Backyard Ecology

Did you know that for many of our most commonly grown native wildflowers and grasses, 2/3 or more of the plant is underground in the form of roots? Or that you can reduce weeding requirements in your native plant garden by understanding the root systems of different plants that you are growing? Or that there is now a resource that can help you avoid mistaking a native plant in your garden as a weed and accidentally pulling it?

Today, we are talking to Hilary Cox and Neil Diboll. They are the authors of the newly published book, The Gardener's Guide to Prairie Plants. Neil is also the president and consulting ecologist of Prairie Nursery, located in Wisconsin.

The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/growing-prairie-plants

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Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel.

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Episode related links:

🦋 Hilary's email: [email protected] 🦋 Neil's email: [email protected] 🦋 The Gardener's Guide to Prairie Plants: https://amzn.to/3QTmMco (affiliate link) 🦋 Prairie Nursery: https://www.prairienursery.com/

Become a Backyard Ecologist:

🦋 The Backyard Ecologist's Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/ 🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/

Backyard Ecology content:

🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net 🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology 🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/

Support Backyard Ecology:

🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology 🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N

Did you know that some hummingbirds will overwinter in the eastern U.S.? These aren't our normal ruby throated hummingbirds that visit our feeders and yards all summer long. These are often western species of hummingbirds, like the rufus hummingbird.

Winter hummingbirds aren't common, and they become less common the further you are from the southern coastal plains; however, they aren't unique either. I can tell you from personal experience that it is SOOOO much fun to host one if you're lucky enough to have one show up on your property.

I originally recorded this conversation with Brainard Palmer-Ball in the fall of 2021. Brainard is a retired zoologist from the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves and is the person who banded my winter hummingbird when it showed up over a decade ago.

The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/reshare-winter-hummingbirds

Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community.

🌻 🌻 🌻 If you're listening to this in November 2023, please help us by taking our end-of-the-year survey. The survey's results will help guide our plans for Backyard Ecology content and programs in 2024. This is your chance to tell us what topics you would like to hear more about and share any feedback you have with us. The link for the survey is: https://forms.gle/aRmshApcr9eq1Mjt8

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Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel.

🌻 🌻 🌻

Episode related links:

🦋 Operation Ruby Throat: http://www.rubythroat.org/ 🦋 Hummingbird Research, Inc.: http://www.hummingbirdresearch.net/p282.html 🦋 Southeastern Avian Research: https://southeasternavianresearch.org/hummingbirds/ 🦋 Report a bird band: https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/bblretrv/ 🦋 Hummer's Heated Delight: https://hummersheateddelight.com

Become a Backyard Ecologist:

🦋 The Backyard Ecologist's Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/ 🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/

Backyard Ecology content:

🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net 🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology 🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/

Support Backyard Ecology:

🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology 🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N

When gardening with native plants for pollinators and wildlife, much of the traditional fall cleanup for gardens is not only unnecessary but could be detrimental. And if you don't have to do all that fall cleanup, you'll have more time to kick back and enjoy the everchanging natural wonders around you.

The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/fall-cleanup/

Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community.

🌻 🌻 🌻

If you're listening to this in November 2023, please help us by taking our end-of-the-year survey. The survey's results will help guide our plans for Backyard Ecology content and programs in 2024. This is your chance to tell us what topics you would like to hear more about and share any feedback you have with us. The link for the survey is: https://forms.gle/aRmshApcr9eq1Mjt8

🌻 🌻 🌻

Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel.

🌻 🌻 🌻

Episode related links:

🦋 Why WEED is a Huge Problem for Native Plants! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXTeYtN0Z_Q 🦋 Leave Your Fall Leaves for Pollinators and Wildlife: https://www.backyardecology.net/leave-your-fall-leaves-for-pollinators-and-wildlife/ 🦋 3 Reasons Why Fall Is the Best Time to Plant: https://www.backyardecology.net/fall-planting/

Become a Backyard Ecologist:

🦋 The Backyard Ecologist's Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/ 🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/

Backyard Ecology content:

🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net 🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology 🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/

Support Backyard Ecology:

🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology 🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N

Did you know that common milkweed isn't native to Georgia? Or that there are many native plants which can be grown in large pots on a patio or balcony? Or that some simple "cues to care" can significantly change how a native plant garden is perceived by others?

I originally recorded this conversation with Jennifer Ceska in the spring of 2022. A year and a half later it is, by far, my most downloaded episode to date. We had an amazing conversation that covered a wide range of topics related to gardening with native plants. So, I thought I would reshare it with the transcript so that those who missed it the first time or who prefer to read the transcripts can enjoy it too.

Jennifer is a Conservation Coordinator with the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at the University of Georgia, Athens.

The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/reshare-gardening-with-native-plants

Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community.

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Anthony and I have been exploring new ways to better serve you. Our group coaching programs have evolved out of our desire to help you and other members of our Backyard Ecology audience in a deeper, more personal way. These are offered on a seasonal basis and are designed to address some of our most asked questions in a way that allows you to ask questions and get personalized feedback for your unique situation. If you want to learn more about our group coaching programs, go to https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/.

And, if you're listening to this episode shortly after it goes live and want help designing your pollinator and wildlife garden, then you're in luck. Our next group coaching program, Design Your Pollinator and Wildlife Oasis: Garden-sized Plots, starts in just a few days. But don't wait, registration closes on October 9, 2023, and we don't plan to offer this specific group coaching program again until at least the summer of 2024.

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Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel.

🌻 🌻 🌻

Episode Links:

🦋 Jennifer's email: [email protected]

🦋 Best Milkweed for Georgia Gardens brochure: https://botgarden.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/milkweedinformation.pdf

🦋 State Botanical Garden of Georgia: https://botgarden.uga.edu/

🦋 Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance: https://botgarden.uga.edu/conservation-science/georgia-plant-conservation-alliance/

🦋 Georgia Native Plant Initiative: https://botgarden.uga.edu/conservation-science/georgia-native-plant-initiative/

🦋 Connect to Protect: https://botgarden.uga.edu/conservation-science/connect-to-protect/

🦋 Georgia Pollinator Plants of the Year Program: https://botgarden.uga.edu/conservation-science/pollinator-plant-program/

🦋 Georgia Grasslands Initiative iNaturalist project: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/georgia-grasslands-initiative-ggi

Become a Backyard Ecologist:

🦋 The Backyard Ecologist's Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/

🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/

🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/

Backyard Ecology content:

🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net

🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology

🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/

Support Backyard Ecology:

🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology

🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N

"It depends" is often the most accurate and expert answer that you can give to questions related to biology and ecology. Granted, it can be a frustrating answer because we all love simple, straightforward answers. But once you understand the true meaning of "it depends," it becomes a very liberating answer, especially when it comes to creating pollinator and wildlife habitat.

The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/it-depends

Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community.

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Are you looking for a supportive place where you can ask questions, celebrate your accomplishments, gain encouragement when you're feeling discouraged, and have fun geeking out about nature? Then we encourage you to check out the Backyard Ecology Community.

The Backyard Ecology Community is a membership community for people in the eastern U.S. who love nature and want to transform their yards and communities into ecosystems that support pollinators and wildlife. Learn more at: www.backyardecology.net/community.

🌻 🌻 🌻

Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel.

🌻 🌻 🌻

Become a Backyard Ecologist:

🦋 The Backyard Ecologist's Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/ 🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/

Backyard Ecology content:

🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net 🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology 🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/

Support Backyard Ecology:

🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology 🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N

Over the last 6-8 months, we've been working hard to make Backyard Ecology even better and to implement new ways to help people on an even deeper level. I am so excited because I can finally share some of what we've been working on!

The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/building-thriving-ecosystems-and-exploring-nature-in-your-backyard/

Links to become a Backyard Ecologist:

• The Backyard Ecologist's Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/
• Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/
• Design Your Pollinator and Wildlife Oasis: Garden-sized Plots group coaching program: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/

General Backyard Ecology links:

• Website: https://backyardecology.net
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology
• Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/
• Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology
• Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N
• Subscribe to The Backyard Ecologist's Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/

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We want to meet you where you are at in your ecological journey and be there for you as your needs change. That's why we offer multiple ways to join us and become a Backyard Ecologist. To see all the ways that you can connect with us and become a Backyard Ecologist, visit www.backyardecology.net/join.

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Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel.

American goldfinches are beautiful and fascinating songbirds that can be found over most of the continent. Their late nesting season and almost exclusively seed-based diet, even as nestlings, make them unique among our songbirds. They are also easy to attract to our properties. I talk about all those things and much more in this episode.

The full transcript, including additional pictures, can be found on the episode's webpage: https://www.backyardecology.net/american-goldfinch/

Incorporating native plants into your landscape is a great way to improve the habitat in your yard for butterflies, hummingbirds, songbirds, and just about every other type of animal that visits your property. If you want to learn more about gardening with native plants, then I'd like to give you a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions. Just go to https://www.backyardecology.net/ecoregions/ to request your copy.

Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community.

Episode Links

• Caring for bird feeders: https://feederwatch.org/learn/feeding-birds/#safe-feeding-environment

Backyard Ecology Links

• Website: https://backyardecology.net
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology
• Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/
• Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology
• Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N
• Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/

Episode Image:

• American goldfinch in full breeding plumage.
• Photo credit: Shenandoah National Park, public domain

Did you know that urban ecology doesn't just apply to big cities and towns? Even if you live in a fairly rural area, if there is a lot of interaction between where you live and a nearby town or city then you may fall into the broad category of urban ecology. That means urban ecology is likely to apply to most of us.

Today we're talking with Dr. Sarah Gagné. Sarah is the author of the newly published book, Nature at Your Door, Connecting with the Wild and Green in the Urban and Suburban Landscape. She is also an Associate Professor of Landscape Ecology at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte.

The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/exploring-urban-ecology/

Sara's links:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.saragagne.com
• Instagram: @urban_nature_clt
• Nature at Your Door, Connecting with the Wild and Green in the Urban and Suburban Landscape *: https://amzn.to/3KwEYX0

Other episode-related links:

• iNaturalist: https://inaturalist.org/
• Liking lichens: A Glimpse into the Fascinating World of Lichens: https://www.backyardecology.net/liking-lichens-a-glimpse-into-the-fascinating-world-of-lichens/
• Urban Lichens: A Field Guide for Northeastern North America *: https://amzn.to/45lUfSx

* Amazon links are affiliate links.

Backyard Ecology links:

• Website: https://backyardecology.net
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology
• Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology
• Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N
• Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/

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Get a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions. Just go to www.backyardecology.net/ecoregions to request your copy.

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Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel.

As sad as the loss of a tree can be, there's also an excitement because fallen trees provide many different types of valuable and often overlooked habitats. I talk about some of those habitats in this episode.

The full transcript, including additional pictures, can be found on the episode's webpage: https://www.backyardecology.net/what-happens-when-a-tree-gets-blown-over-discovering-new-habitats-created-by-fallen-trees/

Incorporating native plants into your landscape is a great way to improve the habitat in your yard for butterflies, hummingbirds, songbirds, and just about every other type of animal that visits your property. If you want to learn more about gardening with native plants, then I'd like to give you a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions. Just go to https://www.backyardecology.net/ecoregions/ to request your copy.

Links

• Sometimes Life Happens: https://www.backyardecology.net/sometimes-life-happens/
• Website: https://backyardecology.net
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology
• Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/
• Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology
• Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N
• Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/

Episode Image:

• White-tailed deer
• Photo credit: USFWS, public domain

Did you know that there are approximately 10 times more moth species worldwide than there are butterfly species? Or that without moths we would have fewer songbirds, less genetic diversity in many of our native plants, and lower harvests of many popular fruits? Or that creating better moth habitats around our homes also benefits our health and wellbeing?

Dr. Elena Tartaglia shares her love of moths, some of the key roles they play in the ecosystem, how helping moths also helps us, and much more. Elena is a co-founder of National Moth Week and a Research Associate at Rutgers University.

The full transcript of this episode can be found on the episode's webpage: https://www.backyardecology.net/moths-unsung-heroes-of-pollination-and-beyond/

Get a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions, when you subscribe to our email. Subscribe at www.backyardecology.net/subscribe.

National Moth Week links:

• Website: https://nationalmothweek.org/
• Moth Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NationalMothWeek/
• Caterpillar Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NationalMothWeekCaterpillars/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mothweek/?hl=en

Other episode links:

• Elena's email: [email protected]
• iNaturalist: https://inaturalist.org/
• Jersey Yards: https://www.jerseyyards.org/
• Dark Sky Association: https://www.darksky.org/
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar*: https://amzn.to/3PMYAJE
• Nature's Best Hope*: https://amzn.to/3lrao7r
• Light Pollution and Its Impacts on Birds and Other Wildlife: https://www.backyardecology.net/light-pollution-and-its-impacts-on-birds-and-other-wildlife/
• Caterpillar hunting with a UV flashlight: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335025908_Caterpillar_hunting_with_a_UV_flashlight/link/5d4b2c5492851cd046a6f6d6/download

* Amazon links are affiliate links.

Backyard Ecology links:

• Website: https://backyardecology.net
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology
• Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/
• Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology
• Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N
• Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/

Episode image:

• IO moth, Photo credit: lightbed, cc-0