#75 Enchanted Plants -w/Varla Ventura

Exploring Enchanted Plants with Varla Ventura.

 In this episode of High Strangeness, Tony interviews author Varla Ventura about her latest book, 'Enchanted Plants: A Treasure of Botanical Folklore and Magic.' They discuss a variety of topics including the significance of different plants in folklore, the symbolic and medicinal properties of plants, and the roles they play in magic and folklore. They delve into specific plants such as the deadly nightshade, foxglove, and the historical importance of plants in cultures. Varla also shares personal anecdotes about her connection with plants and her experiences growing up with a witch as a mother. The book is organized in a way that takes readers on a journey through different types of magical gardens. Varla promises more botanical books in the future and invites readers to follow her work through her blog Rotten Botany. The episode ends with an exciting promise of a future discussion on how plants like corn and garlic have influenced modern vampire lore.

00:00 Introduction and Winter Gardening Plans

00:51 Welcome to High Strangeness

01:35 Interview with Var Ventura

03:23 Spring Gardening and Pumpkin Talk

06:10 The Giving Garden and Flower Cultivation

14:03 Botanical Folklore and Plant Symbolism

22:55 Enchanted Plants in Folklore and Medicine

35:10 Witchcraft and Plant Knowledge

46:24 Sharing Childhood Traumas

46:45 Magical Cabbage Tales

48:18 Organizing the Book

50:15 The Enchanted Book

54:28 Exploring the Queen's Garden

58:53 The Witch's Garden

01:08:28 Rotten Botany and Plant Lore

01:16:29 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

Full Show Link: https://youtu.be/X47HONI7D2s