CHANGE OF PLANS: Redesigning My Front Yard Native Wildlife Habitat

Last month we were getting ready to launch my design for a certified wildlife habitat in my yard, we were all set with the National Wildlife Federation and ready to break ground. Then, my life went to hell for a bit. And that ended up transforming my plans for what we were going to do with my yard!
If you would like to learn more about Garden for Wildlife and the amazing native plant collections they have available, please visit www.gardenforwildlife.com/yar...
(That is an affiliate link, so if you do purchase something from the site we will receive a commission! Thank you for supporting the content we make! )
The National Wildlife Federation has been leading conservation efforts in the United States since 1936! You can support their efforts at www.nwf.org/
SUPPORT ZOEY'S DOGGY CORNER: If you'd like to support the cost of materials for the new doggy rest area in my front yard, please consider a small donation via Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/yardfarmer
#permaculture #permaculturedesign #sustainablelandscaping #sustainability #gardenforwildlife #nationalwildlifefederation
I'm Daryl. I really hate mowing the lawn.
That’s how all of this began: a search for landscaping alternatives that don't require sacrificing every Saturday morning to the mower.
As a certified permaculture designer, I help transform boring, basic lawns into beautiful yards that take care of us the way we take care of them.
If you are interested in learning more about my process, please visit me at yardfarmer.co

[@merrydeleonkrueger9529]

My heart goes out to you for the loss of your pup and your grandfather. This is a beautiful way to honor the memory of your fur baby❤

[@yardfarmerco]

Thank you 🥹

[@ratioetscientia]

I usually watch a lot more british gardening content because it's more applicable to our climate in southern Germany . But you are so good at explaining your methods and thought process that it doesn't matter that the exact native Utah plants are not at all what I'm going to be planting here and I'm still learning an awful lot! :)

[@irenezaleski4989]

Another European, from NW Spain, that usually watches British gardeners but found a lot of interesting information in this channel. Thanks @yardfarmer for your videos and what a lovely way to honor your fur baby!! ❤❤❤

[@freedomofreligion3248]

Oh, sweetie. Your doggo & your grandpa joined the home plane together! That's really kind of wonderful. And, there's so much we don't know -- just that thet both set off on the trek from you in the world, on the same day, is just more than random. I want them, all of them past the veil, to see you and marvel at your joy + beauty!

[@viccimay9247]

You are so kind & considerate !

[@ubiquitousLeees]

I feel you in my heart, and thank you for yours. Sending your broken heart so much love. Thank you for sharing. 🖤

[@BhaalooWildscapes]

Daryl! You are a fucking ICON! Doing something out of love for someone you love is the highest honor ❤You are an inspiration and I am looking forward to following in your footsteps

[@valeriep.4716]

Dear girl, your love of animals and nature really shines though in this video. What a lovely gesture turning a corner of your yard into a place for dogs waiting to see the next door vet... can't wait to see the finished project.

[@yardfarmerco]

Thank you so much!

[@simonemurillo1487]

I started gardening after watching your videos. We are getting more birds bees and butterflies now more than ever!! So happy to be contributing to the environment and making our home beautiful🙂

[@yardfarmerco]

That's so amazing! Thanks for being an incredible steward to our birds, bees, and butterflies!

[@Kimberly-ky1ye]

Turning problems into solutions- what a way to implement this principle. Even more beautiful is how this preserves the memory of your beloved dog. Maybe a plaque or something on the bench or the Little Free Library? I love reading those and thinking about how the legacy of that dog's love is living on.

[@acobb6578]

You are more than a wealth of knowledge. I am going to rewatch this video several times, taking notes - Further, you are hilarious and truly fun to watch. I am so sorry for the loss of your pup and grandfather. You are an amazing person.

[@yardfarmerco]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@6Perdita6Durango6]

I lost my dog too and this sweet sweet gesture really is so touching. You wont regret this ❤️

[@yardfarmerco]

Thank you and so sorry about your pup! We're really excited to get started with this project!

[@ErikaaMartinez]

I love the idea you have for your yard to honor your dog. Consider also putting up some sign indicating that it’s still private property. I’d look up adverse possession and constructive notice in your area

[@user-zf3xh4ff2n]

I am so so sorry for your loss! I just discovered your channel and absolutely adore you and what you do. I am new to native gardening and really needed someone like you to help me learn. You are so enthusiastic and genuine in wanting to help others understand the importance of the natives. Thank you!! Btw, you need a podcast!!!

[@susanirwin5462]

❤ So sorry for your losses. You are very sweet and adorbs thinking if others. 😊🎉

[@nymphoftheatlantic]

My heart aches for you, but I love how you used your loss to make such a beautiful space ❤ I’ve spent countless hours, and a few overnights, in my vets parking lot. Something like this would bring me so much peace in such a stressful situation.

[@yardfarmerco]

Thank you! We can't wait to see some happy pups (and people). Thanks for stopping by!

[@Wild1chevy]

Love how you incorporated the new design into the animal space.

[@yardfarmerco]

Thank you!

[@charitymurphy4331]

You have such a loving heart ❤ I am so sorry for your loss😢

[@yardfarmerco]

Thank you!

[@erindipitous]

So sorry to hear about your doggo and your grandpa. I think the new plan sounds awesome.

[@yardfarmerco]

Thank you so much Erin. Still getting my feet under me, but doing much better. Appreciate you.

[@markthompson180]

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your dog and your grandfather.

[@marky3131]

Just found your channel. Really enjoying. Appreciate you not taking a stand against all non natives and also not wanting a yard that looks like u need a machete. Our prime directive is 1. no invasive plants. 2 straight natives 3. Nativars 4. Non natives that I love and/or needed to achieve desired garden design and No pesticides.

[@yardfarmerco]

Thanks for finding us! I think our prime directives are pretty well lined up! Have a great day!

[@CMSCK]

My sweetie is a 14 year old lab who has been struggling this week. We are cuddling a ton and know we will soon have to say good-bye. So sorry for your loss and I understand your pain.😭

[@yardfarmerco]

I'm so sorry your lab is struggling! Those pups give us so much and it's so hard watching them struggle! Our whole team feels for you right now, enjoy the time you have with your furry friend.

[@Lou_Mansfield]

sorry about your grandpa. such a sad day. i'm glad you are helping the dogs, but maybe the vet should have their own grassy area and have you design it awesomely for them

[@nicolebergelin6200]

Love your enthusiasm for native plants!

[@katiel8725]

I love love love your gardening philosophy! We bought a house with a wide expanse of lawn, and what garden beds we have are overgrown with invasive day-lilies. So I have a big project ahead of me! But like you I want that cottage garden feel and plenty of plants for wildlife. I love how you are donating part of your yard for public use. We have a heavily trafficked sidewalk and I have been planting a new garden bed near it to be appreciated by folks walking by. And the pollinators of course. I am looking forward to seeing your plans come to life!

[@yardfarmerco]

Thank you! Your project sounds amazing, good luck with those day lillies!

[@AvuncularMicah]

Beautiful video

[@WistyFish]

Wow this video is awesome! I love this kind of content. I want to be friends! Gotta find more people like this in my area.

[@erikpaul8043]

Fellow Utah friend here. I’m sorry about your dog and your grandpa, that’s terrible. 😢 I just wanted to give you props for making this all about the beauty and benefits of switching to the native-centric garden style, instead of focusing on the negativity and sort of shaming people into ditching their lawns haha (which a lot of vids I’ve seen on the topic seem to do). All the best to you!

[@claudefury]

Came from tiktok. Subscribed for updates. More happy dogs!

[@yardfarmerco]

Yay for more happy dogs! Thanks for subscribing!

[@tessa2568]

What a beautiful idea! So sorry for your loss. 💛💛💛

[@yardfarmerco]

Thank you!

[@fcvazquez2]

So sorry for you loss. 😔 Did you ever do a follow up video on your front yard/cottage garden? How did it turn out?

[@sodapopyoung]

Found you through Tiktok- Sorry to hear about your doggo ❤

[@yardfarmerco]

Thank you, and thanks for coming over from TikTok!

[@latebloominghippie]

💚💚💚

[@latebloominghippie]

“Grief Requires a Witness” As a dog lover and having lost both of ours recently too 💔. It completely changes the way you experience your garden when they are gone. I’m grieving with you 🐕. Thank you for being you and sharing!

[@lsrclb8631]

❤

[@katysedai6849]

I’m curious if rust is an issue for your serviceberries in Utah? Here in the PNW they recommend not planting serviceberries and junipers near each other because of the rust issue. Love this series, can’t wait for more updates!

[@yardfarmerco]

Thank you! I personally haven't had any issues with rust on serviceberries, but I have seen some articles about it coming up here from time to time!

[@maritimeaerie2498]

What program did you use for the 3D design plan? I couldn't recall if you mentioned it in the video

[@rhett5069]

Any suggestion on acquiring comfrey. It is a hard plant to find.

[@yardfarmerco]

Seeds can be purchased online, we would recommend an organic supplier. Also keep in mind that comfrey can be toxic to animals that like to nibble on plants.

[@aptkeyboard3173]

I really want a cottage style garden but I live in a generic McMansion-ish house with a huge open lawn. Is it even possible?

[@yardfarmerco]

ALWAYS possible! Even if it doesn't match the house, there are so many things you can do! Planting native, pollinator friendly plants is always a great first step, and there are a ton of ways to break up that lawn and make your yard more friendly to local wildlife! We'll be covering a ton of that on the channel in the future.

[@CITYBORNDESERTBRED]

Nooo I’m cutting onions!

[@randyyoder4898]

One thing I have long ago realized that I do NOT want if I want to enjoy wildlife to its fullest, is a dog. A dogs nature is obnoxious and is made to chase, harm, and disturb wildlife. I live by myself on a good sized private farm but one thing I will never have is a dog. I would much rather have nature.