Curb Appeal on Berkshire
The home of Mike McQueen. Image courtesy of Jeffrey D. Lewis II
Mike McQueen and his dog, Leo. Image courtesy of Jeffrey D. Lewis II
Have you ever been on the go and something so breathtaking immediately catches your eye and makes you turn around to take a second look?
I’m sure the answer for many of you would be “yes,” and trust me when I say, this Curb Appeal feature is that and much more!
It is with the greatest pleasure that I introduce our great community to the inspiring home of Mike McQueen.
Mike is a 31-year resident of Morningside and the proud 14-year homeowner of one of the true gems not just in our neighborhood, but probably anywhere on the city’s east side.
The very home that Mike owns is right next door to his childhood home where his parents still reside in to this day. “As a child I told my mother that I wanted to own the house next to us, years later I manifested my childhood dreams,” Mike says.
The Berkshire resident’s dedication and skillset of advanced landscaping design have truly uplifted an entire block. In fact, Mike’s house is situated among five consecutive homes that are all worth of being featured in Curb Appeal. The mastermind for them all leads back to Mike as he’s willingly shared his tutelage with his neighbors and has easily spearheaded the most under-the-radar block in all of Morningside.
During our conversation I was truly amazed at Mike’s knowledge of gardening. Everything from the type of soil to use, to treating a sicken plant, Mike knows his stuff!
As I looked around at the neighboring homes on this picturesque block of Berkshire, it honestly felt like I was in a enclave of serenity. It was extremely peaceful and it seem as though time had literally stopped.
It is always interesting to learn more about the individual when we identify the amazing work they have done with their yards.
Mike experienced a significant life changing event in 2019. His house burned down while he was at home. He was able to escape unscathed and left with just a handful of possessions. The fire was the result of an electrical outlet.
The horrific event would have left many ready to move on and never look back, but Mike’s commitment to rebuilding his dream home and remaining in Morningside would not allow him to just walk away.
“I had contemplated moving out to either Berkley or Birmingham, but what I had here I wasn’t going to find in either of those communities. I would have been paying a lot more living out there then I would have here,” Mike says.
Mike was able to fully restore his home to his liking after an arduous battle with the insurance company and his general contractor. As that work was taking place, Mike focused his efforts in transforming his backyard into a complete oasis.
“I just got to work and created the space I wanted.” The backyard features many trees, plants and fountains. The work that Mike has done could easily be featured in any gardening magazine or any of the shows on HGTV. His work is that impressive.
“I’m more than willing to provide some insight, a few tips to anyone who wants to transform their yard. That doesn’t mean that I will do all the work though,” Mike says smiling.
Do yourself a favor and checkout the amazing landscaping work at Mike’s and his fellow neighbors!
The backyard of Mike McQueen’s Berkshire home. Image courtesy of Jeffrey D. Lewis II
The colorful, zen-like front porch. Image courtesy of Jeffrey D. Lewis II
