Garden Dilemmas, Delights & Discoveries

Mary Stone
  • 4.9 (16)
  • Home & Garden
  • Updated Weekly

Join columnist and garden designer Mary Stone in sharing Dilemmas, Delights, & Discoveries in the Garden of Life.

  1. 4d ago

    Ep 258 - The Gift of Noticing: A Dove Tree that Didn't Bloom

    On a humid morning after a much-needed rain, Mary Stone reflects on the celebration of the life of legendary New Jersey gardener and friend Marty Carson. From stories of children helping to prepare the gardens to the remarkable tale of the Dove Tree (also known as the Handkerchief Tree) to an unexpected gift from Marty's son, this episode explores how gardens teach us to notice beauty, kindness, and one another. Though beloved gardeners may pass, the gardens they create—and the lives they touch—continue to bloom. Link to the Companion Post: The Gift of Noticing: A Dove Tree That Didn’t Bloom Mentioned in this episode: 🌿   The Two Best Gardeners of the Garden State -Blog Post (June 8, 2017) 🌿   Extraordinary Gardeners, Extraordinary Plants - Blog Post (June 18, 2018) 🌿 Episode 25 - Baobab Tree of Life: Growing Kindness Quote from this episode: "The Dove Trees didn't bloom this year. But they will. Gardens bloom again. Kindness blooms again. Love blooms again." Thank you for listening and for sharing the Garden of Life.🌻 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

    12 min

  2. Jun 21

    Ep 257 - Love, Lovage & Treasures at Well-Sweep Farm

    A visit to Well-Sweep Herb Farm in Warren County, New Jersey, leads to unexpected discoveries both in the garden and in life.  Mary Stone shares highlights from a tour with third-generation grower Patrick McDuffee, explores the beauty and lore of herbs such as Plantain, Scented Geraniums, Jewelweed, and Lovage, and reflects on the treasures often hidden in plain sight. Back home, a thriving 'Jethro Tull' Coreopsis, gifted to her years ago by her dear friend Marty Carson, becomes a poignant reminder that love, friendship, and the lessons gathered along the way continue to bloom long after people leave our lives. In This Episode 🌿 Touring Well-Sweep Herb Farm with Patrick McDuffee  🌿 Discovering the beauty of lovage  🌿 Plantain, jewelweed, and other herbal treasures  🌿 Native plants and Venus flytraps  🌿 Remembering Marty Carson through a blooming coreopsis  🌿 Finding unexpected treasures in the Garden of Life Link to the Companion Blog Post:  Love, Lovage & Treasures at Well-Sweep Farm Thank you for joining me in the Garden of Life. 🌿💛 Related Episodes & Links Episode 217: Moth Surveying in a New Jersey Mountain Meadow Episode 157: Benefits of Plantain & DandelionsEpisode 20: Unexpected Furry Messenger – Father John’s Memorial Garden  Well-Sweep Herb Farm: https://wellsweep.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

    13 min

  3. Jun 14

    Ep 256 - Lessons from Spiderwort and Crooked Trees

    Join Mary Stone as she reflects on Spiderwort, a native plant growing in the wrong place; a conversation with a dear client; the wisdom of the song "Crooked Tree"; and a reminder that what appears flawed or out of place may have a purpose we cannot yet see. Along the way, Mary shares a brief update on her vegetable garden, a surprising use for carrot greens, and a favorite story from The Lesson of the Leaf about a beech leaf that landed on her shoulder just when she needed it most. Link to the Related Blog Post: Lessons from Spiderwort and Crooked Trees In this episode: When Spiderwort becomes too much of a good thing Why a troublesome plant may be exactly right somewhere else The wisdom behind the song Crooked Tree "Spiderwort doesn't belong everywhere. But it belongs somewhere." Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life. 🌿🍃🌳 Related Podcasts and Posts:  The Fall of the Leaf – Blog Post about the Prologue to The Lesson of the Leaf Ep 83. The Fall of the Leaf Growing Belonging in the Garden of Life - Blog  Ep 255 - Growing Belonging in the Garden of Life Link to Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway’s song - Crooked Tree 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

    13 min

  4. Jun 7

    Ep 255 - Growing Belonging in the Garden of Life

    In this episode, Mary Stone shares an unexpected realization that emerged while revising her book proposal for The Lesson of the Leaf to Hay House Publishing. Along the way, she reflects on belonging, commitment, the wisdom of gardens, and the connections that sustain us through every season of life.  Plus, a garden update featuring radishes, sunflowers, clover, and a reminder that growth often happens beneath the shelter of something larger than ourselves. Thanks for tuning in!  Link to Companion Post: Growing Belonging in the Garden of Life Links to related Episodes and Blog Posts:  Forest Bathing Helps Loneliness - Blog Post Ep 34. Forest Bathing, Willowwood Champion Trees Overview of the Lesson of the Leaf– Blog Post  Ep 180 Overview of the Lesson of the Leaf Thanks for listening and sharing in the Garden of Life. 🌻 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

    11 min

  5. May 31

    Ep 254 - Leave Room for Wandering: Unexpected Greenhouse Treasures

    In this episode, Mary Stone shares a spring greenhouse adventure that begins with shopping for annuals and vegetables and turns into a delightful journey of unexpected discoveries. Along the way, she reflects on a bear emerging from a patch of skunk cabbage, bird nests tucked among flowering shrubs, a mysterious hornet visitor, and the wisdom that can emerge when we leave room for wandering. Mary also offers practical tips for selecting healthy annuals and creating beautiful kitchen gardens filled with flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Perhaps one of life's greatest lessons is this: some of the best treasures are found when we venture beyond what we originally came looking for. Special thanks to Steve Oken and Stonehedge Growers for inspiring this week's greenhouse wanderings and introducing me to some unexpected treasures. Companion Blog Post: Leave Room for Wandering: Unexpected Greenhouse Treasures  Previous Podcast Episodes: Ep 251 – Healing Beneath the Mayapple: Skunk Cabbage Wisdom Ep 94 - Starting an Organic Garden & DIY Soil Testing Ep 28 - Three Sisters, No-Till Gardening Ep 149 - Straw Bale Gardening Builds Community Related Blog Posts: Starting an Organic Garden  Straw Bale Gardening Builds Community Starting a No-till Garden  Old Farmer's Almanac Planting Calendar: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar Thanks for listening and sharing in the Garden of Life. 🌻 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

    14 min

  6. May 24

    Ep 253 - Healing Beneath Mayapple: Skunk Cabbage Wisdom

    Mary Stone shares reflections from a deeply meaningful weekend serving as a Big Buddy at Comfort Zone Camp for children grieving the loss of a parent or sibling to suicide.  Through stories of Mayapple, Skunk Cabbage, Barred Owls, Nesting Birds, and an unforgettable Black Bear encounter near the creek, this episode explores Healing, Resilience, Emotional Courage, and the Wisdom Waiting Beneath the Surface of the Natural World.  Along the way, Mary revisits earlier podcast stories about Mayapple folklore, Ken Roberts' beautiful song Mandrakes, and the remarkable lessons hidden within even the most unusual woodland plants.  Link to Companion Blog Post: Healing Beneath the Mayapple Previous Related Podcasts & Posts  Ep 252. Edible vs. Ornamental Rhubarb — Kindness Helps Heal Episode 31: Comedy of Crickets, Mayapple of My Eye  (Featuring Ken Roberts' song: Mandrakes) Previous blog posts: Mayapple of my Eye Rhubarb Edible vs. Ornamental— Kindness Helps Heal  Thanks for listening and sharing in the Garden of Life. 🌻  8888 I'd love to hear your garden and nature stories, as well as your thoughts on topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.    You can follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your favorite podcast app. Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,   Mary Stone Columnist & Garden Designer    8888 I'd love to hear your garden and nature stories, as well as your thoughts on topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.    You can follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your favorite podcast app. 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

    19 min

  7. May 10

    Ep 252 - Edible vs. Ornamental Rhubarb — Kindness Helps Heal

    This week, from the screen porch, Mary Stone shares reflections on edible versus ornamental rhubarb—both unusual, delightful, and deer-resistant additions to the garden. She also shares stories of rhubarb custard pie, overwintered parsley, blooming tea, pole beans, and other decorative vegetables woven among flower gardens. The episode wraps up with reflections on healing through friendship and community. And the garden lessons found in allowing others to help us through difficult seasons of life. 🌿 Link to the Companion Blog Post: Rhubarb Edible vs. Ornamental— Kindness Helps Heal 🔗 Links to Related Posts and Podcasts:  Ep 96 - Mending Fences with Forsythia Ep 101 - Woodcock Dance — Making a Meadow Ep 247 - Nothing Is Wasted: Leaf Mold, Mulch & Letting Go Blog Posts: Mending Fences with Forsythia Woodcock Dance — Making a Meadow Leaf Mold vs. Mulch & The Lesson of Letting Go Parsley comeback story: Parsley Surprise Special Mentions: Panache Desai – Call to Calm Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice  Songs of Hospice project in Promises That Live Beyond SeasonsThanks for listening and sharing in the Garden of Life. 🌻  8888 I'd love to hear your garden and nature stories, as well as your thoughts on topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.    You can follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your favorite podcast app. 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

    12 min

  8. May 3

    Ep 251 - A Changing Gardens Teaches What Belongs

    What a Changing Garden Teaches  - Finding What Belongs Sometimes what we see as a problem is simply a message. While visiting a longtime client in Sparta, New Jersey, Mary Stone reflects on shifting conditions in our landscapes—from struggling rhododendrons and declining pachysandra to the beauty and wisdom of moss. Along the way, she revisits an old dilemma—ants in a mossy patio—with a fresh perspective shaped by time, experience, and a growing appreciation for nature’s balance. Link to the Companion Post:  What a Changing Garden Teaches 🔗 Links to Related Posts and Podcasts:  Podcast Episodes: Ep 121 – Admiration for Ants & Safe RemediesEp 249 – Living Mulch: Layering with Native PlantsEp 173 – Oakleaf Hydrangea for All Seasons Ep  10 – Beauty in Dreariness, Furry Invaders Ep 250 -  Weeping Cherry Dilemmas: Trees Tell a StoryBlog Posts: Ants Be GoneAdmiration for Ants & Safe RemediesMagnificent MossNative RhododendronsGarden Dilemmas? Visit AskMaryStone.com or listen on your favorite podcast app.  8888 I'd love to hear your garden and nature stories, as well as your thoughts on topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.    You can follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your favorite podcast app. 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

    12 min
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4.9
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Join columnist and garden designer Mary Stone in sharing Dilemmas, Delights, & Discoveries in the Garden of Life.

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