Welcome to our chat from the screen porch about garden and nature stories that help heal and grow our lives.

You may recall our chat inspired by Cheryl. She started avocado seeds in water as a science experiment to encourage her daycare center kids to grow interested in plants (featured in Episode 39). Since then, a story of a magical avocado tree came to me through a dear friend who brings with it the wisdom of encouragement. 

https://askmarystone.com/a-magical-avocado-tree/

I look forward to sharing more stories that come from you, kind listeners. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

When you think about it, the most resilient things in nature are soft and pliable, like blades of grass that bounce back after being trampled. And trees that sway with the wind, enduring severe storms, heavy snow, or ice. 

Birch trees, one of my favs, have a reputation of being soft-wooded and prone to damage when the opposite is true. There's strength in flexibility as it enhances endurance —wisdom for all of us.

https://askmarystone.com/birch-trees-strength-in-flexibility/

I look forward to sharing more stories that come from you, kind listeners. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Welcome to our chat from the screen porch about garden and nature stories that help heal and grow our lives.

In this episode, we chat about The Book of Hope by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams. Essentially the inspirational book is a dialog with Jane Goodall about her reasons for hope despite the world's increasing troubles. The subtitle— A Survival Guide for Trying Times, but merely surviving seems sad. I like to think of it as A Guide to Growing Hope instead.

Most known for her study of chimpanzees and her mission to protect them by protecting their habitats, Goodall's words will assure you that we still have time to save the natural world and improve the environment.

 She explains that each of us can make a difference by taking action. And by doing so, you'll inspire others to do the same.

Link to the related column - Growing Hope-The Book of Hope

Link to Jane Goodall Institute https://janegoodall.org/

and Roots and Shoots https://www.rootsandshoots.org/

I look forward to sharing more stories that come from you, kind listeners. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

One of the gems from The Book of Hope we chatted about last week is Jane Goodall's closest childhood friend, Beech, a beech tree. You see, I have a Mr. Beech, too. 

We talk about how beech trees benefit wildlife, how their bark resembles our skin, and how to overcome concerns about being finicky to transplant.

Then, we wrap up our chat with a message of hope from Jane Goodall, reflecting on the havoc and heroes of the pandemic and joys sure to bring a smile.  

Helpful Links & Related Stories

Beloved Beech Trees

Growing Hope-The Book of Hope

Episode 44. Nature‘s Inspiration in The Book of Hope

String quartet performs for an audience of plants inside the Barcelona Opera House

Humboldt Penguins visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum 

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

 You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone.

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

 Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

                                        AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Welcome to our chat from the screen porch about garden and nature stories that help heal and grow our lives.

I always feel bad when cut flowers fade, having to toss them in the compost pile when a houseplant gift lasts for years. 

In this episode, I share a story from Ken Roberts, a dear friend and singing partner at the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice, who brings a new light to the joy of receiving the gift of cut flowers-- A story that will warm your heart.

Link to the related column – The Joy of Receiving Cut Flowers 

I look forward to sharing more stories that come from you, kind listeners. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Welcome to our chat from the screen porch about garden and nature stories that help heal and grow our lives.

I've mentioned the idea of sharing the history of houseplants enjoyed for decades. Well, it turned into a story about personal growth with houseplants — with reflections that I hope will encourage and inspire you too. 

One of the beautiful outcomes of transitions and challenging times is growth and healing — A thought-provoking analogy to consider with the changes in growth in our houseplants.

Link to the related column – Personal Growth with Houseplants. And Lesson of the Leaf.

I'd love to hear about plants that have contributed to your growth, too, by emailing me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Welcome to our chat from the screen porch about garden and nature stories that help heal and grow our lives.

Last week's chat about personal growth with houseplants came with a struggle of self-doubt. Then came a recording by Louise Hay sharing her 10 Essential Steps to Loving Yourself, with an analogy to starting a garden that will inspire you. 

We chat about a simple way to Start a Garden, the No-Till Gardening way using cardboard boxes. And how being your best friend helps you grow loving yourself.   

Link to the related column – Love Yourself-Love Your Garden  and Starting a No-Till Garden

 Plus Link to Louise Hay's talk - How to love yourself 10 steps to loving yourself Louise Hay-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9m8FQ6EHV8

 I'd love to hear about how gardens, nature, or plants have contributed to your growth, too, by emailing me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

 Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Welcome to our chat from the screen porch about garden and nature stories that help heal and grow our lives.

Each spring, mostly from neat and tidies, the intention to remove moss or lichen from walls and walks comes up. But unless causing a hazard, I coach folks to leave lichen and moss be. 

In this episode, you’ll grow to like lichen, an intriguing organism that is much like an air plant. And laugh at a funny text exchange about removing moss madness.

Link to the related columns – Liking Lichen,  Removing Moss Madness, and Let Lichen and Moss be.

I look forward to sharing more garden and nature stories from you, kind listeners. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Welcome to our chat from the screen porch about garden and nature stories that help heal and grow our lives.

Last week's chat about Leaving Lichen and Moss Be brought a rally of like-minded folks (yay). But there can be safety concerns of slippage on walks and patios. 

This episode talks about ways to clean walkways and patios while preserving the plants in the nooks and crannies. And other Early Spring Gardening Tips, including snippets from a Honey-do List sure to bring a smile. 

Link to the related columns – Safely Clean Stone Patios, Spring Garden Honey-Do's,

And a throwback to a story in Episode 12 – Clover Lawn Alternative 

I look forward to sharing more garden and nature stories from you, kind listeners. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

 
Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Welcome to our chat from the screen porch about garden and nature stories that help heal and grow our lives.

Last week's talk about cleaning paths and patios without harming plants raises the question of favorite Plants between Nooks and Crannies.

In this episode, we share my favs that found their way on their own and how you can encourage volunteers too. And other plants ideal for nooks and crannies, some safe for barefooted traffic. Plus, a tidbit on the glory of the Lotus Effect in the garden. 

Link to the related columns:

Favorite Plants between Steppingstones 

Dollar Spot & Lotus Effect

Planting Following Nature (also featured in Ep 26 of the podcast) 

I look forward to sharing more garden and nature stories from you, kind listeners. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Welcome to our chat from the screen porch about garden and nature stories that help heal and grow our lives.

Last week's chat about Plants Between Nooks & Crannies led to other suggestions from you, kind listeners, including Hens and Chicks, that we share in this episode. 

Then we talk about a favorite early spring plant: Pussy Willows and the Legends about Pussy Willows you'll enjoy. 

Plus, a story about Gloria's bouncing baby willow grown for her daughter's new home and how you can root and plant a baby willow too. 

Link to the related columns:

Easter Pussy Willows 

Rooting and Planting Willow Branches

Sedum & Succulent Garden is mentioned in the episode regarding hens and chicks.

I look forward to sharing more garden and nature stories from you, kind listeners. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Welcome to our chat from the screen porch about garden and nature stories that help heal and grow our lives.

Forsythia is one of the first shrubs to bloom, welcoming spring. We chat about maintaining its natural fountain shape rather than sporting funky haircuts. 

And how, to my surprise, a hedgerow of golden forsythia at the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice changed my view of forsythia groomed into a hedge. 

Then we talk about organic corn gluten—an environmentally friendly pre-emergent for annual weed control. The time to apply corn gluten is when forsythia is in bloom. 

Link to the related columns:

Forsythia at the Home for Hospice  

Forsythia not Blooming?

Emma Stone Preferred Roots 

I look forward to sharing more garden and nature stories from you, kind listeners. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

 Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Welcome to our chat from the screen porch about garden and nature stories that help heal and grow our lives.

Perennials are emerging, inviting us to divide them to share with others, reminding me of a column long ago worthy of a refresher about Dividing Perennials. 

 Then I share the story of a family of foxes Jolee came upon the weekend of Comfort Zone Camp, a grief camp for kids, where they learn they are not alone in the world. Reminding me of a cherished book:

 The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse is "meant for everyone whether you are eight or eighty," Charlie Mackesy writes, sharing comfort and wisdom such as asking for help is brave, a theme at Comfort Zone Camp too. 

 Links to Related Columns: 

 Charlie Mackesy: Sharing Comfort & Perennials

Dividing Perennials 

 Foxes in the Garden

 I look forward to sharing more garden and nature stories from you, kind listeners. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

 Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Welcome to our chat from the screen porch about garden and nature stories that help heal and grow our lives.

 It's fascinating to learn Why Weeping Cherry Weep and why sometimes they revert to straight stems with different color flowers, thanks to the wisdom shared by Ben Jansen of E. P. Jansen Nursery and Nancy Buley of J Frank Schmidt and Sons.

Link to Related Column: Reverting Weeping Cherry

About E. P. Jansen Nursery and J Frank Schmidt and Sons 

 
I look forward to sharing more garden and nature stories from you, kind listeners. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

 Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Welcome to our chat from the screen porch about garden and nature stories that help heal and grow our lives.

New rules about single-use plastic and paper bags put me into a tizzy; I'm embarrassed to confess. 

Especially since brown bags are as recyclable as cardboard boxes- used excessively in online shopping. Plus, plastic bags are recyclable too and made into benches and composite decks.  

 But sadly, not everyone or every town recycles. 

 In this episode, Devin of Race Farm Market in Blairstown, NJ, shares encouragement that the new bag rules could be good for our dear earth. Plus, she shares repurposing garden pots and tidbits on the best time to plant annuals and vegetables. 

  Link to Related Columns: 

 Repurposing Pots & Bags to Benches

 Planting Following Nature

 I look forward to sharing more garden and nature stories from you, kind listeners. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

 Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Welcome to our chat from the screen porch about garden and nature stories that help heal and grow our lives.

 We begin this episode walking together and visiting the brook on which I live for a bit of reflection – and drop a leaf in the water sharing the Lesson of the Leaf my brother Bill left behind. 

 Then we talk about the mystery of mutating Alberta Spruce, how it magically came to be, and how it can revert to its origin. 

 While natural genetic mutation can be beneficial, turning into a lovely specimen plant such as Alberta Spruce, genetic mutations can be harmful. 

 I end the story on a personal note about my nephew Austin's wife, Sammi, asking for prayers. Thank you, kind listeners. 

Link to Related Columns:
The Lesson of the Leaf
Doublefile Viburnum Angels
Mystery of Mutatiing Alberta Spruce 

I look forward to sharing more garden and nature stories from you, kind listeners. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

 Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

We recently hiked Blue Mountain Lake, part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, filled with flora and reflections of what once was and what may come if redesignated as a national park. 

There's irony in the glorious beauty amid the sadness of homes lost due to the Tocks Island Dam debacle in the 1950s. 

And there's a lesson; we merely borrow the land on which we live. And hopefully, take respectful care of it while we do.

Link to Related Columns:

Flora & Reflections from Blue Mountain Lake

I look forward to sharing more garden and nature stories from you, kind listeners. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

 Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we share reflections from the Blairstown Memorial Parade. While we honor veterans who gave their lives protecting our safety and freedom, there is also a deep sadness over the physical and mental repercussions many veterans of war endure.

We also talk about poppies, the official flower of the American Legion, and National Poppy Day, the day before Memorial Day. The significance of poppies adds to the honor and beauty of growing them in your garden.

Let us hope and pray for a future of peace.

Link to Related Columns:

Memorial Day of Remembrance & Hope 

History of Veterans Day Poppies 

Meaning of Memorial Day – A Little Hope  

I look forward to sharing more garden and nature stories from you, kind listeners. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

 Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

I adore helping clients design their gardens, procure plants, and place them. Then comes coaching on watering their new plant babies. This week's episode features Kathy & Sean and their charming pup Hank who supervised the installation :^)  And how-to tips on Watering your New Plant Babies. 

And, a tidbit on Zero-scaping, the trendy phonetic spelling of xeriscaping; also known as drought-tolerant or smart-scaping.

Links to Related Columns:

Watering New Plant Babies 

Watering Protocols 

I look forward to sharing more garden and nature stories from you, kind listeners. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

 Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

While walking Jolee, I came upon a flower of a Tuliptree attached to a cluster of leaves. The culprit —squirrels, as we spoke about in Episode 15 – Litter of Tree Tips. Relishing the flower inspires a story of two treasured Tuliptrees, a Momma Tuliptree and a volunteer Baby  —  a story of resilience.  

 Links to Related Columns:

Treasured Tuliptrees

Litter of Tree Tips 

Spruce Disease Dilemmas 

More about the benefits of Tuliptrees on the Arbor Day Foundation website

I look forward to sharing more garden and nature stories from you, kind listeners. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

 Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

A walk on the road with Jolee leads to a story of a neighbor tackling Japanese Knotweed, known to be invasive, though beautiful and beneficial to pollinators. We chat about how beekeepers make good use of Knotweed.

Afterward, Jolee rests in a patch of Crown Vetch. Farmers once used it as a cover crop, and municipalities and homeowners planted Crown Vetch to secure slopes. Now it's considered invasive in many places, though pollinators adore them too. 

We wrap up chatting about Barberry & Butterfly Bush, once eagerly planted in landscapes and now are on invasive plant lists. Then we shift the paradigm by propagating new varieties and perhaps begin rethinking how we view invasive weeds and plants. 

Link to Related Stories:

Knotweed meets Crown Vetch 

September Roadside Beauties

Beneficial Ladybugs

I look forward to sharing more garden and nature stories from you, kind listeners. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

 Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

This episode starts with the news of a robins nest in my Doulbefile Viburnum, a frequented nesting spot. Robins represent renewal leading to a story about a Magical Trail of Renewal—a trail atop Camelback Ski Mountian I call the Top of the World. 

You'll walk with me and hear about nature's glorious landscape, a personal journey of recovery, and the four paws that have shared the path. 

We wrap up with a reflection on Independence Day and our freedom to grow in the garden of life. 

Link to Related Stories:

Magical Landscape of Renewal 

Robins of Renewal in the Garden

Unexpected Furry Messenger 

More about Big Pocono State Park, I call the Top of the World :^)

I look forward to sharing more garden and nature stories from you, kind listeners. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

 Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

The episode starts with a bounceback to last week’s news of a robins nest in my Doulbefile Viburnum, leading to the saga of a Red-Shouldered Hawk stalking the nest. 

We chat about the call and behavior of the magnificent bird, learning that Red-Shouldered Hawks are Messengers of Vision. The story ends with outcomes of Hope. 

Link to Related Stories:

Visions of the Red-Shouldered Hawk

 Blue Jays Bad Reputation  

 Doublefile Viburnum Angels 

 For more about Red-Shouldered Hawks, visit The Cornell Lab All About Birds.  

I look forward to sharing more garden and nature stories from you, kind listeners. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we talk about the lifecycle of the invasive yet beautiful Japanese Beetles and safe remedies to control them -- some may not be for the queasy at heart, but they are sure to bring a laugh. (Hint- you may be more cautious about drinking a margarita :^)

We then chat about how Japanese Beetles made their way here during the 1916 World's Fair. And a reflection of the powerful lyrics of It's a Small World (after all), debuted in the 1964 New York World's Fair, and how we can help grow our small world into a bigger world of kindness and love.

Link to Related Stories:

Safely Controlling Japanese Beetles

Japanese Beetle Time

Link to St. Gabriel Organics Milky Spore Powder and Bonide Japanese Beetle Killer with Pyrethrin

 Link to It's a Small World (After All) by The Sherman Brothers

 ***

I look forward to sharing more garden and nature stories from you, kind listeners. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, you'll giggle over the story of Jolee's big dig, inspiring a chat about chipmunk remedies. 

Then comes an Iroquois legend of a bear and a chipmunk leading to why chipmunks sport three stripes – a lesson to children about bullying. Imagine if there weren't any scars or stripes. Perhaps it's a lesson adults can learn too.

Link to Related Stories:

Chipmunk Remedies & Legends
The Legend of Marigolds 

Link to an unabridged version of the  Chipmunk and a Bear, An Iroquois Legend

  ***

I love to hear about your garden and nature stories, kind listeners. And, thoughts about what you'd like to listen to and learn about on future podcast episodes? Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thank you for tuning in :^)

And Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we share stories of garden blessings with Rosemary DeTrolio while visiting her garden in Hope, NJ—a serene plot of vegetables and flowers planted by an extraordinary lady whose calling is to help others grow their spirit.

We wrap up the visit with Rosemary's beautiful story of garden blessings hidden in a sugar baby watermelon.

Link to Related Stories:

Sharing Garden Blessings with Rosemary

Birds & the Bees of Zucchini  

The History of 4-H

For more about Rosemary DeTrolio-  Hands of Light by Rosemary

  ***

Kind listeners, I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. 

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

An invitation to a pool party inspires gathering flowers from the garden to bring to the hosts. One of the lovelies, Mountain Mint, reminds me of a walk in the meadow with my birder buddy and naturalist I look forward to sharing with you. 

Plus, we chat about other magnificent meadow plants and wrap up with a tale of wildlife visitors; Dennis Briede has a unique way of re-counting. 

Link to Related Stories:

Gift of Meadows & Mountain Mint 

Link to Stephanies Front Lawn Alternative and Steep Woodand Garden

The more extended version of A Walk in the Meadow 

Queen Anne's Lace Anomaly

Cicadas Sing 'Back to School'

  ***

Kind listeners, I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. 

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Join me and a loud chorus of cicadas during an extremely dry heat wave, leading to a story about the Origin of the Dog Days of Summer & Sweating like a Pig that may surprise you. 

 But before we dig into why it's called the Dog Days, the episode starts with an update about an adored beech tree that dropped an enormous limb. (You may recall we spoke about Beloved Mr. Beach in Episode 45.) A sad day, but like all of us, trees need to stay balanced. 

 We end with a reflection of Miss Ellie and Jolee cooling themselves in the garden during the Dog Days of Summer, bringing to mind a gifted plaque with a poem by an anonymous writer after Miss Ellie passed.

 Link to Related Stories:

Origin of Dog Days & Sweating Like a Pig

Watering Distressed Plants is much like Watering New Plant Babies

About Mr. Beech in Beloved Beech Trees

About a cherished Pet Memorial Celebration in a previous story titled Forest Bathing

Link to a story about Miss Ellie Mae, my Unexpected Furry Messenger 

Cicadas Sing 'Back to School'

  ***

Kind listeners, I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. 

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we chat about Stephanie's severe back slope overlooking a magnificent forest - a dilemma for those who wish to meander amongst the trees. That's where a steep woodland garden comes in.

We talk about perfect plants for a hillside woodland garden, the delightful day of digging them in, and tips on planting on a hillside.

We wrap up the episode with a story about a cherished Red Maple planted by my sister on a hillside when our dear Mom was living with her. It endured severe damage and recovered after becoming half a tree. Plants genuinely are resilient, especially with the love and admiration of caregivers.

 Link to Related Stories:

Planting a Steep Woodland Garden

Proper Planting Hillside

 ***

Kind listeners, I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. 

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Have you noticed what looks like cotton candy decorating trees? I thought they were Eastern Tent Caterpillars, also called Tent Worms, we see in spring. But the white webs are Fall Webworms –Tent Worms' close cousins.

Think of them as Diehard Campers with a nifty lifecycle instead of a threat. Besides, the native insects are a food source for our beautiful birds, adorable toads, and beneficial insects. 

It's true, though; they can be rather icky when they fall on your plate at a barbeque. And so, we chat about safe ways to remedy them if need be.

We wrap up the episode with a hilarious story of brother Rick's rose dilemma once caused by Tent Capterpilars until a Scarlet & Green Leafhopper hopped in. 

 Link to Related Stories:

Fall Webworm vs. Eastern Tent Caterpillars 

Rose is a Rose Pest Remedies

 ***

Kind listeners, I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. 

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

After meeting Stephen Scannilello and purchasing his book A Year of Roses, my love-hate relationship for the Beauty and Beast of roses turned to respect. As you may guess, the fairytale Beauty and the Beast has something to do with it.

 We chat about how to fertilize and care for roses, the benefits of planting Knockout Roses, and a favored climbing rose, Rosa' Dr. Van Fleet.'

 The episode wraps up an outlook on Rose Leafhoppers leading to a life lesson shared by Beauty and the Beast - one should not judge another on appearances.

  Link to Related Stories:

Beauty & Beast of Roses 

Rose Remedies 

***

Kind listeners, I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. 

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

I invite you to walk with me to find the delights in my dry summer garden. There are garden treasures despite the drought, such as the tiny yet plentiful baby Bottlebrush Buckeyes, polka-dotted Tuliptree leaves, a Mother Earth Face pot sporting forest grass bangs, and a hat of brunette snakeroot. The Best of Show sharing their happy faces as summer ends is an afterthought of sunflower seeds stuck in pots. 

Yes, the leaves are a tad tattered. But let's not scrutinize things so closely. Instead, look at the big picture and marvel over the magnificence. Enjoy your garden. Enjoy the Garden of Life.

  Link to Related Stories:

Delights in my Dry Summer Garden

Treasured Tuliptrees

A Happy Ending to Naked Pots 

 ***

Kind listeners, I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. 

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

While director of Rutgers Gardens in New Jersey, Bruce Crawford gave a talk, he coined Sexy Native Plants. He's now with Willowwood Arboretum bringing a reflection on his presentation about Native Plants for Native Pollinators (the G-rated version – smile). 

We chat about sources to find more native plants specific to your area. Such as my go-to book by Doug Tallamy: Bringing Nature Home- How you can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants. And other helpful sources such as plant lists provided by Native Plant Societies.

  Link to Related Stories:

Native Plants for Native Pollinators

Native Plants, especially Oaks, are Essential – featuring Doug Talamy's book The Nature of Oaks.

Other helpful links:

American Horticultural Society's – list of  Native Plant Societies 

 ***

Kind listeners, I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. 

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we chat about a presentation given by Claudia West, author of Planting in a Post-Wild World, about the importance of layering plant communities and designing garden layers.

"Plant more plants" was music to my ears – you'll see why! 

 Link to Related Stories:

Designing Garden Layers

Native Plants for Native Pollinators

Butterfly Garden of Growth

Native Plants, especially Oaks, are Essential – featuring Doug Talamy's book The Nature of Oaks.

Other helpful links:

American Horticultural Society's – list of  Native Plant Societies 

North Creek Nurseries links to suggested resources 

 ***

Kind listeners, I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. 

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we chat about Dare to be Wild, a movie based on the youngest gold medal winner of the Chelsea Flower Show and Mary Reynolds' love of the land. If we each do our part in nurturing nature in the bit of land we are blessed to live on, we can heal our dear earth—one garden at a time.

We wrap up with my family gathering - a baby shower held at a llama farm. My sister's son and his wife are expecting a child in December. Dot handed me a bin of mom's treasures as we were leaving. Amongst them is a hand-typed document dated 1940 of Christmas Designs from Natural Materials with Conservation Laws courtesy of the Federated Garden Clubs of New York State. Dear old mom gave me my garden start. I'd love to hear who gave you yours. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.  Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

 Link to Related Stories:

Mary Reynolds and Nurturing Nature

Designing Garden Layers

Forest Bathing 

Other helpful links:

American Horticultural Society's – list of  Native Plant Societies 

North Creek Nurseries links to suggested resources 

 ***

Kind listeners, I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. 

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

My neighbor ate his volleyball – a Giant Puffball Mushroom, that is. I have one, too, that I've been monitoring in amazement, but eating it didn't occur to me. It turns out they are delicious. 

In this episode, we chat about how to prepare Giant Puffball Mushrooms (Calvatia gigantean) and other edible fungi that are easy to ID.

Then we talk about Fairy Rings –circles of fungus that grow outward a few inches to several feet a year. Mushrooms, some edible, can develop outside of the rings after periods of heavy rain. Plus, there's fun folklore about Fairy Rings. 

I'd love to hear about fungi you have found to feast upon. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.  Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

 Link to Related Stories:

Giant Puffball Mushrooms

Fairy Rings

Another story featuring Craig's garden dilemmas -  Willows Gone Wild

Other helpful links:

Cabin Life.com's The Foolproof Four: Edible Wild Mushrooms

 ***

Kind listeners, I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. 

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

This episode features a special garden visit with Connie Kleindienst and her daughter Susan Meagher, a new neighbor and friend. Susan mentioned her Mom's boxwoods are showing signs of disease. So, I offered to drop by primarily to meet her Mom and witness their mother-daughter connection in the garden.

We chat about symptoms and remedies of the boxwood dilemmas, such as Boxwood Blight, caused by a fungus, and Boxwood Leaf Miner, an insect. But Connie's boxwood dilemma is likely Volutella. Fortunately, Connie's dilemma is early, and the avid gardener at eighty-nine years young will be on top of the remedy to prevent the spread of the fungus.
 
 Then comes the best part of the visit is a delightful tour around the garden filled with treasures.
 
 I'd love to hear about what or who gave you your gardening start. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.  Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

 
 Link to Related Stories:

Boxwood Dilemmas & Garden Delights 

Boxwood Blight Coming to Town?

Boxwood Leaf Miner 

Native Plants, especially Oaks, are Essential 

The History of 4-H

 ***

Kind listeners, I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. Please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. 

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Seeing evergreens drop needles often triggers concern. It's kind of like an abundance of hairs in your shower drain. But Fall Needle Drop is normal. 

We wrap up this episode with an analogy of Fall Leaf and Needle Drop and the renewal of the cells in our body and skin. We are always in transition. It's part of what we can count on in this life - change. May we find comfort in the cycles of the seasons. 

 Link to Related Stories:

Fall Needle Drop of Renewal 

Vitamin Packed Leaf Confetti

Leaf Mold – Better than Mulch

 ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we share Halloween's History and the legends of Sycamore Trees, also known as the Ghosts of the Forest. We talk about the magnificence of Sycamore, one of our largest hardwood trees, and the happy ghosts circling a massive one in Hope Township, NJ.

 We wrap up with creating garden ghosts - my humorous ritual of covering potted gardens with sheets to protect them from frost. This year, I let nature do her thing. There's freedom in that. 

Link to Related Stories:

Halloween History & Sycamore Ghosts

My garden ghost routine - the preamble to Overwintering Potted Gardens

The Legend of Marigolds and the Day of the Dead. 

 ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we talk about an assortment of spring flowering bulbs to extend the bloom, as shared by my friend and design colleague Marty Carson from Three Seasons. We also talk about speedy ways to plant them. 

Then we wrap up with Phil's Squirrel Dilemma, worthy of a standup comedy act. And how to prevent squirrels from digging up your bulbs. 

Plus, a sidenote with Patti Doell of Little Big Farm's technique of bulb bouncing back to a previous story about No-till Gardening – Perhaps coining a new phrase- Low-till Gardening 

Link to Related Stories:
 
Bulbs to Extend Spring Blooms

Phil's Squirrel Dilemma

Patti Doell of Little Big Farm, a cut flower farm, story on No-Till Gardening

Link to Brent & Becky's Bulb Website

 ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, I share a treat of gathering an allotment of veggies at Genesis Farm in Blairstown, NJ, gifted by a client who's become a friend. And the gift of coming upon Pawpaw fruit, having planned to plant a Pawpaw Tree in memory of my lifelong friend Elsa.

 We chat about the attributes of Pawpaw trees and how to start them from seed. And end with my special request for a few helpers to preview portions of a book underway titled Lesson of the Leaf. If you'd like to help, please email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much!

Link to Related Stories:

Fall is not Goodbye - sharing the story of my friend Elsa.

What's a Pawpaw Tree?

Starting Pawpaw Trees from Seed

Bulbs to Extend Spring Blooms 

 ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we compare the seasons of leaves to cycles of our lives-  a theme of my upcoming book, Lesson of the Leaf. And the wisdom, healing, and growth that come from observing the rhythms of nature and our gardens. 

We chat about The Fall of Freddie the Leaf, the classic book by Leo Buscaglia that provides comfort and inspiration to children explaining the cycle of life, and while leaves drop to the ground, their purpose doesn't end.   

 Link to Related Stories:
 The Fall of a Leaf

The Lesson of the Leaf

 ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In the winter season, roots are busy readying for the next season of growth. And it's an ideal time to root yourself in serving others. Small deeds make a difference.

This episode is inspired by the wisdom gained from the luncheon of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice volunteers. Then, it leads to a story of a kind passerby helping to save a snapping turtle that touches my heart. I hope it inspires you too. 

Link to Related Stories:

Winter Season of Growth

Talking to the Trees on Arbor Day
 
The Fall of a Leaf

Turtle Island 

 ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Peter Crane's book Ginkgo: The Tree that Time Forgot is a fascinating biography of the living fossil– a tree that survived the horror of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. With its resilience comes great lessons of enduring hope for peace.

 (I met Peter when he spoke at a Woody Plant Conference held at the Scott Arboretum in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, where magnificent ginkgo espaliers and trees command the lawn.) 

 The episode ends with the analogy of the surviving ginkgo with inner cambium, which is like the inner light that guides us -- far more significant than our heritage, country, or family history.

I share a poem by Sufi poet Hafiz titled No More Leaving that explains the potential of our inner light.  We are all one in our world, and deeply rooted in all of us is an internal code of honesty, trust, and kindness, not judging others or ourselves.

 
 Link to Related Stories:
 
 Enduring Hope of Ginkgo Trees

The Fall of a Leaf

 ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this week's episode, we chat about B & B versus the benefits of Container-Grown trees that limit transplant shock. But sometimes B and B's are disguised as a container plant. A lesson I learned in a sad way.

Then tending to the outside holiday decorating turned the sadness into laughs and happy tears as we decorated Ellie's memorial tree – a replacement one as the Blue Spruce that served as a Christmas tree died. 

We talk about the attributes of Ilex Opaca and the mystery of a 'Mary Holman' American Holly that became the replacement tree. But it, too, showed signs of severe decline and was at risk of dying. But TLC helped turn it around. 

 We wrap up with the lesson that there is beauty in imperfection. 

 Link to Related Stories:

Holiday Decoration Reflections

Needle Cast on Ellie's Memorial Tree

 Ball and Burlap versus Potted Tree  

 Decorating with Leave Behinds (aka "Road Kill" - smile)

 A story about Bill's Weeping Hemlock in Merry Christmas Memories

 ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we chat about Umbrella Pine, a living fossil dating back to when dinosaurs walked our world. The same is true of Ginkgo biloba, which we spoke about in episode 85.

There's a lesson in their endurance: The gentle outlasts the strong, referring to the wisdom of the Tao Te Ching, an ancient philosophy to live our true peaceful nature in the rhythm of nature. 

 Link to Related Stories:

Gentle Strength of Umbrella Pine 

Enduring Hope of Gingko Trees

Tickle and Rub Mycorrhizae

Forest Bathing and Wandering Willowwood Arboretum

  ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Trees are connected and need each other to survive, just like people need each other, as do plants and animals. And there are insights we can learn from the interdependence of trees.

While what is happening in the world seems overwhelming. Our community will thrive if we treat our neighbors as ourselves, sharing love and compassion, like trees left standing in a forest, counting on and helping each other.

We wrap up with coaching on how to tickle the roots of new plants and the benefits of applying mycorrhizal inoculant on the root balls of certain plants.

 Link to Related Stories:

Insights and Interdependence of Trees 

Tickle and Rub Mycorrhizae

More about Peter Wohlleben, The Hidden Life of Trees -
Forest Bathing and Wandering Willowwood Arboretum

  ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

There is much wisdom in the rhythm of the water. In this episode, we talk about the cycles of water, including the fascination of ice crystals decorating windows like etchings of intricate art. 

 Then there's Dr. Masaru Emoto's work published in, The Hidden Messages in Water (2004),  where he explains how loving words of gratitude turned into exquisite crystals. While threatening phrases caused the crystals to become misshapen as if confused. We wrap up in appreciation for the sustenance of water.

 Link to Related Stories:

 Wisdom in the Rhythm of Water 

 The Lesson of Leaf

Dr. Masaru Emoto’s book  The Hidden Messages in Water (2004)

   ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com 

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Mother Nature and Mother Earth make many magnificent sounds. And the healing sounds of nature improve health and well-being, even in the winter. I came upon a Pileated Woodpecker on New Year's Day, a marvelous yet mischievous bird.  

 This episode includes a reflection on an analogy of healing sounds to kaleidoscopes – remember them as kids?  And we are inspired to become astute observers, judging less and listening more. Not only to add joy to your day, but your happiness will be contagious to others. 

  Link to Related Stories:

Woodpeckers & Healing Sounds of Nature 

Forest Bathing

Blue Jays Bad Reputation

   ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Snow Geese and Canadian Geese are glorious to many but pests to some. In this episode, we reflect on the Miracle on the Hudson River and lessons of acceptance.  

Link to Related Stories:

Snow Geese Teach Acceptance

It Wants to Fly

Swarming Common Grackles

 Link to All About Birds for more about Snow Geese

Song of the North Wind: A Story of the Snow Goose

   ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

This week's episode is about the secret life of pinecones and cones- the fascinating fruits of conifers. We chat about the ingenious design of the encasement of woody cones and how they pollinate and protect seeds. 

Then wrap up with a reflection on native Rhododendrons (Rhododendron maximum) we came upon on our way to Blue Mountain Lake, part of the Delaware Water Gap Recreational Area. 

And, a personal note about Jolee, our rescue dog, and kind passersby who expressed concern seeing me walking without her, demonstrating the difference we can make by recognizing when something or someone is not the same.

Link to Related Stories:

The Hidden Life of Pinecones 

Native Rhododendrons

Flora & Reflections from Blue Mountain

Repurposing Christmas Trees – including using them to feed the birds. 

    ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we reflect on how the Gardening Seasons relate to the Cycles in Our Garden of Life.

And we chat about natural ways to nurture our gardens, such as Three Sisters Gardening and No-Till Gardening, rather than the dependency on unnatural chemicals that hinder our dear earth.   

Link to Related Stories:

Cycles in our Garden of Life 

Three Sisters Gardening

No-Till Gardening and Starting a No-Till Garden  

For more about Robin Wall Kimmerer's book Braiding Sweetgrass: https://www.robinwallkimmerer.com/

    ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we chat about Starting an Organic Garden beginning with soil testing from your extension office. And we share fun DIY Home Tests for Contaminants and Soil pH you can do.

Then we review the creative ways to build raised beds as a workaround if you are concerned about your soil. 

Link to Related Stories:

    ***

Starting an Organic Garden

Vegetable Gardening Basics and Starting a No-Till Garden 

Foxes in the Garden

Fun Ways to Test Soil pH

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we chat about Designing Container Gardens (including using vegetables) and the Impact of Color on emotions that also pertains to Designing Gardens. 

We then discuss the Components of Structure (the Thriller, Filler, and Spiller) inspired by a talk given by Bruce Crawford, Manager of Horticulture at the Morris County Park Commission.

And wrap up with the other elements of plants and nature—the most miraculous- the lifeforce, the unseen. Think of your life as the same miracle, and allow your unseen inner self -  your love and kindness flow through you. We're all seeds.

Related Stories & Helpful Links:

Colors in Gardens and Our Lives 

Garden's Glow

We're All Just Seeds 

Starting an Organic Garden

Vegetable Gardening Basics and Starting a No-Till Garden 

Proven Winners' article on  Using a Color Wheel to Select Flowers for Your Garden

Morris County Park's Commission

  ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
 AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

A fence installed by upset neighbors leads to a story about "Forcing" Forsythia to Bloom Indoors while Propagating new Forsythia Plants in hopes of mending fences.

 We chat about the steps to Encourage Forsythia to bloom indoors (some call it Forcing Forsythia, but encouraging sounds gentler) and how and when to plant your new plant babies. 

The sunny yellow flowers of Forsythia are the first we see welcoming new beginnings of Spring. It only rises about as tall as the fence, opening the possibility of the neighbors becoming friends.

Related Stories & Helpful Links:

Mending Fences with Forsythia 

Forsythia Hedge at Hospice

Forsythia, not Blooming?

The Old Farmer's Almanac handy chart- Forcing Branches into Bloom Indoors

  ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
  AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Helping a lifelong friend create a more sustainable backyard by removing the turf and putting in a groundcover alternative and native plants to nurture nature leads to a friendly banter about the Etiquette of Pilfering Rocks from the wilderness. 

We chat about the growing trend of stacked stones in parks and parks, also called cairns, causing a littering problem. And the fascinating inuksuks featured in an Alpine Garden Design. 
 
 And a magnificent sculpture created by nature: Tripod Rock - a massive boulder balanced by three smaller boulders at Pyramid Mountian in Montville, NJ. 

 Related Stories & Helpful Links:

Etiquette of Pilfering Rocks

 Tripod Rock

 Planning an Alpine Garden

 Bureau of Land Management – About Mining and Minerals

Link to USDA Forest Service Recreational Mineral Collecting

  ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
   AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Snowdrops and Winter Aconite bloomed early this year, leading to a chat about the folklore of the winter flowers.

Snowdrops, known as Candlemas Bells, are featured on Candlemas Day, representing Jesus bringing hope to the world.

 We share a history of Candlemas Day, celebrated on February 2nd, along with Ground Hog Day, a holiday representing repetitiveness since the movie Groundhog Day became famous. One of the exciting repetitive tasks in anticipation of spring is purchasing seeds.

Related Stories & Helpful Links:

Winter Flowers and Folklore

March Folklore of Hope

Planting Snowdrops & Spring Bulbs

History of Groundhog Day

The Old Farmer's Almanac Weather Lore Calendar

   ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

The Wonders of Witch Hazel brightens the dormant landscape and has mysterious methods of pollinating and dispersing seeds. Plus, they are easy to grow!

We chat about popular Witch Hazel hybrids, but it's the native Common or North American Witch Hazel that makes the popular astringent. And it serves as a tool for Water-Witching to detect underground water. 

Related Stories & Helpful Links:

Wonders of Witch Hazel 

Witch Hazel has a home in  Point State Park, an Urban Garden in Pittsburg, PA. 

And is part of a lineup in a Front Lawn Alternative. 

   ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

We celebrate the 100th Episode with my birder buddy Dennis Briede's meadow in Blairstown, NJ, leading to learning about how meadows wish to be forests and the antics of meadow wildlife you'll enjoy.

Thank you, kind listeners and fellow lovers of all things green, for joining me each week and being part of our community, helping to nurture nature and our garden of life. 

Related Stories 

Antics of Meadow Wildlife 

Gift of Meadows & Mountain Mint 

Beyond Nutty Mast Year – how Mother Nature manages wildlife populations. 

 Native Plants, especially Oaks, are Essential. 

 Moths are Beautiful Too, and crucial pollinators! 

    ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Last week's Antics of Meadow Wildlife (Ep 100) leads to preparing and planting a meadow, often called a wildflower garden or prairie. Dennis Briede shares how the Land Conservancy is converting a field inundated with Mugwort into a Meadow.

My interview with Dennis leads to a fantastic surprise – the mating dance of the American Woodcock. You'll enjoy the interview and the sounds of this charming robin-sized bird.

Related Stories and Helpful Links 

Woodcock Dance – Making a Meadow

Antics of Meadow Wildlife 

The Cornell Lab All About Birds – American Woodcock Overview 

   ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we chat about what makes a Successional Forest – a natural process of recovery of land impacted by a fire, logging, or farming returning to an ecologically balanced state through a succession of stages over time - given no other manufactured or natural setbacks. And describe the succession of trees at Lodestar Park in Fredon, NJ, once a farm field. 

I share a bit about how Comfort Zone Camp, a grief camp for kids and young adults, helps heal and grow their lives. And wrap up with a Game of Life Day at Sussex County Technical School, helping to grow our new generation of young adults. 

Related Stories and Helpful Links 

A Successional Forest of Growth
Flora and Reflections from Blue Mountain Lake 

 Sharing Comfort & Perennials

 Patti Doell, Little Big Farm, explains No-till Gardening

 Three Sisters Gardening & Jolee's Emergency

    ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the garden of life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we chat about No Mow May is growing momentum. Forgoing cutting your lawn helps early pollinators, plus other benefits.

Then there's the misnomer that lime kills moss in lawns. (But why would you want to?) Bringing to mind the to lime or not to lime- we answer the question.

Related Stories and Helpful Links 

No Mow May helps Pollinators  

Lime or Not to Lime Lawns

Clover Lawn Alternative

Plants for Nooks and Crannies

Penn State Extension Office- Neighborly Natural Landscaping in Residential Areas

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
 AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we embrace Spring Unfolding. We share sights and sounds while on an early spring walk with Jolee. The patterns are so familiar from year to year.

See yourself in all that you encounter— people, plants, even those we call pests. We are all one. And happiness is part of the oneness you're here to enjoy.

Related Stories and Helpful Links 

Spring Unfolding is Happiness 

No Mow May 

Braiding Sweetgrass By Robin Wall Kimmerer

Beneficial Ladybugs versus Asian Lady Beetle

Japanese Stilt Grass & Thistle Remedies

Spotted Lanternfly Update (2020)

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
  AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we chat about how we sometimes feel off-kilter. While we relish the glory and wisdom of nature and our gardens, we waver, getting lost and overwhelmed by busyness and stress. By living in nature's cadence, we find peace and joy.

The story leads to Carpenter Bees, essential pollinators that can wreak havoc. We share kind ways to deter them from doing damage and how a lone carpenter bee teaches a shift from– so much to do– so little time to so many joyous things to do in spring, with plenty of time to play.  

Related Stories and Helpful Links 

Giving Thanks

Carpenter Bees are Essential Pollinators 

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
   AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Rejuvenation Pruning Lifts Hearts, including mine, as I joined a lifelong friend and her grown sons to rejuvenate overgrown shrubs and renew their gardens. 

We discuss how early spring is an ideal time to rejuvenate and prune Andromeda, Rhododendrons, Butterfly Bush, Spirea, and Cinquefoil. And, of course, how to. 

And wrap up with a heartfelt story about how Michele's husband loved working with his boys. He passed away two years ago. No doubt, he looks down from above with pride and love.

Related Stories and Helpful Links 

Rejuvenation Pruning Lifts Hearts 

Reasons to Prune – features the story of my viburnum riddled with aphids.

 Beneficial Ladybugs  

 How to Rejuvenate Prune Rhododendron

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I'd love to hear your garden and nature stories and your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
    AskMaryStone.com

 More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, I share a story of an inundation of Mile-a-Minute Weed in Sarah's garden that turns into a garden filled with Deer Resistant Butterfly Plants. 

We chat about safe ways to get rid of Mile-a-Minute Weeds and a delicious lineup of host and nectar plants to attract butterflies that you'll adore too.

Related Stories and Helpful Links 

Mile-a-Minute Weed Remedies

Deer Resistant Butterfly Plants

Treasured Tuliptrees

Native Plants, especially Oaks, are Essential

 For more information about the weevil to remediate Mile-a-Minute Weed: https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/pdf/mileaminute.pdf

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
     AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

While it grows rampant in the wild, Virginia Creeper is native, therefore not considered invasive, and is valued as an ornamental plant. And, like its look-alike Poison Ivy, Virginia Creeper is loved by wildlife. 

In this episode, I share my big sister's "I dare you" challenge as a child and a fun review of how to tell the difference between Virginia Creeper and Poison Ivy.

We wrap up with a sad sequel to Mending Fences with Forysthia (Ep 96), hoping to turn a neighbor's invasive anger around. 

Related Stories and Helpful Links 

Value of Virginia Creeper vs. Poison Ivy 

 Removing Poison Ivy without Chemicals

 Previous stories we make mention of in the episode:

 One World / Memorial Day and  Robins of Renewal in the Garden

 Mending Fences with Forsythia

 Mile-a-Minute Weed Remedies

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
      AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

We start the episode reflecting on invasive anger between neighbors and the analogy of the territorial behavior of the North American Robin crashing into windows, fighting their reflection out of fear. And ways to resolve it. 

Then chat about the Asian species of Wisteria, invasive in the US, and a native alternative, plus ways to encourage blooming and manage their size. 

Then we wrap up with a reflection on what makes plants invasive, which relates to choosing love over fear leading to growing a peaceful garden of life.  

Related Stories and Helpful Links 

Wisteria Reflections on Invasiveness

Managing Wisteria

Fine Gardening Magazine's Story - How to Train Wisteria - Turn your vine into a tree using these pruning and staking techniques

 Previous stories we make mention of in the episode:

Mending Fence with Forsythia 

Merry Season of Love over Fear

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
        AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we discuss the history and Meaning of Memorial Day and the Flowers of Remembrance. 

And reflect on Comfort Zone Camp, a grief camp for kids that hosts a loss-by-suicide camp the week before Memorial Day. One year the camp theme was a  Phoenix representing resurrection and renewal associated with the bird on the first great seal of the United States. 

We wrap up on a personal note about losing a family member to suicide and the importance of mental health, which impacts our physical health. And how being amongst nature and gardens helps heal and grow our lives. 

Related Stories and Helpful Links 

Flowers & Meaning of Memorial Day 

About the Poppies in Flanders Fields: History of Veterans Day Poppies 

Comfort Zone Camp

A Little Hope Foundation

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
         AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

While hearing a fawn's cry can cause concern, only when wildlife is injured, or a deceased mother is nearby should we assist by contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. 

The story celebrates the generous spirit of Kelly Simonetti, founder of Antler Ridge, a revered Wildlife Sanctuary in Frelinghuysen, New Jersey, which sadly closed, unable to keep up after the passing of Kelly in November 2022. 

 We wrap up with an addendum to the fawn's story about pilfering perennials (with permission) in the family plot.

 Related Stories and Helpful Links 

Let Fawns & Wildlife Be

Gifts of Nature with a story of our family history of plant pilfering.  

"Leaf Therapy" fills the emptiness

Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary's YouTube Channel

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
          AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

After last week's chat about Fawn's Cry and Perennial Pilfering (Ep 111) and letting wildlife be, I thought you'd enjoy a story about running into Seal Pup Surprise at Island Beach State Park, NJ.

We wrap up with an announcement of Growing Forward – how I finally submitted a book proposal for The Lesson of the Leaf to Hay House Publishing. I hope the story will inspire you to push through self-doubt too. Thank you, kind listeners, for all of your encouragement and support. 

Related Stories and Helpful Links 

A Seal Pup Surprise 

Video to Hay House Publishing to introduce The Lesson of Leaf

Let Fawns & Wildlife Be
 
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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
           AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Green beans aren't only green anymore. And tomatoes come in all sorts of shades and mottled blends of colors. Are funky vegetables genetically modified? 

This episode discusses the differences between genetically modified (GMO) versus heirlooms versus hybrids. Then there are organic seeds and vegetables to consider and how funky vegetables can be non-GMO and even organic.

We chat about the origin of the Safe Seed Pledge and how we can pressure big businesses to let them know that we care about our food.

Related Stories and Helpful Links 

Are Funky Vegetables GMO?
Victory Seed Company
Renee’s Garden – the Garden to Table Seed Company

Previous Story with the Robin attacking his reflection- Wisteria Reflections on Invasiveness 

And Dennis Briede in Woodcock Dance-Making a Meadow

More about Comfort Zone Camp 

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
             AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

A country song by Kathy Mattea titled Seeds starts with "We're all just seeds in God's hands." I hope you enjoy the story of the magical transport systems of seeds and a reflection of how the song has circled through my life.

We all carry seeds of opportunity to help our dear Earth and our communities and serve others. As we become aware of it, the roots of our spirits grow. And as we shine our light within, the seeds flourish and bloom, becoming a beautiful garden that others will admire, inspiring them to see the magnificent seeds within them.

 Related Stories and Helpful Links 

Ep11. The Promise of Seeds

Seeds Rooted in Love 

The Magic of Seeds 

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
              AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Remember the seed-spitting contests on the Fourth of July? It's hard to do nowadays as most watermelons are said to be seedless, but the truth is, it's not so.

In this episode, we discuss how Seedless Watermelon came to be and why they compare to mules. Plus, we learn why they are not genetically modified (non-GMO) and can be organic. And the health benefits of the pink fleshy fruit. 

 Related Stories and Helpful Links 

Are Seedless Watermelons GMO?
Oxymoron of Seedless Watermelon

 Independence Day on the Top of the World

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
               AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

What looked like clusters of rusty brown leaves were remnants of our resident Red-shouldered Hawk—a heavy heart. The likely culprit is a Great-horned Owl. 

 We chat about the behavior, history, and legends of Red-shouldered Hawks and Great-horned Owls and how they benefit the garden, including a humorous bit about a skunk family that took up residence in a client's basement. 

Related Stories and Helpful Links 

Great-Horned Owl meets Hawk

Visions of the Red-shouldered Hawk

 The Cornell Labs All About Birds: The Great Horned Owl and Red-shouldered Hawk

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

We start the episode with a fascinating follow-up of last week's (Ep 116) Owl and Hawk story – witnessing a rat snake snagged by a hawk. 

Leeding to the wisdom of not tampering with nature despite the biggest garden dilemma - Darn Deer. We chat about Non-stinky Deer Deterrents to spare your gardens and why feeding deer is detrimental.  

And wrap up with Eastern Rat Snakes' remarkable hunting and predator avoidance techniques.

 Related Stories and Helpful Links       

Non-Stinky Deer Deterrents                   

Feeding Deer Promotes Disease

 Link to last week's story Great-Horned Owl meets Hawk

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report of Occurrence of  Chronic Wasting Disease.

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                 AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we meet my favorite understory shrub, Bottlebrush Buckeyes, and how I planted them to hide the Gnarly Tree Knees of Blue Spruce as they began dying from the bottom up from Canker Disease. 

We chat about recent flooding, downed Ash trees killed by emerald ash borers, and the declaration of mainstream media gloom and dooming the changes in climate. 

Nature is constantly changing. Nothing remains forever. But from endings come beginnings and renewal, encouraging listeners not to give up hope. Instead, be part of the change of kindness to our dear earth to help heal it. Nature is resilient.

 Related Stories and Helpful Links       
 
Bottlebrush Buckeys Hide Tree Knees
Spruce Disease Dilemmas

Lawn to Woodland Shrubs

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                  AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

I recently discovered that Bachelor Buttons are also called Chicory and Chicory Bachelor Buttons. Learn about these blue roadside beauties' origins, similarities, differences, and love stories. And there's a Chicory Fairy poem sure to delight you, reflecting the Cycles of Nature that are never ending and the Hope that exists because of it.

 Related Stories and Helpful Links       
 
Bachelor Buttons vs. Chicory Look-alike 

Cicadas sing 'Back to School'

Queen Anne's Lace Anomaly

 Link to The Chicory Fairy and Plant Love Stories.com The Flower that used to be a Girl.
 
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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                    AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

As the legend goes, if you see a Clymene Moth, consider it a gift, as you will have a blessing coming forward in your life, as did I. And so they are known as Blessing Moths.
 
 In this episode, I share the story of saying goodbye to a dear friend and the magical moment of coming upon a Blessing Moth. Plus, a reflection on the origin of Bottle Trees.
 
 
Related Stories and Helpful Links   
 
 Moth Identification. Com – Clymene Moth (Haploa clymene)

ButterfliesandMoths.org

About Bottle Trees

Link to the story featuring my friend Elsa – Fall is Not Goodbye

Moths are Beautiful Too
 
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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.
You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone
Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page
Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,
Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                    AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

I have a newfound admiration for ants and how they benefit our gardens and work as a team which may contradict treatments to solve ant dilemmas shared over the years. 

This episode discusses safe remedies and ways to invite ants to live away from your home and patios.

 Related Stories and Helpful Links    

 Admiration for Ants & Safe Remedies 

Carpenter Ants and Termites in Mulch

 Ants be Gone

Let Lichen and Moss be

 No-Mow May helps Pollinators

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                     AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

I was given an Aloe Vera plant by a client who confessed she neglected it. I know how that goes I said to console her. Rescuing the Aloe appeared hopeless and ended in the compost pile. Then it came to life. 

In this episode, we chat about Tips on Reviving Aloe Plants that help heal.

Related Stories and Helpful Links    

Rescuing Aloe Plants Helps Heal

Benefits of Watering with Rainwater

Per PetalRepublic.com  - Aloe Plant Temperature and Humidity Tolerances

About my Unexpected Furry Messenger who taught me, neglect is abuse.

More about Alice Peck 

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                       AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

A kind reader's concern about how artificial light impacts pollinators leads to a discussion with Blaine Rothauser, Senior Ecologist and Threatened and Endangered Species Specialist for GZA GeoEnvironmental, who advises how to Keep Lighting Pollinator-friendly.

Related Stories and Helpful Links    

Keeping Lighting Pollinator Friendly – Link to come 

 Moths are Beautiful, Too

 Blaine Rothauser's Blogs on Linked In 

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 I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                        AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Moths are like butterflies that party at night. Though many are considered ugly, like butterflies, moths are beautiful too and essential! We wrap up the episode by chatting about what moths and bats have in common, sure to bring a smile.
 
Related Stories and Helpful Links    

Moths and Bats are Beautiful, Too

Magical Blessing Moth

Keeping Lighting Pollinator-Friendly with Blaine Rothauser.

Native Plants, especially Oaks, are Essential, featuring Randi Eckel of Toadshade Wildflower Farm.

Cicadas Sing Back to School

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                        AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Late-season gardens can grow tired. Thankfully, there are late-season bloomers, many native plants I rely on to lift the drab and weedy. Glorious Goldenrod is among them. Despite rumors, they don't cause allergies and are not considered invasive by most authorities.

Related Stories and Helpful Links    

• Late-Season Bloomers 
• Is Goldenrod Invasive?
•  Goldenrod's bad reputation 

***

• University of Georgia’s Center for Invasive Species site (Invasive.org)
• Penn State Extension’s list of recommended native plants for perennial gardens
• PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
• USDA maintains a list of federally recognized noxious weeds.

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                         AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

For special occasions, many come to Liberty Farm's Sussex County Sunflower Maze in Sandyston, NJ. What a treat for those benefiting from the Mental Health Association's services to roam the smiling faces of acres of sunflowers bringing us happiness. 

 Sunflowers represent sunshine, and giving them conveys friendship, good luck, admiration, love, and friendship. Thank you, Raj Sinha and your family, for giving us all that sunshine. 

I think of them as smiley faces. May we all have more smiling faces to share.

 Related Stories and Helpful Links    

A Sunflower Maze Brings Happiness 

 Other Late-Season Bloomers 

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Liberty Farm's Sussex County Sunflower Maze – Facebook Page 
      
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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                         AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

While meandering the rocky terrain peppered with hemlock and Spruce, my friend Barbara asked why some trees remain evergreen and others don't. Good question. Let's ask the trees.

Towards the end of the episode, you'll enjoy the story of Jolee coming upon a baby squirrel. 

Related Stories and Helpful Links    

Why Some Trees Remain Evergreen  

Fall Needle Drop of Renewal column and companion Ep 79. Fall Needle Drop of Renewal

 Why Leaves Change Color 101 

Phil's Squirrel Dilemma is featured in Ep 81. Bulbs Extending Blooms & Deterring Squirrels

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                          AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

A Women and Their Woods retreat hosted by the Ridge and Valley Conservancy in Newton, NJ, helped landowners caring for their woods –filled with tips on native plants to help heal our land. And how our relationship with trees and nature can be symbiotic – mutually beneficial rather than parasitic.

The episode features highlights from Sharon Wander's presentation about Pollinator Friendly Properties. Plus, artist Rita Baragona's Breathwork and Symbiosis helps us connect with trees and nature. And how to doodle or journal the beauty of the world around us. 

"What is your connection to the woods, a tree, a leaf, yourself?"

Related Stories and Helpful Links    

Woman & Their Woods with Native Plants 

Ridge and Valley Conservancy – Preserving Natural Lands, Educating the Public

About Rita Baragona

Milkweed Bugs at Merril Creek 

Bottlebrush Buckey Hide Tree Knees 

Woodcock Dance & Making a Meadow 

Gift of Meadows and Mountain Mint 

PBS's article on What is Symbiosis?

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                           AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, Mary Stone reflects on saving a baby snapping turtle she came upon soon after her brother Bill passed away, another a year ago, and helping a momma snapping turtle cross the road with kind passersby. 

We chat about turtles that are welcome garden guests and how to attract them into your garden. Then, wrap up with how serving others, including Mother Nature, lifts our spirits.

  Related Stories (and Episodes) and Helpful Links    

Saving Snapping Turtles Lifts Spirits 

Winter Season of Growth column and companion podcast episode:

Ep 84. Winter Season of Growth 

Turtle Island column and companion podcast episode:

Ep19. Turtle Island, Ugly Slug Remedies

More about Common Snapping Turtle (from the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection)

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                             AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

This episode is a continuum of the last. We chat about a beloved Pet Painted Turtle and her lovable owner at the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice, who lifted our hearts. 

Then we talk about the Beech Leaf Disease dilemma and its cause and touch on remedies, not the least of which is Holding onto Hope with an analogy of how Fall leaves live forever.

Related Stories (and Episodes) and Helpful Links    

Worrisome Beech Leaf Disease 

Beloved Beech Trees 

 Ep 45. Beloved Mr. Beech

 Saving Snapping Turtles Lifts Spirits 

Ep 129. Saving Snapping Turtles Lifts Spirits

Rhode Island University's Beech Leaf Disease 2023 Update 

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                              AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Enjoy a walk in the woods of Lodestar Park, Fredon, NJ, answering the question about the difference between Ponds vs. Lakes and Vernal Ponds. And how even pond-less waterfalls can benefit wildlife and soothe the soul. 

We wrap up the episode with how serving others can happen in our gardens and yards by creating a healthful environment for our precious wildlife. Plus, do whatever you do with love and kindness as you go about your daily life because kindness grows.

 Related Stories (and Episodes) and Helpful Links:    

·         Inconsistency over Pond vs. Lake

·         Safe Havens of Vernal Ponds

·         Ep 07. Swarming Blackbirds, Winter Folklore, Thankfulness

·         Swarming Common Grackles
 
 

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                                AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

It's a nutty time! When nuts are abundant, it's called a Mast Year. In this episode, we chat about what triggers Mast Years, somewhat mysterious, and Shagbark Hickory's three-year cycle of nuts. 

Shagbark Hickory are not often landscape trees-- what's beautiful to some is messy to others. But wildlife loves them. Find out why you may, too. 

 We wrap up with the wisdom that we are one with nature and how significant our role can be in helping each other, helping nature, and being kind.

 Related Stories (and Episodes) and Helpful Links:    

·         Shagbark Hickory and Mast Years

·         Why Critters Cross the Road

·         Fruits and Veggies near Black Walnut

·         Ep 32. Juglone Companions, Fascinating Fasciation

·         Ep 07. Swarming Blackbirds, Winter Folklore, Thankfulness

·         Swarming Common Grackles
 

   8888

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                                 AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Before the first Fall frost, you can harvest green tomatoes and ripen them indoors, a lesson from Ed, who gave me Hand-me-Down Tomatoes. 

 We talk about how to ripen tomatoes to avoid critter carnage and improve their appearance by preventing shoulder cracks. And a quick way to freeze your over-abundance of tomatoes. 

Then, we wrap up with a funny scene of Ed's beloved lab feasting on Kousa Dogwood berries. 

 Related Stories (and Episodes) and Helpful Links:    

Ripening Fall Tomato Hand-me-Downs

Avoid Tomato Carnage-Ripen Indoors!

Chipmunk Remedies & Legends

Ep 66. Chipmunk Remedies and Legends

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

 You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                                 AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

What a surprise to stumble upon Avis Campbell Gardens in Montclair, NJ. Enjoy a "tour" themed around the Wheel of Life and bits about Avis Campbell's legacy. 

Then we admire a grand Kousa Dogwood, leading to a discussion of Delightful Dogwoods, though there are many Dogwood Disease Dilemmas. We chat about hybrids and cultivars that resist disease and end with how we can make a difference in the Wheel of Life. 

Related Stories (and Episodes) and Helpful Links:    

Avis Campbell Gardens Wheel of Life 

Doggone Dogwood Disease

Gardens Glow

Ep 03. Cicadas Back to School, Gardens Glow

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

 You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                                  AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

It was confusing the day before Veterans Day this year; folks were off, and schools closed. It's usually observed on the actual day of November 11th. And there's a reason for that - a significance to 11-11-11. And why poppies are on the lapels on Veterans Day and in our gardens. 

We chat about the rich history of Veterans Day and the Significance of Poppies on lapels and in our gardens. And wrap up with the wisdom of the lyrics from Turn Off The News (Build A Garden). a song by Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real.

 Related Stories (and Episodes) and Helpful Links:    

Significance of Veterans Day Poppies

 Mystery of Mutating Alberta Spruce

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

 You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone.

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                                   AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Giving Thanks for the Gifts of Nature and our Gardens as we delve into the holiday season teaches us not to rush things. We reflect on the beauty of the dormant landscape and treasures you can gather for winter decorating while leaving plenty for our feathered friends and other wildlife.

 Related Stories (and Episodes) and Helpful Links:    

Giving Thanks for Nature's Gifts 

Winter Decorating with Roadside Finds

Ep 08. Late Fall To-Dos, Holiday Decorating with "Roadkill"

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

 You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone.

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                                    AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we chat about garden ghosts, which I rarely have anymore—leading to how to overwinter garden pots, especially those filled with perennials and woody plants. 

Then, I share the story of Filling Naked Pots late in the season and the glorious assortment of shade-loving deer-resistant plants that decorate my adored Mother Earth Face Pot. 

  Related Stories (and Episodes) and Helpful Links:    

Overwintering Potted Perennials

Filling Late-Season Naked Pots

Related Stories (and Episodes) and Helpful Links:    

Overwintering Potted Perennials

Filling Late-Season Naked Pots

     
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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

 You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone.

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                                     AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

The defense mechanisms of Honey Locust trees are similar to porcupines. We chat about fascinating trees, their benefits, and thornless varieties. 

Plus how the docile porcupine can be a nuisance in the garden, and ways to move them along.

 Related Stories (and Episodes) and Helpful Links:    

Honey Locust – the Porcupine of Trees 

Three Sisters Gardening & Jolee’s Emergency

Also featured in Ep 28. Three Sisters, No-Till Gardening

More Tips on How to Get Rid of Porcupines 

USDA Honey Locust Plant Fact Sheet

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

 You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone.

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                                     AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, I share the Legend of Holly and Christmas Trees. Then we chat about The Twelve Days of Christmas ending on January 6th,-- So keep your tree standing until after Little Christmas, and there are ways it repurpose it to extend the Joy. 

Related Stories (and Episodes) and Helpful Links:    

Legend of Holly & Christmas Trees

Ellie’s Living Christmas Tree

Repurposing Christmas Trees

Ep 23. Season of Love, All About Poinsettias

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

 You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone.

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                                     AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, we reflect on the reason for the holiday season and have fun sharing the hilarity of the mad rush -- much like the rush of wrapping up the gardening season with a few late-season tips. Then comes the Long Winter's Nap from gardening we enjoy. We wrap up by contemplating the Gift of Contentment. 

Related Stories (and Episodes) and Helpful Links:    

A Long Winter's Nap 

Father John's Animal House Garden

Overwintering Potted Perennials

Ep 20. Unexpected Furry Messenger, Father John's Memorial Garden

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I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

 You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone.

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                                     AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

While opening a gifted box of green pencils, I noticed they were limited editon Gardening Pencils by Blackwing, leading to learning about the Essential Nutrients for Gardens and Life.

The episode includes inspirational gardening quotes and an invitation to share your favorite nature or garden quotes. 

 Related Stories (and Episodes) and Helpful Links:    

Essential Nutrients for Gardens and Life 

Benefits of Gardening

Wisdom in the Rhythm of Water - Ep 89. Wisdom in the Rhythm of Water

About Blackwing Pencils and their story referenced.  

                                                                            8888

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in.

 You can Follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone.

Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,

Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden Designer
                                      AskMaryStone.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from mother nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page