Did you know that some common outdoor plants have superpowers? Some can survive atomic bombing, clean up radiation, and even outsmart insects. This is Part 2 of my conversation with David Domoney, author of Plants with Superpowers, about the superpowers of outdoor plants. These plants can completely change how you walk down the street and look at nature.

Listen to Part 1 of our conversation about indoor plant superpowers here.

 

In this episode, we learn:

• [02:19] Welcome to part 2 with David Domoney: outdoor plants with superpowers
• [03:29] How did ginkgo trees survive Hiroshima?
• [06:08] How do sunflowers purify radioactive and toxic soil?
• [08:24] How magnolias trap beetles for pollination
• [09:31] Calming lavender vs. stimulating lavender
• [11:02] Try David’s lavender gin and tonic recipe!
• [13:32] Raspberries with a surprise twist
• [13:54] Bee orchid's mimicry superpower
• [14:51] Give your plants the best with Espoma Organic's time-tested, chemical-free soils, fertilizers, and plant foods!
• [16:14] How do walnuts help our brain?
• [17:23] Hedgehog Holly's shape-shifting defense mechanism
• [19:24] Can blueberries actually help with belly fat?
• [20:53] What makes rosemary so powerful for memory and wellness?
• [24:03] Did Roman gladiators really chew parsley for strength?
• [25:13]  Curly vs. flat leaf parsley differences
• [27:43] Where can you find David's socials and book?

 

 

 

Order my book!

Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast,

so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up!

 

 

#1 Ginkgo

Ginkgo trees survived the atomic bomb in Hiroshima. They were planted about a mile away from the epicenter of the explosion in 1945. They were burned down to just bare trunks but started growing again within a year and a half. These trees are over 250 million years old, and today they’re planted in polluted cities (China, London, New York) around the world because they tolerate air pollution so well.

 

 

#2 Sunflower

Sunflowers are what’s called a “hyperaccumulator,” meaning they suck up metals like zinc, copper, and lead from the ground. When they are harvested and processed, they help separate those toxins. Basically, they can clean toxins and radiation from the soil.

 

 

#3 Magnolia

Magnolias have been around since before bees even existed. They’re basically prehistoric. They evolved in order to be pollinated by beetles, and when the beetle crawls inside the flower, the magnolia closes up, trapping it inside as it walks around and picks up pollen. The magnolia opens up in the morning and releases the beetle to go pollinate other flowers.

 

 

#4 Lavender

There are two types of lavender superpowers: some calm and relax you (aka the angustifolia varieties). Others stimulate and invigorate (aka the intermedia types), with sharper fragrance and antibacterial, antifungal properties. Lavender can do both, depending on which one you grow.

Tip from David: You can make lavender syrup for your gin and tonic. It’s purple, smells amazing, and tastes like summer!

 

 

#5 Rosemary

I didn’t know rosemary had so much history, even though it’s one of my favorite herbs. It’s also so easy to propagate with just a little cutting and a cup of water. Its superpower is associated with memory and remembrance (it was used in funeral wreaths for that reason).

Popular fun fact: Rosemary oil also helps with hair thickening and even split ends.

 

 

#6 Parsley

In ancient times, Roman gladiators used to chew parsley before the battle because they believed it made them more agile and cunning. It’s also packed with chlorophyll, which has a great antibacterial property, making it the perfect ancient mouth cleanser. So if you’re out of toothpaste, go chew on some parsley!

 

 

#7 Holly

Holly is a shape-shifter. Its leaves are naturally smooth, but when they get eaten by deer or goats, they grow back prickly to defend themselves. You’ll see the prickles at the bottom where animals can reach them, while the top leaves are smooth. There’s even a variety called Ferox where the entire leaf is covered in spikes.

 

 

#8 Bee Orchid

There’s a reason it’s called a bee orchid. This flower evolved to look like a female bee, and it releases pheromones too! So male bees come over thinking it’s another bee and try to mate with it, successfully pollinating the flower.

 

 

#9 Blueberries

Blueberries are filled with antioxidants and have been known to help regulate visceral fat. So yes, you can achieve weight loss through blueberries! They have amazing leaves, bell-shaped flowers, and amazing color in the fall. David suggests planting them in twos or threes to cross-pollinate.

 

 

#10 Walnut

If you crack open a walnut, you’ll notice that it looks exactly like the human brain. Turns out, they contain linoleic acid and polyphenols that support memory, reduce stress, and improve overall brain health.

 

 

#11 Currants & Raspberries

David shared that he will sit in the garden with some cheese and crackers and pick fresh currants off the bush. For raspberries, a party trick is to stuff a chocolate in the center, and you’ve got a perfect mix of fruit and chocolate.

 

 

Awe and Wonder in the Garden

Plant friends, every time you see these plants, you have a different feeling and connection to them because you understand their unique personalities and abilities. They are incredible, and we're just beginning to understand all the amazing things they can do.

 

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Plants with Superpowers: 75 Remarkable Plants for your Garden and Home
• Growing Joy Episode 296: How to Grow Lavender with Rebecca of Lavender Connection
• Growing Joy Episode 292: 7 Houseplants with Superpowers with David Domoney

 

 

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Espoma Organic

Make sure your garden plants are maintaining their superpowers by using organic gardening products! 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.

 

 

 

Follow David:

Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
TikTok
Pinterest
X

 

 

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