Garden Dilemmas, Delights & Discoveries

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

Mary Stone shares how to grow Paperwhites in water. A party of spirits helps prevent flopping, and the same is true when forcing Amaryllis bulbs. However, the more fragrant heirloom Paperwhite varieties must be grown in soil, whereas the more floriferous hybrids, which some say smell bad, must be grown in soil. Both bulbs can only flower once in water. However, Amaryllis bulbs can bloom annually for up to 40 years in a potting mix inside, and paperwhites can bloom for about two years; Mary describes how. She shares a Greek Myth about Paperwhites Narcissus. She ends the episode by encouraging listeners to observe and admire flowers beyond our senses, with an analogy about the miracle of how our bodies work, along with plants and wildlife. Thanks for tuning in! Related Posts and Podcasts you'll enjoy: Paperwhites & Amaryllis like to Party Sprouting Avocado Seeds in Water – Blog Post Ep 39. The Magic of Sprouting Avocado Seeds 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

Thanks for tuning in! Related Posts and Podcasts you’ll enjoy: Merry Christmas Memories - Blog Post Ep 86. The Revival of an American Holly Holiday Decorating Reflections - Blog Post Ep 37. Merry Season of Love Over Fear Merry Season of Love Over Fear - Blog Post 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 about preserving the Paulinskill River that came from stumbling upon mysterious tree tubes. She also reflects on overcoming hardships or overlapping losses -- part of her forthcoming book, The Lesson of the Leaf. Links to related Episodes and Blog Posts: Preservation of the Paulinskill River - Blog Post Ep 80. Halloween History & Sycamore Ghosts Halloween History & Sycamore Ghosts - Blog Post 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 leaf 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 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

Mary Stone shares a story about a fig tree in Cape May, NJ, sporting an invitation to help yourself. But a sign saying "Don't be a Fig Pig" reminds her of picking daffodils as a young child and being scolded for it. Then recounts the saga of overwintering a fig tree given as a rite of passage after marrying that didn't end well. But it wasn't that she didn't give a fig, leading to the memory of humorous banter with her dear mom about the word "shit." Mary concludes by encouraging listeners to think about their past, the tears, and the laughter, and while some memories of tough times can be hard to revisit, there are good things, sometimes remarkable things, that grow from them. Thank you for tuning in! Links to related Episodes and Blog Posts: Don't be a Fig Pig– Blog Post Ep 180. Overview of The Lesson of the Leaf 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

In this episode, Mary Stone shares an overview of her upcoming book, The Lesson of the Leaf: How Nature, Gardens (and Rescue Dogs) Help Heal and Grow Your Life. A journey from loneliness and loss to love and hope, inspired by the wisdom her beloved brother left behind. She reflects on the significance of the number 180 (Episode 180), linking 1 - 8 to Infinity with the One and the number zero with new beginnings. There are 81 chapters in the Tao Te Ching, an ancient philosophy to live our true, peaceful nature in the rhythm of nature inspired the structure of The Lesson of the Leaf with 18 chapters and 81 subchapters, each combining a nature and personal story. Mary invites listeners to participate by sharing suggestions or stories with her via email at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks for tuning in. Links to related Episodes and Blog Posts: Overview of the Lesson of the Leaf– Blog Post Ep 37. Merry Season of Love Over Fear Ep 20. Unexpected Furry Messenger, Father John's Memorial Garden 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