Garden-Lou Visits Martha LaFata

It’s logical for someone who scouts gardens for Missouri Botanical Garden’s triannual garden tour to have an expert eye for detail, quality, and creativity combined with plant knowledge. Besides being on tour herself, Martha LaFata has been involved with MBG for the past 12 years, from serving on the tour committee to her current position as Vice President of the Members Board. Next year, besides co-chairing the tour, she’ll be President.

Martha moved into her 100-year-old home 43 years ago. The one-acre property had plenty of mature trees but was so overgrown that the house wasn’t visible from the street. The former owner was a botanist and, before becoming unable to maintain the planted areas, planted numerous botanical treasures, including meadowrue, Epimedium, and hostas.

‘Before’ Photo provided by Martha LaFata

Martha had the daunting task of making sense of it all and, as a beginner gardener, sought the help of the Hosta Society and two nearby gardeners. They took her under their wing, giving her plants and advice. “The back hillside was covered with euonymus vines. Jean Hudson and I pulled it all out by hand,” says Martha. “I didn’t think I could do it, but Jean was in her 70’s with Parkinson’s. She asked for a shovel.” The hillside is now a tapestry of color, texture, and form, with plants ranging from unique dwarf conifers to native perennials. The shady beds surrounding the garden have over 350 unique Hosta varieties.

A strong Japanese influence blankets the garden. Bonsai specimens greet visitors in the courtyard entrance, where a new Japanese black pine, Pinus thunbergii, has recently been planted. Stone lanterns dot the rambling beds along with Japanese maples. Overall, Martha’s Garden provides a Zen-like calm as you move from one area to another. Anything above a whisper seems out of place. You can hear the black stone fountain trickle and the flutter of birds in this level of peaceful quiet. Beehives also have a home in Marth’s Garden. Small fountains are a favorite with the birds, so the garden habitat is as beneficial as it is beautiful.

St. Louis Jewish Light’s Outdoor Living Showcase previously featured Martha and her husband, Paul, and St. Louis Homes and Lifestyles magazine has also featured the garden.

Martha can spend up to 40 hours a week in the garden. Paul admits Martha does 95% of the work. It’s not all pulling weeds or pruning, though. Martha has a photography and art background and sometimes studies the garden areas before reworking and tweaking if they don’t seem right. “It’s a garden that is always evolving.”