Mary Stone reflects on Christmas memories, decorating her holiday garden, including her brother’s and Ellie's Memorial trees, and protecting broadleaf evergreens from dehydration that causes winter burn.

She reminisces about her late dogs Sara and Ellie and shares her Merry Season of Memories continuing traditions with Jolee.

While we long for years gone by, Mary encourages you to go home for Christmas in your most beautiful memories and dreams. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.
 
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

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
                                        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

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 [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
                                        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

Mary Stone reviews the disadvantages and benefits of praying mantises in gardens, stressing the importance of native versus invasive non-native species. She focuses on the harmful invasive Chinese Mantis that prey on the native Carolina Mantis and hummingbirds.
 
Mary also shares a faith testimony given 14 years ago, sharing her spiritual journey, struggles, and the healing unconditional love she received from her dogs. She emphasizes self-care, forgiveness, and the interconnection of relationships. Mary closes, encouraging listeners to accept challenges as part of life's plan, leading to remarkable growth.

Thank you for tuning in!
 
Links to related Episodes and Blog Posts:

An Honorable Harvest – Blog Post

Ep 183. Honorable Harvest - Downsize and Do Over

Ep 48. Gardens Inspire Love - Lessons from Louise Hay

Love Gardening – Love Yourself – 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 [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
                                        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 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 

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 [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
                                        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 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 hands in Tai Chi, advocating for peaceful conflict resolution, empathy towards opposing views, and kinder ways to manage weeds in our garden and garden of life.

Thank you for tuning in!
 
Links to related Episodes and Blog Posts:
 
Silver Maple, a Native American Treasure - Blog Post

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

Ep 146. Money Tree of Abundance-Happier Houseplants

Ep 169. Safe Alternatives to Harmful Weed Killers

Ep 28. Three Sisters, No-Till Gardening


    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
                                        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 [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

                                        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 [email protected]. 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 [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

                                        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, 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 Effect-- the interconnectedness of our world. 

May we all live our lives knowing that we make a difference no matter what season of life we are in. 

Thanks for tuning in. 

Links to related Episodes and Blog Posts: 

 Ep.116 - Great Horned Owl meets Hawk 

 A Butterfly Garden of Growth – Blog Post

 Goldenrod's Bad Reputation– 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

                                        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 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. 

A reflection on the anniversary of 9 -11 and recounting a story about Cheryl Woodruff Brooks, author of Chicken Bone Beach, leads to Hope for the day we look upon each other as one with nature and the world.

We wrap up with a history of Comfort Zone Camp, a grief camp for kids that grew after 9-11, and encouraging listeners to make a difference by volunteering to plant native plants and take better care of our land and each other. To Remember, Learn, Grow, and Love.

Thanks for tuning in!  

Links to related Episodes and Blog Posts: 

 September Roadside Beauties – Blog Post 

Remember - Learn - Grow and Love – Blog Post 

 Ep 118. Bottlebrush Buckeyes Hide Tree Knees

Other episodes featuring Blaine Rothauser:

 Ep 101. Woodcock Dance-Making a Meadow

 Ep 123. Keeping Lighting Pollinator-Friendly

         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

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 Chorus of Garden Insects– Blog Post

Cicadas sing 'Back to School' – Blog Post 

Ep 176. Revisiting Cicadas and How Gardens Glow

Ep 129. Saving Snapping Turtles Lifts Spirits

Ep 30. Attracting Toads, Frog Watch

Helpful Links:

SongsofInsects.com Agile Meadow Katydid (Orchelimum agile)

        Spring and Fall Field Cricket (Gryllus pennsylvanicus)

        Snowy Tree Cricket (Oecanthus fultoni)

Biokids link to Common Meadow Katydid (Orchelimum vulgare)

        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

                                        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