By Sarah Coulber

Nestled in the Penticton, B.C. hillside, overlooking Okanagan Lake, stands Rhonda and Don Henry’s home. Their one acre property is lush with natural vegetation which they kept in tact as much as possible while they built their house almost 13 years ago.

After their children were past school age, the Henrys decided to move to a place that was near their work in Penticton but rural enough for them to enjoy the natural ecosystems of South Okanagan. Both avid naturalists and quiet yet committed environmentalists, respecting the natural inhabitants was high on their list of priorities.

Rhonda explains that “the property had an intact native forest and grassland, rich in plant and animal life, quiet and had a magnificent view. The Mariposa lilies were in bloom when we found the land and that was the first of many discoveries about what actually existed in our local eco system! The only trouble was that a home site was not immediately evident and so a process of choosing and working with an architect began a two year journey to settle a home on the land with minimal intrusion on the site. The animals and plants were here before us and so it was our responsibility to take great care in how the project evolved.”

So, after finding property they loved, they set out on the next step - creating a home with little negative impact on their environment. “We chose a local architect, Isabel Chen, with whom we believed we could partner with in our vision to create a home.” 

To preserve the ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forest they broke rock rather than blasted it. The only trees removed were a few close to the house, a few years later, as a safety precaution prompted by the 2003 forest fire in Okanagan.

Most are still standing, however. These trees give shade on hot summer days and provide a home to flying squirrels which Rhonda and Don get to observe up close. Many birds raise their young in these trees including western bluebirds, calliope hummingbirds, American robins and mountain chickadees.

Having left the forest alone, it allowed an array of natural features to remain intact such as fallen logs, rock piles and natural grass undisturbed, saving the couple time and money. 

Cultivated areas of their garden include many native plants like pearly everlasting, wild rose, milkweed and columbine. They are beneficial to pollinators such as butterflies, bees and hummingbirds and they have beautiful blooms for human eyes to enjoy. The Henrys grow selectively, matching their plants to the conditions of their sloping and forested property.

In keeping with their desire to respect the local wildlife, they garden organically. By not using pesticides, they can eat their own organic produce and feel good about doing their part to keep their ecosystem healthy. They also compost and use rain barrels.

They have, however run into a few snags along the way. First off, they’ve encountered a few bird collisions against the house. To minimize this, they pull the blinds in the windows that the sun hits so the birds can’t see through and adjust their blinds as the sun moves. 

Another challenge presented itself when the neighbouring dog moved away and the deer returned. They chose to fence the vegetable garden which, although not their favorite choice, has worked well.

After 13 years, Rhonda and Don’s efforts have yielded both a gorgeous home and hours of pleasure in watching their wild neighbours share their space. This is a bonus for their bed and breakfast. Guests at Vanilla Tree House, as it is also called, have commented on its beauty and sense of well-being. One guest from New York City, for example, said that the couple "…has wisely carved out a little niche of heaven in the hillside. This place is such a comfort and feels like an extension of the mountain side and its myriad inhabitants are all obviously thankful." 

From observing all the large animals, like the California big horn sheep that pass through and the bear that cooled down in their pond after a serviceberry snack, to the small birds, bats and butterflies that visit their home, Rhonda and Don sleep well at night feeling the connection to their land the peace that it radiates and knowing they are a part of its well-being.

To find out more about Rhonda and Don and their B&B, visit their website at www.vanillatreehouse.com. For information on having your property certified with the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s Certification program.

Photo: Rhonda and Don Henry