Please join us in congratulating Matthew and Nalanie Risse of 5604 Junius Street, our November Yard of the Month winners! Their beautiful landscape transformation is a wonderful example of how creativity, hard work, and a little experimentation can turn a yard into a welcoming outdoor retreat.

When Matthew and Nalanie purchased their home in July 2023, the landscaping looked dramatically different from what neighbors see today. Since then, they’ve made significant improvements both inside and outside their home, with special attention to creating inviting outdoor spaces for family and friends.

A few of their larger projects involved pruning a magnificent Pecan tree out front and transforming an area near the garage—once occupied by the home’s mailbox—into a charming patio. For Matthew, the patio has a special meaning. Growing up, his family had a wonderful outdoor gathering space where they celebrated special occasions and spent time together. He always dreamed of creating something similar for his family in a home of their own.

Today, their front patio features a trellis, potted agaves, colorful lantana, and planters filled with cast iron and bear claw plants. Nalanie adds her personal touch with seasonal decorations, including a cheerful scarecrow, beautiful chrysanthemums, a particular favorite of hers, and hanging potted plants to add even more color. Together, these elements create an inviting space that celebrates the changing seasons.

The transformation doesn’t stop at the front yard! Matthew and Nalanie tackled their backyard with equal enthusiasm, personally laying new sod across the entire yard in just one day! They’ve since created comfortable seating areas around a fire pit and installed landscaped beds along the fence line. Their plantings include kaleidoscope abelia and Chinese fringe flowers, while vibrant purple bougainvillea and colorful cannas add a tropical splash to the back patio.

A little about the Risse family: Both originally from the East Coast, Matthew and Nalanie have known each other since childhood—even though they attended rival high schools! They began dating after college, moved to the Houston area in 2018, and eventually made their way to Dallas in March 2020. After touring the Junius Street home a few times, they knew it was the right place to put down roots.

They especially appreciate the neighborhood’s proximity to the Swiss Avenue Historic District, the wonderful local businesses, and, most importantly, the strong sense of community that makes Junius Heights so special. Their family now includes 14-month-old Teddy and their five-year-old Bernedoodle, Remi.

For Matthew and Nalanie, one of the greatest rewards has been watching their landscaping evolve. And they’re far from finished! Future plans include experimenting with a backyard vegetable garden and continuing to discover which plants thrive best in different areas of their property.

Congratulations again to Matthew and Nalanie! Thank you for the care, creativity, and enthusiasm you’ve brought to your home and for helping make Junius Heights an even more beautiful place to live. Be sure to admire their wonderful transformation the next time you’re strolling down Junius!

And be sure to check out the before photo to see just how far this yard has come!