Bee on Antelope Horn
Pat and Dale Bulla have been proponents of restoring yards to increase wildlife habitat for many years. They are National Wildlife Federation Habitat Stewards. In 2008, they were one of the NWF's Volunteers of the Year. I've seen their name associated with various groups as they have worked to relocate native plants about to be plowed under in order to accommodate a new development or building. They have been instrumental in restoring the gardens at the French Legation in Austin. The list could go on and on.
But, for me, what really makes the Bulla's exemplary is their willingness and desire to help others understand why restoring, conserving, and preserving our natural world is important and of benefit to all of us. Their garden is a showcase for what can be done. Pat and Dale have opened their garden many times to demonstrate what can be done in an urban neighborhood to provide habitat for wildlife, conserve resources, and provide a beautiful vista for all of us.
When native bees visit the front and back yard at their home in Austin, the bees are in for a real treat. The Bulla's house and yard was planned from the get-go to be friendly to bees, birds, mammals (including humans), reptiles, amphibians, plants, soil, air, and all of nature. It's like visiting a nature retreat.
Bee on Anaqua Tree
I visited their house several years ago and I remember Pat and Dale describing how the house had been designed to fit into the landscape and utilize the sun and prevailing winds to heat and cool the house. At that time, combined with their judicious use of energy, their energy bills were close to nothing.
They did the same thing when thinking of their outdoor space. Yes, it is a yard, because the Bulla's do live in the city. But you are not going to find bermuda grass or St. Augustine grass laid out in a nice grid. No sprinkler system with thrice-weekly timed waterings.
Bee on Antelope Horn
Nope, you are going to see a yard which is beautiful and welcomes wildlife. The list of plants in the Bulla Garden (Click on this link to see a list: Plants of the Bulla Garden) contains plenty of flowering plants to provide native bees with pollen and nectar. There is enough variety of plants to provide pollen and nectar year-round. From early spring bloomers (Redbuds and Agaritas) to summer bloomers (Goldenball Leadtrees to Sunflowers) to Fall bloomers (Fall Asters and Sennas), the bees are well taken care of all year.
Because much of their yard is left in its natural state, there is also plenty of bare ground for ground-nesting bees to excavate their nests.
Bees and butterflies on Antelope Horn
Thanks to Pat and Dale for all they do to encourage the restoration of urban yards. Any yard, any balcony, any commercial landscape can become a wildlife habitat. I am glad to welcome the Bulla's to the world of beewatching (although I'm pretty sure they have been watching bees for a long time!) by certifying their garden as Texas Bee Friendly Garden # 15.
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