Winter is the perfect time to dream up your garden. In this episode, we talk simple, practical planning for Ohio gardeners who are ready to get started or start fresh.

From pollinator-friendly gardens and native plants to raised bed vegetable growing, we’ll cover how to plan a garden that works with your space, your schedule, and our local climate. No pressure, no perfection, just thoughtful steps to help you feel confident when spring arrives.

Grab a warm drink and let’s start dreaming your garden into reality.

For more information on pollinators, pollinator gardens, gardening, landscape ideas and all kinds of other fun stuff you can do in your own backyard, please follow me:

Blog & backyard Photography store: www.BackyardColumbus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@backyardcolumbus

Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @BackyardColumbus

You can reach me at: [email protected]

I get asked all the time about our chickens and if they're ok in our Ohio winters. With the right knowledge and planning, the answer is yes! If you're thinking about getting backyard chickens this spring, this episode will be helpful!

For everything you need to know about backyard chickens, check out this book:

https://amzn.to/3YRIF06

City Chicks, by Pat Foreman

For more information on pollinators, pollinator gardens, gardening, landscape ideas and all kinds of other fun stuff you can do in your own backyard, please follow me:

Blog & backyard Photography store: www.BackyardColumbus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@backyardcolumbus

Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @BackyardColumbus

You can reach me at: [email protected]

2025 is a wrap, we're on to the next year and with it comes some reflection. January is a great time to plan for the year ahead but it's always good to take a look back and see what worked - and what did'nt...in life and in the garden!

Here's a look back at what worked and what didn't in our suburban yard. Hopefully it will give you some ideas and save you some hassle.

Links:

Square foot gardening book and info:

https://squarefootgardening.org/

Native plant info:

https://nativeplantfinder.nwf.org/

For more information on pollinators, pollinator gardens, gardening, landscape ideas and all kinds of other fun stuff you can do in your own backyard, please follow me:

Blog & backyard Photography store: www.BackyardColumbus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@backyardcolumbus

Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @BackyardColumbus

You can reach me at: [email protected]

Winter is a cool time for birding- pun intended! It's a growing pastime and backyard birding is easy and doesn't have to be expensive. In today's episode, I'll share a few ideas of how to attract and care for our feathered friends this season.

For some backyard birding supplies, check out my Amazon Affiliate store:

https://amzn.to/3MM6WBS

For more information on pollinators, pollinator gardens, gardening, landscape ideas and all kinds of other fun stuff you can do in your own backyard, please follow me:

Blog & backyard Photography store: www.BackyardColumbus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@backyardcolumbus

Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @BackyardColumbus

You can reach me at: [email protected]

The latest research for the monarch butterfly offers up some hopeful news and encouragement. In today's short episode, I'll share with you the information behind the findings and how we can keep the momentum going!

For more information on pollinators, pollinator gardens, gardening, landscape ideas and all kinds of other fun stuff you can do in your own backyard, please follow me:

Blog & backyard Photography store: www.BackyardColumbus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@backyardcolumbus

Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @BackyardColumbus

You can reach me at: [email protected]

What's the simplest and most attractive way to make a difference in the world around you? Starting a pollinator garden, of course! In today's episode, I'll share some ideas and a few thoughts to help you get started.

Helpful links:

Chadwick Arboretum guide of native Ohio plants: https://chadwickarboretum.osu.edu/sites/chadwick/files/imce/pdf/NATIVE_chart_grow-condition_pollinators_2020.pdf

For more information on pollinators, pollinator gardens, gardening, landscape ideas and all kinds of other fun stuff you can do in your own backyard, please follow me:

Blog & backyard Photography store: www.BackyardColumbus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@backyardcolumbus

Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @BackyardColumbus

You can reach me at: [email protected]

Once a symbol of resilience and wonder, the monarch butterfly is now facing a perilous decline. In this episode, I'll uncover the growing challenges threatening its survival. From disappearing milkweed and habitat loss to the impacts of climate change, I'll explore what’s driving the monarch’s struggle and what each of us can do to help protect this iconic traveler of the skies.

For more information on pollinators, pollinator gardens, gardening, landscape ideas and all kinds of other fun stuff you can do in your own backyard, please follow me:

Blog & backyard Photography store: www.BackyardColumbus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@backyardcolumbus

Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @BackyardColumbus

You can reach me at: [email protected]

When the garden fades and the blooms dry up, it might feel like cleanup time — but don’t grab those pruners just yet! In this episode, I dig into why leaving dead flowers and stems standing through winter is one of the best things you can do for your garden’s health. From feeding birds and sheltering pollinators to protecting the soil, you’ll discover how a “messy” garden can be a thriving ecosystem beneath the frost.

For more information on pollinators, pollinator gardens, gardening, landscape ideas and all kinds of other fun stuff you can do in your own backyard, please follow me:

Blog & backyard Photography store: www.BackyardColumbus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@backyardcolumbus

Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @BackyardColumbus

You can reach me at: [email protected]

All the buzz this time of year is about why you should leave the leaves in your yard or garden. But why? In today's episode I'll share with you two basic reasons why leaving the leaves is actually a smart idea.

For more information on pollinators, pollinator gardens, gardening, landscape ideas and all kinds of other fun stuff you can do in your own backyard, please follow me:

Blog & backyard Photography store: www.BackyardColumbus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@backyardcolumbus

Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @BackyardColumbus

You can reach me at: [email protected]

Fall is an awesome time to plant your perennial seeds for next season, but what if you aren't ready? In today's episode, I'll share with you how to achieve success in planting, even if you're short on gardening time now. Short and sweet, I hope to help you have a successful perennial garden next year!

For more information on pollinators, pollinator gardens, gardening, landscape ideas and all kinds of other fun stuff you can do in your own backyard, please follow me:

Blog & backyard Photography store: www.BackyardColumbus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@backyardcolumbus

Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @BackyardColumbus

You can reach me at: [email protected]