As plant parents, we love our green babies, but sometimes we can get carried away with our collections. With life returning to normal, we might feel like it's time to simplify our spaces and make room for new experiences. Today's episode is all about embracing the joy of living with less. We're joined by Stephanie, the host of the Sustainable Minimalism podcast, to talk about how the principles of minimalism can bring positivity and happiness into our plant parenthood journeys. So get ready to enjoy some uplifting conversation on how to create a healthy and balanced plant collection!

 

In this episode, we learn:

• [03:04] Maria’s recent trip to Florida and her experience with outdoor plants
• [05:58] ​How did Stephanie become a sustainable minimalist and what journey did she take to get there?
• [08:57] How can regret and shame be used as a tool for positive change?
• [10:23] Do you throw your stuff away, give it away, or return it?
• [13:01] Why you should not let the “investment shame” hold you back from letting go of items that no longer serve you
• [15:15] Where to get a variety of edible flowers that can add beauty to your garden and unique flavors to your dishes
• [17:41] Are there any hidden signs of overwhelm people should watch out for when deciding to go minimalist?
• [21:13] What tools can you use to resist the urge to buy something new when trying to declutter?
• [25:01] Books and resources Stephanie recommends for those interested in minimalism!
• [26:33] What are the first steps you should take toward decluttering?
• [31:51] How wind chimes can be a beneficial addition to a mindfulness practice
• [34:28] Where can you find high-quality, safe, and eco-friendly indoor and outdoor gardening products?
• [36:13] Stephanie’s top minimalist takeaways that could inspire anyone interested in minimalism, and how it could apply to your plant collection
• [36:56] #1 Using cost per use as a metric!
• [38:19] #2 Space is more valuable than your belongings!
• [38:51] #3 Memories do not reside in items!
• [39:47] #4 Multiples of an item keep us cluttered!
• [42:04] How do you know if it's time to celebrate getting a new plant and be more intentional about what you buy?
• [43:07] #5 Pair your next purchase with something wonderful going on in your life!
• [45:29] Follow Stephanie and Sustainable Minimalist!

 

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Letting Go of the Investment Shame

Are you holding onto items that no longer bring you joy or serve a purpose in your life? Maybe you've invested a lot of money into them and the thought of letting go feels like a waste. But, as Stephanie points out, the sunk cost fallacy is not a reason to hold onto items that are no longer serving you.

Whether it's plants, clothes, or household items, there's no need to let the investment shame hold you back. Instead, why not gift those plants to someone who would love them, or sell those quality gardening tools to someone who will put them to good use? You may not recoup the money you spent, but you will gain the freedom and space that comes with decluttering your life.

And if you're struggling with plant death, remember that every experience is a valuable lesson, plant friends. Maybe it's time to learn how to downsize your plant collection or how to better care for the ones you have. Whatever the lesson may be, it's worth the investment in yourself.

So don't let lost money hold you back. Embrace the freedom that comes with letting go and make space for the things that bring you joy and purpose in this season of life!

 

Signs You're Overwhelmed: A Minimalist Approach

Living a maximalist lifestyle can lead to overwhelm! Stephanie shares how maximalism can affect our collections and hobbies, like house plants. She suggests that when collections become too large, it's challenging to enjoy each item individually. Similarly, hobbies like plant parenting can lead to stress and an inability to enjoy the activity.

My book offers a fantastic tool for those looking to create a unique experience with their house plants. My “pick a plant of the month” practice encourages people to cultivate a deeper connection with their plants and maintain a minimalist approach to their collections.

By focusing on what brings joy and creating unique experiences, you can avoid being overwhelmed. If you're interested in learning more about my book, be sure to check it out!

 

5 Minimalism Tips for Plant Enthusiasts

Let’s explore 5 minimalism tips that can be applied to your plant collection. These will help you become more intentional and mindful about the way you consume and live, while still celebrating your love for plants!

• Cost per use: Invest in quality plants and materials that will last longer and have a higher cost per use.
• Space is more valuable than stuff: Be mindful of the number and size of plants you have and how they affect the space in your home.
• Memories do not reside in items: Value your plants for their own intrinsic qualities rather than as souvenirs or reminders of happy times.
• Multiples of an item keep us cluttered: Be mindful of how many of the same plant or type of plant you have and how they affect the overall aesthetic and function of your space.
• Pair your next purchase with something wonderful going on in your life: Be intentional about new plant purchases and celebrate them in meaningful ways.

 

Tools to Help You Make Mindful Purchases

If you struggle with impulse purchases, there are tools that can help. Try putting up barriers to purchasing, like taking a deep breath, leaving the store, or waiting a day before deciding. Inserting a pause between seeing something you like and buying it can be very powerful.

For plant lovers, consider taking a “plant pause” to focus on caring for the plants you already have. Use this time to invest in better pots or plant stands to create a beautiful green space in your home.

Making mindful choices that bring you long-term joy and happiness is the goal. So next time you're tempted to make an impulse purchase, try using these tools to make a more thoughtful decision!

 

Decluttering Made Easy: Tips for a Rejuvenated Space 

Let's face it, clutter can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to our beloved plant collections. With a few simple steps, you can declutter your space and feel a sense of relief and rejuvenation. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Assess the clutter: Before you start decluttering, ask yourself if the clutter is negatively impacting your life. If it's not, then leave it be. If it is, then move on to step two.
• Start small: Don't jump right into your plant collection. Instead, start with an area that doesn't have any emotional attachment, like your linen closet or bathroom.
• Decide what to keep: Go through the items in the chosen area and decide what you are actually using and what you can let go of.
• Use the quarantine box: If you're not sure if you want to let go of something, put it in a box and set a reminder to revisit it in six months. If you haven't used it by then, it's time to let it go.
• Donate, sell, or give away: Instead of throwing items away, consider donating or selling them locally. This way, you can pass on your items to someone who will appreciate them just as much as you did.

And remember, decluttering can be a cathartic process that not only gives you a sense of accomplishment but also helps you make space for new things and experiences. So don't be afraid to let go and start fresh!

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Growing Joy Episode 111: The Art of the Plant Pause and Managing Plant Parent Overwhelm
• Growing Joy Episode 86: Pause With Plants to Release Stress and Increase Calm With Brittany From the Pause With Plants Podcast
• Marie Kondo
• Joshua Becker’s Becoming Minimalist
• Sustainable Minimalist Episode 341: When Minimalism Feels Overwhelming
• Folia Collective

 

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

For this garden season, Territorial Seed Company is telling you: eat your flowers! Edible flowers are not only beautiful, but they are also good for your body, and this company has your back. Skip the lines at the garden center and let Territorial Seed Company deliver top-of-the-line, healthy and hardy 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. Whether you are looking for berries, flowers or edible plants in either seed or seedling form, Territorial Seed Company has your back.

Get 10% off by visiting territorialseed.com/growingjoy – discount applied at checkout.

Espoma Organic

Espoma 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 top it all off, they have a huge sustainability commitment with a 100% solar powered plant, zero waste manufacturing and eco-friendly packaging.

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

Wind River Chimes

Bring more peace, serenity, and magic into your home with chimes. Wind River is a Virginia-based company creating premium handcrafted and hand-tuned wind chimes for over 35 years. If you are looking for a new way to grow joy in your life and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect addition for your home or garden.

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all Corinthian Bells wind chimes.

 

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