Growing Joy with Plants &#8211; Wellness Rooted in Nature, Houseplants, Gardening and Plant Care

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5 Houseplant Crafts that Make Amazing DIY Holiday Gifts Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

The holiday season is officially here! As much as I love this festive time of year, gift-giving can be stressful for me. I always struggle to find meaningful, budget-friendly presents that make my loved ones happy. But this year, I'm spreading holiday cheer by gifting my friends and family homemade plant-inspired presents. Not only is this a budget-friendly idea—it also allows me to share my plant passion with the special people in my life. Plus, don’t you agree that plants make wonderful gifts, plant friends?

In this episode, I'm sharing 5 DIY planty holiday gift ideas from simple to more advanced. Of course, I’m going to make sure there’s something for every skill level and budget. Let's get crafting!

In this episode, we learn:

[00:00] What are some affordable DIY plant-themed holiday gift ideas?
[04:58] #1 Thrifted propagation station
[08:10] #2 Windowsill herb garden
[10:30] #3 Stylish Kokedama
[15:07] Looking for unique and soothing chimes as a holiday gift?
[16:35] Looking for the best plant genetics and tailored care for your garden?
[18:52] #4 Succulent Wreath
[25:06] #5 Personalized Terrarium
[31:20] Accompany your DIY crafts with my book!

Mentioned in our conversation:

How to Make a Living Succulent Wreath - Succulents and Sunshine
Michaels Greenery Terrarium
17" Living Wreath Sphagnum Moss Form
Greening Pins
Growing Joy Ep 168 Grow Your Own Tea: Intro to Herbalism With Juliet of Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine
Growing Joy Ep 178 The Mushroom Miniseries: Mushrooms 101
Growing Joy Ep 183 The Mushroom Miniseries: How To Grow Functional Mushrooms In Your Garden
Growing Joy Ep 191 The Mushroom Miniseries: How To Grow Mushrooms Indoors

For a more detailed description of each DIY gift,

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

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 to your home or garden. Plus, it's a perfect personalized gift for your loved ones this holiday season!

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

Proven Winners

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

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How to Put Your Garden to Bed for Winter Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

The peak gardening season may be over, but there are still important tasks to do in the garden before winter arrives. As we enter fall and approach winter, it's time to start prepping our garden beds to go dormant. Properly putting your beds to rest sets your garden up for success when it awakens refreshed in spring. In this episode, gardening expert Resh Gala (@reshgala) tells us everything you need to know to properly put your garden to bed for the winter! This episode is a bit of a plant geek fest, so prepare yourselves, plant friends!

In this episode, we learn:

[05:19] Resh's gardening journey and how understanding soil quality led to her success
[07:53] How does Resh balance gardening, extending the growing season, and self-care in her small backyard garden?
[09:37] Creating a greenhouse effect in snowy conditions with bent metal or PVC pipes
[11:24] Why preparing and "putting to bed" gardens for winter is important
[13:20] What are the sustainable gardening practices for winter that you should know about?
[16:57] Importance of adding compost to garden beds before winter to improve soil health
[19:13] What should be done in spring to prepare the soil for planting?
[20:18] Nourish your garden with Espoma Organic's diverse range of organic composts
[22:19] Gift a touch of harmony this holiday with Wind River Wind Chimes
[25:10] Why cover crops are a valuable addition to regenerative gardening and soil enrichment
[28:54] Why it’s easy to grow garlic during winter (keeps pests away, resilient, and is a gardener’s favorite!)
[32:09] Why is it important to reflect on the gardening season as part of self-care in plant care?
[34:09] Resh’s favorite list of what to grow in preparation for the next garden season (tomatoes and cucumber varieties)
[39:59] What kinds of flowers does Resh like to grow in her garden to attract pollinators?
[48:19] Pre-order Resh's upcoming book Vegetable Gardening Made Easy later this year
[50:52] Where can you find Resh on social media?

Mentioned in our conversation:

Building and Installing a Low Tunnel Hoop House — Resh Gala
Growing Joy Ep 168 Grow Your Own Tea: Intro To Herbalism With Juliet Of Chestnut School Of Herbal Medicine
Growing Joy Ep 199 How To Grow Garlic With Jill Winger
Growing Joy Ep 200 Common Houseplant Pest Identification And How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats, Spidermites, Scale, White Flies And Mealybugs
Sundried Cherry Tomatoes — Instagram Reel
Tomato crops
Cucumber crops
Pre-order Resh Gala’s book, Vegetable Gardening Made Easy

For more of Resh's winter prep tips,

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Espoma Organic

Make sure your plants are all set for the new season! 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

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

Follow Resh:

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

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How to Grow Citrus Indoors Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever wandered through the citrus section of a nursery, inhaling the sweet scent of Meyer lemons and key limes, and thought “Oh my, I want one”? As someone who impulse purchased a struggling lime tree years ago—which I named Limey, by the way—growing citrus indoors is possible with the right care and conditions. Citrus plants can be great houseplants if you set them up for success, and they present a unique opportunity to engage all five senses! In this episode, I invited my long-lost dear friend Danny Trejo from Via Citrus to share with you everything you need to know to cultivate your own indoor citrus plant, from choosing the right variety to proper care for growth and fruiting.

In this episode, we learn:

[00:00] What citrus varieties has Maria grown over the years?
[11:59] What is Danny's background with citrus?
[15:01] Try Soltech's high-quality grow lights and get 15% off with code BLOOM15
[17:23] Where can you get the best citrus soil mix and citrus tone fertilizer?
[19:39] What citrus varieties does Danny recommend for beginners?
[21:20] Other citrus varieties Via Citrus are growing
[24:13] What conditions do citrus plants need to thrive indoors?
[28:01] Grow light specifications for citrus (a crash course)
[31:28] Why you should have a proper watering schedule
[34:09] Soil care and drainage hole for your citrus
[35:52] How often should you fertilize citrus?
[37:11] How to prepare your citrus in the winter
[38:37] When is the best time to prune your citrus plants?
[41:40] How to increase humidity for citrus in the winter
[42:53] What are some common citrus troubleshooting tips?
[44:08] Can you grow citrus from seeds?
[45:28] What is grafting?
[49:53] How to ensure that your plant's buds develop into fruit
[51:52] What exciting new sustainable pot line is Danny creating?
[55:06] Where can you find Danny on social media? (use code ‘GROWINGJOY' for 10% discount!)

Mentioned in our conversation:

Growing Joy Ep 206 The History Of Italian Gardens And Italian Citrus With Helena Attlee
Growing Joy Ep 203 How To Bring Your Plants Indoors For The Winter
YouTube video Limey’s Grand Adventure // Flying My Lime Tree To Florida
Helena Attlee’s book, The Land Where Lemons Grow: The Story of Italy and Its Citrus Fruit
We The Wild
Soltech Aspect Lights Collection
Espoma Organic Citrus Tone
Espoma Organic Citrus Food

For a deep dive into Danny's expert citrus grower tips,

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Soltech Solutions

Ensure your plants are getting enough light indoors! Soltech Solutions makes the grow lights you’ve heard me talk about for years: whether you are looking for a pendant light, track lighting, or a simple bulb to screw into any standard light fixture, Soltech has got you covered. They offer quality products with great customer service, free shipping, and a 5-year warranty. Keep the sun shining and the plants green inside your home with Soltech Solutions.

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

Espoma Organic

Make sure your plants are all set for the new season! 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.

Follow Danny:

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

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plant Magic: How to Be a Green Witch Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

Do you ever wish you could invite a little more magic into your life? As fall approaches and the spooky season of Halloween is upon us, many of us long to connect with something… mystical. But magic doesn’t have to be complicated or even supernatural, plant friends. The energy of nature that surrounds us every day provides plenty of opportunity for wonder, spiritual connection, and manifestation!

To guide us, I’ve invited my dear friend Rachael Cohen, who is a wonderful example of a modern green witch. While terms like "witch" can carry a stigma, Rachael shows how nature offers a portal to our intuition, healing, and inner wisdom.

In this episode, we learn:

[07:25] Rachael’s journey to becoming the “Green Witch”
[12:54] How did making art with succulents help Rachael find peace?
[15:18] Get a free engraving with code 'growingjoy' at Wind River Chimes
[19:29] Complex history behind the term “witch”
[21:54] How does Rachael define a witch?
[27:24] What is magic?
[29:21] What does it look like to be a “Green Witch”?
[30:30] Where can you find top-tier houseplants grown in the state-of-the-art European greenhouse?
[33:09] Connection between seasons, menstrual cycles, elements, and spirituality
[36:48] How do green witches use the cycles of the moon?
[39:06] New moon vs full moon and the different energies they release
[42:00] Try to read The Farmer’s Almanac to learn more about the moon
[47:37] How does Rachael work with plants as a green witch? (active plant magic vs passive plant magic)
[48:31] Different energies and creation of herbal teas
[52:41] How to identify the uses of herbs
[55:57] What makes people choose tinctures over teas?
[57:41] Spells can include rhymes, but intention matters more than words
[01:01:27] How do you create a spell bag for financial abundance?
[01:04:18] Should planting intention spells align with the new or full moon?
[01:05:50] Strategic plant placement impacts energy flow based on Feng Shui and yin/yang qualities (aka passive plant magic)
[01:11:58] Working with seasons and elements
[01:16:26] Where can you find Rachael on social media?

Mentioned in our conversation:

Growing Joy Episode 60: Live Taping! DIY Succulent Crowns With Infinite Succulent
Growing Joy Episode 165: Everyday Plant Magic With Rachael Of Infinite Succulent
Rachael’s book Everyday Plant Magic: Change Your Life Through the Magical Energy of Nature
Rachael’s book Infinite Succulent: Miniature Living Art to Keep or Share
Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way
Arin Murphy-Hiscock’s book The Green Witch
Juliet Diaz's books
The Farmers’ Almanac

For a deeper dive into plant magic and natural energies,

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Wind River Chimes

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

Territorial Seed Company

Are you ready for the fall gardening season? 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 leafy veggies, 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.

Proven Winners

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 Rachael:

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

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Check out the amazon storefront with links to many of the products discussed today

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

DIY Houseplant First Aid Kit Oct 17, 2023

Show notes

Caring for houseplants often means dealing with pests, diseases, or cultural issues at some point. Having a houseplant first aid kit prepared allows you to quickly treat problems and nurse your plants back to health. In this episode, our favorite horticulturist Leslie Halleck shares must-have items to include in your DIY houseplant first aid kit so you can effectively treat plant problems as soon as they pop up!

In this episode, we learn:

[00:17] What is a Houseplant First Aid Kit?
[09:46] What is horticultural oil, when is it used, and how does it differ from neem oil?
[12:57] Neem vs neem oil
[15:03] How to brighten up your home and keep your houseplants happy all year with high-quality grow lights
[17:28] DIY houseplant first aid kit essentials: Fungus Gnats Death Drop and neem oil!
[19:44] Is neem oil safe as a leaf shine for plants, or does it potentially harm them by clogging stomata or pores?
[22:58] Why should you include fungicide/bio-insecticide in your first aid kit for houseplants?
[25:52] Does fungicide reverse leaf damage?
[27:46] Sanitizing vs sterilizing (plus products you should use while pruning)
[28:48] What is insecticidal soap?
[30:18] What are systemics, why do they work, and when should they be used? (heavier chemical)
[32:18] Where can you find the best houseplants with scientific care guides and color-coded collections?
[34:15] Where can you find high-quality organic fertilizers and potting mixes?
[40:50] How do hydrogen peroxide and BT work in dealing with houseplant pests?
[41:43] What is a "drench" in systemic pesticide application?
[44:16] Why should you have rooting hormone in your first aid kit?
[45:19] Best tools/gears for your first aid kid!
[45:20] What are sticky traps? (monitoring tool)
[47:07] Rubber gloves Leslie recommends!
[50:15] Why should you use separate snippers/tweezers/pruners for gardening tasks?
[51:57] Folding potting mat!
[53:58] Hygrometers/glass domes
[57:31] Grow lights
[01:00:19] PAR Meter (for professionals)
[01:03:36] Maria’s favorite—magnifying glass!
[01:16:17] Moisture meter
[01:08:49] Check out Leslie’s books!

Mentioned in our conversation:

For a complete list of houseplant first aid kit must-haves,

Grab the Fungus Gnat Death Drops and/or neem oil at happyhappyhouseplant.com and get 10% off with code GROWINGJOY at checkout!

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Soltech Solutions

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

Fungus Gnats Death Drops by Happy Happy Houseplant

Can't seem to get rid of fungus gnats? Happy Happy Houseplant knows how annoying it is to see fungus gnats take over your plants, so they created Fungus Gnat Death Drops! Backed by science, tested by their founder Mandi, and loved by their customers. Keep fungus gnats at bay with this microbial insecticide with the active ingredient BTI or Bacillus thuringiensis which kills fungus gnat larvae. Another product to love is Happy Happy Houseplant's Neem Oil kit which comes with a stylish glass bottle, and pre-emulsified Neem concentrate, so you don’t have to mess around with mixing it yourself. No separating or added ingredients!

Grab the Fungus Gnat Death Drops and/or neem oil at happyhappyhouseplant.com and get 10% off with code GROWINGJOY at checkout!

Proven Winners

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!

Espoma Organic

Make sure your plants are all set for the new season! 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.

Follow Leslie:

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

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rooted in Generosity: Inspiring Harmony Through Wind Chimes and Why You Need Them in Your Garden Oct 10, 2023

Show notes

Wouldn't it be nice to wake up every morning to the hypnotic sound of wind chimes gently drifting through your bedroom window, plant friends? The delicate tones of wind chimes dancing on the breeze can turn an ordinary morning into a magical experience.

In this episode, I spoke with the owners of Wind River Chimes to uncover the history, craftsmanship, and meaning behind these musical garden ornaments. If you’re a constant listener, I’m sure you know them as one of my podcast sponsors! Patty, Jamie, Luke, and I talked about the joyful art and science behind creating beautiful chimes that connect us to soothing sounds and special memories.

In this episode, we learn:

[00:10] Why wind chimes have become significant for Maria’s mental health
[03:51] Let’s welcome Patty, Jamie, and Luke from Wind River Chimes!
[05:30] What are their favorite Wind River chimes?
[07:39] History of Wind River Chimes
[08:53] How Jamie and Patty got involved and eventually bought the company in 2005
[10:54] How has the company evolved since they assumed leadership?
[14:03] How the wind chimes are made (tuned pipes, specific alloys, thick walls)
[17:13] How the tones and scales are designed
[18:57] The emotional experience provided by chimes
[19:46] The primal connection of humans to music
[21:45] What is the science of sound? (alloys, testing, parts designed for optimal tone)
[24:55] What are their favorite emotional customer stories involving the chimes?
[31:20] Why does the company commit to donating 20% of their profits to charity?
[34:04] What "harmony" means to the Wind River Chimes team

Mentioned in our conversation:

Corinthian Bells Windchime

For a deep dive into the science of soothing chime sounds,

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Territorial Seed Company

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

Follow Wind River Chimes:

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

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The History of Italian Gardens and Italian Citrus Oct 03, 2023

Show notes

Ever heard the saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"? You bet those lemons might have come from an Italian garden, plant friends! To celebrate Italian American Heritage Month, this episode brings us all about the history of Italian gardens and citrus cultivation with Helena Attlee, an expert on Italian gardens and author of the book The Land Where Lemons Grow. We will talk about Italy's epic obsession with gardens and citrus fruits over the centuries.

In this episode, we learn:

[00:00] What is the deep-rooted connection between Italian culture and gardening?
[07:36] How Helena became passionate about Italian gardening
[11:48] Helena’s garden features and the cultural significance of citrus in Italian agriculture
[13:57] Why is it not advisable to grow citrus in Britain?
[15:00] Get your fall planting and feeding essentials from Espoma Organics!
[16:30] Gift the magic of soothing melodies this season with Wind River Wind Chimes
[18:23] What recurring cultural garden themes did Helena find in all her visits?
[22:05] Revival of Italian gardening
[28:05] What sustains edible gardening in Italian culture, especially in lower and middle-class communities?
[29:59] How volcanic ash from active volcanoes benefits plant growth, particularly in regions like Sicily and Naples
[31:11] What inspired Helena to write her book, The Land Where Lemons Grow?
[34:30] Importance of Italian citrus farming and its link to the mafia's rise
[41:13] Health benefits of blood oranges and lemon juice, especially in preventing scurvy
[44:11] What are Helena’s top favorite gardens to visit in Italy?
[46:41] What would be one way to elevate your gardens in an Italian way?
[47:34] Where can you find Helena on social media?

Mentioned in our conversation:

Book by Helena Attlee The Land Where Lemons Grow
Books by Georgina Masson
Russell Page
Grandi Giardini Italiani

For a deep dive into Italian gardens you can explore up to the present,

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Espoma Organic

Make sure your plants are all set for the new season! 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

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

Follow Helena:

Website

Instagram

Twitter

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

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Houseplant Styling Tips, How to Be A Professional Houseplant Stylist and All Things Maryah Greene Sep 26, 2023

Show notes

If you love styling your indoor plants and have an eye for design, becoming a professional plant stylist may be the perfect side hustle or full-time career for you, plant friends! Plant styling has exploded in popularity recently, as more people discover the therapeutic benefits of surrounding themselves with plants. In this episode, we'll share insights from Maryah Greene, a successful New York-based plant stylist and influencer, on how she built her brand Greene Piece. You'll learn Maryah’s tips for starting a plant styling company, calculating rates, and her new children's book, ‘Good Things.’ We'll also cover her top plant styling techniques to create cohesive, harmonious plant designs tailored to you and your space.

In this episode, we learn:

[03:26] Maryah on balancing plant collections and responsibilities
[05:48] Why Maryah created Greene Piece and the inspiration behind it
[08:09] How did Maryah's Japan experience shape her passion for plant teaching?
[14:20] How did Maryah manage her first year offering plant-related services as a side hustle?
[17:43] How did Maryah determine her pricing strategy for her plant business?
[20:43] Navigating initial business paperwork and finances
[24:02] Embracing entrepreneurship and appearing on Good Morning America!
[28:55] What was the impact of Maryah's decision on her work and career prospects?
[31:21] How does Maryah maintain balance and fulfillment in her business?
[36:34] What’s the difference between plant styling and being a plant doctor?
[38:14] Maryah’s journey as a content creator and influencer in the plant community
[41:01] Maryah on evolving brand partnerships
[44:59] Top three plant styling tips!
[49:13] What is the story behind Maryah's book "Good Things"?
[53:53] How did the Black Lives Matter movement influence Maryah’s decision to write the book?
[56:36] Emotional impact of the book on both children and adults
[56:36] Working together on illustrations with Alleanna Harris
[01:00:08] How does the book help parents and teachers discuss emotions and loss with children?
[01:02:37] Where can you find Maryah and her book on social media?

Mentioned in our conversation:

Maryah Greene's book Good Things
Growing Joy Ep 185 The Power Of Therapeutic Horticulture
Plant Swaps by Summer Rayne Oakes
Maryah on Good Morning America
Razorbill
Alleanna Harris

For Maryah's expert plant styling tips,

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Territorial Seed Company

Growing garlic for the first time does not have to be a struggle! 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 leafy veggies, 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.

Follow Maryah:

Website

Instagram

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How to Identify Houseplant Disease Sep 18, 2023

Show notes

Is your houseplant suddenly dropping leaves, getting spots, or just looking sick? Plant diseases can strike fear into any plant parent's heart. One day your plant baby is thriving, and the next it's on the decline! Plant diseases happen to the best of us. Even expert growers deal with fungal, bacterial, and viral plant infections. The good news is that many common houseplant diseases are treatable if caught early. But plant friends, you need to first know how to accurately identify them.

In the third episode of the Grow Better series with my dear friend, Leslie Halleck, we explore how to spot symptoms, diagnose plant illnesses, build a first aid kit, and nurse your plants back to health.

In this episode, we learn:

[07:00] What is a plant disease?
[09:55] Why do plants get these diseases? (the disease triangle)
[11:47] Factors involved when a pathogen meets a host
[13:11] Difference between signs and symptoms
[16:36] Challenges of identifying plant symptoms
[20:17] Is it enough to know what the disease is before you start treating it?
[20:51] General guidelines for identifying different types of diseases (fungal, viral, and bacterial)
[24:37] What are some common misconceptions about bacterial and fungal disease infections?
[28:19] Disease #1 Powdery Mildew
[30:46] Enjoy a 15% discount on Soltech’s Grove LED Bar Light as a member of the Growing Joy community!
[32:30] Does the idea of gifting mindfulness through resonating wind chimes intrigue you?
[34:30] Disease #2 Molds
[38:12] Disease #3 Leaf spots
[41:14] Importance of having fungicides in a houseplant care kit!
[43:14] Disease #4 Root rot
[45:05] Considerations for propagating specific species (e.g., African violets)
[48:23] Why do viruses generally have no effective treatments?
[48:43] What are the go-to resources for diagnosing plant disease?
[56:26] What is the best course of action for treating black rot on a Dracula or any orchid?
[59:25] Keep your plants healthy by practicing prevention and environmental management

Mentioned in our conversation:

For disease-specific treatment guides,