Garden Dilemmas, Delights & Discoveries

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 179. A Butterfly Garden of Growth A Butterfly Garden of Growth - Blog Post Ep 101. Woodcock Dance-Making a Meadow Woodcock Dance-Making a Meadow - 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

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. Thanks for tuning in. Related Podcasts and Blog Posts you'll enjoy: Ep 28. Three Sisters, No-Till Gardening No-Till Gardening and Starting a No-till Garden - Blog Posts Ep 26. Folklore of Hope - Planting Following Nature Planting Following Nature and Planting by the Moon - Blog Posts 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

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 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. She ends by reflecting on personal growth and the importance of community and nature. Links to Related Posts and Podcasts: Episode 154 Root Pruning and the Journey of Growth Root Pruning and Journey of Growth – 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

Mary Stone celebrates episode the 200th of our 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: Wood Frogs Sing for Spring - Blog Post with stunning photos by Blaine Rothauser Ep 20. Unexpected Furry Messenger, Father John's Memorial Garden Ep 34. Forest Bathing, Willowwood Champion Trees Ep 46. The Gift of Cut Flowers Ep 31. Comedy of Crickets, Mayapple of my Eye Ep 126. A Sunflower Maze Brings Happiness 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

Mary Stone discusses early spring garden tasks, such as rejuvenating plants 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. Something greater is at work; only the collective energy and actions of individuals and communities can turn things around, as reflected in Langston Hughes' poem, The Dream Keeper. Thanks for tuning in!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

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 season of our lives. Related Posts and Podcasts you'll enjoy: Spring-Planted Bulbs - Link to come Phil’s Squirrel Dilemma Bulbs to Extend Spring Blooms - Blog Post Ep 81. Bulbs Extending Blooms & Deterring Squirrels 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

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 life's hardships as badges of wisdom gained. Thanks for tuning in! Related Posts and Podcasts you'll enjoy: Peatland Restoration in the NJ Paulinskill Rivershed – Blog Post – Link to come. Ep18. Walking & Plalking, Queens & Bachelors Weeding Mugwort – Picking up Litter – Blog Post Ep 05. NY Botanical Garden, Fall Leaf Confetti Leaf Mold – Better than Mulch Blog Post Preservation of the Paulinskill River - Blog Post Ep 185. Preservation of the Paulinskill - Overcoming Hardships Link for more about the Paulinskill Watershed River Watchers: https://paulinskillwatershed.org/ 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

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: Salt Impact on Plants and Remedies – Blog Post Myths, Truths, and Protecting Roots – Blog Post Ep. 193 Myths, Truths, and Protecting Roots Preservation of the Paulinskill River - Blog Post Ep 185. Preservation of the Paulinskill - Overcoming Hardships Link for more about the Paulinskill Watershed River Watchers: https://paulinskillwatershed.org/ 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

Groundhog Day dates back thousands of years, and 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: History of Groundhog Day - Blog Post Accuracy of Groundhog Day - Blog Post Ep10. Beauty in Dreariness, Furry Invaders 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

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 the song's melody. Thanks for tuning in! Related Posts and Podcasts you'll enjoy: Welcome Winter Sights and Silence – Blog Post to come Winter Season of Growth – Blog Post Ep 84. Winter Season of Growth Berries for Winter Beauty and Wildlife -Blog Post Ep 142. Berries for Winter Beauty and Wildlife 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 discusses the challenges of maintaining 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 joy in memories frozen in time and nature's resilience. Thanks for tuning in! Related Posts and Podcasts you'll enjoy: Dragonflies Benefits and Folklore – Blog Post Ep 188. Dragonflies - Trust the Perfect Unfolding Benefits of Watering with Rainwater – Blog Post Ep 04. Sweet Autumn Clematis, Rainwater Rejuvenation The link shared by the African Violet Society of America- How to Re-pot a Long Neck and Also Cure Root Rot The Artist's Way: 30th Anniversary Edition By Julia Cameron 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

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 closes by encouraging listeners to find beauty and love in the world around them, trust nature's timing, and live with gratitude and kindness. Thanks for tuning in! Related Posts and Podcasts you'll enjoy: Dragonflies Benefits and Folklore – to come. Preservation of the Paulinskill River - Blog Post Ep 185. Preservation of the Paulinskill - Overcoming Hardships A Forest Pansy Redbud of Hope - Blog Post Ep 21. Lessons from Spruce, Forest Pansy of Hope Hospice Butterfly Release - Blog Post Ep 17. Butterfly Release Celebration, Focus of Faith 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