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How Do You Grow Joy?

Published: · Modified: by · This post may contain affiliate links · 329 Comments

I think it's been a long time since I talked about my grandma Judy, or my "ubuella," as she liked to be called. Grandma Judy was a bright, shining light in a very dull world, and while I didn't realize it at the time, she taught me a lot of life lessons while I was growing up. No matter what her circumstance in life, my grandma embraced life and found joy in the little things, like spending time with her great-grandchildren and gardening. I've teamed up with Miracle-Gro to promote their Gro Something Greater sponsored campaign in memory of my grandma Judy because if there was anything she grew in her life, it was JOY.

grandma judy

I want to grow joy too, and I'm doing it in small ways every day. One of those ways is by bringing my love of the outdoors, and beautiful things, into my home. Grandma Judy had a green thumb, and spent her life growing flowers, arranging flowers, and selling them for a living.

I have always loved the idea of having a garden, and I've tried it a few times, but it never took. So I've decided to try something a little different - I'm growing an indoor garden!

Grow Something Greater with Miracle Gro #GrowSomethingGreater

Indoor gardens can be very simple but still deliver a beautiful, powerful result! I've started with just two purple hyacinth plants, but will be adding more as time goes by. I am going to incorporate some succulents next, as they are so simple to grow and look so pretty sitting on a shelf.

To create your own indoor garden, you don't need a big investment at all! I went to Walmart and bought a few inexpensive glasses in the crafting section. The small one was $3.97 and the larger one was $4.97. I bought two hyacinths for just .98¢ each, and a small bag of Miracle-Gro potted plant soil for about $7.00. I still had some leftover soil since I only had two things to plant, so I am storing it in the utility room until I get more plants!

You can arrange your indoor garden on a window sill, a tabletop or a shelf or bookcase - wherever there's a lot of natural sunlight and if your house is like mine, the cats can't get into them! Some plants and flowers are toxic for your household pets, so make sure to do some research before you put any plants within reach of your fur babies!

I think of Grandma Judy every time I pass by my bookshelf and smell these hyacinths - purple was her favorite color.

GROW JOY! #GrowSomethingGreater with Miracle Gro

When we grow, we grow more than just plants. These growing stories will show you what’s possible and inspire you to tell your own.

#growsomethinggreater

Share what you're growing at GrowSomethingGreater.com!

The Miracle Gro GroSomethingGreater Giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Kelly D!

 

 

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About Jennifer

Jennifer, AKA "The Rebel Chick," is a 40-something Gen Xer who strives to help her readers live their best lives possible with easy recipes, travel inspiration and lifestyle tips!

Comments

  1. Crystal says

    I loved reading your story and those purple hyacinths are beautiful!

  2. Camille says

    Thank you for the lovely inspiration! I am terrible at keeping plants alive, but they add so much beauty to my home that I keep trying.

  3. valmg says

    Love the purple, it's one of my favorite colors! I've never had much luck with outdoor flowers. I never tried indoor garden, as you pointed out it isn't that expensive so I wouldn't have much to lose.

  4. Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    Awww, what an awesome story. I actually an infamous for my black thumb, otherwise I would love an indoor garden. It's just that I kill everything.

  5. Pam says

    I love this story! I have a small windowsill garden and among my plants is an aloe vera from my aunt. It's very sentimental.

  6. brett says

    LOVE hyacinth!! any color, pink's my fave, but I love them all. THIS is a cool campaign Miracle-Gro is doing!

  7. OurFamilyWorld says

    I would love to grow an indoor garden. It's nice to have a bit of beautiful nature in the home!

  8. Jaime says

    I do have a few indoor plants, but I tend to focus my gardening/planting efforts outside. I love growing a vegetable garden, and this year I upped my effort in planting more tulip bulbs. I can see some of them starting to come up, and I'm really excited for the weather to finally allow them to really grow and bloom!

  9. Jenn says

    Aww what a sweet story! These are beautiful, I LOVE the shade of purple. I have tried several times to plant outdoor flowers they just do not work for me, but I keep trying. Hoping one day to get something to bloom as beautiful as these.

  10. Mitch says

    We try to grow plant sin our apartment every 2 years! Last year it was tomoatoes, but it is difficult when you don't have a house. But we keep trying, I grew up in the suburbs and used to love my garden!

  11. stacey b says

    The Martin's Grow Family story inspired me to re-start up our garden and let the kids help out!

  14. Mandy says

    I am horrible with plants of all kinds. Even the kids that everyone says can live on their own with little care- I manage to still kill them 🙁

  15. Pauline Cabrera says

    Joy and happiness can be found all around us, but it takes discerning and wise eyes to see them. There are a lot of reasons to be thankful and joyful about. I am glad that you have a grandma that shows you how to live this life in a better and fulfilling way. I also love your idea of creating indoor garden to improve our mood. Keep it up! 🙂

  16. Chrysa says

    Your hyacinths are gorgeous! I'm current growing an amaryllis in our living room. I can't wait until it blooms!

  17. Janeane Davis says

    I like your idea of growing joy. It is empowering to think that we can control and bring joy into our lives.

  18. Aimee Smith says

    What a sweet reminder of your grandma! These flowers are beautiful, but I am sure you smile for different reasons when you pass them!

  19. Lauren (Lolo) says

    Hyacinths are my FAVORITE! I love their smell and love to get some blue and purple ones to keep around the house for spring.

  20. Rosey says

    I think it would be fun to grow a garden inside too. We've got a lot of critters where i live, and they absolutely destroyed my mulch/flower garden last year. With an inside garden I would have the last laugh. 🙂

  21. Amy Desrosiers says

    I love to grow joy and should probably refer back to your stance on it more often. So entires we just need a pick me up to keep on on track.

  22. Toni says

    I love your story, it's so touching. An indoor garden is something I never really thought to do!

  23. Tracey says

    Loved your story and now I am inspired to start my own indoor garden.

  24. Liz Mays says

    That was sooooo sweet to hear you talk about your grandma. 🙂 Was that you she was holding there? Love your message of growing joy and your indoor garden is a super idea!

  25. Brandy says

    I love this idea of GROW JOY. What a sweet story and an indoor garden is a great idea. My daughter and I have been debating if we are going to do our first garden outside or inside this year...

  26. Triplezmom says

    What a beautiful post about your grandmother. An indoor garden sounds like a great idea!

  27. Jenni E. says

    I loved reading your story about your grandma. I totally get you about growing something more. I'm very sentimental and want to follow in the footsteps that my parents and grandparents laid before me. I love the flowers too...they're gorgeous!

  28. Isabella Grey says

    Sadly, I kill any plants I try to grow, but I have successfully had a terrarium thriving on my desk for about year now! Your plants are just lovely, I bet you have a good green thumb!

  29. Dawn says

    What a great story your shared! She sounds like she was a wonderful woman. Your flowers are lovely. Good luck on your future gardening adventures.

  30. Ashley M says

    I didn't realize hyacinths grew so well in doors. What a great way to remember your grandma 🙂

  31. Theresa says

    I tried doing an indoor garden with my girls last year. The plants started to sprout, then died 🙁 It was so disappointing! We may have to give it another go and hope it turns out better this year.

  32. Angie | Big Bear's Wife says

    I have a black thumb haha, my dad however has a wonderful green thumb and can grow anything! I'll have to get him to help me with this!

  33. Janel says

    I love those flowers, gorgeous!! I have a garden in my backyard, but it's been sadly neglected these past few months.

  34. Krystal says

    Those flowers are such a pretty color! Nice story.

  35. Shell says

    Such pretty flowers! I love the inspiration behind your gardening.

  36. Susanna Barbee (Zealous Mom) says

    Great post! After being rather depressed this winter, I am totally planning on creating some type of indoor garden next winter. Thank you for the inspiration.

  37. Amanda Sakovitz says

    The Martin's family story inspires me

  41. Mami2jcn says

    I'm inspired by Jen Lula's story.

  42. Mami2jcn says

    pinned--http://www.pinterest.com/pin/400046379372244568/

  43. Thomas Murphy says

    The Jet Ames story inspires me

  46. Amanda Her says

    I loved reading about your grandmother and how you pay homage to her by doing something she loved so much. I think you probably got your green thumb from her!

  47. Tatanisha W says

    What a quick and easy way to grow plants. However, I am afraid of growing anything so I don't have a green thumb! lol

  49. April says

    I want to grow an indoor garden! This is so pretty! I think I have a black thumb though, I kill everything I try to grow!

  51. Jennifer Bullock {MommyBKnowsBest} says

    What a great way to grow and spread joy and honor the person that your Ubuella was. I love the beauty of the flowers you chose! May you inspire join in others.

  53. Paige says

    I need some joy in my life today! Plants make me feel joy! I love my little succulents in our apartment!

  54. Laura says

    Your story is so touching! Would love to try indoor gardening.

  57. latanya says

    Kat Irlin story inspires me

  62. Jessie C. says

    The story of Jen Lula, NY- Grow Wonder inspires me to grow.

  63. Jessie C. says

    -https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/441777508287905792

  64. Jessie C. says

    -http://www.pinterest.com/pin/177329304052299599/

  65. Dawn Monroe says

    The Martins inspired me. The family has been sharing plant clippings for generations. Imagine being connected like that.

  66. wild orchid says

    Seeing that I can grow all of the ingredients I need to make salsa inspires me to grow more veggies this year!

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

  67. wild orchid says

    tweet--https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/441923415444701185

  68. Jessie C. says

    -https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/441950899632484353

  69. linda w. says

    The grow adventure inspires me. I love to garden- i always take cuttings from my mothers house where my grandmother ,who just passed at 98, spent most of her day up until her early 90's. My transplanted flowers always remind me of the hard work and care she put into her beautiful garden.

  70. Natalie says

    I am inspired by the story by Jennifer Medeiros!

  72. Jessica Martinez says

    I was inspired by Christina Nease's story about growing Get-Togethers. I agree that it is so very important to bring family and friends together to create memories that will mean more to the younger generation.

  73. Lisa Brown says

    i liked the Grow Joy story; finding joy in the little things make life better and more enjoyable.

  76. Elena says

    Jen Lula's story inspires me

  79. Dana Rodriguez says

    Beautiful flowers!Out of the other stories I saw I still love yours the best 🙂

  83. rachel says

    I like Christina's story about get-togethers.

  84. Margaret Smith says

    I like the story by Stef Andrews. I can relate to this story because my family and I try to also think of new uses for items that would otherwise be thrown away.

  88. Mary Somerville says

    The Martin's story is very inspiring! How wonderful, to keep cuttings of the same plant growing over generations of family!

  91. Angela Kinder says

    Growing potential really struck a cord with me. I can relate to him in so many ways- we should all recognize and grow our potential.

  92. Wes Hovorka says

    I loved reading your story about your grandma.

  93. Susan O'Bryant says

    I love the "Grow Brighter Spaces" story. Decorating with plants adds beauty but it also adds health and a feeling of well-being. My goal is to have a happy green plant in every room in my home.

  96. Ann Fantom says

    The Martins' Grow Family story inspired me

  98. Marian Boll says

    Being a mother, grandmother and now a great grandmother...I love the grandma stories best.

  99. Stephanie Bondlow says

    The Grow Perspective story inspired me. She used the truck bed of her husband's destroyed truck to make a garden out of. That is so amazing!

  103. meredith says

    I love the grow imagination story - i really like the concept of beauty in unlikely places

  106. tracey byram says

    Grow Wonder by Jen Lula

  107. sandra says

    the grow party flavors story

  109. Kelly D says

    The Grow Sandwiches story inspires me, because my family eats a lot of sandwiches and it would be great if part of these sandwiches were organic vegetables grown in our own garden.

  112. Robin Wilson says

    Of course it was great to see your story there and it is indeed an inspiration. I also enjoyed Crissy Page's "Grow Appreciation" story.

  114. Mary Cloud says

    I like the Grow Family story
    annabella @ centurytel dot net

  115. Francine Anchondo says

    I like the Martins story .

  117. Rita Leonard says

    I love the Grow Curiosity story. As we get older we lose that sense of wonder. I like to be reminded to remember the world can be wonderful.

  119. Susan Christy says

    Grow curiosity inspires me

  122. Tara says

    Gaby Dalkin's story inspires me! I would love to grow citrus in containers.

  124. Jessie C. says

    -https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/442502469365424128

  125. Nichole Smith says

    The Grow something greater story that inspires me is Grow Community

  129. natalie yeoman says

    catalino story has inspired me the most

  131. Danielle Porter says

    The Martin's Grow Family story is inspiring! How very cool, and what a great way to bond with your kids or grand kids!

  134. Christina Shirley says

    The Martin's story inspired me. I'd love to get my toddler involved. We always helped my grandparents when we were younger.

  135. wild orchid says

    tweet--https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/442827485097361408

  137. Jessie C. says

    -https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/442850890978820096

  138. Brittney House says

    Your story was touching and inspiring.

  139. Tabathia B says

    I liked Jennifer from Fort Meyers FL story

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

  145. Haley Hamam says

    I loved the "Grow Party Favors" story...as an avid event planner and party hostess, I love new and thoughtful party favors. Amber Lewis story about using flowers in her favors was an inspiration!

  149. Barbara M says

    Terilyn's story on Grow Kitchen Couage inspires me to start an indoor herb garden.
    Thank you.

  153. dan williams says

    twitted this today, 10/03

  156. Nicole Sender says

    Grow brighter spaces was my inspiration. i like the idea to put greenery in white space to give it life.

  162. Danielle says

    I was inspired by Catalino's story.

  163. RICHARD HICKS says

    The story Grow Wonder by Jen Lula inspires me. I would like to grow herbs and the same time get the kids interested.

  166. Julie says

    grow curiousity Jennifer Medeiros

  168. Jessie C. says

    -https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/443490505985228800

  175. Stephanie Galbraith says

    I am inspired by the grow curiosity one, by Jennifer Meidros - Our family loves to learn new things.

  182. Cathy Bradford says

    The Martins, it is so cool to pass on traditions

  185. Jessie C. says

    -https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/443830701977124864

  189. Sadie B. says

    I liked the story of My Nguyen -San Francisco, CA. She is a smoothie making mom of twins.

  192. Wild Orchid says

    tweet--https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/443934662902026240

  200. Jessie C. says

    -https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/444134230784610304

  212. Melissa Dealmeida says

    I really enjoyed the sweet story about the two purple hyacinth plants!

  215. Mihaela Day says

    Hyacinths are my FAVORITE 🙂

  216. nickie says

    The Martin’s Grow Family story inspires me.

  218. Jessie C. says

    -https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/444529678271803392

  226. wild orchid says

    tweet--https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/444618068870717440

  227. Susan Smith says

    I like Jenn Quillen who talks about her Grandma Judy who enjoyed gardening.

  234. Amy Orvin says

    The Martin’s family story inspires me

  240. Jennifer Rote says

    The Martin’s family story inspires me.

  244. jamie hamilton says

    I loved the comment about Kitchen Courage. How growing food inspires people to experiment with recipes.

  248. wild orchid says

    tweet--https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/445028206370766848

  249. Steve Stone says

    I love the purple also. Is is my wifes favorite color. We try to keep it in our plants.

  251. ellen beck says

    Catilino's story inspired me. I like how he created a foundation to help kids get into college.

  254. joe gersch says

    the grow community story is inspiring to me

  258. Robin says

    I like the story about Catalino who is helping young Latinos complete college

  259. Denise S says

    I'd love to have an indoor garden. I like having lots of plants around the house to liven things up.

  260. Deb C says

    Jet Ames story of growing creativity inspires me. I love growing heirloom tomatoes.

  263. Wild Orchid says

    tweet--https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/445349475230298112

  267. Daniel M says

    I really like hyacinths too, we've tried a few indoor plants but the cat won't stop eating them (and yoking all over aftwer)

  268. Sylvie W says

    GroREWARDS resonated with me because it encompass anything for which you may care and how you should grow that. You will be personally reward by your accomplishment.

  273. jessica edwards says

    Sweet story! Love the purple!

  274. Anthony says

    The Jet Ames story

  275. Erica C. says

    I like Jen Lula's story.

  278. Leah B says

    Jen Lula’s story is inspiring

  280. Carissa Joslyn says

    My Grandmother passed away in 2009 and she was a HUGE gardener!
    My dad now has a Garden in memory of her, but I'm still sort of new to it. I'd help my Grandmother, but I was a teenager and thought my nana would be around forever, which wasn't the case and now I regret now actually learning some. So that being said I liked the Spring Garden Planning Guide!

  283. Karrie Millheim says

    I love Steff Andrews story. It is inspiring and love that she listened to her Grandma's advice when times got bad

  284. wild orchid says

    tweet--https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/445711906725052416

  287. Annemarie Z. says

    Mileece's story inspires me!

  290. MARIA simon says

    YOUR PICS YOU POSTED WERE THE SWEETEST EVER..I LOVE TO BE IN YARD. THANKS FOR OFFERING GIVEAWAY..MADE ME SMILE..HOW TO GROW JOY ...

  291. Laurie Emerson says

    Your story was so inspiring. I love how you honor your grandmother and the love you shared. There is something so sweet and inspiring about the thought of not just growing beautiful flowers but of growing joy. Beautiful flowers and story.

  293. Lee Mckoen says

    I love to garden, It's also good exercise and it can be a great family effort!

  294. Jessica Kaufman says

    The gro brighter spaces story inspires me to fill my home with beautiful plants.

  298. Karen Drake says

    The Martin's family story inspired me.

  301. susan smoaks says

    I am inspired to grow something by the story:

    TeriLyn Hutcheon
    Winston-Salem, NC

    I’ve never thought of myself as creative. I don’t like crafts. My best stick figure drawings are pitiful. But as I’ve become more comfortable in the kitchen, I’ve become more courageous with flavoring food. I love fres...

  302. Rosey says

    Catalino's story inspires me to want to grow something. I love that so many people have benefited from the scholarships!

  306. jules m. says

    Grow wonder inspired me- i would love to instill a love of gardening in my daughter, and we love herbs!

  309. Ellie W says

    The Martins Gro Family inspires me to grow something.

  312. wild orchid says

    tweet--https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/446012426056507393

  313. Lt says

    I love the inspiration behind your gardening.

  315. Angela Cash says

    Gardening is one of my favorite activities. I am inspired by the Gro Perspective story by Stef Andrews.

  316. Sarah L says

    The Martins passing down plants for 5 generations.
    Thanks for the contest.

  318. Beverly Metcalf says

    I love to garden and have had a garden for lots of years, both flowers and vegetables. I loved Catalino's story, he started the Bay area gardeners foundation and so far has given out 130 scholarships to low income students in the Bay area. Thanks for this contest.

  321. Sarah L says

    I shared my growing story with @MiracleGro. Do you #GroSomethingGreater? Share a story or find one that inspires you http://bit.ly/1pkOUSP

  326. Donna Pyszk says

    Loved this story ! I am now inspired to grow my own indoor garden

    donnapyszk at yahoo dot com

  327. Brian E. says

    Thanks for the giveaway… we like the Community Grow / “Edible Sac High” story; teaching high school kids to grow food, cooperate, etc.

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