Soil Cousins, we made it to the Spring season finale! This wrap-up episode is a heartfelt celebration of our year in collaboration with WABE. After four years of independently producing Black in the Garden, this chapter brought new depth to our storytelling—with a full production team, a custom set, and the debut of our cohost, Plant Zaddy! Join Colah B Tawkin and Plant Zaddy as they reflect on some of the most powerful moments, brilliant guests, and unforgettable stories that made this season so impactful—from exploring the cultural roots of collard greens to highlighting the work of educators, farmers, and botanical changemakers. We also take time to honor the production team and broadcasting legends whose contributions made this milestone possible. Whether you’ve been here from day one or just discovered the show, this episode is for you. We’re wrapping up the Spring Season with gratitude for growth and closing this season out the way we started it—together. For more information, www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegardenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2025/5/21
29:42
Fannie Lou Hamer: Self Sufficiency 101
In this powerful episode of Black in the Garden, Colah B and co-host Joshua Hite (aka Plant Zaddy) dig into the revolutionary legacy of Fannie Lou Hamer and the Freedom Farm Cooperative. They explore how Hamer’s vision of food sovereignty, land ownership, and cooperative economics empowered Black communities—and why that vision still matters today. From the impact of celebrity allies to modern ways we can continue Hamer’s work, this episode is full of history, inspiration, and actionable steps for reclaiming self-sufficiency. For more information, www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegardenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2025/5/14
24:21
Mike Gibson: Topiary Titan of Television
In this episode of Black in the Garden, host Colah B. Tawkin sits down with world-renowned topiary artist Mike Gibson for a vibrant conversation about creativity, legacy, and the art of shaping living sculpture. From his early days growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, to working alongside the legendary Pearl Fryar, Mike shares how he turned his passion for plants into a powerful form of cultural expression. Mike reflects on his experience as a contestant on HGTV’s Clipped with Martha Stewart, breaks down the Gibson Method of creative pruning, and talks about the therapeutic and artistic power of topiary. Colah and Mike explore how topiary connects to Black identity, public art, and the future of green spaces. This long-awaited conversation is full of insight, inspiration and gems of wisdom. For more information, www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegardenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2025/5/07
57:48
Farmwashing: Deception on Aisle 3
In this episode of Black in the Garden, Colah B and co-host Plant Zaddy dig into the concept of farmwashing—how big brands use the imagery of small, sustainable farms to sell products without truly supporting the farmers who make ethical food production possible. The conversation explores misleading marketing, the exploitation of migrant farm workers, and the erasure of Black farmers from the narrative. Plus, practical tips for intentionally supporting Black-owned farms and resources like the Black Farmers Index to help you do just that. For more information, www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegardenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2025/4/23
27:44
Palms of the Diaspora
In this episode of Black in the Garden, Colah shares her lifelong love for palm trees, rooted in her Florida upbringing and travels across the country. Together with Plant Zaddy, they explore the fascinating ways palms show up across the African Diaspora — from food and textiles to traditional medicine. You’ll hear incredible facts about the resilience, history, and cultural power of palms, including how they survive hurricanes and how ancient date palm seeds sprouted after thousands of years. It’s a breezy, informative, and culture-rich conversation about one of the world’s most iconic plants. For more information, www.wabe.org/podcasts/blackinthegardenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The podcast that resides at the intersection of Black Culture and horticulture in a world where all the garden fairies and most of the gnomes are white. Hosted by millennial black plant enthusiast and self proclaimed Plantrepreneur, Colah B Tawkin. 'Conversations WILL be had' on a range of topics that directly influence and impact black plant keepers as we blackily impact and influence the world. Follow @blackinthegarden in IG and Tune in weekly! Send any questions, concerns or feedback to hello@blkinthegarden.com.
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