Curb Appeal: The Kempinskis' Welcoming Bedford Garden

In this edition of “Curb Appeal,” where we recognize residents on each street who go the extra mile to create a lovely front yard, we are heading on over to Bedford, to the beautiful residence of Mark and Margo Kempinski.

“I actually grew up in St. Clair Shores and didn’t want anything to do with the suburbs,” Margo laughs. “I used to drive through this neighborhood with my girlfriend when we were 16 years old, and I just fell in love with the houses.”

The house she and her husband chose years later, which was also actually the first one they looked at, won them over with its big porch and beautiful leaded glass windows. And over the years, the Kempinskis have turned the front yard into a lush, layered landscape.

“I love hostas because there are so many varieties,” she says. “And irises, too—though it’s past iris season now. There’s just so many varieties.”

Her front yard is a mix of intentional design and generous gifts.

“Almost everything was given to me,” she says. “I did buy the two peonies, but the Shasta daisies, echinacea, and black-eyed Susans were all given to me.”

Margo’s beautiful garden is not the only wonderful part of her house on Bedford, however. Some very familiar faces live just across the street.

“My son, daughter-in-law, and my granddaughter live just across the street,” she says as she points to a house about 100 feet away. “I love having them there, and I get to see my granddaughter almost every single day. It’s just fantastic!”

The Kempinskis’ front yard is a beautiful reflection of the Morningside neighborhood itself—welcoming, full of charm, and rooted in community. With family nearby and a garden grown from hard work and generosity, Margo and Mark’s home captures the spirit of a place she fell for as a teenager and never stopped loving.

“I love to nurture nature,” Margo says. “It’s good for my soul.”

Margo Kempinski stands in front of her home. Image courtesy of Nicoletta Valenzano