What if the most relaxing time for you in your garden isn't during the day, but after dark? In those cool summer nights when garden chores aren't practical because you can't see very well, we have a unique opportunity to ease burnout, support mental health, and deepen your connection to plants and nature. So I'm joined by a friend, Perla Sofia Curbelo-Santiago, a repeat guest and the author of Verdura, to talk about her new take on garden breaks after dark. And we discuss how to create simple, mindful rituals that help plant parents unwind, reset, and find joy in the garden in the evening, in even just 10 minutes. Let's get started!   In this episode, we learn: [01:39] Catching up with Perla Sofia Curbelo-Santiago and the Northwest Flower and Garden Show! [03:43] What Perla has been up to since publishing her book, Verdura [05:13] How do garden breaks improve employee well-being? [09:15] Perla’s personal wake-up call with burnout and [10:22] Why we need to stop feeling guilty about taking breaks [14:05] Why shifting your garden break to the evening is an overlooked opportunity [14:58] Experience single-origin honey with 3x more antioxidants with Manukora! [16:43] How experiencing complete darkness after Hurricane Maria inspired Perla’s night sky gardening [18:36] How our artificial outdoor lighting negatively affects pollinators and migrating birds [19:01] Why it’s actually easier to relax in your garden at night than during the day [21:12] Simple ways to light your outdoor spaces without disturbing local wildlife [25:14] How to safely plan your paths and prepare for your first garden break after dark [28:48] What should you actually do during a 5 to 15-minute nighttime garden break? [33:25] How to take a meaningful nature break when winter weather keeps you indoors [36:43] How one client uses her garden's evening soundscape to decompress after a long workday [41:21] Where to find Perla, AgroChic, and her resources online!   Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Episode 225: Indoor Plant Projects for Stress Relief with Perla Sofía Curbelo-Santiago ¡Verdura! – Living a Garden Life: 30 Projects to Nurture Your Passion for Plants and Find Your Bliss by Perla Curbelo-Santiago   For Perla's mindful gardening insights, check out the full show notes and blog here!   Follow Perla: Website – SpanishWebsite – EnglishInstagramFacebookTwitter/X   Thank you to our episode sponsor: Manukora Go to manukora.com/bloom to get up to 31% off the starter kit that includes their 850+ Manukora honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook, PLUS $25 worth of free gifts!   Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Growing Joy with Maria by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria Subscribe to the Growing Joy YouTube channel! /growingjoywithmaria Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.