@everyone Thank you for your kindness, compassion and connection. I keep reflecting on what a gift it is to connect with each one of you. And when you share your stories of grief and loss, it is a comfort to know I am not alone. I have read each one of your comments over and over and can feel my dad cheering me on. He was an incredible horseman and so I know he's smiling as he watches me get back on the horse. Sending love to you all. Thank you for being with me on this journey!
Kate, you are such a natural in front of the camera. I really like your voice and calm way of speaking. No hype, no unnatural “excitement” that most TH-camrs are trying to create. You’re a breath of fresh air.
Thank you for sharing what happens in real life. As a viewer, we don't want to only see the pretty, and appreciate you showing not only your neglected flower garden, but also sharing your grief. I've lost both my parents and only sibling, so I understand the grief too well. You've got this, and we all look forward to watching the transformation! Hugs
That garden neglect was not a mistake, but grief. I have been there. Definitely give yourself grace and take a little at a time. The garden will again become a comfort and joy.
Oh, Kate! I'm so grateful that you are sharing your heart and your cut flower garden with us all. Working in this special garden will be so healing for you! I always find such peace and healing in my Midwest garden. Three years ago, both of my brothers passed away suddenly from Covid. Just five months later, my dear mom passed away suddenly. Time in my garden brought me peace. My mom taught me all about gardening, so I feel her so close to me in my garden. Last summer, I created a beautiful Hummingbird Garden in honor of my sweet mom. She loved the hummingbirds that visited her AZ garden. It brings me peace and joy to watch the hummingbirds visit my garden now. Perhaps you can plant something special or place a bench near your cut flower garden, in loving memory of your dad. Huge hugs, dear Kate! 🩷
My dear, this is not a mistake that you are showing us, but your journey. Thank you for allowing us a glimpse of this journey, and within that allowing ourselves to relate with you. I speak from my own recent family and gardening journey. It is healing. Thank you again for sharing. And thank you to Janey, who guided me to your channel. Much love from WI.
Oh, Kate! I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my dad August last year. I completely let my cottage garden get overrun with weeds due to grief. BUT, just like you, I decided to honor my dad (and his love of growing things) by taking back my garden. How I wish I lived near you because many hands make light work. Can’t wait to see your finished product. If you ever come to NC, I’d love to share my garden with you.
I love the vulnerable authenticity of showing real life. Between an injury & the chaotic turmoil of several unexpected life events, lots of things I wanted to do with my garden didn't happen for the last several years. My front garden looks pretty good but my backyard garden is a hot mess... One thing at a time, baby steps & all that.
Kate, lynne here from Canada. Just recently found your channel and I’m loving it. Talk to yourself as you’d talk to a friend. . Be patient and use this as a great teaching moment for us viewers. Having gone through a lot of grief recently myself, I feel your pain. Onwards and upwards
Grief can feel like a ton of rocks on your heart. It crushes one's spirit and drive. Coming back from the pain of sudden loss is a slow journey. This will be beautiful again and a testament to your Dad.
Thank you for keeping it real.. and I’m sorry for your loss.. I understand I lost my mom to cancer about 5yrs ago.. Now I have a dedicated space in my garden for her..
Thanks for keeping it real. It was refreshing to see a garden needing a do-over. I lost my sister last fall and all the usual en of season cleanup went undone. We ended up doing the essential chores just as the snow started to fly.
THANK YOU for posting this video Kate!! I feel it is necessary to show reality to keep people/me watching and engaged. We all have these areas in our gardens, houses, garages etc that aren't picture perfect, I find it relatable and refreshing to see all sides, good, bad and ugly! It takes hard work to design and maintain a garden, when life throws a curve ball like the death of a parent, our energy, focus and passion can be totally depleted for a while. I'm sorry about your Dad's passing, I have lost both of my parents too, it's been years but I still miss them especially this time of yr. when my Mom and I were so excited and inspired to get back into the garden.
I’m glad you showed what happens to many people whose life changes in unexpected ways. My husband has an illness that threw me out if the norm but l keep trying my best and that is real life. Sometimes we fall behind but we should never give up. I think you are talented and awesome.
Glad to find your channel.. I'm as well going to grief.... Loss my mom 5 years ago and recently my baby only brother ....winter is long when you going outdoors and gardening bring hope and joy !Blessing to your journey looking forward to see your progress!!
Thank you thank you! I am in for it! I will be continuing to watch you. I have a sneaky suspicion that you are going to help us all make our gardens beautiful.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I went through cancer and treatment took its toll. It took all my energy to go to work and daily in home chores. The weeds took over my front cottage garden, then a cold snap and storm destroyed the rest of the perennials and some shrubs. It gave me a new start in myself as I redesigned my new cottage garden. I'm so glad I found you as I'm also a PNW gardener.
Thank you for sharing what’s real. We have to deal with weeds too. A few years ago I made a massive garden and the weeds were just too much. I scaled it back tremendously. The cardboard and mulch should work good. I’m excited to see your cut flower garden transformation!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I lost my father in October 2022 from a sudden stroke. He was a big gardener and I could not touch my garden for a year. I went through a few motions, but all I could do was remember him in my garden, pulling weeds or dividing plants. This is the first spring and wow! the work I have ahead of me and am currently doing! I am realizing the solace that the garden is giving me. I’m along for the ride on this journey with you! Cheers!
Hello, I'm sorry you have been through such a hard time. The garden is such a healing time. Just a note, I've found that using a garden fork for digging dahlia tbrds works better for me than a shovel.
Thank you. And I agree! I couldn’t find my fork before filming and was anxious to get after it so I just grabbed my shovel. I’ve since found my fork in the back of the shed and I’m back at it. 😆
Thank you. I so needed to hear your message of being kind to yourself. I came home to take care of my parents and my Mom had a stroke. To encourage her to move and get out, I started redesigning her yard/garden. It fast became my therapy as well. Fast forward 2 years ago she was in hospital and said she just wanted to come home and see the garden bloom one more time. I brought her home. Set up hospice and spent that spring packing in every blooming annual I could get my hands onI didn’t have a bare inch of soil. She did get her wish to see the blooms as we wheeled her out and took her in a tour. She passed 2 days later. Last year I didn’t have the energy or joy to keep up in the beds. Lost a lot of shrubs over an extremely wet winter. Weeds took over. So it’s a new spring, a new season of life and your message has hit my heart. Id already started tackling one section at a time. Instead of looking at it as a chore; you’ve encouraged me to look at the joy of creating something beautiful again. I’m going to need it as this new season in life also finds me needing to provide my dad with extra care. Again thank you.
Oh, Kate! I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my dad August last year. I completely let my cottage garden get overrun with weeds due to grief. BUT, just like you, I decided to honor my dad (and his love of growing things) by taking back my garden. How I wish I lived near you because many hands make light work. Can’t wait to see your finished product. If you ever come to NC, I’d love to share my garden with you.
You know how much joy that you will have with your garden later once you get it back and know that you’re Dad is by your side watching you do your favorite thing. Good for you to share that loss is not easy.. Give yourself some grace and know that your garden is going to be beautiful once again.❤️🌞
Hearing your story made me cry for my father that passed 40 years ago with lung cancer. The pain never leaves. Finding happiness again is so important ❤❤
I am much more inspired watching someone battle a garden that is overrun by weeds than the picture perfect gardens that take a team to maintain. It’s more relatable. This is the year that I reclaim my gardens too. I’ve made a great start but still have a lot of work ahead.
Thank you for sharing. I’ve been there too and can totally relate. I just sat inside and watched all my flowers die and the weeds thrive. So glad we’re both in a better place! Deanna
Having lost my dad unexpectedly I know how that grief can turn things upside down. No judgement on what did or did not get done. Taking care of yourself is important. Now thatt you are reclaiming your garden I hope it helps you to reclaim that joy as well. I hope you do a video on dividing the tubers. I have a massive dahlia tuber to divide and am totally intimidated.
Sometimes life knocks us down and it takes a minute to regroup. Thank you for showing us your honesty and courage. I really look forward to watching you restore your cut flower garden to its former beauty.
Thanks for this honest video! It is a real representation of what life looks like, in loss and our gardens. That takes a lot of bravery. I believe the garden is a healing space. I hope you find solace despite the bindweed & blackberries. Thank you for sharing your cut flower recovery project. I can’t wait to see what you do with it.- No pressure intended. You will someday be thankful you have a documented history of the space and how far it has come.
Thank you for sharing. I realized one of my issues for a while is grief. The loss of a friend, then another, and another, and a neighbor. All since November 2023. When you shared your story I realized that is why my energy has just evaporated. You helped me answer my question why am I so lethargic? I should have recognized it, but I did not. Spring is beautiful here and I shall plant some seeds today!
Kate, you have a wonderful attitude. I am glad you never give up. We must keep moving forward. You are a wonderful person. I lost alot of plants this year from the late freeze . I live in magnolia area of Seattle. I am so happy to have found you in my area. I watch u tube and the gardeners are all far away, but not you yaya. Take care and until next time. See you soon. ❤❤
Most of your dahlia don’t look like they need dividing! It’s my understanding that a big clump produces more flowers…mow the paths (minimum work)..or cardboard and wood chips mulch (free free free!) best thing ever!….my garden is my comfort place and has gotten me through some very tough times (death of a 17 year old granddaughter)…your flower garden will bring you solace and joy….😊
Keeping life real ! Gardening is our passion our joy yet real life is where we live and we must deal and go through! Our gardens will live us back once we share with them where we’ve been. It will bring you joy getting in this space again. Little by little ! I’ve bedn there and you will hear from many of us that no one ever gets out of life without sadness. Sorry for your loss. Gardens heal us! You are terrific to share!
Thank you for showing us and thank you for the courage to go forward. You said so many true and meaningful words of wisdom. Hard things can break us or and help shape us into something better. Life is full of all bunch of ups and downs. Giving ourselves Grace is so important. Also love the overalls. YES, DO A VIDEO ON YOUR OVERALLS I TAKE IT AN OVERALL IS YOUR GARDEN UNIFORM! I'm zone 5B and dahlias are annuals for us. I don't want to mess with digging, storing, etc. So i just buy new. I don't plant that many. .i figure it is compost for my bed.
First, sorry for your loss, my Sisters and I became orphans after my Mom passed, at 96, in 2019. My thought is to make a part of that space a memorial of sorts for your Dad. I planted Roses for my Mom with some of her ashes. I searched for Roses in her fave Coral color, year of birth, names, etc. I call them my Momorial Roses. For my Dad, who passed in 2001, I planted a climbing rose from 1918, his birthyear. It's going strong on the North side of my house in Zone 6, Paris, France suburbs. After 3 years in the States Mom-caring, I came back to an uncared-for garden. Lots of work that I'm still battling with, so don't be too hard on yourself, you've had good reasons for neglecting a part of the yard. xoxo
Thank you for posting this Kate. Struggling with ennui/overwhelm with my cut flower garden and not letting perfection be the enemy of progress. I missed my planting window for cool flowers so am trying to re-imagine things with zinnias and dahlias only. Feeling a little more inspired after watching your video. Jill (your neighbor up in Edmonds)
Oh Kate, I'm so sorry for your loss, It will be comforting to get back in your gardens, I'm sure your Dad would love that, He will be with you too. Prayers for your family . 💐
Thanks for sharing an imperfect garden. I felt like that when my life was in 3rd gear and my yard wasn’t in any of those gears! 😂 It’s been 2 years and it’s looking much better! I feel your pain. It is exciting to dig in and make the changes and see improvements every week. I know it will be a beautiful flower garden again. (I really like the grass lanes. It gives it a cottage feel).
You are an absolute sweetheart! Thank you for being kind and gentle with yourself and for being very real and unpolished as you put it 😊 It makes you that much more relatable and I really appreciate and respect your style. Sending you a hug and a thank you girly 💕
Loved the rawness of this video. It's so hard to lose close friends and family members. I have developed a special garden in tribute to my sisters passing. It gives me joy to go out and work and watch it transform through the seasons. Brings to close to her again. Hugs
I, for one, do appreciate seeing someone else's garden mess. Don't we all have that one area (or more)? I am looking forward to seeing how you reclaim your garden, and to watch your progress.
I am so glad you posted this! I have taken care of my parents at my home for the last almost 7 years and I have tried to keep the garden going, but have lost ground in a lot of area due to the more important priorities of taking care of their many health needs. I am so grateful for the time I had with them and do not regret the weedy and dead garden plants that are the result. I am beginning to find comfort in the time I am spending pulling those weeds and beginning to plan to plant - wondering how to fight the large deer herd that has developed in our area in the last few years. I would love your input on deer resistant gardens when you have the time. They have massacred my Poets Laurel, Rhododendrons, Camellias, Bergenia's, and the list goes on. Absolutely love your videos!! Know that your Dad would want you to get out and do the things you love and remember with joy the times you had together.
Everyone is entitled to take a break when they are grieving. You take as long as you need. Thanks for sharing your garden. Looking forward to the progress 😀🏵🌺🌼
Bless your heart ,I went through that a few years ago myself . I hope the flowers give you happiness. With gardening we all need Grace. A garden is not perfect and neither are we 🙏 🌿🍃
This was so truthful and heartfelt Thank you Kate . We all have some areas of the garden that don’t look so great . You inspire me to get out there and keep fighting the fight ❤
You are a brave soul, for showing your cutting garden. Yes, it will be work to reclaim it, but you already found some dahlia’s that survived. Right now I sit here planning a new Japanese garden, in 32 deg. day. But all things in a garden is worthwhile. Even if it’s just planting one new thing. It always brings a gardener joy! 👍🏻💕
Kate, I’m sorry for your loss. This was a beautiful video. Thank you for letting us in and reminding us how to cope and move forward when real life hits you.
I just found you after watching the Seattle Plant show. I love your personality and your ideas, but this four-month-old video clinched my heart for you. You are real, you are strong, and you are such a positive, funny, learned gardener. Can't wait to catch up on anything else I missed. So sorry for your father's passing, parents are anchors at any age and they have known you the longest in your life so yes...chin up and honor him by sharing yourself with us. I know how much work that row of dahlias was and I commend you for getting through it in one sitting!
Thank you for this comment… it really touched my heart. That cut flower garden has been a journey and I still have so much to do, but it’s getting there and I’m so grateful to have this constant encouragement to keep going!
Short term goals and you’ll get there, you have all of our support! Showing successes and messes keeps it real and in perspective for the rest of us, so thankyou! ❄️🇨🇦❄️
My condolences for your loss. Thank you for sharing the ugly and the pretty. It keeps us all real and down to earth and proves life happens. It’s not all flowers all the time. Grief is love with no place to go…until one day we find a place to plant it, so that it may be beautiful again and our heart lighter. May you continue to find peace in the garden and in memories of your father.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope you can give yourself grace and time. The garden will be ready when you are. It has been two years since dad's diagnosis and I cried after filming this video. It's a journey and the grief still comes in waves. Big hugs to you.
Kate! I can totally relate to this. We moved to our new home 4 years ago and over the last 3 years lost a brother and sister. The garden is my sanctuary. When I see a plant come back to life in the spring it brings me so much hope and happiness. Please know you are not alone. I’m sorry for your loss but, I can’t wait to see your garden transformed. Wishing you joy and recovery every moment in the garden. It’s there! ❤️
Kate,thanks for sharing your mess. Unfortunately, that’s when life happens. Our garden was my healing place when my husband died. The next year was so hard because I was by myself caring for it. I missed his companionship, but yeti could see him everywhere. In you recovering your flower garden will give you joy.
This wasn’t a mistake. Life happens and takes turns that affect us for a long time. Seeing the potential and regaining the beauty of your space is inspiring and I’m glad you showed us 😊😊
What a lovely day with you in the garden. I'm also in Seattle and I've heard a lot of friends lost Dahlia tubers over this winter (too moist)? I'm a 1st time Dahlia grower this year; from Floret seeds. So far, so good!!! On a suggestion, I garden with a friend / cousin when I have bigger chores. We either share time with one another or I hire my cousin to help me really get things accomplished. We work together and we make it fun and productive. I'm always so thankful for the progress we can make as a team! 💚🤍
@everyone Thank you for your kindness, compassion and connection. I keep reflecting on what a gift it is to connect with each one of you. And when you share your stories of grief and loss, it is a comfort to know I am not alone. I have read each one of your comments over and over and can feel my dad cheering me on. He was an incredible horseman and so I know he's smiling as he watches me get back on the horse. Sending love to you all. Thank you for being with me on this journey!
Kate, you are such a natural in front of the camera. I really like your voice and calm way of speaking. No hype, no unnatural “excitement” that most TH-camrs are trying to create. You’re a breath of fresh air.
Thank you for sharing what happens in real life. As a viewer, we don't want to only see the pretty, and appreciate you showing not only your neglected flower garden, but also sharing your grief. I've lost both my parents and only sibling, so I understand the grief too well. You've got this, and we all look forward to watching the transformation! Hugs
That garden neglect was not a mistake, but grief. I have been there. Definitely give yourself grace and take a little at a time. The garden will again become a comfort and joy.
Oh, Kate! I'm so grateful that you are sharing your heart and your cut flower garden with us all. Working in this special garden will be so healing for you! I always find such peace and healing in my Midwest garden. Three years ago, both of my brothers passed away suddenly from Covid. Just five months later, my dear mom passed away suddenly. Time in my garden brought me peace. My mom taught me all about gardening, so I feel her so close to me in my garden. Last summer, I created a beautiful Hummingbird Garden in honor of my sweet mom. She loved the hummingbirds that visited her AZ garden. It brings me peace and joy to watch the hummingbirds visit my garden now. Perhaps you can plant something special or place a bench near your cut flower garden, in loving memory of your dad.
Huge hugs, dear Kate! 🩷
My dear, this is not a mistake that you are showing us, but your journey. Thank you for allowing us a glimpse of this journey, and within that allowing ourselves to relate with you. I speak from my own recent family and gardening journey. It is healing. Thank you again for sharing. And thank you to Janey, who guided me to your channel. Much love from WI.
Oh it has taken ages to summon the courage to reply to all these comments. Thank you for your kindness and support… much love from WA. 💕
Love how real you are ♥️ even tho I lost my Mom ….she’s in the garden with me everyday 💞💞💞🌻
Oh, Kate! I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my dad August last year. I completely let my cottage garden get overrun with weeds due to grief. BUT, just like you, I decided to honor my dad (and his love of growing things) by taking back my garden. How I wish I lived near you because many hands make light work. Can’t wait to see your finished product. If you ever come to NC, I’d love to share my garden with you.
Kate, way to go! You’re right, such an enormous job! But we are gardeners, this is what we do! I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing.
I love the vulnerable authenticity of showing real life. Between an injury & the chaotic turmoil of several unexpected life events, lots of things I wanted to do with my garden didn't happen for the last several years. My front garden looks pretty good but my backyard garden is a hot mess... One thing at a time, baby steps & all that.
Kate, lynne here from Canada. Just recently found your channel and I’m loving it. Talk to yourself as you’d talk to a friend. . Be patient and use this as a great teaching moment for us viewers. Having gone through a lot of grief recently myself, I feel your pain. Onwards and upwards
Grief can feel like a ton of rocks on your heart. It crushes one's spirit and drive. Coming back from the pain of sudden loss is a slow journey. This will be beautiful again and a testament to your Dad.
Thank you for keeping it real.. and I’m sorry for your loss.. I understand I lost my mom to cancer about 5yrs ago.. Now I have a dedicated space in my garden for her..
Thanks for being real! 🌿
Thanks for keeping it real. It was refreshing to see a garden needing a do-over. I lost my sister last fall and all the usual en of season cleanup went undone. We ended up doing the essential chores just as the snow started to fly.
THANK YOU for posting this video Kate!! I feel it is necessary to show reality to keep people/me watching and engaged. We all have these areas in our gardens, houses, garages etc that aren't picture perfect, I find it relatable and refreshing to see all sides, good, bad and ugly! It takes hard work to design and maintain a garden, when life throws a curve ball like the death of a parent, our energy, focus and passion can be totally depleted for a while. I'm sorry about your Dad's passing, I have lost both of my parents too, it's been years but I still miss them especially this time of yr. when my Mom and I were so excited and inspired to get back into the garden.
It'll be beautiful when you are finished!
I’m glad you showed what happens to many people whose life changes in unexpected ways. My husband has an illness that threw me out if the norm but l keep trying my best and that is real life. Sometimes we fall behind but we should never give up. I think you are talented and awesome.
Love this video, looking forward to seeing your cut flower garden journey.❤
Glad to find your channel.. I'm as well going to grief.... Loss my mom 5 years ago and recently my baby only brother ....winter is long when you going outdoors and gardening bring hope and joy !Blessing to your journey looking forward to see your progress!!
Love this video and I’m going to enjoy watching you work on this beautiful area 🥰
Thank you thank you! I am in for it! I will be continuing to watch you. I have a sneaky suspicion that you are going to help us all make our gardens beautiful.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I went through cancer and treatment took its toll. It took all my energy to go to work and daily in home chores. The weeds took over my front cottage garden, then a cold snap and storm destroyed the rest of the perennials and some shrubs. It gave me a new start in myself as I redesigned my new cottage garden. I'm so glad I found you as I'm also a PNW gardener.
Heartfelt video❤ One day at a time....
One day at a time for sure. 💕
Thank you for sharing what’s real. We have to deal with weeds too. A few years ago I made a massive garden and the weeds were just too much. I scaled it back tremendously. The cardboard and mulch should work good. I’m excited to see your cut flower garden transformation!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I lost my father in October 2022 from a sudden stroke. He was a big gardener and I could not touch my garden for a year. I went through a few motions, but all I could do was remember him in my garden, pulling weeds or dividing plants. This is the first spring and wow! the work I have ahead of me and am currently doing! I am realizing the solace that the garden is giving me. I’m along for the ride on this journey with you! Cheers!
Hello, I'm sorry you have been through such a hard time. The garden is such a healing time. Just a note, I've found that using a garden fork for digging dahlia tbrds works better for me than a shovel.
Thank you. And I agree! I couldn’t find my fork before filming and was anxious to get after it so I just grabbed my shovel. I’ve since found my fork in the back of the shed and I’m back at it. 😆
Thank you for sharing ❤
Thank you for being here! 💕
I feel your pain...been there.... one weed at a time girl!!!
So well said… one weed at a time. 💕
❤🙏
My gardening life is based on cardboard mulching!
Thank you. I so needed to hear your message of being kind to yourself. I came home to take care of my parents and my Mom had a stroke. To encourage her to move and get out, I started redesigning her yard/garden. It fast became my therapy as well. Fast forward 2 years ago she was in hospital and said she just wanted to come home and see the garden bloom one more time. I brought her home. Set up hospice and spent that spring packing in every blooming annual I could get my hands onI didn’t have a bare inch of soil. She did get her wish to see the blooms as we wheeled her out and took her in a tour. She passed 2 days later. Last year I didn’t have the energy or joy to keep up in the beds. Lost a lot of shrubs over an extremely wet winter. Weeds took over. So it’s a new spring, a new season of life and your message has hit my heart. Id already started tackling one section at a time. Instead of looking at it as a chore; you’ve encouraged me to look at the joy of creating something beautiful again. I’m going to need it as this new season in life also finds me needing to provide my dad with extra care. Again thank you.
It’s good to see real gardens, not just perfect gardens. Thanks for the journey.
Oh, Kate! I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my dad August last year. I completely let my cottage garden get overrun with weeds due to grief. BUT, just like you, I decided to honor my dad (and his love of growing things) by taking back my garden. How I wish I lived near you because many hands make light work. Can’t wait to see your finished product. If you ever come to NC, I’d love to share my garden with you.
You know how much joy that you will have with your garden later once you get it back and know that you’re Dad is by your side watching you do your favorite thing. Good for you to share that loss is not easy.. Give yourself some grace and know that your garden is going to be beautiful once again.❤️🌞
Hearing your story made me cry for my father that passed 40 years ago with lung cancer. The pain never leaves. Finding happiness again is so important ❤❤
Thank you for your honesty, our world needs more women like you
I am much more inspired watching someone battle a garden that is overrun by weeds than the picture perfect gardens that take a team to maintain. It’s more relatable. This is the year that I reclaim my gardens too. I’ve made a great start but still have a lot of work ahead.
Thank you for sharing. I’ve been there too and can totally relate. I just sat inside and watched all my flowers die and the weeds thrive. So glad we’re both in a better place! Deanna
Having lost my dad unexpectedly I know how that grief can turn things upside down. No judgement on what did or did not get done. Taking care of yourself is important. Now thatt you are reclaiming your garden I hope it helps you to reclaim that joy as well.
I hope you do a video on dividing the tubers. I have a massive dahlia tuber to divide and am totally intimidated.
Sometimes life knocks us down and it takes a minute to regroup. Thank you for showing us your honesty and courage. I really look forward to watching you restore your cut flower garden to its former beauty.
A row of happy sunflowers 🌻 along a side?
Thanks for this honest video! It is a real representation of what life looks like, in loss and our gardens. That takes a lot of bravery. I believe the garden is a healing space. I hope you find solace despite the bindweed & blackberries. Thank you for sharing your cut flower recovery project. I can’t wait to see what you do with it.- No pressure intended. You will someday be thankful you have a documented history of the space and how far it has come.
You are amazing beautiful and talented. Sometimes life gets hard for all of us. Looking forward to your new beautiful cut flower garden❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for sharing. I realized one of my issues for a while is grief. The loss of a friend, then another, and another, and a neighbor. All since November 2023. When you shared your story I realized that is why my energy has just evaporated. You helped me answer my question why am I so lethargic? I should have recognized it, but I did not. Spring is beautiful here and I shall plant some seeds today!
Kate, you have a wonderful attitude. I am glad you never give up. We must keep moving forward. You are a wonderful person. I lost alot of plants this year from the late freeze . I live in magnolia area of Seattle. I am so happy to have found you in my area. I watch u tube and the gardeners are all far away, but not you yaya. Take care and until next time. See you soon. ❤❤
Most of your dahlia don’t look like they need dividing! It’s my understanding that a big clump produces more flowers…mow the paths (minimum work)..or cardboard and wood chips mulch (free free free!) best thing ever!….my garden is my comfort place and has gotten me through some very tough times (death of a 17 year old granddaughter)…your flower garden will bring you solace and joy….😊
Keeping life real ! Gardening is our passion our joy yet real life is where we live and we must deal and go through! Our gardens will live us back once we share with them where we’ve been. It will bring you joy getting in this space again. Little by little ! I’ve bedn there and you will hear from many of us that no one ever gets out of life without sadness. Sorry for your loss. Gardens heal us! You are terrific to share!
In gardening, a loss is also a new start .
Thank you for sharing!! Thanks for being honest!!!!! ❤❤❤
Thank you for showing us and thank you for the courage to go forward. You said so many true and meaningful words of wisdom. Hard things can break us or and help shape us into something better. Life is full of all bunch of ups and downs. Giving ourselves Grace is so important.
Also love the overalls. YES, DO A VIDEO ON YOUR OVERALLS I TAKE IT AN OVERALL IS YOUR GARDEN UNIFORM!
I'm zone 5B and dahlias are annuals for us. I don't want to mess with digging, storing, etc. So i just buy new. I don't plant that many.
.i figure it is compost for my bed.
First, sorry for your loss, my Sisters and I became orphans after my Mom passed, at 96, in 2019.
My thought is to make a part of that space a memorial of sorts for your Dad. I planted Roses for my Mom with some of her ashes. I searched for Roses in her fave Coral color, year of birth, names, etc. I call them my Momorial Roses. For my Dad, who passed in 2001, I planted a climbing rose from 1918, his birthyear. It's going strong on the North side of my house in Zone 6, Paris, France suburbs. After 3 years in the States Mom-caring, I came back to an uncared-for garden. Lots of work that I'm still battling with, so don't be too hard on yourself, you've had good reasons for neglecting a part of the yard. xoxo
Thank you for posting this Kate. Struggling with ennui/overwhelm with my cut flower garden and not letting perfection be the enemy of progress. I missed my planting window for cool flowers so am trying to re-imagine things with zinnias and dahlias only. Feeling a little more inspired after watching your video. Jill (your neighbor up in Edmonds)
Oh Kate, I'm so sorry for your loss, It will be comforting to get back in your gardens, I'm sure your Dad would love that, He will be with you too. Prayers for your family . 💐
Thanks for sharing an imperfect garden. I felt like that when my life was in 3rd gear and my yard wasn’t in any of those gears! 😂 It’s been 2 years and it’s looking much better! I feel your pain. It is exciting to dig in and make the changes and see improvements every week. I know it will be a beautiful flower garden again. (I really like the grass lanes. It gives it a cottage feel).
You are an absolute sweetheart! Thank you for being kind and gentle with yourself and for being very real and unpolished as you put it 😊 It makes you that much more relatable and I really appreciate and respect your style. Sending you a hug and a thank you girly 💕
Loved the rawness of this video. It's so hard to lose close friends and family members. I have developed a special garden in tribute to my sisters passing. It gives me joy to go out and work and watch it transform through the seasons. Brings to close to her again. Hugs
I, for one, do appreciate seeing someone else's garden mess. Don't we all have that one area (or more)? I am looking forward to seeing how you reclaim your garden, and to watch your progress.
Have yourself grace. You deserve it.
Real life is appreciated. I look forward to seeing your beautiful work❤
Your in Washington state and you can leave your dahlias in the ground? Awesome
I am so glad you posted this! I have taken care of my parents at my home for the last almost 7 years and I have tried to keep the garden going, but have lost ground in a lot of area due to the more important priorities of taking care of their many health needs. I am so grateful for the time I had with them and do not regret the weedy and dead garden plants that are the result. I am beginning to find comfort in the time I am spending pulling those weeds and beginning to plan to plant - wondering how to fight the large deer herd that has developed in our area in the last few years. I would love your input on deer resistant gardens when you have the time. They have massacred my Poets Laurel, Rhododendrons, Camellias, Bergenia's, and the list goes on. Absolutely love your videos!! Know that your Dad would want you to get out and do the things you love and remember with joy the times you had together.
I am so sorry you and your family have been grieving. You won't regret reclaiming the cut flower garden!Thanks for the reality check
Everyone is entitled to take a break when they are grieving. You take as long as you need. Thanks for sharing your garden. Looking forward to the progress 😀🏵🌺🌼
Thanks for sharing! So many of us riding on that horse with you! Giddy-up!!!!
Bless your heart ,I went through that a few years ago myself . I hope the flowers give you happiness. With gardening we all need Grace. A garden is not perfect and neither are we 🙏 🌿🍃
I will enjoy watching your efforts to reclaim this space. It will be glorious!
I’m so happy to have found you. I’m here in Sequim. Grief is a process and we walk it together 🌼
Such an amazing video. I was just wishing I could be there to help.
This was so truthful and heartfelt Thank you Kate . We all have some areas of the garden that don’t look so great . You inspire me to get out there and keep fighting the fight ❤
I'm so sorry Kate, we had the same thing happen to my Dad. Big hugs...you can do this!
You are a brave soul, for showing your cutting garden. Yes, it will be work to reclaim it, but you already found some dahlia’s that survived. Right now I sit here planning a new Japanese garden, in 32 deg. day. But all things in a garden is worthwhile. Even if it’s just planting one new thing. It always brings a gardener joy! 👍🏻💕
One step in front of the other. Baby steps. Im anxious to see what you do.
So sorry for your loss. You are amazing and your garden will be too!
Dedicate your new garden to your Dad.
So sorry ❤ loving real life 🤪 keep up the good work!
Messes (rather than successes) are my fave. Bless you.
You go girl ❤❤❤🇦🇺🇦🇺
Kate, I’m sorry for your loss. This was a beautiful video. Thank you for letting us in and reminding us how to cope and move forward when real life hits you.
I’m so glad I posted this. It just shows how shared experience is so healing. ❤️🩹
Nice video.
I just found you after watching the Seattle Plant show. I love your personality and your ideas, but this four-month-old video clinched my heart for you. You are real, you are strong, and you are such a positive, funny, learned gardener. Can't wait to catch up on anything else I missed. So sorry for your father's passing, parents are anchors at any age and they have known you the longest in your life so yes...chin up and honor him by sharing yourself with us. I know how much work that row of dahlias was and I commend you for getting through it in one sitting!
Thank you for this comment… it really touched my heart. That cut flower garden has been a journey and I still have so much to do, but it’s getting there and I’m so grateful to have this constant encouragement to keep going!
Short term goals and you’ll get there, you have all of our support! Showing successes and messes keeps it real and in perspective for the rest of us, so thankyou! ❄️🇨🇦❄️
Thank you for being here and encouraging this journey. 💕
How brave you are to share the very difficult time in your life with us….
But what joy this garden space will bring to you again!🥰🌺. Hugs to you 💕
Thank you for being here… I was so nervous to share something this personal. 💕
My condolences for your loss. Thank you for sharing the ugly and the pretty. It keeps us all real and down to earth and proves life happens. It’s not all flowers all the time. Grief is love with no place to go…until one day we find a place to plant it, so that it may be beautiful again and our heart lighter. May you continue to find peace in the garden and in memories of your father.
Oh I felt this comment in my core. I want nothing else but to be real for all of our sakes… truth is beauty. 💕
Sorry for your loss, we lost our son to brain cancer and I am having the hardest time working in my garden.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope you can give yourself grace and time. The garden will be ready when you are. It has been two years since dad's diagnosis and I cried after filming this video. It's a journey and the grief still comes in waves. Big hugs to you.
Wonderful message in your video. We all need these reminders to be kind to ourselves 🥰
Yes we do. ❤️🩹
Thank you sharing. Getting back in the garden can be so healing. Keep at it ! ❤️
Thank you for being here. And so far it’s been emotional but in a really cathartic way. ❤️🩹
I’m rooting for you, one step at a time, you got this!
Thank you so very much! 💕
Kate! I can totally relate to this. We moved to our new home 4 years ago and over the last 3 years lost a brother and sister. The garden is my sanctuary. When I see a plant come back to life in the spring it brings me so much hope and happiness. Please know you are not alone. I’m sorry for your loss but, I can’t wait to see your garden transformed. Wishing you joy and recovery every moment in the garden. It’s there! ❤️
💜💙🩵💚💛🧡❤️💗
The most impressive rainbow of hearts ever. ❌⭕️
Kate,thanks for sharing your mess. Unfortunately, that’s when life happens. Our garden was my healing place when my husband died. The next year was so hard because I was by myself caring for it. I missed his companionship, but yeti could see him everywhere. In you recovering your flower garden will give you joy.
This wasn’t a mistake. Life happens and takes turns that affect us for a long time. Seeing the potential and regaining the beauty of your space is inspiring and I’m glad you showed us 😊😊
I appreciate this real life video 🥹🌷
What a lovely day with you in the garden. I'm also in Seattle and I've heard a lot of friends lost Dahlia tubers over this winter (too moist)? I'm a 1st time Dahlia grower this year; from Floret seeds. So far, so good!!! On a suggestion, I garden with a friend / cousin when I have bigger chores. We either share time with one another or I hire my cousin to help me really get things accomplished. We work together and we make it fun and productive. I'm always so thankful for the progress we can make as a team! 💚🤍