{"id":2,"date":"2016-04-17T02:45:46","date_gmt":"2016-04-17T02:45:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/?page_id=2"},"modified":"2025-12-03T15:05:05","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T20:05:05","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}<\/style><p class=\"\" data-start=\"221\" data-end=\"247\">We&rsquo;re so glad you&rsquo;re here.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"363\" data-end=\"449\">Where homegrown meets handcrafted &mdash; and life feels a little more beautiful, every day.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"451\" data-end=\"688\">At Backyard Garden Lover, we believe the good life grows slowly. It&rsquo;s found in the rhythm of tending a garden, the scent of bread rising in the oven, the joy of fresh-cut flowers on the table, and the quiet pride of a well-organized linen cupboard.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"690\" data-end=\"839\">Whether you have a backyard brimming with vegetables, a windowsill lined with herbs, or just a dream and a sunny corner, you&rsquo;re in good company here.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"841\" data-end=\"1121\">We&rsquo;re a community of gardeners, homemakers, and curious creatives &mdash; people who take joy in doing things well, and doing them with heart. From tending chickens to setting a welcoming table, we&rsquo;re here to help you live more beautifully and more intentionally, one project at a time.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"1123\" data-end=\"1159\">What You&rsquo;ll Find at Backyard Garden Lover<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"1161\" data-end=\"2186\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1161\" data-end=\"1320\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1163\" data-end=\"1320\"><strong data-start=\"1163\" data-end=\"1200\">Seasonal Gardening &amp; Homesteading<\/strong><br data-start=\"1200\" data-end=\"1203\">Tips for growing your own food, caring for chickens, and creating a sustainable home that works with the seasons.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1321\" data-end=\"1490\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1323\" data-end=\"1490\"><strong data-start=\"1323\" data-end=\"1349\">Home &amp; Garden Projects<\/strong><br data-start=\"1349\" data-end=\"1352\">From DIY raised beds to natural cleaners and pantry makeovers, we share projects that are practical, beautiful, and deeply satisfying.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1491\" data-end=\"1647\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1493\" data-end=\"1647\"><strong data-start=\"1493\" data-end=\"1522\">Decor &amp; Home Organization<\/strong><br data-start=\"1522\" data-end=\"1525\">Simple, elegant ways to bring order and charm into every room &mdash; with a focus on timeless design and functional beauty.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1648\" data-end=\"1819\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1650\" data-end=\"1819\"><strong data-start=\"1650\" data-end=\"1680\">Entertaining &amp; Hospitality<\/strong><br data-start=\"1680\" data-end=\"1683\">Hosting doesn&rsquo;t need to be fussy &mdash; we believe in heartfelt gatherings, seasonal recipes, and creating spaces that invite connection.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1820\" data-end=\"2001\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1822\" data-end=\"2001\"><strong data-start=\"1822\" data-end=\"1861\">Natural Cleaning &amp; Everyday Rituals<\/strong><br data-start=\"1861\" data-end=\"1864\">Thoughtful routines that help you keep a tidy, welcoming home &mdash; using gentle, effective solutions that are kind to people and planet.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2002\" data-end=\"2186\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2004\" data-end=\"2186\"><strong data-start=\"2004\" data-end=\"2031\">Celebrating the Seasons<\/strong><br data-start=\"2031\" data-end=\"2034\">We mark the little moments that make life feel full: spring bulbs peeking through, an autumn pie on the windowsill, handmade gifts tied up with twine.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2188\" data-end=\"2335\">No matter your lifestyle &mdash; rural or urban, beginner or seasoned &mdash; we&rsquo;re here to help you build a home that feels alive, abundant, and deeply yours.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2337\" data-end=\"2557\">Have a favorite tip, recipe, or home project? We&rsquo;d love to feature it. Our community is full of brilliant, creative minds &mdash; and your ideas just might inspire the next reader to pick up their spade, paintbrush, or teacup.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"249\" data-end=\"535\">So pull up a chair, pour yourself a cup of something lovely, and settle in. You&rsquo;ve got plenty of company here.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2009\" data-end=\"2412\"><strong>Bonnie Ferrero<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-31885\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bonnie-ferrero-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bonnie-ferrero-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bonnie-ferrero-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bonnie-ferrero-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bonnie-ferrero-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bonnie-ferrero-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bonnie-ferrero-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bonnie-ferrero.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-31885 eager-load\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20150%20150'%3E%3Crect%20width='150'%20height='150'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bonnie-ferrero.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bonnie-ferrero-150x150.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bonnie-ferrero-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bonnie-ferrero-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bonnie-ferrero-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bonnie-ferrero-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bonnie-ferrero-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bonnie-ferrero-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/bonnie-ferrero.jpg 1000w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2009\" data-end=\"2412\">Bonnie&rsquo;s interests include hiking, a passion she nurtured while living in Upstate New York, and cooking, gardening, and home decorating. These hobbies allow her to express her creativity and connect with nature, providing a well-rounded balance to her busy life. Through her professional achievements, community involvement, and personal pursuits, she embodies a holistic approach to life, dedicated to service, growth, and well-being.<strong><br>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2009\" data-end=\"2412\"><strong>Donna Freedman<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2009\" data-end=\"2412\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-34128\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/64-px-donna-photo-color-150x150.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/64-px-donna-photo-color-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/64-px-donna-photo-color-728x728.jpeg 728w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-34128 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/64-px-donna-photo-color-150x150.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/64-px-donna-photo-color-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/64-px-donna-photo-color-728x728.jpeg 728w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/64-px-donna-photo-color.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"c-message_kit__blocks c-message_kit__blocks--rich_text\">\n<div class=\"c-message__message_blocks c-message__message_blocks--rich_text\" data-qa=\"message-text\">\n<div class=\"p-block_kit_renderer\" data-qa=\"block-kit-renderer\">\n<div class=\"p-block_kit_renderer__block_wrapper p-block_kit_renderer__block_wrapper--first\">\n<div class=\"p-rich_text_block\" dir=\"auto\">\n<div class=\"p-rich_text_section\">After 18 years in print journalism, Donna Freedman moved online and has written for dozens of lifestyle and personal finance sites. Her favorite topics are gardening, frugality, cooking and midlife reinvention. Donna&rsquo;s writing has won regional and national awards.<br>\nShe lives in Anchorage, Alaska, where she and her partner love facing cold-weather gardening challenges. Donna is a member of American Mensa but people are much more impressed by the fact that she was once a contestant on &ldquo;Jeopardy!&rdquo;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2812\" data-end=\"3116\"><strong data-start=\"2812\" data-end=\"2831\">Serena Manickam<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2812\" data-end=\"3116\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-33400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/serena-manickam-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-33400 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/serena-manickam-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/serena-manickam.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><br data-start=\"2831\" data-end=\"2834\">A sustainable gardener and editor, Serena started Fairydiddle Farm in 2020, growing herbs and no-spray vegetables in rural Virginia. With a background in environmental science and a flair for storytelling, she brings science to life in a way that&rsquo;s clear, gentle, and deeply rooted.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3118\" data-end=\"3392\"><strong data-start=\"3118\" data-end=\"3134\">Sheri Hayden<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3118\" data-end=\"3392\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-10675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/sheri-hayden-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Sheri Hayden\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/sheri-hayden-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/sheri-hayden-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/sheri-hayden-96x96.jpg 96w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-10675 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/sheri-hayden-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Sheri Hayden\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/sheri-hayden-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/sheri-hayden-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/sheri-hayden-96x96.jpg 96w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/sheri-hayden.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><br data-start=\"3134\" data-end=\"3137\">Sheri is our chicken whisperer, with over a decade of experience and a thriving flock of 100 birds. She blends country wisdom with real-world advice &mdash; and if you ever need help with hens, her Facebook group <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/310094380469950\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Virginia Backyard Chickens<\/a>&nbsp;is the place to be.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3394\" data-end=\"3664\"><strong data-start=\"3394\" data-end=\"3408\">Lisa Clark<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3394\" data-end=\"3664\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-33399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/lisa-clark-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-33399 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/lisa-clark-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/lisa-clark.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><br data-start=\"3408\" data-end=\"3411\">A houseplant collector turned outdoor gardener, Lisa&rsquo;s journey is a full-circle return to her rural roots. She brings charm, humor, and heartfelt insight into gardening with kids, container gardening, and finding joy in even the smallest patch of green.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3666\" data-end=\"3994\"><strong data-start=\"3666\" data-end=\"3684\">Stella &amp; Simon<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3666\" data-end=\"3994\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-33401\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/stella-closet-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-33401 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/stella-closet-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/stella-closet.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"> <noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-9272\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/simon-tractor-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Simon with his tractor\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/simon-tractor-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/simon-tractor-200x200.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-9272 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/simon-tractor-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Simon with his tractor\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/simon-tractor-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/simon-tractor-200x200.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/simon-tractor.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><br data-start=\"3684\" data-end=\"3687\">These self-taught hydroponic enthusiasts transformed a dream into a homestead reality, experimenting with all six major hydroponic methods and even building their own survival greenhouse. Their journey proves you don&rsquo;t need to follow the rules &mdash; just follow the light (and maybe a little inspiration from Epcot Center&rsquo;s &ldquo;Living with the Land&rdquo; hydroponics exhibit).<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3666\" data-end=\"3994\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/disclosures-and-disclaimers\/\">Disclosures<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/privacy-policy\/\">Privacy Policy<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We&rsquo;re so glad you&rsquo;re here. Where homegrown meets handcrafted &mdash; and life feels a little more beautiful, every day. At Backyard Garden Lover, we believe the good life grows slowly. It&rsquo;s found in the rhythm of tending a garden, the scent of bread rising in the oven, the joy of fresh-cut flowers on the table, &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9164,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_stopmodifiedupdate":false,"_modified_date":"","rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":{"facebook_10221051259244574_368195523200635":""},"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","hide-home-page-title":false,"hide-page-title":false,"disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":53791,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2\/revisions\/53791"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9164"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.backyardgardenlover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}