We’re so glad you’re here.
Where homegrown meets handcrafted — and life feels a little more beautiful, every day.
At Backyard Garden Lover, we believe the good life grows slowly. It’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.
Whether you have a backyard brimming with vegetables, a windowsill lined with herbs, or just a dream and a sunny corner, you’re in good company here.
We’re a community of gardeners, homemakers, and curious creatives — people who take joy in doing things well, and doing them with heart. From tending chickens to setting a welcoming table, we’re here to help you live more beautifully and more intentionally, one project at a time.
What You’ll Find at Backyard Garden Lover
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Seasonal Gardening & Homesteading
Tips for growing your own food, caring for chickens, and creating a sustainable home that works with the seasons. -
Home & Garden Projects
From DIY raised beds to natural cleaners and pantry makeovers, we share projects that are practical, beautiful, and deeply satisfying. -
Decor & Home Organization
Simple, elegant ways to bring order and charm into every room — with a focus on timeless design and functional beauty. -
Entertaining & Hospitality
Hosting doesn’t need to be fussy — we believe in heartfelt gatherings, seasonal recipes, and creating spaces that invite connection. -
Natural Cleaning & Everyday Rituals
Thoughtful routines that help you keep a tidy, welcoming home — using gentle, effective solutions that are kind to people and planet. -
Celebrating the Seasons
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.
No matter your lifestyle — rural or urban, beginner or seasoned — we’re here to help you build a home that feels alive, abundant, and deeply yours.
Have a favorite tip, recipe, or home project? We’d love to feature it. Our community is full of brilliant, creative minds — and your ideas just might inspire the next reader to pick up their spade, paintbrush, or teacup.
So pull up a chair, pour yourself a cup of something lovely, and settle in. You’ve got plenty of company here.
Bonnie Ferrero
Bonnie’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.
Donna Freedman
She 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 “Jeopardy!”
Serena Manickam
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’s clear, gentle, and deeply rooted.
Sheri Hayden
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 — and if you ever need help with hens, her Facebook group Virginia Backyard Chickens is the place to be.
Lisa Clark
A houseplant collector turned outdoor gardener, Lisa’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.
Stella & Simon
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’t need to follow the rules — just follow the light (and maybe a little inspiration from Epcot Center’s “Living with the Land” hydroponics exhibit).