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

1d ago

Air plants don’t get nearly enough love in the houseplant community. They’re an incredible low-maintenance, low-light-tolerant option, and one of the most fascinating plant species out there. They completely defy gravity, hanging from trees without soil. I appreciate them on an even deeper level now that I live in Florida, where I see air plants thriving in their natural habitat every single day, clinging to trees, bark, and branches on my walks. They’re whimsical, a little alien-looking, and endlessly fascinating. I think you’re really going to enjoy nerding out about them with me. So today, in the Best of Growing Joy series, we’re bringing back my dear friend Josh, the Air Plant Man, from an episode way, way back in the feed. Josh is a landscape architect turned Tillandsia expert, and he is truly air-plant-obsessed. Not just with caring for them, but with designing sustainable, beautiful ways to showcase these plants through his creations. This episode is a fantastic beginner’s guide to air plants, and I hope you walk away knowing something new about them by the end. In this episode, we learn: Josh’s upbring and how he connected with plants initially Why outdoor gardeners say they can’t keep houseplants What an airplant is, genus, family, and why it is special What are trichomes How Airplants get their nutrients To fertilize or not to fertilize? What airplant “blushing” is How airplants bloom and how to care for them when they do How to propagate airplants from their seeds Airplant Care 101 Debunking watering plant myths Everything we need to know about Airplant Pups How to separate pups from their mother plant What to know about the sexy and instagram friendly Xerografica Airplant Josh’s top 5 recommendations for more uncommon airplants for the planty collector Which winter houseplant tip are you excited to try first? Check out the full show notes and blog for all the winter-prep tips! Follow Josh Website Instagram Facebook X 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

3d ago

Have you ever wondered how the vibrant colors of flowers can transform your wardrobe? Join us in this episode of Growing Joy with Plants as we dive into the enchanting world of botanical printing with Ceilidh, the visionary founder of the sustainable clothing line BillyNou. Together, we explore the art of natural dyeing, where the beauty of plants meets the creativity of fashion. Ceilidh shares her journey as a designer living in the picturesque Provence, France, and her passion for harnessing the power of non-toxic flowers to create stunning botanical prints on fabric. As we unravel the secrets of botanical printing, Ceilidh introduces various dyeing techniques, including the mesmerizing methods of bundle dyeing and immersion dyeing. Discover which flowers yield the most vibrant colors and learn how to safely incorporate these natural pigments into your own fabric creations. This episode is an invitation for all plant lovers and gardening enthusiasts to connect with nature through the colors and textures of their gardens. Throughout the conversation, we touch on the therapeutic benefits of engaging with plants and the mental health advantages of home-based wellness activities like mindful gardening. Ceilidh emphasizes the importance of using non-toxic materials, making this a perfect episode for plant parents who are passionate about holistic plant care and joyful living. Join us as we embark on this colorful journey of botanical printing! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn from Ceilidh and explore how you can use flowers from your garden or local markets to create beautiful, sustainable pieces of art. Listen now and let your creativity blossom & grow! In this episode, we learn: [03:12] Who is Ceilidh and how did she start BillyNou? [05:07] How a Steiner/Waldorf education shaped her creativity [09:06] What is a natural dye? [12:48] Which fabrics give beginners the best results? [15:08] How to rinse and prep fibers correctly [15:30] Wind River Chimes [17:09] The Cut Flower Handbook by Lisa Ziegler [18:40] Can you dye denim? [21:38] What makes bundle dyeing the ultimate beginner technique? [22:56] What are the best flowers to use as dyes? [24:11] How to dye a denim jacket [24:37] How to lay out flowers before rolling [26:43] How to steam your bundle safely at home [29:06] How modifiers shift the colors [29:53] Why pH-neutral soap matters [31:37] Biggest mistakes with bundle dyeing [32:07] Which flowers don’t work well as dyes (and why) [33:04] Dyeing with medicinal herbs for symbolic meaning [35:05] Best food scraps for dyeing [36:25] Where to find BillyNou’s clothes, tutorials, and workshops [38:11] Inside her Creative Floral Retreat in Provence Mentioned in our conversation: Viral Bundle Dyeing Video Bundle Dyeing Ebook Creative Floral Retreat Lookbook Excited to get started with your botanical prints? Check out the full show notes and blog here for Ceilidh's guide! Follow Ceilidh: Website Shop Instagram YouTube Facebook 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 , and wherever books are sold. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 11

As we move into the winter season and you notice the days are getting shorter, you might also notice that your plants start looking a little sleepy. Maybe they start growing a little slower. Maybe they have some leaves die back, and this episode is created to help you not panic and learn that the plants are moving into a cozy season just like we are. So this is an old episode that we're bringing back in the Best of Growing Joy series, a solo episode where I give you the ins and outs of why our plants kind of experience this quiescence this cozy season and give you some of my tried and true tips to make sure that your houseplants are happy all winter long, from adjusting your light and humidity to finding peace in your own personal dormancy. I hope this episode gives you all of the cozy vibes and sets you up for success as we enter the dormant season for our plants and hopefully ourselves. In this episode, we learn: [05:28] The effect of light on the growth of plants [06:52] How winter impacts your plants [07:34] Why leaf drop isn’t necessarily bad [07:55] Do some people experience more light in winter? [09:15] What is quiescence and how does it affect plants? [10:09] Are all plants dormant during the winter season? [10:50] Is preemptive pruning really necessary? [11:30] Supplementing high-light plants with grow lights during the winter [13:14] How should you water your plants during winter? [14:29] Which is better? Watering routine or plant care routine? [15:47] Beware of the one-size fits all suggestions on plant care [16:41] Why you shouldn’t assume your plant is dead [18:19] Things to keep in mind with plant shopping during winter [21:30] Where to get seeds for your spring garden [22:52] The best gardening products that are safe for you, for your pets, and for thea planet [24:21] How important humidity for plants is in the winter [26:03] Using a humidifier in your household [29:03] How to protect your plants from drafty windows during winter [30:40] How to clean your humidifiers [31:46] When can you stop watering your plants? [32:42] How to deal with pest outbreaks during winter [34:21] How can you apply this concept of quiescence to yourself? [37:08] The rule of 10% less in adapting acquiesce in your life Mentioned in our conversation: YouTube video My Home Grow light Tour! YouTube video Moisture Meter and Hygrometer Review Grow Lights Hygrometers Radiators Humidifiers Which winter houseplant tip are you excited to try first? Check out the full show notes and blog for all the winter-prep tips! 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 9

Have you ever wondered how a simple vegetable garden can transform into a thriving source of joy, health, and sustainability? Join host Maria Failla in this inspiring episode of Growing Joy with Plants as she welcomes Jeremy and Staci, a passionate husband-and-wife duo who have dedicated over 21 years to the art of gardening and food preservation. Discover their incredible journey from planting seeds in their backyard to becoming experts in preserving the bounty of their harvest, all while nurturing their six children and creating a legacy of wellness rooted in nature. In this enlightening conversation, Jeremy and Staci share their motivations for growing and preserving food, highlighting the dual goals of providing high-quality produce and reducing grocery bills. They dive deep into practical methods of preservation, including canning, freezing, and freeze-drying, while emphasizing the importance of planning and understanding the yield of different plants. Their insights not only address the challenges of plant care but also touch on the broader benefits of food security and cost savings. Listeners will be inspired by the couple's agritourism farm in Missouri, where they cultivate not only food for their family but also a welcoming space for others to learn about gardening and preservation. Jeremy and Staci encourage aspiring plant parents and gardening enthusiasts to start small and experiment with preservation techniques, offering practical tips that can lead to joyful living and holistic plant care. As you tune in, you'll gain valuable knowledge about the intersection of gardening and mental health, the joy of sharing your harvest, and the importance of nature mindfulness in our lives. Whether you're a seasoned plant lover or just beginning your journey into plant parenthood, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice to help you grow joy with plants. In this episode, we learn: [02:02] Meet Jeremy & Staci Hill from Gooseberry Bridge Farm! [03:09] Why food quality pushed them deeper into homesteading [04:15] When did they start getting into preserving their garden harvests? [04:54] What it means to be a “you-pick flower farm” [05:13] A peek at their 12-acre property and flower fields [09:02] Regular garden vs a preserver’s garden [10:22] How they calculate yearly needs: experimentation + family habits [12:05] How cooking every meal changes your relationship to food and waste [14:54] Espoma Organic [16:35] Vibrant Harvest by Sandra Mao [17:59] What are the other benefits of homesteading/preserving? [20:06] Things you need to consider with homesteading [23:27] How to preserve okra [24:29] One crop many ways vs many crops one way [26:41] Freeze-drying vs canning [28:57] Salting [29:43] Fermenting & pickling (kimchi, sauerkraut, and probiotic pickles) [32:23] Modern tools that make preserving easier [33:18] Canning [35:34] Dehydrating [41:58] DIY root cellar: the “extra fridge turned to 50°F” trick [43:05] Where to find Jeremy & Staci, their book, and their farm online Mentioned in our conversation: The Preserver's Garden: How to Grow a Garden for Fermenting, Canning, Pickling, Dehydrating, Freeze Drying, and More by Staci and Jeremy Hill Growing Joy 202: How to Can and Ferment Vegetables and Fruits from Your Garden with Stephanie Thurow Growing Joy 195: Homesteading for Beginners with Michelle Bruhn and Stephanie Thurow Gooseberry Bridge 2026 Farm Memberships Gooseberry Bridge You-Pick Flowers Enjoy your harvest more with preserving made easy, check out the full show notes and blog here for more! Follow Staci & Jeremy: Website Instagram YouTube Facebook Thank you to our episode sponsors: Espoma Organic Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront . Quarto: Vibrant Harvest by Sandra Mao Grab Vibrant Harvest at quarto.com and wherever books are sold. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 4

Did you know that you can have a living Christmas tree in your home that can be planted and live long after the ornaments come down? I didn't know this until seven years ago when I interviewed Joe Lamp’l , otherwise known as Joe Gardener, all about how to have a living Christmas tree indoors that you plant in later years. It was a fascinating episode, and it is Part 2 of our Christmas Tree Series that we've brought back from way deep in the archives. Please remember this was like the fourth or fifth episode of the podcast, so sound quality might look a little different, but it's such great content, and you might be curious about adding a temporary houseplant Christmas tree to your collection that then can live on in perpetuity, that you can visit in years to come. I hope you love this episode and it gets you into the holiday spirit! In this episode, we learn: What a Living Christmas Tree actually is What the options are for using your tree after the holiday season The entire process from selection to replanting of a Living Christmas Tree Average length of time for a Living Christmas Tree to be indoors The secret to preserving moisture in your Living Christmas Tree The experiment that might cause me to get two trees this year… The importance of mulch Proper technique for replanting your tree Using your tree as an heirloom Curious about living Christmas trees? Check out the full show notes and blog to learn how you can have a lasting Christmas memory with a living tree! Follow Joe: Website Instagram YouTube Facebook Facebook Group Podcast 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 2

Plant friends, today let’s talk about the Sonoran Desert , one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. As a former New Yorker turned Florida plant parent, I will never forget the first time I visited Arizona and that surreal feeling of standing in a place so unlike anywhere I’d ever been. And lucky for us, I have invited a new plant friend and someone who knows the Sonoran Desert ecosystem like the back of her hand. She’s called Sonoran Rosie, and she’s a herbalist, maker, and desert explorer who has dedicated her life to studying, honoring, and creating with the plants of the Sonoran Desert. Let's get started! In this episode, we learn: [02:30] How Rosie became “Sonoran Rosie” [04:14] What makes the Sonoran Desert so unique? [04:58] The 4 biomes of the Sonoran Desert [07:22] How Sonoran plants survive extreme temperature and rainfall swings [08:21] Ideal springtime desert temperatures [09:06] What is summer like in the Sonoran Desert? [10:11] What a monsoon is like in the desert [11:44] What is creosote (chaparral), aka the plant behind the desert rain smell? [13:14] What are the medicinal properties of creosotes? (especially for skincare!) [14:43] Wind River Chimes [16:22] The Preserver's Garden by Staci and Jeremy Hill [18:13] What do different seasons look like in the desert? [19:52] When is it best to plant tomatoes in the desert? [21:55] What is Rosie’s favorite spring desert plant? [23:04] What are keystone plants, and how important are they for desert wildlife? [25:39] How to make poppy tinctures [26:58] What are Rosie's favorite summer desert plants? [30:35] How Rosie harvests & preserves prickly pear fruit [31:53] What are Rosie’s favorite fall desert plants? [34:24] Jojoba (nut, oil, and skin-loving powerhouse) [37:34] Why harvesting agave destroys the whole plant [39:24] Why Brittlebush is Rosie’s favorite desert plant to work with [40:08] How Rosie's business began with a single creosote spray [42:17] Are there any Sonoran plants that we could have as houseplants? [43:17] Where to find Sonoran Rosie’s book and products Mentioned in the conversation: Seasons of the Desert book by Sonoran Rosie The Sonoran Collection Which desert plants have healing properties? Check out the full show notes and blog to learn more! Follow Sonoran Rosie: Website Store Instagram Facebook 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 Preserver's Garden by Staci and Jeremy Hill Grab The Preserver's Garden at quarto.com and wherever books are sold and enjoy your garden bounty longer! 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 27

I am so tickled to bring you this episode, a very special episode in the Best of Growing Joy series. This is the fifth episode I ever published in my over 300 episodes on this podcast, but I figured the timing is perfect for me to bring back this oldie but goodie that even if you've been a real devout listener of the podcast, you might have missed because it's so far down the feed. It's perfect for the Best of Growing Joy season—all about Christmas trees and why you should get real cut Christmas trees instead of a fake Christmas tree. This was an interview I did back in 2017 with Mary Jeanne Packer. Back then, she was with the Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York, and she busted a lot of myths about real versus artificial trees, sustainable practices, and how, if you choose to get a real tree, you could keep it fresh all season long. It was a delightful little conversation and gets you in the spirit for having that beautiful, fresh Christmas tree and that scent in your home. In this episode, we learn: Why cut Christmas Trees are actually better for the environment than an artificial tree The various ways to recycle your cut tree after the holidays Best practices for having Cut Christmas Trees, from selecting it, to taking it home, how to position and properly care for it and how to properly recycle it after the season. Myth Busters! Are chemicals and Sprite needed to feed your Christmas Tree? Listen to find out! Shopping local to celebrate the holiday spirit. Next time you smell a rose, basil, or the forest after rain… which VOC fact will you think about first? Check out the full show notes and blog to learn what’s really behind your favorite natural scents and how plants use them to survive! Follow Christmas Tree Farmers of New York: Website Facebook 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 25

Did you know that the water we drink and use in our gardens isn’t in its most natural, optimal form? That simple idea cracked open one of the best conversations I’ve had in my 300+ podcast episodes, plant friend! I talked to Mario Brainovic, the CEO of Analemma Water , to learn about coherent water: what it is, why it matters, and how it affects both our bodies and our plants. This conversation inspired me and made me rethink the water in my glass, my bathtub, and my watering can. Let's dive in! In this episode, we learn: [04:31] Meet Mario Brainovic, CEO of Analemma Water [05:55] What is coherent water? [09:36] Coherent (structured) vs. incoherent water [13:56] Why everything has sacred geometry, including water [15:17] Espoma Organic [17:40] Why the water we drink influences everything [19:06] Water memory, emotions & frequency [21:24] First plant studies: measuring biophoton emissions [24:06] The basil drought-resilience experiment [26:58] Soil study: restoring dead soil with coherent water [31:51] How coherent water connects plants (and humans) to circadian rhythms [33:47] First human study: brainwave harmonization in real time [38:45] Biological age study: rejuvenation of 1–12 years [40:13] Why sunlight charges coherent water [42:43] Benefits of drinking coherent water [44:15] NAD+ study: the molecule of longevity significantly rises [45:20] How to make your water coherent: the Analemma wand [48:25] Rainwater vs. coherent water [49:58] How to use the wand for houseplants [51:30] Why coherent water increases nutrient density & light emission [52:46] Important tip: keep test plants far apart (energy fields!) [53:58] Mario’s orchid resurrection story [58:45] 30%+ improvement in heart rate variability after a bath [59:22] Can you use Analemma for coffee or tea? [01:00:06] What’s the easiest Analemma bath hack? [01:00:48] Where to learn more about Analemma + 10% discount code “GROWINGJOY” Mentioned in our conversation: Analemma Wand Analemma Inlay Garden Analemma Luxury Analemma Whole House Analemma Transform Your Water, Transform Your Life: The How and Why of Coherent H2O - almost30.com Growing Joy 307: Earthing Explained: The Science of Grounding for Better Sleep, Less Pain, and More Energy with Dr. Gaétan Chevalier For the full list of the positive impacts of coherent water, check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Analemma: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Thank you to our episode sponsor: 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.