In uncertain times, what better way to find inspiration than through a great story? On this episode of Black In The Garden, we spotlight incredible Black individuals who have made a significant impact in the world of horticulture. Today, we shine a light on Pearl Fryar, a man whose passion for plants goes beyond mere gardening. He’s made a real difference through his unique and artistic approach to horticulture.  

Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of topiary—the art of sculpting plants into stunning shapes. Pearl Fryar’s name stands out like a perfectly pruned masterpiece. With just a pair of shears and a lot of heart, Fryar transformed a small corner of South Carolina into a breathtaking living canvas that continues to inspire people around the globe. 

Adding to the conversation is Plant Zaddy, ready to share more insights about Fryar's journey and legacy. Tune in and get ready to see your hedges in a whole new light! 

Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden

Documentary: A Man Named Pearl 

For more information, visit www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegarden 

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Welcome to the world of magical plants! In this episode of Black in the Garden, we’re thrilled to welcome Keyoncé Dillon, a New Orleans-based spiritual practitioner, life coach, and host of the Millennial Soul Food podcast. Keyoncé brings a rich perspective rooted in Black, Queer, and Southern experiences, offering deep insights into Hoodoo, plant magic, and the powerful role of plants in spiritual traditions. With a background that spans Christianity, Hermetic Kabbalah, Hoodoo, and Buddhism, they guide clients to overcome spiritual and emotional blocks, promoting personal and professional growth.  

Keyoncé takes us on a journey through the historical ties between Black people and plants, diving into the transformative power of plant magic in Hoodoo, how these practices evolved during the transatlantic slave trade, and the significance of plants like the burning bush in Biblical traditions. They also share practical advice for those interested in incorporating plant magic into modern spirituality, as well as their personal experiences working with plants and moon phases. Get ready to explore the dynamic interplay between nature, culture, and spiritual resilience. 

For more information, visit www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegarden 

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On this episode of Black In The Garden, we explore the incredible journey of Tropical Express ATL, a business that sprouted from a backyard greenhouse and blossomed into one of Atlanta’s most beloved plant destinations. From serving plant lovers, photographers, and filmmakers, to being a go-to spot for creatives, Tropical Express has become more than just a plant shop—it's a community hub.

We'll discuss how Tropical Express embraced the shift in how people viewed plants and indoor spaces during the pandemic, and how its founder embarked on bold “plant hunts” to curate a standout collection.

Whether you're passionate about plants, business, or community, this episode offers fresh insights on growing not just plants, but dreams. Tune in for a captivating conversation about nurturing both nature and ambition.

For more information, visit www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegarden

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Welcome back to another enriching episode of Black in the Garden with host Colah B. Tawkin and co-host Plant Zaddy.

Indulge in a flavorful and historical exploration of collard greens (AKA Black Pant Fave), a symbol deeply rooted in Black culture. From their African origins to their modern-day presence in soul food and contemporary cuisine, collard greens carry a story of resilience, survival, and tradition.

We’ll uncover the African origins of collard greens and explore how enslaved Africans used their agricultural knowledge to cultivate them. We also dive into the collards’ journey after emancipation, touching on New Year’s celebrations and everyday meals. Collard greens are rich in symbolism, representing prosperity, community, and a deep connection to ancestry.

Join us as we honor the history, culture, and continued relevance of collard greens in the Black community.

Special shoutout to food historian KJ Kearney and Tassili's Raw Reality Café!

For more information, visit wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegarden

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In today’s episode, we’re tapping into a conversation that blends beer, Black culture, and agriculture in a way that’s both innovative and meaningful. Ale Sharpton, the pioneering force behind BrewGether, joins us to explore how craft beer can be more than just a beverage—it can be a bridge to community empowerment, sustainability, and economic equity. We’ll dive into how BrewGether is making waves by supporting BIPOC farmers, connecting urban agriculture with the craft beer industry, and building opportunities for those traditionally underrepresented in this space. Ale’s mission is about more than brewing great beer—it’s about crafting a better future for our communities.

How does hip-hop and beer intertwine?! Ale tackles fun rapid-fire questions, from pairing hip-hop albums with brews to imagining which legends of the genre would make the best brewmasters. Grab a drink (responsibly, of course), and join us for an inspiring discussion on how culture, craft beer, and change are brewing together.

Disclaimer: At Black in the Garden and WABE, we celebrate the craft of beer responsibly. Please enjoy alcoholic beverages in moderation, and always prioritize your safety and well-being. Cheers to great conversations!

For more information on Ale Sharpton visit: https://www.brewgether.org.

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Soil Cousins! As the seasons change and we gear up for fall, it’s time to help you grow smarter, not harder. Today’s episode is all about “fall planting”—we're here to guide you through what to plant this season based on your “hardiness zones.”

But first, what exactly are “hardiness zones”? These zones help gardeners and farmers determine which plants are most likely to thrive in specific climates. For many of us, fall is that perfect time to sip on pumpkin spice lattes while planting cool-weather crops. Today, we’re breaking down the zones and how they impact your region and horticulture. Spoiler alert: if you’re trying to grow pineapples in Alaska, this map will kindly suggest otherwise.

We’ll go region by region to help you figure out where you fall on the map and what to plant.

Joining us again for this episode is the phenomenal Joshua Hite, aka Plant Zaddy, to share his insights and tips.

For more information, visit wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegarden

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Hey Soil Cousins! Let’s rewind to a fantastic conversation and exploration with Julius Tillery who is an American Cotton Farmer.  

Julius touches on the intricacy of innovation, challenges, and cultural significance woven into cotton cultivation. Julius' insights shed light on Black ownership, inheritance in farming, and the creative use of cotton in decorative arrangements. Delve into the truth about cotton's declining presence in American fields and its connection to economic shifts. 

 www.blackcotton.us  

Instagram: @blackcotton.us 

Facebook: facebook.com\blackCottonDecor 

Twitter: @Mr_Black_Cotton 

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Welcome back, Soil Cousins! With the crisp air and the changing seasons, it's the perfect time to reflect. If you haven't had a chance to listen to our series in partnership with the Atlanta History Center, we've got you covered! 

In this fourth installment of our four-part series, "Botanical Black History: Visiting the Landscapes of Black America," we recap key moments from the series. We've uncovered hidden gems within the Atlanta History Center, particularly the invaluable Cherokee Garden Library, a treasure trove for anyone passionate about horticulture, botanical art, and cultural landscapes. 

Join host Colah B. Tawkin as we revisit key themes and insights from the series, closing with highlights of three significant and diverse books from the Cherokee Garden Library collection—two of which were authored by previous podcast guests! This episode is both a celebration of our journey and an invitation to continue exploring the profound impact of Black culture on our natural world. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a curious learner, the Cherokee Garden Library is a resource that will inspire and educate you for years to come. 

Books Mentioned: 

Plant Kween: You Grow, Gurl! 

Natalie Baszile: We Are Each Other’s Harvest 

Michael Twitty: The Cooking Gene 

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We are back with a continuation of Black Plant Faves! This season, we kicked off with an insightful discussion between African American culture and the popularity of various plants, flowers, and herbs. To truly uncover the “Black Plant Faves,” we took to the streets and hit the soil!  

This Summer, we had the incredible opportunity to attend the Soil Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. The Soil Festival is a fun, family-friendly event focused on urban agriculture and our local food leaders. As an enthusiastic gardener and compost advocate, attending this event was a no-brainer for Black in the Garden. 

At the festival, we connected with some amazing Soil Cousins and lovers of lush landscapes, farming, and more. We received some expected answers and some surprising ones on our quest to discover what people love in their kitchens, backyards, and decor. 

Tune in for a fun and enlightening discussion at the Soil Festival, where we delve deeper into the Black Plant Faves. 

Special Thank you to our Soil Cousins who contributed to the conversation: Jess, Kia, Ayanna, Raphael, Andrea and Jenn, Randolf,  Ale Sharpton of BrewGether  

For more information visit wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegarden and Soil Fest 2024

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Soil Cousins, today we have the distinct honor of hosting a voice synonymous with insightful journalism and a powerful advocate for environmental justice and community empowerment. As the host of WABE’s "Closer Look," Rose Scott has consistently highlighted stories that matter deeply to Atlanta and beyond. With over two decades of experience, she expertly navigates the intersections of politics, social issues, and community well-being. 

We'll explore a range of topics, from environmental justice issues and urban gardening initiatives to political activism. Discover how community and environmental efforts and educational initiatives can increase civic participation, create greener communities, and promote social equity. 

Tune in to an intriguing episode that we hope will inspire you to engage in your community and encourage you of political policies. 

For more information on Closer Look, visit wabe.org/closerlook 

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