WEBVTT 00:00.866 --> 00:02.100 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% - Howdy, I'm John Hart Asher. 00:02.100 --> 00:04.600 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% Today I'm delighted to welcome Teresa Speight, 00:04.600 --> 00:07.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% a leader in urban gardening engagement, 00:07.266 --> 00:11.200 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% a compelling author and a philosophical podcaster, 00:11.200 --> 00:15.133 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and insightful garden writer at Cottage in the Court, 00:15.133 --> 00:17.400 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% native to Washington DC 00:17.400 --> 00:21.266 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and now tending her own cottage court garden in Maryland. 00:21.266 --> 00:25.366 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Her garden journey led her to recent book, Black Flora, 00:25.366 --> 00:29.666 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Profiles of Inspiring Black Flower Farmers and Florists. 00:29.666 --> 00:31.266 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Great to meet you, Teri. 00:31.266 --> 00:32.200 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% How are you doing? 00:32.200 --> 00:33.800 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - I am absolutely wonderful. 00:33.800 --> 00:36.033 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% It is absolutely wonderful to have you here. 00:36.033 --> 00:39.933 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% You are a prolific flower writer and speaker, 00:39.933 --> 00:44.100 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% so I wanted to start off with flowers and gardening. 00:44.100 --> 00:46.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Why are they so important to your bliss 00:46.800 --> 00:48.633 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and what is communal bliss? 00:48.633 --> 00:51.733 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% - It's important to my bliss because it brings me joy 00:51.733 --> 00:54.400 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% and right now we need to be uplifted so much 00:54.400 --> 00:57.500 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% in the world and flowers, that's where it's at. 00:57.500 --> 01:01.800 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - Where did you get your start in this gardening path? 01:01.800 --> 01:03.266 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - From my parents. 01:03.266 --> 01:08.066 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% We planted portulacas, cannas, and marigolds every year. 01:09.033 --> 01:10.333 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% That was my mom's thing, 01:10.333 --> 01:13.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and my dad planted my mom a rose garden, 01:13.200 --> 01:15.266 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% and we made bouquets, 01:15.266 --> 01:17.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and we put them all throughout the house. 01:17.133 --> 01:21.100 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So that's where it started and it just grew from there. 01:21.100 --> 01:22.466 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% I've always been a tomboy, 01:22.466 --> 01:26.400 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% so being outside was my jam and it still is. 01:26.400 --> 01:29.700 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - And I read your dad really was a powerful force 01:29.700 --> 01:33.233 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% in terms of your influence on getting you a green thumb. 01:33.233 --> 01:37.266 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - He helped me realize the importance of having a hydrangea 01:37.266 --> 01:41.000 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and those green things I realized now were arborvitae, 01:41.000 --> 01:43.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and we would have these conversations 01:43.466 --> 01:47.300 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% on the carport breaking down Latin the real way you 01:47.300 --> 01:49.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% say words and the real way you don't. 01:49.433 --> 01:51.600 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% So my dad and I were very close. 01:51.600 --> 01:52.866 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - That's wonderful. 01:52.866 --> 01:55.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I can definitely say that I'm guilty 01:55.233 --> 01:57.266 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% of speaking horrible Latin 01:57.266 --> 01:58.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and I'm sure there's a lot of people out there. 01:58.966 --> 02:02.700 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% What do you really want to see in your own garden? 02:02.700 --> 02:06.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Color, creative chaos, and joy. 02:08.100 --> 02:10.500 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% That's what my garden speaks to that with natives 02:10.500 --> 02:13.500 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% in the front and the back I'm currently renovating 02:13.500 --> 02:16.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and creating a garden that is personal to me. 02:16.733 --> 02:17.666 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% - Right. 02:17.666 --> 02:19.800 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - Favorite plants, native plants 02:19.800 --> 02:21.666 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and plants that will give back to nature. 02:21.666 --> 02:23.933 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% - When you say a garden that's important to you, 02:23.933 --> 02:25.700 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% can you delve into a little bit? 02:25.700 --> 02:27.600 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% I mean, how do plants speak to you, 02:27.600 --> 02:29.000 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% I guess is what I'm trying to say. 02:29.000 --> 02:32.133 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - The color is, that's really, really important to me 02:32.133 --> 02:37.133 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and how they can mingle and play well with others. 02:38.266 --> 02:39.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% in addition to being low maintenance, 02:39.800 --> 02:42.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% because I do have a full-time job. 02:42.233 --> 02:45.000 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I don't want to be outside always doing maintenance, 02:45.000 --> 02:47.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% but I want my garden to always be colorful 02:47.733 --> 02:49.100 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% and always be alive. 02:49.100 --> 02:52.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Being alive means bringing nature in. 02:52.200 --> 02:53.800 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Butterflies. Birds. 02:53.800 --> 02:55.100 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - That's really interesting about low maintenance. 02:55.100 --> 02:57.633 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% 'Cause I hear a lot of people talk about that 02:57.633 --> 02:59.433 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and I'd love you to clarify 02:59.433 --> 03:01.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% how do you define low maintenance? 03:01.300 --> 03:03.733 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% 'Cause a lot of people interpret that as no maintenance, 03:03.733 --> 03:06.566 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% but that really would cut out a lot of the joy of gardening. 03:06.566 --> 03:08.366 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - Exactly, exactly. 03:08.366 --> 03:12.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Low maintenance to me is planting closely, 03:12.366 --> 03:14.066 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% which minimizes weeds, 03:15.500 --> 03:18.500 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% using plant material that is xeric or drought tolerant. 03:18.500 --> 03:20.633 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% Does not mean you never have to water, 03:20.633 --> 03:22.633 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% but the water comes from the heavens 03:22.633 --> 03:26.066 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and every once in a while, if you have to add water, 03:26.066 --> 03:28.233 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% I do collect milk jugs 03:28.233 --> 03:30.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and I use gray water from my shower 03:30.866 --> 03:33.000 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% from vegetables that I steam. 03:33.000 --> 03:37.200 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I will use that water when the plants get a little too dry, 03:37.200 --> 03:40.700 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% but otherwise I've not used my hose in 18 years. 03:40.700 --> 03:43.800 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - Well, from the people here in Texas, I'll tell you, 03:43.800 --> 03:46.000 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% that's pretty darn impressive. 03:46.000 --> 03:47.700 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Well, what inspired your website 03:47.700 --> 03:50.400 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and blog Cottage in the Court? 03:50.400 --> 03:52.166 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% - Because I realized that a lot of people 03:52.166 --> 03:54.266 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% were not connecting with nature. 03:54.266 --> 03:56.566 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% Either it was too technical for them, 03:56.566 --> 03:58.066 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% too high maintenance, 03:58.066 --> 04:00.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% or they just didn't understand the beast. 04:00.300 --> 04:03.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And I try to be user friendly in my approach 04:03.533 --> 04:05.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and help people really understand 04:05.766 --> 04:08.066 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and embrace the beauty that surrounds us. 04:08.066 --> 04:11.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% It's so easy to be so busy and overlook it, 04:11.233 --> 04:13.066 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% but when you can stop and go, 04:13.066 --> 04:16.133 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% Oh, that Rudbeckia hirta is going to take me 04:16.133 --> 04:19.466 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% from August till almost December 04:20.400 --> 04:22.933 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% and you don't do anything to it, 04:22.933 --> 04:25.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I've just connected somebody with nature. 04:25.033 --> 04:26.900 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - Then you started a podcast. 04:26.900 --> 04:30.233 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% It brings your voice of experience and philosophy to us. 04:31.433 --> 04:34.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Why did you decide to go that direction as well? 04:34.033 --> 04:35.833 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - Because I like to talk. 04:35.833 --> 04:36.833 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (both laugh) 04:36.833 --> 04:37.766 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% Seriously. 04:37.766 --> 04:39.933 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% I love so many people think 04:39.933 --> 04:42.933 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that professionals in horticulture 04:42.933 --> 04:45.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% or even your local garden center, 04:45.533 --> 04:47.133 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% that they're not reachable. 04:47.133 --> 04:48.200 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% They are reachable. 04:48.200 --> 04:49.700 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% They're there to help. 04:49.700 --> 04:53.833 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So if we have conversations with them and normalize them, 04:53.833 --> 04:56.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% then more people will reach out to them. 04:57.200 --> 04:58.900 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% So that's why I do it. 04:58.900 --> 05:00.400 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% That's why I continue to do it. 05:00.400 --> 05:03.833 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And then also those underknown unheard voices, 05:03.833 --> 05:06.066 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I want to bring them to the forefront 05:06.066 --> 05:07.166 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% because they're important too. 05:07.166 --> 05:08.300 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% - Absolutely. 05:08.300 --> 05:09.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I don't think there's any plant nerd 05:09.966 --> 05:13.066 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% that I know that won't go on for hours to talk about plants. 05:13.066 --> 05:17.600 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So plant people are some of your great greatest resources. 05:17.600 --> 05:19.400 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And I always like to say, 05:19.400 --> 05:20.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% you got to get your brown thumb first 05:20.866 --> 05:22.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% before you get your green thumb, right? 05:22.800 --> 05:25.500 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And I think a lot of people are scared of gardening 05:25.500 --> 05:27.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% because you might kill a plant or something, 05:27.800 --> 05:30.666 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% but it's a process of learning and experimenting. 05:30.666 --> 05:35.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - And honestly, even the most experienced gardener 05:35.166 --> 05:36.233 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% kills plants. 05:36.233 --> 05:37.500 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - [John] Absolutely. 05:37.500 --> 05:39.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - You cannot gain the experience of growing 05:39.900 --> 05:41.600 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% without killing something first. 05:41.600 --> 05:42.533 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% - [John] Sure. 05:42.533 --> 05:44.000 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - So that's the importance. 05:44.000 --> 05:46.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And when we think about the garden, 05:46.233 --> 05:48.666 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% the garden has always had a DEI plan. 05:50.366 --> 05:53.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Diversity, how many gardens do you know? 05:53.000 --> 05:56.166 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% Even if it's just diversity of leaves, 05:56.166 --> 05:58.033 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% the garden has always had this plan. 05:59.100 --> 06:01.100 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Equity and inclusivity. 06:01.100 --> 06:04.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% It is so important that we really recognize 06:04.033 --> 06:08.966 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% that that was a roadmap for how we should be in life. 06:08.966 --> 06:09.900 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% - I love it. 06:09.900 --> 06:12.000 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% That is really wonderful. 06:12.000 --> 06:13.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% That's the philosopher coming out right there. 06:13.800 --> 06:15.633 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% I absolutely love that. 06:15.633 --> 06:18.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Well, with all that free time on your hands 06:18.300 --> 06:20.666 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that you've had, because you obviously 06:20.666 --> 06:22.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% hadn't been doing stuff, I'm joking, 06:22.500 --> 06:25.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% but you decided then to write two books. 06:25.100 --> 06:28.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So why did you want to co-author The Urban Garden 06:28.166 --> 06:31.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% about small spaces and gardening on a budget? 06:31.100 --> 06:32.933 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - We've got so many new gardeners now 06:33.833 --> 06:35.700 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and a lot of people will say, 06:35.700 --> 06:37.100 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Oh, gardening is so expensive. 06:37.100 --> 06:38.700 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% It doesn't have to be. 06:38.700 --> 06:41.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Save your seeds, collect seeds, share seeds, 06:41.700 --> 06:44.166 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and Oh, I only have a balcony. 06:44.166 --> 06:46.300 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% You can have container plants. 06:46.300 --> 06:49.066 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Oh, I don't know if I want to dig in my ground, 06:49.066 --> 06:50.200 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% build a raised bed. 06:51.300 --> 06:53.100 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% It doesn't cost a lot of money. 06:53.100 --> 06:54.700 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And if you use perennials, 06:54.700 --> 06:58.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% you're saving money because that one cluster 06:58.033 --> 07:01.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% of seeds comes back year after year after year. 07:01.733 --> 07:04.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And then you add annuals for long term color. 07:04.800 --> 07:09.300 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% But you have this wonderful symphony of plant material that, 07:09.300 --> 07:11.633 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% in my opinion, it sings to us every day. 07:12.766 --> 07:14.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - I love that, sings to us every day. 07:14.866 --> 07:18.600 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Well, and I think with herbaceous material, 07:18.600 --> 07:21.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% so forbs or wildflowers and grasses, 07:21.333 --> 07:23.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% people think about trees, I plant a tree 07:23.500 --> 07:25.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and then it's going to give to me. 07:25.333 --> 07:27.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% They can see that as a long term vision. 07:27.566 --> 07:29.666 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% But just like you're mentioning though, the perennials, 07:29.666 --> 07:31.500 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% that's a gift that comes back every year 07:31.500 --> 07:35.600 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% and improves just like a tree increases in stature. 07:35.600 --> 07:39.466 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% This is one that increases in color, might spread a bit. 07:39.466 --> 07:40.433 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% Move it around. 07:40.433 --> 07:42.733 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% So you also wrote Black Flora 07:42.733 --> 07:44.666 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and it's a portrayal of African American 07:44.666 --> 07:46.700 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and indigenous floral designers, 07:46.700 --> 07:49.466 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% artists and slow flower farmers. 07:50.833 --> 07:54.033 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% Why and what was important to honor the local, 07:54.033 --> 07:58.200 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% regional, and those historical roots in that text? 07:58.200 --> 08:00.933 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - It was important because we don't hear about them. 08:00.933 --> 08:02.166 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% When you think about it, 08:02.166 --> 08:04.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% you hear about a lot of flower farmers, 08:04.200 --> 08:06.833 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% but they're not people of color. 08:06.833 --> 08:10.200 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% So we've had this thing going on, 08:10.200 --> 08:12.000 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% but no one's ever heard about it. 08:12.000 --> 08:13.833 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% We've missed opportunities, 08:13.833 --> 08:16.566 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and it was important to bring it to the forefront. 08:16.566 --> 08:20.433 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% One of my editor, Debra Prinzing, she was the one that said, 08:20.433 --> 08:23.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Teri, let's do this project together. 08:23.300 --> 08:25.233 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And I jumped at the opportunity 08:25.233 --> 08:29.166 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% because to elevate our voices is important. 08:29.166 --> 08:33.566 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% To let people know that we're not a monolith is important. 08:33.566 --> 08:36.000 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% So I was more than happy to share this. 08:36.000 --> 08:37.333 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% - [John] Tell us about a diversity of stories, 08:37.333 --> 08:40.866 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% 'cause I know you have chapters 08:40.866 --> 08:42.933 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% that really cover how many people? 08:43.866 --> 08:44.800 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% - [Teri] 25. - [John] 25. 08:46.266 --> 08:49.466 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% - [Teri] And everyone had their place of importance. 08:51.333 --> 08:53.366 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% I like to say the flowers found them. 08:55.266 --> 08:57.700 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% Whether it was through the loss of a parent, 08:57.700 --> 09:01.266 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% whether it was through choosing a career, 09:01.266 --> 09:05.100 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% the flowers found each and every one of the people here. 09:05.100 --> 09:07.300 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Or they wanted to connect with their ancestry, 09:07.300 --> 09:11.800 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% which in another way, the seeds were sewn before them 09:11.800 --> 09:16.800 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and they just cultivated that gift of being a seedling 09:17.666 --> 09:19.233 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and made it their reality. 09:19.233 --> 09:20.500 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% That's powerful. 09:20.500 --> 09:21.766 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% - Absolutely. 09:21.766 --> 09:23.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Well, I know in the intro in your book, 09:23.266 --> 09:27.600 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I really appreciated the sense of I believe the quote was, 09:27.600 --> 09:29.100 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% and I hope I'm not going to mess this up, 09:29.100 --> 09:32.000 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% but we ain't new to this, but we're true to this. 09:32.000 --> 09:36.500 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And the story about plantations in the South going down, 09:36.500 --> 09:39.633 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and yet the slaves there harvesting that material 09:39.633 --> 09:42.600 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and the creating heirloom gardens from that. 09:42.600 --> 09:43.766 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% - Yeah, yeah. 09:43.766 --> 09:45.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - [John] I mean, that's really amazing. 09:45.100 --> 09:48.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Well, when you think about it, to me, one, 09:48.533 --> 09:50.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and I just cannot get this out of my mind. 09:50.300 --> 09:52.966 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I went to Sotterley Plantation in southern Maryland 09:52.966 --> 09:55.566 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and I went down to the waterside 09:56.700 --> 10:00.166 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and I just had to really imagine getting off 10:00.166 --> 10:01.833 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% out of the hull of a boat. 10:01.833 --> 10:06.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Dark damp, definitely not great conditions. 10:06.466 --> 10:08.100 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Wasn't a cruise ship. 10:08.100 --> 10:09.400 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% You get off this boat 10:09.400 --> 10:13.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and you are expected to know the language, 10:13.300 --> 10:16.266 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% what people are telling you that you've never heard before. 10:16.266 --> 10:18.533 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% You expected to grow in soil 10:18.533 --> 10:20.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that you've never grown in before. 10:21.233 --> 10:23.233 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And then there's the weather 10:23.233 --> 10:25.500 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% you've never experienced before. 10:25.500 --> 10:27.333 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And somehow we made it happen. 10:28.600 --> 10:30.333 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% That is powerful to me. 10:30.333 --> 10:33.433 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And I remember sitting by that waterside and crying 'cause, 10:33.433 --> 10:38.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% it was like, Wow, we got this, we have this. 10:39.066 --> 10:40.300 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% We know this. 10:40.300 --> 10:42.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% It's in our DNA and we made it work. 10:42.733 --> 10:45.933 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Somebody had the commonsense to put a black-eyed pea 10:45.933 --> 10:46.800 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% in their hair. 10:48.033 --> 10:49.933 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Someone got a sweet potato over here. 10:49.933 --> 10:52.833 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I mean, okra seeds, there are things 10:52.833 --> 10:56.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that we figured out we might need this 10:56.033 --> 10:59.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% at some point, we did it and we're still here. 11:00.933 --> 11:03.200 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% To me, that's an amazing story. 11:03.200 --> 11:05.666 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - I think that's one of the most powerful stories. 11:05.666 --> 11:07.400 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% That's absolutely amazing. 11:08.333 --> 11:09.900 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% What resonated with you 11:09.900 --> 11:12.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to tell these other people's stories? 11:13.866 --> 11:17.133 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I know you've talked about the DEI in terms of the garden, 11:17.133 --> 11:21.666 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% but why was it important for you to include this diaspora 11:21.666 --> 11:26.166 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% of storytelling and personal experience with gardening? 11:26.166 --> 11:28.766 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% - Because we've not heard it before. 11:28.766 --> 11:33.733 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% This is long overdue and we deserve the opportunities 11:33.733 --> 11:35.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and the chance to tell our stories 11:35.733 --> 11:37.833 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% like everyone else does. 11:37.833 --> 11:42.133 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% So the impact that this has had 11:42.133 --> 11:44.466 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% on so many lives of the people 11:44.466 --> 11:48.300 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% that are in the book, several of them are coming home 11:48.300 --> 11:49.566 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% as I call it. 11:49.566 --> 11:51.600 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% They're going back to family land. 11:51.600 --> 11:54.733 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% One couple of the Cottens, they're just my heart. 11:54.733 --> 11:58.166 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% They have decided they don't want 11:58.166 --> 11:59.500 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% what a lot of young people want. 11:59.500 --> 12:01.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% They don't want the four-car garage. 12:01.333 --> 12:02.666 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% They don't want the big house. 12:02.666 --> 12:04.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% They are growing with their children 12:04.766 --> 12:08.166 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% at their feet just like our ancestors did. 12:08.166 --> 12:09.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And they're making a living out of it 12:09.466 --> 12:10.833 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% and they're happy. 12:10.833 --> 12:12.100 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% That's amazing. 12:13.466 --> 12:16.866 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - Well, I want to read a quote if I can from your book, 12:16.866 --> 12:19.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that I really found truly moving. 12:19.800 --> 12:21.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And you're talking about your journey 12:21.300 --> 12:24.866 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% to maturity where you say, Now I'm beginning to bloom. 12:24.866 --> 12:27.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And as I unfurl each petal is different, 12:27.233 --> 12:30.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% each experience adds fullness to life. 12:30.266 --> 12:32.433 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And that really just moved me 12:32.433 --> 12:36.033 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% from a sense of gardening isn't just, 12:36.033 --> 12:39.466 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% I think a lot of people see it as an activity you're doing, 12:39.466 --> 12:44.466 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% but I think what your book and experience bring to it 12:45.200 --> 12:47.466 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% is that interaction. 12:47.466 --> 12:51.266 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% It's that chance for us to reconnect with the land. 12:51.266 --> 12:52.100 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% - Yeah. 12:52.100 --> 12:53.566 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Gardening grounds me. 12:54.766 --> 12:57.933 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I am at a loss when I'm not touching the soil. 12:57.933 --> 13:02.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And I realized that the older I got, my dad, 13:02.233 --> 13:04.500 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I wanted to be an archeologist and my dad was like, 13:04.500 --> 13:07.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Oh no, you should be a secretary. 13:07.333 --> 13:09.600 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% But he was always old school at the time. 13:09.600 --> 13:12.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% But I always knew I wanted to be connected 13:12.533 --> 13:15.833 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% with the earth and the more connectivity 13:15.833 --> 13:18.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I had with the earth, I wanted to share that. 13:18.533 --> 13:19.666 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And I still want to share that 13:19.666 --> 13:22.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% because it's important for our next, 13:22.300 --> 13:25.466 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% our children are our next. 13:25.466 --> 13:27.100 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% If they don't understand it now, 13:27.100 --> 13:30.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% if they don't get it now in a user-friendly way, 13:30.466 --> 13:33.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% we're going to be doomed pretty much. 13:33.266 --> 13:35.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And they're going to go in a different direction 13:35.366 --> 13:38.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and it's meaningful for them to connect 13:38.133 --> 13:40.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% 'cause it's going to ground them as well. 13:40.433 --> 13:42.266 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Grounding is so important. 13:42.266 --> 13:43.466 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - Gardening is perceived 13:43.466 --> 13:45.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% as sort of a old person thing a lot. 13:45.533 --> 13:47.633 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I mean, I'm certainly not super young at this point 13:47.633 --> 13:51.533 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% in my life, but it's something that is relevant 13:51.533 --> 13:54.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to you as soon as you come on this earth. 13:54.900 --> 13:56.333 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% - Yeah, yeah. 13:56.333 --> 13:58.500 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% If you give a child a seed, 13:58.500 --> 14:01.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% you've given them a gift and that gift, 14:01.466 --> 14:05.400 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% they can choose to use it now or later. 14:05.400 --> 14:06.766 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% My sister, my dad 14:06.766 --> 14:08.666 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and I would have wonderful conversations 14:08.666 --> 14:10.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% about plant material in the carport. 14:10.966 --> 14:14.366 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% My sister was like, Oh, it's time to go eat now, Dad. 14:14.366 --> 14:16.633 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% But when my dad passed, 14:16.633 --> 14:19.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% my sister's garden now is ridiculous. 14:19.900 --> 14:22.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% She cannot buy any more hydrangeas, 14:22.433 --> 14:24.566 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% because she's gone hydrangea crazy. 14:24.566 --> 14:28.000 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% But whether you get it now or later. 14:28.000 --> 14:31.166 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% It really is in our DNA for real. 14:31.166 --> 14:35.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And gardening, it's a calming factor. 14:35.033 --> 14:36.933 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Gardening is a healer, 14:36.933 --> 14:39.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% but you don't know it unless you try it. 14:39.366 --> 14:41.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Well, Teri, I want to thank you so much 14:41.500 --> 14:43.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% for taking time out of your busy schedule 14:43.700 --> 14:46.766 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and your prolific gardening life 14:46.766 --> 14:50.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% to come here and speak with us on Central Texas Gardener. 14:50.166 --> 14:51.900 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% It's been an absolute pleasure. 14:51.900 --> 14:53.000 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% - Thank you. 14:53.000 --> 14:58.000 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% (upbeat music) (birds chirping)