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

Did you know that your houseplants have superpowers? Some can actually seek out darkness to find the light, some can count, and some can actually bring wealth. To help me reveal all these amazing aspects of our houseplants is my new friend, David Domoney. He’s a celebrated British horticulturist, television presenter, and author with over 30 Royal Horticultural Society medals. And his book, Plants with Superpowers [https://geni.us/75Plants], is what actually inspired me to do this episode. This is the first of a two-part series on plants and their superpowers, and I have him on twice because he is such an enthusiastic person. I love his energy so much. IN THIS EPISODE, WE LEARN: * [03:50] Why is green considered a calming color * [04:40] How did David become the lore specialist of plants? * [08:33] What inspired David to write his book? * [11:20] What is the superpower of the Venus flytrap? * [13:43] Venus Flytrap evolution and feeding tips * [14:40] Garden in comfort and style with new Dovetail Workwear X John Deere [http://dovetailworkwear.com/growingjoy] overalls, designed specifically for women! * [17:57] How plants help our world become livable * [18:22] How important is the role of soil microorganisms in the process of nutrient uptake in plants? * [19:46] What is the superpower of Mimosa pudica? * [21:33] What is the superpower of Monstera? * [22:42] Different growth patterns of plants * [28:28] What is the superpower of the Prayer plant? * [30:56] Nature as the original artist * [33:11] What is the superpower of aloe vera? * [34:54] What is the superpower of the jade plant? * [39:59] Where can you find David online? MENTIONED IN OUR CONVERSATION: * 'Plants with Superpowers' by David Domoney [https://geni.us/75Plants] * 'My House Plant Changed My Life' Signed Book by David Domoney [https://www.daviddomoney.com/shop/my-houseplant-changed-my-life-signed/] * TV Shows where David Domoney appeared in [https://www.daviddomoney.com/television/] * Growing Joy Ep 269: Carnivorous Plants: The Houseplant Pest Control You Never Thought Of with Kenny Coogan [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/carnivorous-plants/] FOR DAVID'S AMAZING LIST OF HOUSEPLANTS WITH SUPERPOWERS, check out the full show notes and blog here [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/superpower/]! Follow David: Website [https://www.daviddomoney.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/daviddomoney/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/DavidDomoneyTV] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/domoneyltd] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@daviddomoney] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.co.uk/daviddomoney/overview/] X [https://twitter.com/daviddomoney] THANK YOU TO OUR EPISODE SPONSOR: 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. 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]

It’s Melanoma Awareness Month! Two years ago, I walked into a dermatologist’s office thinking I had a simple skin issue… then I walked out with a melanoma diagnosis at 34. As a lifelong gardener, I never expected my love of plants would overlap with a serious health scare, but here we are. I’m not a beach person nor an outdoor enthusiast. I just tend to my garden every day, really. But that little dot on my face changed everything about my relationship with the sun. I learned to love sunscreens, especially UPF clothing. So if you’re a plant parent like me who spends hours outside with your hands in the soil, I hope this becomes your gentle nudge to protect your skin the same way you protect your plants. IN THIS EPISODE, WE LEARN: * [03:36] Special thanks to Coolibar’s UPF50 clothing [https://www.coolibar.com/] * [04:49] Why should we care for our skin as we do our plants? * [08:54] Why short, daily garden sessions still add up to major sun exposure risk * [10:21] Should you use sunscreen? * [11:45] Chemical vs. mineral sunscreens * [13:40] My favorite sunscreen brands * [15:41] Why I love UPF Clothing (especially Coolibar’s sun clothing) * [16:08] Coolibar products [https://www.coolibar.com/] * [16:46] What is UPF clothing and why it’s better than sunscreens * [19:40] Gardeners Supply Company [https://www.gardeners.com/] * [22:36] Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses in the garden * [24:34] How to use the UV Index when gardening * [27:04] Hydration and skin health in the garden * [27:26] Espoma Organic [https://www.espoma.com/] * [29:43] Why skin care in the garden matters MENTIONED IN OUR CONVERSATION: * RMS Beauty SunCoverup Super Tint SPF 50 [https://www.rmsbeauty.com/blogs/news/get-to-know-suncoverup-super-tint-spf-50] * ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 [https://iliabeauty.com/products/super-serum-skin-tint-spf-40-tinted-moisturizer] * ISDIN Fusion Water MAGIC [https://www.isdin.com/us/p/fusion-water-magic/4750] * Savor Beauty Radiance Sun Milk SPF 50+ [https://www.savorbeauty.com/products/radiance-sun-milk] * NEUTROGENA® Sunscreen and Sun Protection Products [https://www.neutrogena.com/sun] * La Roche-Posay Broad Spectrum Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin [https://www.laroche-posay.us/our-products/sun] * Coolibar Bel Aire Zip-Off Sun Visor | Black UPF 50+ [https://www.coolibar.com/products/womens-bel-aire-zip-off-sun-visor-black] * Coolibar Women's Devi Long Sleeve Fitness T-Shirt | Lavendula UPF 50+ [https://www.coolibar.com/products/womens-devi-long-sleeve-fitness-t-shirt-lavendula?variant=50423285023034] SUN PROTECTION DOESN'T NEED TO BE COMPLICATED! Check out the full show notes and blog here for my sun protection tips!  [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/upf] 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. 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. 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/] 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]

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]