All Entries in the "Farm & Garden" Category
The Gardens of NoCo: Braxton DeGarmo
In 1904, this charming Ferguson home was built by a German immigrant named Joseph Christen. Today, it provides the perfect backdrop for Braxton DeGarmo's kaleidoscopic collection of daylilies.
Twenty years ago, when Braxton DeGarmo and his wife, Paula, first bought their Old Ferguson West home, their front yard was basically a gully full of tree stumps. Their 1904 house, built in the classic Four-Square style, was just a tired old place begging for restoration, but not for long….
Soon after moving in, the DeGarmos launched an ambitious makeover, devoting countless hours and dollars to turning their fixer-upper into a dazzling showplace. Today, their hard word is evident, especially in the garden.
As it turns out, Braxton has a green thumb (first developed in his college years), and his favorite way to unwind from a stressful workday is to plunge his fingers in some beautiful soil. He started clearing trees on his property and doing some general landscaping more than a decade ago, even salvaging his own walnut timber to make a custom fireplace mantel. But it wasn’t until four years ago that he fell in love with daylilies.
His garden now boasts nearly 350 daylily varieties (out of the 68,000 registered since 1950), and he’s currently an active member of two daylily organizations – the Greater St. Louis Daylily Society and the West County Daylily Club. Soon, his lovely property may even become a display garden for the American Hemerocallis Society, which is quite an honor.
There are only three AHS display gardens in the St. Louis area. One of those, not counting Braxton’s, is in North County.
To be considered, a garden must feature a wide mix of daylilies, with numerous varieties, colors, petal styles and hybridization dates represented. Braxton certainly has that. His oldest daylily, a tall, yellow variety that came from a neighbor’s yard, dates from 1924. He also boasts every imaginable shape, age and color of daylily you’ll probably ever see – and they’re all meticulously labeled.
Lucky for me as his neighbor, I get to enjoy this amazing eye candy every time I walk my dogs. Lucky for you as NOCO readers, you get a private tour of the DeGarmo garden right here! You also get the inside scoop that Braxton is having a plant sale!
That’s right. Stop by his house during the next week and you can purchase all kinds of great plants, both sun and shade. Some really pretty daylilies are in the mix, as well as other flowering perennials, and most of the plants are just five bucks.
For the full details, check out the final image in this gorgeous slideshow….
The Gardens of NoCo: John & Dora Gianoulakis
If you're looking for eye candy, you'll appreciate the stunning view of Columbia Bottom from this charming country property in Spanish Lake.
Did you hear? The Spanish Lake Garden Tour was a great success last weekend! Despite negative perceptions of the area, I know quite a few people were surprised at all the beautiful gardens they were able to visit, including this lush river bluff estate owned by John and Dora Gianoulakis. In case you missed it, NOCO contributor Jo Ann Batzer takes us on a private tour of this lovely property…
John and Dora Gianoulakis like to talk about the impressive view from their back deck. When you step around the back side of the house you realize ‘impressive’ is an understatement. The Missouri River flows past just below the bluff, and to the south, the Columbia Bottom confluence area sprawls out as far as the eye can see. In winter, views of the Lewis and Clark bridge adds to the list of features seen from the deck.
The diversity of wildlife, especially for bird lovers, is equally impressive. Dora has recorded sighting over 100 different species of birds – everything from indigo buntings to bald eagles. Being situated on the bluffs overlooking the river and the flatlands allows for an overlap of ecosystems and a broad range of diverse wildlife.
In the early 1980′s, John and Dora discovered that their home in University City had become too large after their children moved out. Dora searched for 3 years for a home with good bones, but not already ‘messed up’ with poorly done renovations. She and John bypassed other homes in University City, Ladue and Olivette, but Dora finally found her perfect home: the blue French cottage (ca. 1928) in Spanish Lake. “It had everything we wanted, good bones, quick commute to downtown for John and most of all quiet,” she says.
But the perfect find came with a lot of work. A swimming pool was filled in by previous owners and had to be removed. A bulldozer spent a full week removing the pool and recontouring the grounds. The house was also going through major renovations inside as well, and the cedar deck was finally added to take advantage of the view.
But it’s not all about the view here. The 1.5-acre property has a variety of garden areas, from very natural shade areas with mature oak and hackberry trees to more formal raised vegetable beds and an 80-foot shrub border. John and Dora have put their unique touch on everything about the property, making it their own. The shrub border is packed full of specimen trees and shrubs. Hornbeams, (Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata) Black gum, (Nyssa sylvatica) and smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’) mix well with kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa), beech (Fagus sylvatica) and shrub roses.
The east side of the home has a newly renovated perennial border that is highlighted by a mature wisteria vine that climbs the chimney and flowers profusely every spring.
Also along the east side are four raised beds with a creative mix of vegetables, self-seeding annuals and perennial plants. New columnar apple trees also share this space and a large arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) highlights winterberry (Ilex verticillata) bushes on one side of the garden area. Hollyhocks bloom in multiple areas throughout summer, they are descendents from seed in the Lewis Carroll Garden in Oxford, England.
A greenhouse was recently renovated that allows Dora to overwinter tender plants and start seeds. It overlooks a kitchen garden with culinary herbs and vegetables. Dora is well known for her cooking and uses many plants from the gardens in her dishes. Leeks, basil, Swiss chard and dill are among her favorites.
Dora and John are both very active in the local community. Dora is the president of the Spanish Lake Community Association and John serves as secretary. Both are incredibly passionate about the area they are proud to call home.
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Jo Batzer has lived in North County most of her life and is excited to be a part of the NOCO team. She has worked in the horticulture and florist industries for over 25 years and is the garden leader at Twillman House Community Garden. Jo lives and gardens in the Spanish Lake area with her husband, two sons and two dogs. She is also available for private garden consultations.
EarthDance Fresh Ideas returns for Summer 2011
The Real Dirt on Farmer John is one of three documentaries featured in the 2011 EarthDance Fresh Ideas film and lecture series.
Following its successful launch in 2010, EarthDance Farms’ Fresh Ideas series is back for another summer of enlightening films and engaging conversation. Come out and meet all kinds of creative, green-minded people at these three upcoming events, two of which are here in NoCo:
June 12, 4-7PM: The Real Dirt on Farmer John and CSA Discussion
Fresh Ideas 2011 will begin with a focus on the Community Supported Agriculture movement (CSA). This innovative model personalizes the relationship between farmers and the consumers who enjoy their produce. On Sunday, June 12, 4-7PM, EarthDance will screen the film The Real Dirt on Farmer John, about legendary CSA farmer John Peterson of Angelic Organics. A panel discussion will follow, featuring local CSA farmer Liz Graznak, CSA organizers Sara Hale and Jaime Choller of Fair Shares, and Robyn Strengquist, longtime CSA subscriber. Refreshments will be available, including free, local, organic popcorn! Location: Saint Stephens Episcopal Church, 33 N. Clay, Ferguson MO, 63135
July 24, 4-7PM: The Garden and Community Gardening Discussion
The second Fresh Ideas gathering highlights the potential of Community Gardens. Yielding fresh food and green space, gardens revitalize neighborhoods and feed families in many ways. On Sunday, July 24th, 4-7PM, EarthDance will screen The Garden, the story of a remarkable 14-acre garden in South Central Los Angelos, lovingly tended by city residents. When the garden is threatened by redevelopment, the gardeners rally mightily in an attempt to save their urban oasis. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion on the achievements of some of Saint Louis’ diverse community gardens, featuring local garden leaders. Refreshments will be available, including free, local, organic popcorn! Location: Saint Stephens Episcopal Church, 33 N. Clay, Ferguson MO, 63135
August 12, 7-10pm: PMFeeding the Muse: EarthDance’s Sustainable Art Happening
EarthDance promotes the best of all things local, including the arts, through its Artist-In-Residence program, on-farm art workshops, and plein air painting sessions. In partnership with their current Artists-in Residence, Dail Chambers and Chinyere Oteh of Yeyo Arts Collective, EarthDance presents Feeding The Muse: A Sustainable Art Happening. Join EarthDance on Friday, August 12th, 7:00-10:00PM at Gya Community Gallery for an exploration of sustainability and the arts. The evening will feature interactive Agri(Cultural) art activities, and presentations from local artists, whose projects explore the intersection of eco-consciousness and creativity including clothing designer Michael Drummond and Jenny Murphy, founder of Perennial. Location: GYA Community Gallery, 2700 Locust Ave St. Louis Mo 63103
About EarthDance
EarthDance is a non-profit organization, whose mission is to grow and inspire local FARMS—Food, Art, Relationships & Music… Sustainably! EarthDance farms at the historic Mueller Organic Farm in Ferguson, MO. EarthDance is embarking on its third year of operating a season-long educational apprenticeship program which trains participants in organic farming and gardening—from seed propagation to farmers markets. In 2009 EarthDance inaugurated the part-time training program for 12 beginner farmers. This year, a class of 33 apprentices will grow food for two farmers markets and 100 CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share holders.
The Spanish Lake Garden Tour blooms on June 11
If any part of North County has been unfairly maligned over the years, it’s definitely Spanish Lake. Many people look at the growing minority population and the modest retail base and assume that this historic river bank community is dying. But they don’t see what I see…
When I drive around Spanish Lake, I can’t help but marvel at the natural beauty. The huge lakes, the rolling farmland, the 5,000 acres of parks…including a front row seat at the Mississippi/Missouri Confluence.
I’m also enamored with the vintage architecture. The eclectic mix of mid-century ranches on sprawling lots (some dotted with alpacas & horses) and the 1930s Tudors just oozing fairy tale charm. Heck, one of the oldest house in all of St. Louis – the Chitwood-Prigge log cabin, circa 1798 – is in Spanish Lake. And don’t forget the mysterious old estates tucked along the river bluffs, including the magical Kuhs Estate and Farm with its original 1920s sunken gardens.
There’s an awful lot to see in this 19-square-mile corner of North County – an area chock full of creative, interesting, often delightfully quirky people, many of whom are very dedicated to their community. And that’s why I’m hugely excited to announce that Spanish Lake is rolling out the welcome mat and hosting a garden tour!
Scheduled for Saturday, June 11, the event is sponsored by the Spanish Lake Community Association and features eleven gardens, both public and private. As a volunteer on the planning committee (and the designer of the official poster up above), I’ve been able to view most of the gardens first-hand and I can tell you one thing: this will be an exceptional tour…
This adorable 1936 house is one of 11 stops on the Spanish Lake Garden Tour. It has a lush backyard with fruit trees, a "white garden" and a chicken coop.
All tour proceeds benefit the historic Twillman House, an 1870s Greek Revival building currently being remade into a community center. You can view the community garden there and pick up your tour booklet & map, then head out to 10 other gardens, including:
- a rustic wildlife habitat that hosts 82 species of birds, 51 species of butterflies and three different kinds of frogs, all on a half-acre suburban lot
- a one-acre organic garden that has been producing food since 1928 and today boasts an edible forest garden, a rain garden and shitake mushrooms
- the hidden nature retreat of artist Helen Bylinowski, who created the artwork for the garden tour poster
- a pastoral country garden awash in colorful native flowers and ornamental grasses
- a 1920s French-style cottage with a fabulous view of the Missouri River and 1.5 acres of landscaped property
Here’s what the French cottage looked like in early spring with its chimney draped in wisteria…
Now just imagine this private wonderland, nestled beyond the woods on one of Spanish Lake’s twisty rural roads, at the height of the growing season. With a sweeping view of Columbia Bottom. Because that’s what you’ll see on June 11… and much more.
To get your tickets for the Spanish Lake Garden Tour, head to Cigno Dental Care, 12000 Bellefontaine Road, or Miller’s Auto Repair, 12300 Bellefontaine Road. You can also mail a check, payable to the Spanish Lake Community Association, P.O. Box 372082, St. Louis, MO 63138, by June 9th. Until then, tickets are $10. After that, they’re $15 and available on June 11 at the Twillman House, 11840 Bellefontaine Road.
On the day of the tour, watch for signs and volunteers to guide you to the various gardens. Some are unmarked and quite rural. Most are wheelchair accessible but some have no access at all.
The Spanish Lake Garden Tour is slated for Saturday, June 11, 10am to 4pm. For more info, visit the Spanish Lake Community Association online.
Are you getting ready for the big day? NOCO is a proud sponsor of the 3rd annual Live Well Ferguson 5K