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

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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

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

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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

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)

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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

Mary Stone reflects on her recent trip to California and the joy of reconnecting with a lifelong friend. She discusses listener responses to previous episodes, including Lorraine's recent solution for her Bowing Blossoms of Limelight Hydrangeas.

She reminisces about a cicada encounter during a project at Morristown Airport, explaining the difference between annual and periodical cicadas and gardening tips for late summer. Then shares Marty Carson's luminous garden design idea for Morristown Airport and how selections of White Flowers (and foliage) in Gardens Glow.

Mary concludes by emphasizing the importance of learning and growth over perfection.

Thank you for tuning in!

Related Stories:

Cicadas sing 'Back to School'

White Flowers in Gardens Glow

Link to the post with an update on Lorraine's latest idea for Fixing Flopping Limelight Hydrangeas

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 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

You may remember the treat of learning about John Cabot Roses through my writer friend Koleen Garland, who lives in Canada. In this episode, Koleen reads a saga about her Dagnabbit Rabbit Dilemma, sure to delight. And with it comes acceptance.

Thank you for tuning in.

Related Stories:

Koleen’s Dagnabbit Rabbit Dilemma - blog post

Irresistible John Cabot Rose - blog post

Ep 162. The Irresistible John Cabot Rose

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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

In this episode, we revisit the story of Lorraine's Flopping Limelight Hydrangea and chat about a new variety that solves the Bowing Blossoms of Limelights.

Lorraine's garden dilemma came four years ago when we said goodbye to our beloved canine kid, Miss Ellie Mae. We wrap up reflecting that while endings and losses are part of life, love remains forever rooted in our hearts. Then come new beginnings to seed and grow our Garden of Life.

Thank you for tuning in.

Related Stories & Helpful Links:

Flopping Limelight Hydrangea - Blog Post

Link to the new 'Limelight Prime' Hydrangea

Gardens Glow – Blog Post

Ep 03. Cicadas Back to School, Gardens Glow

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 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

In this episode, we chat about replacing invasive plants like Burning Bush with Native Plants, highlighting the beauty and versatility of Oak Leaf Hydrangeas for All Seasons. We review beautiful garden companions for Oak Leaf Hydrangea, varieties you'll love, and other native plants that are perfect replacements for Burning Bush.

We wrap up with the hilarious story of gardeners that pilfered Oakleaf Hydrangea from the woods, NOT suggested (smile).

Thank you for tuning in.

Related Stories & Helpful Links:

Oakleaf Hydrangea for All Seasons - Blog Post

Episode 142. Berries for Winter Beauty and Wildlife

When to Prune Hydrangea, Deer – Blog Post

Ep 172. When to Prune Hydrangea, Deer!

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 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

Due to the mild and wet winter in the Northeast, we've enjoyed abundant hydrangea blooms, so much so that plants are flopping and blocking walkways.

We revisit a story When to Prune Hydrangea, Deer! (When deer heavily pruned my hydrangea.) And wrap up with a strategy for pruning fading blooms so branches bounce back without risking next year’s flowers.

Did you know Endless Summer Hydrangeas are sometimes called Endless Disappointment? But there’s no point in crying over spilled milk. Smile.

Thank you for tuning in.

Related Stories & Helpful Links:

When to Prune Hydrangea, Deer – 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 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