Green Thumb

Watch Green Thumb

  • 2018
  • 1 Season

Green Thumb from Great Big Story is a web series that takes viewers on a journey into the fascinating world of botanical wonders. The show is hosted by Erin McCarthy, a plant enthusiast who shares her passion for all things green with viewers. Each episode of Green Thumb explores a different aspect of the plant world, from the rarest and most unique specimens to the people who dedicate their lives to cultivating them. The show takes an immersive and visual approach, with stunning footage of plant life, close-up shots of leaves, flowers, and roots, as well as interviews with experts and enthusiasts.

One of the unique aspects of Green Thumb is its focus on under-appreciated plants. For instance, one episode takes viewers to a garden devoted entirely to weeds. Erin meets with the gardener who runs the weed garden and learns about the medicinal and culinary properties of these maligned plants.

Another episode delves into the world of carnivorous plants. Viewers are taken to a greenhouse filled with Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, and other flesh-eating flora. Erin talks with experts about how these plants survive in swampy and nutrient-poor environments, and how they trap and digest their prey.

Green Thumb also sheds light on the enormous cultural and historical significance of plants. In one episode, Erin travels to Mexico to learn about the agave plant, which has been used by indigenous people for thousands of years to make a wide variety of products, from tequila to rope. The episode provides a fascinating look at the plant's role in the cultural and economic history of the region.

Throughout the series, viewers also get to meet a variety of plant enthusiasts, from backyard gardeners to botanists who work in labs and field settings. These interviews offer insights into what draws people to plants, whether it's the beauty of flowers, the science of plant biology, or the sense of peace and well-being that can be found in gardening.

Green Thumb also touches on some of the pressing environmental issues related to plants. For instance, in one episode, Erin visits an organization that is working to save endangered plant species from extinction. The episode highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity and the challenges of preserving plant life in a rapidly changing world.

Another episode of Green Thumb explores the use of plants to solve problems faced by human populations. Erin visits a group of scientists in Indonesia who are working to create a green wall made of plants that can slow the progress of floods caused by extreme weather events.

Overall, Green Thumb is an accessible and engaging look at the hidden worlds of plants. With lush visuals and insightful interviews, the series offers something for everyone, from seasoned gardeners to people just discovering the wonder of plants. The show is both informative and inspiring, conveying the beauty, complexity, and importance of the plant world in an engaging and exciting way.

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Seasons
Get Lost With the World's Master Maze Maker
6. Get Lost With the World's Master Maze Maker
July 30, 2018
For many of us, mazes represent a mysterious unknown, an enigmatic and entertaining puzzle of mythic proportions. Englishman Adrian Fisher is the world's preeminent maze designer. Over the years, this master of deception has designed over 700 mazes in 40 countries and knows exactly how to twist, turn and disorient.
The Garden Masterpiece Grown From Rescued Plants
5. The Garden Masterpiece Grown From Rescued Plants
July 30, 2018
In Bishopville, S.C., Pearl Fryar is a gardening legend. When he first moved to the small town in the 1980s, he was almost unable to build his house because neighbors feared that as an African American, he wouldn't keep up his yard. Determined to dispel the stereotype, Fryar went on to win "Yard of the Month" from the local garden club-and to create a world-renowned topiary garden.
Launching Flowers Into Outer Space
4. Launching Flowers Into Outer Space
July 30, 2018
When it comes to floral arrangements, Japanese artist Makoto Azuma is pushing the boundaries out of this world. It began 20 years ago, while working part time at a flower shop. There he learned to appreciate the power and beauty of plants. The experience made him think: "If flowers symbolize Earthly beauty, how can I push nature's boundaries?" His answer: bring flowers to outer space.
Fear No Weevil: Taking on the World's Worst Weed
3. Fear No Weevil: Taking on the World's Worst Weed
July 30, 2018
Salvinia is a tricky beast-it doubles in size every week and has tentacles. It chokes up waterways, making it impossible for wildlife to grow or boats to sail. It's a monster currently devastating Texas's picturesque Caddo Lake. But residents of Uncertain, Texas, have taken it upon themselves to combat the invasive species with the help of a small Brazilian insect called the Salvinia weevil.
This is the World's Loneliest Tree
2. This is the World's Loneliest Tree
July 30, 2018
Tucked away in a corner of London's Royal Botanic Gardens, there is a very peculiar plant. At first glance, it resembles a stumpy palm tree, but this ancient specimen is the very last of its kind on Earth. In fact, we may be left with only one-a single male specimen. This tree is the loneliest bachelor on Earth.
Enter the Deadliest Garden in the World
1. Enter the Deadliest Garden in the World
July 30, 2018
Locked behind black steel doors in Northumberland, England, the Poison Garden at Alnwick Castle grows around 100 infamous killers. From deadly nightshade to hemlock, the only way a plant can take root in this garden is if it is lethal to humans. Created by the Duchess of Northumberland, this is one garden where you won't want to stop and smell the flowers.
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  • Premiere Date
    July 30, 2018