Backyard Columbus with Cathy Tiffany

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: cathy@BackyardColumbus.com

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: cathy@BackyardColumbus.com

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: cathy@BackyardColumbus.com

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: cathy@BackyardColumbus.com

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: cathy@BackyardColumbus.com

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: cathy@BackyardColumbus.com

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: cathy@BackyardColumbus.com

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: cathy@BackyardColumbus.com

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: cathy@BackyardColumbus.com

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: cathy@BackyardColumbus.com

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: cathy@BackyardColumbus.com

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: cathy@BackyardColumbus.com

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 Skeeterdeathbuckets@gmail.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: cathy@BackyardColumbus.com

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: cathy@BackyardColumbus.com

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