Growing Beyond the Ordinary Since 1998

Grow Something Extraordinary.

From rare tropicals and unusual plants to vegetables, perennials, pollinator gardens and cacao, discover practical, experience-based guidance for growing a garden that's anything but ordinary.

Explore the Garden New? Start Here

Collection of lush tropical and unusual plants at Exotic Gardening

Theobroma cacao flower growing directly from a branch of my cacao tree in Indiana

Growing Chocolate in Indiana

I Grew a Cacao Tree in Indiana - And It Bloomed.

My fascination with Theobroma cacao began in the late 1990s, when I discovered I could grow the tree behind chocolate as a houseplant in Indiana. Over the years, I grew cacao from fresh seed, watched my own tree flower, searched out fresh cacao pods and learned firsthand what this remarkable tropical plant needs to thrive far outside its native climate.

Explore My Cacao Story The Chocolate Lover's Garden

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The Chocolate Lover's Garden!

"The Chocolate Lover's Garden, delivers decades of sweet-toothed imagination. It's a horticultural Hershey's kiss wrapped in research, passion, and dedication to creating a landscape that looks, smells, and tastes like chocolate." - Cavit Ireland, Washington Gardener Magazine

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Exotic Plants and Flowers

Discover the beauty of exotic plants and flowers with expert tips on growing them indoors and in cold climates. These posts explore unique, vibrant plants that thrive with the right care, whether in your home or greenhouse. Learn how to cultivate stunning blooms and rare greenery year-round!

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Flat lay image of the Garden Planner Printable Bundle showing multiple green and cream-colored gardening planner pages, including layouts for raised beds, square foot gardens, companion planting, pollinator guides, and notes. Text at the top reads “Garden Planner Printable Bundle - Organic Garden Gardening Journal + Garden Planners.”

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Plan, Grow & Thrive with the Garden Planner Printable Bundle!

Take your organic gardening to the next level with this 16-page, full-color printable bundle - designed to help you grow smarter, not harder. Inside, you’ll find:

✨ Organic gardening tips for healthy, chemical-free growing
🐝 Pollinator-friendly planting guides to attract beneficial visitors
🌱 Companion planting charts for thriving plant pairings
🗓️ Monthly garden chore pages to keep you on track all year
🌼 Seedling & transplant trackers to monitor every stage of growth
📝 Journaling, notes & doodle pages to capture your garden’s story

Whether you’re starting your first raised bed or refining a thriving homestead garden, this planner helps you stay organized, inspired, and productive - season after season.

👉 Download your Garden Planner Printable Bundle today and start growing with confidence!

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Growing Food

Grow your own food with expert tips on cultivating vegetables, fruits, and herbs in any climate. These posts cover everything from planting and care to maximizing your harvest for a productive, homegrown bounty. Learn how to grow fresh, delicious produce right in your backyard or indoors!

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Garden Pollinators

Attract essential garden pollinators with expert tips on creating a pollinator-friendly habitat. These posts cover bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that help your plants thrive. Learn how to support biodiversity and boost your garden’s productivity naturally!

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About Sheri Ann Richerson

Welcome to Exotic Gardening!

I’m Sheri Ann Richerson, a lifelong gardener, author, and plant enthusiast passionate about helping people live beautifully through the art of growing.

From tropical houseplants to edible landscapes, I love exploring unique, sustainable ways to make gardens flourish in every season. Here, you’ll find expert plant care advice, creative growing techniques, and inspiration for extending your garden’s life well beyond the ordinary.

Whether you’re nurturing your very first plant or designing a year-round indoor jungle, my goal is to help you cultivate beauty, abundance, and joy - one plant at a time.

Helping people live beautifully and grow abundantly - real-life gardening from a modern-day plant enthusiast.

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Flower Gardening

Create a stunning flower garden with expert tips on planting, care, and design. These posts cover everything from seasonal blooms to perennial favorites, helping you grow vibrant, healthy flowers. Learn how to cultivate a garden full of color and beauty year-round!

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Woody Plants

Grow thriving trees, shrubs, and woody plants with expert care and planting tips. These posts cover everything from ornamental trees to fruiting shrubs, helping you enhance your landscape. Learn how to choose, maintain, and enjoy hardy, long-lasting plants in any climate!

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Tools, Books and Decor

Discover the best gardening tools, books, and decor to enhance your green space. These posts cover must-have equipment, expert gardening guides, and creative decor ideas to beautify your garden. Find everything you need to grow, learn, and design a space you love!

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