Welcome to today’s episode, where we talk about empowering your garden by diving into the importance of incorporating native plants into your garden—especially during the fall season. Our guest is Heather Andrews, a published author, award-winning photographer, Master Gardener, and Pollinator Steward with a passion for sustainable landscapes. Heather is here to share her insights on how native plants play a crucial role in supporting pollinators, enriching ecosystems, and even benefiting migrating birds and butterflies. She breaks down the high-value pollen, nectar, and seed sources that wildlife rely on during their migration journeys. She also debunks common myths. Setting the record straight with her thoughtful, science-based advice. We’ll also explore the broader impacts of native plants on communities, including inspiring success stories from local restoration projects. Heather provides actionable tips on identifying truly native plants, as well as practical advice on seed collection and propagation for gardeners of all levels. Throughout the episode, she touches on challenges such as managing invasive species and offers a balanced perspective on integrating native and exotic plants. Heather’s personal anecdotes add depth to the discussion, giving listeners a glimpse into her ongoing horticultural learning and future gardening plans. During the growing season, you’ll often find Heather in her monarch waystation, Cat-a-pillar Haven, where she shares her journey on her YouTube channel, Garden Thoughtfully (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZTkoG8DYX4) and The Thoughtful Gardener on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/thoughtfulgardener).Her expertise has earned her multiple awards and features across media platforms, making her a sought-after speaker on pollinator gardening.  Subscribe to: The Garden Question NewsletterTimeline - Heather Andrews The Thoughtful Gardener00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast00:42 Meet Heather Andrews: Expert on Native Plants02:52 The Importance of Native Plants in Fall04:54 Best Practices for Fall Gardening08:22 Collecting and Using Seeds11:37 Community and Restoration Projects20:24 Understanding Native Plants and Eco Zones26:05 Becoming a Pollinator Gardener27:38 The Butterfly Garden Obsession28:19 Pollinator Gardens and Their Benefits28:48 Challenges with Non-Native Plants29:38 Invasive Species and Their Impact31:59 Native vs. Exotic Plants Debate35:24 Gardening Memories and Influences37:19 Pandemic and Horticultural Pursuits40:59 Gardening Mistakes and Lessons Learned46:49 Healing Plants and Their Uses48:51 Favorite Plants and Final Thoughts