Growing Joy with Plants - Wellness Rooted in Nature, Houseplants, Gardening and Plant Care

No matter what season it is, now being summer into fall, the shifting of the seasons provides an opportunity and an external trigger for us to reflect internally. I had my dear friend Rachael from Our Infinite Nature back on the show to help us navigate the upcoming season. If you've been following me, you know how magical she is—she’s my go-to for everything seasonal and spiritual. We’ve been doing these seasonal check-ins, and this episode is all about celebrating the fall equinox.

Let’s chat about what’s going down this fall, not just with nature, but with us too. Time to chill, think things over, and gather what we've got. It’s time to slow down, reflect, and, of course, harvest.

In this episode, we learn:

• [05:47] Nature rituals and Rachael’s parenting
• [08:05] The gift of a bird's nest
• [14:55] Wind River Chimes
• [16:38] Espoma Organic
• [18:56] How are our gardens, lawns, forests, and local ecosystems doing in the fall?
• [21:44] Death as part of nature's cycle
• [28:27] How to balance productivity and rest in the fall
• [29:14] How to balance elements of fire, water, and air
• [30:49] How Libra season correlates with the fall equinox
• [35:10] Why we should embrace the changes of eclipse season
• [37:01] Some personal practices to do this fall equinox
• [42:27] How do the elements of each season relate to our personal growth?
• [44:25] Meditation for the fall equinox
• [56:04] Connect with Rachael

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, book by Elizabeth Gilbert
• Growing Joy Ep 242: Why You Should Care About the Summer Solstice
• Growing Joy Ep 229: Why You Should Care About the Spring Equinox

For Rachael's insights on how to embrace the new season's energies,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Rachael:

Website

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

YouTube

Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River Chimes

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

Espoma Organic

Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)

Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

I don’t know how I survived moving all 80 of my houseplants across 1500 miles from New York to South Florida with my husband and our parakeet in our rented minivan. It was quite an adventure, and I learned so much along the way. Despite all the chaos, I only lost two and a half plants, which is an achievement! My husband got an amazing job opportunity. I am fully digital with my business. We wanted to move closer to family. So we decided to go for it!

In this episode, we learn:

• [01:18] Why moving with houseplants is challenging
• [04:05] How does mindset influence the moving process?
• [05:51] Moving preparations and logistics!
• [08:20] Why minivans are a must for your plants!
• [09:53] What is the best way to pack your plants?
• [15:17] Bring a touch of home to your new space with a soothing Wind River Chime!
• [16:44] Learn how to create stunning bouquets with Lisa Ziegler’s Cut Flower Handbook!
• [18:26] What was the three-day road trip like?
• [22:39] Unpacking plants and settling into our new home!
• [23:02] How did the first 10 days go for our plants?
• [25:17] Simplify your move and your gardening with Crescent Garden TrueDrop self-watering planters
• [27:22] Adjusting to our new Florida home!
• [29:35] How we lost 2 plants during our move :(
• [31:26] How transplant shock is affecting me

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Growing Joy Ep 217: I killed a bunch of plants this year, here's what happened: How to Do a 
• Growing Joy Ep 61: How to Move with Plants
• Plant Audit
• Enterprise minivans
• U-Haul
• Lockable Storage Tote Footlocker
• PAR Meter
• Hygrometers
• Soltech Aspect™ LED Growlight

For a complete rundown of my New York to Florida move,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River Chimes

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

Quarto: The Cut Flower Handbook by Lisa M Ziegler

Pick up The Cut Flower Handbook at your favorite local bookstore, quarto.com, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble or amazon.com.

Crescent Garden

For a limited time only, head to growingjoywithmaria.com/crescentgarden and use code GROWJOY15 to curate your dream garden today.

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)

Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

There are so many different reasons to love hoyas, plant friends. They are gorgeous, drought-tolerant, and relatively easy to care for once you nail down a few key tips! Hoyas had a moment on social media in 2021 and 2022 due to their incredible diversity—Hoyas can look so different from each other, and if you’re a curious plant collector (see which one are you with my plant personality test), this is the perfect genus for you!

In this ongoing mini-series, I’ll take you through how to care for hoyas indoors and I will also introduce you to my favorite Proven Winners varieties!

In this episode, we learn:

• [01:27] Why is Hoya the perfect plant?
• [03:12] How Hoya became part of my wedding!
• [03:49] Where can you find Hoyas?
• [04:43] Hoya care: lighting
• [06:01] Hoya care: watering
• [07:14] Hoya care: soil
• [08:05] Hoya care: humidity
• [08:31] Hoya care: potting
• [09:38] How to get your Hoya to bloom
• [12:18] How to trellis your Hoya
• [14:03] My favorite Proven Winners leafjoy™ Hoyas?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix
• Espoma Organic Orchid Mix
• Growing Joy Ep 226: How to Repot Houseplants
• YouTube Video: How to Repot houseplants
• Grow lights
• Endless Cascades™ Green Light™ - Hoya carnosa
• Endless Cascades™ Shining Sea Star™ - Hoya carnosa
• Endless Cascades™ Fresh Rain™ - Hoya rangsan
• Endless Cascades ™ - Quinquenervia
• Endless Cascades™ Shadow Falls™ - Hoya callistophylla
• Endless Cascades™ Sarawak Cream - Hoya latifolia

For my proven and tested tips on hoya care,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsor:Proven Winners

To care for hoyas successfully, you’ve got to have two things: the knowledge to care for them successfully and healthy plants. Meet my new favorite houseplant grower: Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. With only the best plant genetics grown in a state-of-the-art, European greenhouse, you will not be disappointed in the variety and quality of your favorite plants from Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. This company has taken the guesswork out of plant shopping with plant tags that include scientific names and care guides, as well as color-coded collections for the different areas of your home that you want plants in!

Find plant joy in leafjoy™. Head to provenwinners.com to find your local leafjoy™ dealer and let me know which plant you take home on socials!

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)

Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Big news, plant friends. I've moved! After four wonderful years living in the Catskills my husband and I have packed up our lives–and my plants–and headed south to Florida. That’s from Zone 6B to Zone 10B! As a lifelong New Yorker, I've only ever known four distinct seasons. But now, I’m literally going to experience a whole new gardening action in a climate that feels almost tropical. And I'm feeling like a total beginner again. So, I called in the big guns—my friend Janey from Dig, Plant, Water, Repeat. She's a hot climate gardening expert, and she's got some amazing tips for us hot climate gardeners!

In this episode, we learn:

• [00:00] I’ve moved to Florida!
• [04:36] What should you do when changing garden zones?
• [05:04] Who is Janey Santos?
• [12:16] What are temperennials?
• [13:47] What is “true annual”?
• [15:49] Wind River Chimes
• [17:24] Espoma Organic
• [18:50] What are other examples of temperennials?
• [22:03] What are some gardening tips for hot climates?
• [24:39] Why drip irrigation could be useful
• [29:09] Why should you use mulch?
• [31:09] The best kind of mulch
• [32:02] Garden Supply Company
• [37:56] Why should you know your season?
• [40:20] What does Janey’s garden look like?
• [43:42] Connect with Janey

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Best for the West - Janey Santos of Dig, Plant, Water, Repeat
• Growing Joy Ep 176: Landscaping in the Southwest
• Growing Joy Ep 241: Small Space Cut Flower Gardening for Beginners
• Growing Joy Ep 06: Enjoy a Living, Potted Christmas Tree for the Holiday Season!
• Supertunia Vista® Bubblegum®
• Lantana
• Caladium
• Monrovia
• Youtube video: 🌱 Surprising My Pregnant Sister with a Dream Raised Bed Garden!
• Cool Flowers: How to Grow and Enjoy Long-Blooming Hardy Annual Flowers Using Cool Weather Techniques

For Janey's reliable hot climate gardening tips,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Janey:

Website

Podcast

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River Chimes

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

Espoma Organic

Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.

Gardener's Supply

Discover your garden favorites and exclusive innovations at gardeners.com and use code GROWINGJOY for free shipping.

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)

Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

You've probably seen that funny meme going around that says "pets are the new children, and plants are the new pets." I couldn't agree more! We're all out here treating our plants like our babies and our pets like our kids. But what happens when these two loves collide—and your toxic plant harms your pet? In this episode, I share the different plants that are safe for our furry babies, how to keep pets away from toxic plants, and other things to keep in mind when caring for both plants and pets.

In this episode, we learn:

• [01:44] Things you need to know if you have pets and plants
• [04:10] Which plants are the most toxic for pets?
• [05:34] How do you keep your pets away from your plants?
• [09:07] Make summer unforgettable with a personalized Wind Chime!
• [10:42] Protect your pets and the planet with high-quality, organic plant products
• [13:10] Which plants are pet-friendly?
• [15:25] What other resources can help you?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants by ASPCA
• Pet Poison Helpline
• Mosser Lee ML1121 River Rock Soil Cover
• Grannick's Bitter Apple for Dogs Spray Bottle
• GJ EP 123: How to Manage Deer, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Moles, Voles and Other Animals in Your Garden with Brie The Plant Lady

Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River Chimes

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

Espoma Organic

Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)

Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Anthuriums have everything a plant parent could want. This genus has the most widely distributed, easily grown plants as well as some rare and expensive collectibles. Both its leaves and flowers are also indispensable. I especially love it because of its heart-shaped leaves and its gorgeous long, skinny stems. And I’ll tell you all about it and how to care for it in this episode of Proven Winners Mini Series.

In this episode, we learn:

• [02:17] Why I love Anthuriums!
• [02:55] Anthurium mental wellness note
• [03:56] High-level overview of the Anthurium genus!
• [06:56] Care #1: Watering your anthurium
• [07:21] Care #2: Light requirements for anthurium
• [08:07] Care #3: Humidity needs for anthurium
• [09:18] How to troubleshoot your anthurium problems
• [12:27] Take my Plant Parent Personality test!
• [12;46] Thank you, Proven Winners Leafjoy!
• [14:04] What are the different Anthurium varieties?
• [20:49] Which Anthurium variety suits your plant personality?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Dome Glass Cloche
• Glass Terrarium
• Grow Light
• Mini Watering Globe Set
• Arching Amour™ Alexandrite is Right™ (Crystallinum)
• Arching Amour™ Heart's Desire™
• Arching Amour™ Tall Tale™ (Bird's Nest Anthurium)
• Arching Amour™ Follow Your Heart™ (Brownii)
• Growing Joy Episode 92: Begonias with Marc from NYBG

Thank you to our episode sponsor:Proven Winners

If you want an indoor anthurium jungle, you’ve got to have two things: the knowledge to care for them successfully and healthy plants. Meet my new favorite houseplant grower: Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. With only the best plant genetics grown in a state-of-the-art, European greenhouse, you will not be disappointed in the variety and quality of your favorite plants from Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. This company has taken the guesswork out of plant shopping with plant tags that include scientific names and care guides, as well as color-coded collections for the different areas of your home that you want plants in!

Find plant joy in leafjoy™. Head to provenwinners.com to find your local leafjoy™ dealer and let me know which plant you take home on socials!

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)

Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

How do you level up from being a casual plant lover to a true pro in the horticulture industry? What does it take to become one? There are plenty of things we don't get as hobbyists about the horticulture industry—so much more happening behind the scenes than we can imagine. Fortunately, Leslie Halleck, a favorite guest on the podcast and one of my best plant friends, is here to tell us about how the horticulture industry works and how you might become part of it!

 

In this episode, we learn:

• [03:45] How to turn plant passion into a horticultural career
• [06:54] What is Leslie's background in horticulture?
• [14:46] Don't let shorter days dim your plant's shine with Soltech grow lights!
• [17:01] Nourish your plants with Espoma’s premium organic products!
• [18:42] Leslie’s career transitions
• [23:04] What other jobs are in the horticulture field?
• [24:52] How do plants get from farm to store?
• [29:23] What affects plant prices and availability?
• [34:58] What are the common mistakes aspiring plantrepreneurs make?
• [40:53] What are the educational pathways in horticulture?
• [48:49] Why is horticulture mostly family businesses?
• [51:48] Women's positions in a male-dominated horticultural sector
• [53:27] Leslie’s new horticulture business courses + coaching programs
• [01:00:37] Where can you find out more about Leslie?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Cultivate '24
• Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE)
• COURSE: The Business of Horticulture
• COURSE: The Business of Selling Plants
• 'Tiny Plants' by Leslie Halleck
• Professional Horticulture Program | Longwood Gardens
• Horticulture Classes | New York Botanical Garden
• Master Gardeners - American Horticultural Society

 

For a deeper look into the processes behind the plant industry,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Leslie:

Website

Coaching

Instagram

Facebook

X

Pinterest

YouTube

Thank you to our episode sponsors:Soltech Solutions

Check them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15".

Espoma Organic

Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.

 

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)

Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

 

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

How many times have you heard someone say "My garden is my therapy" or "Plant care is self-care”? These phrases have become so popular lately, and they're absolutely true! As someone who's written a whole book on this topic, I can tell you that being connected to nature gives us so many gifts: perspective, gratitude, love, and as we'll explore today, reverence and reciprocity. I have a deep-rooted connection with Gaia (or Mother Earth) that I’m gonna share with my equally deeply spiritual friend, Jessica Zweig, business coach and author of ‘The Light Work’. We both have spookily similar experiences moving out of congested cities into nature and seeing the shifts in our systems and lives that have happened. I hope you take something good from this ep!

In this episode, we learn:

• [06:38] Jessica’s evolution of connecting with nature
• [10:41] Moving to the countryside
• [14:40] Unwind and relax with Wind River Chimes
• [16:15] Begin your homesteading life with Simple Country Living by Annette Thurman
• [17:22] How does nature help alleviate our worries?
• [20:36] What is the practice of reciprocity?
• [23:14] What is the frequency of Gaia?
• [26:28] What are the codes of Gaia?
• [30:21] Successfully grow anything with Gardener Supply Company
• [32:17] Meeting the Kichwa Anangu tribe
• [36:45] Where can you find Jessica’s book?
• [38:25] Where can you find Jessica on social media?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Birds of Tennessee Field Guide (Bird Identification Guides) by Stan Tekiela
• Merlin Bird ID
• Simply Be by Jessica Zweig
• The Light Work by Jessica Zweig
• Comunidad Kichwa Añangu
• Lion’s Gate Activation Summit

For Jessica's nature-based wellness practices,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Jessica:

Website

Podcast

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Pinterest

LinkedIn

Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River Chimes

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

Quarto: Simple Country Living by Annette Thurmon

Grab Simple Country Living: Techniques, Recipes, and Wisdom for the Garden, Kitchen, and Beyond by Annette Thurmon at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble or amazon.com.

Gardener's Supply

Discover your garden favorites and exclusive innovations at gardeners.com and use code GROWINGJOY for free shipping.

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)

Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Are you running out of ideas on how to use the tomato and cucumber harvest from your garden? As summer goes on, many gardeners end up with a ton of produce they don't know what to do with. Those eight tomato plants that seemed like a good idea in spring are now producing more than you can eat! But my guest this episode has got you covered with some of her delicious and creative ways to use up your garden bounty. I had an amazing conversation with Julia from Lemon Stripes about her new cookbook "Garden Grown," and I'm excited to share some fantastic recipes and preservation techniques that will help you make the most of your tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs.

In this episode, we learn:

• [05:51] Who is Julia and how did she start her gardening journey?
• [08:06] Julia’s small-scale homesteading project
• [11:15] What are her tomato recipes (tomato confit!)
• [15:24] Actionable garden solutions in any weather with Kim Stoddart's "The Climate Change Resilient Vegetable Garden"
• [16:52] How to preserve your harvest
• [19:12] How to make a tomato tart
• [21:58] What is cowboy caviar?
• [24:51] Fish with tomato recipe
• [28:17] Simple pickling recipes!
• [30:30] Cucumber Basil Margarita Recipe!
• [32:40] What is a hot and cold cucumber salad?
• [34:46] Marinated cucumbers (a snack homage)
• [39:03] Vegetarian rainbow rolls (with peanut sauce)
• [43:00] Herb salt and homemade teas!
• [47:08] Exploring shrubs and simple syrups
• [50:55] Where can you find Julia and her book, Garden Grown?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Growing Joy Episode 195: Homesteading for Beginners with Michelle Bruhn and Stephanie Thurow
• RITUAL ZERO PROOF Tequila Alternative
• Garden Grown by Julia Dzafic
• Anel Dzafic (@botanicalbosnian)

For Julia's easy and delicious tomato and cucumber recipes,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Julia:

Website

Recipes

Instagram

Pinterest

Thank you to our episode sponsors:Quarto: The Climate Change-Resilient Vegetable Garden by Kim Stoddart

Grab the book at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble or amazon.com.

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)

Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Here’s a special late-night edition of Growing Joy with Plants: After Dark where I spill the planty tea and share a cocktail with my two incredible plant friends, Agatha Isabel and Kamili Bell Hill. You might know Kamili as @plantblerd on Instagram and Agatha as @agathatisabel on Instagram. They've been my real-life plant friends for years, and we recently had a blast at the New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show—and had a sleepover at Kamili's house the night before, which resulted in this episode! This is a candid chat as we dish the dirt on everything from embarrassing plant parent moments to the real talk about representation in the plant community.

In this episode, we learn:

• [00:53] Growing Joy After Dark: Real conversations about plant parenthood
• [02:18] Plant connections and friendships!
• [05:36] What has their collection looked like over time?
• [11:18] What is the dark side of plant collecting?
• [13:37] Get a personalized wind chime!
• [15:11] Safe, high-quality potting mixes and fertilizers
• [20:29] What are their favorite plant species?
• [23:33] Plant care tips and humidity hacks
• [26:24] Grow houseplants even in low-light spaces
• [27:57] What is the balance between the joy and stress of plant care?
• [30:56] Taking care of plants when traveling
• [32:42] Resilient plants and hoyas
• [33:25] Some plant disaster stories
• [37:16] What's the craziest plant experiment they’ve done?
• [39:34] What are the signs of being a true "plant parent"
• [51:21] Where to find Agatha and Kamili on social media

Mentioned in our conversation:

• The Orchid Show: Florals in Fashion | New York Botanical Garden
• Summer Rayne Oakes
• Bad Seeds on Apple Podcasts
• Bad Seeds on Spotify
• Happy Plants, Happy You by Kamili Bell Hill
• Houseplant Hookups by Agatha Isabel

For our truest, deepest thoughts on plant parenthood,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

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Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River Chimes

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

Espoma Organic

Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.

Soltech Solutions

Check them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15".

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