Yard of the Month June 2025

Congratulations to Beth Ann Blackwood, the owner of the June Junius Heights Historic District Yard of the Month. Sitting comfortably on the corner of 702 N. Glasgow and Junius Street, her home, a Tudor Revival with Craftsman elements, is just across the street from May’s awardees. Both homeowners join a growing group of residents dotted throughout Junius Heights who have been recognized for their attractive and well maintained yards.

Beth came to the neighborhood by chance. After she made the decision to move, she embarked on an almost one-year search that took her all over the city. Drawn to the East Dallas area because she wanted a home with history and character, one day Beth Ann drove around Junius Heights without her realtor and came upon the Glasgow property. The house happened to be open for inspection, and she took the opportunity to check it out. Seeing its potential, she knew immediately that she’d found her new home.

After the purchase was completed in 2023, Beth Ann set about a total overhaul of the interior as well as the yard. Determined to retain the home’s historic charm, she made sure the update retained its many unique external features, and so, once submitted, her application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the house and yard was duly approved.

The brick arch at the entry was one architectural feature that Beth Ann uncovered during the remodel. Recognizing its appeal, she had it restored to the original design. Another unique element is the curved wall nearby which incorporates diamond paned windows above and built-in planters below, now filled with colorful annuals.

When the remodeling was finished, Beth Ann turned her attention to the yard. Through her designer, she was put in touch with well known local landscape architect, Richard Bellamy, whose expertise and wealth of experience transformed her garden into a tree and plant filled showcase.

Richard Bellamy introduced Beth Ann to weeping trees, making innovative use of two Espalier Weeping Blue Atlas Cedars which occupy a space between the back door and the garage. Placed in a raised limestone bed surrounded by decomposed granite, they are complemented by a Yaupon and several weeping Japanese Maples close by. The trees provide a canopy for a variety of Oakleaf Hydrangeas, ferns, Hellebores, and other shade plants. Landscape lighting will be installed to highlight a pleasing diversity in the leaf size, shape, and color of each individual tree. Further along is a paved patio where a couple of concrete spheres will add interest to a seating area soon to be added.

Once the renovations were completed, Beth Ann moved in with her two cats, two dogs, and three pianos in January this year. A keen runner who has registered in this year’s BMW-Berlin Marathon, residents will see her training in the neighborhood with her beloved Saluki, Perry Mason, at her side while Coco Chanel, her pug, stays home with the cats, Lily and Lucy.

A busy working attorney, on weekends Beth Ann nonetheless can be found tending to the lawn and garden with her electric edger and lawnmower. She plans to add seasonal color to the perennials in the front flower beds.

Junius Heights welcomes its new resident and celebrates Beth Ann’s arrival by recognizing her much appreciated enhancements to the neighborhood.

Junius Heights Historic District Yard of the Month June 2025
Junius Heights Historic District Yard of the Month June 2025
Junius Heights Historic District Yard of the Month June 2025
Junius Heights Historic District Yard of the Month June 2025
Junius Heights Historic District Yard of the Month June 2025
Junius Heights Historic District Yard of the Month June 2025
Junius Heights Historic District Yard of the Month June 2025
Junius Heights Historic District Yard of the Month June 2025
Junius Heights Historic District Yard of the Month June 2025
Junius Heights Historic District Yard of the Month June 2025
Junius Heights Historic District Yard of the Month June 2025

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 Eleanor Graham