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  • Mary Stone reminisces about Silver Maples in Cape May, NJ, once a Native American treasure, and finding an arrowhead on Sunset Beach. And the importance of not taking artifacts as it disrupts the archeological record. As does destroying artifacts of history that teach future generations not to repeat shameful mistakes.

    Stone reflects on the wisdom of pushing hands in Tai Chi, advocating for peaceful conflict resolution, empathy towards opposing views, and kinder ways to manage weeds in our garden and garden of life.

    Thank you for tuning in!

    Links to related Episodes and Blog Posts:

    Silver Maple, a Native American Treasure - Blog Post

    Ep 181. Don't Be a Fig Pig - Give a Fig

    Ep 146. Money Tree of Abundance-Happier Houseplants

    Ep 169. Safe Alternatives to Harmful Weed Killers

    Ep 28. Three Sisters, No-Till Gardening


    I'd love to hear your garden and nature stories and your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at [email protected].

    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

  • Mary Stone shares a story about a fig tree in Cape May, NJ, sporting an invitation to help yourself. But a sign saying "Don't be a Fig Pig" reminds her of picking daffodils as a young child and being scolded for it.

    Then recounts the saga of overwintering a fig tree given as a rite of passage after marrying that didn't end well. But it wasn't that she didn't give a fig, leading to the memory of humorous banter with her dear mom about the word "shit."

    Mary concludes by encouraging listeners to think about their past, the tears, and the laughter, and while some memories of tough times can be hard to revisit, there are good things, sometimes remarkable things, that grow from them.

    Thank you for tuning in!

    Links to related Episodes and Blog Posts:

    Don't be a Fig Pig– Blog Post

    Ep 180. Overview of The Lesson of the Leaf

    Root Pruning and Journey of Growth – Blog Post

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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 [email protected].

    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

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  • In this episode, Mary Stone shares an overview of her upcoming book, The Lesson of the Leaf: How Nature, Gardens (and Rescue Dogs) Help Heal and Grow Your Life. A journey from loneliness and loss to love and hope, inspired by the wisdom her beloved brother left behind.

    She reflects on the significance of the number 180 (Episode 180), linking 1 - 8 to Infinity with the One and the number zero with new beginnings.

    There are 81 chapters in the Tao Te Ching, an ancient philosophy to live our true, peaceful nature in the rhythm of nature inspired the structure of The Lesson of the Leaf with 18 chapters and 81 subchapters, each combining a nature and personal story.

    Mary invites listeners to participate by sharing suggestions or stories with her via email at [email protected]. Thanks for tuning in.

    Links to related Episodes and Blog Posts:

    Overview of the Lesson of the Leaf– Blog Post

    Ep 37. Merry Season of Love Over Fear

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

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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 [email protected].

    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 A Butterfly Garden of Growth at Johnsonburg Camp & Retreat Center in New Jersey, which hosted a Comfort Zone Camp in partnership with A Little Hope Foundation to support kids who lost a loved one to suicide.

    We review nectar and host plants important to butterflies and why Butterfly Bush is not ideal. Then, end with a reflection of the Butterfly Effect-- the interconnectedness of our world.

    May we all live our lives knowing that we make a difference no matter what season of life we are in.

    Thanks for tuning in.

    Links to related Episodes and Blog Posts:

    Ep.116 - Great Horned Owl meets Hawk

    A Butterfly Garden of Growth – Blog Post

    Goldenrod's Bad Reputation– Blog Post

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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 [email protected].

    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 discusses the importance of native plants, mentioning Blaine Rothauser's work and including native plants in a previous project.

    Then, we chat about the beauty yet invasiveness of Japanese Knotweed and the beneficial native Orange Jewelweed. And hope that plants from other countries become integrated into our environment as the balance of nature adapts.

    A reflection on the anniversary of 9 -11 and recounting a story about Cheryl Woodruff Brooks, author of Chicken Bone Beach, leads to Hope for the day we look upon each other as one with nature and the world.

    We wrap up with a history of Comfort Zone Camp, a grief camp for kids that grew after 9-11, and encouraging listeners to make a difference by volunteering to plant native plants and take better care of our land and each other. To Remember, Learn, Grow, and Love.

    Thanks for tuning in!

    Links to related Episodes and Blog Posts:

    September Roadside Beauties – Blog Post

    Remember - Learn - Grow and Love – Blog Post

    Ep 118. Bottlebrush Buckeyes Hide Tree Knees

    Other episodes featuring Blaine Rothauser:

    Ep 101. Woodcock Dance-Making a Meadow

    Ep 123. Keeping Lighting Pollinator-Friendly

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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 [email protected].

    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

  • In this episode, Mary Stone chats about the nighttime chorus of garden insects from her screened porch, highlighting the Agile Meadow Katydid, Fall Field Cricket, and Snowy Tree Cricket.

    Then shares a personal story about her niece and the healing power of nature, emphasizing the life-changing outcomes of learning to love and let go. Thanks for tuning in.

    Related Stories:

    Nighttime Chorus of Garden Insects– Blog Post

    Cicadas sing 'Back to School' – Blog Post

    Ep 176. Revisiting Cicadas and How Gardens Glow

    Ep 129. Saving Snapping Turtles Lifts Spirits

    Ep 30. Attracting Toads, Frog Watch

    Helpful Links:

    SongsofInsects.com Agile Meadow Katydid (Orchelimum agile)

    Spring and Fall Field Cricket (Gryllus pennsylvanicus)

    Snowy Tree Cricket (Oecanthus fultoni)

    Biokids link to Common Meadow Katydid (Orchelimum vulgare)

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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 [email protected].

    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

  • Mary Stone reflects on her recent trip to California and the joy of reconnecting with a lifelong friend. She discusses listener responses to previous episodes, including Lorraine's recent solution for her Bowing Blossoms of Limelight Hydrangeas.

    She reminisces about a cicada encounter during a project at Morristown Airport, explaining the difference between annual and periodical cicadas and gardening tips for late summer. Then shares Marty Carson's luminous garden design idea for Morristown Airport and how selections of White Flowers (and foliage) in Gardens Glow.

    Mary concludes by emphasizing the importance of learning and growth over perfection.

    Thank you for tuning in!

    Related Stories:

    Cicadas sing 'Back to School'

    White Flowers in Gardens Glow

    Link to the post with an update on Lorraine's latest idea for Fixing Flopping Limelight Hydrangeas

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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 [email protected].

    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

  • You may remember the treat of learning about John Cabot Roses through my writer friend Koleen Garland, who lives in Canada. In this episode, Koleen reads a saga about her Dagnabbit Rabbit Dilemma, sure to delight. And with it comes acceptance.

    Thank you for tuning in.

    Related Stories:

    Koleen’s Dagnabbit Rabbit Dilemma - blog post

    Irresistible John Cabot Rose - blog post

    Ep 162. The Irresistible John Cabot Rose

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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 [email protected].

    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 revisit the story of Lorraine's Flopping Limelight Hydrangea and chat about a new variety that solves the Bowing Blossoms of Limelights.

    Lorraine's garden dilemma came four years ago when we said goodbye to our beloved canine kid, Miss Ellie Mae. We wrap up reflecting that while endings and losses are part of life, love remains forever rooted in our hearts. Then come new beginnings to seed and grow our Garden of Life.

    Thank you for tuning in.

    Related Stories & Helpful Links:

    Flopping Limelight Hydrangea - Blog Post

    Link to the new 'Limelight Prime' Hydrangea

    Gardens Glow – Blog Post

    Ep 03. Cicadas Back to School, Gardens Glow

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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 [email protected].

    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 replacing invasive plants like Burning Bush with Native Plants, highlighting the beauty and versatility of Oak Leaf Hydrangeas for All Seasons. We review beautiful garden companions for Oak Leaf Hydrangea, varieties you'll love, and other native plants that are perfect replacements for Burning Bush.

    We wrap up with the hilarious story of gardeners that pilfered Oakleaf Hydrangea from the woods, NOT suggested (smile).

    Thank you for tuning in.

    Related Stories & Helpful Links:

    Oakleaf Hydrangea for All Seasons - Blog Post

    Episode 142. Berries for Winter Beauty and Wildlife

    When to Prune Hydrangea, Deer – Blog Post

    Ep 172. When to Prune Hydrangea, Deer!

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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 [email protected].

    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

  • Due to the mild and wet winter in the Northeast, we've enjoyed abundant hydrangea blooms, so much so that plants are flopping and blocking walkways.

    We revisit a story When to Prune Hydrangea, Deer! (When deer heavily pruned my hydrangea.) And wrap up with a strategy for pruning fading blooms so branches bounce back without risking next year’s flowers.

    Did you know Endless Summer Hydrangeas are sometimes called Endless Disappointment? But there’s no point in crying over spilled milk. Smile.

    Thank you for tuning in.

    Related Stories & Helpful Links:

    When to Prune Hydrangea, Deer – Blog Post

    8888

    I'd love to hear your garden and nature stories and your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at [email protected].

    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 a charming scene of a young girl gathering pinecones by the fistful outside the Runway Café bringing her and me such happiness. May we all cherish our fists of treasures, living with gratitude for the beautiful gifts in our lives.

    We wrap up with an exchange on the side of the road about Cornflowers often mistaken for Bachelor Buttons and the origin of Cornflowers on the original Corning Ware plates. I hope you enjoy the story.

    Thank you for tuning in.

    Related Stories & Helpful Links:

    The Secret Life of Pinecones – Blog Post

    Ep 92. The Secret Life of Pinecones

    Bachelor Buttons vs. Chicory Look-alikes - Blog Post

    Ep 119. Bachelor Buttons vs. Chicory Look-alike

    8888

    I'd love to hear your garden and nature stories and your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at [email protected].

    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

  • An entertaining exchange about the possible Causes of an Abundance of Acorns Dropping Early leads to Lessons in Letting Go.

    Nearby Oak trees were defoliated by Spongy Moths, formerly called Gypsy Moths, and could be the cause. We chat about the origin of Spongy Moths and the reasons for the name change.

    Thank you for tuning in.

    Related Stories & Helpful Links:

    Early Acorn Drop – Lessons of Letting Go – Blog Post

    Native Plants, especially Oaks, are Essential -Blog Post

    Ep 35. Leaf Therapy, Essential Oaks

    NPR's article Insect Experts Will Change The Name Of The 'Gypsy Moth' and 'Gypsy Ant' (July 2021)

    Ep 96. Mending Fences with Forsythia – the saga of Susan's neighbor mentioned in the intro.

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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 [email protected].

    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 long-standing client considered using Roundup to tend to the weeds in his patio and walkway. Instead, I shared Safe Alternatives to Harmful Weed Killers.

    In this episode, I share bits of our 15-year history of working together, including reflections on Andrew's youngest daughter helping to tickle the roots of perennials on planting day. Jessica, now 22, will join her siblings to attend their father's wedding. Knowing all he did to raise his children in their family home warms my heart.

    Life is a journey of hardships followed by joys if we trust and allow things to unfold while living in gratitude, even during tough times.

    Related Stories & Helpful Links:

    Safe Alternatives to Harmful Weed Killers – Blog Post

    Holy Moly Rose Remedies – Blog Post

    Ep 163. Holy Moly Rose Remedies

    Glyphosate Report by Bayer Jul 1, 2024

    New York Times article about Monsanto / Bayer Roundup Lawsuit Settlements by Maureen Farrell (Dec. 6, 2023)

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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 [email protected].

    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 designed a low-maintenance garden. Around it, we planted a pollinator-friendly lawn alternative: a combination of No-Mow Lawn and Micro-clover Seed Mix and No-Mow Flowering Lawn Seed Mix from American Meadows.

    The clients adored it, but town authorities insisted they mow it. Hopefully, they will change their mind when they learn the benefits of a clover lawn that pollinators love.

    Thank you for tuning in.

    Related Stories & Helpful Links:

    Clover Lawn Alternative - Blog Post

    Ep 82. Gift of Pawpaw Trees – mentioned in the intro

    What's a Pawpaw Tree? Blog Post

    Planting Pawpaw Seeds Blog Post

    Link to American Meadows

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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 [email protected].

    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 share a visit to the Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morristown, NJ, which came with an extraordinary surprise—the arrival of the Gift of a Giant Umbrella Pine. The story includes insights from those involved in the arrival: Bruce Crawford, Kristen Prommel, Mark Adelle, and Lori Jenssen. Plus, a tour of other treasures in the Conifer Collection.

    We wrap up reflecting on a special onlooker, a two-year-old boy who teaches us no matter our age, if we encounter unexpected things, watch and marvel, because wonder is the beginning of wisdom. I hope you enjoy the story.

    Thank you for tuning in.

    Related Stories & Helpful Links:

    Gentle Strength of Umbrella Pine – Blog Post

    Ep 87. Gentle Strength of Umbrella Pine

    Lessons from Braiding Sweetgrass. – Blog Post

    Ep 165. Lessons from Braiding Sweetgrass

    Wonders of Willowwood Arboretum – Blog Post

    Ep 161. Wonders of Willowwood with Bruce Crawford

    For more about Frelinghuysen Arboretum


    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 revisiting the creation myths of Native Americans naming North America as "Turtle Island." Turtles are welcome guests in the garden; Box turtles eat up to 10,000 slugs a season and other pests, including grubs.

    We wrap up by sharing Natural Slug Remedies beyond inviting a turtle into your garden. Some will surely bring a chuckle. I hope you enjoy the story.

    Thanks so much for tuning in.

    Related Stories & Helpful Links:

    Revisiting Turtle Island

    Natural Slug Remedies

    Saving Snapping Turtles Lifts Spirits – Blog Post

    Ep 129. Saving Snapping Turtles Lifts Spirits

    8888

    I'd love to hear your garden and nature stories and your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at [email protected].

    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 start with an update on the Song Sparrow meets Robin, thanks to Blaine Rothauser, an expert on all things in nature, leading to Lessons from Braiding Sweetgrass.

    Sweetgrass, Hierochloe (meaning "holy grass") odorata (meaning "fragrant"), is a grass native to North America and is included in Native American rituals and healing. In the exquisite book Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, sweetgrass is a metaphor for respecting and having gratitude for our Earth and the interconnection of all living things.

    Thanks so much for tuning in.

    Related Stories & Helpful Links:

    Lessons from Braiding Sweetgrass – Blog Post

    Episode 123, Keeping Lighting Pollinator Friendly – with Blaine Rothauser

    Keeping Lighting Pollinator-Friendly – Blog Post

    Cornell Labs All About Birds

    Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants

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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 [email protected].

    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

  • When the light begins to break, songbirds sing their happy calls of gratitude that Morning has Broken, reminding us of the lyrics to the song Cat Stevens made famous.

    American Robins are among the first birds to lay eggs in the spring and, therefore, are considered a symbol of renewal and new beginnings. In this episode I share how the sadness of baby robins that didn't survive turned into a happy story of a successful Song Sparrow nest passing the nesting spot off to the Robin Family.

    I hope you enjoy the story.

    Related Stories & Helpful Links:

    Song Sparrow meets Robin – Blog Post

    Ep16. One World, Robins of Renewal

    One World / Memorial Day – Blog Post

    Doublefile Viburnum Angels – Blog Post

    Robins of Renewal in the Garden – Blog Post

    Cat Stevens' - Morning has Broken lyrics

    8888

    I'd love to hear your garden and nature stories and your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at [email protected]. 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

  • Thankfully, there are resistant rose varieties, such as Knockout Roses and John Cabot Roses we discussed in Ep. 162. But even with that, dilemmas can arise. In this episode, we discuss unsightly rose dilemmas requiring Holy Moly Rose Remedies to treat insect and fungal damage safely.

    Then, we wrap up with an analogy of how plant dilemmas parallel health dilemmas we endure as humans. By nurturing nature, we can improve our health and our dear earth.

    I hope you enjoy the story.

    Related Stories & Helpful Links:

    Holy Moly Rose Remedies

    Aphids on Roses

    Japanese Beetle Time

    The Irresistible John Cabot Rose- Blog Post

    Ep 162. The Irresistible John Cabot Rose

    Link to the American Rose Society

    8888

    I'd love to hear your garden and nature stories and your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at [email protected]. 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