Yard of the Month September 2024
Congratulations to Mike Davis and Brian Lebow of 712 Lipscomb for receiving the Yard of the Month honors for September in the Junius Heights Historic District. Mike and his husband Brian purchased their charming home in 1996, inspired by a coworker who lived nearby on Ridgeway. They instantly fell in love with both the house and the neighborhood.
As the fourth owners of this historic century old home, Mike and Brian undertook the task of reversing some of the 1980s updates, restoring the house to its original, beautiful, traditional interior design. While the landscape had always been well-maintained, it had never been fully designed. The couple had different visions for the yard: Mike preferred clean lines, while Brian envisioned a slightly messier, English styled garden. Ultimately, it was Brian’s influence that shaped the yard into the lovely space it is today, with a touch of Mike’s preferences incorporated.
The garden now boasts a lush green lawn, with beds adorned with vibrant colors, including geraniums, pentas, and Cerese Charm shrubs. Trees have been planted to create a future canopy, and following the Snowpocalypse of 2021, Mike added some Yucca to provide a striking accent on one side of the yard.
Brian unexpectedly passed away in 2022, leaving a profound impact on their family. Mike has since relied on their longtime yardman, Joel Montoya, to maintain the yard’s beauty, just as Brian would have wanted. Mike expressed that Brian would have been incredibly proud to receive this recognition.
Congratulations again to Mike and Brian for their dedication to enhancing our neighborhood’s beauty and for the lasting contribution they have made for all to enjoy!
Want to nominate a Yard of the Month? Winners receive a free year’s membership to Junius Heights Historic District and a gift certificate from one of our sponsors!
Send nominations to JuniusHeightsHD@gmail.com
JHHD Yard of the Month Sponsors: Curiosities (https://www.getcuriosities.com/) and Garden Cafe (https://www.gardencafe.net/)
Story and photos by Richard Marvin
