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

I have been hard at work over the past years to grow my business and bring you better content and experience. We want to thank you for being a part of our journey and sharing your love for plants with us. This 2023, we are so excited to announce that we are rebranding into Growing Joy With Maria! In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and business coach, Callie England, to share with you the behind-the-scenes of my business, life, mental health challenges, the lessons I have learned, and why I’m rebranding.In this episode, we learn:[01:46] We are growing: Bloom & Grow is rebranding![03:02] Here's what's upcoming![04:13] Exploring wellness through the lens of plants[05:32] Growing Joy with Maria: Keep Blooming and Growing Joy![06:48] Meet Maria’s business coach and friend, Callie England[09:44] Maria and Callie's friendship history[11:03] How Callie went from WallyGrow to coaching creative entrepreneurs[11:47] Callie’s battle with cancer[13:25] Maria and Callie’s first phone call – and the beginning of everything[14:26] What makes entrepreneurship lonely?[15:38] Women empowerment in business[18:21] Bloom & Grow’s evolution from a passion project to a full-time career[20:49] Securing sponsorships for your business[22:19] Getting recognized in a plant shop![23:57] Getting through the pandemic as an entrepreneur[26:22] Maria's concern about monetizing Bloom & Grow[28:14] What Maria learned from working with ad agencies[30:27] Keeping business and brand reputation in balance[34:17] Maria's mental health journey through Bloom & Grow[38:37] Healing your mind through plant care[45:10] Authenticity and toxic positivity[47:13] What can we expect from Growing Joy in 2023?[52:10] Callie's creative process behind Growing Joy's rebranding[54:12] The drawback of doing many things all at once[54:42] Knowing when to say “No”[57:18] How to get in touch with Callie![1:00:20] Sneak peek of the next Growing Joy With Maria’s episodes!Mentioned in our conversation:WallyGrowCatsBloom and Grow Radio's first 10 episodes:Episode 1: The Story Behind Bloom And Grow Radio!Episode 2: Top 5 Houseplants For Beginners And Learning Kindness With The Sill’s Christopher SatchEpisode 3: How To Not Kill Your Succulent And Learning Resilience With Diana Zarins Of How To SucculentsEpisode 4: Summer Rayne Oakes: Plants For The Advanced Plant Parent And Practicing PatienceEpisode 5: Cut Christmas Tree Care And Supporting Local Businesses With Mary Jeanne Packer Of The Christmas Tree Farmers AssociationEpisode 6: Enjoy A Living, Potted Christmas Tree For The Holiday Season! With Joe Lamp’l Of Growing A Greener World And The Joe Gardener Show Podcast.Episode 7: The Operating System: Plant Propagation 101 And Using Plants To DisconnectEpisode 8: Dirty Talk And The Creation Of Houseplant Journal With Darryl ChengEpisode 9: Double Joy: Plants And Cats And Poisonous Plants To Avoid With @Plant_Lady_is_the_New_Cat_LadyEpisode 10: Plant Side Chat #1: Bloom And Grow At Your Own RateFor more info on Growing Joy with Maria,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin 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 Bloom and Grow 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 and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadioTiktok: @bloomandgrowradioSubscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /BloomandgrowradioWebsite: www.bloomandgrowradio.comJoin the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do you prep your houseplants for winter? Winter is coming, and for some of you plant friends, it’s already here! Plant parents tend to fear winter, but as long as you understand the changes your plants are experiencing, it doesn’t need to be nerve-wracking. After living through multiple winters with my plant babies, specifically in small apartments and large homes, I’ve definitely learned a lot through trial and error. In this episode, we will go through as many tips and insights as possible to help set you and your plants up for success through the winter. So, plant friends, let's dive in and learn how winter impacts our plants and some actionable steps to take to ensure their health and happiness!Give the gift of Growing Joy!Gift your loved ones copies of Growing Joy and get a free personalized bookplate and month to the Garden Party!Visit bit.ly/giftgrowingjoy to redeem!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 the planet[24:21] How your plants get affected by humidity [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 lifeMentioned in our conversation:YouTube video My Home Grow light Tour!YouTube video Moisture Meter and Hygrometer ReviewGrow LightsHygrometersRadiatorsHumidifiersFor a detailed summary and extra winter tips,check out the full show notes and blog here!Thank you to our episode sponsors:Territorial Seed CompanyIt's time to start planning for growing season 2023! If you’re looking for plants for your garden, skip the lines at the garden center and let Territorial Seed Company deliver top-of-the-line, healthy and hardy vegetable 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.Get an exclusive discount just for listeners of Bloom & Grow Radio, use code GROW10 to get 10% off your first order at territorialseed.com.Espoma OrganicEspoma 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.Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.Give the gift of Growing Joy!Gift your loved ones copies of Growing Joy and get a free personalized bookplate and month to the Garden Party!Visit bit.ly/giftgrowingjoy to redeem!Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin 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 Bloom and Grow 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 and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadioTiktok: @bloomandgrowradioSubscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /BloomandgrowradioWebsite: www.bloomandgrowradio.comJoin the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How can we use plants medicinally in our lives? Plants heal us in more ways than one, and one of the less-known practices is herbalism. Most of the plants and herbs we use today were used for medicinal purposes in ancient times and are, in fact, still used in many cultures around the world as natural remedies. In this episode, Juliet Blankespoor, the founder of the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine, will teach us many different and easy ways that we can use plants as medicine so we can expand our knowledge on this whole field of plant benefits.In this episode, we learn:[04:58] What led Juliet Blankenspoor to become interested in herbalism[08:52] What makes plants medicinal, and have they been proven by doctors?[11:51] Energetics of plants and how to complement their energies with people's[15:49] How do you determine your own energy constitution?[16:45] Who is Wim Hoff and what are the possible benefits of cold showers?[19:16] What's the best way to get started with this completely new field of medicinal benefits?[22:22] Where to get the best seeds for your spring garden[23:38] The right choice for safe indoor and outdoor gardening products[27:03] What are the properties of Mint?[28:30] Some of the commonly used herbs that we might not be aware of[30:01] What tonic means in the context of herbal medicine[32:36] What are the medicinal properties of chives?[33:58] How we can prepare tea from fresh and dried herbs[38:16] Is there any medicinal value to the mint stem?[39:43] What other herbs can you grow to make your own tea?[44:13] Your next favorite kitchen appliance![47:19] What are some of the most versatile medicinal plants Juliet recommends exploring that aren't found in a traditional culinary garden?[48:19] What plants should you add to your culinary garden for medical benefits?[52:38] Juliet Blankespoor’s favorite herbs that you can add to your cooking recipes[57:39] What can you learn from the book 'The Healing Garden: Cultivating and Handcrafting Herbal Remedies'?Mentioned in our conversation:The Healing Garden: Cultivating and Handcrafting Herbal Remedies, book by Juliet BlankespoorTea strainersWim Hof MethodSPECIAL OFFER: Juliet is offering the Bloom & Grow Audience 10% off all her courses. Email maria@bloomandgrowradio.com to get the special coupon code to redeem your discount.For a list of recipes and remedies of Juliet's recommended herbs,check out the full show notes and blog here!Thank you to our episode sponsors:Territorial Seed CompanyIt's time to start planning for growing season 2023! If you’re looking for plants for your garden, skip the lines at the garden center and let Territorial Seed Company deliver top-of-the-line, healthy and hardy vegetable 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.Get an exclusive discount just for listeners of Bloom & Grow Radio, use code GROW10 to get 10% off your first order at territorialseed.com.Espoma OrganicEspoma 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.Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.LomiLomi is a small countertop composter that is the perfect solution to reducing your garbage footprint and food waste. This sleek composter enables you to compost hassle-free: just take your food scraps and put it in the Lomi, press a button, and you're set! Lomi is giving a rare discount $50 off with code BLOOM at checkout!Go to pela.com and redeem your special gift and use code BLOOM at checkout!Follow Juliet:Chestnut School of Herbal MedicineHealing Garden Gateway, personal website of Juliet BlankespoorSPECIAL OFFER: Juliet is offering the Bloom & Grow Audience 10% off all her courses. Email maria@bloomandgrowradio.com to get the special coupon code to redeem your discount.Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin 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 Bloom and Grow 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 and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadioTiktok: @bloomandgrowradioSubscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /BloomandgrowradioWebsite: www.bloomandgrowradio.comJoin the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do you tackle a different garden zone than what you’re used to? Moving can be a tremendous and significant change in our lives, with so much excitement and opportunities awaiting us in new places. However, for gardeners like us, it can mean a scary and stressful time starting from scratch with our gardens, especially in a completely different gardening zone. This is what Mama Failla, an expert gardener in Zone 7, had to learn and adapt to when she and Father Failla moved to a Zone 10, which is in tropical Florida. In this episode, Mama Failla imparts practical gardening and motherly advice on moving and facing the different seasons of life with optimism and resilience.Give the gift of Growing Joy! Gift your loved ones copies of Growing Joy and get a free personalized bookplate and month to the Garden Party!Visit bit.ly/giftgrowingjoy to redeem!In this episode, we learn:[01:36] Maria’s updates from sunny Florida[03:06] A gift idea for yourself and for your other plant friends[06:03] How moving can influence one’s self and gardener identity[11:22] What has moving from New York to Florida been like for Mama Failla?[13:42] How long does it take to adjust to a new garden zone?[17:09] The difference between New York soil and Florida soil[20:22] The best plant accessories for gifting this holiday season[23:43] What are practical ways to prepare for a new garden zone and climate?[28:34] On the importance of determining sun exposure in your new garden[31:40] Why you need to consider growing in pots or container gardens[33:52] Where to get the best advice on your new garden zone[37:48] The best gardening products to set your garden up for success[40:17] Why gardening should be fun and experimental![43:49] Mama Failla shares how she deals with the current season of life she’s in[49:29] What are Mama Failla’s plans for her garden next year?[52:51] Maria’s reflections on transitions and her gardening journeyMentioned in our conversation:BAGR Episode 20: Talking Tomatoes With Craig LeHoullier And My MOMBAGR Episode 91: My Mom’s 10 Tips For Beginning Gardeners And Edible LandscapersFREE 2-week trial to the Garden Party!To see Mama Failla's new gardening zone checklist,check out the full show notes and blog here!Thank you to our episode sponsors:Modern SproutWhen you think of planty products and accessories, you need to think Modern Sprout. With gorgeous different lines of planty products and accessories from grow lights to watering cans to the cutest gift sets, Modern Sprout has got you covered for this holiday season.Visit modernsprout.com/growingjoy to see my top gift picks for the holidays and use code GROWINGJOY at checkout for 20% off sitewide.Espoma OrganicEspoma 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.Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.Give the gift of Growing Joy!Gift your loved ones copies of Growing Joy and get a free personalized bookplate and month to the Garden Party!Visit bit.ly/giftgrowingjoy to redeem!Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin 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 Bloom and Grow 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 and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadioTiktok: @bloomandgrowradioSubscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /BloomandgrowradioWebsite: www.bloomandgrowradio.comJoin the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you worried about leaving your plants at home this holiday season? When I was constantly on the road for shows as a musical theater performer, I became a professional traveler and learned a lot of dos and don’ts when it comes to leaving your plant babies at home. The experience can be scary: it can make traveling—what is supposed to be exciting and relaxing—a time filled with anxiety. In this episode, I share many helpful tips you can start implementing on your plant collection so you can enjoy your vacations and holidays stress-free!Give the gift of Growing Joy! Gift your loved ones copies of Growing Joy and get a free personalized bookplate and month to the Garden Party!Visit bit.ly/giftgrowingjoy to redeem!In this episode, we learn:[01:28] Maria’s fall updates[02:24] Have you been to the kindest and plantiest corner of the internet yet? [03:03] The perfect planty gift for your loved ones this holiday[04:56] What inspired Maria to do an episode on plants and traveling[09:46] Your next favorite kitchen appliance![12:40] Understanding your plants’ lighting needs when you’re on vacation[15:12] The importance of using grow lights in your home[17:37] How to make sure your plants get good air circulation while you’re gone[19:28] Maria shares her experience of accidentally leaving her plants in extremely hot temperatures[21:31] How to keep your plants watered while you’re away[25:23] Different watering hacks when on vacation[29:36] Where to get stylish and functional plant accessories for gifting[33:40] Why you need to cut off dead and yellowing leaves from your plants[35:31] Should you hire a plant sitter when you go on vacation?[40:40] Why putting your plants in the bathtub while you’re away might not work[41:33] How to avoid root rot in plants[42:34] Why the greenhouse method won’t work when you’re on vacation[44:33] Maria’s reminder about the role of plants in our lives[46:17] What to keep in mind as you travel and move around this holiday seasonMentioned in our conversation:Self-watering plantersWatering spikesWatering orbsWatering Can plantsitter appFREE 2-week trial to the Garden Party!For a detailed summary of Maria's tips and tricks,check out the full blog and show notes here!Thank you to our episode sponsors:Modern SproutWhen you think of planty products and accessories, you need to think Modern Sprout. With gorgeous different lines of planty products and accessories from grow lights to watering cans to the cutest gift sets, Modern Sprout has got you covered for this holiday season.Visit modernsprout.com/growingjoy to see my top gift picks for the holidays and use code GROWINGJOY at checkout for 20% off sitewide.LomiLomi is a small countertop composter that is the perfect solution to reducing your garbage footprint and food waste. This sleek composter enables you to compost hassle-free: just take your food scraps and put it in the Lomi, press a button, and you're set! Lomi is giving a rare discount $50 off with code BLOOM at checkout!Go to pela.com and redeem your special gift and use code BLOOM at checkout!Give the gift of Growing Joy! Gift your loved ones copies of Growing Joy and get a free personalized bookplate and month to the Garden Party!Visit bit.ly/giftgrowingjoy to redeem!Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin 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 Bloom and Grow 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 and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadioTiktok: @bloomandgrowradioSubscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /BloomandgrowradioWebsite: www.bloomandgrowradio.comJoin the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Do you believe in magic? When we were kids, it was so easy—almost natural—for us to believe in magic. There was a certain charm to casting spells, making potions, or even wishing on a random star on a starry night. For many of us, as we grew older and we found ourselves in different unexpected directions, we started to let go of our belief in magic. Fortunately, our plants are the best bridge to reconnecting us with this magic, with ourselves, with our curiosity, and even with things yet to be known, and here’s Rachael of Infinite Succulent to tell us more about plant magic.In this episode, we learn:[01:19] Have you been to the kindest and plantiest corner of the internet?[02:49] What this episode is about[06:29] Who is Rachael and what does she do?[07:44] Maria shares a heartwarming story about Rachael[09:11] Rachael’s academic background, her professional journey, and how she ultimately became the nature connector she is today[16:09] How Rachael got started with energy work[18:18] What Rachael’s new book is about[18:50] How does Rachael define magic?[21:36] On the divine timing and trusting the universe to take you where you need to go[24:32] Why has connecting with nature never been more important than today?[27:33] How can plants help us move energy more intentionally? [30:16] What do negative ions in plants do for our health?[31:41] Where to get the best seeds for your 2023 garden[32:36] How to combat the low humidity in your home[34:37] Why biophilia is becoming a necessity, especially in workplaces[36:40] On green witchcraft and connecting with nature through different ways[39:22] Why connecting with plants is an inherent trait and experience in all of us[43:33] On worshipping nature, religions, and finding spirituality in nature[46:25] Different ways to connect with plant magic[50:57] How do we know which plants have which energies?[53:12] On connecting with the moon and our emotions[57:36] Rachael’s magical experience that resulted from her ritual on abundance[01:00:34] How plants teach us to be more open to new information and ideas[01:03:05] Maria’s current definition of magic[01:04:33] Where to find Rachael and her book online[01:05:39] What is sacred reciprocity? What is true magic?[01:07:12] Maria’s reflections on magic, plant magic, and spiritualityMentioned in our conversation:Everyday Plant Magic: Change Your Life Through the Magical Energy of Nature, book by Rachael CohenInfinite Succulent: Miniature Living Art to Keep or Share, book by Rachael CohenThe Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, book by Julia CameronBig Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, book by Elizabeth GilbertThe Green Witch: Your Complete Guide to the Natural Magic of Herbs, Flowers, Essential Oils, and More, book by Arin Murphy-HiscockBraiding Sweetgrass, book by Robin Wall KimmererThe Moon BookBAGR Episode 60: Live Taping! DIY Succulent Crowns With Infinite SucculentFor tips on recreating plant magic at home,visit the full blog and show notes here!Thank you to our episode sponsors:Modern SproutWhen you think of planty products and accessories, you need to think Modern Sprout. With gorgeous different lines of planty products and accessories from grow lights to watering cans to the cutest gift sets, Modern Sprout has got you covered for this holiday season.Visit modernsprout.com/growingjoy to see my top gift picks for the holidays and use code GROWINGJOY at checkout for 20% off sitewide.Territorial Seed CompanyIt's time to start planning for growing season 2023! If you’re looking for plants for your garden, skip the lines at the garden center and let Territorial Seed Company deliver top-of-the-line, healthy and hardy vegetable 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.Get an exclusive discount just for listeners of Bloom & Grow Radio, use code GROW10 to get 10% off your first order at territorialseed.com.AIRCARETake care of your health while maintaining your indoor jungle aesthetic with AIRCARE's latest line of 27 different stylish and smart humidifiers to humidify your home and life. AIRCARE has been producing quality humidifiers for over 70 years for all types of homes, with cool features like a digital screen that shows you the humidity level and time, multiple LED light colors, and even warm and cool mist settings!Visit aircareproducts.com and use code bloom20 a checkout for 20% off sitewide.Follow Rachael: WebsiteInstagramTikTokSessionsFollow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet!Take the Bloom and Grow 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 and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadioTiktok: @bloomandgrowradioSubscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /BloomandgrowradioWebsite: www.bloomandgrowradio.comJoin the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How can our plant hobby make this world a better place? For me, learning to care for plants was the gateway drug for becoming more aware of how much growth opportunity I had when it came to caring for the earth. I've discovered that there are so many ways to lead a sustainable life, especially with our plant care journey. In this episode, I invited back Nick Cutsumpas, aka Farmer Nick, to further guide us in making small shifts that have a big impact on our planet’s wellbeing.In this episode, we learn:[00:52] Maria’s fall updates[01:56] What today’s episode is about[05:53] Who is Farmer Nick?[08:04] Nick shares his plant journey from backyard gardener to plant coach and landscaper[13:42] The most important value to your plant number[15:22] Applying approachability and relatability to our plant care[18:05] Why houseplants as a hobby encourages us to keep learning[19:42] Dealing with plant death and adjusting your plant care[24:28] What is the concept behind ‘mindful neglect’?[26:42] Where to get the best grow lights to get your plants through winter[27:57] How to reduce your food waste and garbage footprint[29:45] On the misconception that plants can be stressful and take up a lot of your time[34:47] Tips for a more sustainable and eco-focused plant parenthood[39:43] Nick’s plant setup in his new home[42:30] How houseplants can jumpstart our journey to sustainability[45:46] How growing plants lessened Maria’s meat consumption[47:24] Why every step for a sustainable lifestyle matters[50:10] Where to find Nick and his book online[51:33] A thank you to new Garden Party membersMentioned in our conversation:Plant Coach: The Beginner's Guide to Caring for Plants and the Planet, book by Nick CutsumpasBAGR Episode 110: Low Waste Plant Parenthood with Farmer NickInstant Dream Home, series by NetflixFor a deep dive into our conversation on sustainable plant parenthood,check out the full show notes, blog, and tips here!Thank you to our episode sponsors:AIRCARETake care of your health while maintaining your indoor jungle aesthetic with AIRCARE's latest line of 27 different stylish and smart humidifiers to humidify your home and life. AIRCARE has been producing quality humidifiers for over 70 years for all types of homes, with cool features like a digital screen that shows you the humidity level and time, multiple LED light colors, and even warm and cool mist settings!Visit aircareproducts.com and use code bloom20 a checkout for 20% off sitewide.Soltech SolutionsSoltech 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.LomiLomi is a small countertop composter that is the perfect solution to reducing your garbage footprint and food waste. This sleek composter enables you to compost hassle-free: just take your food scraps and put it in the Lomi, press a button, and you're set! Lomi is offering us $50 off with code BLOOM at checkout. Go to pela.com and use code Bloom at checkout!Follow Nick: WebsiteInstagramFollow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet!Take the Bloom and Grow 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 and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadioTiktok: @bloomandgrowradioSubscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /BloomandgrowradioWebsite: www.bloomandgrowradio.comJoin the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Taking care of plants is putting our love into practice. Even if it’s not something we actively think about or do, this hobby of ours revolves around kindness, care, and deepening our love for ourselves, other people, and our planet. We lead with love when it comes to our plant collection, and there is no one else more perfect to talk about love than bestselling author, spiritual leader, fellow plant lady, and an inspiration to thousands of people everywhere, Danielle LaPorte.In this episode, we learn:[00:34] Life updates from Maria[02:03] What to expect from this plant-parallel episode[03:54] How to avoid sad-looking indoor plants[05:33] Caring for a Buddhist pine according to Danielle![06:54] How plants help us through our limiting beliefs[09:28] Danielle shares her plant parenthood journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way[15:45] Who is Danielle and what are the core values that she lives by?[20:16] How can personal development be unproductive to living our best lives?[23:40] Why are plants and love deeply connected? How does Danielle see the relationship between nature and the self?[28:03] How to keep your home, your plants, and yourself hydrated[30:03] Where to get the best fertilizers, potting mixes, and more[31:28] The healing benefits of Hinoki essential oil[32:35] Different works of art that show gratitude to nature[33:40] In what ways has Mother Nature helped Danielle heal?[37:55] On turning inward and shifting perspectives on the things we identify as[40:47] What is the difference between embodiment and feeling?[43:06] How does Danielle define love? How can we embody love in everything we do?[44:20] What is the practice of weeding thoughts? How do negative thoughts influence the way we move in the world?[45:50] How powerful self-talk can be and why we need to avoid negative mindset[49:35] Overcoming body image issues and honoring your body[53:29] What is the heart center? Where do we start with feeling into our heart center? [56:17] What does Danielle hope people take away from her newest book How To Be Loving?[58:00] Why our love for plants can expand into love for everything[58:50] How to join Danielle’s book launch[01:00:22] Maria on why you should add Danielle to your following list!Mentioned in our conversation:How to Be Loving: As Your Heart Is Breaking Open and Our World Is Waking Up, book by Danielle LaPorteThe Desire Map Experience: A Guide to Creating Goals with Soul, book by Danielle LaPorteThe Fire Starter Sessions: A Soulful + Practical Guide to Creating Success on Your Own Terms, book by Danielle LaPorteWC JungleMy Neighbor Totoro, 1988 film by Studio GhibliBraiding Sweetgrass, book by Robin Wall KimmererFor an in-depth look at our conversation,visit the full show notes and blog here!Follow Danielle: WebsiteInstagramFollow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet!Take the Bloom and Grow 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 and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadioTiktok: @bloomandgrowradioSubscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /BloomandgrowradioWebsite: www.bloomandgrowradio.comJoin the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you running out of space for your plants? Growing your plant collection can be quite the challenge when all your countertops, tablespace and even floorspace have been populated with your plant babies. Don’t fret any longer, plant friends, as we got the most beautiful and mess-free DIY projects for you to make the most out of your vertical space at home! In this episode, learn alongside me as Erin Harding of @houseplantclub and @cleverbloom gives us step-by-step tutorials on three amazing yet easy DIYs for your vertical garden.In this episode, we learn:[00:25] Maria’s eureka moment for this episode![01:53] Updates on country living and hummingbirds[05:06] Welcome, new Garden Party members![06:57] The easiest way to compost your food scraps[11:06] Who is Erin and how did Clever Bloom and Houseplant Club get started?[15:14] On the importance of evolving with your plant collection[18:26] Erin and Morgan’s brilliant first and second books[22:12] How Erin curated her personal aesthetic and developed her passion for DIY[24:56] Why accessibility and variety encourage people to DIY[27:22] Why you should use vertical space for your plants[31:40] How to make a modern beaded macrame plant hanger[35:15] The best and most stylish grow lights for your home[37:14] Where to get humidifiers for your home and for your health![39:37] Different ways to customize your macrame plant hanger[44:41] Step-by-step tutorial of DIY air plant driftwood piece[48:03] Watering your air plants in your DIY driftwood plant accessory[50:09] What is a kokedama and how does it work?[52:04] What are ideal plants to use in a kokedama?[53:38] How to make your own kokedama[55:59] Bringing natural beauty into your home through DIY projects[01:00:12] Erin’s favorite DIY project in her latest book[01:03:20] Where to find Erin (and Morgan!) online[01:04:53] A friendly reminder for this fall seasonMentioned in our conversation:How to plant a room: and grow a happy home, by Morgan Doane and Erin HardingBAGR Episode 16: Mounting Epiphytes And The Creation Of Cleverbloom.ComFor the step-by-step tutorials of these 3 DIY projects...visit the full show notes and blog here!Follow Erin: House Plant Club InstagramClever Bloom websiteClever Bloom InstagramPlanting Pink EtsyPlanting Pink websitePlanting Pink InstagramFollow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet!Take the Bloom and Grow 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 and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadioTiktok: @bloomandgrowradioSubscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /BloomandgrowradioWebsite: www.bloomandgrowradio.comJoin the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Did you know that fall is secretly one of the most wonderful gardening seasons? As we move into fall and the air starts feeling colder, you might be thinking that gardening season is well over. But good news, plant friends! Fall is an amazing time to extend your growing season and plant a different variety of edible plants. To guide us through this underrated gardening season, Joe Lamp’l of Joe Gardener joins me in a conversation and shares basic knowledge and tips for successful fall gardening.In this episode, we learn:[01:10] Hello, autumn and new and old plant friends![02:23] Celebrating Joe Gardener’s new book![04:50] Making gardening accessible to all levels of gardeners[07:29] What Joe has been up to since his last Bloom and Grow ep[14:27] Why is fall the best season to garden?[16:24] Things to consider when doing a fall garden[18:36] How to plant lettuce seeds[19:29] How to thin seedlings[21:34] When to plant fall crops[22:46] Why do crops taste better after being exposed to frost?[23:21] Joe’s favorite and beginner-friendly crops to plant in fall[25:59] When and how to plant garlic for the best harvest[27:30] How to harvest and use garlic scapes[28:57] Fall vs other gardening seasons[30:46] The best companion for your garden[32:05] Where to get stylish and effective grow lights[34:13] Why fall gardening is an opportunity to mentally reset[37:21] How gardening in fall can help with our mental health[39:19] Why Joe advocates thinking like a plant[42:51] Why intuition is key to growing plants[46:02] Joe shares the process behind the beautiful photos in his new book[48:49] How empowering information can be when growing plants[53:55] Where to get Joe’s latest book ‘The Vegetable Gardening Book’[57:48] Maria’s garden updatesMentioned in our conversation:The Vegetable Gardening Book: Your complete guide to growing an edible organic garden from seed to harvest by Joe Lamp'lOrganic Vegetable Gardening official waitlist - SIGN UP HERE!Bookshop.orgFor full show notes that capture all the amazing info Joe shared...visit our blog about this episode here! Follow Joe: WebsiteInstagramFacebookPodcastTwitterPinterestThank you to our episode sponsors:Espoma OrganicEspoma 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 learn more about their pet safe indoor and outdoor gardening products, visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.Soltech SolutionsSoltech 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.Order my book!Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungDon't forget to subscribe to the podcast,so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up!Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet!Take the Bloom and Grow 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 and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadioTiktok: @bloomandgrowradioSubscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /BloomandgrowradioWebsite: www.bloomandgrowradio.comJoin the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.