As plant parents, we love our green babies, but sometimes we can get carried away with our collections. With life returning to normal, we might feel like it's time to simplify our spaces and make room for new experiences. Today's episode is all about embracing the joy of living with less. We're joined by Stephanie, the host of the Sustainable Minimalism podcast, to talk about how the principles of minimalism can bring positivity and happiness into our plant parenthood journeys. So get ready to enjoy some uplifting conversation on how to create a healthy and balanced plant collection!

In this episode, we learn:

• [03:04] Maria’s recent trip to Florida and her experience with outdoor plants
• [05:58] How did Stephanie become a sustainable minimalist and what journey did she take to get there?
• [08:57] How can regret and shame be used as a tool for positive change?
• [10:23] Do you throw your stuff away, give it away, or return it?
• [13:01] Why you should not let the “investment shame” hold you back from letting go of items that no longer serve you
• [15:15] Where to get a variety of edible flowers that can add beauty to your garden and unique flavors to your dishes
• [17:41] Are there any hidden signs of overwhelm people should watch out for when deciding to go minimalist?
• [21:13] What tools can you use to resist the urge to buy something new when trying to declutter?
• [25:01] Books and resources Stephanie recommends for those interested in minimalism!
• [26:33] What are the first steps you should take toward decluttering?
• [31:51] How wind chimes can be a beneficial addition to a mindfulness practice
• [34:28] Where can you find high-quality, safe, and eco-friendly indoor and outdoor gardening products?
• [36:13] Stephanie’s top minimalist takeaways that could inspire anyone interested in minimalism, and how it could apply to your plant collection
• [36:56] #1 Using cost per use as a metric!
• [38:19] #2 Space is more valuable than your belongings!
• [38:51] #3 Memories do not reside in items!
• [39:47] #4 Multiples of an item keep us cluttered!
• [42:04] How do you know if it's time to celebrate getting a new plant and be more intentional about what you buy?
• [43:07] #5 Pair your next purchase with something wonderful going on in your life!
• [45:29] Follow Stephanie and Sustainable Minimalist!

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Growing Joy Episode 111: The Art of the Plant Pause and Managing Plant Parent Overwhelm
• Growing Joy Episode 86: Pause With Plants to Release Stress and Increase Calm With Brittany From the Pause With Plants Podcast
• Marie Kondo
• Joshua Becker’s Becoming Minimalist
• Sustainable Minimalist Episode 341: When Minimalism Feels Overwhelming
• Folia Collective

For a detailed list of tips and tools for your minimalism journey,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsors:Territorial Seed Company

For this garden season, Territorial Seed Company is telling you: eat your flowers! Edible flowers are not only beautiful, but they are also good for your body, and this company has your back. Skip the lines at the garden center and let Territorial Seed Company deliver top-of-the-line, healthy and hardy plants right to your door! They have a great line of pre-grown plants, an expansive seed catalog, and over 40 years of experience delivering the best seeds and plants for everyone's garden. Whether you are looking for berries, flowers or edible plants in either seed or seedling form, Territorial Seed Company has your back.

Get 10% off by visiting territorialseed.com/growingjoy - discount applied at checkout.

Espoma Organic

Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To top it all off, they have a huge sustainability commitment with a 100% solar powered plant, zero waste manufacturing and eco-friendly packaging.

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

Wind River Chimes

Bring more peace, serenity, and magic into your home with chimes. Wind River is a Virginia-based company creating premium handcrafted and hand-tuned wind chimes for over 35 years. If you are looking for a new way to grow joy in your life and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect addition for your home or garden.

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all Corinthian Bells wind chimes.

Follow Stephanie:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Pinterest

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:
* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM


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