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Summer escapes start at home. Time slows down. Children dart through sprinklers, their laughter echoing in the humid air; the scent of barbecue drifts lazily from backyard grills where families gather; neighbors mingle on patios amidst the flicker of fireflies. These are the moments that define the season—simple pleasures made even better by the comfort of a beautifully designed outdoor space. Here's how to create endless summer experiences that turn backyards into favorite family destinations.
Timberline Landscapes, located in the heart of Webster Groves, brings a thoughtful, design-forward approach to residential landscaping throughout the St. Louis area. With over two decades of experience, this Kirkwood family-owned business helps homeowners reimagine their outdoor spaces into personalized sanctuaries, from patios that invite lingering conversations to pergolas that frame the starry night sky.
"Every backyard creation is unique," said Brad Furfaro, Timberline's Director of Design and Business Development. "Our approach to landscape design depends on the homeowner and the home's architecture, whether it's a mid-century modern home or a classic Kirkwood bungalow. The structures we build, the hardscape surfaces we use, and the plants we choose reflect that."
Sunset Hills resident Ezra Griffin reimagined his outdoor space after storm damage brought down a tree. Ezra worked with Brad and his team, including design expert Margo Kinstler, to create an outdoor kitchen with a covered patio. "Now we sit out there all the time," Ezra said. "We've created a really relaxing place to unwind after work." The space became their evening sanctuary, where busy days naturally wind down to match the hum of cicadas and gentle breezes.
From wood and concrete to natural stone and plantings, Timberline carefully balances structure and softness in its designs. "A lot of what we do is bring diverse materials together—hard surfaces, wood, concrete, natural stone—and blending them in ways that are both functional and beautiful," Brad explained. "The plants soften everything and help tie it all together. That's a part some people miss, but it's essential."
Mindy McCoy, who lives in Lafayette Square, took a different approach in transforming a small backyard into a modern gathering space. The Timberline team helped her family design a pergola with three planting zones. "Our yard is small, but they showed us what was possible," Mindy said. "Timberline Landscapes has experience working with all types of properties." Their planning expertise helped Mindy visualize a layout that maximized both function and beauty within budget, creating an intimate space where family moments could unfold naturally.
Timberline Landscapes follows a process rooted in creativity, collaboration, and care. "We work closely with clients from the first meeting all the way through the build," Brad said. "We also help them understand how to care for their plants long-term. Our team includes plant health science experts and horticulturists; if clients stay on with us for land care, we offer one of the only lifetime warranties in the area."
Timberline also keeps a close eye on design trends. Brad noted that modern styles with straight lines and larger panels remain popular, but warmer tones are starting to take center stage. "We're seeing more earth tones come back while the cooler grays are starting to fade," he said. "It's a nice shift."
Whether it's soaking in the sun by the pool, roasting marshmallows over a backyard fire, or sharing stories beneath string lights, Timberline Landscapes makes it possible to enjoy a getaway without ever leaving home. 

Businesses featured in this article