Hi, I'm Graylen Brown of Urban Gardening with Gray. For over 20 years, I've turned patches of earth (and pavement!) into places of growth, and my goal is to help you do the same. It all started in my grandmother's garden when I was 11, one homegrown Roma tomato was all it took to hook me for life. Online, I've been lovingly compared to Mr. Rogers or Bob Ross for my calm, encouraging approach. Why? Because to me, gardening isn't just about the harvest. It's a practice in patience, a source of peace, and a way to build harmony with the natural world. I'm here to help you discover that joy, one seed at a time.

Content Creator

Britt is the creator behind BotanicallyBe, a fast-growing plant education brand dedicated to helping plant parents feel confident, informed, and inspired. Through approachable videos, elevated visuals, and proven plant care guidance, she simplifies the care of houseplants and creates a space where beginners and enthusiasts feel welcome and can grow with ease.

Following in the footsteps of iconic Black plant scientists like George Washington Carver and Percy Julian is no small feat, but Derek Haynes—known as The Chocolate Botanist—is uniquely positioned to lead the charge. Originally recognized as the Crazy Botanist, Derek rebranded to honor his chocolate complexion and celebrate his Black identity, infusing his work with a powerful narrative of cultural pride and scientific rigor. As a scientist and communicator, he seamlessly weaves together botany, ethnobotany, and humor, creating a relatable bridge between traditional botanical wisdom and modern science.Derek’s commitment to evidence-based science is evident through his active efforts in debunking misleading plant hacks on social media, ensuring that his audience can discern fact from fiction. His engaging presence has seen him take on multiple roles—speaker, panelist, moderator, master of ceremony, lecturer, and host—at events like the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival, the African American Legacy of Gardening and Horticulture, and The Southeast Plant Show. Additionally, his board memberships with GardenComm and The North Carolina Botanical Gardens, alongside speaking engagements at venues such as Sarah P Duke Gardens, underline his influence and leadership within the botanical community.Featured on platforms like Growing Joy with Maria, Dam Internet You Scary, and The Leca Queen, as well as collaborating with Bill Nye, Derek has built a community of over 80k plant lovers that value both scientific authenticity and cultural storytelling. Whether connecting with his audience online or in person, The Chocolate Botanist remains dedicated to uplifting science, celebrating Black heritage, and inspiring a new generation of botanical enthusiasts.