Garden Dilemmas, Delights & Discoveries
Join columnist and garden designer Mary Stone in sharing Dilemmas, Delights, & Discoveries in the Garden of Life.
Ep 209. Frenchy's Field and Tidying Daffodil Foliage
In this episode, Mary Stone describes a labyrinth in Frenchy's Field along the Santa Fe River, April Fisher of the Sussex County NJ Native Plant Society shared. And tidbits about Prairie Dogs prevalent there.
She then discusses the importance of allowing Daffodil Foliage to fade to ensure future blooms—and stylish ways of tidying daffodil foliage while allowing it to go dormant.
Related Posts, Podcasts, and Helpful Links:
Ep 207. Labyrinths Provide Paths of Healing
Labyrinths Provide Paths of Healing - Blog Post
The Labyrinth Resource Group...
Ep 208. Spongy Moths vs. Tent Caterpillars
Mary Stone answers a question about whether Spongy Moths, formerly called Gypsy Moths, make tents in trees. Not so, though the larvae look similar to Eastern Tent Caterpillars and Fall Webworms. Spongy Moths can completely defoliate and kill trees. Mary shares safe remedies for the creepy crawlies.
Then, she recounts her brother Rick's hilarious experience with Tent Caterpillars and the identification of another culprit in his rose dilemma—a Scarlet and Green Leafhopper!
Related Podcasts and Blog Posts you'll enjoy:
Spongy Moths Vs. Tent Caterpillars – Blog Post
Rose is a Ros...
Ep 207. Labyrinths Provide Paths of Healing
Mary Stone shares her journey to find a labyrinth at the Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center, which recently hosted Comfort Zone Camp, a grief camp for young adults for whom she volunteers. She describes the labyrinth's location and design and the serene experience of walking through it, including up-righting a rustic cross that had toppled.
Mary explains the historical and spiritual significance of labyrinths and their therapeutic benefits. And ways to build a labyrinth and plant ideas to adorn them.
Thanks for tuning in.
Related Podcasts and Blog Posts you'll enjoy:
Ep 206. Soil Temperatures and Sowing Seeds
After sharing a snap pea dilemma, Mary Stone reviews the significance of soil temperature for sowing vegetable seeds, tools, and DIY techniques to check soil temperature.
She features the benefits of No-Till gardening to improve soil and plant health. Then, she discusses the practice of following nature, called Phenology, and Planting by the Moon.
Mary wraps up with a personal story about planting seeds from a lunar gardening book her mother owned, noting that some seeds sprouted despite their age. And invites listeners to share their Garden of Life stories my emailing AskMaryStone@gmail.com.
...Ep 205. Lotus Effect and Lady's Mantle
Mary Stone delves into the beauty of water droplets called the Lotus Effect on plants such as Lady's Mantle and Nasturtium, and insects such as butterflies and dragonflies. She reflects on Lady's Mantle's folklore, its benefits in the garden, and how Nasturtiums protect vegetable gardens from pests. Mary encourages listeners to embrace and learn from the cycles of life and nature that bring joy and lighten the heaviness in our world.
Related Podcasts and Posts:
Benefits and Folklore of Dragonflies - Blog Post
Ep 188. Benefits and Folklore of Dragonflies
Reas...
Ep 204. Dividing Iris and Multiplying Gifts
Mary Stone discusses how and when to divide iris to improve plant health and increase blooms. She also shares the history of her gifted iris and other plants, some of which are not her favorites.
Mary suggests native alternatives to Stella Dora Daylilies and Bearded Iris but accepts gifted ornamental plants if they are not invasive or harmful to the environment and encourages folks to aim to have 80% native plants in their gardens.
She concludes by inspiring listeners to share stories about plants they were given and the special people who shared them by emailing...
Ep 203. Violet and Pansy Season of Happiness
Mary Stone discusses how Violets and Pansies bring joy to our gardens and pots in the cool seasons of Spring and Fall. She revisits bits of Vicki Johnson's story, shared in Episode 202, of how pansies grown by her mother, a Swiss giant pansy in particular, inspired her to start gardening.
Mary explains the differences between Pansies and Common Blue Violets from the Viola genus, as well as how and where to plant them. She clarifies the differences between short-lived perennials, biennials, annuals, and perennials.
The episode concludes with her reminiscing about her mother's influence on he...
Ep 202. Pansies Bring Vicki Johnson's Garden Start
Mary Stone shares a heartwarming story from her dear friend Vicki Johnson, a garden writer and photographer, about her gardening start, which grew into a passion and career. It stemmed from her mother's love for gardening, which blossomed in her late-season of life, and the special delivery of pansies. Vicki's story includes the how-to of traditional pansy-growing methods.
Mary concludes by encouraging listeners to share their gardening stories and reflect on the beauty and miracles of nature.
Related Posts and Podcasts:
Ep 54. Sharing Comfort & Dividing Perennials
Sharing Comfort & Perennials...
Ep 201. Dividing Perennials and Sharing Growth
Mary Stone discusses the beauty of early spring, the sunny faces of daffodils and their significance, and the roots of a family tradition of gathering cuttings from the family plot. Mary describes the benefits and the how-to of dividing perennials in early spring.
She answers a listener's question about daffodil bulbs planted late and creating an instant garden of Easter leftovers. Mary ends by reflecting on personal growth and the importance of community and nature.
Links to Related Posts and Podcasts:
Dividing and Sharing Perennials - Blog Post
Ep 200. A Milestone in Our Journey Together
Mary Stone celebrates the 200th episode of the podcast, reflecting on the journey and the lessons gained from nature and gardens and thanking listeners for their help and kind support. She chats about her hopes to expand her reach, perhaps on YouTube, without being attached to outcomes. Like seeds, allow things to grow naturally and accept them for what they become, as we should accept each other in this Garden of Life.
Related Episodes, Posts, and Helpful Links:
A Milestone in Our Journey Together - Blog Post
Wood Frogs Sing for...
Ep 199. Wood Frogs Sing For Spring
Mary Stone shares the delight of Wood Frogs arriving in her pond and singing their mating calls. Previously, Bullfrogs and Spring Peepers were the only frog residences. Mary highlights the role of frogs and toads in pest control and as indicators of environmental health. She recalls her Frog Watch USA training, a simple way listeners can help count species in their neck of the woods to help save our wetlands.
She wraps ups with a personal story about interning her friend Gene Martin's ashes in West Virginia, reflecting on the beauty of the journey and the joy a...
Ep 198. Pruning Lavender and Rejuvenating Shrubs
Mary Stone discusses early spring garden tasks, such as rejuvenating shrubs and removing dead wood. She describes the process of rejuvenating shrubs and the protocols for pruning lavender and concludes with wisdom gained from the rhythms of nature.
Spring is a perfect time to clean our homes, gardens, and gardens of life, including improving our collective outlook, as reflected in Langston Hughes's poem, The Dream Keeper. Thanks for tuning in!
Related Podcasts you'll enjoy:
Companion Blog Posts:
Rejuvenating Shrubs & Garden of Life and Pruning Lavender & Woody Perennials
Ep 197. Favorite Spring Planted Bulbs - Koleen’s Corncob Robber
Mary Stone shares her design colleague and dear friend Marty Carson’s favorite summer flowering bulbs to plant in spring, adding a few other hardy deer-resistant corms to the list. A discussion on using bone meal while planting bulbs as a squirrel deterrent leads to Koleen’s saga of a typo in a description of corn she ordered from a seed catalog, which turned into a humorous squirrel dilemma.
Mary concludes by sharing her concern for her friend Marty after a recent emergency surgery. Life can change in a moment. Let us cherish every single day and seaso...
Ep 196. Encouraging Indoor Spring Blooms of Hope
Mary Stone discusses the how-tos of encouraging early indoor spring blooms that go beyond her go-to of Forsythia. She shares a story by her friend Vicki Johnson, a garden writer and photographer, who colorfully describes an assortment of Spring Flowering Woody Plants to enjoy. The episode concludes by suggesting we grow hope by spreading kindness and love amidst the feelings of uncertainty in our world.
Related Posts and Podcasts you'll enjoy:
Encouraging Indoor Spring Blooms – Blog Post
Ep 53. Shaping Up With Forsythia
Forsythia Hedge at Hospice- Blog Post
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Ep 195. Healing from Hyper-Humus Peat Mining
Mary Stone shares the history and environmental impact of peat mining by Hyper-Humus Inc., learned while attending an outing hosted by the Paulinskill Rivershed Watchers and the Food Shed Alliance in New Jersey.
The Nature Conservancy and New Jersey Fish and Wildlife have received approval to restore the stream's natural sinuosity to improve water quality. Mary encourages using alternatives to peat moss in gardening to support this effort.
Then she reflects on an analogy of restoring the Hyper-Humus section of the Paulinskill Rivershed and personal growth, encouraging listeners to embrace their own "stretch marks" from l...
Ep 194. Salt Impact on Plants and Remedies
Mary Stone discusses the impact of road salt on plants and the environment, highlighting the damaging effects of chloride ions on dehydrating plants and aquatic life.
Mary reviews beet juice, pickle, and cheese brine alternatives municipalities are testing, along with non-toxic home remedies to use instead of salt. Plus, ways to help by volunteering in your community activities to reduce salt use by sharing examples of how the Paulinskill Watershed River Watchers in northern New Jersey are impacting change.
Thanks for tuning in!
Related Posts and Podcasts you'll enjoy:
...Ep 193. Myths Truths and Protecting Roots
Mary Stone discusses Myths and Truths about Roots that extend well beyond the tree and shrub branches. She also explains how to protect roots by not parking on them, which compacts soil and can kill a tree. She reviews the functions of Transport and Feeder Roots and how to safeguard the Root Plate, which stabilizes trees and shrubs.
Mary wraps up by sharing a personal story about generational loneliness and loss, encouraging listeners to reflect on their past and know that their roots, like those in nature, can heal and grow.
Thanks for tuning in!
...Ep 192. Groundhog Day- Ancient Origin and Accuracy
Groundhog Day dates back thousands of years. While the accuracy of predicting winter's end is marginal, it's a fun tradition that celebrates nature. Mary Stone shares the ancient origin, amusing anecdotes, and ways of handling groundhogs while embracing their role in the Garden of Life.
Thanks for tuning in!
Related Posts and Podcasts you'll enjoy:
Groundhog Day- Ancient Origin and Accuracy - Blog Post
Groundhog or Woodchuck Dilemma? - Blog Post
Ep10. Beauty in Dreariness, Furry Invaders
Ep 175. Koleen’s Dagnabbit Rabbit Dilemma
Link...
Ep 191. Welcoming Winter Sights and Silence
Relishing nature and our gardens goes beyond Spring, Summer, and Fall. Our Garden of Life is Winter, too. Mary Stone shares the beauty and stillness in a walk around the Winter Season of Sights, Sounds, and Silence, encouraging listeners to do the same, comparing it to the silence between notes that enriches a song's melody.
Thanks for tuning in!
Related Posts and Podcasts you'll enjoy:
Welcome Winter Sights and Silence – Blog Post
Winter Season of Growth – Blog Post
Ep 84. Winter Season of Growth
Berries for Winter Beau...
Ep 190. Encouraging Self-Seeding and Seeding Love
Mary Stone shares the methods and importance of encouraging self-seeding to help wildlife. And reflects on the joy of seed catalog shopping and creating a vision board for your garden. The episode concludes with a reflection on Martin Luther King Jr Day, honoring his wisdom that "Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend." Let us all do our part by self-seeding love.
Thanks for tuning in!
Related Posts and Podcasts you'll enjoy:
Encouraging Self-Seeding - Blog Post
Spring Urges Satisfied by Seed Shopping...
Ep 189. African Violet Care - Frozen in Time
Mary Stone discusses the challenges of caring for African violets in heated homes. She reflects on the emotional significance of the plants inherited from her mother and humorously recalls her rescue dog Jolee's antics, which led to the loss of her mom’s ‘Frozen in Time’ African Violets.
With one violet remaining in poor health, Mary seeks advice from the African Violet Society of America on reviving it.
She shares her morning routine of morning pages and meditation and how recent events, such as the California wildfires, have affected her. Mary then encourages listeners to find j...
Ep 188. Benefits and Folklore of Dragonflies
Mary Stone chats about the benefits and folklore of dragonflies, their fascinating life cycle, hunting savvy, and their role in controlling garden pests. Plus, dragonflies' cultural significance and ancient ancestry that date back 325 million years.
She shares personal anecdotes, including a dragonfly visiting a memorial tree. She emphasizes the importance of letting go of habits or things that no longer serve you or others and embracing new intentions for the year.
Mary encourages listeners to find beauty and love in the world around them, trust nature's timing, and live with gratitude and kindness.
...
Ep 187. Paperwhites the Miracle of the Unseen
Paperwhites like to party when grown in water, adding alcohol to prevent flopping. The same is true when forcing Amaryllis. Plus, there's a miracle in the unseen.
Both bulbs can only flower once in water. However, Amaryllis bulbs can bloom annually in potting mix, and paperwhites can bloom for about two years; Mary Stone describes how.
Then she shares a Greek Myth about Paperwhites Narcissus then encourages listeners to observe and admire flowers beyond our senses with an analogy about the miracle of how our bodies work, along with plants and wildlife.
Thanks...
Ep 186. Merry Season of Memories
Mary Stone reflects on Christmas memories, decorating her holiday garden, including her brother’s and Ellie's Memorial trees, and protecting broadleaf evergreens from dehydration that causes winter burn.
She reminisces about her late dogs Sara and Ellie and shares her Merry Season of Memories continuing traditions with Jolee.
While we long for years gone by, Mary encourages you to go home for Christmas in your most beautiful memories and dreams. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.
Thanks for tuning in!
Related Posts and Podcasts you’ll enjoy:
Merry Season...
Ep 185. Preservation of the Paulinskill - Overcoming Hardships
Mary Stone shares a story about preserving the Paulinskill River that came from stumbling upon mysterious tree tubes. She also reflects on overcoming hardships or overlapping losses -- part of her forthcoming book, The Lesson of the Leaf.
Links to related Episodes and Blog Posts:
Preservation of the Paulinskill River - Blog Post
Ep 80. Halloween History & Sycamore Ghosts
Halloween History & Sycamore Ghosts - Blog Post
I'd love to hear your garden and nature stories and your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email m...
Ep 184. Praying Mantises - Faith Testimony
Mary Stone reviews the disadvantages and benefits of praying mantises in gardens, stressing the importance of native versus invasive non-native species. She focuses on the harmful invasive Chinese Mantis that prey on the native Carolina Mantis and hummingbirds.
Mary also shares a faith testimony given 14 years ago, sharing her spiritual journey, struggles, and the healing unconditional love she received from her dogs. She emphasizes self-care, forgiveness, and the interconnection of relationships. Mary closes, encouraging listeners to accept challenges as part of life's plan, leading to remarkable growth.
Thank you for tuning in!
Li...
Ep 183. Honorable Harvest - Downsize and Do Over
Mary Stone describes the last of her late-season garden bounty and reflects on the guidelines of an Honorable Harvest, referencing the Native American tradition as outlined by Robin Wall Kimmerer's book Braiding Sweetgrass.
A humorous bounceback about the Birds and Bees of Zucchini leads to Mary Stone's sharing a personal story (Downsize and Do-Over) from her book underway (The Lesson of the Leaf), the impact of addiction on her marriage, and the pivotal moments that imparted change that involved her golden retriever Sara; her faithful four paws.
She reflects on healing and the importance of...
Ep 182. Silver Maples - Pushing Hands of Peace
Mary Stone reminisces about the history of Silver Maples, once a Native American treasure, and finding an arrowhead on Sunset Beach in Cape May, New Jersey. 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.
Mary 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!
L...
Ep 181. Don't Be a Fig Pig - Give a Fig
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 t...
Ep 180. Overview of The Lesson of the Leaf
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 str...
Ep 179. A Butterfly Garden of Growth
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.
Th...
Ep 178. Remember-Learn-Grow and Love
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 wo...
Ep 177. Nighttime Chorus of Garden Insects
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 S...
Ep 176. Revisiting Cicadas and How Gardens Glow
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 p...
Ep 175. Koleen’s Dagnabbit Rabbit Dilemma
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 fu...
Ep 174. Bowing Blossoms of Limelights
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 - Bl...
Ep 173. Oakleaf Hydrangea for All Seasons
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. Berrie...
Ep 172. When to Prune Hydrangea, Deer!
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:
Ep 171. Fistfuls of Pinecones Bring Happiness
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...
Ep 170. Early Acorn Drop - Lessons of Letting Go
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
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