Growing Joy by Maria Failla, Thomas Rainer

Growing Joy by Maria Failla ("Fy-ELL-ah")

This book came out in 2022, and the subtitle is The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants).

Oh, my dear horticultural enthusiasts, have you ever found yourself lost in the labyrinth of life, surrounded by the cacophony of modern existence? Fear not, for Maria Failla, the botanical oracle of Bloom and Grow Radio, has a remedy: Growing Joy.

This delightful tome is not merely a guide to plant care; it's a botanical balm for the soul.

With a light-hearted touch and a deep understanding of the human heart, Failla invites us into a world where plants are more than mere adornments; they are companions, confidants, and catalysts for transformation.

Maria says her book is full of plenty of practices for growing your way to a happier and more peaceful life.

This is another garden book conceived during the pandemic's early days.

If you remember that time, so many of us were feeling disconnected, stressed, and anxious, and we were looking for ways to feel more anchored, healthy, stronger, and positive. This was definitely the case with Maria.

She introduces her book this way:

We've only just met, but I'm going to confess something to you. I wrote this book about joy in what seemed to be the least joyful period in my life. Funny how that happens. When I first envisioned this book, I had my list of ideas and practices all lined up and tied in a pretty bow for you.

But then there was a little plot twist. And when the time came around for me to actually write this book, My life kind of imploded in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. lost my job. My wedding was postponed due to social distancing. And through a series of unexpected events, my partner and had to move three times in a year - with a six-month stint living with my parents. The ultimate romantic dream for any engaged couple.

So you can tell that Maria is doing a fantastic job setting the stage. And a lot of this sounds SO relatable for so many of us. But then Maria had an epiphany. And she writes,

I looked around at my plant collection and I noticed that my plants also looked miserable. Limp leaves, thirsty, yearning for light, and seeing them so unhappy made me pause and realize how much I related to them. And in the midst of moving pivoting and mourning, I had let the beautiful practices and routines that I had developed lapse. This realization hit me like a two-ton bag of potting mix. 

(I love that Maria has plenty of little snippets of humor in her book that will surely bring a chuckle.)

Maria continues.

A deeper realization set in. let my plant care routine lapse, and I'd also let my therapy and workout appointments slip through the cracks. I stopped checking in with my friends and my screen time was at an all-time high; my plants and I both needed some serious nurturing.

Maria concludes:

I don't claim to have all the answers, but I do know that if you're open to it, this stuff works. No matter what season of life you're in, whether you're simply looking for fun ways to enliven your days, suggestions for how to take the next step forward in plant parenthood, or maybe you're looking for something deeper. But wherever you are, I see you and I'm here for you. And let's grow some joy together, one leaf at a time.

As you can tell, Maria's book is perfectly titled, Growing Joy.

Imagine a world where the simple act of tending to a plant can soothe your anxieties, brighten your mood, and even boost your creativity.

Failla reveals the science behind our love affair with greenery, demonstrating how these humble beings can unlock a world of wellness and delight. From the restorative power of a plant-infused retreat to the therapeutic benefits of simply gazing upon a leafy friend, Growing Joy offers a treasure trove of practical tips and inspiring ideas.

Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or a tentative beginner, this book will leave you feeling empowered and inspired.

Failla's engaging writing style and the charming illustrations by Samantha Leung make it a joy to read. So, let's raise a glass of botanical bliss to Growing Joy - a must-have for any gardener seeking to cultivate happiness, one plant at a time.

This book is 272 pages of connecting with plants and ourselves and, in the process, gaining
new insights and a more positive and healthier lifestyle.

This book is a delightful mix of self-care through plant care, helping you to feel more joyous, grounded, and optimistic.

I think it's the perfect book as we all come back into our homes and snuggle in, cozy in, and get ready for winter.

You can get a copy of Growing Joy by Maria Failla and support the show using the Amazon link in today's show notes for around $5.