Black in the Garden

In today’s episode, we’re tapping into a conversation that blends beer, Black culture, and agriculture in a way that’s both innovative and meaningful. Ale Sharpton , the pioneering force behind BrewGether , joins us to explore how craft beer can be more than just a beverage—it can be a bridge to community empowerment, sustainability, and economic equity. We’ll dive into how BrewGether is making wa...

Soil Cousins! As the seasons change and we gear up for fall, it’s time to help you grow smarter, not harder. Today’s episode is all about “fall planting”—we're here to guide you through what to plant this season based on your “hardiness zones.” But first, what exactly are “hardiness zones”? These zones help gardeners and farmers determine which plants are most likely to thrive in specific climates...

Hey Soil Cousins! Let’s rewind to a fantastic conversation and exploration with Julius Tillery who is an American Cotton Farmer.   Julius touches on the intricacy of innovation, challenges, and cultural significance woven into cotton cultivation. Julius' insights shed light on Black ownership, inheritance in farming, and the creative use of cotton in decorative arrangements. Delve into the truth a...

Welcome back, Soil Cousins! With the crisp air and the changing seasons, it's the perfect time to reflect. If you haven't had a chance to listen to our series in partnership with the Atlanta History Center , we've got you covered!  In this fourth installment of our four-part series, "Botanical Black History: Visiting the Landscapes of Black America," we recap key moments from the series. We've unc...

We are back with a continuation of Black Plant Faves! This season, we kicked off with an insightful discussion between African American culture and the popularity of various plants, flowers, and herbs. To truly uncover the “Black Plant Faves,” we took to the streets and hit the soil!   This Summer, we had the incredible opportunity to attend the Soil Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. The Soil Festival...

Soil Cousins, today we have the distinct honor of hosting a voice synonymous with insightful journalism and a powerful advocate for environmental justice and community empowerment. As the host of WABE’s " Closer Look, " Rose Scott has consistently highlighted stories that matter deeply to Atlanta and beyond. With over two decades of experience, she expertly navigates the intersections of politics,...

Hey Soil Cousins!  What do farming, FX's original series “ Atlanta ,” and community have in common? Whether you're a fan of FX’s “Atlanta”, the American comedy-drama television series created by Donald Glover, or not, you'll enjoy this conversation. Today, we're diving into the perils of farm life through the lens of a contemporary Black cultural character’s farming experience. One of our fav...

Today, we're diving into a topic that’s ever-present on social media: plant hacks. Our society has become quite obsessed with hacks as our lives become busier and more complicated. You've probably seen the myriad of hacks from spreading cinnamon on plants to adding eggshells to soil to help your plants flourish. These quick tips and tricks promise to revolutionize your plant care routine, but how...

Welcome to the Black In The Garden Podcast, where Black culture and horticulture intersect in fascinating and unexpected ways. In this episode, Colah B. Tawkin delves into a seemingly simple yet profound question: WTF is a garden? From vibrant flowers to healing plants, and from meditative spaces to community green projects, we explore the multifaceted importance of gardens. Whether you're knee-de...

Soil Cousins, it's story time! Today we're diving into the extraordinary life and legacy of Eartha Mary Magdalene White, an American humanitarian whose multifaceted career spanned education, business, and community activism. Eartha's passion for agriculture played a pivotal role in her philanthropic efforts to address food insecurity and nourish her community. Today, we're joined in conversation b...

Soil cousins! Today, we explore the transformative power of community engagement and environmental stewardship. Our special guest is Michela Williams, the visionary founder of Black Too Earth. Black Too Earth is leading the charge in changing the narrative around volunteerism, particularly within the context of Black farming, the benefits of eating locally sourced foods, and the sustainability of...

Soil cousins, it's story time! Today, we're discussing resilience, landscaping, turf, greenery, and the determination to not just want a seat at the table, but to cut down the tree and build your own house. We often reference farmers, gardeners, and other common horticultural lifestyles, but this is a truly unique career and life story about a remarkable golfer named William J. "Bill" Powell. This...

In today's episode, we immerse ourselves in the realm of Black Plant Favorites, tracing their significance from ancestral origins in Africa to their role in modern day life. We navigate through a mosaic of cultural traditions, culinary delights, medicinal insights, and skincare rituals intricately woven with plant life. Drawing from a blend of meticulous research and illuminating insights sourced...

In the bustling heart of major urban areas, where towering skyscrapers meet pockets of lush greenery, urban farming isn't just a passing trend—it's a potent force for change. With a steadfast commitment to sustainability and community empowerment, individuals like Amico are planting the seeds of transformation and harvesting hope in neighborhoods craving fresh produce and renewal.  As we unco...

  Soil Cousins and Flower Fiends, the first is episode of this new season is dedicated to you! Today, we're immersing ourselves in the captivating realm of floriography—the language of flowers—a lexicon that can convey almost any sentiment imaginable. Join us as we explore the hidden meanings behind blooms and celebrate some remarkable women who've bloomed despite the thorns.  From unrav...

Welcome to "Black in the Garden," where culture thrives and roots run deep. Hosted by Colah B. Tawkin, this podcast celebrates the intersection of nature's beauty and the rich tapestry of black culture. Now, in collaboration with WABE, this podcast explores the diverse world of farming, agriculture, gardening, landscaping, health, wellness, and blackness. Join us as we delve into the deep-rooted c...

Presented by Black in the Garden LLC in partnership with Atlanta History Center   Episode 3: Get ready for a special Spring treat as Black in the Garden gears up for a relaunch! Colah B Tawkin is joined by Sarah Carter, Vice President, Goizueta Gardens and Living Collections on a captivating journey through the historic and lush landscapes of the Atlanta History Center Gardens. Explore themes of h...

The 4th anniversary of Black in the Garden (November 19) is upon us at the same time as the Season of Gratitude! Our host, Colah B Tawkin, is giving thanks for what’s to come and reflecting on her 4 year journey. We’re kicking off the multi episode celebration of four years cultivating conversations around Black culture and horticulture.  Soil Cousins are in for an exclusive treat! Colah unveils a...

In this special episode of Black in the Garden, we kick off our 4th Anniversary celebration with  heartfelt listener appreciation. Colah B Tawkin begins by expressing gratitude to our incredible community of plant enthusiasts. To highlight the spirit of our community, we feature a remarkable Soil cousin, Davida, known as @condoplantmama. Davida's journey is one of unwavering strength as she faces...

In this special announcement episode, we have some exciting news to share! Colah B Tawkin is taking a beat to reflect on her recent debut at TEDx Jacksonville and prepare for an upcoming speaking engagement at Cornell University.  In light of the current tragic events happening in the world, Colah wants to take a moment to acknowledge and stand in solidarity with those affected. Soil Cousins, plea...

Ready for an exciting deep dive into Wakanda's botany and soil?! In this special episode, we're thrilled to be joined by two fellow Wakanda enthusiasts and friends of the show, Niyya @theBloomJourney and Derek our resident ETHNO-botanist. Host, Colah B. Tawkin opens with an exciting announcement about her TedX debut in Jacksonville, FL. In this Afro-Futuristic episode, we're exploring the rich pla...

Colah is joined by CoHost and ethnobotany Blackspert, Derek ‘The Chocolate Botanist’ Haynes to explore the questionable ethics of chocolate cultivation. They want you to think twice before you take your next bite! Turns out, Derek is also a Roald Dahl expert as he brilliantly connected Willy Wonka lore to the subject at hand. Trigger warning: this episode contains mention of sex trafficking and ch...

We’ve discussed landscaping before, but not quite like this. Our guest, Chad Carroll is a Senior Manager executive at SiteOne, one of the largest and most prominent players in the national landscape supply industry. Chad shares insights from his formative years and the importance of impacting the future of the Green Industry via organizations like MANNRS. Host Colah B Tawkin gets the tea on Black...

Join us in an exploration of cotton's journey from field to fashion as Julius Tillery engages in a thought-provoking conversation with host Colah B Tawkin. Julius touches on the intricacy of innovation, challenges, and cultural significance woven into cotton cultivation. Tillery's insights shed light on Black ownership, inheritance in farming, and the creative use of cotton in decorative arrangeme...

Presented by Black in the Garden LLC in partnership with Atlanta History Center Episode 1: 'Foraging for Freedom: Harriet Tubman's Botanical Legacy.' Join host, Colah B Tawkin on the 2023 Summer season opener exploring Harriet Tubman's unparalleled contributions as a naturalist, cook, herbalist, forager, and ornithology enthusiast. Discover Tubman's profound connection to the environment, her culi...