In celebration of 10 years, we’ve been revisiting some of our most beloved gatherings, and our 2020 event with Jasmine, the founder of Black Girls With Gardens, remains a community favorite.
This session was a beautiful blend of plant care and personal growth. We talked about everything from choosing the right soil to tending to the foundations of friendship. Jasmine, a therapist and plant lover, offered heartfelt guidance on how we can cultivate not only thriving greenery, but also lasting, meaningful relationships. Whether you’re just getting started with your plant journey or seeking ways to strengthen your friendships, I hope the insights below feel nourishing. Here’s what we learned together:
Meet Jasmine
Jasmine is a therapist by day and gardener by night. After the loss of her last grandparent, she found peace in tending to her garden. That love and healing bloomed into Black Girls With Gardens, a community that continues to grow.
Top Plant Tips
1. Avoid impulse plant shopping! First, research what will thrive in your space.
2. Over loving can hurt: too much water or re-potting too soon are common mistakes.
3. Assess your light, temperature, and humidity before buying.
4. Tropical plants like warm rooms. Think elephant ears, philodendron, hoya, monstera.
5. For outdoor growing, consider your soil and watering plan.
6. If a plant gets sick, rule out water, soil, and light then let go if needed.
7. “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” Let your thriving plants be!
8. Jasmine’s go-to fertilizers: Earthworm castings, Jobe’s sticks, fish emulsion.
9. Know your growing zone. It helps with when and what to grow.
10. Herbs are a great beginner’s garden: basil, parsley, oregano, cilantro, thyme.
11. Neem oil helps with bugs, but go easy to avoid burning your plants.
Plants & Friendships: The Connection
– Water = Communication: honest, steady connection keeps things alive.
– Light = Presence: Show up and listen with care.
– Soil = Foundation: Share space with like-minded, growth-oriented people.
Navigating Relationships
– In tough seasons (like a pandemic), honor your needs first. Be clear and compassionate.
– Stay open-minded. Friendships can bloom in unexpected ways.
– Like plants, some friendships are for a season, others for a lifetime. Both matter.
