Exploring the Intersection of Black American History, Culture, and Botany Through Trees

Exploring the Intersection of Black American History, Culture, and Botany Through Trees

Author: Maria Failla- Happy Plant Lady and Author of Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness January 20, 2026 Duration: 48:54
Growing Joy with Plants - Wellness Rooted in Nature, Houseplants, Gardening and Plant Care
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Have you ever stopped to consider the stories that trees could tell if they could speak? In this episode of Growing Joy with Plants, I’m thrilled to welcome the incredible Beronda Montgomery, a renowned botanist and author, as we dive deep into her groundbreaking new book, When Trees Testify. Together, we explore the profound connection between humans and plants, particularly how trees bear witness to history, including the often-overlooked narratives of black American history. This conversation is not just about botany; it’s about understanding the emotional and historical significance that trees hold in our lives.

Beronda shares her enlightening journey from studying the intricate world of botany to uncovering the rich tapestry of stories that trees represent, especially in relation to African American history. We discuss the themes of land trauma, the importance of storytelling in understanding plant life, and how trees serve as living witnesses to the past. You’ll hear about Baronda’s transformative visit to a plantation that ignited her passion for exploring the historical significance of trees, and how these majestic beings can guide us toward healing and wellness rooted in nature.

As plant lovers and plant parents, we often seek ways to cultivate a deeper relationship with our green companions. This episode emphasizes the need for holistic plant care, mindful gardening, and the joy of nurturing plants as a form of home-based wellness. Beronda’s insights on the intersection of botany, personal history, and cultural heritage will inspire you to reflect on your own experiences with plants and how they contribute to your mental health and joyful living.

Join us as we unpack these vital themes and learn how to better care for our plants, whether it’s dealing with pesky plant pests, understanding humidity for plants, or mastering watering tips to keep our green friends thriving. Let’s dig into the stories that our plants hold and recognize the rich narratives they embody.

 

In this episode, we learn:

  • [02:01] Do you want to join my 2026 Growing Joy class experience?
  • [02:53] Meet my plant friend Beronda Montgomery!
  • [05:23] Why Beronda’s work extends beyond botany into history and activism
  • [09:23] Why When Trees Testify matters and what sparked its creation
  • [11:29] What is land trauma?
  • [14:27] What happened during their visit to the McLeod Plantation?
  • [15:25] The Essential Guide to Ecological Gardening
  • [16:51] Espoma Organic
  • [22:03] What is plant communication/tree communication?
  • [23:02] What are “witness trees” and their part in the collective history?
  • [25:06] How an enslaved botanist shaped the pecan industry
  • [28:23] How reclaiming wisdom can help heal land trauma
  • [32:29] Why is the Willow Tree chapter the most personal to write for Beronda?
  • [33:46] Uncovering the Elaine, Arkansas massacre through plants
  • [35:57] How trees help identify forgotten sacred spaces
  • [36:17] Why trees matter globally as historical indicators
  • [37:17] What does "Sankofa" mean?
  • [39:03] Why Apple trees have such a great impact on history
  • [42:58] Life at Harvard’s Radcliffe Institute and what’s next for Beronda
  • [45:27] Where to find Beronda’s work, events, and future talks

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

 

To learn more about how Beronda explores Black American history through botany,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

 

Follow Beronda:

Website
Instagram
Books
Bsky

 

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Quarto: Essential Guide to Ecological Gardening by The American Horticultural Society

Grab the Essential Guide to Ecological Gardeningat quarto.com and wherever books are sold.

Espoma Organic

Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront. 

 

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

Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria


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There’s a quiet, accessible kind of wellness waiting for you on a windowsill or in a patch of soil. Growing Joy with Plants explores that very idea, moving beyond basic tips to examine how our relationship with the natural world directly nurtures our mental and emotional health. Hosted by Maria Failla, a self-proclaimed Happy Plant Lady and author of "Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness," this podcast feels like a warm conversation with a knowledgeable friend. Maria guides you through the practicalities of keeping your houseplants alive and thriving, but the discussion always circles back to the deeper connection-how the simple acts of watering, repotting, or simply observing growth can become anchors of calm in a hectic day. Each episode digs into how gardening and engaging with nature, even in small urban spaces, offer tangible tools to manage feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. This isn't about achieving a perfect indoor jungle; it's about finding moments of peace and genuine happiness through the process of care. The underlying message throughout the podcast is a powerful and gentle reminder: tending to your plants is fundamentally an act of tending to yourself. You’ll come away with not just better plant care knowledge, but a refreshed perspective on cultivating joy in your daily routine, learning that the serenity you might seek on vacation can be rooted right in your own home.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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