S2 E24: Re-Release Natural Gardens: How Native Plants Benefit Local Ecosystems

Apr 22

This past February, Tennessee officially passed House Bill 1738, making April our very first Tennessee Native Plant Month! To celebrate, I’m challenging you to step outside the parks and turn your own backyard into a buzzing, blooming wildlife habitat. If you’re wondering where to start, you're in luck. We are pulling one of our favorite episodes out of the vault today to show you how. We’re revisiting our chat with native plant expert Ivan Chester, who gives us the ultimate guide to ditching the chemicals and planting the exact things our local hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees go crazy for….

Let’s get our hands dirty and celebrate! Enjoy this special re-release of Natural Gardens.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