Congratulations to our July Yard of the Month: Branden Kuzmick and Brian Reeves at 931 Nicholson

Although novice gardeners, the owners of the home at 931 Nicholson, Branden Kuzmick and his partner Brian Reeves, are passionate about gardening. Since purchasing the home in July 2015, several new flowerbeds have been created to complement the home. Within the first few days of ownership—even before tackling many interior design projects—new hardscaping, landscaping and interesting yard art took first priority. It is particularly noteworthy that the flowerbeds (which extend from the median on Nicholson to the back of their home on Herkimer) were not a result of the efforts of any professional design team. Gardening originally served as—and continues to offer—a creative outlet for the homeowners who strive to contribute positively to the aesthetic enhancement of a neighborhood that they have grown to love. 

The owners routinely refresh the plants in their garden to reflect the season. There is no master plan, they say, but rather a densely planted garden with a broad color palette and a wide variety of plantings, somewhat reminiscent of an English country garden. Joshua’s, Buchanan’s and Another Place in Time are Heights-area favorites for the more hard-to-find Texas assortment that regularly fills the natural space. There are dozens of different plants in the Kuzmick-Reeves landscape, but notable inclusions are Bracteantha (Strawflower), Sunpatiens, Ixora, Zinnia, Geranium, African Daisy and Heliotrope. Plant selection often defies reason and plant survival is not guaranteed, but trial and error is a fun approach to gardening, according to the owners. Daily garden maintenance is an opportunity for the owners to visit with neighbors and those who enjoy the hike & bike path, which extends along the front of their property. Their goal is to entice passersby to take a moment to enjoy the colors and variety of their gardens. 

Seasonal plantings are complemented by outdoor holiday decorations. The owners are known for going “big and bold” from 6′ tall ghosts and ghouls at Halloween to larger-than-life Nutcrackers at Christmas, followed by giant Easter Bunnies and then the patriotic bunting that adorns the home’s many balconies from Memorial Day through Independence Day. There are few holidays that fail to get recognized at this home. 

We want to give a big thank you to Buchanan’s Native Plants for the gift certificate given to our July Yard of the Month Recipients.