Parks & Recreation Department - Notable Yards 2009

OSCAR SMITH
Greg and Peg Morin
703 Watch Island Reach

WOW—is the first, and last, thought that crosses your mind when you visit Greg and Peg Morin’s home, located on the southern branch of the Elizabeth River in the Riverwalk area.

“We built our home about 10 years ago,” said Greg. “I literally came here with a machete and started clearing our lot. We first saw the lot from a boat.” A relatively small part of the yard that immediately surrounds the house is landscaped in a manicured fashion. The most spectacular area, though, is the natural area between the house and the waterway. A wooden walkway dog-legs through the natural area to a pier on deep water, where the Morins are able to keep a boat. “We had the pilings professionally installed, but Greg installed most of the walkway himself,” said Peg. Greg has started growing oysters under the pier. A Mama Duck sits on three eggs in a planter on the pier. The couple recently installed an osprey platform nearby. At low tide, thousands of baby crabs scamper across the mud at the water’s edge.

Halfway down the walkway, Greg built an impressive shed and a deck with a porch-style swing. “Greg put a picture window in the shed so we can enjoy the view,” said Peg. “He even installed a fan and a telephone. Recently he added running water and an outdoor shower. When we sit in the swing, we can see the Great Bridge Bridge.”

Also along the walkway, a large whimsical Big Bird sculpture made out of old car parts and saw blades delights visitors. “My brother-in-law Joe Girardi made Big Bird,” said Greg.

The manicured area near the house uses the natural area as its background, showcasing the colors of azaleas, hydrangeas, knockout roses, crepe myrtles, and a variety of other plants and trees. Greg has recently added a rain barrel, which he will use to collect rainwater for their garden.

The Morins planted blueberries in pots that flank the entrance to the walkway so that birds could eat the berries.