Woah! You've been showing me in bits and pieces in photos, but I had no concept of how huge the damage has been. Niall, I think it's a hidden blessing, the hard graft of removing old plants has been done and now you have the opportunity to create Niall's Garden in that space.
Niall, you are playing the long game. I'm excited to see your decisions come to life. I went through this to a smaller degree. My entire garden area had to be ripped out. Gut wrenching. But this summer I am truly enjoying the end result. All the best.
OMG! Past the initial shock, I became so excited after listening to all of the amazing plans and design ideas to come. Hopefully everything stays on schedule so that you all can execute smoothly. Don't forget to take time for yourselves, both mentally and physically.
Honestly, at first, I was very anxious for you. But then I thought, what an exciting opportunity! If you take your time and dont get frustrated, it can be a fun and rewarding project! And you luckily still have the guild garden, I read below, which is good because you just bought those trees. You've got this!
It sounds like it’s going to be great. Have fun, don’t rush it, we look forward to hearing from you now and again when you can make time for it. What a great opportunity to create something new that is all you!
Shouldn’t be too much of a problem to put right but it is really unsettling to rip out established plants and chew up a lawn. But that blank canvas will be perfect for making the extension blend in and grow into the existing structure as the garden develops around it. Really looking forward to seeing what you do with it ❤
Nial. Greetings from Boston. I'm glad to see you! Looking forward to seeing your vision for the new improved garden come to fruition!! There is no doubt in my mind it will be phenomenal! Also - GO Celtics!!!
Wow! I could only imagine the stress of this, but I agree with the others… you now have a blank slate. Patience will be key, but I imagine it will be amazing in years to come.
I know every area will be beautiful. I really enjoy watching your channel. I'm working on my own yard now but I'm sure it be at two more years.I live in Tennessee and it has been in the nineties so HOT
Oh Niall, I feel your pain. I am a serial remodeler and still haven't finished our home in 22 years. BUT, we have a dreamy greenhouse and terraced as well as raised veg and flower beds. I hope you fill the clean slate with your dream garden😊
Hi Niall. So glad to see you, had been concerned that everything was ok. Honestly understand what you are going through. As much as you’re in a process, it’s difficult to go through all the stages and especially the muddy, messy, early bits. When I was getting the greenhouse in and tobermore paving down I honestly thought the garden was ruined for life! I have before and after videos and I still wince when I watch them! I thought the grass was ruined but eventually with a little top soil and seed it came back better than ever. I’m not great at the being patient and the mess made me anxious so I can see that in you too but honestly it will all be more than you ever imagined and always remember that this is being done to improve your home, living area and landscape. An excuse to buy more plants is never a bad thing lol! Rome wasn’t built in a day and look how amazing that is. Enjoy it and look forward to hearing how you get on. X
It's a chance to start completely from scratch knowing what you do now about all your garden and what the soil, winds, etc all suit best. You can make it bespoke just for that area perfect. It'll be amazing I am sure! As soon as the roof is on your extension and no more heavy machinery is coming in, you can start to do stuff. Once you start it will not be as scary seeming, its just that you need to finish that extension before you can really get on with it.
Our neighbors lost a massive 70+ year old redwood tree in the severe winter storms we had year before last. Luckily it didn't do too much damage when it fell but their whole front garden had been shade & now it is full sun so everything has had to be redesigned. It also changed the light conditions in our garden because it used to shade our garden in the afternoon & late evening. Last summer & this year have been both sad (loss of the tree & all the wildlife it suppprted) as well as exciting (new garden opportunities) for our neighbors & for us. I hope you find joy in the new opportunities for your garden even though the destruction right now may feel devastating.
Too true! I’ve watched all of them several times and used his website to get the list. Such great recommendations. Would be great for this to continue and branch out to lesser known but still accessible varieties.
I cannot WAIT to see how it looks, when it is all finished. We all know, gardens are not a finite snapshot in time. They are living and growing and changing all the time.
Wowser,fairplay,you have a goal,and a light in the end of the tunnel. I remember ypu saying ye were going to be renovating the house. In Ireland they say we have such green fields,and with our climate,that grass will grow back quickly,don't fret Niall. It will be all worth it. I know it's sad now,but will be all worth it. Much love from me to ye.Your inner creative person will enjoy the blank canvas. I did miss you,,but didn't email this time,ha ha,I just thought with the summer season you are busy. Now glad you checked in, it's great to see the raw,blank canvas. Well done taking the plunge.
Hi Lorraine! ❤️ Email anytime, I love hearing from you. Yeah I think it's an opportunity to create some of the plantings around the house that I've kind of dreamed about! How are you?
@niallgardens Sorry only saw this now. I'm so excited for you both, getting to make more of what ye want now. All good here, enjoying the weather, my tomatoes are enjoying it too. First harvest of potatoes today. Very pleased. Will drop an email soon, didn't want to be bothering you pet, you've so much going on. Hope all is going well.
It must have been difficult to see your beautiful garden being uprooted. What a great plan you have to create a space that's going to work for your lifestyle and time. I really appreciate the time you give to producing the videos. Enjoy, its going to be worth all the upheaval.
I remember about 25 years ago when I was about your age, we made an addition in a house we use to live in. The kayos was crazy as I see your going through now. But in the big picture the yard and gardens ended up better than ever as yours will with no drought. You will be amazed all the ideas that will come to you once the dust settles.
Exciting times fresh start, if anyone can make this beautiful it’s you , your lucky to be young and have this huge garden, so all good luck for the next few years of fun planting
It's a shame to clear a lot of space, but it needed doing. A chance to think of something else to put in, i hope that you can get your lawn back to what it was eventually, these things take time. Always like your videos.
Enjoyed seeing you with Catherine at the flower show. My heart sunk where you able to remove/save all your fruit trees? from the fruit tree guild? or is that a separate garden area? Renovation is always the storm before the calm. But if you only do one thing be specific with the contractor before you pay the final "bit" what "you" expect is cleanup!! Leveling the ground, removing all construction debris, (purchased or dug up, roots, rocks etc) Your next design may need to include a large path for at least a mini excavator (in case something needs repairing or a truck load of soil, stone or large plants) I don't envy the work but look forward to your new garden design. Thanks you for the updates.
Oh yeah, don't worry, the fruit tree guilds, the greenhouse, the apples trees, they're all safe! It's only one part of the garden that's been cleared. Glad you enjoyed seeing us!
That is a lot of change, and I don't blame you for being stressed. A wonderful opportunity for change though, so havw fun with that. The planning is the good stage. We'll all love to see the results
Think of it as a blank canvas. 8-) Which it sounds like you are doing. Don't worry about uploading videos on any schedule. Just get the project done. And of course I am curious what it looks like when the construction work is complete, and you are ready to start planting. Good luck.
Yeah very much a blank canvas and I can't wait to get stuck in. So much of what was removed was old and far too big (plus not my kind of thing). It's a new adventure!
Wow I feel for you! But please don’t stress about posting, we will be grateful for whatever you can manage but we will be with you in spirit! I have just had a path widened down the side of the house which meant the flower bed had to be reduced and plants potted up. I found that stressful enough but the end result is great. Do take care.
I think having the space and access to create things, which makes it easier for contractors to come in with machinery, means they do expect/want us to make these sacrifices to make the build easier for them. We had it in our farmhouse gardens when we had an extension. Couldn’t do it in a normal house on a housing estate. It’ll be worth it in the long run. I totally understand your angst over it all. It’s hard to look at right now.
It'll be fab when it's all done. And really, I used the opportunity to remove a lot more additional planting and shrubs that just weren't right. It's a great blank canvas!
Im firmly in the shocked camp 😮 if the plants were going to interfere with foundations or the building itself then sure, rip them out but all that for access? I would have carried each brick, timber and bucket of mortar by hand to avoid that damage. A beautiful old magnolia tree was cut down by some builders near me for renovations, is a real shame to see. You have a large blank canvas now and that's most gardeners dream, i hope you have fun designing the new garden, you'll make it better and truly yours! enjoy your extension too.
It was even a shock for me, but it's actually a good thing. A lot of the stuff that I chose to have removed was too old or overgrown and not what I wanted. Instead what I have now is space and a healthy piece of ground to replant -it'll be great!
It's going to be fantastic. Whilst I had access to the heavy machinery I'd be going for a pond. But that's just me. I'm so looking forward to seeing how things turn out. With your vision and attention to detail I can't wait to see how things develop in your future videos 😁
Wow your builders have been brutal with the landscape. Iv had building works done and it is quite possible for them to use a much smaller footprint. Unless you requested that they clear that much space. Anyway its done now. As many others have said you have a nice new blank canvas to work with and I am sure the new extension will be Wonderfull. Starting by reseeding everything with grass is a good idea. Then bit by bit you can cover the grass and reclaim planting spaces. Have fun.
Really a lot of the removal of things was that I took the building opportunity to remove stuff that was too big, too old, or in the wrong place. It's certainly a big shock, but I think it's going to work so well in the future. Loads of room to put together beautiful planting schemes that I think everyone is going to love!
Good morning Niall,great to see you,missed you. My word you've got lots to do there,hope it all works out for you and I look forward to what your plans will be like when you start on your garden. It's been a bit wet and windy over last few weeks here, trying to get my planting done in between the showers, but as you know marigolds are good fodder for the pesky slugs and snails. Already lots have been eaten 😮. I'll keep going and see what happens, I'll have to go now,church time. Thanks for sharing, as always I enjoy your vlogs, take care,don't over do it. Bye for now Happy Gardening 🤗 xx
Hi Hazel! It’s certainly a bit of an undertaking isn’t it?! It’s so nice being able to share it all with people like yourself… makes it feel more manageable. I have marigolds but confession time, I haven’t got them in the ground yet… eek! Have a brilliant week ❤️
Oh I will miss the orange flowering shrub. Your secret garden is not looking too bad. I think you can start from there. Also I hope your fruit tree guilds are doing good. Best wishes for your upcoming projects.
Delighted to see the update on what you're at 😀 and glad you're finally able to tackle the house ❤ The machinery is a heartbreaker indeed, but highly necessary to get the jobs done..plenty of clear canvas for you to work on now, though 😊 Ready to roll up the sleeves 😉 💪💚🌿
Yeah the house is so badly in need of renovation. And when it's done, you'll have to come over and spend the day - I'd love to share a day with you here.
Wow that’s a lot of change. But as you say there’s a lot of it. And it’s needs to be done and when you get to where you wanna it will be better just need to ride it out. Good luck. And it’s good to know you are stil alive
Well, you sure have a lot of work ahead of you!! Just hoping you have an engineer for that extension, not sure I can see a DPC and it's just a single wall construction with no signs of insulation from what I have seen, will be interesting to see how the whole things looks this time next year after planting and some growth. Best of luck!
I sure do! We have top-notch builders doing the work and there's definitely a DPC there, plus the way it's being built it'll be super-insulated when it's finished - can't wait!
It can be seen as a nightmare, but maybe more of an adventure or opportunity? There's so many wonderful opportunities here! Maybe something like a beautiful cottage pollinator garden? I have an area in our yard I allow to get ever so slightly wild for the insects and pollinators. They absolutely love it and it looks beautiful still. Many of our neighbours ask about it when they see it. :)
I totally agree - very much more of an opportunity and adventure than a problem. I like your idea! Because I've tried to make the guild garden function as that as well - somewhere that's really beneficial for pollinators. Watch this space!
@@niallgardens Can't wait to see all that happens! It sounds stressful now, but I imagine there's lots of planning and hopefully you have a couple of good chums that can gift on some extra perennials when the time is right. :) They duplicate or spread very nicely.
Ha. I just did a vid on the naked truth of my garden and my procrastination. You're in transition. I have no excuse. Sorry I missed seeing you when I was in Ireland last month. Just think of your garden/ house future, it's gonna be great after the renovation. Oh, I got to stay at June Blake's Garden. Wow, her garden is amazing.
Ok. That's not what i was expecting to see! Whilst it might have meant enforced changes and destruction to get much needed work done to the house, this change might give you the freedom to do things you couldn't or wouldn't of done and like you said "worked with what you had", rather than what you wanted. Plus, you must have learnt even more about your garden and environment since you have lived there. I am sure the house will look great in the end and i bet you will be counting down the days until it is quiet again before putting your plans in place! Good luck and take care!
That's exactly it - a lot of the planting that I had removed was because I didn't like it, or it was causing me problems by being too big or too old. So it's a whole new phase of the garden's life!
Hi Lovely. What a super project and a nightmare at the same time. Love the idea of the grass garden. Cant wait to see it develop once the builders stop trampling everything down. I know how you feel with everything growing my garden much smaller than yours hasnt had the attention that is needed. But slowly, slowly I hope to get on top of it. Ive had to have a major tidy up at rear of my house as having a static caravan moved. Next week. Very small in the scale of things compared with you.
@@niallgardens That's fair. If you had plans to change things around then this was definitely the opportunity to do it. I just started following you, so it will be fun to see you rebuild =)
Hi Niall. I look forward to following along and seeing how your garden redevelopment goes. I have a question in relation to my Ornamental Rowan/ Mountain Ash trees. 2 out of 3 have failed this year after being planted and doing very well for about 2 years. I was wondering if I should replant with 2 Rowans again in the Autumn (Give it one more try as they are very beneficial for wildlife) or would you recommend any other trees that would give a bit of year round interest. I'm based in South West Ireland. Thanks.
Oh, good question. If you really really want a Rowan, give it a second go. But there can be dangers around replanting the same thing a second time and it may fail. We have an ornamental crabapple called 'Golden Hornet' - why not think about that? You'll see it in my spring and autumn garden tour videos - lovely blossom in spring, then golden fruits that hang on the tree well after leaf drop
😵💫🫠😳 OMG When I understood that your garden was gone, I hoped you’d moved it to a garden show… But it’s really just gone….😢 What did you do with all the plants? Are they stored somehow or did you sell them or what??? I wish you all the best with planning your new garden 🌱🩷🍀 and looking forward to follow your journey ❤
Well the good news is that all of it is gone around the house, but don't worry, we still have the apple trees, the greenhouse, the guild garden etc... and it's looking really lovely at the min! Plus now I have lots of extra room for new opportunities!
I plan on following you to perhaps copy how you will rebuild the beautiful garden you had. I love your videos, and I look forward to learning so much regarding gardening from you.
Wow! That’s gonna be a huge effort! I look forward to seeing your process and, I bet if you start a bunch of perennials from seed soon, you’ll be able to fill the spaces much more affordably. Thanks for sharing the gritty side! (I’m impressed that you don’t seem to be mourning the gardens a bit - I would be!)
Thank you for sharing. Totally respect the privacy issues. I’d be very interested to see how you plant around the extension once it’s done (as touched upon 9 mins in)… maybe from the same camera perspective you have shown in this video? Most people don’t have the huge garden you are lucky to have, we have much more modest plots, often with a conservatory or little extension, so it can be really relevant to explore how best to plant around these to get the best display from a patio/deck but also through the nearby window. Just an idea 😊 Best of luck!
WOW!! That has been a massive change. However, it can change again just as quickly. You've got a great plan, Niall. It'll be great to follow the progress.
Oh wow! I can imagine how hard this has been. 😢 I hope you were able to share plants that you took up. As grim as it is you now have the opportunity to design a new garden on a blank canvas. That can be exciting. I have two acres and it’s totally wooded. It’s like a canopy over 90% of it. I started with the center within the driveway. It’s been Perfect for my fairy garden. Last year I started a cottage garden in pots, but it just didn’t get enough sunlight. So this year I’ve moved it to a sunnier area. It’s like starting over again but I already love it. I also started a small meadow that I’m loving. Once you get it planned out it’s going to be fun. I’m sure you have many ideas already. I’ll be watching for the new garden to evolve. Best wishes. 🌱🪴🪻🐝 Sherry
@@niallgardens thank you, it’s a lot of work by myself but hopefully I can get more done before the heat is unbearable. It’s over 100 degrees today. I’m sure you are ready to get started. I can’t wait to see what all you’re doing. Have a great week!
What do you think? Leave a comment and say hello! 😊
Woah! You've been showing me in bits and pieces in photos, but I had no concept of how huge the damage has been. Niall, I think it's a hidden blessing, the hard graft of removing old plants has been done and now you have the opportunity to create Niall's Garden in that space.
Yeah it's something else isn't it? A whole new blank canvas!
How exciting to have a blank canvas! Those large areas of grass are crying out to be meadows, with paths cut into them 💕
a native or native-ish wildflower meadow was my first thought too ❣
For sure!
Niall, you are playing the long game. I'm excited to see your decisions come to life. I went through this to a smaller degree. My entire garden area had to be ripped out. Gut wrenching. But this summer I am truly enjoying the end result. All the best.
Thanks! Sorry to hear that you had to have your whole garden cleared away
I will miss the magic of your old garden but look forward to seeing how you will transform this new, blank slate.
I think you'll like what I come up with - it's going to have much more varied and interesting planting schemes
Honestly, at first, I was anxious for you. But this is all really exciting! If you take your time, it will be a fun and rewarding endeavor!
Thanks so much for sharing your trials and tribulations in the garden. We all have them.
Best of luck with the renovations Niall ❤
Thanks!! ☺️
Hey Niall when will we have the long awaited update on your house and garden work?
Niall: I've missed you terribly!!! Welcome back. DA
Thanks Donald ❤️ I’m never far away 😊
OMG! Past the initial shock, I became so excited after listening to all of the amazing plans and design ideas to come. Hopefully everything stays on schedule so that you all can execute smoothly. Don't forget to take time for yourselves, both mentally and physically.
Thanks - we definitely will have to pace ourselves. I'm so looking forward to getting stuck into the new planting!
Honestly, at first, I was very anxious for you. But then I thought, what an exciting opportunity! If you take your time and dont get frustrated, it can be a fun and rewarding project! And you luckily still have the guild garden, I read below, which is good because you just bought those trees. You've got this!
I’m excited to see the growth as it unfolds
Thanks! I’m looking forward to it
It's going to look bloody marvelous, have fun dreaming, planning, planting!
Thanks! I think the same!
It sounds like it’s going to be great. Have fun, don’t rush it, we look forward to hearing from you now and again when you can make time for it. What a great opportunity to create something new that is all you!
Thanks Malin! I can't wait to get started with it!
Shouldn’t be too much of a problem to put right but it is really unsettling to rip out established plants and chew up a lawn. But that blank canvas will be perfect for making the extension blend in and grow into the existing structure as the garden develops around it. Really looking forward to seeing what you do with it ❤
It's such a blank canvas now and I'm really excited to see what I can make of it!
Nial. Greetings from Boston. I'm glad to see you! Looking forward to seeing your vision for the new improved garden come to fruition!! There is no doubt in my mind it will be phenomenal! Also - GO Celtics!!!
Yeah I think it'll be fab in the future!
A blank canvas. A great opportunity for your creative talent!!
Thank you! Can't wait to get stuck in once the build is finished!
Wow! I could only imagine the stress of this, but I agree with the others… you now have a blank slate. Patience will be key, but I imagine it will be amazing in years to come.
Fingers crossed! But I think it'll be great!
I know every area will be beautiful. I really enjoy watching your channel. I'm working on my own yard now but I'm sure it be at two more years.I live in Tennessee and it has been in the nineties so HOT
Thanks so much Brenda! Wow, that really is hot!
Awww Niall I am glad that you are still positive and thinking ahead. I’m sure it will all be worth it in the end x
I think it will be! And I'll bringing you on the journey with me!
😮good for u! Grt blank canvas..Looking forward to seeing the perennial planting and getting some ideas 😊
Thanks! Hopefully the planting comes together and it'll be something I can really show off!
Oh Niall, I feel your pain. I am a serial remodeler and still haven't finished our home in 22 years. BUT, we have a dreamy greenhouse and terraced as well as raised veg and flower beds. I hope you fill the clean slate with your dream garden😊
Your garden and home sound lovely! I'm very much looking forward to having a more modern home and a blank canvas to get stuck into!
I love the jewel box idea, can't wait to see it!
Thanks very much!
Hi Niall. So glad to see you, had been concerned that everything was ok. Honestly understand what you are going through. As much as you’re in a process, it’s difficult to go through all the stages and especially the muddy, messy, early bits. When I was getting the greenhouse in and tobermore paving down I honestly thought the garden was ruined for life! I have before and after videos and I still wince when I watch them! I thought the grass was ruined but eventually with a little top soil and seed it came back better than ever. I’m not great at the being patient and the mess made me anxious so I can see that in you too but honestly it will all be more than you ever imagined and always remember that this is being done to improve your home, living area and landscape. An excuse to buy more plants is never a bad thing lol! Rome wasn’t built in a day and look how amazing that is. Enjoy it and look forward to hearing how you get on. X
Thanks so much Julie! That's cool that you have before and after photos. I so agree - any excuse to buy plants is worth it... every time!! hahaha!
I gasped multiple times!! Excited (yet patient of course) to see how it all grows. Thank you for the update, best of luck, and take care!
Thanks! I think you'll like what I'll be putting in its place!
Look forward to progress and development. Do not be overwhelmed.
Thanks Viv!
It's a chance to start completely from scratch knowing what you do now about all your garden and what the soil, winds, etc all suit best. You can make it bespoke just for that area perfect. It'll be amazing I am sure! As soon as the roof is on your extension and no more heavy machinery is coming in, you can start to do stuff. Once you start it will not be as scary seeming, its just that you need to finish that extension before you can really get on with it.
I totally agree - can't wait to get stuck in!
Our neighbors lost a massive 70+ year old redwood tree in the severe winter storms we had year before last. Luckily it didn't do too much damage when it fell but their whole front garden had been shade & now it is full sun so everything has had to be redesigned. It also changed the light conditions in our garden because it used to shade our garden in the afternoon & late evening. Last summer & this year have been both sad (loss of the tree & all the wildlife it suppprted) as well as exciting (new garden opportunities) for our neighbors & for us. I hope you find joy in the new opportunities for your garden even though the destruction right now may feel devastating.
Good luck, missing your monthly plant recommendations
Too true! I’ve watched all of them several times and used his website to get the list. Such great recommendations. Would be great for this to continue and branch out to lesser known but still accessible varieties.
Coming soon!
Don't worry, they'll be making a comeback because I know they're so loved!
@@niallgardens 😍
I cannot WAIT to see how it looks, when it is all finished. We all know, gardens are not a finite snapshot in time. They are living and growing and changing all the time.
I totally agree!
Wowser,fairplay,you have a goal,and a light in the end of the tunnel. I remember ypu saying ye were going to be renovating the house. In Ireland they say we have such green fields,and with our climate,that grass will grow back quickly,don't fret Niall. It will be all worth it. I know it's sad now,but will be all worth it. Much love from me to ye.Your inner creative person will enjoy the blank canvas. I did miss you,,but didn't email this time,ha ha,I just thought with the summer season you are busy.
Now glad you checked in, it's great to see the raw,blank canvas. Well done taking the plunge.
Hi Lorraine! ❤️ Email anytime, I love hearing from you. Yeah I think it's an opportunity to create some of the plantings around the house that I've kind of dreamed about! How are you?
@niallgardens Sorry only saw this now. I'm so excited for you both, getting to make more of what ye want now.
All good here, enjoying the weather, my tomatoes are enjoying it too. First harvest of potatoes today. Very pleased. Will drop an email soon, didn't want to be bothering you pet, you've so much going on. Hope all is going well.
It must have been difficult to see your beautiful garden being uprooted. What a great plan you have to create a space that's going to work for your lifestyle and time. I really appreciate the time you give to producing the videos. Enjoy, its going to be worth all the upheaval.
Thanks very much Ann! I think you'll like how it's going to shape up in the future
I remember about 25 years ago when I was about your age, we made an addition in a house we use to live in. The kayos was crazy as I see your going through now. But in the big picture the yard and gardens ended up better than ever as yours will with no drought. You will be amazed all the ideas that will come to you once the dust settles.
I'm thinking the same - that a change to the house and the garden is going to spur all kinds of good ideas!
We will miss, you of course, but do what you gotta do. Dont stress out. Stay inspired, we’ll be here. Good luck with your project ❤
Thanks!
I’m starting with a pretty blank slate after construction, so I’m subscribing and look forward to following your journey!
Oh cool! You're in a similar position - fab!
Exciting times fresh start, if anyone can make this beautiful it’s you , your lucky to be young and have this huge garden, so all good luck for the next few years of fun planting
That's really kind of you, thanks!
It's a shame to clear a lot of space, but it needed doing. A chance to think of something else to put in, i hope that you can get your lawn back to what it was eventually, these things take time. Always like your videos.
Thanks Carol! Yeah I'll be reinstating a lot of the lawn, plus some lovely new planting that I'm currently planning!
You're exactly right... it will come good in the end! but WOW. We're here for the long haul... so when you're ready, we're here to share :)
I don't do things by halves do I?! hahahaha!
@@niallgardens 🤣 When you go in... you GO IN!
Enjoyed seeing you with Catherine at the flower show. My heart sunk where you able to remove/save all your fruit trees? from the fruit tree guild? or is that a separate garden area? Renovation is always the storm before the calm. But if you only do one thing be specific with the contractor before you pay the final "bit" what "you" expect is cleanup!! Leveling the ground, removing all construction debris, (purchased or dug up, roots, rocks etc)
Your next design may need to include a large path for at least a mini excavator (in case something needs repairing or a truck load of soil, stone or large plants) I don't envy the work but look forward to your new garden design. Thanks you for the updates.
Oh yeah, don't worry, the fruit tree guilds, the greenhouse, the apples trees, they're all safe! It's only one part of the garden that's been cleared. Glad you enjoyed seeing us!
@@niallgardens Glad to hear.
It will all be all right in the end. Have fun!
It sure will!
Good Morning Niall. Take care throughout the renovation. Looking forward to seeing the progress 😃🌱
Thanks very much!
That is a lot of change, and I don't blame you for being stressed. A wonderful opportunity for change though, so havw fun with that. The planning is the good stage. We'll all love to see the results
Yeah it's going to be a super opportunity to create something new and exciting!
Think of it as a blank canvas. 8-) Which it sounds like you are doing. Don't worry about uploading videos on any schedule. Just get the project done. And of course I am curious what it looks like when the construction work is complete, and you are ready to start planting. Good luck.
Yeah very much a blank canvas and I can't wait to get stuck in. So much of what was removed was old and far too big (plus not my kind of thing). It's a new adventure!
Wow I feel for you! But please don’t stress about posting, we will be grateful for whatever you can manage but we will be with you in spirit! I have just had a path widened down the side of the house which meant the flower bed had to be reduced and plants potted up. I found that stressful enough but the end result is great. Do take care.
Thanks Honore! That's really kind!
I think having the space and access to create things, which makes it easier for contractors to come in with machinery, means they do expect/want us to make these sacrifices to make the build easier for them. We had it in our farmhouse gardens when we had an extension. Couldn’t do it in a normal house on a housing estate. It’ll be worth it in the long run. I totally understand your angst over it all. It’s hard to look at right now.
It'll be fab when it's all done. And really, I used the opportunity to remove a lot more additional planting and shrubs that just weren't right. It's a great blank canvas!
Im firmly in the shocked camp 😮 if the plants were going to interfere with foundations or the building itself then sure, rip them out but all that for access? I would have carried each brick, timber and bucket of mortar by hand to avoid that damage. A beautiful old magnolia tree was cut down by some builders near me for renovations, is a real shame to see. You have a large blank canvas now and that's most gardeners dream, i hope you have fun designing the new garden, you'll make it better and truly yours! enjoy your extension too.
It was even a shock for me, but it's actually a good thing. A lot of the stuff that I chose to have removed was too old or overgrown and not what I wanted. Instead what I have now is space and a healthy piece of ground to replant -it'll be great!
Wow...what a change! But it will be so worth it when your house is finished. Think of it as a blank canvas, it will come together in the end x
Totally! I'm excited by the possibilities!
It's going to be fantastic. Whilst I had access to the heavy machinery I'd be going for a pond. But that's just me. I'm so looking forward to seeing how things turn out. With your vision and attention to detail I can't wait to see how things develop in your future videos 😁
We're lucky because we already have 2 ponds, but I do see a 3rd pond in my future! hahahaha!
Very exciting time ahead for you. Looking forward to the updates. Good luck 🍀
Thanks so much!
Will be exciting to see what you do. Take your time. ❤
Thanks very much!
A fresh start and best of luck with it Niall! Look forward to seeing it in future videos 😃
Thanks so much Carl!
A good time to turn your lawn to a diverse planting area! 🎉
Totally!
Wow your builders have been brutal with the landscape. Iv had building works done and it is quite possible for them to use a much smaller footprint. Unless you requested that they clear that much space.
Anyway its done now. As many others have said you have a nice new blank canvas to work with and I am sure the new extension will be Wonderfull. Starting by reseeding everything with grass is a good idea. Then bit by bit you can cover the grass and reclaim planting spaces. Have fun.
Really a lot of the removal of things was that I took the building opportunity to remove stuff that was too big, too old, or in the wrong place. It's certainly a big shock, but I think it's going to work so well in the future. Loads of room to put together beautiful planting schemes that I think everyone is going to love!
Good morning Niall,great to see you,missed you.
My word you've got lots to do there,hope it all works out for you and I look forward to what your plans will be like when you start on your garden. It's been a bit wet and windy over last few weeks here, trying to get my planting done in between the showers, but as you know marigolds are good fodder for the pesky slugs and snails. Already lots have been eaten 😮.
I'll keep going and see what happens, I'll have to go now,church time. Thanks for sharing, as always I enjoy your vlogs, take care,don't over do it. Bye for now Happy Gardening 🤗 xx
Hi Hazel! It’s certainly a bit of an undertaking isn’t it?! It’s so nice being able to share it all with people like yourself… makes it feel more manageable. I have marigolds but confession time, I haven’t got them in the ground yet… eek! Have a brilliant week ❤️
@@niallgardens thanks Niall, have a great week, but by bit eh xx
Oh I will miss the orange flowering shrub. Your secret garden is not looking too bad. I think you can start from there. Also I hope your fruit tree guilds are doing good. Best wishes for your upcoming projects.
I will too! But that's going to get replaced with the same thing, just a smaller size that's more manageable!
Delighted to see the update on what you're at 😀 and glad you're finally able to tackle the house ❤
The machinery is a heartbreaker indeed, but highly necessary to get the jobs done..plenty of clear canvas for you to work on now, though 😊 Ready to roll up the sleeves 😉 💪💚🌿
Yeah the house is so badly in need of renovation. And when it's done, you'll have to come over and spend the day - I'd love to share a day with you here.
@@niallgardens Yey! Just let me know when you're ready for visitors! I'm ready for a road trip! 🥰💚🌿
Wow that’s a lot of change. But as you say there’s a lot of it. And it’s needs to be done and when you get to where you wanna it will be better just need to ride it out. Good luck. And it’s good to know you are stil alive
Yeah it's going to come together really nicely I hope!
Well, you sure have a lot of work ahead of you!!
Just hoping you have an engineer for that extension, not sure I can see a DPC and it's just a single wall construction with no signs of insulation from what I have seen, will be interesting to see how the whole things looks this time next year after planting and some growth. Best of luck!
I sure do! We have top-notch builders doing the work and there's definitely a DPC there, plus the way it's being built it'll be super-insulated when it's finished - can't wait!
@@niallgardens lovely job, can't wait to see the repaired garden, especially the 'secret' one ❤️
Thoroughly enjoyed your talk on cuttings at RHS Malvern! Oh and great video 👍👍
No way! You were there?! That's so cool - thank you!
It can be seen as a nightmare, but maybe more of an adventure or opportunity? There's so many wonderful opportunities here! Maybe something like a beautiful cottage pollinator garden? I have an area in our yard I allow to get ever so slightly wild for the insects and pollinators. They absolutely love it and it looks beautiful still. Many of our neighbours ask about it when they see it. :)
I totally agree - very much more of an opportunity and adventure than a problem. I like your idea! Because I've tried to make the guild garden function as that as well - somewhere that's really beneficial for pollinators. Watch this space!
@@niallgardens Can't wait to see all that happens! It sounds stressful now, but I imagine there's lots of planning and hopefully you have a couple of good chums that can gift on some extra perennials when the time is right. :) They duplicate or spread very nicely.
I wish you a lot of fun and patience for your projects! :-)
Thank you! I think I’ll need it!
Garden acces is so important
Very much so
I think the secret garden will look better in time. A new opportunity to get new plants.
Yeah it really will - and it'll be so much healthier with the extra light and air
Ha. I just did a vid on the naked truth of my garden and my procrastination. You're in transition. I have no excuse. Sorry I missed seeing you when I was in Ireland last month. Just think of your garden/ house future, it's gonna be great after the renovation.
Oh, I got to stay at June Blake's Garden. Wow, her garden is amazing.
No problem - I hope you had a brilliant trip! Yeah I'm very much looking forward to getting stuck into the new parts of the garden!
Ok. That's not what i was expecting to see! Whilst it might have meant enforced changes and destruction to get much needed work done to the house, this change might give you the freedom to do things you couldn't or wouldn't of done and like you said "worked with what you had", rather than what you wanted. Plus, you must have learnt even more about your garden and environment since you have lived there.
I am sure the house will look great in the end and i bet you will be counting down the days until it is quiet again before putting your plans in place!
Good luck and take care!
That's exactly it - a lot of the planting that I had removed was because I didn't like it, or it was causing me problems by being too big or too old. So it's a whole new phase of the garden's life!
@@niallgardens all for the better then really and the lawn should recover. Wishing you luck on your new projects. Take care.
All the best.
Thanks!
Hi Lovely. What a super project and a nightmare at the same time. Love the idea of the grass garden. Cant wait to see it develop once the builders stop trampling everything down.
I know how you feel with everything growing my garden much smaller than yours hasnt had the attention that is needed. But slowly, slowly I hope to get on top of it. Ive had to have a major tidy up at rear of my house as having a static caravan moved. Next week. Very small in the scale of things compared with you.
Thanks so much! 😊 Sounds like you're doing loads of things at your place - super!
Non-edible hedges are kinda boring anyhoo! Excited to see it come on. Good luck with the garden & building!
Thanks very much!
I think you should have got, Better Builders, for a job like that. 🎭
Nah, the builders we have a superb!
It looks painful. But I trust you will make it work.
It’s like ripping off a bandaid… that’s what’s I’m telling myself! 😂
@@niallgardens Deep breaths and get it done ;) It's a blank slate to fill with wonderful things.
@@Oktopia 100%!
Holy heck! All that for what looks like a single room addition?? I don't know if I could have done that...
We dont really know what he has done to the house. I renovated my home and my entire garden was trashed worse than this… and I had no extension!
A lot of it was that I used the opportunity to get other areas cleared at the same time so that the damage was done in one go rather than repeatedly
@@niallgardens That's fair. If you had plans to change things around then this was definitely the opportunity to do it. I just started following you, so it will be fun to see you rebuild =)
I think you chose the wrong builder there mate!
Nah, definitely picked the right one - they're doing a great job and all the clearance was my choice
Not sure about that block work at the bottom corner as shown at 11:05 😳🤔
I have full confidence in them ☺️
Hi Niall. I look forward to following along and seeing how your garden redevelopment goes. I have a question in relation to my Ornamental Rowan/ Mountain Ash trees. 2 out of 3 have failed this year after being planted and doing very well for about 2 years. I was wondering if I should replant with 2 Rowans again in the Autumn (Give it one more try as they are very beneficial for wildlife) or would you recommend any other trees that would give a bit of year round interest. I'm based in South West Ireland. Thanks.
Oh, good question. If you really really want a Rowan, give it a second go. But there can be dangers around replanting the same thing a second time and it may fail. We have an ornamental crabapple called 'Golden Hornet' - why not think about that? You'll see it in my spring and autumn garden tour videos - lovely blossom in spring, then golden fruits that hang on the tree well after leaf drop
@@niallgardens Thanks Niall. I appreciate your reply. Take care.
All your fruit tree guilds?
Thankfully not! They're all intact and looking lovely - they'll be in a video very soon!
who gives a damn ..who cares...
You
Hahahahaha! Love this reply - you beat me to it!
Best of luck with all the projects. Change is hard but in the end it will be beautiful. 🌼🪻🌸
Thanks!
😵💫🫠😳 OMG
When I understood that your garden was gone, I hoped you’d moved it to a garden show… But it’s really just gone….😢
What did you do with all the plants? Are they stored somehow or did you sell them or what???
I wish you all the best with planning your new garden 🌱🩷🍀 and looking forward to follow your journey ❤
Well the good news is that all of it is gone around the house, but don't worry, we still have the apple trees, the greenhouse, the guild garden etc... and it's looking really lovely at the min! Plus now I have lots of extra room for new opportunities!
Hello
This is going to be interesting. Now you can make the garden your own🍻💯
That's the plan! That’s exactly what I’m thinking (and it’s what’s keeping me positive) 😊
I plan on following you to perhaps copy how you will rebuild the beautiful garden you had. I love your videos, and I look forward to learning so much regarding gardening from you.
Thanks so much - hopefully you enjoy my videos in the future!
Wow! That’s gonna be a huge effort! I look forward to seeing your process and, I bet if you start a bunch of perennials from seed soon, you’ll be able to fill the spaces much more affordably. Thanks for sharing the gritty side! (I’m impressed that you don’t seem to be mourning the gardens a bit - I would be!)
Thanks! I like being able to share the 'real' or 'less-than-ideal' stuff as well as the nice stuff!
Thank you for sharing. Totally respect the privacy issues. I’d be very interested to see how you plant around the extension once it’s done (as touched upon 9 mins in)… maybe from the same camera perspective you have shown in this video? Most people don’t have the huge garden you are lucky to have, we have much more modest plots, often with a conservatory or little extension, so it can be really relevant to explore how best to plant around these to get the best display from a patio/deck but also through the nearby window. Just an idea 😊 Best of luck!
You’re welcome! That’s a great idea and I certainly do plan on sharing how I plant that area. Hopefully it’ll be useful inspiration!
@@niallgardens I’m sure it will. Thank you.
Love your channel!
Thank you so much!
WOW!!
That has been a massive change.
However, it can change again just as quickly. You've got a great plan, Niall. It'll be great to follow the progress.
Thanks Stephen! Can't wait to get stuck in!
Ouch! This must hurt, but I'm sure the next version is going to be even more beautiful.
Yeah I think it's going to be fab!
Tough as it is to see the devastation, I'm glad you've already got plans for how to redevelop your space!
Yeah I think it will be great!
Oh wow! I can imagine how hard this has been. 😢 I hope you were able to share plants that you took up. As grim as it is you now have the opportunity to design a new garden on a blank canvas. That can be exciting. I have two acres and it’s totally wooded. It’s like a canopy over 90% of it. I started with the center within the driveway. It’s been Perfect for my fairy garden. Last year I started a cottage garden in pots, but it just didn’t get enough sunlight. So this year I’ve moved it to a sunnier area. It’s like starting over again but I already love it. I also started a small meadow that I’m loving.
Once you get it planned out it’s going to be fun. I’m sure you have many ideas already. I’ll be watching for the new garden to evolve. Best wishes. 🌱🪴🪻🐝
Sherry
Love hearing about your garden - it sounds brilliant! Yeah I'm very much looking forward to getting stuck in!
@@niallgardens thank you, it’s a lot of work by myself but hopefully I can get more done before the heat is unbearable. It’s over 100 degrees today.
I’m sure you are ready to get started. I can’t wait to see what all you’re doing. Have a great week!