Garden Dilemmas, Delights & Discoveries

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 letting go of shame and embracing forgiveness and thankfulness for the gifts of life, family, friends, and nature's bounty. Thank you for tuning in! Links to related Episodes and Blog Posts: An Honorable Harvest – Link to come Lessons from Braiding Sweetgrass – Blog Post Ep 165. Lessons from Braiding Sweetgrass Ep 181. Don't Be a Fig Pig - Give a Fig Birds & Bees of Zucchini Flowers – Blog Post Ep 02. Field of Clover - The Birds and Bees of Zucchini 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. 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

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

Links to related Blog Posts: A Butterfly Garden of Growth Is Goldenrod Invasive? 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

Links to related Blog Posts: September Roadside Beauties 9-11 Remember- Learn-Grow and Love Thanks for tuning in! 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

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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! 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. 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 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 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) 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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