May 2023: 5219 Willis Ave

As soon as Jennifer and Dennis Ryan bought 5219 Willis Avenue in February of 2022, they knew it was the place for them but also had lots of ideas on how to improve their front and back yards.

Retiring to Dallas after living in Columbus, Ohio for 25 years, they also knew there would be a learning curve around the best plants to grow in their new zone.

They just recently completed all of the garden and architectural updates around their home and they did such a fantastic job, we knew we had to nominate them for Yard of the Month.

Living in Dallas meant that they would be closer to at least two of their adult children and they have enjoyed having their kids and friends around as they settle into their craftsman style home.

In the front yard, we love how the Ryans expanded the garden beds out and bordered them with beautiful stone, including such plants as Salvia, Climbing Jasmine, and Foxglove to add color and interest. Additionally, they planted groundcover and two maple trees along the sidewalk to provide shade in the future. Jennifer continues to use her green thumb, bringing house plants outside to enjoy our warm spring weather. You can see these on various plant stands on the porch. Finally, Jennifer made sure to include different points of interest such as pots, garden stones and birdfeeders to create an experience for all as they explore this new creation.

One gardening tip she lives by includes incorporating plants that take turns blooming so that something is always happening in her garden throughout the year.

We are pleased to not only welcome Jennifer and Dennis Ryan to Vickery Place but also to highlight them as Vickery Place’s May Yard of the Month. We’d also like to thank Northaven Gardens for contributing a $50 gift card to the winners.