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]

Fall is a perfect time to get started planting your pollinator garden! Whether you want to enhance what you have or start from scratch, fall is the most economical time to do it. In this episode, I'll share some tips to get you started in the right direction!

Helpful links:

https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ENT-47

https://nativeplantfinder.nwf.org/

https://extension.psu.edu/incorporate-pennsylvania-native-perennial-plants-into-the-garden

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

Blog & backyard Photography store: www.BackyardColumbus.com

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

Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @BackyardColumbus

You can reach me at: [email protected]

As a Habitat Ambassador for the National Wildlife Federation, I've studied and lived how to garden to attract wildlife. For practical purposes, in this episode I'm specifically talking about birds, bees, butterflies and all the pretty things we wanna see in our yards! In today's episode, I'll share the five elements needed to make that happen and, as usual, my many other, scattered thoughts thrown in. Thanks for tuning in!

For more specific information on Gardening for Wildlife, check out:

https://www.nwf.org/Native-Plant-Habitats/Plant-Native/Habitat-Essentials

Another great resource: https://homegrownnationalpark.org/

And of course, my blog: www.BackyardColumbus.com

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

Blog & backyard Photography store: www.BackyardColumbus.com

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

Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @BackyardColumbus

You can reach me at: [email protected]

In this episode, I explore natural and eco-friendly ways to keep mosquitoes at bay without harming pollinators or the planet. From utilizing mosquito predators to tips on eliminating standing water and using biological controls, learn how to enjoy your yard bite-free—sustainably.

For mosquito buckets, check out https://homegrownnationalpark.org/mosquito-bucket-challenge/

or

Sam on Instagram: @skeeterdeathbuckets or [email protected]

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

Blog & backyard Photography store: www.BackyardColumbus.com

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

Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @BackyardColumbus

You can reach me at: [email protected]

Even this late in the season - we're in midsummer now - it's not too late to create a pollinator garden. You'd be amazed at what you can create in a really small space!

In today's episode, I'll share some ideas and hopefully you'll be encouraged to jump right in this summer and start enjoying the bees, butterflies and other pollinators that are sure to stop by.

For more information on pollinators, pollinator gardens, gardening, native landscaping 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]

Did spring sneak right past you and now we're in the heat of the summer and you didn't get your garden done? Believe it or not, it isn't too late!

In today's episode we talk about what you can still plant and how to keep it alive.

For planting info for vegetables, check out this link:

https://athens.osu.edu/sites/athens/files/imce/Ag_Docs/Garden%20Calendar_1.pdf

For more information on all things backyard (and side yards and front yard!), I'd love it if you checked out my blog:

www.BackyardColumbus.com

Follow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@backyardcolumbus

Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @BackyardColumbus