Lots of free online and IRL events happening in the world of Bloom & Grow!  
 The Cultivating Happiness Giveaway happening on IG through June 16th Details to enter at @bloomandgrowmaria on IG  
 Urban Jungle PHILLY Event THIS FRIDAY June 17th at 6 pm  RSVP HERE 
 NYC Plant Swap and Launch Party at Greenery Unlimited June 28th at 7 pm RSVP HERE 
 Pre-order your copy of Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) Here!  - hitting bookstores on June 28th! 

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Looking for free, natural ways to decrease stress and increase joy and calm in your life? The answer might be simpler than you think: houseplants, gardening and nature. On the Growing Joy with Plants Podcast, learn alongside Happy Plant Lady, Maria Failla to care for plants, engage with nature, and use them to manage your overwhelm, anxiety and experience happiness and calm you thought was only available on vacation. Plant care is self care. Come grow some joy with us. Follow along on socials @growingjoywithmaria

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If you have 250 plants in your home, what would you do? That seems like WAY too many plants to care for, right? But for Samantha Hermann, better known as @houseplusplant on Instagram, this is her second nature. She’s my newest plant friend, and I’m so excited to have a casual conversation with her on this episode (let me know if you want more episodes like this). Samantha has been successfully keeping that many plants alive and happy for years, and I’m sure it’s a lot of work. But she’s here to share her best tips for managing a large indoor plant collection without stressing out! 
In this episode, we learn:[04:46] Meet Samantha, the houseplant expert with over 250+ plant babies[05:37] What happened at the recent Tropical Plant International Expo?[11:22] When did Samantha start collecting houseplants?[15:09] Grow healthy plants in any corner of your home with Soltech’s stylish grow lights[17:26] Make your houseplants happy with Espoma Organic's high-quality, premium potting mixes[21:39] Why you should try new methods/species to avoid boredom and burnout[25:30] How Samantha’s plant collection has evolved over the years[30:51] What does Samantha’s research process look like for a plant? [32:30] Why is trial and error in plant care important?[36:25] How does she take care of her plants every day?[39:24] What is her approach to controlling pests?[45:44] How does she care for her plants while she is away? (and smart home gadgets!)[51:25] Tips for maximizing your plant space through styling and organization[57:23] What are the challenges she faced having to take care of a large plant collection?[01:03:03] Why you shouldn’t let plant care become a source of stress (dark side of plant care)[01:03:59] Tips for moms on how to manage both children and plants[01:08:35] Starting her Instagram plant account[01:11:20] When did she realize that she wanted to be a full-time plant content creator?[01:14:37] Where can you find Samantha on social media?
Mentioned in our conversation:Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE)Foliage FocusFoliage ProProp Drops | Market BotanyMarket Botany (@marketbotany) | TikTokMossify46th IAS Annual Show and Sale InformationCultivate'23Sol SoilsPocket Wall Planters | WallyGrowGrowing Joy Ep 219: How to Care for AlocasiasYouTube: Make Your Own Moss Pole for Indoor Climbing Plants
For Samantha's simplified plant care routine,check out the full show notes and blog here!  
 Follow Samantha: Website Instagram YouTube TikTok Facebook 
Thank you to our episode sponsors:Soltech SolutionsCheck them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15".Espoma OrganicVisit 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

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How to Care for A Lot of Plants (AKA Have a Large Plant Collection)

Have you ever felt a sense of worry, fear, or anger when you think about climate change and the state of our planet? If so, you may be experiencing what's called "eco-anxiety." As plant lovers who are so connected to nature through our gardens and houseplants, it makes total sense that eco-anxiety could affect us. We care deeply about the Earth because we are part of it. So, let us spend some time with my dearest friend and resident green witch, Rachael Cohen, to better understand this concept. 
In this episode, we learn:[03:33] What is eco-anxiety?[07:14] Rachael’s personal story of identifying/managing eco-anxiety[09:45] Coping with eco-anxiety[11:21] How perspective affects happiness[12:16] What is the environmental impact of our actions, and how does it relate to our well-being?[15:21] Fill your homes with the most ethereal sounds with the new Wind River Eclipse Collection (use code GROWINGJOY)[17:26] Discover gardening tips, kitchen tricks, and family activities to reduce waste and save money with ‘Simple Country Living’ by Annette Thurmon[18:39] What is Rachael's book, Self-Care for Eco-Anxiety, all about?[20:01] Is corporate responsibility being misdirected, with consumers unfairly blamed?[22:30] How to shift from fight/flight to parasympathetic rest and digest mode[24:18] Somatic practices to release severe negative feelings associated with eco-anxiety[29:01] Finding neutrality and managing anxiety[30:10] What is the concept of “the mother tree” in Rachael’s book?[32:25] What is the mycelium network?[36:42] What are some ways we can give back to Mother Nature?[41:37] Rachael’s favorite strategy for bringing oneself back from an eco-anxiety spiral[43:23] How is the book constructed?[46:55] Where can you get the book?
Mentioned in our conversation:Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest, book by Suzanne SimardThe Overstory: A Novel, book by Richard PowersGrowing Joy Ep 229: Why You Should Care About the Spring EquinoxSelf-care for Eco-Anxiety: 52 Weekly Practices for Positive, Personal Change Through the Power of Nature, book by Rachael CohenGrowing Joy Ep 223: Cultivating Intuition with Nature with Rachael of Our Infinite NatureGrowing Joy Episode 209: Plant Magic: How to Be a Green Witch with Rachael from Infinite Succulent
For a list of simple ways that you can give back to Mother Nature,check out the full show notes and blogs here! 
 Follow Rachael: Website Instagram TikTok Facebook YouTube 
Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesVisit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all engraveable wind chimes.Quarto: Simple Country Living by Annette ThurmonGrab 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. 
 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

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Eco Anxiety

You may have heard that compost is the key to a healthy garden, and feeding the soil is more important than feeding your plants. And if you don't garden, you've probably heard about composting as an eco-friendly way to live more sustainably and support the planet. That is why I dedicate an entire episode explaining what composting is and how it works. My guest, Michelle Balz, is a true composting guru who has written, not one, but two incredible books solely focused on this amazing soil amendment. By the end of our conversation, you'll understand exactly what compost is made of, how it benefits your garden's soil, why it's so great for the environment, and best of all—how to successfully compost both indoors and out. 
In this episode, we learn:[06:49] What has Michelle’s journey been in composting?[09:24] How many different composting systems does Michelle have in her home?[10:20] Compost vs soil vs potting mix[12:02] What makes compost so special?[13:53] How does composting benefit the environment, ourselves, and our gardens?[14:31] Carbon sequestration[15:40] Discover the secrets to attracting birds to your garden with 'Bird Friendly Gardening'![17:44] Skip the hassle of making your own compost with this organic Compost Blend![20:51] How does composting impact gardeners?[26:42] How does compost help support the mycorrhizae?[27:20] What can and cannot be composted?[29:52] Is the composting ratio important?[32:18] What do we need to know about anaerobic/aerobic composting?[34:17] Indoor composting[35:07] How does vermicomposting work?[36:55] How can compost be extracted without worms?[40:30] Bokashi composting[42:57] Terracotta pot composting[45:22] What are the best composting options for outdoor gardeners? (bin and in-garden systems)[49:27] How do you know when the compost is finished/ready?[50:13] What is the life cycle of composting, how long until the first batch, and how can you nurture it effectively?[01:01:23] What is Hügelkultur?[01:02:45] What is an African keyhole garden?[01:05:14] Where can you find Michelle's books and social media?
Mentioned in our conversation:Lomi tabletop composterNo-Waste Composting: Small-Space Waste Recycling, Indoors and Out. Plus, 10 projects to repurpose household items into compost-making machines (No-Waste Gardening), book by Michelle BalzComposting for a New Generation: Latest Techniques for the Bin and Beyond, book by Michelle Balz
For Michelle's recommended composting methods,check out the full show notes and blog here! 
 Follow Michelle: LinkedIn Instagram X Amazon 
Thank you to our episode sponsors:Quarto: Bird-Friendly Gardening by Jen McGuinnessGrab the book at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble or amazon.com.Espoma OrganicVisit 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

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Composting Basics

If you're a houseplant lover like me, chances are you already have a philodendron or two in your collection. These awesome tropical plants are some of the most popular and beloved houseplants for good reason—they come in tons of different shapes, colors and sizes, and they're relatively easy to care for too! In this episode, I'm going to give you the full rundown of everything you need to know about growing these amazing plants at home. We'll cover the basics of their natural habitat and key care requirements, and I'll introduce you to some of my current favorite philodendron varieties. 
In this episode, we learn:[03:50] Philodendron high-level overview[09:38] Care #1: Light[13:43] Care #2: Water[15:38] Care #3: Soil[16:05] Care #4: Humidity[17:08] Care #5: Fertilizer [17:39] Troubleshooting philodendron issues[19:10] Thank you Proven Winners leafjoy™ for sponsoring this episode![21:01] Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)[22:21] Philodendron 'Brasil'[22:37] Philodendron 'Lemon Lime' (as seen on my podcast art!)[24:13] Prismacolor™ Brandtianum[25:16] Philodendron atabapoense[26:05] Philodendron 'Silver Sword' (Philodendron hastatum)[27:11] Prismacolor™ Philodendron Fozzie™[28:38] Philodendron 'White Wizard' (Philodendron erubescens)[30:18] 'Prince of Orange' Philodendron[32:08] Prismacolor™ Sun Red Philodendron[32:33] Philodendron 'Pink Princess'
Mentioned in our conversation:Prismacolor™ Sun Red - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ Atabapoense - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ Brandtianum - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ Florida Green - Climbing PhilodendronPrismacolor™ Fozzie - Fuzzy Petiole PhilodendronPrismacolor™ Gloriosum - Creeping PhilodendronPrismacolor™ Hastatum - Silver Sword PhilodendronPrismacolor™ Pink Princess - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ Rojo Congo - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ Sun Red - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ White Wizard - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ Lemon Lime - Philodendron hybrid
For a list of my current Philodendron favorites,check out the full show notes and blog here! 
Thank you to our episode sponsor:Proven WinnersIf you want to have success with houseplants, 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

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Everything You Need to Know About Philodendron

If you interact with the houseplant community online at all, you've definitely felt the impact of The Sill on our plant niche. I honestly can't believe that it took me a whopping 230 episodes to finally have Eliza Blank, founder of The Sill, grace the Growing Joy with Plants podcast! Her female founder story of recognizing a need for a houseplant brand and building it into a million-dollar company would make you feel empowered, as it did me. In case you didn’t know, The Sill was one of the OG plant brands that helped start the houseplant craze before the pandemic. And when I first started my podcast, they were also the first to reach out and show their support! So I want to take this opportunity to show you the story behind the success of The Sill live on stage at the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle. 
In this episode, we learn:[00:30] The Sill and its impact on the houseplant community[05:23] How did Eliza get into houseplants?[07:28] How exciting/challenging is it to launch a houseplant brand early on?[11:20] How did The Sill come about?[13:13] How Eliza built a multimillion-dollar brand[14:25] Why “fake it till you make it” mindset works WONDERS![15:47] Create the perfect Danish hygge atmosphere with Wind River Chimes[18:57] What was the struggle for The Sill during COVID? [20:34] Navigating challenges in the plant industry[22:23] What’s the process of sourcing and acquiring plants?[24:14] What’s Eliza’s definition of success (and has it changed over the years?)[25:10] What it feels like being a woman in a male-dominated industry[26:56] Trends and customer preferences in 2024[29:01] What’s next for The Sill? [30:01] Eliza’s personal life and hobbies beyond plants[32:30] Eliza’s favorite client story!
Mentioned in our conversation:Northwest Flower and Garden FestivalTropical Plant International Expo (TPIE)Growing Joy Ep 18: Prepping Your Houseplant For Spring and the Science Behind Fertilizer With Chris Satch from The SillGrowing Joy Ep 30 Orchid 101 with Chris from The SillGrowing Joy Ep 38: Transitioning Your Plants Back Indoors for Winter with Chris from The Sill
For a deeper dive into The Sill's story,check out the full show notes and blog here! 
Thank you to our episode sponsor:Wind River ChimesTurn your home into a relaxation oasis with chimes! Wind River is a Virginia-based company creating premium handcrafted and hand-tuned wind chimes for over 35 years. They are launching a new collection of chimes called Eclipse, which are Corinthian bells uniquely tuned to the Lydian mode, a scale that creates an ethereal atmosphere of enchantment that matches the mystery and wonder of the solar eclipse and of outer space. Plus, these chimes make for amazing personal gifts to your loved ones! Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all engraveable wind chimes. 
 Follow Eliza: Website Facebook Instagram X YouTube LinkedIn 
 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

Our Sponsors:
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