It is interesting to see how much Aaron has come out of his shell since the beginning highlight videos when he didn't want to be on camera until today when he contributes so much
Gardening extremism (Master Gardeners) is what prevented me from gardening for 50 years. I am glad that GA released the fear within me of doing something "wrong" in my garden. I am so appreciative of the freedom Laura gave me. My garden is THRIVING and just gorgeous. After all, it is MY garden. Thanks, GA!
I've read a few pretty sharp criticisms of the Master Gardener programs/graduates. Too bad that they may be making people fearful of doing the "wrong" thing and, thus, making gardening less pleasant and relaxing for some.
LOL, when I was changing careers towards horticulture and applied for a job at a nursery I put the classes I had taken on the application and the owner asked me if I was a "Monster Gardener"...I got a kick out of that.
Build your barn, live in it as an open space (finish it after you move back into your house), then you'll have your barn and your house when you're all done!
I agree with Laura.. kids playing outside and using their imaginations is a good thing. I always felt bad for people who thought they had to provide entrainment for their children..
@@jgwood10 I was lucky enough to have a swing set and a playhouse my grandpa made me out of plywood and I LOVED it. It was my jungle gym, the universe in which the floor was lava, a place to sit and draw or write in my journal, my imaginary house, my imaginary veterinarian office, my imaginary art studio, my imaginary loft in SoHo, a place to get away from my sometimes not very nice brother, a place that felt like mine. As I grew older the roof became a place to work on my tan (yikes, it was the 80s/90s) and talk to my friends on the cordless phone, the height of technology. It was well loved by me and my friends and neighbors. I think it can be a mistake for parents to assume that their children will automatically enjoy the same things they did. It’s an act of love to expose them to lots of different things and see what they enjoy. It’s also a privilege I’m grateful to have had. Regardless, Benjamin and Samantha Grace have the greatest privilege of all - a family that loves them! 🥰
Seems like the Playhouse was the fabulous part. Swing sets are for a postage stamp, suburban yard with barely a tree in it. …or schoolyards or an urban park. Eyesores at best and possibly detrimental to creativity.
@@alisonsneed3707I had a swing set growing up and it didn't hinder creativity at all. It became another outlet for our creativity. We tried to swing as high as possible and imagined almost reaching space, we jumped off and pretended we were flying, it had a seesaw and my sister and I pretended that we could travel on it, or we would put our stuffed animals on it and pretend it was a drive through restaurant that served mud pies and maple leaf wrapped "pasteles"(a Puerto Rican food similar to tamales 🫔)
It’s been a year since I was diagnosed with FND (functional neurological disorder) and it has changed my entire life- especially gardening. On the days when I couldn’t walk, your videos have brought me such comfort ❤I can’t do all that I used to but it makes the things I can so much more rewarding.
Your videos are so diverse and NON boring, ie: antiquing with Mom, canning, touring Mom’s remodel, etc. Of course the gardening is so enjoyable however mixing it up a bit captures one’s interest. Every week Aaron becomes more involved and contributes so much to your recap videos, he is BLOOMING!
Laura, you’re not kidding about not taking health for granted. I injured my back 8 days ago moving a pile of mulch and life has been miserable. I’m on the mend but holy cow!! I’m not 25 anymore. Lol. I’m glad you’re family is feeling better.
Me too, I hurt my back a couple of days ago raking leaves. I can’t get comfortable sitting, standing, laying 😢 I must remember to never bend and twist at the same time
I feel your pain! I deal with back issues pretty consistently gardening😢(I’m 65). Couldn’t tie me down in my younger days now I’m paying for it! Protect your backs!
@@jenniferjones2477 I think people who have to deal/live with pain like that should be able to turn purple to indicate how much pain they are in. That pain doesn't always show on the outside.
50:16 oh my goodness, L and A, can you imagine how adorable a 5 minute garden tour from Benjamin with color commentary from Samantha Grace would be? 😍❤
I don’t mind when there are conversations that go off on a tangent that relate to how things get done. Process and the right tools ate just as important as planting . More mportantly I really love how Aaron articulated the importance of what drives a good relationship. 🥰🇨🇦
I'm sure lots of people will have said this before I do, but you never fail to make me feel good about gardening. I love watching you garden and you inspire me with your successes and failures! Thanks so much.
I agree, clean when you want that fits your lifestyle. Everyone has different sz gardens, physical abilities and time. I also love how the geraniums look especially on that table!
You could build your 2nd barn but make it a Barndominium so you could live on the top level until your home remodel is done. Then later that can be your guesthouse. So many options with Barndominiums.
Our compost pile 20' by 5-6', is all horse manure and sawdust pellets from their stalls, that is not watered except by rain and it gets warm inside by fermentation. If ever it starts steaming in summer, we water it down. In winter, birds, a blue heron once, deer and foxes lay there to warm up. It's turned once a year w a tractor. We give it away to Community Gardeners and they love it grabbing older side that's more broken down and load it themselves, so we don't bother with it like "they" say to ever, 15 yrs now.
I love that they are allowed to be children without adult... adulteration. I prefer them in very small snippets of video, not because they are not adorable, but because I value their safety and anonymity.
That's why we didn't get the playset for my boys when they were little. Every time I took them to the playground, they enjoyed picking up sticks, leaves, and play with sand more than the swing . So glad we didn't, it will be waste of money and kids grow out of those very quickly.
🌲Good morning Laura, Aaron and GA friends☕️. This is so fun, “tree talk” makes Aaron just light up, and Laura, you are the sweetest! Thank you for all the beauty and lovely conversation this week, and kudos to Paul and Bethany for their invaluable talents. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday week🍂🦃🧡🍁🧡
We live on 5 acres. Our children never had a play set except when they were 2- 3 yrs old. Then their imagination outgrew the play set. The only thing we did after that stage of their growing up was a swing with a wooden seat hanging from a large tree branch. It is still in use to this day. We’ve replaced the seat and the rope it hangs from over the years. When we have family get togethers someone will use the swing. Adults, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, neighbors even me! I love to just do a swing on occasion! It’s a beloved fixture in our yard for over 50 years now. So think about a swing! 😊❤
Laura explaining the concept of user friendly spaces... I think I remember seeing something like a water hose being pulled through an upstairs house window for seed starting in the plant room. Times have changed for the better! ❤ your whatever it takes attitude.
Aaron should talk to your tree nurseries for what he could use to transport trees on grass & which also has an auger attachment.Always best to ask the pros as to what a homeowner could use. Would love to know myself! BTW, Aaron would love composting! It's the kind of thing that's really interesting & satisfying to watch evolve, for someone who does a lot of lawn care. My hubby loves it & has become quite particular about what can & cannot be used in HIS layering technique! There's nothing quite like the black gold that's magically produced!
Aaron: ...It's not even an argument... Well said. Why are there so many arguments going on? Contention has an evil source. Gardening is a blessing that helps ground us. (All puns intended.) HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEK! Garden Answer is on my list of Thankful For...
The most notable sign that a hosta needs dividing is when it begins dying in the Center and takes on a donut shape. Dig, divide into 2 or 4 sections and remove the dead roots in the center. It’s not always obvious which parts of the roots are dead, just cut away the Center chunk. Hostas see some pretty rough handling around here and they’re as happy and healthy as can be. The need dividing every 5-10 years. I do a few each year.
I don't think that Aaron "came out of his shell". I think that he was just being professional and showcasing his beloved wife! They do make an irresistible team!
So glad you mentioned the clean up of the garden and the extremism. I use my leaves all over certain areas. Last year I left them where they fell. This spring the slug population exploded. I did not get any additional beneficials. Just plant eating slugs.
Laura and Aaron I love watching the daily videos. However the recap is my favorite it's like watching a comedy show where i laugh so much as I see each others reaction. Thank you so much you make my day.
My Amaryllis have already bloomed a month ago. They are in the ground all the time. I did separate some about 5 years ago and put them on the edge of my lavender garden where we laid our beloved pet to rest. They finally started blooming last year. Maybe because we finally got rain in San Diego.
We didn't have a play set when little either, we just used the one in the park when there, other wise we used our imagination, ran a lot, played ball a lot.....it was a lot of fun! Glad you are all feeling better! Have a blessed week ❣️🤗❤️
I really enjoyed the picture of Benjamin's decorated tree by the chicken coop. Your pics on Instagram are a real treat for me. Thank you for sharing those beautiful shots of your family and your gardens.
I agree with Laura. Play sets outstay their welcome pretty quickly. Our kids used them until about age 8 then they were done with it. Dirt hills and ponds are WAAAY more interesting!
Laura, I watch a UA-cam channel called Cog Hill Farm. Jason & Brooke live on a farm. Jason loves to garden and spend time with the animals on the farm. Jason even has a UA-cam channel for kids. I agree with you, Laura. Playing on a dirt pile is better than playing on a swing set.
I’m 78 years old and don’t do dahlias. Or heavy things. Love my gardens and have put a lot of small evergreens and conifers. So fun watching your gardens develop. Thanks for the videos.❤
Aaron, there's no need to stress out about composting. I went through the same thing til I finally realized I just didn't care whether or not I was doing it "right." So, I started a pile and kept adding to it. Never turned it, sort of kept it wet, paid no attention to the green to brown ratio, mostly ignored it, and was rewarded for my lack of effort. This Spring a Honeynut squash - or several - volunteered in the pile and gave me tons of the most beautiful produce (that grew true to type, btw) with no fertilizing or pest management necessary. And, under that was a thick layer of beautiful finished compost. The only thing to remember when composting this way is that the pile doesn't get hot, at least not hot enough to kill off weed seeds, pests, or disease. So, I just didn't throw any of that stuff on the pile in the first place. Why not start a pile and let nature do the work for you? It's going to break down whether you turn it or not; it will just take a little longer to get usable compost. No need to complicate what happens all on its own with no help from us humans. ~ Lisa P.S. The "heighth" thing is a pet peeve of mine. Gives me hives 😵💫
You both are such a delight. Thank you for everthing you impart, including smiles. Yes indeed, your geraniums ARE dazzling in the Hartley videos! ❤ Glad to hear what name they are again. Happy to see you both are on the mend. Feeling grateful.❤
I just ordered seeds for geraniums from where Laua got hers. I have never used seeds for geraniums have always just cut branches off and rooted them. Recently lost my hot pink vine type from a gardener that was trying to HELP. years of growing and one wrong snip and after 20 years gone. I hope I can grow them again.
@@pattiethompson9154 For the first time this Spring, I started Maverick geraniums from seed, encouraged by one of Laura's videos. I'd always thought they would be too difficult, but WOW! I planted all 40 seeds, thinking I wouldn't have a great germination rate, and 38 survived! Beautiful and BIG blooms. I gave a number away this Fall to fellow gardeners to overwinter, and they were all amazed at their size! Good luck :)
How blessed you are Laura to have had such good memories and home that you can still nap in even after having been gone for so long . Wish everyone could have that . ❤
When you do the flyover video please also include the before shots of the lay of the land. So much has been done over the years and new properties acquired, that I forget how it started out.
My 10 and 13 year old girls swing on their swing set every.single.day! We have a huge property and their swings are their favorite! They swing and sing, swing and tell each other stories, swing and plan games, and just swing as high as they can go. My husband often says it was our best purchase:)
Talking about how you appreciate beeing healthy with no pain and how you can feel for the ones with cronic pain is not to bad! I am batteling constant pain etc. and it is not the first time I hear you! And it feels awsome that you both can understand a little how that would be. If you love gardening it really is a challenge. But you two cheer me up soo much. Look forward to your videos every day! ❤️
When I was a kid, I lived in an apartment building that had a play set and basketball court. Us kids chose to play in a HUGE English Laurel hedge that had a massive network of branches inside of it with enough space for us the climb around and hangout. I agree, play sets will maybe get one season of use.. but using your imagination to play in natural surroundings is so much more fun for kids.
I just wanted to share my experience with Amaryllis. zone 5b Ont. Canada. Dec. 2022, bought a bulb from Canadian tire. White, just beautiful. Bloomed just gorgeous. cut stems after flowering, kept watering till May 2023 inside house. Then placed outside on patio table with umbrella up all season. Leaves were glorious, taking in all the heat and sun. Brought in basement in August to start dormancy. Left the leaves to die back. Totally unexpectedly to me, it started to sprout again! Brought upstairs and it bloomed. 3 hugs flowers. Oct. 7th. Let die back, cut of stems and back to basement. Brought back up Dec. and she is growing. So excited to see what will appear, as around the main bulb are shoots growing. So enjoy your videos as I've watched from the start!
Watching this video today June 27, 2024, it’s funny, because the sumac does end up spreading. 😊 That was an oops. And I’ve definitely done it, had to go back and fix my gardening mistakes.
You can buy a used bobcat with wheels, if you look. And I agree that you two are sane and positive people who have their priorities straight.😊 Can’t wait to see how you make compost. I hope you both feel better soon.
I'm with you on your options of extremism... You do get tired of seeing all these" don't do this thing "or the other...Balance is the key to all things. Love your videos and have watched from the beginning ...Keep up the great work.
It's YOURS and Aarons life - you have to do what works for you, not follow one rigid plan. To me, gardening is like quilting - there are a TON of styles and things to do, and anybody can find what suits them.
I'd say forget the playset. Your kids have real stuff like gators and golf carts and little cars they drive. I'm with you, playsets are a wasted item, especially when you have so much space with real adventure for their developing minds!
Never had a play set. We wrangled cows and goats rode horses played in the creek swung from the barn loft climbed trees....my childhood was magical that way.
We are in the process of buying a piece of land next to us. I got permission from the present owner to clean/clear it up. It took me about a week to just get it decent looking. I should say I am retired so my time is mine. But now is the planning stage of the details of other plants I want to remove and add. But there is something about going into an area like that and just giving it a good clearing like your dirt lands by the stream. I have another space by a steam that I am also working on. But I am at a point that I do see the need for some bigger better equipment to really get it where I want it i.e a wood chipper and chainsaw. But it is so satisfying to now see the stream but still leave it with a more natural look. I personally would enjoy a video of you cleaning up your area by your stream. Watching your videos does give me the mental strength to just go for it like when you did the pond area.
Good morning, Laura and Aaron, from Windermere, Florida zone 9b My Amaryllis bulbs bloom in the Spring outside every year. I've uploaded a few videos on how to care for Amaryllis year-round ❤ And I save some, out of soil, to bloom later in the year. They can "sleep" until your ready. I'm sure your blooms will be Gorgeous 😍 Take care Happy Gardening Everyone 👩🌾👍 ❤Peggy❤
Amaryllis grow in the ground here in South Carolina for me, it’s amazing how fast they reproduce. My bulbs need transplanting, they are stacked on top of each other. The reds are more prolific, but I have double White that are gorgeous! 🌺
Gardening for me is my escape and enjoyment. I think the education concerning what to do and what not to do is great, but at the end of the day, gardening should be enjoyable and fun. Also a great learning experience.
So glad to hear you talk about the work you have to do on dahlias. Watching the whole process I had asked the question, "Is this really worth it?" but deleted it because I didn't want to offend. That said, waaay too much for my world.
I think the dahlia blooms are an addiction. Every year I swear I won’t grow them again. Then next summer I get thinking I really need some again. I do think in a small yard it is better to just purchase a few new ones each year.
I will fight for the RV route... it's not forever and memories will be made. Plus you would be right on the property. You could throw some traveling trips in that timeframe too so it doesn't feel so long. You can make videos while doing it! We live in a camper for the summer months (while our own house is rented) and we love it. I think you guys could do it! 🙌
On the spring vs fall issue: when I was raising my daughter I always told her that every road has too ditches. Try to stay in the middle and be balanced. People often charge into one ditch or the other.
The potatoes will suck the moisture out of the onions and so the onions will spoil quicker. That is what an old Idaho farmer told me after I told him my onions were not lasting over the winter. Aaron if you ever want to look at my leaf mulch, drop on by.
One thing I'd like to add is that I've noticed my Dad's tractor auger cannot stop midway so once it goes - it has to finish the dig completely. So for sure, unless you want a deep post hole, buy something that is more easily controlled and geared towards planting at various depths.
I get a chuckle every time L & A talk about composting. I understand wanting to do things to scale, and when they're ready, but they've been inadvertently composting for at least a few seasons, with their huge discard piles from garden cleanup and grass and leave clippings. I only see the piles when they're actively disposing of plants, I'm not sure what becomes of those piles, but they are breaking down regardless, whether they turn or water it. Nature is incredible that way.
Back in 1990, my husband and I purchased my parent's home. They had owned it since 1972 and I was 13 when they purchased it. Fast forward to 1990. The home needed remodeling badly and part of that entailed tearing off the kitchen and rebuilding it from the ground up. My Mom was so mad at us for remodeling! She wouldn't come over during construction at all. However, once it was finished she loved it. Laura I'm sure you will love your parent's house when it's finished too.
My hostas are over 20 years old and I’ve never separated them. I clean the flower stems once they’ve dried out and when the leaves turn yellow I remove them. They are going strong and have beautiful flowers on them.
Re fall cleanup: the environment like Aaron said is involved. Some clean up must be done or we pay the piper. Example when things are declining and getting loaded down with mold and mildew. This becomes detrimental to humans as well as the plants. There are many healthy reasons to clean up in a timely manner 😀
Growing up on a farm my siblings and i never had a playset. We rode horses and ponies and played in one of our big trees. We never missed having a swingset as we found so many other things to play
Im with Laura and Aaron. People need to learn to live and let live. Clean up your garden whenever you want and let people clean theirs whenever they want. It's not that hard. Just do you. We were just bumped up to 7a in NOVA as well. Yay more plants
I've made a choice in my life, if I am going to spend more than 5 minutes paying attention to anything then it must not be a rant. It must move me to inspiration, knowledge, enjoyment.... It must open my heart.
Laura I buy those tiny little blue Blistex tins of salve and put that on my split fingers, will heal it enough to take that soreness away. Can use the yellow and white tins too. Its called lip salve but I use it for all kinds of split fingers or cuts. Works great.
I appreciated your tangent on when to clear the garden. Like most people, I have strong opinions on religion, politics and culture- because I care. But I have savored this space because through all the outside turmoil, it's always a positive time in a beautiful background with two smart, caring people. Never change.
Laura.. you once said.. its just a plant. If it dosen't make it plant something else. That has truly helped me! I have a ?? that starts out great then gets sick! I've tried everything! New dirt, sprays, EVERYTHING. SO, I cut it down. It came back. Same thing, over and over. Anyway, not afraid to cut stuff down or pull it out! Y'all are the best! Thank you for all you do! Happy Thanksgiving!!
One more thing. I LOVE that you do not have the answer to every question nor do you try to portray you have every answer! Refreshing. Fan in Bozeman, MT.
I love names of things that just end up being that name because that's what everyone called it. My parents had a lake house when we were growing up, and into our adulthood, and there was a sweet lady next door to us named Virgie and when she passed away, my parents bought her house for a guest house and everyone still called it Virgie's house. Even 25 years after they bought it, it was "Virgie's House." They're warm and nostalgic names with a story behind them.
Play sets for children seem to divide the kids vs unite them in having fun. I TOTALLY relate to Laura's experience in using our imagination while growing up. Marvelous Sunday video, Laura and Aaron. Thank you.
It is interesting to see how much Aaron has come out of his shell since the beginning highlight videos when he didn't want to be on camera until today when he contributes so much
It is wonderful.
Yes he is knowledgeable 😊
I really enjoy Aaron’s contributions and perspective! You guys are a great team! 🧡
I was just thinking the same thing and then read your comment❤
I was thinking that very same thing. Aaron is actually enjoying his camera presence
Oh my heart. Please don’t ever stop making videos. I am tremendously grateful for your content.
Oh goodness, I agree! Please don’t ever stop making your videos! You are part of my daily routine and you are friends indeed!
I couldn't watch the whole video. Do you remember at what minute in the video they talked about this?
@@heatherj3385like around minute 16:10
Gardening extremism (Master Gardeners) is what prevented me from gardening for 50 years. I am glad that GA released the fear within me of doing something "wrong" in my garden. I am so appreciative of the freedom Laura gave me. My garden is THRIVING and just gorgeous. After all, it is MY garden. Thanks, GA!
Yes! GA and You Can Do It Gardening channels are AWESOME for taking away the fear of doing it wrong.
People always ask if I’m a Master Gardener. I say , “by osmosis!”
Learning by discovery is quite fun!
I've read a few pretty sharp criticisms of the Master Gardener programs/graduates. Too bad that they may be making people fearful of doing the "wrong" thing and, thus, making gardening less pleasant and relaxing for some.
“Dang Dahlias” 😂 I concur. What would the difference be if you planted seeds instead of tubers? 🌸
LOL, when I was changing careers towards horticulture and applied for a job at a nursery I put the classes I had taken on the application and the owner asked me if I was a "Monster Gardener"...I got a kick out of that.
Build your barn, live in it as an open space (finish it after you move back into your house), then you'll have your barn and your house when you're all done!
That's a great idea! Hope they will consider it.
Wonderful idea.
Bring in a pre-fab modular home.
Yea, spot on!! My builder is building a barndominium to temporarily live in while building their house on the side. Great idea 💡
Great idea!!
I agree with Laura.. kids playing outside and using their imaginations is a good thing. I always felt bad for people who thought they had to provide entrainment for their children..
That’s the best type of childhood! Play sets don’t get used and I see that comment on here. People that think that are the ones with no kids!
@@jgwood10 I was lucky enough to have a swing set and a playhouse my grandpa made me out of plywood and I LOVED it. It was my jungle gym, the universe in which the floor was lava, a place to sit and draw or write in my journal, my imaginary house, my imaginary veterinarian office, my imaginary art studio, my imaginary loft in SoHo, a place to get away from my sometimes not very nice brother, a place that felt like mine. As I grew older the roof became a place to work on my tan (yikes, it was the 80s/90s) and talk to my friends on the cordless phone, the height of technology. It was well loved by me and my friends and neighbors. I think it can be a mistake for parents to assume that their children will automatically enjoy the same things they did. It’s an act of love to expose them to lots of different things and see what they enjoy. It’s also a privilege I’m grateful to have had. Regardless, Benjamin and Samantha Grace have the greatest privilege of all - a family that loves them! 🥰
Seems like the Playhouse was the fabulous part. Swing sets are for a postage stamp, suburban yard with barely a tree in it. …or schoolyards or an urban park. Eyesores at best and possibly detrimental to creativity.
Obstacle course pieces. Could include swing, slide, balance. Or just keep some dirt piles! Do you!
@@alisonsneed3707I had a swing set growing up and it didn't hinder creativity at all. It became another outlet for our creativity. We tried to swing as high as possible and imagined almost reaching space, we jumped off and pretended we were flying, it had a seesaw and my sister and I pretended that we could travel on it, or we would put our stuffed animals on it and pretend it was a drive through restaurant that served mud pies and maple leaf wrapped "pasteles"(a Puerto Rican food similar to tamales 🫔)
It’s been a year since I was diagnosed with FND (functional neurological disorder) and it has changed my entire life- especially gardening. On the days when I couldn’t walk, your videos have brought me such comfort ❤I can’t do all that I used to but it makes the things I can so much more rewarding.
Bless you, you sound very courageous and seem to be handling it with such grace! Very inspiring.
❤
Your videos are so diverse and NON boring, ie: antiquing with Mom, canning, touring Mom’s remodel, etc. Of course the gardening is so enjoyable however mixing it up a bit captures one’s interest. Every week Aaron becomes more involved and contributes so much to your recap videos, he is BLOOMING!
I love watching just about everything you guys do !!!
Are you feeding him Espoma? Definitely blooming!
I DEPEND on your videos for escapism from all the doom and gloom. Thank you for keeping it positive!
Laura, you’re not kidding about not taking health for granted. I injured my back 8 days ago moving a pile of mulch and life has been miserable. I’m on the mend but holy cow!! I’m not 25 anymore. Lol. I’m glad you’re family is feeling better.
I’ve hurt my back very badly too… it’s hard to deal with it. I sympathize with you. I hope you recover quickly.
Me too, I hurt my back a couple of days ago raking leaves. I can’t get comfortable sitting, standing, laying 😢 I must remember to never bend and twist at the same time
I feel your pain! I deal with back issues pretty consistently gardening😢(I’m 65). Couldn’t tie me down in my younger days now I’m paying for it! Protect your backs!
@@jenniferjones2477 I think people who have to deal/live with pain like that should be able to turn purple to indicate how much pain they are in. That pain doesn't always show on the outside.
Hope you heal quickly. Back pain is no joke.
No worries guys, we love your tangents. You are as important as what you're doing, thanks for inviting us into your lives.
50:16 oh my goodness, L and A, can you imagine how adorable a 5 minute garden tour from Benjamin with color commentary from Samantha Grace would be? 😍❤
Or give Benjamin the camera and see what he would do. I agree the garden from the kids view point.😊
Adorable!
Great idea, a Benjamin tour.
So cute how animated Aaron gets about that bobcat hopefully Santa is watching this video 😊
I don’t mind when there are conversations that go off on a tangent that relate to how things get done. Process and the right tools ate just as important as planting . More mportantly I really love how Aaron articulated the importance of what drives a good relationship. 🥰🇨🇦
I'm sure lots of people will have said this before I do, but you never fail to make me feel good about gardening. I love watching you garden and you inspire me with your successes and failures! Thanks so much.
I agree, clean when you want that fits your lifestyle. Everyone has different sz gardens, physical abilities and time. I also love how the geraniums look especially on that table!
You could build your 2nd barn but make it a Barndominium so you could live on the top level until your home remodel is done. Then later that can be your guesthouse. So many options with Barndominiums.
Great suggestion.
You never mention Russell much any more I miss him
Our compost pile 20' by 5-6', is all horse manure and sawdust pellets from their stalls, that is not watered except by rain and it gets warm inside by fermentation. If ever it starts steaming in summer, we water it down. In winter, birds, a blue heron once, deer and foxes lay there to warm up. It's turned once a year w a tractor. We give it away to Community Gardeners and they love it grabbing older side that's more broken down and load it themselves, so we don't bother with it like "they" say to ever, 15 yrs now.
Yup. I have Casual Compost. It does what it does. The yard is enough work. I'm not doing extra for compost.
Please don't change the name of the versaille garden ~ it's like an original GA garden tour name♥
Don't ever stop making new videos....we are addicted.
I love seeing your children play on the dirt piles.
Same here. How about adding a piece of cardboard to slide with?
I love that they are allowed to be children without adult... adulteration.
I prefer them in very small snippets of video, not because they are not adorable, but because I value their safety and anonymity.
That's why we didn't get the playset for my boys when they were little. Every time I took them to the playground, they enjoyed picking up sticks, leaves, and play with sand more than the swing . So glad we didn't, it will be waste of money and kids grow out of those very quickly.
🌲Good morning Laura, Aaron and GA friends☕️. This is so fun, “tree talk” makes Aaron just light up, and Laura, you are the sweetest! Thank you for all the beauty and lovely conversation this week, and kudos to Paul and Bethany for their invaluable talents. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday week🍂🦃🧡🍁🧡
We live on 5 acres. Our children never had a play set except when they were 2- 3 yrs old. Then their imagination outgrew the play set. The only thing we did after that stage of their growing up was a swing with a wooden seat hanging from a large tree branch. It is still in use to this day. We’ve replaced the seat and the rope it hangs from over the years. When we have family get togethers someone will use the swing. Adults, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, neighbors even me! I love to just do a swing on occasion! It’s a beloved fixture in our yard for over 50 years now. So think about a swing! 😊❤
Laura explaining the concept of user friendly spaces... I think I remember seeing something like a water hose being pulled through an upstairs house window for seed starting in the plant room. Times have changed for the better! ❤ your whatever it takes attitude.
I remember that, too.
Oh my goodness, I remember that video 😂
I remember that too!!!
It just visually popped into my mind also!!!😂
Aaron should talk to your tree nurseries for what he could use to transport trees on grass & which also has an auger attachment.Always best to ask the pros as to what a homeowner could use. Would love to know myself! BTW, Aaron would love composting! It's the kind of thing that's really interesting & satisfying to watch evolve, for someone who does a lot of lawn care. My hubby loves it & has become quite particular about what can & cannot be used in HIS layering technique! There's nothing quite like the black gold that's magically produced!
Aaron: ...It's not even an argument...
Well said. Why are there so many arguments going on? Contention has an evil source. Gardening is a blessing that helps ground us. (All puns intended.)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEK! Garden Answer is on my list of Thankful For...
Where is the ❤button?! You guys are so marvelously encouraging!! Thank You!
The most notable sign that a hosta needs dividing is when it begins dying in the Center and takes on a donut shape. Dig, divide into 2 or 4 sections and remove the dead roots in the center. It’s not always obvious which parts of the roots are dead, just cut away the Center chunk. Hostas see some pretty rough handling around here and they’re as happy and healthy as can be. The need dividing every 5-10 years. I do a few each year.
I don't think that Aaron "came out of his shell". I think that he was just being professional
and showcasing his beloved wife! They do make an irresistible team!
Just imagine the new memories to be made in Moms new space.
Aaron makes such a good point with the preservation extremism that leads to annihilation. Let's be wise enough to not fall into either ditch :).
So glad you mentioned the clean up of the garden and the extremism. I use my leaves all over certain areas. Last year I left them where they fell. This spring the slug population exploded. I did not get any additional beneficials. Just plant eating slugs.
Laura and Aaron I love watching the daily videos. However the recap is my favorite it's like watching a comedy show where i laugh so much as I see each others reaction. Thank you so much you make my day.
The daily videos are like living with family M-F, as we go to work school etc. But the recap us Sunday dinner when we all cone together. ❤
My Amaryllis have already bloomed a month ago. They are in the ground all the time. I did separate some about 5 years ago and put them on the edge of my lavender garden where we laid our beloved pet to rest. They finally started blooming last year. Maybe because we finally got rain in San Diego.
Im an introvert that has learned so very much from the two of you in so many areas. I would never leave my house either if I didn’t have too 😂😊❤
We didn't have a play set when little either, we just used the one in the park when there, other wise we used our imagination, ran a lot, played ball a lot.....it was a lot of fun!
Glad you are all feeling better! Have a blessed week ❣️🤗❤️
Good morning, Everyone!!
I really enjoyed the picture of Benjamin's decorated tree by the chicken coop. Your pics on Instagram are a real treat for me. Thank you for sharing those beautiful shots of your family and your gardens.
I LOL’d at the “must be new here” re playground. We’ve all heard the debate previously 😄
I agree with Laura. Play sets outstay their welcome pretty quickly. Our kids used them until about age 8 then they were done with it. Dirt hills and ponds are WAAAY more interesting!
Totally agree !!!
Laura, I watch a UA-cam channel called Cog Hill Farm. Jason & Brooke live on a farm. Jason loves to garden and spend time with the animals on the farm. Jason even has a UA-cam channel for kids. I agree with you, Laura. Playing on a dirt pile is better than playing on a swing set.
I’m 78 years old and don’t do dahlias. Or heavy things. Love my gardens and have put a lot of small evergreens and conifers. So fun watching your gardens develop. Thanks for the videos.❤
Dahlias in weatherproof pots have worked beautifully for me. No heavy lifting needed !
I have mine in pots on patio( at 79)
I love that you call the area of your garden Versailles, no one thinks that you actually think it's Versailles 😢
Aaron, there's no need to stress out about composting. I went through the same thing til I finally realized I just didn't care whether or not I was doing it "right." So, I started a pile and kept adding to it. Never turned it, sort of kept it wet, paid no attention to the green to brown ratio, mostly ignored it, and was rewarded for my lack of effort. This Spring a Honeynut squash - or several - volunteered in the pile and gave me tons of the most beautiful produce (that grew true to type, btw) with no fertilizing or pest management necessary. And, under that was a thick layer of beautiful finished compost. The only thing to remember when composting this way is that the pile doesn't get hot, at least not hot enough to kill off weed seeds, pests, or disease. So, I just didn't throw any of that stuff on the pile in the first place.
Why not start a pile and let nature do the work for you? It's going to break down whether you turn it or not; it will just take a little longer to get usable compost. No need to complicate what happens all on its own with no help from us humans. ~ Lisa
P.S. The "heighth" thing is a pet peeve of mine. Gives me hives 😵💫
Thank you for seeing us. From a chronic pain and fatigue survivor. ❤❤
The zone hardiness is important for perennials. The last frost date is important for annuals.
good point, great nutshell🥜🥜🥜!
I love your videos and the fact that you are so positive and encouraging. Thank you for working so hard and sharing your passion with us!
You both are such a delight. Thank you for everthing you impart, including smiles. Yes indeed, your geraniums ARE dazzling in the Hartley videos! ❤ Glad to hear what name they are again. Happy to see you both are on the mend. Feeling grateful.❤
I just ordered seeds for geraniums from where Laua got hers. I have never used seeds for geraniums have always just cut branches off and rooted them. Recently lost my hot pink vine type from a gardener that was trying to HELP. years of growing and one wrong snip and after 20 years gone. I hope I can grow them again.
@@pattiethompson9154 For the first time this Spring, I started Maverick geraniums from seed, encouraged by one of Laura's videos. I'd always thought they would be too difficult, but WOW! I planted all 40 seeds, thinking I wouldn't have a great germination rate, and 38 survived! Beautiful and BIG blooms. I gave a number away this Fall to fellow gardeners to overwinter, and they were all amazed at their size! Good luck :)
How blessed you are Laura to have had such good memories and home that you can still nap in even after having been gone for so long . Wish everyone could have that . ❤
Good morning all have a safe and blessed day ❤️
Laura for your splits or cut at the end of your finger use Neosporin +pain relief cream. Especially at bedtime. This works wonders for us.
When they get bad enough from splitting I use super glue to close them. So much less pain.
When you do the flyover video please also include the before shots of the lay of the land. So much has been done over the years and new properties acquired, that I forget how it started out.
My 10 and 13 year old girls swing on their swing set every.single.day! We have a huge property and their swings are their favorite! They swing and sing, swing and tell each other stories, swing and plan games, and just swing as high as they can go. My husband often says it was our best purchase:)
When you were ill, it is natures way to tell you you need a rest.
.So pleased you are feeing better
Talking about how you appreciate beeing healthy with no pain and how you can feel for the ones with cronic pain is not to bad! I am batteling constant pain etc. and it is not the first time I hear you! And it feels awsome that you both can understand a little how that would be. If you love gardening it really is a challenge. But you two cheer me up soo much. Look forward to your videos every day! ❤️
When I was a kid, I lived in an apartment building that had a play set and basketball court. Us kids chose to play in a HUGE English Laurel hedge that had a massive network of branches inside of it with enough space for us the climb around and hangout. I agree, play sets will maybe get one season of use.. but using your imagination to play in natural surroundings is so much more fun for kids.
Ah dear Aaron, heighth, sadly is also correct according to Webster. Old usage but guess it depends on what you were raised with (and when 😂)
I just wanted to share my experience with Amaryllis. zone 5b Ont. Canada. Dec. 2022, bought a bulb from Canadian tire. White, just beautiful. Bloomed just gorgeous. cut stems after flowering, kept watering till May 2023 inside house. Then placed outside on patio table with umbrella up all season. Leaves were glorious, taking in all the heat and sun. Brought in basement in August to start dormancy. Left the leaves to die back. Totally unexpectedly to me, it started to sprout again! Brought upstairs and it bloomed. 3 hugs flowers. Oct. 7th. Let die back, cut of stems and back to basement. Brought back up Dec. and she is growing. So excited to see what will appear, as around the main bulb are shoots growing.
So enjoy your videos as I've watched from the start!
Aaron on number of trees: "We're doing our part." lol, love it.
Watching this video today June 27, 2024, it’s funny, because the sumac does end up spreading. 😊 That was an oops. And I’ve definitely done it, had to go back and fix my gardening mistakes.
You can buy a used bobcat with wheels, if you look. And I agree that you two are sane and positive people who have their priorities straight.😊 Can’t wait to see how you make compost. I hope you both feel better soon.
Ive started loving amaryllis for Valentine's day. I think they add a beautiful pop of color we desperately need in February.
My sentiment too
Great idea.
Thanks for the shout out for us with chronic pain/ illness.
Brought a tear to my eye
One day at a time, right?
I'm with you on your options of extremism... You do get tired of seeing all these" don't do this thing "or the other...Balance is the key to all things. Love your videos and have watched from the beginning ...Keep up the great work.
I use Bio-atone religiously, so glad I learned this from Laura ❤❤❤thanks Laura 😊
It's YOURS and Aarons life - you have to do what works for you, not follow one rigid plan. To me, gardening is like quilting - there are a TON of styles and things to do, and anybody can find what suits them.
I'd say forget the playset. Your kids have real stuff like gators and golf carts and little cars they drive. I'm with you, playsets are a wasted item, especially when you have so much space with real adventure for their developing minds!
Never had a play set. We wrangled cows and goats rode horses played in the creek swung from the barn loft climbed trees....my childhood was magical that way.
We are in the process of buying a piece of land next to us. I got permission from the present owner to clean/clear it up. It took me about a week to just get it decent looking. I should say I am retired so my time is mine. But now is the planning stage of the details of other plants I want to remove and add. But there is something about going into an area like that and just giving it a good clearing like your dirt lands by the stream. I have another space by a steam that I am also working on. But I am at a point that I do see the need for some bigger better equipment to really get it where I want it i.e a wood chipper and chainsaw. But it is so satisfying to now see the stream but still leave it with a more natural look. I personally would enjoy a video of you cleaning up your area by your stream. Watching your videos does give me the mental strength to just go for it like when you did the pond area.
I agree on miracle grow soil. The smell, the bugs, the rocks and mini trees has gotten worse over the last several years.
Good Morning and happy Sunday!
Good morning, Laura and Aaron, from Windermere, Florida zone 9b
My Amaryllis bulbs bloom in the Spring outside every year. I've uploaded a few videos on how to care for Amaryllis year-round ❤
And I save some, out of soil, to bloom later in the year. They can "sleep" until your ready. I'm sure your blooms will be Gorgeous 😍
Take care
Happy Gardening Everyone 👩🌾👍
❤Peggy❤
Amaryllis grow in the ground here in South Carolina for me, it’s amazing how fast they reproduce. My bulbs need transplanting, they are stacked on top of each other. The reds are more prolific, but I have double White that are gorgeous! 🌺
Gardening for me is my escape and enjoyment. I think the education concerning what to do and what not to do is great, but at the end of the day, gardening should be enjoyable and fun. Also a great learning experience.
So glad to hear you talk about the work you have to do on dahlias. Watching the whole process I had asked the question, "Is this really worth it?" but deleted it because I didn't want to offend. That said, waaay too much for my world.
I think the dahlia blooms are an addiction. Every year I swear I won’t grow them again. Then next summer I get thinking I really need some again. I do think in a small yard it is better to just purchase a few new ones each year.
Really like how Aaron has opened up more and more engaged with your viewers 🙂
I will fight for the RV route... it's not forever and memories will be made. Plus you would be right on the property. You could throw some traveling trips in that timeframe too so it doesn't feel so long. You can make videos while doing it! We live in a camper for the summer months (while our own house is rented) and we love it. I think you guys could do it! 🙌
On the spring vs fall issue: when I was raising my daughter I always told her that every road has too ditches. Try to stay in the middle and be balanced. People often charge into one ditch or the other.
Two 😁
The potatoes will suck the moisture out of the onions and so the onions will spoil quicker. That is what an old Idaho farmer told me after I told him my onions were not lasting over the winter. Aaron if you ever want to look at my leaf mulch, drop on by.
One thing I'd like to add is that I've noticed my Dad's tractor auger cannot stop midway so once it goes - it has to finish the dig completely. So for sure, unless you want a deep post hole, buy something that is more easily controlled and geared towards planting at various depths.
I bag leaves and poke holes with a pitch fork. I'll put them somewhere they will not dry out and wait a year. Gorgeous leaf mold is ready to use.
I get a chuckle every time L & A talk about composting. I understand wanting to do things to scale, and when they're ready, but they've been inadvertently composting for at least a few seasons, with their huge discard piles from garden cleanup and grass and leave clippings. I only see the piles when they're actively disposing of plants, I'm not sure what becomes of those piles, but they are breaking down regardless, whether they turn or water it. Nature is incredible that way.
P.S. Bag Balm at night for your split finger and there's the heel crack stuff on the Big River
Back in 1990, my husband and I purchased my parent's home. They had owned it since 1972 and I was 13 when they purchased it. Fast forward to 1990. The home needed remodeling badly and part of that entailed tearing off the kitchen and rebuilding it from the ground up. My Mom was so mad at us for remodeling! She wouldn't come over during construction at all. However, once it was finished she loved it. Laura I'm sure you will love your parent's house when it's finished too.
Your parents home will be so beautiful and there will be much more memories to make of the grandkids.❤❤❤❤
My hostas are over 20 years old and I’ve never separated them. I clean the flower stems once they’ve dried out and when the leaves turn yellow I remove them. They are going strong and have beautiful flowers on them.
I recently read that hostas don't need to be divided. If the size is acceptable, just leave them alone.
@@ritasicari7518 Thanks. I did on a smaller one years ago. But I won’t touch them now. They are huge and beautiful flowers on them
I only divide when I want more for another space.
Re fall cleanup: the environment like Aaron said is involved. Some clean up must be done or we pay the piper. Example when things are declining and getting loaded down with mold and mildew. This becomes detrimental to humans as well as the plants. There are many healthy reasons to clean up in a timely manner 😀
Everything is so lovely. And at your mom’s too. It will be gorgeous.
For your remodel, “This Old House “!
Aron glad you are getting well! Your cabbage are beautiful. I finally found the cabbage at my garden center!! 💜💜
Growing up on a farm my siblings and i never had a playset. We rode horses and ponies and played in one of our big trees. We never missed having a swingset as we found so many other things to play
Im with Laura and Aaron. People need to learn to live and let live. Clean up your garden whenever you want and let people clean theirs whenever they want. It's not that hard. Just do you. We were just bumped up to 7a in NOVA as well. Yay more plants
I've made a choice in my life, if I am going to spend more than 5 minutes paying attention to anything then it must not be a rant. It must move me to inspiration, knowledge, enjoyment.... It must open my heart.
Good morning all happy Sunday morning and I loved your vlogs and you are amazing Supporter
Laura i use liquid bandaid on my cuts on my hands ..fingers...it sure does help .
I worked in an orthodontic lab. We used so much liquid bandaid that we called it " booboo cream"!
Laura I buy those tiny little blue Blistex tins of salve and put that on my split fingers, will heal it enough to take that soreness away. Can use the yellow and white tins too. Its called lip salve but I use it for all kinds of split fingers or cuts. Works great.
I appreciated your tangent on when to clear the garden.
Like most people, I have strong opinions on religion, politics and culture- because I care.
But I have savored this space because through all the outside turmoil, it's always a positive time in a beautiful background with two smart, caring people.
Never change.
On point with Aaron: Balance. Too much of anything, even a good thing, can be a bad thing. 😉 Love watching all your videos for just that reason. ❤
Hello Gwen
I have seen beautiful barns as homes. Build it, live in it as your home is being renovated.
Laura.. you once said.. its just a plant. If it dosen't make it plant something else. That has truly helped me! I have a ?? that starts out great then gets sick! I've tried everything! New dirt, sprays, EVERYTHING. SO, I cut it down. It came back. Same thing, over and over. Anyway, not afraid to cut stuff down or pull it out! Y'all are the best! Thank you for all you do! Happy Thanksgiving!!
💗 Aaron's little talk about balance was really profound.
One more thing. I LOVE that you do not have the answer to every question nor do you try to portray you have every answer! Refreshing. Fan in Bozeman, MT.
I saw a walk-in refrigerator in a video one time-it was a dream space. Aaron’s description sounded like that-they do make them.
I love names of things that just end up being that name because that's what everyone called it. My parents had a lake house when we were growing up, and into our adulthood, and there was a sweet lady next door to us named Virgie and when she passed away, my parents bought her house for a guest house and everyone still called it Virgie's house. Even 25 years after they bought it, it was "Virgie's House." They're warm and nostalgic names with a story behind them.
Play sets for children seem to divide the kids vs unite them in having fun. I TOTALLY relate to Laura's experience in using our imagination while growing up.
Marvelous Sunday video, Laura and Aaron. Thank you.