J. Kolenovsky's Native Wildlife Habitat,
Bellaire, Texas

Nestled in the heart of Houston in an incorporated city called Bellaire, lies a native plant habitat that draws people from surrounding areas to behold and inquire. The habitat was once barren and with years of patience and soil amendments such as compost, it became a fertile area teeming with native botanical growth.

Pictured is the habitat after the St. Augustine lawn was removed and a Salvia raised bed put in, a bog garden with a surrounding pathway and a dry stream bed encircling a pond centered amongst lush native plants and native grasses in a natural setting. The habitat is a National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat and a Texas Parks and Wildlife Texas Wildscape "Demonstration site" with each specimen labeled. There are over 125 species planted and 70% of those are native.

J. Kolenovsky is a public speaker for the National Wildlife Federation, the Native Plant Society of Texas, Houston Chapter and promotes native and organic gardening through his website, "Celestial Habitats" at www.celestialhabitats.com.