Jeannie Graves, 62, of De Soto won first place with this photo of her home garden.
Beatriz De Jesús, 67, of Arnold placed second in the Green Thumb photo contest.
Linda Ross, 65, of Dittmer placed third with a picture of a tree root she cleaned and decorated.
Linda Ross, 65, of Dittmer placed third with a picture of a tree root she cleaned and decorated.
Dan Emmerson, 59, of Eureka took this picture at his home in July. “I’ve been growing this pineapple for three-and-a-half years,” Dan said. “I planted the top off of a store-bought pineapple.”
Becky Miller, 67, Festus took this photo in May of a bouquet she created for her hospitalized sister-in-law. Becky used flowers from her own garden.
Becky Miller, 67, Festus took this photo in June of a dahlia in her garden. “Before it bloomed, I thought it was a weed!” Becky said.
Becky Miller, 67, Festus took this photo in June of the garden in her front yard.
Yvonne Allen, 69, of De Soto sent a picture taken in July of the back of her house. “This is a landscape we did last summer, and the shrubs have grown so much this year.”
Yvonne Allen, 69, of De Soto sent a picture taken in July of the side of her house. “We have a lot of drain water that flows when it rains hard,” Yvonne said. “We put a lot of big rock in for the water to filter.”
Yvonne Allen, 69, of De Soto sent a picture of her hydrangea bush, which she planted about five years ago. “It was only about two foot tall,” Yvonne said. “Now it is at eight foot tall and full of beautiful blooms. It’s the prettiest it’s ever been.”
Tania Touchette, 52, of Imperial took this picture earlier this year at her home. “I am getting married in my garden this September under this arbor in front of my pond,” Tania said. “I planted morning glories from seeds because of their heart-shaped leaves and purple flowers for this special day coming. I have been working hard on planting all my flowers from seeds to keep in bloom until the first frost, so it will be beautiful come our wedding day.”
Tania Touchette, 52, of Imperial took this picture earlier this year at her home. “I am getting married in my garden this September under this arbor in front of my pond,” Tania said. “I planted morning glories from seeds because of their heart-shaped leaves and purple flowers for this special day coming. I have been working hard on planting all my flowers from seeds to keep in bloom until the first frost, so it will be beautiful come our wedding day.”
Tania Touchette, 52, of Imperial took this picture earlier this year at her home. “I am getting married in my garden this September under this arbor in front of my pond,” Tania said. “I planted morning glories from seeds because of their heart-shaped leaves and purple flowers for this special day coming. I have been working hard on planting all my flowers from seeds to keep in bloom until the first frost, so it will be beautiful come our wedding day.”
Connie Birks, 62, of Festus took this picture at her home. “The planter featured was built by me,” Connie said. “I also laid the stone around it.”
Connie Birks, 62, of Festus took this picture at her home. “The planter featured was built by me,” Connie said. “I also laid the stone around it.”
Connie Birks, 62, of Festus took this picture at her home. “The planter featured was built by me,” Connie said. “I also laid the stone around it.”
Bev Norris, 64, of Festus sent a photo taken in July. “(The picture shows) how much joy and satisfaction I get from decorative gardening amid the peaceful sounds of our beautiful waterfall!” Bev said.
Bev Norris, 64, of Festus sent a photo taken in April 2025. “(The picture shows) how much joy and satisfaction I get from decorative gardening amid the peaceful sounds of our beautiful waterfall!” Bev said.
Bev Norris, 64, of Festus sent a photo taken in August 2023. “(The picture shows) how much joy and satisfaction I get from decorative gardening amid the peaceful sounds of our beautiful waterfall!” Bev said.
Melissa Terry of Festus took this picture on Independence Day in her and Brian Terry’s backyard.
Melissa Terry of Festus took this picture on Independence Day in her and Brian Terry’s backyard.
Melissa Terry of Festus took this picture on Independence Day in her and Brian Terry’s backyard.
Claudia Ruth Burris, 69, of Arnold sent a picture of herself taken by her neighbor, Evie Cook, in July. “I am so proud of my elephant ear plant!” Claudia said.
Kristine Cunningham, 62, of Imperial took this picture in July of her backyard.
Kristine Cunningham, 62, of Imperial took this picture in July of her backyard.
Jeannie Graves, 62, of De Soto took this picture in July in her backyard. “The volunteer sunflower growing in a compost pile appears to be taller than the spruce in the background,” Jeannie said. A “volunteer sunflower” is a sunflower that grew naturally from a stray seed, opposed to being purposefully planted. Jeannie said she and her son built a 6-foot fence on the property this spring and began growing another eight plants. “I have received yard of the month two times from the De Soto Green Team. I have one fountain in the front yard and two in the backyard along with 15 bird feeders.”
Jeannie Graves, 62, of De Soto took this picture. “The cane growing in the backyard in De Soto, planted two years ago, is over 20 feet tall and also appears to be competing with a tree in the background,” Jeannie said. She said she and her son built a 6-foot fence on the property this spring and began growing another eight plants. “I have received yard of the month two times from the De Soto Green Team. I have one fountain in the front yard and two in the backyard along with 15 bird feeders.”
Cindy Whiteman, 63, of Hillsboro sent a picture taken by Dean Whiteman in April 2025. “The azaleas were planted over 40 years ago by the late Marlene Whiteman at Lake Tishomingo. Still going strong!” Cindy said.
Cindy Whiteman, 63, of Hillsboro sent a picture taken by Dean Whiteman in June 2025. “The daylilies were planted over 40 years ago by the late Marlene Whiteman at Lake Tishomingo. Still going strong!” Cindy said.
Sheila Strecker, 53, of Eureka sent a picture of her yard in May. “It was completely dead in March,” Sheila said. “It has made good progress with a lot of TLC.”
Sheila Strecker, 53, of Eureka sent a picture of her yard in May. “It was completely dead in March,” Sheila said. “It has made good progress with a lot of TLC.”
Kayla Behling of Festus took this picture in July of her sunflowers. “I have lots of plants in my yard, but every year I plant huge sunflowers and share the seeds with people all over so they can plant sunflowers in their yard too.”
Kayla Behling of Festus took this picture in July of her sunflowers. “I have lots of plants in my yard, but every year I plant huge sunflowers and share the seeds with people all over so they can plant sunflowers in their yard too.”
Kayla Behling of Festus took this picture in July of her sunflowers. “I have lots of plants in my yard, but every year I plant huge sunflowers and share the seeds with people all over so they can plant sunflowers in their yard too.”
Lorrie Potter, 65, of Hillsboro took this picture in 2015 of her then 5-year-old granddaughter. “She wanted to help us water our garden,” Lorrie said. “She is such a cutie and a sweetheart. She looked so cute squatting down with the hose, looking excited to be helping.”
Lorrie Potter, 65, of Hillsboro took this picture in 2015 of her then 5-year-old granddaughter. “She wanted to help us water our garden,” Lorrie said. “She is such a cutie and a sweetheart. She looked so cute squatting down with the hose, looking excited to be helping.”
Cindy Whiteman, 63, of Hillsboro took this picture in May of a sunflower at her home. “The design reminded me of God's perfection!” Cindy said.
Pam Wooldridge, 63, of Hillsboro took this picture in July of the flowers at her home. “I hope you enjoy my flowers as much as I do,” Pam said.
Pam Wooldridge, 63, of Hillsboro took this picture in July of the flowers at her home. “I hope you enjoy my flowers as much as I do,” Pam said.
Pam Wooldridge, 63, of Hillsboro took this picture in July of the flowers at her home. “I hope you enjoy my flowers as much as I do,” Pam said.
Linda Duncan, 60, of De Soto sent a picture of her granddaughters, Ehani, 4, and Coral, 2, visiting in June. “They’re chasing butterflies, watching birds and helping water the flowers every time they visit,” Linda said. “Of course I let them pick some (flowers).”
Linda Duncan, 60, of De Soto sent a picture of her granddaughters, Ehani, 4, and Coral, 2, visiting her “anti-squirrel” garden in July. “Last year, the squirrels ate more tomatoes than we did,” Linda said. “They would grab tomatoes and take off across the driveway and hide them up in the trees!”
Jeanne Messmer, 75, of Fenton took a picture in July 2022 of a water hyacinth at her home.
Jeanne Messmer, 75, of Fenton took a picture in July 2022 of a flower at her home.
Paul Poe, 70, of Eureka took this photo at his home garden.
Paul Poe, 70, of Eureka took this photo at his home garden.
Paul Poe, 70, of Eureka took this photo at his home garden.
Jean Porter, 66, of House Springs took this photo in July of her home vegetable garden, which grows peppers, cucumbers, corn, okra, beans and tomatoes.
Jean Porter, 66, of House Springs took this photo in July of her garden shed at home with a patch of cleome and purple salvia.
Jean Porter, 66, of House Springs took this photo in July of her grandchildren’s playhouse in her backyard. The area includes a strawberry patch, black-eyed Susans and red petunias.
Marie Brugere-Wilson of Imperial took this picture of her backyard garden in May 2012. “The garden always has much color in the spring,” Marie said.
Marie Brugere-Wilson of Imperial took this picture of her backyard garden in April 2020. “That year, the frost did not freeze the buds of the Chinese cherry tree,” Marie said. “I planted the tree 13 years ago. To this date, it blooms with pink cascading flowers around a huge area.”
Marie Brugere-Wilson of Imperial took this picture of her backyard garden in June 2020. “It was a place of comfort during my mom’s passing and when I could not work during COVID,” Marie said.
Carol Raspberry, 60, of Hillsboro took this picture during the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden with her daughter, Angelina, and her friend. “We had a wonderful day together,” Carol said. “I was able to experience photography in a new way by shooting the subject, then getting a close-up, then using the zoom to explore the fine details of the flower.”
Carol Raspberry, 60, of Hillsboro took this picture during the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden with her daughter, Angelina, and her friend. “We had a wonderful day together,” Carol said. “I was able to experience photography in a new way by shooting the subject, then getting a close-up, then using the zoom to explore the fine details of the flower.”
Carol Raspberry, 60, of Hillsboro took this picture during the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden with her daughter, Angelina, and her friend. “We had a wonderful day together,” Carol said. “I was able to experience photography in a new way by shooting the subject, then getting a close-up, then using the zoom to explore the fine details of the flower.”
James Raspberry Sr., 84, of Hillsboro sent a picture of Joachim Creek at Walther Park in De Soto. He enjoys the photo because it shows “the serenity of nature” and “God’s wonderful creation.”
James Raspberry Sr., 84, of Hillsboro sent a picture of plants in the Climatron at the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis. He enjoys the photo because it shows “the serenity of nature” and “God’s wonderful creation.”
James Raspberry Sr., 84, of Hillsboro sent a picture of plants in the Climatron at the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis. He enjoys the photo because it shows “the serenity of nature” and “God’s wonderful creation.”
Jeff Cox, 68, of Arnold took a picture of his front yard in July. “I thoroughly enjoy gardening and nature that God has created for us,” Jeff said.
Jeff Cox, 68, of Arnold took a picture of his back yard in July. “I thoroughly enjoy gardening and nature that God has created for us,” Jeff said.
Jeff Cox, 68, of Arnold took a picture of his back yard in July. “I thoroughly enjoy gardening and nature that God has created for us,” Jeff said.
Laurie Hollenberg, 52, of Festus took this picture in August 2023 at her home. “There's just something majestic, peaceful and quiet in watching nature up close,” Laurie said. “I finally had a small field of zinnias and was blessed with watching the butterflies, bees and hummingbirds enjoy the buffet! I was giddy with excitement when I caught the butterfly drinking the nectar. Watching all of nature in action is just fascinating!”
Laurie Hollenberg, 52, of Festus took this picture in October 2023. “Our dog, Duke, had an internal clock that was more accurate than a Swiss watch!” Laurie said. “He loved being in the gardens with me, and when it was nearly time for my husband to come home, he'd sit exactly here with that ball, knowing that fun was about to happen on a whole new level!”
Laurie Hollenberg, 52, of Festus took this picture in November 2023 of a flower arrangement in her home. “One favorite memory of my grandma is that she had large, gorgeous flower arrangements on her kitchen table from the time the first flower bloomed until the last petal fell,” Laurie said. “As soon as I realized I could recreate her love of God's great artistry, I cried. I knew I just had to cut flowers to make an arrangement.”
Lee Rauhut, 74, of High Ridge took this picture in July of his backyard. “When my wife and I moved here six years ago, this backyard was nothing but grass,” Lee said. “Each year, we have added more greenery and gardens to hopefully provide this space a bit of identity.”
Lee Rauhut, 74, of High Ridge took this picture in July of his backyard. “When my wife and I moved here six years ago, this backyard was nothing but grass,” Lee said. “Each year, we have added more greenery and gardens to hopefully provide this space a bit of identity.”
Lee Rauhut, 74, of High Ridge took this picture in July of his backyard. “When my wife and I moved here six years ago, this backyard was nothing but grass,” Lee said. “Each year, we have added more greenery and gardens to hopefully provide this space a bit of identity.”
Cindy Farris, 66, of Arnold sent a picture of her and Brad Farris’ garden. Pictured is their dog, Kenya, and phlox flowers that were propagated by Cindy’s mother when she lived in the home.
Cindy Farris, 66, of Arnold sent a picture of her and Brad Farris’ garden. Pictured are phlox flowers that were propagated by Cindy’s mother when she lived in the home.
Cindy Farris, 66, of Arnold sent a picture of her and Brad Farris’ garden. Pictured are phlox flowers that were propagated by Cindy’s mother when she lived in the home.
Beatriz De Jesús, 67, of Arnold took a picture of a red and white zinnia she nicknamed ‘Lady Gaga.’
Beatriz De Jesús, 67, of Arnold took a picture of her hibiscus flowers.
Susan Cook, 88, of Hillsboro sent a picture her daughter took at Susan’s house in July. “My daughter, Kelly Jones, cut down the cedar trees from our property and built this deck and arched walkway leading to the beautiful sitting area surrounded by the garden,” Susan said. “She also painted this bench.”
Susan Cook, 88, of Hillsboro sent a picture her daughter took at Susan’s house in July. “My daughter, Kelly Jones, built this pepper garden using rocks that she got from the creek,” Susan said. “It contains a wide variety of peppers.”
Susan Cook, 88, of Hillsboro sent a picture her daughter, Kelly Jones, took at Susan’s house in July. “This is the wishing well that my late husband, Niel Cook, built years ago with my daughter Kelly's garden, pool and deck in the background,” Susan said.
Danette Davidson, 52, of Arnold sent a photo of her home garden. “This garden has over 150 hostas of at least 75 different varieties,” Danette said.
Danette Davidson, 52, of Arnold sent a photo of her home garden. “This garden has over 150 hostas of at least 75 different varieties,” Danette said.
Danette Davidson, 52, of Arnold sent a photo of her home garden. “This garden has over 150 hostas of at least 75 different varieties,” Danette said.
Michel and Mary Ann Paille of Imperial sent a picture Mary Ann took of their garden. “We have various growing areas in our yard, but this year the mixed herb-flower-veggie garden seems to be feeling the most vigorous,” Mary Ann said. “We have various perennials and annuals living happily with arugula, bell peppers, cucumbers and a variety of herbs.” She said Michel made a few “inventions” to support the garden. The “tomato rings” help keep tomatoes and other plants from spreading too much, and the “veggie cages” guide vines upward. “At this point in the summer, the goal is to keep everybody rubbing shoulders, but not trying to sit on each other's heads. In the early morning, the light is so lovely, and no one looks sick of the heat...yet.”
Michel and Mary Ann Paille of Imperial sent a picture Mary Ann took of their garden. “We have various growing areas in our yard, but this year the mixed herb-flower-veggie garden seems to be feeling the most vigorous,” Mary Ann said. “We have various perennials and annuals living happily with arugula, bell peppers, cucumbers and a variety of herbs.” She said Michel made a few “inventions” to support the garden. The “tomato rings” help keep tomatoes and other plants from spreading too much, and the “veggie cages” guide vines upward. “At this point in the summer, the goal is to keep everybody rubbing shoulders, but not trying to sit on each other's heads. In the early morning, the light is so lovely, and no one looks sick of the heat...yet.”
Michel and Mary Ann Paille of Imperial sent a picture Mary Ann took of their garden. “We have various growing areas in our yard, but this year the mixed herb-flower-veggie garden seems to be feeling the most vigorous,” Mary Ann said. “We have various perennials and annuals living happily with arugula, bell peppers, cucumbers and a variety of herbs.” She said Michel made a few “inventions” to support the garden. The “tomato rings” help keep tomatoes and other plants from spreading too much, and the “veggie cages” guide vines upward. “At this point in the summer, the goal is to keep everybody rubbing shoulders, but not trying to sit on each other's heads. In the early morning, the light is so lovely, and no one looks sick of the heat...yet.”
Charmin Gans, 51, of Festus took this picture in May 2022 at Healing Hands Chiropractic in Herculaneum. “It’s one of the many bonsai trees my husband, Ryan, has worked on over the years,” Charmin said. “He brought it to our office so others could enjoy its beauty, too. What started with one little bonsai tree over 20 years ago has grown into a passion and a collection of more than 400 trees at our home in Festus. Several have even won awards and been displayed at the Missouri Botanical Garden during the Japanese Festival. I’m so proud of him.”
Trudy Muhs, 76, of Imperial took this picture in July. “I enjoy my gardens on a daily basis almost as much as the wildlife!” Trudy said.
Trudy Muhs, 76, of Imperial took this picture in July. “I enjoy my gardens on a daily basis almost as much as the wildlife!” Trudy said.
Trudy Muhs, 76, of Imperial took this picture in July. “I enjoy my gardens on a daily basis almost as much as the wildlife!” Trudy said.
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