Garden Dilemmas, Delights & Discoveries

Some walks stay with us long after they end.
A quiet rainy walk through the late-winter woods becomes a meditation on healing, hope, and nature’s wisdom. On a misty morning, Mary Stone and her faithful companion, Jolee, head into the forest, where the rhythm of rain and the stillness of the trees create space for reflection.
Inspired by an earlier column, March Folklore of Hope, Mary reflects on weather sayings passed through generations, the promise of snowdrops pushing through winter’s frost, and the reminder that storms eventually give way to new growth.
Along the way, she recalls a lesson from her brother’s Tai Chi practice — the art of Pushing Hands, where strength comes not from resistance but from balance and redirection.
And in a meaningful moment at the end of the episode, Mary shares a breakthrough toward completing the manuscript for her forthcoming book, The Lesson of the Leaf. “
Sometimes the most memorable walks are the ones that help us see the path ahead more clearly.
Link to the Companion Blog Post: A Late Winter Walk to Remember & March Folklore of Hope
Related Episodes & Stories
🌱 Ep. 34 – Forest Bathing Helps Loneliness/ Willowwood Champion Trees 
🌱 Ep. 98 – Winter Flowers and Folklore
🌱 Ep 35 - Leaf Therapy, Essential Oaks
🌱 Ep 180 - Overview of The Lesson of the Leaf
Blog Post: Native vs. Invasive Plants: Who Decides What Belongs? To view Blaine Rothhuser’s stunning photo. 
 📖 Companion blog reflection: March Folklore of Hope

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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 [email protected].   
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

What does “native” really mean — and who decides?
In this episode of Garden Dilemmas, Mary Stone explores native vs. invasive plants, urban gardens, biodiversity, and ecosystem balance.
From dandelions to the marmorated stink bug, this episode reflects on what belonging means in a rapidly changing landscape. Inspired by Point State Park in Pittsburgh and the writings of Peter Del Tredici, Mary examines novel ecosystems, adaptation, and how urban environments balance native and non-native plants.
A thoughtful look at nature, resilience, and coexistence.
Link to the Companion Post: Native vs. Invasive Plants: Who Decides?  
May we tend wisely, welcome thoughtfully, and grow together.
 Related Stories & Helpful Links:
·         Ep. 99 - Wonders of Witch Hazel
·         Wonders of Witch Hazel - Blog Post
·         Point State Park, an Urban Garden- Pittsburgh, PA 
·         Ep 157. Benefits of Plantain & Dandelion 'Weeds'
·         Benefits of Plantain & Dandelion “Weeds” - Blog Post
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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 [email protected].   
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

Do hard winters curb garden pests? A listener’s question about whether cold weather reduces “bad bugs” leads to a deeper conversation about beneficial insects, biological control, and sustainable pest management. 
In this episode, Mary Stone shares insights from the NJ Nursery & Landscape Association’s Total Pro Expo, exploring why most insects belong in our ecosystems and how predator-prey relationships naturally regulate pest populations. 
She discusses the importance of native plants, plant diversity, layered landscape design, and nectar-rich flowers in supporting pollinators and beneficial insects. 
Nature reminds us that harmony grows not from elimination, but from inviting more of what sustains life in our gardens and in our garden of life. 
Companion Blog Post: Inviting the Beneficial Garden Guests 
Thanks for tuning in!
Links to Related Podcasts and Posts you’ll Enjoy
Ep 237. Roofs to Roots: Reviving Houseplants
Harvesting Rainwater & Snowmelt Wisdom – Blog Post
Ep 68. Gift of Meadows & Mountain Mint
Gift of Meadows & Mountain Mint – Blog Post
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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 [email protected]. 
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

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

On a slowly thawing winter day, Mary Stone reflects on the relationship between shadows and reflections—in nature, in garden design, and in the tender landscape of the heart.
From Jolee's curious moment at the storm door to the science of the mirror test, from still water in gardens to the hidden wisdom in roots shaped by difficult seasons, this episode explores how gentle awareness can transform survival into growth.
Thanks for tuning in!
Enjoy the Photos on the Companion Blog Post:
Reflections in the Garden of Life 
Links to Related Podcasts and Posts you'll enjoy:
Ep 240. Nature's Shadows, Outlines of Love
Nature's Shadows: Outlines of Love & Hope – Blog Post 
Link for more about Panache Desai 
Videos By Ellen Ebert: Casting Shadows

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 winter’s long light, shadows reveal more than darkness—they outline memory, love, and quiet hope. Mary reflects on Groundhog Day, Peter Pan’s lost shadow, Jung’s shadow self, and the beauty of moonlit snow, weaving garden wisdom with personal healing. From plant care to letting go, this episode explores how light and shadow together shape resilience, reminding us that even in sorrow, hope gently walks beside us. 
Link to the Companion Blog Post: Nature’s Shadows: Outlines of Love & Hope
Thanks for tuning in!
Related Podcast you’ll enjoy: 
Ep 192 Groundhog Day - Ancient Origin and Accuracy
Ep 123 Keeping Lighting Pollinator-Friendly
Ep 84 Winter Season of Growth
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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 [email protected]. 
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
 

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