Garden-Lou Spotlights the Garden of Teri and Lenny Weber
Back in 1979, when land was cleared for the Woodstone Estates subdivision, someone (perhaps a hard-hat-wearing supervisor with plant-geek tendencies) made a remarkable decision. A grove of Sassafras trees gracing a ridge top was spared by the bulldozer. The result 44 years later is a shade garden full of color, texture, and unique character not commonly found in the typical suburban backyard.
Teri and Lenny Weber’s front yard is like many others in any typical suburban St. Charles subdivision. Thanks to the winning combination of the mature Sassafras grove and the Weber’s keen gardening skills, the backyard is as untypical as you can get.
The hillside was terraced with railroad ties and treated lumber when the Webers moved in 20 years ago. Fast-forward to 2023 and a new complex retaining wall system ties in with other hardscape features like walkways and steps. An expansive screened-in porch acts as a box seat to the garden stage just outside and is one of the most used rooms in the house.
Another favorite spot, especially in the mornings, is what Teri calls her “Zen Garden.” The quiet area in the rear of the garden sits high, overlooking the garden sheltered in the shade under the sassafras trees.
Thirty-two hosta varieties mix well among shade-loving natives like Solomon seal, bloodroot, and Virginia bluebells. Bleeding hearts, anemones, and azaleas also find a place under the trees. Sun-loving perennials thrive with the high canopy, like lilies, beebalm, black-eyed Susan, purple poppy mallow, and coneflower.
Heuchera, ferns, liriope, and variegated iris give season-long color and foliage interest in the ever-changing flower show.
Their artist daughter, Jenni, has turned run-of-the-mill birdbaths into works of art with her whimsical and colorful touches. Other sentiments include 40-year-old yellow daylilies that have moved from one house to another.
The Webers share maintenance chores and spend about an hour daily in the garden. Watering alone can take an hour. If they could change one thing, it would have been to add irrigation. Ongoing issues include moles, voles, and tree roots. The sunny areas of the garden are next on the list for development, along with new fencing. Home improvements inside and out have been another passion for the Webers, who, even before retirement, have always had a houseful of kids, grandkids, and extended family. Friends and family enjoy the garden, and the neighbors enjoy the view as well.
Quick Facts;
Size of Garden; 150’ x 20’
Year garden was created; 2003
Favorite gardening tool; A short-handled shovel and a pointing trowel used for cement work.
Any other gardens or gardeners that inspire you? My father, James, and Missouri Botanical Garden
If you were stranded on a desert island and could only have ONE plant to keep you company, what would it be? It doesn’t have to be a food-bearing plant since this island has a free buffet! Some exotic, constantly blooming plant that I haven’t seen yet.
Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com
Words and photos by Jo Batzer. Additional photo provided by Lenny Weber
© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2023, All rights reserved.
