Growing Native

BY STEPHANIE WALLACE

Whether you’re tending a balcony garden in downtown Clayton or maintaining a sprawling yard in Town and Country, you should be embracing the native plants of Missouri. Not only are they adapted to St. Louis’ climate and soil, they feed and shelter wildlife that would not be able to survive without them. Missouri is home to more than 2,000 native plants. Here’s just a sampling of what you can plant to help nurture our city’s complex ecosystem.

butterfly milkweed celandine poppy cardinal flower crested iris golden alexanders missouri primrose prairie blazing star purple coneflower

A great source of nectar for many butterflies, this vibrant wildflower also serves as a food source for Monarch butterfly caterpillars. Growing naturally in open, rocky areas, it flowers from May to September and thrives in well drained soil.

You find these flowers in March through May on the wooded slopes of central and southwest Missouri. Celandine poppies grow well in gardens if they have humus-rich soil.

What better flower for the StL during baseball season? The cardinal flower grows throughout wet sites in the state, flowering July through October. It requires moderate shade but will tolerate sun if planted in rich soil. Don’t forget to water during dry periods.

These small irises bloom in April and May and attract hummingbirds. They grow well in partially shaded areas and prefer well drained soil.

A member of the carrot family, this plant is host for black swallowtail butterflies. The long-lasting flowers bloom from April to June before becoming seed clusters. Unlike other native plants, it has glossy semi-evergreen foliage.

Also known as a glade lilly, this plant grows naturally in glades, bluffs and rocky prairies. It flowers in May through August, and thanks to the blossoms opening in late afternoon, it’s loved by months for night pollination.

As this name implies, this plant grows on prairies or rocky ground. A favorite of pollinators like bumblebees, it grows best in average to moist soil and flowers from July to October.

These large blossoms, which grow in woodlands throughout Missouri, are a great source of nectar for butterflies. They grow well in light shade but can handle full sun. Expect flowers in May through October.

SOURCE: MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

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Stately, neoclassic inspired, newer construction home across from Forest Park in the fabulous CWE. Gracious circle driveway with fountain. The front door opens to sweeping staircase & 2-story ceiling in foyer, 2-story ceiling in formal LR centers around interior courtyard complete w/ splash pool, fountain & outdoor seating. Formal dining room opens to palatial, epicurean kitchen w/ large island, high-end stainless steel appliances, breakfast room w/ frplc., butler’s pantry w/ ice maker & wine chiller opens to very large family room addition & solarium complete w/ heated floor. 1st floor primary suite with spa-like primary bath w/ large walk-in shower & soaking tub. Palatial walk-in closet. 2nd floor features 2 add’l bdrms, upstairs study, kitchenette with gallery walk overlooking the 1st floor. The back yard is a tropical paradise complete w/ pool, outdoor kitchen/bar & full bath ideal for summer time entertaining. Pergola covered sitting areas, mature landscaping + 3 car garage.

BALLWINHikethe RiverSceneTrail. Thismorethan three-miletrailtakes youonaloopthat includesthebankofthe MeramecRiverandthe topofstonebluffs.Since thereisaclimbupthe cliff,thetrailisrated moderate,butmakeitto thetopandyou’llenjoy panoramicviews .

CHESTERFIELD Takeahorseback ridinglessonat KennedyFarms EquestrianCenter. Kennedyfarms offersbothhorseback ridinglessonsand asummercamp experience.ItsPony Palprogramintroduces childrenages4to8 toequinesafety, horsemanshipand basicridinglessons.

CLAYTON Enjoy the atmosphere at Parties in the Park. Celebrating40years, PartiesinthePark runningistheStL’slongestoutdoorhappy hour.LocatedonNorth Brentwoodbetween ForsythandMaryland avenuesandheldon thesecondWednesday ofthemonthfromMay toSeptember,theevent includeslivemusic andlibations.

CREVE COEUR Hit the water at Creve Coeur Lake. There’s a lot to do at this 320-acre lake and the surrounding park. Hit the sand beach, play in the spray fountain or enjoy activities like disc golf, archery, tennis, fishing and zip lining. The Creve Coeur Water Trail offers canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding a six-mile journey across the lake.

Getpumped at Sunrise Bootcamp. EveryotherSaturday October,inMaythrough getupand forheadtoKienerPlaza morningaheart-pumping workout.The guidedclassincludes bodyweightexercises andcardioburstschallengedesignedtoyourbody .

Downtown

FORESTPARK

Takeinamovie attheArtHill FilmSeries. EachFridayinJuly,ArttheSaintLouis lawnMuseum’sfront turnsintothe cinema.StL’slargestoutdoor Alongwith moviesonthebigscreen, pre-showtheeventincludes festivitiesandlikelivemusic foodtrucks .

& ABOUT

Whether it’s summer concert series, beautiful hiking trails or thrilling outdoor sports, St. Louis offers miles of green spaces and a myriad of ways for people to enjoy them. Here are just a few outdoor activities you can enjoy with family and friends as the weather warms up.

KIRKWOODPeruse fresh local produce at FarmersKirkwoodMarket. openThisbustlingmarketis

October,dailyAprilthrough butthefun isn’tlimitedtospring hasandsummer.Italso apumpkinpatchandharvestmarket inOctoberandaholiday marketinNovember andDecember.

LAFAYETTE SQUARE

Pack a picnic to enjoy in Lafayette Park. Covering 30 acres and dedicated in 1851, Lafayette Park is often considered the oldest urban park west of the Mississippi. It features a lake, garden walk, reconstructions of original Victorian structures, Revolutionary War-era cannons and iconic frog and turtle statues created by local sculptor Bob Cassilly.

SHAW NEIGHBORHOOD

Enjoy some tunes at the Whitaker Music Festival. Held on Wednesday evenings, this free open-air concert series is a St. Louis summer tradition. Visitors to the Missouri Botantical Garden are welcome to pack and bring their own picnics or purchase food and drinks on-site.

South County

Bike on Grant’s Trail. This family-friendly trail passes Grant’s Farm, Whitecliff Park and a BMX bike park, making it a great option for bike trips with the kids. Plus at 10 miles, it’s long enough for avid cyclists to also enjoy.

Webstergroves

CHARLES Playholeseighteen at Missouri Bluffs.

ST.

This golf course was designed by legendary golf course architect Tom Fazio. Since it’s considered one of the best championship public golf courses in the state, you can expect a challenging layout combined with beautiful views.

Check out the work of local and national artists at Webster Arts Fair. Artisthestaratthis annualthree-dayevent. Thefineartsandcraft fairfeaturesthework ofmorethan80artists fromalloverthecountry. Festivitiesalsoinclude localentertainment,food andhands-onactivities forguestsofallages.