Garden Dilemmas, Delights & Discoveries

On a humid morning after a much-needed rain, Mary Stone reflects on the celebration of the life of legendary New Jersey gardener and friend Marty Carson.

From stories of children helping to prepare the gardens to the remarkable tale of the Dove Tree (also known as the Handkerchief Tree) to an unexpected gift from Marty's son, this episode explores how gardens teach us to notice beauty, kindness, and one another.

Though beloved garden...

A visit to Well-Sweep Herb Farm in Warren County, New Jersey, leads to unexpected discoveries both in the garden and in life.

 Mary Stone shares highlights from a tour with third-generation grower Patrick McDuffee, explores the beauty and lore of herbs such as Plantain, Scented Geraniums, Jewelweed, and Lovage, and reflects on the treasures often hidden in plain sight.

Back home, a thriving 'Jethro Tull' Coreopsis, gifted to her...

Join Mary Stone as she reflects on Spiderwort, a native plant growing in the wrong place; a conversation with a dear client; the wisdom of the song "Crooked Tree"; and a reminder that what appears flawed or out of place may have a purpose we cannot yet see.

Along the way, Mary shares a brief update on her vegetable garden, a surprising use for carrot greens, and a favorite story from The Lesson of the Leaf about a beech leaf that la...

In this episode, Mary Stone shares an unexpected realization that emerged while revising her book proposal for The Lesson of the Leaf to Hay House Publishing. Along the way, she reflects on belonging, commitment, the wisdom of gardens, and the connections that sustain us through every season of life. 

Plus, a garden update featuring radishes, sunflowers, clover, and a reminder that growth often happens beneath the shelter of so...

In this episode, Mary Stone shares a spring greenhouse adventure that begins with shopping for annuals and vegetables and turns into a delightful journey of unexpected discoveries.

Along the way, she reflects on a bear emerging from a patch of skunk cabbage, bird nests tucked among flowering shrubs, a mysterious hornet visitor, and the wisdom that can emerge when we leave room for wandering.

Mary also offers practical tips for select...

Mary Stone shares reflections from a deeply meaningful weekend serving as a Big Buddy at Comfort Zone Camp for children grieving the loss of a parent or sibling to suicide. 

Through stories of Mayapple, Skunk Cabbage, Barred Owls, Nesting Birds, and an unforgettable Black Bear encounter near the creek, this episode explores Healing, Resilience, Emotional Courage, and the Wisdom Waiting Beneath the Surface of the Natural World.&...

This week, from the screen porch, Mary Stone shares reflections on edible versus ornamental rhubarb—both unusual, delightful, and deer-resistant additions to the garden. She also shares stories of rhubarb custard pie, overwintered parsley, blooming tea, pole beans, and other decorative vegetables woven among flower gardens.

The episode wraps up with reflections on healing through friendship and community. And the garden lesson...

What a Changing Garden Teaches  - Finding What Belongs

Sometimes what we see as a problem is simply a message.

While visiting a longtime client in Sparta, New Jersey, Mary Stone reflects on shifting conditions in our landscapes—from struggling rhododendrons and declining pachysandra to the beauty and wisdom of moss. Along the way, she revisits an old dilemma—ants in a mossy patio—with a fresh perspective shaped...

A weeping cherry tree begins to “bleed,” revealing what lies beneath—from soil stress to planting missteps. Plus, seed-starting tips and a reflection on where we’re truly meant to grow. 

In this episode, I share what gummosis can tell us about tree health and planting practices, and why repeated plant failure in the same spot deserves a closer look. 

We also revisit how weeping cherry trees are graft...

Replacing mulch with living layers that nourish soil, support wildlife, and gently teach us patience.

What if you could stop mulching—and let plants do the work instead?

In this episode, we explore “living mulch” with native groundcovers and layered plantings that support soil, wildlife, and a self-sustaining garden. Along the way: spring planting timing, a client story, and a gentle reminder—plants sleep, cre...

After a harsh winter, Mary Stone reflects on healing in the garden and in life—sharing spring pruning tips, plant care insights, and a humorous tale of “hotdog flies”—all woven with a gentle reminder to slow down, notice beauty, and make room for joy.

Link to the Companion Post: Healing After Winter: In the Garden—and in Life

Links to related Podcasts and Posts: 

Ep. 92: The Secret Life of Pinecones

E...

As spring unfolds, I find myself reflecting on what remains, what falls away, and what—over time—returns to nourish us again.

In this episode, I share a walk in the woods that took an unexpected turn, along with listeners’ questions about using leaves or wood chips in the garden. From there, we explore the benefits of leaf mold versus traditional mulch—how to make it, when to use it, and why it may be one of ...

Sometimes tending isn’t about removing—it’s about redistributing, restoring, and making space for what’s ready to grow.

As winter loosens its grip, early spring invites us to tend—clearing what’s too heavy, redistributing what can nourish, and making space for what’s ready to grow.

In this episode, I share what I’m learning as I step into full groundskeeping—raking matted leaves, ...

A roadside walk becomes a lesson in tending what doesn’t belong—and trusting what quietly blooms.

From plogging to snowdrops, this episode explores how small actions and nature’s signs guide us back to hope, healing, and the “lesson of belief.”

In this episode, Mary Stone shares how a roadside walk became a lesson in tending both the outer and inner worlds. What began as noticing litter turned into a pra...

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 g...

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 ecosyst...

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 relations...

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 fo...

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 bes...