I sat down (over email) with my dear friend Courtney Boydston. Known for her passion for plants, both indoor and outdoor, we had a great conversation about the multi-spoked intersections of houseplants, nature, self-care, and mindfulness. 😉 Read more below!

Adam: Okay, so this seems like an obvious place to start, and is usually the first question I ask, but can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into growing plants?

Courtney: I am a Florida native that grew up on the Space Coast with sunshine, shuttles and an array of tropical plants at my fingertips. I consider myself to be a photographer first and a gardener second. (even though I grew up with gardeners.) Both of my parents have always had green thumbs and my grandmothers used to have us help them preen their gardens. I always have had a little herb garden and a small selection of houseplants but the collecting craze really took hold during the pandemic when I started to work from home and added a new hobby to the docket.

Adam: You have a very beautiful style of presenting plants across social media. You also do portrait photography, correct? How have those skills helped shape your current look and style?

Courtney: Thank you so much! I fell in love with photography in high school and my first models were the plants in my family’s garden. It is kind of fun that it had come full circle. Portrait photography was my main mode of artistic expression but it was tough during the pandemic to shoot portraiture and that was when my plant account really took off. I definitely use the tools I have at my disposal when creating for my plant accounts (editing programs and an assortment of gear) . I have always loved vibrant rich imagery and try to carry that over to have a consistent style across the board.

Adam: You certainly have an impressive collection, What is your favorite plant or plants at the moment? Any that you wish you had?

Courtney: My current fixations are succulents and carnivorous plants. I have consistently had challenges with carnivorous plants and I am hoping this go round I can keep them happy. Definitely tough with my chaotic gardening methods. 😉

Adam: Are there things you would change about your plant journey if you had to start over?

Courtney: If I were to start over I would definitely not over consume and collect as many as I did in the beginning. It took a lot of trial and error to figure out what I enjoyed and to distance myself from being influenced by the latest plant craze.

Adam: I assume, like most plant people, you are a woman of many passions. what are you captivated by at the moment?

Courtney: I am an avid reader, Parrot Momma, fitness enthusiast and I have been working on some spirituality and meditation exercises to feel more centered.

Adam: A few friends and I have been exploring the idea of using 'plant chores' as a reminder to drop into the present moment. A method of moving meditation. What crossover, if any, do you find in your practice?

Courtney: I definitely agree with movement as meditation and find this is true with my workouts and plant care as well. For me taking a break from my “screens” and all the noise is essential and no matter the size of your garden finding a literal connection with earth (dirt/soil/foliage) is a tangible reminder of being a part of something bigger.

This might only be relatable to creators but lately I have found the most joy in just doing gardening things and not having to document everything for the sake of content.

Adam: What has been your biggest struggle as a plant grower?

Courtney: My mental health battles definitely interfere with plant care during the rougher periods. (Anxiety and Depression). Plant care isn’t always the priority when there is an internal battle brewing and my plants (among other responsibilities) may take the brunt of it. I have culled my collection to cater towards a few more “low maintenance” but they still may suffer from under watering or a pest outbreak if I let it go for too long.

Adam: This is something I hear often, and have experienced myself. Often when people speak about it there seems to be some sense of shame or disappointment, as though they 'should' have been able to 'do a better job'. What can we do to remove some of the stigma associated with the very common and natural dips in plant care?

Courtney: I think it can often be tough to accept that life ebbs and flows and it is easy to place the blame on yourself when things fall through the cracks. I don’t think there is a one size fits all solution for beating the shame game but sometimes finding the strength to give yourself grace and speak gently to “you about you” may be the best solution.

My friend group has this practice when the shame spiral or negative self talk happens: “Now say something nice about yourself.” It isn’t meant to devalue our feelings but pull each other away from the edge of the cliff.

I also love when people find ways to reframe it into something fun i.e. “Now I have room for new plants.”

Adam: And lastly, what is the ONE piece of advice, knowledge, or inspiration would you wish every grower would know?

Courtney: Take the time to foster relationships with the community and develop those connections with likeminded individuals. I learned so much from the community and have met some incredible friends along the way.

Have fun! They’re just plants 😊

Checkout photos of Courtney's plant colection AND more bellow

Check her out online here:

TikTok: @terracottacoco

Instagram: @terracottacoco

Youtube: @terracottacoco