Backyard Columbus with Cathy Tiffany

Feeling excited about your garden but overwhelmed by all the possibilities? In this episode, we're talking about simple garden planning, how to start small, choose your first spaces, and enjoy the process without trying to do everything at once. 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]

Have you thought about starting a pollinator garden this year? To ensure you get the pollinators you're hoping for, choosing the right plant will go a long way in helping to make your garden successful. What's the difference between native, non-native, exotic and invasive plants? Well, buckle up, because I'll help you sort that out as well as some great planting choices that will have pollinators flocking to your yard (no guarantees, lol!). For all the ideas and plants mentioned in this episode, check out the accompanying blog post: https://www.backyardcolumbus.com/post/plant-this-not-that 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]

Many people seem to be talking about dandelions...ok, so not EVERYONE, but the online chatter is that dandelions are an amazing source of pollen and nectar for early season bees. But is it? Let's find out..... For great ideas on native spring plants, check out this link: https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/ohiodnr.gov/documents/natural-areas/Wildflowers/wildflowerchecklist-horizontal03092021.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]

From feeders to birdbaths, there are many things we can do to welcome birds into our outdoor living space. In today's episode, I'm going to share some ideas on how you can attract these interesting little creatures to your yard and add some beauty for you, too! Some bird extra tips: https://blog.nwf.org/2011/01/for-beginners-four-cant-miss-ways-to-attract-birds-to-your-yard-or-deck/ 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 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]

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

National Pollinator Week 2025 is June 16-22 and is to promote conservation and awareness of our pollinators. Did you know that many of the fruits and vegetables we eat wouldn't be possible without pollinators? In today's episode, I'll share with you some info and very easy ways you can help turn the tide on the decline of pollinators. This is a situation where we can actually help! 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

Why do I love to garden and why do you? Or do you? In today's episode, I share some of the "whys' of gardening and how it makes and keeps me happy and how it could help you, too! Resources: Michael Judd: "Edible Landscaping" - great book about designing an edible landscape in your yard or property Dr. Doug Tallamy: "Bringing Nature Home" He also started the website "Homegrown National Park" ; same name on social media. Check me out on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook: @BackyardColumbus and my website: www.BackyardColumbus.com You can support me by following and subscribing on YouTube and checking out my store of backyard photography on my website. Thank you!

Is this the year you want to start a garden? In this episode, I'll share with you some ideas to keep your gardening plan as low maintenance as possible, which will set you up for success! For more gardening and backyard oasis ideas (even chickens!) check me out on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram : @BackyardColumbus and on my Blog: www.BackyardColumbus.com

Today's episode is about Native Plant Month...which is technically April, so I'm a little late! Does this matter? Heck no, as every month is a perfect month to talk about why native plants are so important to local wildlife and pollinators. Native plants also make your life a lot easier. Let's dig into why native plants matter.... For more information on how to make your yard an even better place to live, check me out on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube: @BackyardColumbus My website: www.BackyardColumbus.com You can find all kinds of topics from gardening, landscape ideas, butterflies, bees, chickens and all the fun things you can do in your own suburban backyard!

It's that time of year to think about what we want to plant in our garden and maybe even starting some of those seeds indoors. How to begin? In today's episode, I'll share some ideas and tips to get you off to a good seed starting start! For more tips, tricks and backyard shenanigans, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube - @BackyardColumbus For more detailed info: www.BackyardColumbus.com

In today's episode, I'm going to share some info with you to consider making the switch to more natural lawn care, which is better for you, wildlife (not to mention the planet). How then, do you take care of weeds and your lawn? Check out this episode to find out! For more detail about this and other topics aimed at helping you to make your yard an AMAZING place to be, follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BackyardColumbus/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backyardcolumbus/ I'd love it if you checked out my blog: https://www.backyardcolumbus.com/ Thank you for listening!

Recent data collected from across the nation - by researchers from the journal Science and funded by the U.S. Geological Survey - show that butterflies across the nation have declined 22% from 2000-2020. While there are a few specific reasons why this is happening/happened, this is a situation where small steps that each of us take can absolutely make a difference! In today's episode I share with you some ideas - easy ones - on how each of us can help. For more information, please follow me on social media: @BackyardColumbus on Facebook, Instagram & TikTok. Check out my blog for more info and backyard shenanigans: www.BackyardColumbus.com I'd love it if you subscribed and shared my podcast - thank you!

We've all done it: get excited to start a garden, go overboard and the whole thing fails. In today's episode, I hope to help set you up for a successful gardening season by sharing some typical gardening mistakes and easy ways to avoid them. If you have any questions or comments, please drop me a line: [email protected] or message me on Facebook or Instagram: @BackyardColumbus

It feels like we're still in the middle of our Ohio winter - and we are! But, spring is right around the corner and in today's episode, I'll share with you some ideas to prepare for a successful spring gardening season! If you have any other questions or comments, please drop me a line: [email protected] Check out my website/blog: www.BackyardColumbus.com Find me on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok: @BackyardColumbus

Saving bees - our NATIVE bees - is about more than beekeeping and buying bee clothes and jewelry that promises to make donations to bee causes. Although I believe heavily in donating to worthy causes, the more important cause is saving bees right in your own backyard. In today's episode, I'll share some ideas to help save our most important pollinators! If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch with me: cathy@backyardcolumbus or on Instagram & Facebook at BackyardColumbus or on my website: www.BackyardColumbus.com

If you want to learn how to do anything, it helps to know where to start! In today's episode, I'll give you some helpful tips on what to consider to get gardening things started. A very good place it to start at the beginning and if you're new to gardening, I hope you'll find the ideas that I share a useful guide to the most rewarding hobby there is! I'll take you step by step, in a few easy steps, on how to begin your gardening journey this spring! You can send me any follow up questions or ideas to [email protected] Follow me on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok @BackardColumbus And check out more info: www.BackyardColumbus.com

We're hours away from the new year and have a got a resolution for you! What combines the top resolutions into one? If you want to increase your exercise, improve your mental health, integrate mindfulness, reduce stress and more, then there's ONE hobby that will blow your mind on how it can help you achieve all these things. It should be no surprise - it's gardening! I appreciate you listening and subscribing to my podcast and I'd be very grateful if you'd share it with your friends! This podcast is one of my passionate hobbies and not only do I love doing it, I love sharing the information. If you have any questions, comments or ideas for future episodes, you can contact me via Facebook & Instagram @BackyardColumbus and on my website: www.BackyardColumbus.com

The Monarch butterfly has just been listed as a threatened species by the US Wildlife Service. While this isn't an ideal situation, don't despair...act! This is one situation we can actually have a positive impact on, so please listen along while I share a few simple ideas. Wouldn't it be wonderful to come home to more butterflies?! Please share this episode and follow me on Instagram and Facebook @BackyardColumbus. You can find me online at www.BackyardColumbus.com

Most of us suburban dwellers love a tidy yard, me included! In today's episode, I'm gonna share some ideas and thoughts of how we could rethink some of the ways that we tidy up for fall. Lots of cuties linger in our gardens and lawns over the winter and we can help them out with a few simple changes. For more ideas on how to make your yard an amazing place to be, check me out on all the socials under @BackyardColumbus and my website: www.BackyardColumbus.com

Study after study has shown the positive effects of being outside and listening to nature. In today's episode, I share some ideas on how to improve your well-being...and you don't even have to leave your own backyard! For more ideas on how to improve your yard and bring more nature into your life, please check out my blog: www.BackyardColumbus.com You can find me on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook Please share this podcast with all your friends; thank you so much!

In today's tongue-in-cheek episode, let's see if it matters who gets into office. Will your flowers die? Will butterflies still come to your yard? One thing is certain: when we make a space for nature, we always have a place of respite from the crazy things that pass by in life. Tune in, share ideas and for more backyard ideas, I'd love it if you checked out my website: www.BackyardColumbus.com and you can find me on some socials: Facebook, Instagram and YouTube under Backyard Columbus

Getting outside and really taking a good look at your flowers and noticing what you DON'T see can tell you a lot about what's going on in your yard. If you'd like to see more butterflies and other pollinators in your yard, it's important to have the right stuff. In today's episode, I'll get into exactly what that means. For more information, tips and ideas on how to make your yard more of an experience, check out my website: www.BackyardColumbus.com You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok under @BackyardColumbus For more info on what flowers to plant in central Ohio, check out: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/52bb9733e4b09788115247ec/t/587507f2197aeab06645746d/1484064756329/factsheetButterflyGardensOSUExtensionNPSNEO.pdf

Many homeowners across the country don't realize they're living amongst rats - but they are. Unfortunately, I live in an area where several construction projects have brought out the worst of it into our neighborhood...and our backyard. In today's ratty episode, I'll share with you my journey, some ways to deal with such an issue and probably, make you squirm. For more - and cheerier - tips on how to get the most nature and joy out of your backyard or outdoor living space, check out all my socials under Backyard Columbus and my website: www.BackyardColumbus.com

In this episode, I share some things to consider when planning next year's landscaping project...and the time is now! Fall is just about the best time to plant trees and bushes and the best time to plant perennials, especially for a pollinator garden. For more ideas on how to make your backyard or outdoor living area an amazing place for you and nature, please check out and follow my website: www.BackyardColumbus.com

"Raising" butterflies begins with your yard, actually, not the butterflies. In this episode, I'll share some ideas on how you can give butterflies (and moths) a better start to their short lives and how to enhance your own! For a list of native butterfly host plants for our region, click this link for a great listing from OSU Agricultural Extension: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/52bb9733e4b09788115247ec/t/587507f2197aeab06645746d/1484064756329/factsheetButterflyGardensOSUExtensionNPSNEO.pdf Check out my website, Youtube and all the socials: Backyard Columbus www.BackyardColumbus.com

This is the time of year when nurseries start to sell mums - chrysanthemums -and schools sell their "Mumkins" for fundraisers. But you know who isn't happy about mums? Bees, butterflies and any other pollinator. Tune in to today's episode and I'll share why... For more backyard tips, ideas and shenanigans, check out my website: www.BackyardColumbus.com Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backyardcolumbus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BackyardColumbus/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@backyardcolumbus/featured

Have you been thinking about becoming a backyard chicken owner? If you have questions, I hope I can help you with some answers! In today's episode, I'm just sharing a few more ideas to consider before jumping into the world of chickens. To get more backyard chicken info, as well as other ways to maximize your backyard, please check out my website: www.BackyardColumbus.com

It's time for the Monarch Blitz! In conjunction with the Xerces Society, Monarch Joint Venture, The Journey North and quite a few other organizations, we're setting out to learn where monarch butterflies are - and aren't! Over the years, we've turned our suburban backyard (and front) into an oasis for nature...and you can, too! Tune in to hear the scoop and follow me at www.BackyardColumbus.com where I share what I know, what I learn and hopefully we'll all make progress together!

Do you ever feel overloaded and stressed about the world around you? Wars, politics, homelessness...the list is endless. Maybe, there may be some respite right outside your door.... Follow me on social media @BackyardColumbus and on my blog for ideas about how to make where you live the happiest place on earth (at least "A" happy place!): www.BackyardColumbus.com

To attract more nature to your yard, the more natural you keep your yard - not a hot mess - but incorporating or eliminating certain things - the more nature will thrive. In today's episode, I share with you some ideas that hopefully will help you in your journey. For more ideas, follow me on all platforms at Backyard Columbus and my blog: www.BackyardColumbus.com

The most inefficient way of watering is just standing there with your hose....and who has time for that anyway? Ever thought about installing your own irrigation system? Let me make a case for why it's a great idea! Want some more ideas on backyard stuff? Check out my website: www.BackyardColumbus.com

One of Ohio's summer pleasures is seeing our Ruby Throat hummingbird flitting about the yard. But how do you attract this little cutie? Today's episode is about sharing ideas on how to do just that! And, I *may* get distracted during this episode.....tune in to see why.... For more backyard ideas, check out my website: www.BackyardColumbus.com

Today's episode was a spur-of-the-moment event, caused by a dragonfly event (yes, there is such a thing!) in our backyard! Get the skinny on how creating little nature spaces can bring nature to your home. Want more info? Check out my website: www.BackyardColumbus.com

Having chickens is a bunch of fun, but there are some things - actually a bunch of things - that you should consider, especially in summer. In today's episode, I share some ideas. For more tips, check out my website: www.BackyardColumbus.com

Were you thinking of adding hanging baskets everywhere? Loads of pots on the patio? A bunch of raised beds scattered about? Today I'm sharing some thoughts before you go wild.... For more tips, check out my website: www.BackyardColumbus.com

To get the full benefit - if you will - of your outdoor space, I always recommend a Peace Place. A place where you can find refuge, take a breath or escape from whatever you need to for a few minutes. These are some ideas to help you get started. For more tips, check out my website: www.BackyardColumbus.com