There were 11 applicants for the front yard Landscape Challenge, the most we have received in 1 year. The yards varied from very small to quite large, and from Chesterfield to Wentzville and areas between. 

The committee members evaluated each application, met as a group to narrow down the choices, and the 3 finalists were met in person by our designer Wendi Martin, as well as Patty and Steve Berry. 

By vote, it was decided to award the front yard native garden landscape to St Charles Area Wildones Members Michael and Sara Gysbers!

Michael, Sara and daughter moved into their home in 2023. Having learned about native plants they immediately removed problem trees; including 2 invasive pear trees, as well as 3 diseased ash trees and a “risky” hackberry. They have added Black gum trees, Eastern redbud, River birches, a Dogwood, and Pawpaws to the existing Mulberry and Serviceberry. They got into natives after deciding to start a butterfly garden and realizing they were “hooked on natives”. They also enjoy a small vegetable garden and enjoy all the benefits of growing their own food, with their daughter helping. 

Michael and Sara stated they are motivated to transform their front and back yards to be more beneficial to local wildlife including pollinators, reduce the chance of invasive species, and better handle rainwater runoff. 

They would like to incorporate the 2 relatively new Black gum trees into the Landscape Challenge garden area in the front yard. 

Their property is on a main street, with a wide parking lane which is also used by walkers, joggers and cyclists. The potential will be high for those driving by, walking to the local schools, or exercising, to witness the beauty and benefits of gardening with native plants. 

The garden will be designed by member Wendi Martin of Purple Martin Coaching LLC, in collaboration with the Gysbers. 

St Charles Area Chapter of Wildones, with the support of  Grow Native!, a program of The Missouri Prairie Foundation, sponsors the Landscape Challenge, which encourages homeowners to landscape with native plants. The sponsoring organizations collaborate to provide the services of a native landscape designer, up to $500 worth of native plants, and volunteers to install the landscape. The homeowner prepares the site and agrees to maintain the new plantings.

The garden will be installed in September of 2025. 

Congratulations Michael and Sara!