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.

Links to related Podcasts and Posts:

Ep. 92: The Secret Life of Pinecones

Blog post: Remedies for Boxwood Leaf Miner

Thanks for Tuning In!

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

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 nature’s most generous gifts.

With Easter upon us—a season that holds endings and beginnings in the same breath—I also reflect on a personal decision about letting go, inspired by the image of a leaf carried by water.

In nature, nothing is wasted.
And perhaps… neither are the moments in our lives.

🌱 In this episode:
• How deep to apply leaves in garden beds
• What leaf mold is and how to make it
• Leaf mold vs. wood mulch (including dyed mulch concerns)
• When fresh wood chips are appropriate
• The idea of “living mulch” in mature gardens
• Lawn tips to support pollinators

🌿 Garden of Life Reflection:
What falls away isn’t the end—
It’s part of what feeds what comes next.

🔗 Learn more:
AskMaryStone.com

🔍 Keywords:
leaf mold, mulch, gardening tips, soil health, sustainable gardening, letting go, garden of life

🔗 Links to Related Posts and Podcast:
No-Mow May helps Pollinators - Blog Post

Ep 103 - No Mow May & Marvelous Moss

Early Spring Tending: What to Keep, What to Clear - Blog Post

Ep 246 - Early Spring Tending: What to Keep, What to Clear

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

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, supporting soil recovery, and embracing a “tapestry lawn” of violets, clover, plantain, and dandelions.

We explore:

· When leaves help—and when they hinder

· Why clover and “weeds” deserve a second look

· What Creeping Charlie teaches about balance

· And how tending the land mirrors tending our lives

🌱 Perhaps most of all, early spring reminds us:

• Not everything needs to be removed
• Some things need to be shifted
• And something good is ready to grow

Link to the Companin Blog Post: Early Spring Tending: What to Keep, What to Clear

🌼 Related Episodes and Blog Posts to enjoy:

· Ep 157 Benefits of Plantain and Dandelion Weeds

· Ep 168. Pollinators Love No-Mow Clover Lawns

· Ep 203 - A Violet and Pansy Season of Happiness

· Plantain & Dandelion Benefits - Blog Post

· Violet & Pansy Season of Happiness - Blog Post

Garden Dilemmas? Visit: https://askmarystone.com

Thank you for tuning in!

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