S2 E12: Natural Gardens: How Native Plants Benefit Local Ecosystems

In this episode of Part-Time Parkers, Bernie and Rebecca chat with Ivan Chester of Habitat Landscapes, keynote speaker at Warner Park’s Hummingbird Celebration. Ivan shares his journey from self-taught gardener to native plant landscaper and explains why native plants are vital for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Learn how to create wildlife-friendly yards, use non-toxic pest control, and choose plants that thrive in your region. A must-listen for anyone hoping to make their yard more eco-friendly and supportive of local wildlife.

00:00 Introduction to Part-Time Parkers

00:25 Meet Our Special Guest: Ivan Chester

02:44 The Importance of Native Plants

05:32 Transforming Your Yard for Pollinators

12:16 Mosquito Control Without Pesticides

17:32 The Value of Dead Leaves and Trees

19:04 The Importance of Leaf Litter

19:35 Addressing Leaf Overload in Fall

20:20 The Decline of Insect and Bird Populations

21:58 Creating a Habitat-Friendly Lawn

23:20 Planning and Purchasing Native Plants

26:00 Local and Online Native Plant Nurseries

28:16 Non-Native Plants and Their Benefits

30:24 Deer-Resistant Plant Options

31:59 Embracing Natural Landscaping

36:12 The Joy of Native Plant Gardening

37:06 Conclusion and Farewell

https://www.nashville.gov/departments/parks/parks/warner-parks

https://plantwithhabitat.com/

https://warnerparks.org/

https://homegrownnationalpark.org/

https://xerces.org/

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

https://sidewalknature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mosquito-bucket-of-doom-printable-2023-1.pdf

https://wildones.org/

https://www.neighbors4nativeplants.org/

https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfindersearch.aspx

https://www.growildinc.com/

https://www.wondergiftgarden.com/

https://www.izelplants.com/

https://roundstoneseed.com/

https://www.prairiemoon.com/

https://www.prairienursery.com/

parttimeparkers@gmail.com

@parttimeparkers

https://www.part-time-parkers.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@Part-timeParkers

PO Box 1113, Goodlettsville TN 37072-9998

615-575-3480

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S2 E11: From Little Shop of Horrors to Reality: The Fascinating Plants of Carolina Beach State Park