nature inspiration

Welcome to The Cut Flower Podcast!

In this delightful episode, your host Roz engages in a captivating conversation with the talented Janne Ford. Join them as they dive into the world of cut flowers, social media, and the joys of creativity.

Roz and Janne share their insights into the dynamic realm of social media, discussing the unpredictability of content going viral and the importance of authenticity and consistency in the online space. Janne opens up about her journey, from her childhood dream job to her current passion for flowers and plans for the future.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Viral Journey: Discover the intriguing story behind Janne's viral social media moment, emphasizing the significance of choosing trending audio and the element of luck.
 
2. Creativity and Nature: Janne's inspiration drawn from nature highlights the importance of observing and emulating the beauty found in the outdoors, showcasing the charm of spiky flowers like foxgloves and the allure of David Austin roses.

3. Challenges and Imposter Syndrome: Gain insights into the challenges Janne faced during her career transition and her reflections on imposter syndrome, a common hurdle for those venturing into second careers.

4. Future Ventures: Explore Janne's exciting plans for 2024, including the establishment of a new studio space and the anticipation of running workshops, fostering a hub of creativity and collaboration.

Connect with Janne Ford:
If you're as captivated by Janne's flower-filled journey as we are, connect with her on Instagram @janneford (https://www.instagram.com/janneford/) and stay tuned for updates on her upcoming workshops and creative ventures.

Thank you for joining us on the Cut Flower Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the floral inspiration with your friends! 

New Catalogue Out Now, Oct 23,
https://plantsofdistinction.co.uk  use the code CUTFLOWER30 for 30% off your order.

This podcast episode is sponsored by First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels.
A polytunnel is an amazing protective environment for plants, vegetables and flowers, extending any growing season, whether you're growing for pleasure or commercially. 
Whether you go for a small or a large tunnel, you can be assured of the same high quality product from First Tunnels, poly tunnels.  Do pop over to their website and take a look at their range

In this episode, we share Halloween's History and the legends of Sycamore Trees, also known as the Ghosts of the Forest. We talk about the magnificence of Sycamore, one of our largest hardwood trees, and the happy ghosts circling a massive one in Hope Township, NJ.

 We wrap up with creating garden ghosts - my humorous ritual of covering potted gardens with sheets to protect them from frost. This year, I let nature do her thing. There's freedom in that. 

Link to Related Stories:

Halloween History & Sycamore Ghosts

My garden ghost routine - the preamble to Overwintering Potted Gardens

The Legend of Marigolds and the Day of the Dead. 

 ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

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

Garden Dilemmas? 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

Seeing evergreens drop needles often triggers concern. It's kind of like an abundance of hairs in your shower drain. But Fall Needle Drop is normal. 

We wrap up this episode with an analogy of Fall Leaf and Needle Drop and the renewal of the cells in our body and skin. We are always in transition. It's part of what we can count on in this life - change. May we find comfort in the cycles of the seasons. 

 Link to Related Stories:

Fall Needle Drop of Renewal 

Vitamin Packed Leaf Confetti

Leaf Mold – Better than Mulch

 ***

I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com. Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

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

Garden Dilemmas? 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

This episode features a special garden visit with Connie Kleindienst and her daughter Susan Meagher, a new neighbor and friend. Susan mentioned her Mom's boxwoods are showing signs of disease. So, I offered to drop by primarily to meet her Mom and witness their mother-daughter connection in the garden.

We chat about symptoms and remedies of the boxwood dilemmas, such as Boxwood Blight, caused by a fungus, and Boxwood Leaf Miner, an insect. But Connie's boxwood dilemma is likely Volutella. Fortunately, Connie's dilemma is early, and the avid gardener at eighty-nine years young will be on top of the remedy to prevent the spread of the fungus.
 
 Then comes the best part of the visit is a delightful tour around the garden filled with treasures.
 
 I'd love to hear about what or who gave you your gardening start. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.  Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

 
 Link to Related Stories:

Boxwood Dilemmas & Garden Delights 

Boxwood Blight Coming to Town?

Boxwood Leaf Miner 

Native Plants, especially Oaks, are Essential 

The History of 4-H

 ***

Kind listeners, I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. Please 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

Garden Dilemmas? 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

My neighbor ate his volleyball – a Giant Puffball Mushroom, that is. I have one, too, that I've been monitoring in amazement, but eating it didn't occur to me. It turns out they are delicious. 

In this episode, we chat about how to prepare Giant Puffball Mushrooms (Calvatia gigantean) and other edible fungi that are easy to ID.

Then we talk about Fairy Rings –circles of fungus that grow outward a few inches to several feet a year. Mushrooms, some edible, can develop outside of the rings after periods of heavy rain. Plus, there's fun folklore about Fairy Rings. 

I'd love to hear about fungi you have found to feast upon. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.  Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

 Link to Related Stories:

Giant Puffball Mushrooms

Fairy Rings

Another story featuring Craig's garden dilemmas -  Willows Gone Wild

Other helpful links:

Cabin Life.com's The Foolproof Four: Edible Wild Mushrooms

 ***

Kind listeners, I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. Please 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

Garden Dilemmas? 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 Dare to be Wild, a movie based on the youngest gold medal winner of the Chelsea Flower Show and Mary Reynolds' love of the land. If we each do our part in nurturing nature in the bit of land we are blessed to live on, we can heal our dear earth—one garden at a time.

We wrap up with my family gathering - a baby shower held at a llama farm. My sister's son and his wife are expecting a child in December. Dot handed me a bin of mom's treasures as we were leaving. Amongst them is a hand-typed document dated 1940 of Christmas Designs from Natural Materials with Conservation Laws courtesy of the Federated Garden Clubs of New York State. Dear old mom gave me my garden start. I'd love to hear who gave you yours. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.  Thanks so much for tuning in :^)

 Link to Related Stories:

Mary Reynolds and Nurturing Nature

Designing Garden Layers

Forest Bathing 

Other helpful links:

American Horticultural Society's – list of  Native Plant Societies 

North Creek Nurseries links to suggested resources 

 ***

Kind listeners, I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. Please 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

Garden Dilemmas? 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 a presentation given by Claudia West, author of Planting in a Post-Wild World, about the importance of layering plant communities and designing garden layers.

"Plant more plants" was music to my ears – you'll see why! 

 Link to Related Stories:

Designing Garden Layers

Native Plants for Native Pollinators

Butterfly Garden of Growth

Native Plants, especially Oaks, are Essential – featuring Doug Talamy's book The Nature of Oaks.

Other helpful links:

American Horticultural Society's – list of  Native Plant Societies 

North Creek Nurseries links to suggested resources 

 ***

Kind listeners, I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. Please 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

Garden Dilemmas? 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

While director of Rutgers Gardens in New Jersey, Bruce Crawford gave a talk, he coined Sexy Native Plants. He's now with Willowwood Arboretum bringing a reflection on his presentation about Native Plants for Native Pollinators (the G-rated version – smile). 

We chat about sources to find more native plants specific to your area. Such as my go-to book by Doug Tallamy: Bringing Nature Home- How you can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants. And other helpful sources such as plant lists provided by Native Plant Societies.

  Link to Related Stories:

Native Plants for Native Pollinators

Native Plants, especially Oaks, are Essential – featuring Doug Talamy's book The Nature of Oaks.

Other helpful links:

American Horticultural Society's – list of  Native Plant Societies 

 ***

Kind listeners, I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. Please 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

Garden Dilemmas? 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

I invite you to walk with me to find the delights in my dry summer garden. There are garden treasures despite the drought, such as the tiny yet plentiful baby Bottlebrush Buckeyes, polka-dotted Tuliptree leaves, a Mother Earth Face pot sporting forest grass bangs, and a hat of brunette snakeroot. The Best of Show sharing their happy faces as summer ends is an afterthought of sunflower seeds stuck in pots. 

Yes, the leaves are a tad tattered. But let's not scrutinize things so closely. Instead, look at the big picture and marvel over the magnificence. Enjoy your garden. Enjoy the Garden of Life.

  Link to Related Stories:

Delights in my Dry Summer Garden

Treasured Tuliptrees

A Happy Ending to Naked Pots 

 ***

Kind listeners, I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. Please 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

Garden Dilemmas? 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

After meeting Stephen Scannilello and purchasing his book A Year of Roses, my love-hate relationship for the Beauty and Beast of roses turned to respect. As you may guess, the fairytale Beauty and the Beast has something to do with it.

 We chat about how to fertilize and care for roses, the benefits of planting Knockout Roses, and a favored climbing rose, Rosa' Dr. Van Fleet.'

 The episode wraps up an outlook on Rose Leafhoppers leading to a life lesson shared by Beauty and the Beast - one should not judge another on appearances.

  Link to Related Stories:

Beauty & Beast of Roses 

Rose Remedies 

***

Kind listeners, I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. Please 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

Garden Dilemmas? 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

Have you noticed what looks like cotton candy decorating trees? I thought they were Eastern Tent Caterpillars, also called Tent Worms, we see in spring. But the white webs are Fall Webworms –Tent Worms' close cousins.

Think of them as Diehard Campers with a nifty lifecycle instead of a threat. Besides, the native insects are a food source for our beautiful birds, adorable toads, and beneficial insects. 

It's true, though; they can be rather icky when they fall on your plate at a barbeque. And so, we chat about safe ways to remedy them if need be.

We wrap up the episode with a hilarious story of brother Rick's rose dilemma once caused by Tent Capterpilars until a Scarlet & Green Leafhopper hopped in. 

 Link to Related Stories:

Fall Webworm vs. Eastern Tent Caterpillars 

Rose is a Rose Pest Remedies

 ***

Kind listeners, I'd love to hear about your garden and nature stories. And your thoughts about topics for future podcast episodes. Please 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

Garden Dilemmas? 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

When you think about it, the most resilient things in nature are soft and pliable, like blades of grass that bounce back after being trampled. And trees that sway with the wind, enduring severe storms, heavy snow, or ice. 

Birch trees, one of my favs, have a reputation of being soft-wooded and prone to damage when the opposite is true. There's strength in flexibility as it enhances endurance —wisdom for all of us.

https://askmarystone.com/birch-trees-strength-in-flexibility/

I look forward to sharing more stories that come from you, kind listeners. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com

And 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

Garden Dilemmas? 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

Welcome to our chat from the screen porch about garden and nature stories that help heal and grow our lives.

Martin Luther King's Day honors a great man. In preparation, I dug through the internet maze to learn more about the advocate of equality, looking for a connection to gardens or nature to share with you today. Along with that comes a reflection you will enjoy.

https://askmarystone.com/coretta-scott-king-forest/

I look forward to sharing more stories that come from you, kind listeners. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com

And 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

Garden Dilemmas? 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