If you’ve ever spent a summer in St. Louis, you know what I mean when I say the heat can be downright oppressive. We’re talking triple-digit temperatures mixed with sticky, soupy humidity that wraps around you like a wool blanket.
Add to that two young kids running around the house with endless energy and a dog that wants nothing more than to play fetch from sunrise to sunset, and you get a pretty good picture of my reality every summer. For years, our backyard was just a sad square of grass—useful only to our dog and the occasional BBQ. But this year, everything changed.
We finally decided it was time to transform our backyard into a space we actually wanted to spend time in. I wanted shade. My husband wanted a pool. The kids wanted a space to run. And we all wanted somewhere to escape from the heat without having to pack up the car and head to the lake every weekend.
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Evaluating the Options
When we first started the project, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. We had a budget, but not a vision. I wasn’t sure if we should go all out with a full-blown outdoor kitchen or keep it simple with a pergola and some lawn chairs.
After weighing our options for months and researching local landscaping companies, we found a team that truly listened to what we needed and delivered something even better than we imagined.
My husband was pushing for an in-ground pool, but I worried about maintenance and safety with the little ones. We met with a few companies, but most of them came with pre-made templates and tried to squeeze our ideas into their boxes. That’s not what we needed.
Then we found a local landscaping company that came out and spent time getting to know how we lived. They asked thoughtful questions like: Where does the sun hit most of the day? Do you entertain often? Do you want low maintenance or high-end finishes? It felt more like a conversation than a sales pitch. That’s when I knew we found the right team.
They also walked the entire property with us, identifying problem spots and underused corners. One suggestion was turning a previously unused side yard into a gravel path lined with herbs and a bench—a quiet nook for morning coffee. I didn’t even know I needed that until I had it.
Creating a Cool, Functional Oasis
The design they proposed included a shaded pergola area with comfortable, weatherproof furniture; a shallow wading pool that’s perfect for the kids (and my feet!); and a beautiful mix of native and drought-resistant plants that thrive in the Missouri heat. They even suggested installing a misting system along the pergola beams—something I never would have thought of but now can’t live without.
They also recommended a smart irrigation system, which uses local weather data to water only when necessary. As someone who doesn’t exactly have a green thumb, I appreciated anything that would make the upkeep easier. And we added landscape lighting throughout so we can enjoy the space even after the sun sets.
We opted for permeable pavers for the patio area, which help with drainage and keep the ground cooler than solid concrete. Another genius touch was the installation of a retractable shade sail that we can move depending on the angle of the sun. It provides flexibility without compromising the design.
Design Details That Make a Difference
What really made a difference were the materials and textures chosen throughout the project. Our patio furniture isn’t just weatherproof—it’s designed to reflect heat and stay cooler even after hours of direct sun exposure.
We also installed vertical planters with cascading greenery that helps cool the air naturally. These little touches may seem minor, but when it’s 98 degrees out and the breeze hits just right, you can feel the difference.
Another great addition was a built-in storage bench under the pergola. Not only does it keep pool toys and gardening tools out of sight, but it also provides extra seating when guests come over. We had USB-charging ports integrated into the bench as well, so my husband can keep his Bluetooth speaker going or I can keep my e-reader charged without running cords across the yard.
For lighting, we didn’t just stop at string lights. The landscapers installed motion-sensitive pathway lights and solar-powered lanterns along the flowerbeds. It feels magical at night and keeps the backyard usable even after dark. The kids love the glowing orbs scattered around the garden, and I love not tripping over a stray toy on my way to the herb bench.
The Heat Is Still Here—But It’s Bearable
Now, on the hottest days, I don’t feel trapped inside. I grab a glass of iced tea, let the kids splash in the pool while I relax in the shade, and our dog has more than enough room to chase his ball. We have dinners outside under the twinkle lights and host movie nights with a portable screen and a projector.
We also included large shade trees that the landscapers assured us would grow quickly and provide natural cooling in a few seasons. For now, the pergola with the misting system does an amazing job making things bearable. Before this, I never understood how important landscape architecture could be to comfort—but I definitely do now.
We’ve even added an outdoor ceiling fan beneath the pergola, which sounds small but has made a huge difference. Combined with the misters and a few strategically placed potted plants that act as mini evaporative coolers, the whole setup turns our backyard into a surprisingly temperate retreat, even on days when the local forecast is pushing 100 degrees.
Community, Family, and Comfort
One of the unexpected joys of the project is how it’s brought our family together. The kids are off their tablets and outside more. We’re having friends over for pool playdates and barbecues again. Even our neighbors have started making their way over, and it feels like we’re part of a little backyard community now.
My husband and I spend our evenings catching up in that herb garden nook, and on weekends we’ve been experimenting with grilling new dishes. There’s something special about enjoying a meal outdoors, surrounded by thoughtful design and nature, that makes even a regular Saturday feel like a vacation.
We’ve even started planning themed backyard events—a Hawaiian luau one weekend, a stargazing night the next. It’s amazing how having a beautiful, functional space makes you want to do more, be outside more, and connect more with the people around you.
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