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. 3d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Apr 26

    Ep 250 - Weeping Cherry Dilemmas: Trees Tell a Story

    A weeping cherry tree begins to “bleed,” revealing what lies beneath—from soil stress to planting missteps. Plus, seed-starting tips and a reflection on where we’re truly meant to grow.  In this episode, I share what gummosis can tell us about tree health and planting practices, and why repeated plant failure in the same spot deserves a closer look.  We also revisit how weeping cherry trees are grafted, what reversion means, and how to care for them thoughtfully. Along the way, I share a few clever seed-planting techniques from listeners and a small correction from last week’s episode—because the garden is always teaching. Link to the Companion Blog Post: When a Weeping Cherry “Bleeds”: What Lies Beneath 🔗 Links to Related Posts and Podcasts:  Ep 247 - Nothing Is Wasted: Leaf Mold, Mulch & Letting Go Ep 249 - Living Mulch: Layering with Native Plants Reverting Weeping Cherry - Blog Post  How to make DIY Seed Tape Garden Dilemmas? Visit: https://askmarystone.com 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

    13 min

  7. Apr 19

    Ep 249 - Living Mulch: Layering with Native Plants

    Replacing mulch with living layers that nourish soil, support wildlife, and gently teach us patience. What if you could stop mulching—and let plants do the work instead? In this episode, we explore “living mulch” with native groundcovers and layered plantings that support soil, wildlife, and a self-sustaining garden. Along the way: spring planting timing, a client story, and a gentle reminder—plants sleep, creep, then leap. 🌱 Related Episodes If you’d like to dig a little deeper, these earlier episodes pair beautifully with today’s conversation: ·         Ep 247: Leaf Mold, Mulch, and the Lesson of Letting Go  ·         Ep 206: Soil Temperatures and Sowing Seeds  ·         Ep 121: Admiration for Ants & Safe Remedies  ·         Ep 31: Comedy of Crickets, Mayapple of My Eye  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

    13 min

  8. Apr 12

    Ep 248 - Healing After Winter: In the Garden—and in Life

    After a harsh winter, Mary Stone reflects on healing in the garden and in life—sharing spring pruning tips, plant care insights, and a humorous tale of “hotdog flies”—all woven with a gentle reminder to slow down, notice beauty, and make room for joy. Link to the Companion Post: Healing After Winter: In the Garden—and in Life Links to related Podcasts and Posts:  Ep. 92: The Secret Life of Pinecones Ep 155. Spacing Plants and Splendid Smokebush Blog Post: Rejuvenation Pruning & Smokebush Blog post: Remedies for Boxwood Leaf Miner  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

    13 min
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4.9
out of 5
16 Ratings

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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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