Garden Dilemmas, Delights & Discoveries

After last week's episode about Nature Sounds from a Porch Camp, Mary Stone describes photos received from Blaine Rothauser. One, a Green Frog peaking through a patch of Duckweed, the smallest flowering plant. She shares the wonders of the unusual tiny aquatic plant, its benefits to wildlife and humans, and its rapid growth. Plus, what to do if it covers your pond. Thank you for tuning in! Related Podcasts and Posts You'll Enjoy: The Tiny Wonder of Duckweed - Blog Post to come Ep.214. Nature Sounds from My Porch Camp Nature Sounds from My Porch Camp - A blog post featuring Blaine Rothauser's stunning photos. 8888 I'd love to hear your stories about your garden and Nature, 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. 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 shares the sights and sounds of an overnight camp on her screen porch, including a Green Frog Chorus, two Great Horned Owls, waving Tulip Trees, and a visiting Great Blue Heron. Thanks for tuning in! Related Podcasts and Posts You'll Enjoy: Ep 176. Revisiting Cicadas and How Gardens Glow Cicadas Sing Back to School -Blog Post Ep 116. Great Horned Owl meets Hawk Great-Horned Owl meets Hawk - Blog Post Ep 61. A Story of Treasured Tuliptrees Treasured Tuliptrees - Blog Post 8888 I'd love to hear your stories about your garden and nature, 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. 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 interviews Carol Decker, a renowned wildlife artist. Carol shares her self-taught art journey, emphasizing thankfulness for her gift and success, attributing it to divine guidance. Her 80 paintings graced the covers of New Jersey Outdoor magazine, propelling her career. Carol shares a remarkable story of how one of the original paintings came back into her possession. The conversation underscores the importance of living in gratitude and love, embracing the wisdom of nature. Thanks for tuning in! Related Podcasts and Posts You'll Enjoy: Ep 46. The Gift of Cut Flowers / Joy of Receiving Cut Flowers - Blog Post Ep 84. Winter Season of Growth / Winter Season of Growth - Blog Post Ep 200. A Milestone in Our Journey Together A Milestone in Our Journey Together - Blog Post 8888 I'd love to hear your stories about your garden and nature, 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. 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 shares a humorous story about a neighbor's beaver and woodchuck dilemmas, the differences between the two, and their respective remedies. She then addresses the issue of invasive barberry, suggesting alternatives, emphasizing the importance of native plants, and striking a balance with ornamental plants. Mary wraps up with a reflection on the Fourth of July, encouraging listeners to relish and not take for granted our freedom or the magnificence of nature. And to do our part to propagate peace and harmony in our communities. Thanks for tuning in! Related Podcasts and Posts You'll Enjoy: Ep 142. Berries for Winter Beauty and Wildlife Berries for Winter Beauty and Wildlife - Blog Post 8888 I'd love to hear your stories about your garden and nature, 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. 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 shares a story based mainly on truth that takes place in two historic estates built by a French architect in Northwest New Jersey, owned by elderly and eccentric weekenders from Princeton. She adds a mystery to the story, themed around the New York Times bestseller, "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben. Thank you for tuning in! Related Posts and Podcasts You'll Enjoy: Ep 88. Insights from the Interdependence of Trees Insights and Interdependence of Trees - Blog Post Ep 34. Forest Bathing, Willowwood Champion Trees Forest Bathing Helps Loneliness -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 discusses the impact of insects and diseases on native trees, such as the Emerald Ash Borer, Spongy Moths, and Beech Leaf Disease. She shares the recommendations of Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station to underplant declining beech trees with other native trees, adding a similar strategy for lawn trees. Then shares Dennis Briede’s story of the Wolf Tree, a grand White Ash tree on the official New Jersey Big Tree and Heritage Tree Registry, and the labor of love to save it. Mary concludes by encouraging listeners to be kind, generous, and caring for the natural world and each other, starting in their own backyards. Related Posts, Podcasts, and Helpful Links: Ep 61. A Story of Treasured Tuliptrees Treasured Tuliptrees - 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

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 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. Unlike our seasonal campers, Spongy Moths can defoliate trees. She shares remedies and then recounts her brother Rick's hilarious experience with Tent Caterpillars and the identification of the culprit - a Scarlet and Green Leafhopper! Related Podcasts and Blog Posts you'll enjoy: Fall Webworm vs. Tent Caterpillars - Blog Post Ep 71. Diehard Campers - Tent & Webworms Diehard Campers -Tent Caterpillars 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 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