The Pet Connection

Author: Big Blend Radio Network

From Rescue Stories to Pet Care and Behavior, the Big Blend Radio Pet Connection Podcast Celebrates our Furry, Feathery, and Scaly Friends! New Episodes Featuring Expert Interviews and Conversations Air Every 3rd Wednesday.
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Language: en

Genres: Hobbies, Kids & Family, Leisure, Pets & Animals

Contact email: Get it

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Backyarding in 2026: Landscapes for People, Pets & the Planet
Episode 50
Thursday, 29 January, 2026

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Podcast, we chat with Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, about 2026 Backyarding Trends and how outdoor spaces are evolving into purpose-driven, high-performance landscapes. The TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care and use of backyards, parks, schoolyards, and other green spaces, predicts 2026 will be the year of intentional design, year-round use, and pet-friendly landscapes. The era of the purely aesthetic lawn is over—today’s yards are strategic investments that support wellness, biodiversity, community connection, and everyday living. Kris discusses the rise of the 365-day landscape, right-sized outdoor zones, precision tech-guided gardening, dog-friendly “barkitecture,” pocket forests, and the growing “prosumer” mindset in outdoor tools. We also explore native plants, coexisting with wildlife, the role of parks and community green spaces, and how backyarding supports family bonding and quality of life. Learn more about Turf Mutt Foundation: https://www.turfmutt.com/ As part of our "Get a Balanced Life" programming, this episode is also featured on our "Nature Connection," "Pet Connection," "Big Daily Blend," and "Quality of Life" podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork