I’m James, and today, I’m excited to announce the launch of my very first masterclass on houseplant care! For those of you who’ve followed Pistils & Pollen, you know that this project has been a long time in the making. Before diving into the details of the course, I want to share the journey that led me here, from my background in academia to creating an online space for accessible plant education.

A Scholarly Beginning

My journey began not in a greenhouse but in lecture halls and research libraries. As a scholar of religion and ecology, I’ve spent years studying the profound connections between environmental issues and social justice. My research and teaching focused on how climate change, global poverty, and gender disparities are all interwoven, and this work culminated in my book, Woven Together. Through this lens, I’ve explored how the health of our planet is deeply tied to the well-being of our communities.

Yet, while I loved the academic world, I felt a pull to explore these connections between people and our planet in more tangible ways. I wanted to step outside the confines of scholarly journals and connect with people on a more practical level—people like you, who are eager to learn and cultivate a deeper relationship with the natural world.

The Shift to Social Media

That desire brought me to social media, where I found a passionate community of plant enthusiasts. I began sharing my experiences as a houseplant parent, urban gardener, and amateur naturalist, blending my academic insights with practical plant care advice. It was incredible to see how many of you resonated with this approach. Whether discussing how to care for a finicky fiddle leaf fig or the broader implications of sustainable gardening, I realized that we were all seeking a deeper connection to our environment, and often, with each other.

This platform has allowed me to discuss not just the “how” of plant care, but the “why” behind it—why plants matter, how they can improve our mental and physical well-being, and what they can teach us about caring for our shared planet.

Why a Masterclass?

Creating this masterclass felt like a natural next step. I wanted to offer something more comprehensive than the snippets of information available on social media. This course is designed to give you the full picture: from the fundamentals of plant parenthood to advanced plant care techniques, all delivered in an engaging, digestible format.

We’ll cover everything from the science of soil mix ingredients to working with the light conditions in your home, all while grounding these lessons in a broader context of care, for ourselves, our plants, and our communities. It’s not just about keeping your plants alive (though we’ll definitely cover that!)—it’s about understanding the relationship between plants and people, and how we can cultivate both in a way that enriches our lives.

For a sneak peek, check out the trailer!

What You’ll Learn

This masterclass is a deep dive into the art and science of houseplant care. You’ll gain practical skills for nurturing a thriving indoor garden, from choosing the right plant for your space to diagnosing common issues like pests and diseases. Beyond the technical, you’ll also discover how to connect with your plants on a deeper level, understanding their needs and rhythms as part of the artistic side of plant care.

This course is for anyone who wants a more solid grounding in the basics of plant care and the world of houseplants. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just getting started, I’m confident you’ll find something here that resonates.

Join Me on This Journey

I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to share this masterclass with you, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us. Your enthusiasm and support have been instrumental in making this project a reality, and I’m thrilled to finally be able to offer you a resource that’s both educational and inspiring.

If you’d like to learn more, check out my Houseplant Essentials: A Beginner's Guide to Plant Care course page for a full breakdown of the modules and what’s included. And here’s a behind-the-scenes photos from the filming process below—it was truly a labor of love—and that greenhouse was SUPER hot and humid while filming that I had to keep a towel handy to pat myself dry between takes!

Thank you for being part of this community. Together, we’re weaving a new narrative about the relationship between plants and people, one that’s rooted in knowledge, care, and a shared passion for plants.

Warmly,
James