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

🌼 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

A roadside walk becomes a lesson in tending what doesn’t belong—and trusting what quietly blooms.

From plogging to snowdrops, this episode explores how small actions and nature’s signs guide us back to hope, healing, and the “lesson of belief.”

In this episode, Mary Stone shares how a roadside walk became a lesson in tending both the outer and inner worlds. What began as noticing litter turned into a practice of care—picking up what doesn’t belong, much like weeding the undesirables in the garden of life.

Along the way, snowdrops appear as if overnight, a snapping turtle tests the thaw, and a quiet realization emerges: The Lesson of the Leaf may also be… The Lesson of Belief.

Perhaps they are one and the same.

Thank you for tuning in—and for walking alongside me.

🌿 Related Episodes & Stories

If this episode resonated, you'll also enjoy:

• Ep. 244 – A Late Winter Walk to Remember
• Ep. 129 – Saving Snapping Turtles Lifts Spirits
• Ep. 98 – Winter Flowers and Folklore

More reflections: https://askmarystone.com

Small moments matter.
Nature speaks—if we pause to listen.
And even after disruption… growth returns.

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

Some walks stay with us long after they end.

A quiet rainy walk through the late-winter woods becomes a meditation on healing, hope, and nature’s wisdom. On a misty morning, Mary Stone and her faithful companion, Jolee, head into the forest, where the rhythm of rain and the stillness of the trees create space for reflection.

Inspired by an earlier column, March Folklore of Hope, Mary reflects on weather sayings passed through generations, the promise of snowdrops pushing through winter’s frost, and the reminder that storms eventually give way to new growth.

Along the way, she recalls a lesson from her brother’s Tai Chi practice — the art of Pushing Hands, where strength comes not from resistance but from balance and redirection.

And in a meaningful moment at the end of the episode, Mary shares a breakthrough toward completing the manuscript for her forthcoming book, The Lesson of the Leaf. “

Sometimes the most memorable walks are the ones that help us see the path ahead more clearly.

Link to the Companion Blog Post: A Late Winter Walk to Remember & March Folklore of Hope

Related Episodes & Stories

🌱 Ep. 34 – Forest Bathing Helps Loneliness/ Willowwood Champion Trees

🌱 Ep. 98 – Winter Flowers and Folklore

🌱 Ep 35 - Leaf Therapy, Essential Oaks

🌱 Ep 180 - Overview of The Lesson of the Leaf

Blog Post: Native vs. Invasive Plants: Who Decides What Belongs? To view Blaine Rothhuser’s stunning photo.

📖 Companion blog reflection: March Folklore of Hope

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

You can follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone.

You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your favorite podcast app.

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