Mistletoe Heights Yard of the Month
May 2015: 2314 W. Magnolia Ave.
The Brewer family, whose members have lived at 2314 W. Magnolia Ave. for three generations, is the recipient of the Yard of the Month award for June-July. Tom Brewer’s grandfather, Benjamin Franklin Brewer, bought the house in 1925. Later, Tom’s father, Charles Caswell Brewer, owned the house.
Tom and Teri Brewer have lived there since 1993, and their son now lives in the house next door. One of Teri’s pastimes is making quilts. She told me her mom is also a quilter. I don’t know if other homes in our neighborhood have had three generations of the same family living in them, but it’s pretty cool that they’ve kept their lovely home in the family for so long.
The canvas awning shading the porch is part of what makes the house so historically “accurate.” Teri wanted me to mention that one of our neighbors, James Bryant, of Bryant Lawn and Sprinkler, planned and installed the fl owerbeds. He certainly did a good job and they are reaching maturity this month. Be sure to walk or drive by soon to see the lovely vision created by Mr. Bryant.
The shrubs in front are variegated privet. In front of those are a variety of hosta, a bunch of lamb’s ear, and a cluster of cast iron plants. There are a few loropetalum, some Katy (Mexican) petunias and a couple of miniature roses. There are some Burford holly bushes in the beds, too. On one side of the house, across the driveway, are red-tipped photinia (photinia serrulata – the old fashioned ones). On the other side you’ll notice a small hedge of variegated pittosporum.
Like so many of our neighbors, the Brewers work hard to maintain a St. Augustine lawn. The only downside of our wonderful, mature trees in Mistletoe Heights is that their shade makes it diffi cult to keep grass growing. The Brewers’ landscape is modest, yet elegant. The overall effect of the yard is pleasing to the eye and in keeping with the historical ambience of West Magnolia Avenue and the Mistletoe Heights neighborhood.
It’s wonderful and remarkable that the Brewer family has made Mistletoe Heights their home for so many generations. It’s also inspiring to know that the fl owerbeds were designed by another talented neighbor. Hats off to the Brewers – past, present, and future!
- Bruce Horn