{"podcast":{"title":"The Backyard Naturalists","slug":"the-backyard-naturalists-4262914","podcast_index_feed_id":4262914,"rss_url":"https://thebackyardnaturalists.libsyn.com/rss","website_url":"http://www.thebackyardnaturalists.com","image_url":"https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/1/5/2/d/152d5a4c8d405dd7bafc7308ab683e82/BYN_ARTWORK.png","author":"Downtown Podcasting","episode_count":100,"summary":"Embark on a magical adventure into the wonders of your backyard with 'The Backyard Naturalists' podcast. Whether you're a curious nature lover or a seasoned enthusiast, our show is your ticket to discovering the enchanting world of your own outdoor space. Join us on a journey of discovery as we celebrate the beauty of your backyard and explore a wide range of fascinating topics. Learn how to transform your little piece of nature into a haven for local wildlife, and discover the joy of citizen science by participating in events like the Great Backyard Bird Count. We'll guide you in creating a thriving ecosystem right at home by using native plants. Discover which fascinating creatures share your area, and learn how to attract specific bird species to your garden. We'll also delve into the world of raptors, both common and rare, that inhabit the Greater Charlotte region, and witness the mesmerizing spectacle of spring and fall bird migrations. But that's not all! We'll also introduce you to the magical world of plants that attract butterflies and so much more. Join us in unlocking the hidden treasures within your very own backyard and nurturing a deeper connection with the natural w…","last_synced_at":"2026-08-02T12:20:28.343915+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-backyard-naturalists-4262914"},"episode":{"title":"Plant This, Not That","slug":"plant-this-not-that","published_at":"2026-05-16T10:30:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-backyard-naturalists-4262914/plant-this-not-that","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-backyard-naturalists-4262914","url":"https://thebackyardnaturalists.libsyn.com/plant-this-not-that","audio_url":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thebackyardnaturalists/BYN_S5E31_-_Plant_this_not_That_Mixdown_1.mp3?dest-id=3015305","summary":"In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists , Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne celebrate spring planting season with a practical conversation about choosing plants that support wildlife and strengthen local ecosystems. Using the idea of \"Plant This, Not That,\" they compare native plants that thrive in the Carolinas with invasive or problematic plants that can outcompete native species, spread aggressively, or reduce habitat value. The discussion also highlights Constructive Plant Rescue , a local nonprofit working to save native plants from construction sites and give them a second life in home landscapes. Debbie and Laurie walk through helpful plant swaps by category, including vines, groundcovers, perennials, shrubs, trees, and grasses. From coral honeysuckle, wild ginger, oakleaf hydrangea, native dogwoods, oaks, and muhly grass to plants best avoided — like Japanese honeysuckle, English ivy, butterfly bush, Chinese privet, Bradford pear, crape myrtle, monkey grass, and pampas grass — this episode offers approachable guidance for anyone hoping to make more environmentally friendly planting choices. They also remind listeners to research what is native or invasive in their own region, consider sun exposure and soil type, and match each plant to the goals of their yard, garden, balcony, or habitat space. In this episode, you'll learn about: Why native plants are better adapted to local soil, rainfall, and temperatures How invasive plants can outcompete native plants and reduce habitat value What Constructive Plant Rescue does to save native plants from development sites Native vine options like Carolina jessamine and coral honeysuckle Better groundcover choices, including wild ginger, bloodroot, green and gold, native phlox, and dwarf crested iris Native perennial, shru…","meta_description":"In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists , Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne celebrate spring planting season with a practical conversation about choosing…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":1422,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-backyard-naturalists-4262914/episodes/plant-this-not-that/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-backyard-naturalists-4262914/plant-this-not-that.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}