We are happy to announce the winners of the Landscape Challenge for 2024 are Terri and Jeff Ilten of Lake St Louis. Terri was a Master Gardener in her previous state of Iowa. As a former middle school teacher, her students planted a native prairie on the school’s property after completing a prairie unit in the classroom. She currently belongs to the Jardin du Lac Garden Club in Lake St Louis.
Terri and Jeff have a large property that has a Little Free Library which is used by children and adults alike. They also are at an intersection where the school buses pick up kids. One goal of awarding a front yard native garden bed is to expose many people to the benefits of growing with native plants, and having a bus stop and a Little Free Library will help with that goal. Terri states she has four beds that have some natives incorporated and she would like to increase the number of pollinator plants. The property backs up to an arm of Lake St. Louis, which increases the habitat and possible wildlife. An invasive pear tree was recently removed, and Terri hopes to plant a native tree, possibly as part of this project.
Their property is in full sun, with clay and rocky soil, so together with our designer/member Jim Stellern, prairie-type plants will be incorporated.
Planning will begin with the shape and size determined, so the prep work of killing the sod can begin soon. The installation will be in September.
If you would like a front yard native garden and install, look for the 2025 contest which will begin in January 2025.