Mary Stone chats about the benefits and folklore of dragonflies, their fascinating life cycle, hunting savvy, and their role in controlling garden pests. Plus, dragonflies' cultural significance and ancient ancestry that date back 325 million years.

She shares personal anecdotes, including a dragonfly visiting a memorial tree. She emphasizes the importance of letting go of habits or things that no longer serve you or others and embracing new intentions for the year.

Mary closes by encouraging listeners to find beauty and love in the world around them, trust nature's timing, and live with gratitude and kindness.

Thanks for tuning in!

Related Posts and Podcasts you'll enjoy:

Dragonflies Benefits and Folklore – to come.

Preservation of the Paulinskill River - Blog Post
Ep 185. Preservation of the Paulinskill - Overcoming Hardships

A Forest Pansy Redbud of Hope - Blog Post
Ep 21. Lessons from Spruce, Forest Pansy of Hope

Hospice Butterfly Release - Blog Post
Ep 17. Butterfly Release Celebration, Focus of Faith

I'd love to hear your garden and nature stories and your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

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

Paperwhites like to party when grown in water, adding alcohol to prevent flopping. The same is true when forcing Amaryllis. Plus, there's a miracle in the unseen.

Both bulbs can only flower once in water. However, Amaryllis bulbs can bloom annually in potting mix, and paperwhites can bloom for about two years; Mary Stone describes how.

Then she shares a Greek Myth about Paperwhites Narcissus then encourages listeners to observe and admire flowers beyond our senses with an analogy about the miracle of how our bodies work, along with plants and wildlife.

Thanks for tuning in!

Related Posts and Podcasts you'll enjoy:

Paperwhites & Amaryllis like to Party

Sprouting Avocado Seeds in Water – Blog Post

Ep 39. The Magic of Sprouting Avocado Seeds

I'd love to hear your garden and nature stories and your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

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 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 Season of 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 AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

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 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 AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

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 AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

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 AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

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 AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

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

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I'd love to hear your garden and nature stories and your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

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