Some) birds love to bathe in an ocean of black-eyed Susans, daylilies and sunflowers,” Don said.
Jack Panula, 80, of Barnhart took this picture of his garden in July.
Jack Panula, 80, of Barnhart took this picture of his garden in July.
Jack Panula, 80, of Barnhart took this picture of his garden in July.
Debbie Quarternik, 63, of Wildwood sent a picture of some of her annual flowerpots. “I absolutely love gardening and working outside on my property,” Debbie said. “My friends ask for my help and advice with their gardening. I offer what I know, but there is much more to learn about gardening.”
Debbie Quarternik, 63, of Wildwood sent a picture of some of her annual flowerpots. “I absolutely love gardening and working outside on my property,” Debbie said. “My friends ask for my help and advice with their gardening. I offer what I know, but there is much more to learn about gardening.”
Debbie Quarternik, 63, of Wildwood sent a picture of herself with her elephant ear plants. “I dig up the bulbs in late fall and re-plant them after Mother's Day. These plants grow this tall in my bed within just a few months,” Debbie said. “I absolutely love gardening and working outside on my property. My friends ask for my help and advice with their gardening. I offer what I know, but there is much more to learn about gardening.”
Carolyn Jonas, 75, of High Ridge took this picture in June of her hydrangeas. “This is our first year of beautiful blooms,” Carolyn said. “We have had this plant for over five years.”
Jeanne Messmer, 73, of Fenton took this picture in July at the Fon-Du-Lac Reservoir in Fenton.
Jeanne Messmer, 73, of Fenton took this picture in July at the Fon-Du-Lac Reservoir in Fenton.
Jeanne Messmer, 73, of Fenton took this picture in July at the Fon-Du-Lac Reservoir in Fenton.
Cindy Bahr, 68, of Arnold took this picture in July at her home. “This is my ‘happy place,’ with my koi pond and flowers, where I enjoy feeding my fish, reading, thinking and watching birds, butterflies and hummingbirds,” Cindy said.
Cindy Bahr, 68, of Arnold took this picture in July at her home. “This is my ‘happy place,’ with my koi pond and flowers, where I enjoy feeding my fish, reading, thinking and watching birds, butterflies and hummingbirds,” Cindy said.
Cindy Bahr, 68, of Arnold took this picture in July at her home. “This is a picture of my container garden, where I grow tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and string beans,” Cindy said. “The best part is, I can harvest the produce while staying cool in the pool!”
Angela Ibaviosa, 54, of Festus took this picture in July at her home. “This is the first year I’ve seen a gold finch perched on my zinnias planted on our deck,” Angela said.
Angela Ibaviosa, 54, of Festus took this picture in July at her home. “I took a yellow, white and blue hanging basket and placed it in a nice standing planter to decorate with these colors for my daughter’s birthday party,” Angela said.
Angela Ibaviosa, 54, of Festus took this picture in July at her home. “I plant several things from seed packets then add annuals to achieve that ‘thriller, filler, spiller’ effect with different varieties,” Angela said. “I love the pops of color and textures, especially the succulents mixed in.”
Virginia Korenak, 75, of Hillsboro took this picture of hydrangeas in the flagpole garden at Jefferson College’s Hillsboro campus. Virginia said she is part of the Master Gardeners group that volunteers at the college. “This garden underwent a major renovation in the fall of 2020 by volunteer Jefferson County Master Gardeners who designed, installed the pathways, planted and continue to maintain the flower garden.”
Virginia Korenak, 75, of Hillsboro took this picture of the butterfly garden at Jefferson College’s Hillsboro campus. Virginia said she is part of the Master Gardeners group that volunteers at the college and helps to maintain the garden and other installations at the college.
Katie McAtee, 73, of Festus took this picture earlier this month. “When it’s winter, I can open my photos and relive the beauty of all my flowers,” Katie said. “You could say it brightens that dull winter day.”
Katie McAtee, 73, of Festus took this picture earlier this month. “When it’s winter, I can open my photos and relive the beauty of all my flowers,” Katie said. “You could say it brightens that dull winter day.”
Katie McAtee, 73, of Festus took this picture earlier this month. “When it’s winter, I can open my photos and relive the beauty of all my flowers,” Katie said. “You could say it brightens that dull winter day.”
Jo Hummel, 68, of Dittmer took this picture at her house during the summer.
Jo Hummel, 68, of Dittmer took this picture at her house during the summer.
Jo Hummel, 68, of Dittmer took this picture at her house during the summer.
Debbie Haegele of De Soto took this picture in July in her front yard. “I replant the latana plant each year for its vibrant color,” Debbie said. “It also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, which I love.”
Debbie Haegele of De Soto took this picture in July in her front yard. “I replant the latana plant each year for its vibrant color,” Debbie said. “It also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, which I love.”
Debbie Haegele of De Soto took this picture in July in her front yard. “I replant the latana plant each year for its vibrant color,” Debbie said. “It also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, which I love.”
Thomas DeClue, 71, of Imperial took this photo earlier this month. “Although I live in a small home with no backyard, I have my courtyard where I planted my garden. It is my sanctuary--my sacred space,” Thomas said. “It is difficult to capture the beauty of my garden with a camera, but I hope my photos will give an idea of how special of a place my garden is. I love it, and so do the hummingbirds!”
Thomas DeClue, 71, of Imperial took this photo earlier this month. “Although I live in a small home with no backyard, I have my courtyard where I planted my garden. It is my sanctuary--my sacred space,” Thomas said. “It is difficult to capture the beauty of my garden with a camera, but I hope my photos will give an idea of how special of a place my garden is. I love it, and so do the hummingbirds!”
Thomas DeClue, 71, of Imperial took this photo earlier this month. “Although I live in a small home with no backyard, I have my courtyard where I planted my garden. It is my sanctuary–my sacred space,” Thomas said. “It is difficult to capture the beauty of my garden with a camera, but I hope my photos will give an idea of how special of a place my garden is. I love it, and so do the hummingbirds!”
David Hainstock, 73, of House Springs took this picture earlier this month at his house.
David Hainstock, 73, of House Springs took this picture earlier this month at his house.
Roger Broman, 54, of Festus sent a picture taken earlier this month by Carolyn Broman at their home south of Festus. “I’m amazed at the growth and size of our elephant ears and banana trees this year,” Roger said. “Our tropical paradise.”
Roger Broman, 54, of Festus sent a picture taken earlier this month by Carolyn Broman at their home south of Festus. “I’m amazed at the growth and size of our elephant ears and banana trees this year,” Roger said. “Our tropical paradise.”
Roger Broman, 54, of Festus sent a picture taken earlier this month by Carolyn Broman at their home south of Festus. “I’m amazed at the growth and size of our elephant ears and banana trees this year,” Roger said. “Our tropical paradise.”
Judy Hiller-Leitterman, 76, of De Soto took this picture in June 2022. “This tree is so beautiful and smells so good,” Judy said. “I just love standing under it and feeling so peaceful.”
Judy Hiller-Leitterman, 76, of De Soto took this picture in July of the sunflowers in front of her house. “I can sit on my porch and nobody can see me!” Judy said.
Ginny Leitner of Festus took this picture earlier this year of her side garden.
Ginny Leitner of Festus took this picture in 2015 of her side garden.
Ginny Leitner of Festus took this picture in fall 2012 of her side garden.
John and Dorothy Lenz, 74, of De Soto sent a photo taken in July by Laureen Nichols of De Soto at Festus Church of the Nazarene. “We have been caring for the garden since 2001,” the pair wrote. “In 2022, we added the block wall that has the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ words in the blocks. John made these blocks and created the wall.” A crucifix in the garden was donated by the family of the late Paul Carter.
John and Dorothy Lenz, 74, of De Soto sent a photo taken in July by Laureen Nichols of De Soto at Festus Church of the Nazarene. “We have been caring for the garden since 2001,” the pair said. “In 2022, we added the block wall that has the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ words in the blocks. John made these blocks and created the wall.” A crucifix in the garden was donated by the family of the late Paul Carter.
John and Dorothy Lenz, 74, of De Soto sent a photo taken in July by Laureen Nichols of De Soto at Festus Church of the Nazarene. “We have been caring for the garden since 2001,” the pair wrote. “In 2022, we added the block wall that has the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ words in the blocks. John made these blocks and created the wall.” A crucifix in the garden was donated by the family of the late Paul Carter.
Kathleen Callanan, 65, of Imperial took this picture in July of her garden. “It’s my piece of paradise!” Kathleen said. “God provides!”
Kathleen Callanan, 65, of Imperial took this picture in July of her garden. “It’s my piece of paradise!” Kathleen said. “God provides!”
Kathleen Callanan, 65, of Imperial took this picture in July of her garden. “It’s my piece of paradise!” Kathleen said. “God provides!”
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