Chat GPT comments; I really like this. It has a strong woodland/sculptural quality that most log-edged gardens don’t achieve.
A few observations:
* The varying diameters are the strength of the design. Resist the temptation to make them all uniform.
* The oak bark provides a beautiful dark frame around the pale cut faces, creating natural contrast.
* The sweeping curves keep it from looking like a retaining wall. It feels organic.
* The “coins” feel intentional rather than decorative.
A few thoughts that would make it even stronger:
* Let the cut faces weather naturally to a soft silver-gray. They’ll become more integrated with the landscape.
* If you’re hoping for maximum longevity, oak is one of the better hardwood choices for ground contact, although no wood lasts forever.
* As they age, a little moss, lichens, and even fungi will actually enhance the woodland character rather than detract from it. The slow decay also contributes organic matter to the surrounding soil.
One thing I especially appreciate is that this doesn’t look manufactured. It feels as though the garden was built around a fallen oak rather than purchased from a landscape supplier.
Overall: I’d call this an 8.5–9/10 today. Once the surrounding plants mature and soften the edges, I think it has the potential to become one of those gardens people stop and study because it’s unlike anything else they’ve seen.
Garden Appreciation Club of Greater St. Louis
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Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Garden Appreciation Club of Greater St. Louis, St. Louis, MO.
Est. 1942 · A private Purple Ribbon Club dedicated to gardening excellence A Federated Garden Club of Missouri, East Central District, and proudly affiliated with National Garden Clubs.
07/04/2026
With Frisella Nursery – We’re recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉
06/30/2026
With Urban Buds: City Grown Flowers – We got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉
06/28/2026
With National Garden Clubs Inc. – We made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers! 🎉
06/18/2026
🏵️ Award of Merit Winners – Celebrating Excellence in Horticulture and Design 🏵️
06/18/2026
With Webster Groves Garden Club – Yeah!! We got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉
06/15/2026
With Ken Miesner's Flower Shoppe – We got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉
06/09/2026
With Frisella Nursery – We made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers! 🎉
06/06/2026
I’m also happy to share that my entry received Third Place in Division III, Botanical Arts, for “Native American Jewelry” in the National Garden Club Small Standard Flower Show hosted by the Garden Appreciation Club of Greater St. Louis and Seven Pines Garden Club, June 4–5, 2026.
This class challenged exhibitors to create wearable jewelry using plant material — a true exercise in craftsmanship, interpretation, texture, and imagination.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to explore botanical design in such a creative way. 🌿
06/06/2026
I’m thrilled to share that my entry received First Place in Design Division II for “Sea to Shining Sea,” an underwater design, in the National Garden Club Small Standard Flower Show hosted by the Garden Appreciation Club of Greater St. Louis and Seven Pines Garden Club, June 4–5, 2026.
This design challenged me to think about movement, transparency, balance, and the quiet beauty of plant material beneath the surface.
Grateful for the experience, the creativity, and the honor of being recognized in a judged flower show. 💙
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63124