July Life (Part Two)
Hairy Balls, Phone Intuition, Dark Reads, and more!
Hello!
This past week, I went back home to Columbus, Ohio and had the best food, got lots of family time, and went to Cultivate (a horticulture trade show). I looked like the biggest noob, waking around the convention center smiling from ear to ear.
I legit love trade shows. They used to be a huge part of my life when I worked for magazines (scouting new products) and when I had my paper store (buying new products for my shelves). So it felt good to be back in the mix – with my name badge hanging from a lanyard, meeting new people under weird fluorescent lighting, discovering new brands, and taking all the freebies the booths were offering. So excited for next year already.
Alright, go get your fun links.
And a special little gift (first come first served) below. I even included my first-ever video here. It’s 8 seconds long, but it’s a start!
Love,
Jessica
The Things That Freaked My Week
Some things I’m currently thinking about…
INSIDE
A book I read this month:
None Of This Is True by Lisa Jewel
This book was DARK, but I kept going and I’m glad I did. It’s about a podcast host who becomes the subject of her own true crime podcast. Very twisty-turny.
Next up is The Hunting Wives. Which is part of my Book-Turned-TV-Show club with my friend Chance. Netflix has made the book into a show that’s coming out next week.
Main character syndrome is ruining public spaces by Molly Barth
YES.
Favorites from my Columbus, Ohio trip:
Fine Feather (really great clean makeup, fragrance, and body/hair care store)
Two Dollar Radio (plant-based cafe meets indie bookstore)
COSI (one of my favorite places on earth)
Don’t Ignore Your Moral Intuition About Phones via Cal Newport
There’s much debate on the “data” and “research” about the impact smartphones and social media have on kids. I’m definitely trusting my gut on this one, and Cal agrees.
Bloat SOS
Yes, I already told you about this. But I’m on month three and it’s made my sensitive-chronically-ill-bloaty stomach feel so much better! I still can’t believe it. I generally think most supplements are BS…this one is not. I reached out to Ana at GLOW and asked her if I could get a discount code for the newsletter. Use JESSICA20 for 20% off.
OUTSIDE
Petal Pickers Fall Bulbs
They’re here! I’m def getting the Italian Levante Bianco Anemones and Butterfly Ranunculus (probs both the Ariadne and Eris). Last year, I got the Italian Levante Rosa Anemone, and they were stunners. They sell out fast, so get them quick!
Wishing on A Dandelion by Karen Azoulay
“Let me make a case for one of the most controversial blooms: Dandelions.”
As always, Karen delivers a piece that is above and beyond – with great imagery, art, history, and inspiration.
Rosy Soil
Met the founder and soil scientist behind this brand last week. LOVE what they are doing and cannot wait to try their germination mix.
Winged Everlasting
It’s like Feverfew and Strawflower had a baby, and I’ll be growing lots of this again for my cool season garden. A great flower to dry, too.
FREE HAIRY BALL SEEDS!
* I could not figure out how to turn the sound off this video. If you know a Substack hack, please share.
I am obsessed with this milkweed called Hairy Balls (Gomphocarpus physocarpus). They are a monarch attractor, an amazing conversation-starter (because they legit look like hairy balls and yes, I’m immature), and are really fun in a vase/arrangement. They start with delicate, white, bell-shaped flowers and then turn into kooky balls.
They produce so many seeds, and I really don’t need them all for myself. The first eight people who reply with their mailing address will get a pack sent their way. Sorry, US only. Because our government is bat-shit right now.
In zones 9 and above (find your zone here) they can be grown as a perennial. And I’ve found they’ll do their thing all the way into November. So for lower zones, I bet you could still grow them now!
Two new episodes of INSIDE + OUTSIDE PODCAST
I’m so excited about these episodes. If you were a One Part Podcast fan, I know you’re gonna love them. The same type of deep-y conversations with incredible people where I laugh too loud into the mic, say “wow” 100 times, and cry at how amazing the stories are. I have been loving every guest’s INSIDE pick so much - so many new books, movies, and ideas to dive into! Hope you’ll listen.
Last week, I interviewed Barri Leiner Grant (“chief grief officer” and founder of Memory Circle) about her first nature memory in the suburbs of New Jersey, navigating grief with nature, ways to remember those we love, and her current inside obsession (also grief-related). Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or my website.
This week, my guest was Karen Azoulay (artist and author of Flowers and Their Meanings). We talked about discovering dandelions, how our brains prefer real-life flowers vs. drawings of them, the historical meaning of marigolds, and how she connects to flowers without having space for a garden. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or my website.
And thank you to this week’s sponsor, Week Of The Website! YES, they can make you a website in a week (and it will look really good, too). And they’re offering a special something for Inside + Outside listeners.
I’ve gotten a handful of emails from people who missed the signup for my Group Growing Sessions and want to know when the next one will be. In Charleston, I’ll be hosting my next one in late Summer / early Fall.
In the meantime, you can always book a private session or gather a group for your own group session. You just need a minimum of three people! I offer sessions virtually and in-person. Reach out to hello@baskergardens.com to learn more.
Learning to Grow Cut Flowers
Workplace Well-Being Sessions
Through Horticultural Therapy, we’ll create a program to help reduce anxiety + stress, foster team-building, develop a sense of ownership, increase focus, and bring more calm, creative breaks, and engagement.
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What people are saying…
“I've been garden-curious for years but really didn't know where to start or what I could even grow with the small space I have outside my rented apartment.
Within one conversation, Jessica got me so excited about the possibilities, and now I can't wait to get my hands in the soil every day!”
- Jessica G, Los Angeles
While I’m not on IG anymore…I still love sharing. Check out the Basker feed (updated weekly)!
And some books by me:
One Part Plant: A Guide to Eating Real One Meal At a Time
Know Your Endo: An Empowering Guide To Health + Hope With Endometriosis
I sometimes use affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you click and buy an item from a link. There is no additional cost to you, but helps support my work.
I was born in Columbus!