#backyarddreams

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about how my yard feels when summer mornings roll in—a little bit wild, a little empty, and a lot full of possibility. Ever since moving to Saint Charles, I’ve flip-flopped between wanting a simple lounge space and going full-out with wraparound deck plans. My current deck is… serviceable. It gets me from the back door to the patchy grass, but isn’t exactly an “outdoor room.”

It started a few weeks back when my neighbor redid his deck with those sleek composite boards. Every time I walk by, it’s this tidy oasis up above his sloping yard. No weeds climbing through the boards, no splinters, and everything just feels solid. I started doodling mockups—nothing professional, just lines on a pad with “future party space?” written in the margins. But what would actually fit my tricky backyard? I have a maple tree right where I want the stairs to go, and a weird hill that makes any design more complicated.

Scrolling around online, I ended up reading about what local builders know when it comes to Saint Charles County. One particular page I found from Supreme Deck Builders really grabbed me—“Expert Deck Building in St. Charles County” felt like it was written for every confused homeowner who doesn’t want a cookie-cutter solution but also doesn’t want to ignore the quirks of Missouri land and weather. Here’s their page, if you want a look: https://supremedeckbuilder.com/st-charles-county/

What stuck was their way of talking about custom solutions. They get that St. Charles County isn’t one-size-fits-all—clay soil, winter freeze-thaw, and those infamous hot, humid stretches make any project a real puzzle. I liked how they factor in terrain weirdness, offer everything from pressure-treated decks (budget check!) to composite (low maintenance goals), and even mention deck repairs for “aging” setups like mine. Just reading their philosophy made me feel less overwhelmed. Instead of starting with “I can’t do this because…” it’s “what would make your space perfect for you?”

I’m not rushing, but I’m inspired. I can picture late-summer evenings with friends, moving the grill outside, maybe even a pergola because wow, Missouri sun; it’s no joke. For now, I’m sketching and saving photos, figuring out what would look and feel right. But that first step—believing something custom is possible, even on my sloped and shaded plot? That’s thanks to a little local wisdom.

Lifestyles are changing; design your own staycation with some help from Scenic Landscape!


Now more than ever, we are realizing how much our own backyards are our sanctuaries. Our own personal space and escape from the chaos and uncertainties.  Use this extra time to create, design and make changes to your property. 

Consider your outdoor space as an extension to your indoor living. Expand upon your living space and bring a new dimension to both your home and family. Your backyard will always be your personal haven.


Simple Tips for homeowners to spruce up their yard for summer:  Now is the time to be both cleaning and cutting back gardens. By feeding and properly caring for your gardens now, you will reap the rewards of the efforts as we move into the warmer months. Before it gets too hot, be sure to clean up perennials and feed plants with fertilizers to facilitate stronger bloom periods. Also be sure to keep plants moist with irrigation, even while it is still dry and cool outside.


What simple tips have a big impact: Planters are always available readily; professionals can help to create container gardens. This is a great way to add color and more interest throughout your property. Planters will enhance areas of the yard and allow you to get creative. Scenic imports Palm Trees from Miami every year, and plants them into planters. They are a popular eye-catching way to add a tropical vibe to the East Coast, whether poolside or within a garden or patio. They will thrive here during our summer months.


When choosing planters, make sure they are big enough to support the plants you choose. Irrigation companies are able to add drips into the planters, relieving you of the daily upkeep.

All plants love to be fed. Miracle-Gro or a similar product, is a great simple water-based
application. By feeding your planters every two to four weeks, you will allow for your flowers and planter to become lusher and bloom stronger.


Why is now a good time to start planning yard projects:  Now is a great time, to take a good look around at the areas you would like the enhance or improve. There is still a whole season ahead of us, where planting, planning and installations can be done. From overlaying a garden, to construction projects, enhancing landscaping, designing
 pools and outdoor kitchens, all of this takes time.  Now is a great time to get plans done, to start designing, developing and to begin executing your yard projects. 

Our industry is still busy working and bringing projects to life now more than ever. Keep in mind, construction projects need time for permitting. Use the time now to ensure
permits can get approved by the town. The biggest mistake we see, is homeowners waiting too long to start their projects and will run into seasonal delays.

What can you focus on right now to have ready for late summer or early fall:  Right now, homeowners should be focusing on creating new outdoor spaces. Fire pits have been an extremely popular addition, which can quickly and readily create a new gathering space to enjoy with the whole family in every season. The addition of an outdoor TV, or an outdoor stereo system, enhances outdoor lifestyles tremendously for all the enjoy. Everyone could be enjoying their outdoor spaces now, as we all spend
much more time at home with friends and loved ones.

Landscaping wise, start planting for your fall season. There are plants and perennials 
that will still bloom into the late summer and early fall. Gather up the next wave of color for your gardens. Summer and fall are months of color and sun, and it is all still ahead for us to enjoy in our new outdoor spaces.


Feel free to reach out to us for more assistance and guidance. Our three companies work together to deliver a unique design and build experience. From gardens, to pools and outdoor living spaces, we can tailor our services to suit each individual client’s style
and budget. For over 45 years, our team has been creating award winning projects. Let us bring a new outdoor experience for you to enjoy this year, and for all the years to come.


Scenic Landscaping
 973.616.9600 
www.sceniclandscaping.com


Tapestry Landscape Architecture 
973.616.5288
 www.tapestrynj.com