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How to turn your yard into a native plant paradise

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Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Some Iowans have decided to ditch the turf lawns and transition their yards and gardens to feature more natural wildlife.

There are a lot of compelling reasons to cultivate native plants in your landscape. They’re perfectly suited to the Iowa climate. They support pollinators and insects. They create habitat and food resources for wildlife and they’re beautiful. On this episode of Talk of Iowa, Iowans across the state talk about how they have diversified their yards with native plants and offer advice for beginners.

This episode was originally produced August 1, 2023.

Guests:

  • Grant Nordby, gardener based in Cedar Rapids
  • Rebecca Kauten, scientist in residence, Iowa Lakeside Laboratory
  • Katie James & Andy James, Backyard Conservationists
  • Kaytlan Moeller, Mowing to Monarchs, Dubuque County Conservation Board
Charity Nebbe is IPR's 'Talk of Iowa' host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts 'Garden Variety' and 'Unsettled'. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelors degree from Iowa State University.
Caitlin Troutman is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from William Jewell College. Since 2022, Troutman has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Madeleine Willis is IPR's Production Assistant supporting the talk shows and The Sunny Side Project. Willis has experience in audio production, reporting, writing and editing stories and conversations. She's reported and produced conversations on womanhood, sports, and good news from across Iowa. Willis will receive her bachelors degree from the University of Iowa in May 2025.