From Plant Care to Nature Therapy: A Solo Heart to Heart

Are you ready to transform your relationship with nature and unlock the secrets to true wellness? Join me in the first episode of Season 11 of "Growing Joy with Plants," where I take you on a reflective journey through the past year of my life as a plant care educator, podcaster, and fellow plant lover. This episode is packed with insights on how nature therapy can elevate your mental health, helping you reconnect with the natural world while nurturing your beloved plants.

As I share my heartfelt gratitude for each of you amazing listeners, I dive into the exciting transitions I experienced in 2025. From doubling the number of podcast episodes to launching my very own digital course, this year has been a whirlwind of growth and learning. But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing; I’ve faced challenges that tested my resilience, and through it all, I’ve discovered the profound connection between caring for our plants and our personal well-being.

Looking ahead to 2026, I’m thrilled to announce a fresh focus on self-care and the healing power of nature. We’ll explore how nature therapy can enhance your home-based wellness journey, moving beyond just plant care to encompass a holistic approach to joyful living. I’m also excited to share that I’m pursuing certification as a forest therapy guide! This endeavor will allow us to delve into the significance of forest therapy and its incredible benefits for mental health.

Join me in upcoming classes designed to help you reflect on the past year and realign your intentions for the new one. Together, we’ll cultivate joy through nature and deepen our connection with the world around us. So grab your favorite houseplant, find a cozy spot, and let’s embark on this journey of growth and healing!

Join us in the Growing Joy in 2026 2 class experience! https://growingjoywithmaria.com/2026

In this episode, we learn:

• [00:00] A big intention shift for 2026 and a new chapter for Growing Joy!
• [02:30] A trip down memory lane for 2025! (doubling content, launching courses, etc.)
• [03:25] What went into making the Growing Joy with Plants Masterclass
• [06:57] How I may relaunch the  Growing Joy Garden Society
• [07:37] Personal transitions, health challenges, and putting down roots in Florida
• [08:43] Why I feel like I’m outgrowing the constant “how to water plants” content
• [09:20] Why I want to focus on “self care through plant care” content in 2026
• [10:20] How to water ourselves via caring for houseplants
• [11:01] Why connecting with nature matters more than how you do it
• [12:41] What’s staying the same and what’s expanding in the podcast
• [13:20] Why plants have been my anchor through hard years
• [16:34] Becoming a sound bath practitioner and using it to create healing experiences
• [17:08] The big announcement: training as a forest therapy guide!
• [17:41] What is forest therapy? (aka forest bathing)
• [19:12] How forest therapy awakens the senses and calms the nervous system
• [21:14] Remembering we are part of nature (not visitors to it)
• [22:11] Creating a podcast mini-series about forest therapy with the help of ANFT
• [23:33] Why deeper connection with nature supports planetary health
• [25:00] Introducing “Growing Joy in 2026,” a Lunar New Year class series!
• [26:08] Reflecting, releasing, and composting lessons from 2025

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Growing Joy in 2026 Class Series
• Forest Therapy Guide Certification | Forest Bathing Training
• What's Your Plant Parent Personality?
• Understanding Natural Light
• The Foolproof Plant Picking Formula
• Houseplant SOS
• Repot with Confidence

Interested in learning more about forest therapy?

Check out the full show notes and blog here!

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