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 landed on her shoulder just when she needed it most.

In this episode:

• When Spiderwort becomes too much of a good thing
• Why a troublesome plant may be exactly right somewhere else
• The wisdom behind the song Crooked Tree

"Spiderwort doesn't belong everywhere. But it belongs somewhere."

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life. 🌿🍃🌳

Related Podcasts and Posts:

The Fall of the Leaf – Blog Post about the Prologue to The Lesson of the Leaf

Ep 83. The Fall of the Leaf

Growing Belonging in the Garden of Life - Blog

Ep 255 - Growing Belonging in the Garden of Life

Link to Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway’s song - Crooked Tree

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 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 something larger than ourselves.

Thanks for tuning in!

Link to Companion Post: Growing Belonging in the Garden of Life

Links to related Episodes and Blog Posts:

Forest Bathing Helps Loneliness - Blog Post

Ep 34. Forest Bathing, Willowwood Champion Trees

Overview of the Lesson of the Leaf– Blog Post

Ep 180 Overview of the Lesson of the Leaf

Thanks for listening and sharing in the Garden of Life. 🌻

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 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 selecting healthy annuals and creating beautiful kitchen gardens filled with flowers, herbs, and vegetables.

Perhaps one of life's greatest lessons is this: some of the best treasures are found when we venture beyond what we originally came looking for.

Special thanks to Steve Oken and Stonehedge Growers for inspiring this week's greenhouse wanderings and introducing me to some unexpected treasures.

Companion Blog Post: Leave Room for Wandering: Unexpected Greenhouse Treasures

Previous Podcast Episodes:
Ep 251 – Healing Beneath the Mayapple: Skunk Cabbage Wisdom

Ep 94 - Starting an Organic Garden & DIY Soil Testing

Ep 28 - Three Sisters, No-Till Gardening

Ep 149 - Straw Bale Gardening Builds Community

Related Blog Posts:

Starting an Organic Garden

Straw Bale Gardening Builds Community

Starting a No-till Garden

Old Farmer's Almanac Planting Calendar:
https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar

Thanks for listening and sharing in the Garden of Life. 🌻

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