Garden Dilemmas, Delights & Discoveries

Ep 271 - Meeting the Tree of Life & When Autumn Arrives Early

A family visit to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Florida brings Mary Stone face-to-face with a much-adored baobab, known as the Tree of Life. Along the way, she dis

Ep 270 - To Weed or Not Weed Knotweed

To weed or not to weed knotweed? An afternoon of weeding in a client's garden leads Mary to an unexpected dilemma—and a deeper dive into this beautiful but notorious

Ep 269 - A Memory Trail Through Nature’s Fall Palette

A walk along the Paulinskill Valley Trail leads Mary Stone down a memory trail of beloved dogs, changing paths, and how we adapt through seasons.  Memories of Sara—a ten

Ep 268 - Finding Our Way Again Along the Paulins Kill

A trail closure sends Mary Stone and her rescue dog, Jolee, in another direction for a restful walk along the Paulinskill Valley Trail, where late-summer wildflowers, rem

Ep 267 - A Not-So-Peachy Gel Dilemma

From sweet peas and peaches as terms of endearment to squirrels stealing the only peach on the tree, Mary Stone starts this week's garden chat on a playful note. The

Ep 266 - It’s Not Too Late to Plant Again, Sweet Pea

A neglected patch of vegetable garden, a disappointing spring harvest, and a few leftover seed packets inspire a late-season experiment—and a reminder that missed opportu

Ep 265 - Tending What We Can in the Garden of Life

Sometimes we can't tend to everything at once.  Mary Stone shares her mission to manage the undesirable Mile-a-Minute weed and Japanese Stilt Grass, while heavy rai

Ep 264 - Another Lesson from the Leaf: Help Is on the Way

What happens when life tests the very lessons we hope to live? In this heartfelt episode, Mary Stone shares an emotionally difficult week that almost preempted the weekl

Ep 263 - Doing Nothing and Everything: Wisdom from Nature & Gardens

On a cool, humid summer morning from her screened porch, Mary Stone reflects on the richness of slowing down.  From a modest vegetable harvest and the gift of one perfec

Ep 262 - Beneath the Surface: The Mystery of the Missing Roots

A thriving rose suddenly becomes loose in the soil, revealing a mystery hidden beneath the mulch. What first appears to be Chipmunk Damage leads to a closer look—Voles, a

Ep. 261 – Treasures from the Warwick, NY Garden Tour

What makes a garden unforgettable? Sometimes it's a rare plant or a beautiful pond. More often, it's the people behind the garden. Join Mary Stone for a day ex

Ep 260 - The Flag & the Knot – Growing Forward Anyway

 A "quick" Fourth of July project turned into an unexpected lesson in patience, perseverance, and letting go of perfection.  After years of waiting to paint an old flagp

Ep 259 - What We Carry Forward in the Garden of Life

In this Fourth of July episode, Mary reflects on a Victorian berry spoon gifted by a friend's son, a family table and long-forgotten letter from her father, a dear f

Ep 258 - The Gift of Noticing: A Dove Tree that Didn't Bloom

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

Ep 257 - Love, Lovage & Treasures at Well-Sweep Farm

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 w

Ep 256 - Lessons from Spiderwort and Crooked Trees

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

Ep 255 - Growing Belonging in the Garden of Life

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 w

Ep 254 - Leave Room for Wandering: Unexpected Greenhouse Treasures

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 di

Ep 253 - Healing Beneath Mayapple: Skunk Cabbage Wisdom

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 suicid

Ep 252 - Edible vs. Ornamental Rhubarb — Kindness Helps Heal

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.