Ep. 240 - Life in the Savage Garden

What's not to love about carnivorous plants? From their bizarre looks to their insect-eating habits, carnivorous plants really break the mold on mainstream botanical assumptions. For my guest today, carnivorous plants have been a life long obsession. Damon Collingsworth grew his first sundew at the tender age of 11 and today is co-owner and manager of California Carnivores, one of the premier carnivorous plant nurseries in the world. To talk with Damon is to talk with someone so deeply passionate about these plants that it would be impossible to not become enamored yourself. Join us for an in depth look at how growing carnivorous plants changed his life. This episode was produced in part by Laura, Alice, Sarah, Rachel, Joanna, Griff, Philip, Paul, Matthew, Clark, Bobby, Kate, Steven, Brittney, McMansion Hell, Joey, Catherine, Brandon, Hall, Vegreville Creek and Wetlands Fund, Kevin, Oliver, John, Johansson, Christina, Jared, Hannah, Katy Pye, Brandon, Gwen, Carly, Stephen, Botanical Tours, Moonwort Studios, Liba, Mohsin Kazmi Takes Pictures, doeg, Clifton, Stephanie, Benjamin, Eli, Rachael, Plant By Design, Philip, Brent, Ron, Tim, Homestead Brooklyn, Brodie, Kevin, Sophia, Mark, Rens, Bendix, Irene, Holly, Caitlin, Manuel, Jennifer, Sara, and Margie.

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Ep. 206 - Lovely Louisiana Botany

Join the wonderful Sara Johnson and me as we reminisce about our recent botanical adventures in Louisiana. Inspired by the possibility of meeting one of North America's rarest iris species, we headed down to the Gulf Coast to take in the sights as well as some warm weather. Along the way we explored cypress/tupelo swamps, hiked long leaf pine savannas, and came face to face with a few gators. Louisiana is home to some incredible plant life and we were very fortunate to meet some of them. This episode was produced in part by Brandon, Hall, Vegreville Creek and Wetlands Fund, Kevin, Oliver, John, Johansson, Christina, Jared, Hannah, Katy Pye, Brandon, Gwen, Carly, Stephen, Botanical Tours, Moonwort Studios, Lisa, Liba, Lucas, Mohsin Kazmi Takes Pictures, doeg, Clifton, Stephanie, Rachelle, Benjamin, Eli, Rachael, Anthony, Plant By Design, Philip, Brent, Ron, Tim, Homestead Brooklyn, Brodie, Kevin, Sophia, Brian, Mark, Rens, Bendix, Irene, Holly, Caitlin, Manuel, Jennifer, Sara, and Margie.

NOTE: The Tung tree (Vernicia fordii) mentioned in this episode is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae, not a member of Malvaceae.

Follow Sara on Twitter and Instagram - @sjohnson4888

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Ep. 74 - Plants That Eat Animals: A Conversation With The Carnivore Girl

While looking for a unique and interesting photography subject, Maria Fulmer set her sights on a Venus fly trap. From that artistic exploration The Carnivore Girl was born. It isn't hard to get bit by the carnivorous plant bug. However, an unfortunate majority of folks who attempt to grow these plants are met with failure. Growing carnivorous plants takes a bit of learning but once your bases are covered, you can sit back and enjoy some of the most unique organisms on the planet. From the world famous Venus fly trap to the bizarre pitcher plants of Australia, the carnivorous plant hobby has something for everyone. The Carnivore Girl celebrates all aspects of this hobby all the while working hard at delivering easy to digest, accurate information on how to keep your plants alive. Join me for a fun and interesting conversation centered around our mutual appreciation for these animal-eating plants. This episode was produced in part by Gregory, Mark, Bryan, and Laura. 

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