Dr Jared Barnes is a big G gardener – and has been since his earliest expressions of self as a toddler. Now a professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, Jared is also a writer under the name of Meristem and the host of the Plantastic podcast.

He wants everyone’s expression of self to include a love of plants and place. In fact, he wants us to see them, know them, and care for them as neighbors.

Dr. Jared’s work, his deep place philosophy, and his home garden is featured in a new book Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State, by Pam Penick, photographed by Kenny Braun. Jared is with CP this week to share more about his work, his place, and his neighborly love. Join us!

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The show is available as a podcast on SoundCloud and iTunes. To read more and for many more photos, please visit www.cultivatingplace.com.