Bustillos: Eclectic landscapes warrant Yard of the Month honor
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Published: December 14, 2012
The yard is an eyeful, both front and back, with an eclectic mix of plantings admired by all who pass. And passersby include riders on the Fillmore & Western Railway who are greeted as they arrive in Santa Paula by the landscaping of Irene and Art Bustillos.
The Bustillos pair was honored with the Yard of the Month award for their efforts to beautify their neighborhood at the December Good Morning Santa Paula. The Chamber of Commerce-sponsored breakfast meeting was held at Garman’s Pub.
Chamber President John Chamberlain said America In Bloom is a national organization with an active chapter in Santa Paula founded by Dianne and Dudley Davis, owners of Do Right’s Nursery. The goal of America In Bloom is to “instill pride in communities” by eliminating blight, discouraging graffiti and beautifying neighborhoods.
Before founding America In Bloom, the Davises donated the hanging planters and flowers on Main Street in the historic Downtown and continue to maintain them. America In Bloom has subsequently added sidewalk planters to the mix.
“When people visit Santa Paula and see those little touches,” said Chamberlain, “It means a lot.” And so do those who “really have a lot of pride in their neighborhoods” and, such as the Bustillos family, show it through yard beautification.
Karen Djernaes of America In Bloom said, “The wonderful thing is when the Fillmore & Western Railway comes into town at Oak Street not only can you see the Bustillos front yard, but also the back yard,” due to the home’s unique location. “You can’t imagine what they have in their yard,” ranging from weeping mulberry and quince to blooming and other succulents, “so many unusual plants” that often railroad riders stroll over for a closer look and a bit of picture taking.
Djernaes said there is more: “Roses, lots of roses... when the roses are in bloom people go to their house just to admire them. Irene (Bustillos) has two green thumbs.”
The Bustillos pair received $75 in cash and gift cards from America In Bloom, Heritage Ace Hardware - which has a full nursery as well as an extensive inventory of gardening and other supplies at its Santa Paula Shopping Center location - and Valero Gas located on South 10th Street.
