Where Botanical Art Meets Horticultural Science

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info@busygirlgrows.com

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Privacy Policy

Effective Date: December 1, 2024

1. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us, such as when you create an account, make a purchase, sign up for our newsletter, request information, or contact us. The types of information we may collect include:

• Personal information such as your name, email address, postal address, and phone number
• Payment information, including credit card numbers and billing addresses
• Preferences and interests related to our products and services
• Communications you send to us

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Process and fulfill your orders
• Send you technical notices, updates, and support messages
• Respond to your comments, questions, and provide customer service
• Send you marketing communications (with your consent)
• Monitor and analyze trends, usage, and activities
• Improve our website, products, and services

3. Information Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties without your consent, except:

• To fulfill your orders (e.g., shipping companies, payment processors)
• To comply with legal obligations
• To protect our rights and safety
• With your explicit consent

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure.

5. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access and receive a copy of your personal information
• Correct inaccurate personal information
• Request deletion of your personal information
• Opt-out of marketing communications
• Withdraw consent where we rely on consent to process your information

6. Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our website, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. You can control cookies through your browser settings.

7. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
Email: privacy@busygirlgrows.com

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Terms of Service

Effective Date: December 1, 2024

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the BusyGirlGrows website and services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and all applicable laws and regulations.

2. Use of Services

You may use our services for lawful purposes only. You agree not to use our services:

• In any way that violates any applicable federal, state, local, or international law
• To transmit any unauthorized advertising or promotional material
• To impersonate any person or entity
• In any way that infringes upon the rights of others

3. Intellectual Property Rights

All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of BusyGirlGrows LLC and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our express written permission.

4. Product Descriptions

We strive to accurately describe our products. However, we do not warrant that product descriptions or other content is accurate, complete, reliable, current, or error-free. All artwork is handmade and may vary slightly from images shown.

5. Pricing and Payment

All prices are listed in US Dollars and are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to refuse or cancel any order for any reason. Payment must be received in full before orders are processed.

6. Custom Orders

Custom artwork orders are non-refundable once work has begun. A 50% deposit is required to begin custom work, with the balance due upon completion.

7. Workshops and Classes

Workshop registrations are non-refundable within 48 hours of the event. We reserve the right to cancel workshops due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, in which case a full refund will be issued.

8. Plant Care and Liability

While we provide plant care guidance, we are not responsible for plant health after purchase. Success with plants depends on many factors including your specific growing conditions.

9. Limitation of Liability

BusyGirlGrows LLC shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages resulting from your use or inability to use our services or products.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless BusyGirlGrows LLC from any claims arising from your violation of these terms or your use of our services.

11. Governing Law

These terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of Oregon, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

12. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the website.

13. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at:
Email: legal@busygirlgrows.com

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Return & Refund Policy

Effective Date: December 1, 2024

1. Return Period

We accept returns within 30 days of delivery for most products. Custom artwork and personalized items are non-returnable unless defective.

2. Condition of Returns

Items must be returned in their original condition, unused, and with all original packaging and tags. Artwork must be carefully packaged to prevent damage during return shipping.

3. Non-Returnable Items

• Custom or personalized artwork
• Live plants (unless arrived damaged or not as described)
• Workshop registrations (see cancellation policy)
• Digital products or downloads
• Subscription boxes after opening

4. Return Process

To initiate a return:

1. Contact us at returns@busygirlgrows.com within 30 days of receiving your order
2. Provide your order number and reason for return
3. We will provide you with return shipping instructions
4. Ship the item back to us using a trackable shipping method

5. Refunds

Once we receive and inspect your return, we will notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. If approved, your refund will be processed within 5-7 business days to your original payment method.

6. Exchanges

We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange an item for the same product, contact us at returns@busygirlgrows.com.

7. Damaged or Defective Items

If you receive a damaged or defective item, please contact us immediately with photos of the damage. We will arrange for a replacement or full refund including shipping costs.

8. Shipping Costs

Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer unless the item was damaged, defective, or incorrectly sent. Original shipping costs are non-refundable except in cases of our error.

9. Workshop Cancellations

Workshop registrations may be cancelled for a full refund up to 48 hours before the event. Within 48 hours, registrations are non-refundable but may be transferred to another person.

10. Contact Us

For questions about returns and refunds, please contact:
Email: help@busygirlgrows.com/p>

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Shipping Information

Last Updated: December 1, 2024

1. Processing Time

Orders are typically processed within 2-3 business days. Custom artwork requires 2-4 weeks for completion before shipping.

2. Shipping Methods & Rates

Domestic Shipping (United States):

• Standard Shipping (5-7 business days): $8.95
• Priority Shipping (2-3 business days): $15.95
• Express Shipping (1-2 business days): $29.95
• Free standard shipping on orders over $150

Live Plant Shipping:

• Ships Monday-Wednesday only to ensure plant health
• Express shipping required during extreme weather: $35.95
• Heat/cold packs included as needed at no extra charge

3. International Shipping

We currently ship to select international destinations. Please contact us for rates and availability. Note that live plants cannot be shipped internationally due to agricultural restrictions.

4. Tracking

Once your order ships, you will receive a confirmation email with tracking information. You can track your package through the carrier's website.

5. Delivery

We are not responsible for packages once they are delivered. If you believe your package was stolen, please file a claim with the shipping carrier.

6. Special Handling

Artwork: All artwork is carefully wrapped and shipped in protective packaging to prevent damage.

Live Plants: Plants are carefully packaged with appropriate moisture and protection. Unpack immediately upon arrival.

7. Shipping Restrictions

Some products may have shipping restrictions based on your location. We will notify you if we cannot ship to your address.

8. Contact Us

For shipping inquiries:
Email: shipping@busygirlgrows.com

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Copyright Notice

Effective Date: December 1, 2024

Copyright Statement

© 2025 BusyGirlGrows LLC. All rights reserved.

All content on this website, including but not limited to text, images, graphics, logos, button icons, audio clips, digital downloads, data compilations, and software, is the exclusive property of BusyGirlGrows LLC or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws.

Permitted Use

You may view, download, and print pages from the website for your personal, non-commercial use only, provided that:

• You do not modify the content
• You retain all copyright and proprietary notices
• You do not use the content for commercial purposes without written permission

Prohibited Use

You may not:

• Reproduce, duplicate, copy, sell, or exploit any content for commercial purposes
• Create derivative works based on the content
• Use any of our artwork images for NFTs or digital sales without permission
• Remove any copyright or proprietary notices

Artwork and Designs

All original artwork, designs, and patterns created by BusyGirlGrows are protected by copyright. Purchase of artwork does not transfer copyright ownership. The buyer receives only the physical item or specified usage rights.

Commissioned Work

Copyright for commissioned artwork remains with BusyGirlGrows LLC unless otherwise agreed in writing. Clients receive usage rights as specified in their commission agreement.

Reporting Copyright Infringement

If you believe your copyrighted work has been copied and is accessible on this site in a way that constitutes copyright infringement, please contact us at:
Email: copyright@busygirlgrows.com

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Accessibility Statement

Last Updated: December 1, 2024

Our Commitment

BusyGirlGrows LLC is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying relevant accessibility standards.

Accessibility Features

We have implemented the following features to improve accessibility:

• Alternative text for images
• Semantic HTML structure
• Sufficient color contrast ratios
• Keyboard navigation support
• Clear and consistent navigation
• Descriptive link text

Standards Compliance

We strive to conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. These guidelines help make web content more accessible to people with disabilities.

Ongoing Efforts

We regularly review our website to identify and fix accessibility issues. Our team is trained in accessibility best practices and we consider accessibility in all our design and development decisions.

Known Issues

While we strive for full accessibility, some content may still be in the process of being optimized. We are actively working to address these areas.

Feedback

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of our website. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers:

• Email: accessibility@busygirlgrows.com

We will respond to feedback within 5 business days.

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The Art of Painting Carnivorous Plants

June 15, 2025 | By BusyGirlGrows

Carnivorous plants have captivated my imagination since I first encountered a Venus flytrap at age seven. Now, as a student in horticulture and practicing artist, I've found unique joy in translating these botanical marvels onto glass and acrylic canvases.

Understanding the Subject

Before putting brush to glass, I spend hours observing living specimens. Each carnivorous plant has evolved distinct trapping mechanisms that present unique artistic challenges. The Venus flytrap's hinged trap requires careful attention to the interplay of light and shadow, while the pitcher plant's tubular form demands mastery of perspective and color gradients.

Technique and Materials

Working with oil paints on glass requires specific techniques. I begin with Indian ink outlines, which provide structure and definition. The ink must be completely dry before applying oils – patience is essential. The transparency of glass allows for interesting lighting effects, especially when pieces are displayed near windows.

For pitcher plants, I use a layering technique that captures the translucent quality of the pitcher walls. Starting with lighter tones and gradually building depth creates the illusion of the digestive fluids within. The peristome (the pitcher's rim) requires careful attention to detail, as its ridged texture is both functionally important and visually striking.

Capturing Movement and Function

The challenge with carnivorous plants is conveying their dynamic nature in a static medium. I often paint Venus flytraps in various stages of closure, creating a series that tells the story of prey capture. For sundews, I focus on the glistening quality of their sticky tentacles, using small touches of iridescent medium mixed with oils to achieve that dewy effect.

Scientific Accuracy Meets Artistic Expression

While I strive for botanical accuracy, there's room for artistic interpretation. I might emphasize certain colors to highlight the plant's allure to insects, or exaggerate the size of trigger hairs to draw attention to these remarkable sensory structures. The goal is to create pieces that are both educational and emotionally evocative.

The Deeper Connection

Painting carnivorous plants has deepened my understanding of plant adaptation and evolution. Each artistic decision – from color choice to composition – requires consideration of the plant's ecology. This intersection of art and science enriches both disciplines, creating artwork that tells a story beyond mere visual appeal.

Whether you're an artist, plant enthusiast, or both, I encourage you to look closely at these remarkable plants. Their beauty lies not just in their unusual appearance, but in the millions of years of evolution that shaped them. Through art, we can celebrate and share this wonder with others.

Join me for my next workshop on painting carnivorous plants, where we'll explore these techniques hands-on. Limited spots available for August 2025.

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Creating Your First Terrarium Garden

May 8, 2025 | By BusyGirlGrows

Terrariums are miniature ecosystems that bring the beauty of nature indoors. As someone who works with both plants and glass art, I find terrariums to be the perfect marriage of my two passions. Today, I'll guide you through creating your first terrarium garden.

Understanding Terrarium Types

There are two main types of terrariums: closed and open. Closed terrariums create a humid environment perfect for tropical plants like fittonia and moss. Open terrariums suit succulents and cacti that prefer drier conditions. For beginners, I recommend starting with an open succulent terrarium.

Materials You'll Need

• A clear glass container (bowls, jars, or specialized terrarium vessels work well)
• Drainage layer materials: pebbles or activated charcoal
• Terrarium soil appropriate for your plant choice
• Small plants (3-5 for a medium container)
• Decorative elements: moss, small stones, miniature figurines
• Long tweezers or chopsticks for planting
• Spray bottle for watering

Step-by-Step Creation Process

Step 1: Create the Foundation
Add a 1-2 inch layer of pebbles for drainage. This prevents water from pooling at the roots. If creating a closed terrarium, add a thin layer of activated charcoal above the pebbles to keep the environment fresh.

Step 2: Add Substrate
Layer 2-3 inches of appropriate soil. For succulents, use a well-draining cactus mix. For tropical plants, use a moisture-retaining potting mix. Create gentle hills and valleys for visual interest.

Step 3: Plan Your Layout
Before planting, arrange your plants while still in their pots to visualize the final design. Consider height, color, and growth patterns. Place taller plants in the back or center, depending on viewing angles.

Step 4: Plant with Care
Make small wells in the soil and gently place each plant, pressing soil around the roots. Use tools to avoid damaging delicate leaves in tight spaces. Leave room for growth – overcrowding is a common beginner mistake.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Place decorative stones, moss, or sand to cover exposed soil. This not only looks attractive but also helps retain moisture and prevent soil displacement during watering.

Maintenance Tips

Terrariums are relatively low-maintenance, but they still need care:

• Water sparingly – overwatering is the most common cause of terrarium failure
• For closed terrariums, if condensation obscures the glass constantly, open it briefly to air out
• Trim plants that outgrow their space
• Remove dead leaves promptly to prevent mold
• Rotate the terrarium occasionally for even light exposure

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Mold Growth: Usually indicates overwatering or poor air circulation. Remove affected material and reduce watering.

Yellowing Leaves: Often a sign of overwatering or insufficient light. Adjust accordingly.

Leggy Growth: Plants stretching toward light need more illumination. Move closer to a window or add a grow light.

Artistic Considerations

As an artist, I view each terrarium as a living sculpture. Consider the principles of design: balance, proportion, and focal points. The container itself becomes part of the artwork. I often paint custom designs on the exterior of terrarium vessels, creating unique pieces that blend botanical and artistic elements.

Creating terrariums has taught me patience and observation – skills that translate directly to my painting practice. Watching these miniature worlds evolve provides endless inspiration for my artwork.

Join our quarterly subscription box to receive terrarium supplies and unique plants perfect for your next creation!

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Understanding Orchid Biology Through Art

March 30, 2025 | By BusyGirlGrows

When I first attempted to paint an orchid, I thought I understood these flowers. Hours of frustrated brushwork later, I realized I was merely copying shapes without grasping the underlying biology. This revelation transformed both my art and my appreciation for these remarkable plants.

The Architecture of Deception

Orchids are masters of mimicry and deception, having evolved intricate relationships with their pollinators. As I studied Ophrys apifera (the bee orchid) for a commissioned piece, I discovered its flowers perfectly mimic female bees. The labellum's texture, coloration, and even scent trigger mating behavior in male bees.

This knowledge changed how I painted the flower. Instead of simply reproducing colors, I emphasized the fuzzy texture that mimics bee hair, the glossy speculum that resembles insect wings, and the positioning that facilitates pollination. The painting became a story of evolution rather than just a pretty picture.

Column and Pollinia: The Hidden Mechanics

The orchid column – a fusion of male and female reproductive parts – is a marvel of evolutionary engineering. Most flowers separate these structures, but orchids combined them into a single, efficient unit. When painting orchids, I now pay special attention to this column, often using subtle highlighting to draw the viewer's eye to this crucial structure.

The pollinia (pollen masses) present unique artistic challenges. These waxy packets are often hidden, revealed only when a pollinator triggers the right mechanism. In my paintings, I sometimes show orchids from angles that reveal these hidden structures, creating educational art pieces that showcase the flower's complete biology.

Color with Purpose

Orchid colors aren't random – they're precisely tuned to their pollinators' vision. Many orchids display ultraviolet patterns invisible to human eyes but vivid to bees. When painting these species, I use artistic license to suggest these hidden patterns through subtle color gradations and strategic placement of highlights.

The Paphiopedilum (slipper orchids) I painted last month demonstrate another strategy. Their pouch-like labellum isn't just decorative – it's a temporary trap that forces pollinators to squeeze past the reproductive structures. I emphasized this three-dimensional quality through careful shading, making the trap mechanism apparent to viewers.

Epiphytic Adaptations

Many orchids are epiphytes, growing on trees without parasitizing them. Their aerial roots, covered in velamen (a spongy layer that absorbs moisture from the air), appear silver-white when dry and green when wet. This characteristic influenced my technique – I now use a dry brush technique with white and pale green oils to capture this unique texture.

Understanding that these roots photosynthesize changed how I compose orchid paintings. Rather than hiding the roots, I often feature them prominently, their serpentine forms adding movement and telling the story of the orchid's aerial lifestyle.

Symmetry and the Golden Ratio

Most orchids display bilateral symmetry, with flowers that can be divided into mirror halves. This isn't just aesthetically pleasing – it's functionally important for pollinator recognition and landing. When composing orchid paintings, I use this natural symmetry as a foundation while introducing slight variations that occur in nature, avoiding the stiffness of perfect symmetry.

Interestingly, orchid flowers often display proportions close to the golden ratio. The relationship between petal length and width, the spiral arrangement of flowers on the stem – these mathematical patterns appear throughout. I now consciously incorporate these proportions in my compositions, creating naturally harmonious arrangements.

Painting as Research

Each orchid painting has become a research project. Before touching brush to canvas, I study the species' native habitat, pollinators, and evolutionary adaptations. This deep dive informs every artistic decision – from the background (suggesting native habitat) to the angle of presentation (showing functionally important features).

This approach has led to interesting discoveries. While painting Catasetum, I learned that these orchids can forcefully launch their pollinia at insects – a violent but effective pollination strategy. I captured this dynamism by painting the flower at the moment of trigger, with subtle motion lines suggesting the explosive mechanism.

The Intersection of Science and Art

Understanding orchid biology hasn't constrained my artistic expression – it's enhanced it. Knowledge provides a foundation for creative interpretation. I might exaggerate the iridescence of a labellum to emphasize its attractive function, or use impossible color combinations to highlight structures usually hidden from view.

This synthesis of science and art creates paintings that work on multiple levels. Casual viewers appreciate the beauty, while those with botanical knowledge discover accurate details and evolutionary stories. It's deeply satisfying when scientists comment on the accuracy of my work, and artists appreciate the composition and technique.

Interested in exploring the intersection of botanical science and art? Our upcoming workshop series "Botanical Illustration: Where Science Meets Art" begins in April. We'll study plant structure, evolution, and ecology while developing artistic techniques to capture botanical subjects accurately and beautifully.