A MID-WINTER-PICK-ME-UP: THE ORCHID RESCUER, TERRY RICHARDSON

Jennifer Jewell
3 days ago
4 min read

This week, Cultivating Place welcomes Terry Richardson in conversation with Abra Lee. Terry is known to many as @theblkthumb, an intrepid, enthusiastic, and encouraging orchid rescuer, educator, and storyteller. Terry has helped thousands of people rethink what it means to care for plants, specifically orchids!

Terry’s journey began not with expertise, but with curiosity and failure. He is a self-proclaimed “black thumb,” as opposed to the more well-known "green thumb". He began rescuing discarded orchids, specifically Phalaenopsis, and gradually learned how patience and consistency could revive even the most neglected plants. It’s a good winter's tale and a good plant lesson.

Enjoy!

From Abra:

Today, Terry shares what orchids have taught him through social media, podcasts, and public conversations, reminding us that gardening isn’t about perfection — it’s about relationship.

We’ll hear how orchids changed Terry’s understanding of care, time, and learning and how he’s helping others feel welcome in the world of plants.

Terry didn’t come to orchids as an expert. What changed everything was his willingness to slow down, pay attention, and keep showing up for plants others had given up on. By rescuing discarded orchids — especially grocery-store Phalaenopsis — Terry learned that care, patience, and consistency matter more

than perfection or pedigree.

Through his work as an educator and storyteller, Terry has helped demystify orchids for countless people, showing that these plants are not fragile divas, but resilient beings that respond to thoughtful care. His message is simple and powerful: anyone can learn to grow orchids, and in the process, learn something about themselves.

Cultivating Place family, please meet Terry Richardson — orchid rescuer, educator, and advocate for patient, accessible plant care.

Follow Terry on Instagram:

@theblkthumb

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A Year Full Of Flowers (In Pots!) with UK's Sarah Raven

Grow Like Wild with Rebecca McMackin

The King Of Camellias, Sidney Frazier Of Middleton Place, Charleston, SC

JOIN US again next week, when we honor the 1 year anniversary of the devastating LA Fires of 2025. Jennifer is in conversation with Shawn Maestretti and Leigh Adams of Studio Petrichor, cultivating place with care in the wake of catastrophe. That's right here, next week. Listen in!

Cultivating Place is made possible in part by listeners like you and by generous support

from

The Catto Shaw Foundation,

in honor of Bailey Shaw

supporting initiatives that empower women and help preserve the planet through the intersection of environmental advocacy, social justice, and creativity.

Thinking out loud this week...

Hey, y'all, it's Abra—

Talking with Terry has me reflecting on patience, especially the quiet, everyday patience that plants ask of us. Orchids don’t rush. They rest, they pause, they take their time before blooming again.

In a world that encourages speed and instant results, hello ChatGPT and all things AI, things can start to feel a bit uncomfortable when we don’t slow down.

This week, I invite you to notice a plant you’ve overlooked, step out of the digital world, take care of the plants around you, maybe one that’s struggling, resting, or just sitting quietly in the corner. Instead of rushing to fix it, take a moment to observe. What is it asking for? Light? Time? Consistency?

Gardening, like life, often rewards those who are willing to slow down and stay present.

One of the things I appreciate most about Terry’s work is how he reminds us that plant care doesn’t have to be exclusive or intimidating. Orchids don’t belong only in greenhouses or behind glass, they belong in our homes, our kitchens, and our learning journeys.

So this week, I encourage you to try something small: maybe its rescuing a plant, ask a question you’ve been afraid to ask, or learn the story of a plant you already have. Follow curiosity instead of perfection.

And if you’re looking for inspiration, explore Terry’s work online or tune in to conversations like this one that remind us we’re all capable of growth — one patient moment at a time.

WAYS TO SUPPORT CULTIVATING PLACE

Cultivating Place is a co-production of North State Public Radio, licensed to Chico State Enterprises. Cultivating Place is made possible in part listeners just like you through the support button at the top right-hand corner of every page at Cultivating Place.org

The CP team includes producer and engineer Matt Fidler, with weekly tech and web support from Angel Huracha, weekly communications support by Sheila Stern and Carley Bruckner, and regular hosting by Founder, Jennifer Jewell, as well as Abra Lee in Atlanta, Georgia, and Ben Futa in South Bend, Indiana. We’re based on the traditional and present homelands of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of the Chico Rancheria. Original theme music is by Ma Muse..

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