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

Did you know the scent of plants can do more than just make your garden smell good? It can actually improve your mood, your memory, and your overall health. I’ve always thought of plant scents as just a lovely bonus in the garden, but I didn’t know there’s some wild science behind how smell connects to our emotions and even our brains. And to help me with that is Dr. Rachel Herz, a neuroscientist and expert on the psychology of scent. She explains how the smells from our plants can shape how we feel, what we remember, and how we heal. IN THIS EPISODE, WE LEARN: * [03:06] How did Dr. Herz start her career in the science of scents? * [06:18] Why smell is tied to memories and emotions * [09:01] Aromatherapy and emotional associations * [10:28] Ingesting rosemary vs. smelling rosemary * [12:27] Why do people like or dislike different smells? * [14:30] How does the human olfactory system detect and process scents? * [15:32] Wind River Chimes [https://windriverchimes.com/] * [17:20] Coolibar [https://coolibar.com/] * [21:43] What’s the role of the olfactory bulbs? * [22:36] Why is the nose a significant entry point for substances entering the body? * [25:12] Why do people often think smell is the least important sense? * [27:25] Losing sight vs smell * [30:20] Gardeners Supply Company’s [https://www.gardeners.com/] * [32:48] The perception of a smell as "good" or "bad" * [35:08] Can our sense of smell be cultivated? * [36:30] Where can you find Dr. Herz and her works online? MENTIONED IN OUR CONVERSATION: * Rachel Herz: Smell, Your Least Appreciated Sense | TED Talk [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmGLsMER58g] * Rachel Herz: Smell Can Change the World: Health, Technology, and the Future | TED Talk [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMrw7dig-8A] *  International Flavors & Fragrances [https://www.iff.com/] * Monell Chemical Senses Center [https://monell.org/] * Trygg Engen [https://academic.oup.com/chemse/article-abstract/35/3/181/313798] * Dr. Rachel Herz’s books: * The Scent of Desire [https://www.amazon.com/Scent-Desire-Discovering-Enigmatic-Sense/dp/0060825383/ref=ed_oe_p] * Why You Eat What You Eat [https://www.amazon.com/Why-You-Eat-What-Relationship-dp-0393356604/dp/0393356604/ref=mt_other?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=] * That's Disgusting: Unraveling the Mysteries of Repulsion [https://www.amazon.com/Thats-Disgusting-Unraveling-Mysteries-Repulsion-dp-0393344169/dp/0393344169/ref=mt_other?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1620942839] READY TO EXPLORE THE HEALING WONDERS OF NATURAL FRAGRANCES? Check out the full show notes and blog here! [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/smell] Follow Dr Rachel: Website [https://rachelherz.com/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelherz/] X [https://twitter.com/Rachel_Herz] Academic Work [https://rachelherz.com/academic-work/] Consulting [https://rachelherz.com/consulting/] THANK YOU TO OUR EPISODE SPONSORS: WIND RIVER CHIMES Visit windriverchimes.com [https://windriverchimes.com/] and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes. COOLIBAR Protect your skin with Coolibar and save 25% off your order at coolibar.com [https://www.coolibar.com/] with code GROWINGJOY25. GARDENER'S SUPPLY Discover your garden favorites and exclusive innovations at gardeners.com [https://www.gardeners.com/growingjoy] and use code GROWINGJOY for free shipping.  Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) [https://read.macmillan.com/lp/growing-joy/] by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App [https://community.bloomandgrowradio.com/] AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here [https://community.bloomandgrowradio.com/plans/240978?bundle_token=93c10c1568fcdb1e6ff95529f22ca502&utm_source=manual]! Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/personality] (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/bloomandgrowradio]! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria [http://www.instagram.com/growingjoywithmaria] Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria [https://www.tiktok.com/@growingjoywithmaria?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria [https://youtube.com/@growingjoywithmaria] Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com [http://www.growingjoywithmaria.com/] Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria [https://www.pinterest.com/growingjoywithmaria/] Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM * Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.org Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands]

You've tried water and soil, but have you ever rooted a cutting in a Fluval Stratum? Yes, it’s technically made for fish tanks. Yes, it looks like little black caviar. But it might just be the best thing to happen to your houseplant propagation! So in this episode, let’s break down everything I’ve learned from my conversation with my plant friend, Lindsay Sisti (@alltheplantbabies), who is a propagation extraordinaire and the author of The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation. Thanks to her, I now know exactly how and why this strange little volcanic material is revolutionizing plant propagation! IN THIS EPISODE, WE LEARN: * [00:00] Is there a mess-free plant propagation? * [02:28] How did Lindsay become a propagation expert? * [07:31] What is hybridization/pollination of plants? * [09:26] What is Fluval Stratum? * [10:00] What is a volcanic tephra? * [12:42] What makes Fluval Stratum popular for plant propagation? * [14:47] Protect yourself this Melanoma Awareness Month with Coolibar’s [https://www.coolibar.com/] sun-protective clothing! * [19:07] LECA vs. Fluval Stratum * [20:25] Practical tips for propagating with Fluval Stratum * [25:10] Can you re-use Fluval Stratum? * [26:49] What are the best plants for Fluval Stratum * [27:53] Combining Fluval Stratum with perlite * [30:50] Can Fluval Stratum be used as a growing medium in semi-hydroponic setups? * [32:27] What are the best practices for propagating plant cuttings in Fluval Stratum? * [34:52] Transferring cuttings from Fluval to potting media * [36:50] Experiments with different growth mediums (Fluval Stratum, aroid mix, tree fern fiber, sphagnum moss, and peat moss) * [39:58] Where can you find Lindsay and her resources online? MENTIONED IN OUR CONVERSATION: * Get a copy of Lindsay’s book, The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation [https://www.alltheplantbabies.com/book] * Fluval Stratum [https://fluvalaquatics.com/us/shop/product/stratum-series-page] * LECA [https://herbeins.com/blog/what-is-leca-and-why-is-it-useful-for-plants/] * Lechuza Pon [https://www.lechuza.world/oferta-de-descuento-en-sustratos-y-fertilizantes/lechuza-pon-xxl-plant-substrate-25-liter/19542.html#cgid=Pflanzsubstrat] * Hoya propagation tutorial with @alltheplantbabies [https://www.instagram.com/growingjoywithmaria/reel/DE2ttjTvT8R/] FOR LINDSAY'S EXPERT TIPS ON HOW TO USE FLUVAL STRATUM, check out the full show notes and blog here! [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/fluval] Follow Lindsay: Website [https://www.alltheplantbabies.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/alltheplantbabies/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9MoPA-yxWI0YcQG5V9S_lQ] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@alltheplantbabiesog?lang=en] THANK YOU TO OUR EPISODE SPONSOR: COOLIBAR Protect your skin with Coolibar and save 25% off your order at coolibar.com [https://www.coolibar.com/] with code GROWINGJOY25. Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) [https://read.macmillan.com/lp/growing-joy/] by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App [https://community.bloomandgrowradio.com/] AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here [https://community.bloomandgrowradio.com/plans/240978?bundle_token=93c10c1568fcdb1e6ff95529f22ca502&utm_source=manual]! Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/personality] (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/bloomandgrowradio]! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria [http://www.instagram.com/growingjoywithmaria] Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria [https://www.tiktok.com/@growingjoywithmaria?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria [https://youtube.com/@growingjoywithmaria] Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com [http://www.growingjoywithmaria.com/] Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria [https://www.pinterest.com/growingjoywithmaria/] Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM * Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.org Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands]

How do you create a natural garden? Is that even possible? I want to bring you to the style of garden that’s not only sustainable but also more resilient, and honestly, more fun. In fact, it might even be the future of gardening. Natural or naturalistic garden is an approach that’s all about working with nature instead of trying to control it. To help explain this topic, I brought on my dear friend, Kelly D Norris, a renowned horticulturalist, award-winning plantsman, and the author of  Your Natural Garden. IN THIS EPISODE, WE LEARN: * [02:40] How did Kelly get started with gardening? * [07:46] What is a natural garden? * [09:06] What are "native plants" in natural gardening? * [13:42] How does ecological landscape design look in different settings? * [15:43] Coolibar [https://www.coolibar.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq8YSIE0bZYVbvwRnvuB0ndmDe3BMw4rjmkXxJ7ZFucEhljls7T] * [17:42] Wind River Chimes [https://windriverchimes.com/] * [19:30] Ecological landscape designs * [22:41] How to measure direct sunlight * [29:04] Rewilding and selecting plants * [31:18] Dovetail Workwear [https://dovetailworkwear.com/] * [33:08] Espoma Organic [https://www.espoma.com/] * [34:27] Regional plant palettes and resources * [39:12] How does ecological gardening vary across US regions? * [40:23] How to create ecosystems for wildlife * [44:20] Tips for achieving a natural garden * [47:37] "Aesthetics of ecology" and "ecology of aesthetics" * [52:01] Where can you find Kelly and his book online? MENTIONED IN OUR CONVERSATION: * "Your Natural Garden [https://www.kellydnorris.com/store/p/your-natural-garden]", book by Kelly D Norris * "New Naturalism" [https://www.kellydnorris.com/store/p/new-naturalism], book by Kelly D Norris * Growing Joy Ep 274: Plant Inspired Vacations with Leslie Halleck and Marcia Castro-Rosenberg [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/botanizing/] * Sun Seeker for IOS [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sun-seeker-tracker-surveyor/id330247123] and Android [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=en&id=com.ajnaware.sunseeker] * SunCalc [https://www.suncalc.org/] * iNaturalist app [https://www.inaturalist.org/posts/8889-inaturalist-app] * National Wildlife Federation [https://www.nwf.org/] * AHS Garden Network - American Horticultural Society [https://ahsgardening.org/ahs-garden-network/] * Membership - American Horticultural Society [https://ahsgardening.org/membership/] * American Public Gardens Association [https://www.publicgardens.org/] * The Bane of Beauty [https://www.9th-hour.ca/post/the-bane-of-beauty] INTERESTED IN TAKING THE FIRST STEPS IN CREATING A NATURAL GARDEN? Check out the full show notes and blog here! [https://html-cleaner.com/growingjoywithmaria.com/naturalistic] Follow Kelly: Website [https://www.kellydnorris.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kellydnorris] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/kellydnorris2] LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/in/kellydnorris] THANK YOU TO OUR EPISODE SPONSORS: COOLIBAR Protect your skin with Coolibar and save 25% off your order at coolibar.com [https://www.coolibar.com/] with code GROWINGJOY25. WIND RIVER CHIMES Visit windriverchimes.com [https://windriverchimes.com/] and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes. DOVETAIL WORKWEAR Grab a pair today and get 10% off at dovetailworkwear.com/growingjoy [http://dovetailworkwear.com/growingjoy]. The discount is applied at checkout and promo is limited to one per person. ESPOMA ORGANIC Visit espoma.com [https://www.espoma.com/] to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront [https://www.amazon.com/shop/bloomandgrowradio].  Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) [https://read.macmillan.com/lp/growing-joy/] by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App [https://community.bloomandgrowradio.com/] AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here [https://community.bloomandgrowradio.com/plans/240978?bundle_token=93c10c1568fcdb1e6ff95529f22ca502&utm_source=manual]! Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/personality] (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/bloomandgrowradio]! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria [http://www.instagram.com/growingjoywithmaria] Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria [https://www.tiktok.com/@growingjoywithmaria?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria [https://youtube.com/@growingjoywithmaria] Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com [http://www.growingjoywithmaria.com/] Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM * Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.org Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands]

Have you ever seen one of those viral plant hack videos where someone sprinkles banana peels in their soil or ices their orchid? If you’re wondering if they work, I hate to be the bearer of bad news because the answer is no. Sorry, plant friends. In this episode, I will be separating fact from fiction with my dear friend, Derek Haynes aka The Chocolate Botanist [https://www.instagram.com/thechocolatebotanist/?hl=en]. Derek is a plant biologist who’s not afraid to call out the myths, explain the real science behind plant care, and help us simplify things. Let’s bust 5 of the biggest houseplant myths floating around online.   IN THIS EPISODE, WE LEARN: * [01:03] Meet Derek, the Chocolate Botanist * [08:03] Fighting misinformation online * [10:37] Does banana water work? * [15:15] Simplify your plant care with Espoma Organic’s high quality products! * [18:05] Which fertilizer is perfect for you? * [20:53] Do coffee grounds work? * [25:09] Do eggshells work? * [28:36] Is it effective to water plants with ice cubes? MENTIONED IN OUR CONVERSATION: * Growing Joy Ep. 283: From Wishlist to Whoops: 2025 Houseplant Trends, Plant Care Tips & Plant Fail Confessions From the Northwest Flower & Garden Show [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/2025-trends/] * Growing Joy Ep. 116: Houseplant Identification Basics from Derek from The Crazy Botanist [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/houseplantid/] GET ALL THE MYTH-BUSTING GOODNESS IN ONE PLACE... Check out the full show notes and blog here! [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/plant-myths/] Follow Derek The Chocolate Botanist: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thechocolatebotanist/?hl=en] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxsce8LaWKVw2g0-xDqdPNg] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thechocolatebotanist/] X [https://x.com/crazybotanist] THANK YOU TO OUR EPISODE SPONSOR: ESPOMA ORGANIC As we welcome the season of growing and gardening, make sure you're using nontoxic products in the garden! 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 [https://www.espoma.com/] to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront [https://www.amazon.com/shop/bloomandgrowradio]. Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) [https://read.macmillan.com/lp/growing-joy/]by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/personality] (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/bloomandgrowradio]! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria [http://www.instagram.com/growingjoywithmaria] Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria [https://www.tiktok.com/@growingjoywithmaria?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria [https://youtube.com/@growingjoywithmaria] Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com [http://www.growingjoywithmaria.com/] Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria [https://www.pinterest.com/growingjoywithmaria/] Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM * Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.org Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands]

Why should politicians become gardeners? No, this is not a political post. No, I didn’t lose it! We will not be talking about sides. This is about healing, connection, and what we can learn from our gardens and our plants in a time where it feels like everything is falling apart. Lately, I’ve been feeling this weight from watching the world spin in chaos and there’s disconnection, judgment, overwhelm, and division everywhere. We have a connection deficiency. And I’m starting to believe, with every fiber of my being, that if our leaders gardened, if all of use gardened, the world would be a kinder/greener place!   IN THIS EPISODE, WE LEARN: * [02:06] Gardening as a healing tool * [04:21] What does reciprocity teach us? * [05:08] What are some leadership lessons from gardening? * [06:11] #1 Listening on a deeper level * [08:01] #2 Patience and long-term thinking * [10:17] #3 Cycles, perspectives, and resilience * [11:05] #4 Nurturing vs. controlling * [12:18] #5 Companion planting and community * [14:23] Lessons from mycorrhizal networks and pollinators * [16:45] Compost, death, and growth from failure * [18:24] What if we all lived like gardeners? WANT TO RETHINK LEADERSHIP THROUGH GARDENING? Check out the full show notes and blog here! [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/politician-gardeners/] Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) [https://read.macmillan.com/lp/growing-joy/]by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/personality] (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/bloomandgrowradio]! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria [http://www.instagram.com/growingjoywithmaria] Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria [https://www.tiktok.com/@growingjoywithmaria?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria [https://youtube.com/@growingjoywithmaria] Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com [http://www.growingjoywithmaria.com/] Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria [https://www.pinterest.com/growingjoywithmaria/] Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM * Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.org Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands]