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Growing Joy with Plants - Wellness Rooted in Nature, Houseplants, Gardening and Plant Care
Growing Joy with Plants - Wellness Rooted in Nature, Houseplants, Gardening and Plant Care
This podcast explores how houseplants, gardening, and nature can reduce stress and increase joy. Host Maria Failla shares plant care tips and ways to connect with nature for better mental health. She emphasizes that plant care is self-care, helping listeners find calm and happiness in everyday life.
Episodes
How Houseplants Get Made: Plant Breeding, Trend Forecasting and What It Takes to Grow Millions of Plants
Have you ever picked up a plant at the garden center and wondered how the houseplants even get here? I didn't think about it much until I was invited to speak at Cultivate, one of the biggest horticulture industry conferences, and I spent the whole time walking the halls. I'd been caring for plants for years. But I had no idea how much love and time go into getting one plant onto a store shelf. So
7 Gardening Tasks to Do Before Your Garden Goes Dormant: Best of Growing Joy Replay
If you're already dreaming about your 2027 garden, I fully support you! But I also want to encourage you to take a beat... because the best thing you can do for next year's garden is to properly put your garden to bed for winter right now.So here's one of my favorite conversations for the Best of Growing Joy series. It's with author and garden influencer Resh Gala, and it's all about what she does
When Was the Last Time You Had an Original Thought?
This might be uncomfortable to ask you, plant friends, but when was the last time you had an original thought? Meaning, it shouldn’t be something you heard from a podcast, Instagram, or even ChatGPT. I’ve been itching to ask this question since coming back from maternity leave. And even when I sat down to write this, I caught myself scrolling, trying to find more about how to stop doing exactly th
Desert Landscaping Tips for a Thriving Southwest Garden: Best of Growing Joy Replay
The first time I visited Arizona, I could not believe my eyes. I could not believe that, as someone who spent my life growing up in the Northeast, an arid desert like Arizona exists!The southwestern climate is so wild because I don't understand how a desert garden could look and feel lush and magical, just like a tropical oasis, but it can. It's all about desert landscaping with low-water plants a
All My Plants are Dead
So, plant friends… all my plants are dead. Well, not all of them. But MANY of them. I had a baby in June, and my houseplants did not survive my postpartum era. What’s interesting is that I've heard from listeners who went through this exact thing. I never judged them once and coached them through it. But I still thought it would never be me, because I have a whole podcast about houseplants. B
Motherhood, Seasons of Life and Changing Plant Passions
Did you know that Becca from Becca De La Plants and I delivered our babies 24 hours and 3 minutes apart?! We didn't plan that. We've been friends for almost 10 years now, and the first time we hung out, she was planning her wedding. Since then, we've gotten married, moved, built businesses, and now she's had her second baby, and I've had my first! For some reason, we keep landing in the same seaso
Indoor Citrus Trees: Light, Water, and Fruiting Tips: Best of Growing Joy Replay
Have you ever wandered through the citrus section of a nursery, inhaling the sweet scent of Meyer lemons and key limes, and thought “Oh my, I want one”? As someone who impulse purchased a struggling lime tree years ago—which I named Limey, by the way—growing citrus indoors is possible with the right care and conditions. Citrus plants can be great houseplants if you set them up for success, and the
Listen to This Before You Buy a Greenhouse!
Have you fallen down the greenhouse rabbit hole yet, plant friends? If you've had plants for more than a year, you're probably like me, who's started Googling "how to put a greenhouse in my backyard" already. And I learned that a greenhouse isn't a big plant shelf but a structure, and it's probably the largest single purchase you'll make as a plant parent. I'm in Zone 10b in Florida and I still ha
The Secret Language of Flowers Every Plant Lover Should Know
How can we use flowers to further connect with nature and with the world? My mom once photocopied an entire flower dictionary for me from the thick pages of The Language of Flowers. I loved that she did it, but then I never really used it because it was too dense and there were a lot of meanings nobody says out loud anymore. But then I’ve thought deeply about it. I've grown dahlias my whole life.
Elevate Your Interior Decor with Plants: A Plant Design Crash Course
What if the fewer the plants, the bigger the impact? Right now my house is a construction zone, and my plants are on their own. I have an eight-week-old baby, a '70s house we gutted mid-pregnancy, and a carpeted garage. So yes, a few plants have died. But something else is happening too! My taste is changing. I'm letting go of a lot of little plants, and I want one big beautiful plant for my bathr
Wedding Flowers 101: How to Choose Blooms That Last: Best of Growing Joy Replay
When I got engaged, I figured choosing wedding flowers would be the easy part. I'm a plant person, right? Wrong. Wedding florals are an entire world of their own, and I was lucky to have a florist who walked me through all of it and built the floral landscape of my dreams.
That florist is Corina of The Botaniste, and in this Best of Growing Joy episode, she's sharing the wedding flower crash cours
How to Tell Time with Your Garden (And Not a Watch)
Is it possible to tell time with your garden? Apparently, birds and plants can tell us what time of day it is! When we recorded this episode, I was in my third trimester, so sometimes I would be up at 2 AM whether I liked it or not. Which was how I found out that the birds in my Florida backyard start up around 4! For a while, I'd check my phone to see how close we were to sunrise. Now I learned t
How to Propagate Pothos and Other Vining Indoor Plants
We're going back to basics today on how to propagate pothos, plant friends! It's one of the simplest things you can do as a plant parent. And pothos is probably the easiest plant to propagate, which is exactly why it's where you should start. I just want you to do it right the first time because one success is what turns this into a lifelong habit. So I brought propagation expert Lindsay Sisti bac
Why Killing Houseplants Doesn’t Make You a Bad Plant Parent: Best of Growing Joy Replay
When it comes to killing plants, it's not a matter of if... it's a matter of when.
And killing a plant doesn't mean you're bad at plants. It just means you're a plant parent. But so many of us carry real shame around plant death. One loss, and we decide we're a plant killer and quit for good.
In this Best of Growing Joy series episode, I'm bringing back my conversation with Cassidy from Succulents
Garden Inspired Cocktails and Mocktails for Joyful Living
We often talk about garden-to-table, but what about garden-to-glass? AKA how to grow plants for garden inspired cocktails, and all the ways to turn a harvest into something delicious, regardless if you drink alcohol or not. I spent a full year not drinking, first through fertility treatments and then through pregnancy. And I learned that the mocktail section of most menus is a trap. Everything is
Why Rubber Plants Are The Most Underrated Houseplants: Best of Growing Joy Replay
If you're looking for a large, tree-like plant, a pop of color, or a cool, structural statement piece for your home, might I suggest the rubber plant? Ficus elastica is one of the most underrated houseplants out there, and today we're giving it the hype it deserves!
In this Best of Growing Joy series, I pulled my conversation with Raffaele of Ohio Tropics, a fellow rubber plant lover, where we tal
Propagation Tips For Plant Parents That Actually Work: Prop Boxes, Ikea Grow Cabinets and How to Avoid Mold Damage
Propagation is your best friend as a plant parent. It's a free way to make more of the plants you already have, and watching new roots grow is so much fun! But there's more to it than sticking a pothos in a glass of water, not to mention that if you get the humidity wrong, you’ll get mold. So I invited over my go-to propagation nerd, Lindsay Sisti, to guide us through the different ways you can pr
Grow Your Own Luffa: Luffa Gardening Tips for Plant Lovers
Have you ever thought about growing your own luffa? Someone sent me a packet of luffa seeds about four years ago. I think I won them in a giveaway, and they just... sat there. I never planted it because something about luffa felt kinda different. It's not your classic garden edible, and I couldn't picture how it worked. So I invited Janice Cox over to talk about growing luffa! Janice is a garden a
Philodendron Care 101: Light, Water, And Growth Tips: Best of Growing Joy Replay
Philodendron might just be the most underrated genus in the houseplant world, and plant friends, it's completely beginner-friendly! This isn't a plant you bring home from the garden center only to watch it shrivel, brown, and die within a week. It gives you trailing vines, climbing drama, bold pops of color, and incredible leaf shapes. It's one of my all-time favorites, and it's the star of today'
Growing Fruit Trees for Plant Parenthood and Joyful Living
What if your backyard could feed you for decades with way less work than a tomato patch? You can achieve this with fruit trees! I met arborist Allen Taylor at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show earlier this year. He's the founder of Conservation Tree Care, and he shares how to grow fruit trees in your own backyard with confidence and patience. I'm a homeowner now, and I am so excited to finally
How Biophilic Design Can Boost Productivity In Your Home Office: Best of Growing Joy Replay
Did you know plants for your home office can do more than just look nice? Office or work from home, they can boost your focus, spark creativity, lift your mood, and cut your stress. It's been proven over and over.
So today, for the Best of Growing Joy series, I'm digging into the archives and refreshing an old solo episode from the middle of the pandemic. Fair warning, you'll hear me talk about wo
Why Plant Parents Need Nighttime Garden Break for Mindful Gardening
What if the most relaxing time for you in your garden isn't during the day, but after dark? In those cool summer nights when garden chores aren't practical because you can't see very well, we have a unique opportunity to ease burnout, support mental health, and deepen your connection to plants and nature. So I'm joined by a friend, Perla Sofia Curbelo-Santiago, a repeat guest and the author of Ver
Think Beyond Pots: Design A Landscape With Herbs
What if herbs go beyond the small, contained, and kitchen-window plants we use them for? Herbs could do so, so much more! In this episode, I sit down with Sue Goetz, a garden designer, author, and herb obsessive, to explore the many different ways we can use our favorite herbs in our garden landscape. She has a five-foot rosemary hedge in her backyard and uses chamomile between her stepping stones
Fern Care Guide: Easy Care Ferns for Plant Parents: Best of Growing Joy Replay
Ferns are some of the most gorgeous houseplants you can grow... and one of the oldest plants on the planet. They're basically living dinosaurs. But if you've ever watched a maidenhair fern grow in a sidewalk crack, only to crumble the second you bring it indoors, you know exactly why ferns have a reputation for being impossible to keep alive.
Most people aren't failing at ferns. They're just growi
Let Nature Be Your Garden Designer
What if we don't design or control our gardens, but instead collaborate with them? I moved from the lush woods of Zone 5B to a front yard full of sand in Zone 10B Florida and felt like I had no control over my garden design. It was frustrating! So I sat down with Evan Meyer of Bloedel Reserve, a 140-acre garden and wild lands complex on Bainbridge Island just outside of Seattle, to help me feel mo
Carnivorous Plants: Care Guide and Types of Carnivorous Plants for Indoor Growing - Best of Growing Joy Replay
We’ve likely all had some run-in with a carnivorous plant. I brought one of those little Venus flytraps home from the hardware store, even though I had no idea how to care for it. Maybe you have marveled at the wide array of these plants at your local botanical garden. Or maybe you just know the man-eating Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors! However you found them, you have probably figured out
How to Repot Plants: The Ultimate Repotting Tutorial: Best of Growing Joy Replay
If you are just starting out as a plant parent, there comes a moment when you realize your plant has outgrown its pot and you need to figure out how to repot it. And in learning how to repot plants, you might feel like you are doing it wrong, or you end up being way too careful and precious about the whole thing.
Repotting is actually a very simple process, and it can even become a really fun and
Feeling hopeless? Try growing flowers. Here's how.
Aren't flowers just the perfect little pockets of joy? I have been following Claudia from In the Garden with Claudia on Instagram for over a year now, and I live for her cut flower garden stories! I’ve been feeling a little humbled by my own garden setbacks in South Florida recently. So when I finally got her on the podcast, I thought we were going to do a straight-up how-to on growing flowers. An
9 Garden Design Tips from an Interior Designer: Best of Growing Joy Replay
If you're looking for your garden to be a little more curated, calm, and cohesive (put together in a way that just feels right) what if you've been looking for advice in the wrong places? What if you shouldn't be looking at a garden designer at all, but instead at an interior designer to give you garden design tips that help pull everything together?
I'm bringing this one back as part of the Best
What is Hügelkultur and How to Install a Hügelkultur Garden Bed
Have you ever heard of the hügelkultur gardening method? I first heard the word ‘hügelkultur’ a couple of years ago while visiting The Lodge at Woodloch's organic farm. They had this beautiful setup where they grew the food that the spa guests would eat. And in the middle of it all was this raised bed that looked like it was mid-construction. It was a hügelkultur bed. Since then, I kept hearing th
How to Keep Calatheas Alive Without Losing Your Mind: Best of Growing Joy Replay
Calathea is one of the most gorgeous and often most disappointing houseplants a new plant parent can bring home. If you've ever taken a beginner plant shopping, you already know: they walk straight to the calatheas. Can you blame them? These plants look like they were literally hand-painted by Mother Nature.
But calathea care is pretty tricky. The leaves curl. The edges go crispy and brown. The hu
Biophilic Design Explained: Boost Mental Health With Nature At Home
Does this design decision bring me closer to nature? When I started renovating our new home a few months ago, I wasn’t going to make a single design choice without asking this question. This lens is called biophilic design, and I actually had an episode about it before! But to talk about it more, I’ve invited Oliver Heath, an architect, designer, and thought leader in biophilic design. Oliver is b
The Wild Truth About Plant Intelligence and Human Connection: Best of Growing Joy Replay
What if your houseplants are doing so much more than just looking pretty on your windowsill? What if they’re actually communicating, sensing their environment, and responding in ways we’re only beginning to understand?
In this Best of Growing Joy replay, I sit down with Paco Calvo and Natalie Lawrence, co-authors of Planta Sapiens, to explore plant intelligence, plant behavior, and the big questio
Beneficial Insect Consult on My Greenwall with DMV Beneficials
Do you have the guts to release beneficial insects in your home? I recently invited Jamie, the co-founder of DMV Beneficials, into my studio to do exactly that. We spent the afternoon performing a professional consultation on my green wall. We examined my alocasia, philodendron, hoya, and more under a microscope to see what was really going on. We found broad mites, spider mite eggs, and a possibl
The Hydrangea Care Secrets Behind Those Massive Summer Blooms: Best of Growing Joy Replay
To me, a hedge of hydrangea is one of the most iconic things you can do for your garden. They're epic, gorgeous, and yes, they have a reputation for being a little high maintenance. But once you set them up for success, hydrangeas can be one of the easiest flowering shrubs to grow.
In this Best of Growing Joy replay, I'm sitting down with Ryan McEnaney aka @ryanplantsplants a fifth-generation memb
How to Grow Sweet Peas, The World's Most Nostalgic Flower
Don't sweet peas have the most amazing floral scent? I remember them as a scent before I ever knew them as a flower, like the Bath & Body Works body spray that no other brands can seem to replicate. Then I realized I had never actually done an episode on these before, so there’s no better time than to invite my dear plant friend, Marryn Mathis, the Sweet Pea Queen, to share her story! Marryn quit
Grow Your Own Salad: How to Grow Lettuce from Seed to Harvest: Best of Growing Joy Replay
If you knew where most grocery store lettuce comes from and what it goes through before it lands in that plastic box, you’d never look at bagged salad the same way again.
In this Best of Growing Joy episode, I’m sharing a practical, beginner-friendly guide on how to grow lettuce from seed so you can harvest fresh, crunchy salad greens right outside your door with my friend and garden coach, Nicole
Monarch Butterflies, Growing Milkweed, And The Power Of Plant People
Why are monarch butterflies so special? If you follow me on Instagram, you already know my answer. The monarch butterfly has completely taken over my heart. I literally dressed up as one for Halloween this year, and I have zero regrets! Ever since my husband and I moved to Florida, I started planting milkweed just to watch them hatch in my own yard. And wow. Seeing their life cycle happen right in
Herbalism 101: Grow, Harvest, and Use Medicinal Herbs: Best of Growing Joy Replay
Did you know your “regular” herb garden can double as a medicinal herb garden, and that the mint you grab for mojitos can actually calm your nerves and your digestion? I used to think herbalism meant mysterious tincture bottles and complicated formulas… until I started turning the basil, mint, and lemon balm I grow into simple herbal teas I actually drink every night.
In this Best of Growing Joy e
Gardening Tips for Seniors: How to Adapt Your Garden as You Age Gracefully
I’ve always wanted to make gardening a lifelong hobby because I plan to have dirt under my nails well into my 80s or 90s, but I never really thought through HOW to make that happen. Because as much as we love our plants, gardening as you age is not about doing the same thing forever. I see it with my mom who’s an incredible gardener. She has that true plant parent energy, but even she has to chang
Mushroom Cultivation 101: The Mushroom Miniseries: Best of Growing Joy Replay
Did you know mushrooms aren’t actually plants, but a completely different kingdom that plays a huge role in soil health, plant health, and the success of your indoor and outdoor garden?
This is the third episode in our Mushroom Mini Series, and this week we’re having a high-level conversation all about what mushrooms are, how fungi and mycelium work, and why they matter so much for plant parents a
Spring Bulb and Summer Bulb Planting Tutorial with Jenny Rose Carey
Did you know that your bulb garden doesn't have to be high-maintenance? One of my earliest memories is my mom planting what felt like endless tulip bulbs—500 of them, in fact. She was a young mom with three kids, no spare time, and definitely not a person who could fuss over plants every day, but somehow, she always had color! Bulbs showed up for her, and she did not have to slave over her garden
How to Grow Functional Mushrooms in Your Garden: The Mushroom Miniseries: Best of Growing Joy Replay
Did you know that you can actually grow edible gourmet mushrooms in your garden right alongside your tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, herbs, and veggies?
You can! And by doing that, you can improve your soil health, support your garden ecosystem, and add another delicious crop to harvest and enjoy throughout the growing season.
This is the second episode in our Mushroom Mini Series. Last week, we re-re
Permaculture for Plant Parents: The Simple Gardening Method That Gives Back
My goal this year is to find more ease and joy in my garden! I love my plants, but I don’t want my yard to feel like another job. And when I realized that was a theme that was gonna keep coming up, I knew I needed to do an episode on permaculture. So I invited my plant friend, Brandy Hall. She’s a permaculture designer and has helped me see it as a simple, practical way to garden. She calls hersel
How to Grow Mushrooms Indoors: The Mushroom Miniseries: Best of Growing Joy Replay
What if your next houseplant could double in size overnight and end up on your dinner plate?
Today we’re talking about how to grow mushrooms indoors and why it might be one of the most fun, beginner-friendly ways to grow edible mushrooms at home.
A couple of years ago, I recorded a Mushroom Miniseries with my husband and mushroom expert Louis from North Spore, and we talked about everything from g
Why Social Media Is Killing Your Indoor Plants with @tannertheplanter
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the sea of information about indoor plants, wondering which tips to trust? You're not alone! Join me on this enlightening episode of "Growing Joy with Plants," where I chat with Tanner, the creative mind behind Tanner the Planter. Tanner's journey into the world of plants began in his childhood in Oregon, and he’s here to share his passion for plant care and how h
How to Make Plant Care Less Stressful
2026 is the year of ease, joy, and low-maintenance plant care! It’s time that plants make us feel good instead of dread every time we walk past them. Something’s off if plants are stressing you out. So I invited my friend Cassidy Tuttle from Succulents and Sunshine back on the podcast because if there’s anyone who embodies easy plant care, it’s her! We talked about what’s actually happening in our
How to Grow Flowers and Create Your Own Cut Garden: Best of Growing Joy Replay
If you ask me, the secret to being everyone’s favorite neighbor or friend is always having a handful of blooms ready to share. And the best way to do that is to grow your own cut flower garden so you can step outside, snip a few stems, and instantly make someone’s day.
In this Best of Growing Joy replay, I’m bringing back one of my favorite conversations with flower farmer and friend Brooklyn Sher
Tree History: Finnish Mythology and Tree Worship
Have you ever wondered how the trees around you might hold stories of spirits and ancient traditions? Join me, on this enchanting journey into the heart of Finnish mythology, as I chat with the incredibly talented Nina, an illustrator and researcher from Finland. Nina's profound connection to nature, rooted in her upbringing in a forestry village, brings an enlightening perspective on tree worship
Leca vs Pon: Which Is Better for Indoor Plants? Best of Growing Joy Replay
What if you could grow 300+ indoor plants without hauling watering cans to the shower every weekend… and without even dealing with soil?
In this episode of the Best of Growing Joy series, we’re revisiting one of the most amazing approaches to plant care: passive hydroponics, often called semi-hydro. My friend Kay from @inrootedlove is back for what we’re calling Passive Hydro 2.0, and we’re diving
What is Forest Bathing: Exploring Forest Therapy with ANFT
I'm getting certified as a forest therapy guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT)! Every single time, though, people’s response is the same. "Oh my God, that sounds so cool. But what is that?" I get that the words "forest therapy" or "forest bathing" sound vague. Some think it’s like hiking or yoga in the woods, but many can be mistaken.
I spent years focused almost entirely
A Guide to Measuring Light for Your Indoor Plants: Best of Growing Joy Replay
Welcome back to part two of our Understanding Natural Light series. We’re bringing this conversation back as part of our Best of Growing Joy episodes because it’s one of the most helpful discussions we’ve ever had about indoor plant lighting.
This episode is a replay of my conversation with Leslie Halleck, a dear plant friend of mine and a horticulture and lighting expert. If you’re a plant parent
2026 Garden and Houseplant Trends: My Main Takeaways from Northwest Flower and Garden Festival
This is my third year attending the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle, and I come back with all the plant tea! Every year, this festival just keeps getting better. The only way I can describe what it feels like is that I walked into a convention center and forgot I was in one. In front of me, there were 20 full garden landscapes installed on the concrete floor. The lights are dimmed, and
Natural Light for Indoor Plants: What Plant Parents Get Wrong: Best of Growing Joy Replay
Natural light for indoor plants is one of the most misunderstood parts of plant care. Most plant parents think their homes are bright enough for houseplants… but the truth is, we often overestimate how much light our plants are actually getting.
So we all know that the concept of bright indirect light is kind of a disaster. It’s one of the most confusing things in indoor plant care, and most plant
Low Maintenance Gardening with Continuous Vegetable Gardening
Are you tired of the boom-and-bust cycle of traditional gardening? Imagine a world where your garden is a source of joy and sustenance all year round! Join me, in this enlightening episode of Growing Joy with Plants, where I chat with the incredibly knowledgeable gardening expert, Charlie Nardozzi. Together, we dive deep into the realm of low maintenance gardening and explore innovative techniques
Biophilic Design for Plant Parents: Indoor Plants for Wellness at Work: Best of Growing Joy Replay
Hands down, without a doubt, incorporating indoor plants into my office has been the single best thing I’ve done for my mental health during the workday. And at this point, plant friends, if you or someone you love is working without plants in the workplace, we need to talk.Because this is not just about aesthetics.This is about biophilic design and workplace wellness. It is about the science that
I'm Pregnant After Loss: Exploring Seasons of Grief and Joy
I’ve been waiting a very long time to write these words. I’m pregnant!!! And we’re having a baby boy! His nickname is Polpettino (which means ‘little meatball’ in Italian) because my husband Billy is fourth-generation Irish, and this baby is going to come out the most Irish kid you've ever met, so he's getting to be Italian while he's still in there. And we love him so much already. But before we
Understanding Frost Dates: Beginner Gardening Guide
When I first started gardening, the second someone mentioned hardiness zones or frost dates, my eyes would immediately glaze over.I had no idea what my USDA hardiness zone was. I didn’t know how to find my last frost date. I didn’t understand what “Zone 6B” or “Zone 10A” even meant for my plants. I had lived in the same place my entire life and somehow never once looked at a zone map. I didn’t thi
Growing a Plant Business, A Marriage and A Community of Plant Parents with @mrstannertheplanter
Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a passion for plants into a thriving business? Join me as I sit down with Erika, the incredible wife of Tanner the Planter, to explore their inspiring journey in the plant business. From their unexpected meeting during a lunch break to co-owning the flourishing plant shop, Famous in Oregon, which opened its doors during the pandemic, Erika shares the he
Hydroponic Growing for Indoor Plants: A Beginner’s Guide for Plant Parents
Have you ever been scrolling Instagram before and seen a picture where it looks like plants are planted in Cocoa Puffs, like little brown balls, or gravel? Maybe as you've been scrolling, you've seen the words semi-hydroponics, passive hydroponics, or LECA.Well, today’s episode is a deep dive into the art of growing plants hydroponically, but specifically through semi-hydroponics, a popular soil-f
Buy Nothing Garden: 4 Ways To Build a Dream Garden for No or Low Cost
Are you ready to transform your garden into a thriving sanctuary without breaking the bank? Join me, as I chat with the incredible Stephanie Rose, also known as the Garden Lady. Stephanie's journey into gardening began during a challenging time in her life, marked by illness and isolation. Her latest book, "The Wild and Free Garden," is a testament to her philosophy of mindful gardening—a perfect
Ultimate Begonia Care Guide for Indoor Plant Parents: Best of Growing Joy Replay
So what if instead of feeling mysterious, kind of weird, and sometimes dramatic, begonia care was actually much simpler than it seems? Begonias are such a beautiful and diverse family of plants, with so many stunning varieties, yet they’re often misunderstood. While they can be disappointing for some plant parents, the truth is that indoor begonia care can be surprisingly easy when you understand
Tending to Hope and Healing in Nature
Have you ever felt the weight of the world lift as you dig your hands into the soil? Join me, in today's episode of "Growing Joy with Plants" as I sit down with the incredible Diane Dreher, a professor emeritus and author whose journey through gardening has shaped her understanding of healing in nature. With a passion for plants that was nurtured by her grandfather, Diane shares her inspiring stor
The Ultimate Seed Starting Guide: Everything You Need to Know For Starting Seeds Indoors: Best of Growing Joy Replay
If you’re new to gardening, seed starting indoors can feel scary and overwhelming. I know it did for me. For a long time, I stuck to buying seedlings because starting seeds felt like too much. The equipment, the space, the timing, the fear of doing it wrong. All of it can feel intimidating, especially for new plant parents.In today’s episode, we’re bringing back a favorite from the Growing Joy arc
Can Water Quality Affect Your Plants?
Did you know that the quality of water you use can be just as crucial for your plants as it is for your health? 🌱 Join me on this enlightening episode of Growing Joy with Plants as I chat with Cydian, the brilliant mind behind Pure Water Northwest and a true water quality expert. Together, we explore the often-overlooked yet vital topic of water quality and its profound impact on both our well-bei
Low Waste Plant Parenthood: Sustainable Plant Care Tips for Joyful Living: Best of Growing Joy Replay
What if low waste plant parenthood began with just one houseplant? In this episode, I’m joined by urban farmer and plant coach Nick Cutsumpas (aka Farmer Nick) to explore how sustainable plant care can become a powerful gateway to mindful gardening and environmental action.As part of the Best of Growing Joy series, we revisit this meaningful conversation from the archives to look at plant parentho
Exploring the Intersection of Black American History, Culture, and Botany Through Trees
Have you ever stopped to consider the stories that trees could tell if they could speak? In this episode of Growing Joy with Plants, I’m thrilled to welcome the incredible Beronda Montgomery, a renowned botanist and author, as we dive deep into her groundbreaking new book, When Trees Testify. Together, we explore the profound connection between humans and plants, particularly how trees bear witnes
African Violet Care Guide for Plant Lovers - Best of Growing Joy Replay
African violets often get a bad reputation as fussy, old-fashioned houseplants, but what if they’ve just been misunderstood? In this African violet care guide, we’re bringing back a favorite episode from the Best of Growing Joy series to change the way you think about caring for African violets.Lisa from Houseplant Guru joins us to bust common African violet myths and explain why these so-called “
From Plant Care to Nature Therapy: A Solo Heart to Heart
Are you ready to transform your relationship with nature and unlock the secrets to true wellness? Join me in the first episode of Season 11 of "Growing Joy with Plants," where I take you on a reflective journey through the past year of my life as a plant care educator, podcaster, and fellow plant lover. This episode is packed with insights on how nature therapy can elevate your mental health, help
Snake Plant Care: Find Joy with Thriving Sansevieria: Best of Growing Joy Replay
I’ve been on an eight-year campaign to bring more attention and love to the plant we’re doing a deep dive on today, as you’ll find out. Because this plant, the snake plant (otherwise known as the san), is often touted as a low-light plant. But it wants to soak up the sun, plant friends. It deserves so much more than it gets.So today, we’re revisiting a favorite episode of mine with guest Chris Sat
Holistic Plant Care Projects for Kids: Best of Growing Joy Replay
I’m so excited to bring you today’s child-friendly episode with a dear friend of mine, Joe Dombrowski. You might know him as @mrDtimes3. He’s the classroom teacher who went viral several years ago and was featured on Ellen for doing a joke spelling bee with his kids. But Joe is actually a massive plant parent, and we became friends a couple of years ago because he listened to the podcast.When I le
A Day in the Life of a Plant Consultant Helping Plant Parents Fight Pests (and the Scariest Scale on Plants Infestation You've Ever Seen)
Have you ever wondered how a single pothos plant could change your entire life? Join us in this inspiring episode of "Growing Joy with Plants" as we engage in a heartfelt conversation with Richard, affectionately known as Lord Fierce, the visionary founder of Plant Daddy NYC. We explore the vibrant tapestry of the plant community, recalling our first encounter at PlantCon in New York City and the
Defying Gravity: How Air Plants Grow, Bloom, and Inspire Wonder: Best of Growing Joy Replay
Air plants don’t get nearly enough love in the houseplant community. They’re an incredible low-maintenance, low-light-tolerant option, and one of the most fascinating plant species out there. They completely defy gravity, hanging from trees without soil. I appreciate them on an even deeper level now that I live in Florida, where I see air plants thriving in their natural habitat every single day,
Botanical Printing: Transform Your Plants Into Stunning Fabrics for Joyful Living and Mindful Gardening
Have you ever wondered how the vibrant colors of flowers can transform your wardrobe? Join us in this episode of Growing Joy with Plants as we dive into the enchanting world of botanical printing with Ceilidh, the visionary founder of the sustainable clothing line BillyNou. Together, we explore the art of natural dyeing, where the beauty of plants meets the creativity of fashion. Ceilidh shares he
How to Prep Your Houseplants for Winter: Best of Growing Joy Replay
As we move into the winter season and you notice the days are getting shorter, you might also notice that your plants start looking a little sleepy. Maybe they start growing a little slower. Maybe they have some leaves die back, and this episode is created to help you not panic and learn that the plants are moving into a cozy season just like we are.So this is an old episode that we're bringing ba
Food Preservation for Plant Parents: Transform Your Gardening Journey into Sustainable Joy and Wellness
Have you ever wondered how a simple vegetable garden can transform into a thriving source of joy, health, and sustainability? Join host Maria Failla in this inspiring episode of Growing Joy with Plants as she welcomes Jeremy and Staci, a passionate husband-and-wife duo who have dedicated over 21 years to the art of gardening and food preservation. Discover their incredible journey from planting se
The Joy of a Living Christmas Tree: Best of Growing Joy Replay
Did you know that you can have a living Christmas tree in your home that can be planted and live long after the ornaments come down? I didn't know this until seven years ago when I interviewed Joe Lamp’l, otherwise known as Joe Gardener, all about how to have a living Christmas tree indoors that you plant in later years.It was a fascinating episode, and it is Part 2 of our Christmas Tree Series th
Explore the Healing Plants of the Sonoran Desert
Plant friends, today let’s talk about the Sonoran Desert, one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. As a former New Yorker turned Florida plant parent, I will never forget the first time I visited Arizona and that surreal feeling of standing in a place so unlike anywhere I’d ever been. And lucky for us, I have invited a new plant friend and someone who knows the Sonoran Desert ecosystem lik
Christmas Tree Extravaganza Part 1/2 - Cut Christmas Trees: Best of Growing Joy Replay
I am so tickled to bring you this episode, a very special episode in the Best of Growing Joy series. This is the fifth episode I ever published in my over 300 episodes on this podcast, but I figured the timing is perfect for me to bring back this oldie but goodie that even if you've been a real devout listener of the podcast, you might have missed because it's so far down the feed. It's perfect fo
Discover Coherent Water: Boost Plant Vitality and Enhance Self-Care with Nature for Plant Parents and Lovers
Did you know that the water we drink and use in our gardens isn’t in its most natural, optimal form? That simple idea cracked open one of the best conversations I’ve had in my 300+ podcast episodes, plant friend! I talked to Mario Brainovic, the CEO of Analemma Water, to learn about coherent water: what it is, why it matters, and how it affects both our bodies and our plants. This conversation ins
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