A beautiful find. Congrats.

Try to not get overwhelmed. You might want to start by taking inventory of what is there, what looks like it can be brought back into shape, what would fit into your plans, what has to be ripped out, etc.

Congratulations! I was on the Garden for Connoisseurs Tour that benefits the Atlanta Botanical garden this past weekend. One of the featured gardens was a restored garden at a 1925 Itlianate Villa.

I agree with Sack--give yourself a year to see what's already there, and make a record. Another suggestion: go to apld.org, the website of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, and find the chapter for your area and a designer near you.

I know you're busting to get going, but a little professional planning up front will save you a ton of money and work undoing design and plant selection mistakes later. (I only wish I could work on it with you myself...we designers get so tired of working on McMansions! A historic property would be so much fun)!

One more thought...the Missouri Botanic Garden has an excellent horticultural reputation for educating Midwesterners on using plants that do well in Missouri's challenging climate. The better adapted the plants are, the less you'll have to do...If I can help with questions/suggestions online, holler...

So have you closed yet? Hope you enjoy your new home!!

Smaller garden out back.

I used old concrete blocks to build the walls, didn't cost a dime! I ordered some plants from Spring Hill that should arrive soon.

Looks great S!!! Now, when are you coming over to do mine???

Your new home looks lovely - hope you'll post some pix when you get settled and start doing some landscaping/gardening. I personally can't wait for the trees to start turning...autumn is so beautiful!

Broken concrete is one of my favorite materials. Free and abundant. Just remember to put a little whimsy in whatever you do.

Kevin