Backyard Wildlife Habitat (National Wildlife Federation)

I have many new subscribers!!  I am going to post a few of my favorite (and others’ favorite posts)

In between new posts, so the new subscribers don’t have to go searching!!

(Be sure to click on the title to see the complete post!)

In 1997;  we decided to move to Montecito from Pasadena.

We spent our honeymoon here in 1978;  and I had grown up in Pasadena coming up every August!

We sold our house before we put it on the market in Pasadena!

 I looked and looked for an older house;  and my real estate agent almost gave up!

One day, she announced that she was showing me a “vacant lot”!!  Oh no!  I don’t want to build!!

She drove up to this!

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(When you see where the pond is;  this is where it is “before”!!! there was a pond!  Nothing!)

(The one house next door is shown above.)

She said,  “There is a 45 acre nature preserve on one side;  there is the 45 acre property of your Mother’s friend Mrs. Bacon on the other two sides It can’t be subdivided!;

 and there are deer in there!”

She has known me since high school;  and she knew that would clinch the deal!

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The day we bought the property;  I looked at this view;  and there was a command in my head!

“A pond wants to be there!!”

(and right there is where it is!)

I told my husband that day!  He said,  “Slow down, honey!  We have a house to build; all kinds of more important things!”

“I said, no, you can’t dig a pond with a house in the way!!”

I wouldn’t let go of that!  So he let us have the bulldozers dig a pond!

It filled up with water!

My goal from the beginning was to create a “nature preserve” of our own;  and  a “not too big house”!

I read every book I could find on attracting and keeping birds, butterflies and wildlife of all kinds!

And then I found that the National Wildlife Federation had a “Backyard Habitat Program” to assist homeowners who want to

assist wildlife!  It is a fascinating program that anyone can qualify for; even if you only have a balcony!

I used two landscape designers;  one in the beginning, and then I switched to my favorite!  I

took Margie to the “nature preserve” next door, and said ” I want a landscape a lot like this!!”

Margie listens;  and she can do any landscape someone wants!  Her range is amazing!

The first thing we found out is that our lot is the “drain” of Montecito!  All the flow charts end here!

So there was a massive drainage system that needed to be installed!

The “dry creek” below is connecting one “catch basin” to another!  Designed by Margie to be a lovely part of the landscape!

Screen shot 2013-02-18 at 10.27.38 AM
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Margie Grace Links to website
I worked with my favorite architect David Serrurier.  There was another caveat:  The building envelope was 65 feet square;  which meant he had to fit a house, a guest house and a garage

in that space!  The property is over 2 acres;  but it couldn’t have anything built on any other part of it!

The guest house is above.

It feels like a little village!  But the landscaping was crucial to the “animal habitat”!!!

bianchiestate_farmtable
Screen shot 2013-02-18 at 10.27.04 AM

look at the size of the tree on the left.  That was about eight years ago!

That sycamore tree is 60 feet tall now!

To learn about the  “Backyard Habitat Program” click here!

 National Wildlife Federation : this links you to the Garden For Wildlife Program/ Backyard Habitat.

Look at all the ducks that come back every year!

I had one duck house in the beginning;  and now have two!

Thanks to my friend in Georgia!

Winston Brown, at www.lwbcreations.com !

Three years after we moved into the house a lady who had grown up nearby looked out the window at the pond, and said,

“I think it is lovely dear, that you put the pond back”!

In shock, I said….”Back?  What do you mean?”  She explained that in the early forties,(before I was born), there had been a pond exactly where we dug it!

Same size, same shape, same.  There were stables here for polo ponies;  and the pond was filled in to make a riding ring!

I still get chills telling that story.  This land spoke to me, that is all I can say!

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the duck house in the front was built in England by

http://www.granddadrobdesigns.co.uk

I just found out!!!

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I keep the duck treats under this bee skep!

They recognize my voice, and come to me when they hear me!  They are wild mallards;  and they nest every year, laying their eggs inside

the duck houses!  If a stranger comes out;  they are “guarded”! And ducks return to

where they are hatched, so lucky us!!

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 Here are the sycamore trees recently!!!

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My poor gardener had to “unlearn most of what he has spent a lifetime learning!

“No blowers, no mowers, no hedge trimmers, and I like the roses climbing the trees!  And the vines on the rooftop!!”

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We planted a whole bunch of milkweed for the monarch butterflies!  He was completely horrified to see this, above!

Those monarch caterpillars eat all the leaves!!  Yes!  And then they make chrysalises and there are monarchs all over!!

 When my granddaughter was in kindergarten;  I decided to do the “Backyard Habitat” project with her!

We filled out the following questionnaire, and took pictures!

She had such fun!! “Granny, take a picture of THAT thicket!!  It’s like an apartment house for birds!”

She proudly presented this certificate to her class;  and said, “Granny and I won first place!!”

Now, (of course, there isn’t a “first place”!  But she learned so much!)

Now, after 16 years, we have a covey of California quail, hummingbirds (3 kinds), and every kind of bird!

Not to mention, bobcats, coyotes, raccoon, Great Blue Heron, (I have to chase away when there are baby ducklings!)

The lady , (Joan Lentz) who wrote the book , “Birds of Santa Barbara County” identified 120 species in two hours

by their song!

I was outside playing my “iBird  Pro” app on my iPhone and it was making the “Hooded Oriole” song;

and a male oriole landed on my hat!

The questionnaire is as follows: 

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The National Wildlife Federation is a wonderful source of information on what to plant to attract and nourish wildlife!  It has been the most gratifying

thing about living here!  Hummingbirds make their nests in the tendrils of ivy;  and we even saw one baby fly for the first time when we were standing inside the

guest house front door!  I said, “WOW!  That is a once in a lifetime experience!”

(there were two babies so big they were perched on the top of the nest)

She said, “Granny, was it the boy or the girl?”

You just guess what I said!!

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76 Responses

  1. You are certainly my kind of girl!
    Those duck houses are the best thing I’ve seen all day.
    Just a wonderland, and it’s clear that you love your little plot of earth as dearly as I love my own.
    xoxo,
    p

  2. You are certainly my kind of girl!
    Those duck houses are the best thing I’ve seen all day.
    Just a wonderland, and it’s clear that you love your little plot of earth as dearly as I love my own.
    xoxo,
    p

  3. Penelope, I love that story….your pond is amazing and the property is gorgeous….the pictures don’t do it justice….I’m so lucky I was able to visit….It is one of the most beautiful homes I have seen.

  4. Penelope, I love that story….your pond is amazing and the property is gorgeous….the pictures don’t do it justice….I’m so lucky I was able to visit….It is one of the most beautiful homes I have seen.

  5. The only thing better than reading about this amazing project is actually getting to walk around all of that loveliness with you!!

    XOXO
    M

  6. The only thing better than reading about this amazing project is actually getting to walk around all of that loveliness with you!!

    XOXO
    M

  7. Penelope, you could hire yourself out as a wildlife habitat consultant! This post brought tears to my eyes! And the fact that you “replaced” the pond—astonishing! What are those precious duck “roosts”(?)upon the water?
    I’ve not seen those in my neck of the Ohio woods.

    You’ve certainly created a tranquil spot of paradise for your family and its serenity comes through in your post. Ahh, makes me sigh.

  8. Penelope, you could hire yourself out as a wildlife habitat consultant! This post brought tears to my eyes! And the fact that you “replaced” the pond—astonishing! What are those precious duck “roosts”(?)upon the water?
    I’ve not seen those in my neck of the Ohio woods.

    You’ve certainly created a tranquil spot of paradise for your family and its serenity comes through in your post. Ahh, makes me sigh.

  9. Penny- this story of instant love you had for your property is wonderful. Someday, I hope I can visit and see all the amazing wonders with my own eyes. Thank you so much for mentioning Winston and our website again. I sent you an email last month on your “me” address. Won a prize for your blue bedroom door and garden! Thanks Penny. Linda Brown

  10. Penny- this story of instant love you had for your property is wonderful. Someday, I hope I can visit and see all the amazing wonders with my own eyes. Thank you so much for mentioning Winston and our website again. I sent you an email last month on your “me” address. Won a prize for your blue bedroom door and garden! Thanks Penny. Linda Brown

  11. Susan! Those are floating “duck houses”!! You should introduce them to your “neck of the woods”!!!
    Every predator eats baby ducklings!!

    Almost all of the over 150 baby ducklings since we put in the first house have survived! Because the houses are tethered in the pond; the predators cannot get to them!

    Every pond should have one!!

    It is heartbreaking to watch them disappear every day! They can’t fly for 52 days; hence the term “sitting duck”!

  12. Susan! Those are floating “duck houses”!! You should introduce them to your “neck of the woods”!!!
    Every predator eats baby ducklings!!

    Almost all of the over 150 baby ducklings since we put in the first house have survived! Because the houses are tethered in the pond; the predators cannot get to them!

    Every pond should have one!!

    It is heartbreaking to watch them disappear every day! They can’t fly for 52 days; hence the term “sitting duck”!

  13. I’m so glad that you shared the story of your garden with your readers. What you created is nothing short of amazing.
    As you know, we are starting to collaborate with Margie for our garden at Patina Farm… thanks to you!!!
    I am saving this post to show to her… I love it all!!!

    Your garden thrives under your care, just like your ducks and chickens. How could it be otherwise?

    xo
    Brooke

  14. I’m so glad that you shared the story of your garden with your readers. What you created is nothing short of amazing.
    As you know, we are starting to collaborate with Margie for our garden at Patina Farm… thanks to you!!!
    I am saving this post to show to her… I love it all!!!

    Your garden thrives under your care, just like your ducks and chickens. How could it be otherwise?

    xo
    Brooke

  15. I can’t finish your sentence about a boy or a girl but I would imagine you said something like it can be whatever you want it to be!I have been lucky enough to have seen this with my own eyes!You have created a Paradise and the pond story was just as good the second time around!Unbelievable!

    1. Oh, La Contessa! That is what I “should have said!!” I told “Poppy” (whose “big name” is Penelope; “it was the girl”!!”
      It was a “knee jerk reaction”!!

      No excuses! (they might have been two females; or two males!!”

      Anyone you know how to “sex” a hummingbird??

      Tee hee!!

  16. I can’t finish your sentence about a boy or a girl but I would imagine you said something like it can be whatever you want it to be!I have been lucky enough to have seen this with my own eyes!You have created a Paradise and the pond story was just as good the second time around!Unbelievable!

    1. Oh, La Contessa! That is what I “should have said!!” I told “Poppy” (whose “big name” is Penelope; “it was the girl”!!”
      It was a “knee jerk reaction”!!

      No excuses! (they might have been two females; or two males!!”

      Anyone you know how to “sex” a hummingbird??

      Tee hee!!

  17. My precious Penelope, is this heaven? I think it is. And, I must say your husband must be the biggest angel of all. You have created a haven for everything, and for yourselves. You are a treasure, my friend.

  18. My precious Penelope, is this heaven? I think it is. And, I must say your husband must be the biggest angel of all. You have created a haven for everything, and for yourselves. You are a treasure, my friend.

  19. Via email! More information on “milkweed”!!!

    Great photos, Penny! Eaten milkweed is lovely milkweed! This means you are supporting the monarch caterpillars with the only food they can eat. It makes them poisonous (and thus more protected) against other predators. A caterpillar needs to eat 25 leaves before he/she can go into his/her chrysalis for two weeks. If you need milkweed seed, please let me know!

  20. Via email! More information on “milkweed”!!!

    Great photos, Penny! Eaten milkweed is lovely milkweed! This means you are supporting the monarch caterpillars with the only food they can eat. It makes them poisonous (and thus more protected) against other predators. A caterpillar needs to eat 25 leaves before he/she can go into his/her chrysalis for two weeks. If you need milkweed seed, please let me know!

  21. Penny you are a national treasure! I love the story of your garden, the pond and all the wildlife.
    How wonderful to ‘know’ a kindred spirit.

    Did I tell you I have a family of red fox living on my property? My chickens were NOT amused!

    1. Well; I thought I couldn’t be jealous!
      My chickens aren’t jealous; but I AM!!!
      My friend in Newport Rhode Island had some;(fox!!!) I sat on the roof to try to see them! One came; I was so excited, I said “HI!”
      Duh! It took one look at me and ran off! “Anthropomorphizing??” I guess so! It was the most exquisite thing!!

      This is a response to Sandra’s comment that she has fox! I love them!! (my chickens would not like them, either!) We do have a bobcat…..next time….I will have my iphone !!!
      A gorgeous animal!

  22. Penny you are a national treasure! I love the story of your garden, the pond and all the wildlife.
    How wonderful to ‘know’ a kindred spirit.

    Did I tell you I have a family of red fox living on my property? My chickens were NOT amused!

    1. Well; I thought I couldn’t be jealous!
      My chickens aren’t jealous; but I AM!!!
      My friend in Newport Rhode Island had some;(fox!!!) I sat on the roof to try to see them! One came; I was so excited, I said “HI!”
      Duh! It took one look at me and ran off! “Anthropomorphizing??” I guess so! It was the most exquisite thing!!

      This is a response to Sandra’s comment that she has fox! I love them!! (my chickens would not like them, either!) We do have a bobcat…..next time….I will have my iphone !!!
      A gorgeous animal!

  23. Truly a fantastical place. I can just see you will that oriole on top of your hat, hope his girl did not get jealous. It’s idyllic!
    I agree-no blowers, horrid little things that make horrid noise. PGT

    1. Hello!

      Why are blowers not banned? They pollute more than a car driving 300 miles! They take all the “mulch and topsoil away!” I have no idea why they are not illegal!

      (I am sounding like my grandmother!) I HOPE I always will!! Thank you for your wonderful comment!

  24. Truly a fantastical place. I can just see you will that oriole on top of your hat, hope his girl did not get jealous. It’s idyllic!
    I agree-no blowers, horrid little things that make horrid noise. PGT

    1. Hello!

      Why are blowers not banned? They pollute more than a car driving 300 miles! They take all the “mulch and topsoil away!” I have no idea why they are not illegal!

      (I am sounding like my grandmother!) I HOPE I always will!! Thank you for your wonderful comment!

  25. I ate up every bit of this post and pinned it to go through again later. Your garden is really inspiring. I love all of the ivy especially. Thank you so much for sharing and for the helpful links.

  26. I ate up every bit of this post and pinned it to go through again later. Your garden is really inspiring. I love all of the ivy especially. Thank you so much for sharing and for the helpful links.

  27. Sweet Penny,
    If I have to come back in another lifetime, I will fly quickly and effortlessly into your backyard and immediately take up residence in one of the floating “duck houses” that graces your amazing pond.
    The extraordinary poet, Mary Oliver wrote:
    “When it’s over, I want to say: all my life
    I was a bride, married to amazement…”
    That’s the word I think of when I think of you — AMAZING!!!
    I am so thrilled that our paths have crossed and look forward
    to spending time with you very soon.
    Hugs…

  28. Sweet Penny,
    If I have to come back in another lifetime, I will fly quickly and effortlessly into your backyard and immediately take up residence in one of the floating “duck houses” that graces your amazing pond.
    The extraordinary poet, Mary Oliver wrote:
    “When it’s over, I want to say: all my life
    I was a bride, married to amazement…”
    That’s the word I think of when I think of you — AMAZING!!!
    I am so thrilled that our paths have crossed and look forward
    to spending time with you very soon.
    Hugs…

  29. Penelope: What a beautiful story! You are an important advocate for our wildlife. These creatures need more friends like you. I love that you honor the predators – an important contributor to a healthy ecosystem. Keep spreading your message – please!

    1. Thank you, Michelle! I do honor the predators! We have a lot of them! I only chase away the Great Blue Heron when our wild ducklings are very small; and I have spoken to the bobcat! “You are very beautiful; please don’t eat the chickens! There are lots of ground squirrels!”

  30. Penelope: What a beautiful story! You are an important advocate for our wildlife. These creatures need more friends like you. I love that you honor the predators – an important contributor to a healthy ecosystem. Keep spreading your message – please!

    1. Thank you, Michelle! I do honor the predators! We have a lot of them! I only chase away the Great Blue Heron when our wild ducklings are very small; and I have spoken to the bobcat! “You are very beautiful; please don’t eat the chickens! There are lots of ground squirrels!”

  31. Magical! Absolutely magical. Your inspiration for those of us that know although we are not able to do our ‘fantasy’ on this scale, does help to spur our imaginations and keep our spirits going.

  32. Magical! Absolutely magical. Your inspiration for those of us that know although we are not able to do our ‘fantasy’ on this scale, does help to spur our imaginations and keep our spirits going.

  33. from WordPress:

    Subject How do I subscribe? I

    Message Dear Penny, I don’t know why but I am still not receiving your blog! I thought I’d subscribed at least twice but still – nothing!! What am I doing wrong? Gnash gnash of teeth!! I LOVE reading you; this landscape piece is really a dream! I’m not exaggerating a bit! You’ve created an ideal total environment; you listened to Nature and fulfilled her wish!! Gaia loves you. – but then I think that everyone loves you! At least they would if they’d meet you!! We’ve met you, we do!! Now about my subscribing! How do I? XXX & of course, Adam Bob And Hermie & Puck! PS; you’re the one who should write a book!! You’re already doing it!

  34. from WordPress:

    Subject How do I subscribe? I

    Message Dear Penny, I don’t know why but I am still not receiving your blog! I thought I’d subscribed at least twice but still – nothing!! What am I doing wrong? Gnash gnash of teeth!! I LOVE reading you; this landscape piece is really a dream! I’m not exaggerating a bit! You’ve created an ideal total environment; you listened to Nature and fulfilled her wish!! Gaia loves you. – but then I think that everyone loves you! At least they would if they’d meet you!! We’ve met you, we do!! Now about my subscribing! How do I? XXX & of course, Adam Bob And Hermie & Puck! PS; you’re the one who should write a book!! You’re already doing it!

  35. What a lovely romp through your “past lives” in creating this incredible garden. Love blooms at every corner. I’m sure your new neighbors will be as enchanted as I have been!

    I live in Lawrence, Kansas and have converted my entire yard to garden. We do have foxes! In town! I was away recently and my neighbor was over “casting a watchful eye” for us and a young fox came “walking by”—not running, or ambling, simply walking as if he owned the place. He looked at my neighbor and simply walked across the drive to path to the side garden and walked to “his kingdom” in the backyard.

    Sharing our gardens with wildlife is such a joy.

  36. What a lovely romp through your “past lives” in creating this incredible garden. Love blooms at every corner. I’m sure your new neighbors will be as enchanted as I have been!

    I live in Lawrence, Kansas and have converted my entire yard to garden. We do have foxes! In town! I was away recently and my neighbor was over “casting a watchful eye” for us and a young fox came “walking by”—not running, or ambling, simply walking as if he owned the place. He looked at my neighbor and simply walked across the drive to path to the side garden and walked to “his kingdom” in the backyard.

    Sharing our gardens with wildlife is such a joy.

  37. Penny, I am so proud of what you have accomplished in your sanctuary your family shares with native wildlife. You are educating us all! Somewhat related, as I know you are an advocate for ALL wildlife, checkout Northern Jaguar Project (northernjaguarproject.org) You will love their work and the candid photos of these fabulous jaguars in the wild. Bless you!

  38. Penny, I am so proud of what you have accomplished in your sanctuary your family shares with native wildlife. You are educating us all! Somewhat related, as I know you are an advocate for ALL wildlife, checkout Northern Jaguar Project (northernjaguarproject.org) You will love their work and the candid photos of these fabulous jaguars in the wild. Bless you!

    1. Omigosh!!

      My Mother in heaven must have sent you!! Our finial (one of my favorite parts!!!) broke and disappeared! I would love to buy another one from you! As well as order from you!
      I ordered one from someone up North for one of my clients; but the “Foresham” people wouldn’t ship to the US anymore!! I am thrilled to have your website!!!

      and some of my readers will be happy to have it too!!

      They are beautiful!

    1. Omigosh!!

      My Mother in heaven must have sent you!! Our finial (one of my favorite parts!!!) broke and disappeared! I would love to buy another one from you! As well as order from you!
      I ordered one from someone up North for one of my clients; but the “Foresham” people wouldn’t ship to the US anymore!! I am thrilled to have your website!!!

      and some of my readers will be happy to have it too!!

      They are beautiful!

  39. Even though I am familiar with this lovely story, it is always so dear to hear your passion for your wildlife neighbors and your home.

  40. Even though I am familiar with this lovely story, it is always so dear to hear your passion for your wildlife neighbors and your home.

  41. Dear Penelope,
    Thank you for sharing your vision with us. I enjoyed learning more about your beautiful property. What a stunning setting! Those duck houses are mini masterpieces. And someday, I’m going to create a pond on our property in Maine. You’ve inspired me!
    Cheers from DC,
    Loi

  42. Dear Penelope,
    Thank you for sharing your vision with us. I enjoyed learning more about your beautiful property. What a stunning setting! Those duck houses are mini masterpieces. And someday, I’m going to create a pond on our property in Maine. You’ve inspired me!
    Cheers from DC,
    Loi

  43. I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create
    this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
    Plz reply as I’m looking to create my own blog
    and would like to find out where u got this from.

    cheers

    Have a look at my web page … Dwain (http://www.kiwibox.com)

  44. Just stumbled upon your blog and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about you, your house and the great things you do and provide for wildlife. I’m in Westchester County NY and before winter arrives every year I start to worry about the birds, squirrels and all the little animals! I provide food for them but would love to create a natural habitat for them in my backyard as well. I am definitely looking into the backyard wildlife habitat. This world needs more people like you! And with your style of course!
    Take care,

  45. I cannot tell you how much your comment warms my heart!

    Thank you! And please spread the word in any way you can! The National Wildlife Federation helps every one of us help wildlife!!

    and all we have to do is ask! All of their information is free!

    All the animals thank you and them!

    Bravo! Thank you for your interest and efforts!

    Penelope

    ps my brother lives near you in Riverside, Conn. I think it is near you!!!