“Be encouraged and be brave. Don’t be afraid of the learning curve.” Kind and wise words from a kind a wise woman. In this imagery-rich conversation, Heather sits down with master gardener and writer Sarah Nadvornik to explore prairie restoration, gardening, grief, limitation, motherhood, and the surprising ways God cultivates growth in our lives. Sarah shares how a season of exhaustion, loss, and feeling uprooted led her to begin restoring native prairie land on her Kansas property—and how tending the earth slowly taught her about resilience, purpose, suffering, and belonging. Together, Heather and Sarah discuss monarch butterflies, deep prairie roots, the wisdom of limits, learning to work with creation instead of against it, and the sacred work of cultivating beauty in difficult places. Together, they discuss: Prairie restoration and native ecosystemsGardening as a pathway to spiritual growthThe connection between grief, suffering, and beautyWhy limitation can actually lead to flourishingMonarch butterflies, milkweed, and interconnected creationLessons motherhood and gardening teach about resiliencePractical encouragement for beginner gardenersLearning to work with creation rather than against itDeep roots, belonging, and finding home in unexpected placesThe sacred work of tending beauty in everyday lifeHere are the key resources, people, and organizations mentioned in the episode, along with links for listeners who want to explore further: Every Little Seed Magazine — The faith-centered publication where Heather first encountered Sarah’s writing, including the “Rooted” issue.Monarch Watch — The conservation and education program at the University of Kansas where Sarah volunteers in the Waystation garden.Missouri Botanical Garden — Mentioned as an excellent resource for learning about native plants and regional gardening.Grow Native! — A helpful native plant education resource connected to Missouri native gardening and demonstration gardens. Alpine Echo — The ethically sourced art and goods company founded by Sarah Anderson, whom Sarah thanks at the end of the episode.George Washington Carver National Monument — Learn more about the scientist, educator, and agricultural innovator discussed in the episode.Master Gardener Extension Programs (Find Your Local Office) — Sarah recommends local extension offices and demo gardens as one of the best resources for beginner gardeners.Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database — A searchable native plant database similar to the type of resource Sarah references for finding plants suited to your region.USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map — Helpful for understanding your gardening zone, which Sarah emphasizes throughout the conversation.Catch more of the story @thanks.for.doing.that.podcast!
