In this episode, Mary Stone shares the surprising gifts of her late-season vegetable garden and highlights the benefits of No-Till gardening. She walks through ripening green tomatoes indoors, saving seeds for next year and putting the garden to bed without disturbing the living soil below — a gentle practice that nurtures healthier plants and fewer weeds.

Mary also reflects on nature’s timing, the season of letting go, and the heartfelt loss of her dear friend and design colleague, Marty Carson. A tender, practical, and hope-filled episode for gardeners and nature lovers navigating their own seasons of change.

Thanks for tuning in!

Related Podcasts & Blog Posts:

Lessons from a Late No-Till Garden— Blog Post

🌿 No-Till Gardening Essentials

 No-till Gardening and Starting a No-till Garden— Blog Posts

 Ep 28. Three Sisters, No-Till Gardening

 🌺 Veterans Day Reflections

 Significance of Veterans Day Poppies  — Blog Post

 Ep 135. Significance of Poppies on Veterans Day

🌶️ Hot Peppers & Kitchen Fun

Growing HOT Peppers into cool Jelly  — Blog Post

Ep 33. Hot Peppers into Cool Jelly, DIY Worm Castings

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 breathtaking encounter with a flock of grackles while visiting the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice in Fredon, NJ. Their synchronized flight inspires a reflection on the quiet wisdom of nature and the beauty of unity in motion.

How the birds never collide opens a deeper exploration of how grackles — and all flocking birds — navigate together through separation, alignment, and cohesion. Their graceful movement offers a powerful metaphor for how we might live.

Thanks for Tuning In!

Related Podcasts and Posts:
🌿 Flocking Together – Wisdom from Grackles (Blog Post) 

 🌳 Promises That Live Beyond Seasons – Blog Post 

 🎧 Episode 228 Promises That Live on Beyond Seasons

 Article on the University of Delaware website titled Blackbirds, Fly.

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 an update on her friend and design colleague, Marty Carson, who is now in hospice care in Florida. At the same time, with a heavy heart, she shares news of the closure of the Karen and Quinlan Home for Hospice in Fredon, NJ,  due to financial and staffing challenges. Mary and her singing partner, Ken Roberts, volunteer weekly, offering music therapy. 

To know that such compassionate care of our elderly and gravely ill is unsustainable is heartbreaking. 

Mary wraps up by reflecting on the unfolding of God —or, source, if you prefer —in everything and everyone, and much of it goes beyond our senses. It's in the unseen. There is an eternity in all things, and with that comes hope.

Thanks for Tuning In!

Related Podcast and Posts: 

Promises That Live Beyond Seasons - Blog Post

Ep 47. Personal Growth with Houseplants

Personal Growth with Houseplants - 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

As fall unfolds, trees show us the art of letting go. From green to gold, orange to red, each leaf teaches us that change brings growth and beauty. In this episode, Mary Stone reflects on how nature mirrors our own seasons of transformation — and how letting go creates room for new life.

Thank you for tuning in! 

Related Podcast and Posts: 

Sequence of Fall Leaves Brings Life – Blog Post

https://askmarystone.com/sequence-of-fall-leaves-brings-new-life/

Ep 83. The Fall of the Leaf 

The Fall of the Leaf - Blog Post 

Forager Chef - How to Make Shagbark Hickory Syrup 

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 shares the delights and cleanup sagas of Shagbark Hickory trees, highlighting their shaggy bark, edible nuts, and benefits to wildlife. She shares personal experiences and reader anecdotes, such as a client who planted Shagbark hickory for pollination and a reader from Indiana dealing with an excessive amount of nuts. 

Mary explains the tree's three-year nut-producing cycle and how mast years and nutless years help balance populations through a process called predator satiation.

Thanks for tuning in!

Related Podcast and Posts: 

Acorns and a Ruckus of Blue Jays - Blog Post with Blaine Rothhauser's stunning photos. 

Ep 132. Shagbark Hickories and Nutty Mast Years

Shagbark Hickories – Nutty Mast Years - 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 recounts witnessing a bear in her pond overnight, perhaps feeding on acorns. The encounter led her to learn about the Acorn Float Test, which assesses the viability of acorns for propagation. 

Blue Jays flock to feast on acorns in the fall, making a ruckus. Like squirrels, they bury a stash, though many are never retrieved. Mary admits a previous grudge against Blue Jays, which shifted after observing their nature. She highlights the importance of Oak Trees and Blue Jays in the balance of our natural world.

Thanks for tuning in!

Related Podcast and Posts: 

Acorns and a Ruckus of Blue Jays - Blog Post

Ep 35. Leaf Therapy, Essential Oaks

Native Plants, especially Oaks, are Essential - Blog Post

Ep 132. Shagbark Hickories and Nutty Mast Years

Shagbark Hickories – Nutty Mast Years - Blog Post

Growing the Home Garden's YouTube channel: The Float Test: Separating the Good from the Bad Acorns 

 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 history, benefits, and healing aspects of sunflowers, sharing her return visit to Liberty Farms' Sunflower Maze in Sandyston. Raj Sinha graciously opens the maze to those who benefit from the services of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey each year. 

She features meeting Raj's son, who self-published a book, "Jill the Chick." His optimism and actions serve as a testament to younger generations who are increasingly aware of the importance of stewardship and kindness. 

Mary concludes with a personal note about a journey in healing, the therapeutic value of nature, and the importance of mental health awareness.

Thanks for tuning in!

Related Podcast and Posts: 

A Sunflower Maze of Healing  - Blog Post 

Ep 213. The Gift of Carol Decker's Wildlife Art

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 [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 phenomenon of Fairy Rings, caused by fungi creating dark green or brown circular bands in lawns. Craig from New Jersey shares his hilarious experience with Fairy Rings, initially suspecting contamination from pesticides. Mary explains the natural occurrence and folklore of fairy rings. 

She also reflects on the ecological significance of fungi, highlighting their role in recycling decay into life. Additionally, Mary shares a heartfelt story from Blaine Rothauser about a Copperhead snake bite, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting all of nature.

Thanks for Tuning In! 

Related Posts and Podcasts 

The Phenomenon of Fairy Rings - Blog Post

Ep 222. Fascinating Fungi and Wood Wide Web

Ep 221. Curious Copperhead Encounters

Craig's Weeping Willows Gone Wild - 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 fascinating world of fungi, particularly Giant Puffball Mushrooms and Jack o' Lantern Mushrooms. She emphasizes the importance of proper identification for those who scavenge for wild mushrooms and shares the foolproof four suggested by Cabinlife.com. 

Additionally, Mary explains the concept of the Wood Wide Web, detailing the differences between mycorrhizal fungi and mycelium. 

Then concludes by reflecting on how we can learn from the natural world. Like the underground mycelium silently creating fertile soil, as more of us become aware of how destructive perpetuating violence and hate is, we are progressing towards peace. 

Thanks for tuning in! 

Related Posts and Podcasts 

Fun Fall Fungi in Lawns - Blog Post

Ep 88. Insights from the Interdependence of Trees

Insights and Interdependence of Trees - Blog Post

Ep 221. Curious Copperhead Encounters

Curious Copperhead Encounters – Blog Post

 Another fascinating fungus – Fairy Rings 

CabinLife.com's The Foolproof Four: Edible Wild Mushrooms

 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 her experiences with snakes, particularly Copperheads, in her garden and how their hourglass-shaped markings blend into the environment. While venomous, they aren't as dangerous as rumored,  and while they benefit us by controlling pests, she shares ways to discourage them from hunkering down in your garden. 

The episode concludes with other wildlife encounters that instill fear, followed by excitement and wonder, and invites listeners to share their own wildlife experiences. 

Thanks for Tuning in! 

Related Posts and Podcasts 

Curious Copperhead Encounters – Blog Post

Ep 211. Truth and Tale of Two Country Gardens

Japanese Stilt Grass & Thistle Remedies - 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