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

8888

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

8888

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

What Yellow Leaves Teach Us

Tending houseplants—and hearts—through seasons of change.

Yellow leaves on a fiddle-leaf fig often point to watering issues—but they can also offer deeper lessons. In this episode, Mary Stone explores common houseplant dilemmas, from root-bound money trees to yellowing leaves and sneaky pests, while sharing a tender personal chapter. Through gardening wisdom and lived experience, she reflects on patience, balance, and how tending plants can help us tend our hearts during times of transition.

Thank you for tuning in!

Companion Blog Posts: 

When Fiddle-Leaf Figs Turn Yellow  and 

Making Room for Growth  

Related Podcast and Posts you’ll enjoy: 

Ep 146 Money Tree-Houseplants in Duress

A Money Tree Brings Abundance - Blog Post 

Ep 237. Roofs to Roots: Reviving Houseplants

Harvesting Rainwater & Snowmelt Wisdom - Blog Post

8888

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

In this episode, Mary Stone reflects on the quiet wisdom of trees after receiving the New Jersey Tree Survey from the Arbor Day Foundation. She explores how trees support mental and emotional well-being, the realities behind tree-planting campaigns, and the value of nurturing growth over time. 

A flashback to a fallen Eastern Hemlock and a thriving young beech offers a gentle reminder that even after loss, new life emerges. Hope, it turns out, sometimes takes the form of a tree.

Thanks for Tuning In!

Related Episodes and Posts: 

Hope in the Form of a Tree - Blog Post

Ep 130. A Pet Painted Turtle, Beech Leaf Disease

Worrisome Beech Leaf Disease – Blog Post

Ep 45. Beloved Mr. Beech

Beloved Beech Trees – 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 [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

Mary Stone discusses the benefits of using rainwater and snowmelt for indoor plants and how to revive houseplants in duress. She explores the quiet wisdom of water through stories of Christmas cacti, Jolee's water bowl, and flowing streams, and reflects on patience, renewal, and trusting life's natural flow.

Thanks for tuning in!

Related Episodes and Posts: 

Harvesting Rainwater & Snowmelt Wisdom - Blog Post

Ep 89. Wisdom in the Rhythm of Water

Wisdom in the Rhythm of Water – Blog Post

Houseplants in Duress Turn Happy – Blog Post

Benefits of Watering with Rainwater – 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 [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

Mary Stone reflects on releasing what no longer serves us and setting intentions that grow in their own time, inspired by nature's rhythms and a New Year water ceremony hosted by Rev. Dr. Christina Tillotson. Through garden metaphors and personal insights, she reminds us that what we let go of creates space for quiet, lasting growth.

Thank you for tuning in! 

Link for more about Rev. Dr. Christina Tillotson

Link to Companion Blog Post: What We Release, What We Grow

Related Podcasts and Blog Posts you'll enjoy:

Essential Nutrients for Gardens and Life - Blog Post

Episode 141. Essential Nutrients for Gardens and Life

Benefits of Gardening - Blog Post

Ep 139. Legends of Holly and Christmas Trees

 Legend of Holly & Christmas Trees - Blog Post 

Live Christmas Trees - Blog

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 [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

Mary Stone reflects on lessons learned from a year of observation in the garden and wild places beyond it. From copperheads and moths to healing land and personal change, she explores how slowing down, trusting nature, and paying attention to what often goes unseen can lead to growth, understanding, and quiet transformation.

Thanks for Tuning In!

Link to the Companion Blog Post: What Nature & Gardens Taught Us 

 🌿 Featured Podcasts and Posts: 

Ep 234. Stillness Teaches Growth Through Nature

Stillness Teaches Growth Through Nature – Blog 

Ep 221. Curious Copperhead Encounters

Curious Copperhead Encounters – Blog 

Ep 195. Healing from Hyper-Humus Peat Mining

Healing from Hyper-Humus Peat Mining - Blog 

Ep 217. Moth Surveying in a NJ Mountain Meadow

Moth Survey in a Mountain Meadow – Blog 

Ep 200 A Milestone in Our Journey Together

A Milestone in Our Journey Together - Blog Post

 Ep 230. Lessons from a Late No-Till Garden

Lessons from a Late No-Till Garden - Blog

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