Garden Dilemmas, Delights & Discoveries

Nov 03 2024 182 ep. 11 mins
Garden Dilemmas, Delights & Discoveries Podcast artwork

Join columnist and garden designer Mary Stone in sharing dilemmas, delights, & discoveries in the garden of life.

  Leisure  Science  Religion & Spirituality
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Ep 182. Silver Maples - Pushing Hands of Peace

Nov 03 2024 17 mins  
Mary Stone reminisces about the history of Silver Maples, once a Native American treasure, and finding an arrowhead on Sunset Beach in Cape May, New Jersey. And the importance of not taking artifacts as it disrupts the archeological record. As does destroying artifacts of history that teach future generations not to repeat shameful mistakes.Mary reflects on the wisdom of pushing ha

Ep 181. Don't Be a Fig Pig - Give a Fig

Oct 20 2024 14 mins  
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

Ep 180. Overview of The Lesson of the Leaf

Oct 06 2024 12 mins  
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 n

Ep 179. A Butterfly Garden of Growth

Sep 22 2024 10 mins  
In this episode, we chat about A Butterfly Garden of Growth at Johnsonburg Camp & Retreat Center in New Jersey, which hosted a Comfort Zone Camp in partnership with A Little Hope Foundation to support kids who lost a loved one to suicide.We review nectar and host plants important to butterflies and why Butterfly Bush is not ideal. Then, end with a reflection of the Butterfly Ef

Ep 178. Remember-Learn-Grow and Love

Sep 15 2024 11 mins  
In this episode, Mary Stone discusses the importance of native plants, mentioning Blaine Rothauser's work and including native plants in a previous project. Then, we chat about the beauty yet invasiveness of Japanese Knotweed and the beneficial native Orange Jewelweed. And hope that plants from other countries become integrated into our environment as the balance of nature adapts.

Ep 177. Nighttime Chorus of Garden Insects

Sep 08 2024 11 mins  
In this episode, Mary Stone chats about the nighttime chorus of garden insects from her screened porch, highlighting the Agile Meadow Katydid, Fall Field Cricket, and Snowy Tree Cricket. Then shares a personal story about her niece and the healing power of nature, emphasizing the life-changing outcomes of learning to love and let go. Thanks for tuning in. Related Stories:Nighttime

Ep 176. Revisiting Cicadas and How Gardens Glow

Sep 01 2024 10 mins  
Mary Stone reflects on her recent trip to California and the joy of reconnecting with a lifelong friend. She discusses listener responses to previous episodes, including Lorraine's recent solution for her Bowing Blossoms of Limelight Hydrangeas.She reminisces about a cicada encounter during a project at Morristown Airport, explaining the difference between annual and periodical cic

Ep 175. Koleen’s Dagnabbit Rabbit Dilemma

Aug 25 2024 13 mins  
You may remember the treat of learning about John Cabot Roses through my writer friend Koleen Garland, who lives in Canada. In this episode, Koleen reads a saga about her Dagnabbit Rabbit Dilemma, sure to delight. And with it comes acceptance. Thank you for tuning in. Related Stories: Koleen’s Dagnabbit Rabbit Dilemma - blog post Irresistible John Cabot Rose - blog post Ep 162. T

Ep 174. Bowing Blossoms of Limelights

Aug 18 2024 9 mins  
In this episode, we revisit the story of Lorraine's Flopping Limelight Hydrangea and chat about a new variety that solves the Bowing Blossoms of Limelights.Lorraine's garden dilemma came four years ago when we said goodbye to our beloved canine kid, Miss Ellie Mae. We wrap up reflecting that while endings and losses are part of life, love remains forever rooted in our hearts. Then

Ep 173. Oakleaf Hydrangea for All Seasons

Aug 11 2024 9 mins  
In this episode, we chat about replacing invasive plants like Burning Bush with Native Plants, highlighting the beauty and versatility of Oak Leaf Hydrangeas for All Seasons. We review beautiful garden companions for Oak Leaf Hydrangea, varieties you'll love, and other native plants that are perfect replacements for Burning Bush.We wrap up with the hilarious story of gardeners that