The most colorful corner of Tootie's Backyard — where the tulips bloom and a sneaky green lizard is always watching!
Where Helen the Honeybee rules the tulips, Gee the Green Anole basks in the morning sun, and butterflies drift through on their way to somewhere wonderful.
Our industrious honeybee who has claimed the tulip row as her personal flower shop.
ResidentGee the Green Anole loves warming on fence posts. Watch for his bright red dewlap!
ResidentSeveral species visit the tulips. Orange wings = Painted Ladies; black/yellow = Swallowtails!
SeasonalLook closely under tulip leaves in spring. Caterpillars hide here before their transformation.
Spring OnlyRed, yellow, and pink — Helen's favorites! They bloom in early spring along the whole fence line.
Low to the ground between fence posts. Bees love it almost as much as the tulips.
Volunteer daisies that pop up every year. Nobody planted them — they just showed up and stayed!
A mystery vine weaving through the fence slats, perfect hiding spots for Gee to nap.
Flat stones that soak up morning sun. Gee's personal heating pad — he's usually there by 9am!
Pull up a chair, sugar. Let me tell you about this place.
Now, the fence row might look like just a plain old fence to some folks. But Tootie and Yoshi know better. Every single morning, before the dew has even dried off those tulip petals, Helen is already out there on her rounds.
That's when we spotted Gee for the first time — right there on the fence post, watching with those big swiveling eyes. Tootie froze. Gee froze. That's when we learned to use our Owl Eyes before we ever reach for anything near that fence.
The bees were here before the fence was, and they'll be here long after. We're just lucky they let us share the yard.
Find a sunny fence post and wait quietly for 5 minutes. Can you spot Gee flashing his red dewlap?
Start Activity →Watch Helen for 5 minutes and draw a map of every flower she visits. Which color does she visit most?
Start Activity →With a Safety Pilot, gently lift 5 tulip leaves. What do you find? Caterpillars, tiny spiders?
Start Activity →The backyard is full of neighbors waiting to meet you. Where will your Owl Eyes take you next?