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The Backyard Naturalists podcasts is geared toward nature lovers of all kinds, from beginners to those with more experience. We have a very diverse lineup of topics planned for you, such as  what you can do in your own yard to enhance the habitat for the creatures who live there, participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count as a citizen scientist, using native plants, which snakes live in our area,  how to attract specific birds, common and uncommon raptors in the greater Charlotte region, spring and fall migration season for birds, plants for butterflies and much more!

Oct 4, 2025

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your backyard (or even your balcony!) into a haven for butterflies, this episode is for you. Debbie and Laurie welcome Pamela Grundy — historian, writer, and passionate butterfly gardener from Charlotte, North Carolina — to share her journey into creating thriving butterfly gardens and inspiring others to do the same.

Pamela explains the simple but powerful difference between nectar plants and host plants, why milkweed is essential for monarchs, and how even a few parsley plants can support the full butterfly life cycle. Along the way, she shares practical tips, common mistakes to avoid, and insights from her book Butterfly Gardening in the Carolina Piedmont. Whether you’re new to gardening or ready to take your pollinator-friendly planting to the next level, you’ll leave this episode inspired to make space for butterflies — and all the beauty they bring to our natural world.