What if growing your own food could be possible no matter how much space, time, or money you have? In this episode of Mom Talk Maryland, host Claire Duarte sits down with Roxana, founder of Gardyn-Doulah, to talk about sustainable gardening, permaculture, and how families can create thriving gardens that work with nature and their everyday lives. Roxana shares her journey from working as a birth doula to becoming a certified permaculture designer and launching Gardyn-Doulah. Through her work, she helps DIY gardeners overcome common challenges with personalized garden designs, hands-on coaching, and educational workshops. She explains how permaculture goes beyond traditional gardening by focusing on regenerating the land, building habitats, growing food, and creating healthier relationships between people and the environment. Together, Claire and Roxana explore common gardening misconceptions, including whether you need a large yard, an expensive setup, or a green thumb to get started. Roxana shares practical ways to grow food in small spaces, garden throughout Maryland's changing seasons, save money through seeds and plant swaps, and choose beginner-friendly crops. She also discusses indoor gardening, hydroponics, and strategies for protecting plants from deer and unpredictable weather. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of finding a gardening rhythm that fits your lifestyle rather than feeling discouraged by traditional rules or expectations. Whether you're a beginner hoping to grow your first vegetables, a busy parent looking for budget-friendly ways to garden at home, or an experienced gardener ready to make your landscape more resilient, this conversation will inspire you to start small, learn as you grow, and discover the joy of connecting with nature. In this episode, we discuss: Roxana's journey from birth doula to certified permaculture designer and founder of Gardyn-DoulahWhat permaculture means and how it supports sustainable, regenerative gardeningHow to grow food in small spaces, including townhouses, patios, and indoor gardensGardening through Maryland's four seasons and adapting to unpredictable weatherBudget-friendly ways to start a garden, from growing plants from seeds to finding free compost and participating in plant swapsBeginner-friendly vegetables, greens, herbs, and perennial crops to consider growingIndoor gardening, microgreens, and affordable hydroponic systemsCreating realistic garden maintenance routines that fit your schedule and lifestyleBuilding resilient gardens with native plants and strategies for protecting plants from deerThe connection between gardening, wellness, community, and a deeper relationship with the landConnect with Roxana and Gardyn-Doulah: Learn more about garden design, hands-on coaching, educational workshops, and sustainable gardening initiatives at www.gardyn-doulah.com. Explore Gardyn-Doulah's resources and upcoming workshops to discover practical ways to start or improve your own garden. Support the show 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to MomTalk Maryland — where community, connection, and conversation collide! 💻 Visit us at thecolumbiamdmom.com 📧 Join our newsletter for episode updates, exclusive content, and local happenings: Subscribe! 📲 Follow along on Instagram: @the.columbiamom 🗣️Got a topic idea, guest nomination, or want to sponsor an episode? Let us know! 🎬 Watch behind the scenes of the podcast on YouTube: Subscribe to the MomTalk Maryland Podcast Playlist 🎧 Like what you heard? Leave a review & share with a friend who needs this convo in their life!
