Backyard Columbus with Cathy Tiffany

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, pl...

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...

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...

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...

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.co...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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: cathy@BackyardColumbus.com 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: cathy@backyardcolumbus.com 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...

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...

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...

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

Want to attract more pollinators to your yard? These are my Top 10 picks (off the top of my head) that will get you off to a great start - easily! For more tips, check out my website: www.BackyardColumbus.com

It's been amazing to me that when we add something to our suburban backyard, nature finds it! Adding ponds to our outdoor area has gained us an amazing up-close-and-personal view of dragonfly life cycles. In 2 out of our 3 ponds, dragonflies have laid eggs and we've watched them mature and become new dragonflies! Check out the beautiful images on my website: www.BackyardColumbus.com Check out the pond how-to on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n75cHHX_lo

It's baby bird season! What do you do if you find one? It happened to me last week and I'll share my experience. While I'm at it, I may as well share with you how to attract birds to your garden in the first place, don't ya think? Check out my blog for my info on gardening for birds, butterflies and you! www.Backyardcolumbus.com

Have you had trouble with tomatoes in the past? In this episode, I share a few tips that have helped me as a backyard gardener have a bit more success than the average person. I hope it helps and you have a tasty garden this season! More gardening and habitat tips and ideas on my website: www.backyardcolumbus.com

What to do with the shady side of your house? There are LOADS of choices and lots of shade loving plants native to Ohio (or your area) can be found! In this episode, I share some ideas for the often forgotten side of the house. Check out my website for more ideas (and lots of other ideas, too!): www.backyardcolumbus.com

Creating an edible landscape can provide beauty and food for you and wildlife in your suburban landscaping plans. Adding in edible elements isn't complicated and can provide you with years of tasty treats in your own backyard. Great resource: https://a.co/d/51jrVjL Edible Landscaping with a Permaculture Twist by Michael Judd

In this episode, I share ideas on how to get beyond the generic gardens filled with boxwoods and barberry bushes. Doing better isn't complicated if you have the right info and that's why I made this episode! Easy to implement ideas to make your yard a beautiful and useful place to come home to. Get ideas on my website with LOADS of useful links: https://www.backyardcolumbus.com/post/beyond-basic-landscaping

Ever wonder why you don't have more butterflies where you live, like you used to see when you were a kid? In today's episode, I'll share some ideas of how to easily create an environment that will bring more butterflies - and happiness - to where you live.

No matter your space, you can instill a sense of wonder and curiosity about nature in your kids. Books, movies, etc all do a great job, but adding some nature back into the space where you live does an even better job! In this episode, I'll share some ideas that hopefully will help you get you and your kids a little more geeked out about your own backyard! Check out more ideas on my website: https://www.backyardcolumbus.com/post/how-to-teach-kids-about-nature-in-your-own-backyard

Want to attract more birds to your yard? It just takes a little planning - not much - and you'll see more of these pretty little things than you can imagine! Check out this link for tips on how to attract birds to your yard: https://www.nwf.org/-/media/PDFs/Garden-for-Wildlife/Gardening-Tips/Bird-Friendly_web Link to my blog post on the subject: https://www.backyardcolumbus.com/post/how-to-attract-birds-to-your-yard

Knowing the importance of - and the need for - host plants will be helpful in the success of your pollinator garden. Follow me on social media at Backyard Columbus and on my blog: www.BackyardColumbus.com Check out this resource for host plants for your region: https://www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife/About/Native-Plants/Find-Available-Natives

In today's episode, I'm sharing some ideas on how to reduce the size of your lawn, how to make a healthier habitat for wildlife and ultimately, for your own enjoyment. Check out and download the PDF on "Lawn Reduction" from the National Wildlife Federation's series on backyard habitats on my website: www.BackyardColumbus.com

Gardening is a great way to reduce stress, as well as knowing where your food comes from. The old ways of gardening are outdated; the new way of gardening - is raised beds! Popular in the US since the '70's, this method is easy and fruitful. For more information on vegetable gardening, pollinator gardens, native plants and chickens, visit: www.backyardcolumbus.com

Ever wonder what the difference is between an annual flower and a perennial? In this episode, I explain the difference and how they can help you build a better garden. For more flower gardening tips and landscape ideas, visit my website: www.backyardcolumbus.com

Wondering why you don't see many monarch butterflies these days? In this episode, I'll share with you some very easy ways to attract monarchs to your space and how you can help their numbers increase. Check out more ways on my website: https://www.backyardcolumbus.com/butterflyresources

Would you love to enjoy more nature in your yard? See more birds, butterflies and any other creature that makes you smile? As a National Wildlife Federation Habitat Ambassador, I'll share with you 5 ways to make your outdoor living space more wildlife friendly. It's easy, I promise!

What's a native plant and why are they important? In this episode, I give an overview of why natives are all the rage and make an attempt to convince you to plant some! Natives are especially important if you want to start a butterfly garden. Check out my blog post on this subject at https://www.backyardcolumbus.com/post/native-plants-101

In this episode, I share some things to consider before you make the leap into becoming a backyard chicken keeper. Chickens are fun, but best to know what you're in for...

In my very first podcast episode, I introduce myself, give a little of my background and share why I started a podcast about backyards.

In this episode, I share with you my two days of fame; the day my little 15 second video about spreading milkweed seeds went viral! Oh yeah, and why milkweed is important in the first place...

In this episode, I share a little bit about the journey of our suburban backyard from typical to WOW! Just a few ideas of things that can be added to your yard to enhance your life and give nature another spot to flourish.