Stream now with KPBS+ / Watch Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at 8:30 p.m. + Sunday, Nov. 2 at 11 p.m. on KPBS TV
How are new plants discovered? In the old days, plant explorers sailed aboard tall ships in search of new plants that were beautiful, valuable, and useful. Today, they explore the wild by foot, by jet, and by jeep looking for little known treasures. On this episode, we meet renowned plant explorer and succulent breeder Kelly Griffin. Griffin has searched for the rare and beautiful on nearly every continent, including our own.
Wherever he explores, Griffin documents his finds and gathers just enough seeds or pollen (with permits of course) without threatening the survival of native populations. Griffin grows the seeds up, then uses those plants in his extensive breeding program.
He takes care to preserve the genetic diversity of plants in nature, while using their genetics to breed new succulent beauties for the commercial market and ultimately, for our home gardens.
Watch On Your Schedule: Episodes of A GROWING PASSION are available to stream with KPBS+, a new free streaming video app designed for ease and enjoyment everywhere you watch including Roku, smart TVs and mobile devices. It’s locally curated for San Diego by the KPBS programming team. With a clean and intuitive design, discovering and enjoying KPBS and PBS content on-demand has never been easier.
You can also tune in live to watch our four TV channels in real time: KPBS, KPBS 2, Create, KPBS Kids 24/7. We also added a new channel - FNX (First Nation Experience).
Your KPBS Passport member benefit works on KPBS+ too! You’ll have access to even more great shows when you simply log in with your KPBS Passport account.
About The Series: More and more San Diegan's strive to make environmentally and economically responsible choices. From earth-friendly and water wise gardens to organic foods and habitat restoration, we demand options that protect our health, feed our communities, and protect our natural resources. A GROWING PASSION is an Emmy-winning lifestyle program that explores San Diego County's agriculture and horticulture.
