Totally agree. It's totally respectable to pick up and also have real life messes. Love the heart behind cleaning up and wanting to put your best foot forward.
...and try this with the kids if you are trying to keep them from playing with the Christmas ornaments: we bought a small artificial tree for our kids that they could play with. They decorated, undecorated, redecorated, and crafted things like CRAZY for it, and they all left the "BIG tree" alone. Those are some of my favorite pictures of them when they were little, making paper garlands and ornaments for their play tree, and they would choose the ones they were most proud of to put on the "BIG tree"
Laura I totally agree about living your life and doing what you do without all of the online influences. You are pretty much the only one I watch, then I get up and do something because you gave me inspiration!
I used to watch multiple garden programs on you tube, now I only watch Garden Answer. Why? Laura is very spontaneous in any subject matter. Her trend of thought is continuous and talks with so much confidence. There is no ah..umh..pauses. Most of all no bragging; just matter-of-fact discussions. Kodus to Garden Answer!!!!
A glimpse into your home life is wonderful. The talk about the children is so enjoyable. In your videos, you can that Benjamin and Samantha have different personalities and each one is precious. It will be fun to see them during the Christmas season. Thanks for sharing!!
You are doing well By your kids by not taking them all over the country. You are so right to keep them on schedule. I did that with my kids. We did not start traveling until they were much older and no naps They did so well. One thing I learned from a teacher was ‘keep it short’. Take them places but make the visit focus on a small section. You don’t have to see the entire museum, zoo, garden, whatever. . You leave with them wanting to go back They are not worn out. 😊
Laura & Arron you both do a wonderful job on putting together and delivering your content without any influence from others that is why I personally continue to watch your garden videos. Thank you so much for all you do to educate the public.
They always say your first child gives you the confidence that you are a good mother. Then your second child teaches you not to judge other mothers...lol
I also learned that mothers who say their kids are perfect really are dreamers. I never said once in my life that my kids were perfect. They grew up to be decent adults so I guess I did something right.
Great job with filming in the Hartley, Aaron. The audio and lighting was great and I enjoyed Laura's background with all the plants and different textures.
Our first child was easy, sooo easy. She slept when she was tired, ate when she was hungry and kept her schedule regardless of what we were doing or where we were. Child number two...NOT THE SAME! He NEEDED a set schedule or he was miserable.
Same here! If we would have had our second child first we wouldn't have been brave enough to have any more. After we had our second it took us 4 years to be brave enough to have a third. 😁
Same!! I feel like God tricks us with the first child who is an absolute angel , and then, child number 2 comes along and their middle name is challenge lol!! 😂😂😂
My mother-in-law was the difficult 2nd child. My husband was the EXTREMELY difficult second child (until he was a teenager). Our son is so sweet and calm and accommodating. So I decided that one perfect child was the way to go ;)
Laura I hope people are paying attention to your interactions with your son. You always include him in your tasks instead of telling him to go play because you are busy. The tasks you give him are always within his capabilities (ie. carrying a small pumpkin, picking a spooky pumpkin, mashing peaches). Then you praise him for helping you. Most people learn their parenting skills by observation. Kudos to you for also recognizing that your child have different personalities which impact your parenting decisions.
I’m with Laura on the trees-a park look would involve several types of (well-placed) trees. Our landscape architect also warned against planting only one type of tree in an area-what if bad weather, insects or disease takes out all of your mature trees. Biodiversity would help.
This Ed’s wife I am so glad that you have both addressed the napping thing bravo to you both for your awareness. You are both talented & doing what your destiny for life is all about! When our children were young I did not take them any where if it interfered with naps & never took them grocery or shopping that did not concern them even when thy got older! Now it is hard for me when in a store I want to tell everyone to take child out of control home for naps🙃 Thank you for your channel it has also influenced me to try my hand at some gardening in my old age be blessed 👩🌾
I remember one vacation when we were doing a variety of activities in the mountains and child-centered activities. The children spotted an old swing set. We stopped and they had a wonderful 45 minutes playing on a swing set similar to a playground near home. We learned and changed our pace. Naps and anticipating/watching meal and snack times make a difference. Ordinary activities help pace the vacation so being overtired doesn't happen. Children remember vacations and the activities and follow those path themselves when they make vacation choices.
our cottage on lake erie has enormous dock spiders...a few years ago, we were sitting with our neighbours near the breakwall where it meets rhondeau bay, Ithrew a beach towel around my shoulders, that one of the grandkids had left down by the water as we were in a shaded spot and I was cool. we left for home shortly after that and when we got in the car, I felt something wiggle under my shirt just below my right shoulder. I didn't want to just knock it into the car. I was able to extract a VERY large dock spider and put it outside of the car...my husband thought that that was hilarious...I did not!
One more tip for Christmas: choose 23 storybooks, wrap them all in the same wrapping paper, and put them in a basket; have your kids take turns choosing 1 book as the bed time story each night, like an Advent calendar. Save The Night Before Christmas for Christmas Eve (the edition illustrated by Matt Tavares is a family favorite), and then a really meaningful one for Christmas Day
Laura knowing now that you don't watch other Gardners on TH-cam has made me appreciate your content a hundred fold. You are so authentic and I love that about you guys!!!!
I completely relate to the nap situation. We kinda became hermits too, but our youngest just turned 3 and it has gotten so much easier to go out with them. We also have the same situation with our son being calm and "easier" and then our wildflower daughter came along and taught us to never judge other parents!
Laura I LOVE that you don't want outside influence on your day to day life, it's best thing for your mental health too! I do the same now! And it's so freeing! I would LOVE to see the everyday life too if you could show glimpses of it, I've been able to transform my large backyard one plant at a time over last 4 years...all thanks to you! The amount of times I start a sentence while working in the yard with "well, LAURA from Garden answer said....." ☺️
I am one of 4 girls and I am the mother of 3 girls and grandmother of 6 girls! I am certain Samantha Grace, as strong willed as she may be now will be a wonderful, independent young woman! The struggle is real, but so worth it as a parent. You and Aaron are wonderful parents and I see it in Benjamin and Samantha Grace!
Oh my gosh! 100% agree with you on the kiddos and naptimes. My kids were also very well behaved, and I lived by the “fed, changed, tired or is the love bucket full” motto. Sometimes little ones just need a 5 minute snuggle or 15 minute playtime with mom/dad and they’re all right again.
On vacations 😊 it’s a mindset. We have always kept in mind that we want to see the world in our child’s eyes and vice versa. That the world is the best place to learn. And it has been. I would not change it for anything - the culture and places she has learned - Peru, South Africa, China, Thailand, France, Italy, all over the USA, Disney Paris, Disney world, the Caribbean …it has been priceless. Whatever she does with these experiences is up to her, but knowing we were all together and we all experienced these places as a family are all blessings and gifts. Now I am tired and older and have been spending a lot more time in my garden, I look back with gratitude 🙏🏼😍
I LOVE that you don't want to be influenced by trends. I'm the same way. I do love your channel though. I get the information about plants that I take notes about and someday I'll take it and do my own thing with it, so thank you for teaching all that you've learned!
I love hearing you talking about Miss Samantha, she sounds so similar to my daughter - who was a complete rascal! I always joke that if I had my (now 22 yo) daughter first, we wouldn’t have had another Bub, so my son is lucky he was born first instead!
My sister called my nephew a rascal when he was a rascally toddler. I can still hear him saying, "I'm not a wasco." (We celebrated his 32nd birthday today.)
Just love ur show n share with many.... U have no idea how calming, teaching n just plain fun inspirational... Thanks. N too ur Mom ALSO especially the shopping sprees... LOL. " You need this" LOL
Just so you know, Laura and Aaron, your videos are always honest and informative. You always keep the material real and original. Your family and extended family are natural and not phony. There is nothing fake about y'all! This is why I'm an avid fan!! Thank you!
Keeping the kitchen garden close to your home is just classy and traditional to me. I sure love all that you do and the inspiration I get from your videos. Thank you so much ❤
I had an herb garden in my main garden, but found I rarely used the herbs. Then I planted herbs in my deck, and now that I don't have to put on my shoes and go down the stairs, I use my herbs all the time.
That is exactly why you are so successful!! You do your own thing with no outside influence but you trust Aaron’s knowledge also! Team work ROCKS!❤️❤️❤️❤️
I like to watch impatient gardener, gardening with Creekside, Jack Barnwell, Linda Vater, Hortube with bill, North lawn flower farm-and Garden Answer. Watching different gardeners in different regions of the country is inspiring rather than influencing. You can still do your own thing while appreciating others gardening style and love for gardening.
When our kids were little we told them they could touch anything on the Christmas tree so long as they did so with only one finger. Kept the ornaments safe and they felt like they could explore and touch.
My parents have a Pacific Sunset maple outside their bedroom and every autumn the light that hits those maples makes the room turn a wonderful orange-red for weeks. You can even see that light when the door is closed and its so amazing.
Windbreaks are fun and interesting to create. When we were ranching in Wyoming, the windbreaks were several rows deep, consisting of pine, spruce, deciduous trees and bushes. They work!
This is something we really are trying to step our game up on. We've got a lot of land but the way the house is set up its hard to find space to go so heavy with trees. Our "backyard" (where wind mostly comes from) backs up to our equipment yard which is all gravel.
@@katiedavis5861 check with your local conservation dept. You can often get on their windbreak program. Costs on some areas are free, or at the very least, VERY inexpensive.
Don't forget marigolds for fall color! They can take the heat of summer and keep blooming all the way until freeze. My favorite variety is Strawberry Blonde. The color gets more peachy-red with colder temps. So gorgeous!
As a viewer, I have followed numerous channels for varying lengths of time, and still check in on a few of them periodically. But I think Laura picked the right lane to stay in. You and Aaron have become part of my morning routine. Whether it is something I can duplicate, whether I am learning something that day, doesn't matter. It's like hearing from good friends who want to share something to make me smile, and I often do. Thanks for staying true to yourselves.
I’m so with you on the nap time! Nothing effects nap time! My kids are older now, (6, 11, 14). Before they reached the age of 5 nap time was sacred and non-negotiable for all of our happiness! I probably drive my kids crazy even now because when they are cranky or whiny my first thought is, you must be tired we need to get to bed a little early tonight 😂
For my grandchildren, I bought two little 3-4 foot christmas trees🎄🎄 and helped them make "ornaments" out of popsicle sticks, ribbons, cotton balls, angels cut out of paper plates, feather boa from the dollar store for garland, etc. They understood that those were their very own decorations and they could move them around their own little tree to their hearts content. Hence, they left the big tree alone. It was a big success, they loved it!
It makes sense to tidy up before you shoot a video. I see it as you're inviting people over to your house. And just like having physical guests over you're having virtual guests over. My husband and I would never invite someone over without straightening up the place. Even if it wasn't a disaster in the first place. You always want your guests to feel comfortable
Regarding leaving a large grassy area in the middle for the kids to play : I foresee family/ friends soccer, softball… . The shade trees on the perimeter will be great for spectators! Good plan.
I have found folding and hanging clothes and towels right out of a warm dryer skips a step. Then the laundry is folded while warm and doesn't wrinkle as much. It has to be taken out of dryer and put in something at any rate.
A well rested child is a happy child. 😂 Aaron, my Mom and I used the catalogue system for gifts for years. We’d collect catalogues and each would circle ALL of the things we liked and then everyone was guaranteed to get something they liked but it was still a surprise. ;-)
Loved this update. Your interactions are so enjoyable and add so much to the overall content of the past weeks. Look forward to the tree planting and the continuity of the videos. Hartley is beautiful and look forward to how you use it as a wonderful addition to your home living. Thank you so much for taking us along for a lot of your adventure . 💕👍💕👍💕👍💕👍💕
Laura you are so adorable with your comment towards Aaron in the beginning of video. Your look says multitudes. Lol I agree with Aaron though you all are an amazing team. You both are what I call a Power couple. Your sphere of influence is immense and not just with gardening but how you relate as a couple. This is a great example for all.
it's refreshing to see you living your life and not having to be absolutely perfect in everything. It's wonderful to see a really great family working together and not sweating all the unimportant things. Life passes quickly, enjoy every moment with those precious children and embrace the messes for now.
I enjoyed your recap video very much. I had 2 boys who received their meals on time, frequent changes of diapers, baths and I tried to encourage naps too. My sons were very hyperactive and difficult to manage. You and Aaron are very fortunate to have two very well behaved children. I am glad you are able to enjoy the experience. Have a great day!
Good morning, Laura & Aaron ☕️ Another great recap. I always look forward to Sunday morning with you two. Can’t wait to see the new trees 🌳 Have a Blessed Day 😊🐈
I'm betting that the PW gardens have been around for many years and the soil has been built up over those years to be in excellent condition, whereas most of what you are planting in now is new and needs years to build up to what PW has.
I agree that you have to do different trees bc of disease. I grew up in the era where all the neighborhood had elms lining the streets. One day every tree in our town were cut down bc of a disease. From then on I have had a variety. Now in our area the spruce trees and some other pines are dying but there is a variety of trees and pines in the neighborhood so that we still have trees.
Agree, or can have a few of same, just like floral garden, so that it does look clean and neat, and still to be mindful of any garden pests and earth’s changing climate .
I remember in my hometown (population about 13, 000) the main street was lined with beautiful elm trees... Then came Dutch Elm Disease and every one of them had to be cut down.
Good morning! Love these videos. I remember when my 2 kids were babies I wouldn’t allow anyone to disrupt their nap schedules even the grandparents. They needed that rest time to be able to function without any meltdowns. My daughter was the drama queen and my son was the comic relief.
Y'all are the best parents! Every child deserves thoughtful and intentional parents like you both. Do you think waiting about a decade to have children helped you mentally/physically/emotionally prepare and plan to be the type of parents you wanted to be? Judging from Laura's mom, Susan, maybe you both also were fortunate to have really great role models of what supportive/protective parenting looks like. Y'all bring me smiles and hope for the future 😊
That’s such great advice about checking with great gardeners. We had customers that would ask have you seen this garden at the beach? I’d say no but of course checked it out. It was gorgeous and lush. Later I realized she was a customer of ours. She bought more soil amendments than almost any other customer. NOW I knew why they’re garden was so amazing. It’s all about the soil. I have another customer who NEVER bought soil amendments. She would complain about her perennials would often struggle. I finally turned her on to our Fafard planting soil and she’s now hooked
I'm in NC mountains and the soil absolutely MUST be amended. The clay is brutal -- hard as granite when dry and slickly impenetrable when wet. Compost is essential and some bark helps!
Loved this Highlight video! Lovely in the Hartley! It was nice to hear the "Parenting" discussion as apparently we think alike. I can't remember a true vacation but we had so many great "Day Trips" with our kids when they were little. All grown up now and the memories of those little forays out to explore are so good! No tired kids crying on an airplane - fussing on a long car drive - just a lot of fun and happy family time! Thank you for bringing those memories back to the surface! My whole family went to Flower World in WA State yesterday (We live here) and just loved the experience!
It is so refreshing to hear you and Aaron talk about the importance of naptime for children! I raised my two boys with pretty strict naptime and meal time. I wasn’t always well supported on these thoughts, however I generally had happy boys when out & about! Love your videos!😊💐
Go to Ireland and Scotland. It might rain a little everyday briefly but it is a sprinkle to me as I live in a subtropical climate. Their gardens are fabulous with no watering required. AND they consider 80 degrees a heat wave!
I've always enjoyed recap videos, a little glimpse into behind the scenes and a few personal stories. I too shared a room with my sister and I put tape on the floor to separate the messy side "not me" , from "type A" side of the room 😂🤣😂. You're the only other person I know that did that !!!! Thanks for the memory . Happy Gardening 👩🌾
I loved this video with you and Aaron talking back and forth!! Do more of these!! You both are very cute together!! Love all of your shows! I don’t have your kind of property so I live through you!!
Laura, I am like you and your mom loving layers and textures and lots…..I know lots of people don’t like that but I do…then I can go calm and serene too. Just am eclectic in my tastes.
You should leave the raised bed garden where it is AND make a larger vegetable garden that maybe has taller raised beds and plants in ground like potatoes planted in ground/mulch (I see videos of this and it’s sooooo easy to harvest!!!) this way you have your convenience with the kitchen garden & more room in vegetable/market garden to experiment and expand!?! Seems like a great idea 😊😊😊love you all! Have a great day!!!
lol have you not seen when they harvested the potatoes from the big garden area OMG I don’t think they need to be planning anymore potato areas 😂😂🥔🥔🥔🥔🍠🍠🍠🥔🥔🥔🥔🍠🍠🍠🥔🥔🥔
I lived in the Binghamton NY area for years before moving south. It's the cloudiest city in the eastern US. It averages over 200 overcast days and 160 days of rain or snow a year. Everything was nice and green in the summer and I rarely ever even had to get the hose our to water my garden. The downside was that you had to make sure you were getting enough Vitamin D in your diet with the lack of sunshine.
I love hearing you talk about your children. Y'all are most definitely family goals😊. I remember when my 3 boys were aged 2, 3 & 4 (yes, I was a glutton for punishment, lol) & life was busy, I would vacuum every night after they were put in bed. I liked to have carpet lines in my downstairs carpet because it helped me relax. Well, many times they'd wait to hear the vacuum turn off & while hearing them giggling at the top of the stairs, I'd just wait for it. All 3 would come running down the stairs & proceed to run around & put little footprints all over my brand new carpet lines. They thought it was the funniest thing ever, lol. I actually did, too, but I had to keep my "mom game face" on, so to encourage them to stop 😅. Anyway, thanks for the nostalgia. My "boys" are now 31,32 & 33 & trust me, their littles are giving them a run for their money. Ha ha:)
Patiently hitting refresh with my coffee ready, waiting for this to post. I had to get those seeds after seeing the harvest video. I can’t wait to see what you do with the flowers next year ☕️😁👍
I learned the 5 min pick up every night right before bed. Everyone picks up for 5 min. Set a timer. It was a lifesaver for our family. At first I think it was 15 min and then 10 then 5. It works! Kids are all grown now and I even miss the mess!
SO. MUCH. YES!!! Start it now Laura!! It's a game changer and a great compromise. "I don't care what u get out but come __o'clock you've got 5 minutes to clean it up"
Hi Laura & Aaron! I love your channel and even more so I often times wish I could listen to you recap vids while at work. We don’t have access to WiFi so playing your video and listening drains too much of the data. Have you ever considered having your own podcast so that the recap videos can be uploaded to it and any other interviews like the one you did with your mom? I’d definitely listen 😊❤
A tree video by Aaron in the future please! Just love his passion when he's talking about them. He is so descriptive that he's almost makes you see varieties again for the first time!
I like the idea of using all the same maples in the grass area. It'll look very clean and park-like. And the idea of using the locust trees around the Hartley for the dappled light seems smart. You would have a wider variety of plants to grow in there with the type of eventual lighting. Can't wait for the tree video!
Just got back from a land and sea Alaskan cruise early September. It was amazing and you and your family would love it. Lots to see, do, and learn. truly amazing!
I’m only a few minutes into the video, but the laundry “hack” that was a total game changer for me when my kids were younger, was to fold and hang when taking items out of the dryer. I ended up with color coded hangers from the container store as well. It just made everything so much faster when the three kids were little and I still do this now that they’re all young adults.
I love that you put your kids needs in the forethought of your mind when they are "misbehaving" so many don't, then they punish their children when it was the parents fault
Oh definitely not fake, you can tell you guys are as you are. I think I've even got on to when you've had a tiff or disagreement. I remember when I first started watching, Aaron came into the studio and was given the cold shoulder by you Laura obviously over a tiff. It was so real and ordinary. It made me keep watching because soooooooooooo many channels are very staged, over scripted, whatever or ramble on and on and on, it gets on my nerves and I switch off. It is also very endearing to see how well suited you are, a perfect foundation to build what you have.
Your story about turning on and off the system while on cell phones made me giggle. At least you had cell phones, we had the old WHAT--DID U TURN IT ON---YES ---WHAT---TURN IT OFF---ON---NOOO OFF!!! I didn't iclude the other lovely words spoken or yelled back and forth. Crap now I am tearing up. My dad just passed this May and even though I hated that stuff it still memories. Also when you talk about watering it reminds me of the countless hours of watering he did. We live next to a church and he would stay up most of the night watering and watching the sprinklers because of the lovely people who couldn't leave things be. He would always say, I need help to pull the hose. That was his way of saying come hang out with me. 😢
The staging thing to me is the same as having company over i don't think anyone sees that as fake its actually very relatable
My house is never as clean as when I’m expecting company. 😂
It would be good if i knew company was coming once a week!! 😆😂
Totally agree. It's totally respectable to pick up and also have real life messes. Love the heart behind cleaning up and wanting to put your best foot forward.
...and try this with the kids if you are trying to keep them from playing with the Christmas ornaments: we bought a small artificial tree for our kids that they could play with. They decorated, undecorated, redecorated, and crafted things like CRAZY for it, and they all left the "BIG tree" alone. Those are some of my favorite pictures of them when they were little, making paper garlands and ornaments for their play tree, and they would choose the ones they were most proud of to put on the "BIG tree"
There's a saying: "Create a life from which you don't need a vacation." You've done that very well.
I'm almost 60 and sometimes I don't behave if I need a nap 😅😊
LoL hahahahaha ❤
🤣🤣🤣
Laura and Aaron giggling and happy banter not able to contain their excitement about filming in the Hartley is a pure joy to watch
Laura I totally agree about living your life and doing what you do without all of the online influences. You are pretty much the only one I watch, then I get up and do something because you gave me inspiration!
I agree!
@@barbaracarlson1331 hhhj vzzz cómo yummy and and h 🎉
What she said ☝🏻👏🏻🙌🏻
Amen
I used to watch multiple garden programs on you tube, now I only watch Garden Answer. Why? Laura is very spontaneous in any subject matter. Her trend of thought is continuous and talks with so much confidence. There is no ah..umh..pauses. Most of all no bragging; just matter-of-fact discussions. Kodus to Garden Answer!!!!
These people are the definition of class. It's so refreshing.
Yes! Include the everyday life once in a while! Gardeners have lives toooo!
I love the intro between Laura and Aaron’s chitchat what a beautiful loving couple~just romancing the ordinary ✨🤍
A glimpse into your home life is wonderful. The talk about the children is so enjoyable. In your videos, you can that Benjamin and Samantha have different personalities and each one is precious. It will be fun to see them during the Christmas season. Thanks for sharing!!
You are doing well
By your kids by not taking them all over the country. You are so right to keep them on schedule. I did that with my kids. We did not start traveling until they were much older and no naps They did so well. One thing I learned from a teacher was ‘keep it short’. Take them places but make the visit focus on a small section. You don’t have to see the entire museum, zoo, garden, whatever. . You leave with them wanting to go back They are not worn out. 😊
Laura & Arron you both do a wonderful job on putting together and delivering your content without any influence from others that is why I personally continue to watch your garden videos. Thank you so much for all you do to educate the public.
They always say your first child gives you the confidence that you are a good mother. Then your second child teaches you not to judge other mothers...lol
Love it!!! So true
I also learned that mothers who say their kids are perfect really are dreamers. I never said once in my life that my kids were perfect. They grew up to be decent adults so I guess I did something right.
Great job with filming in the Hartley, Aaron. The audio and lighting was great and I enjoyed Laura's background with all the plants and different textures.
Our first child was easy, sooo easy. She slept when she was tired, ate when she was hungry and kept her schedule regardless of what we were doing or where we were. Child number two...NOT THE SAME! He NEEDED a set schedule or he was miserable.
Same here! If we would have had our second child first we wouldn't have been brave enough to have any more. After we had our second it took us 4 years to be brave enough to have a third. 😁
Same!! I feel like God tricks us with the first child who is an absolute angel , and then, child number 2 comes along and their middle name is challenge lol!! 😂😂😂
I say my first gave me the confidence I needed as a first time parent and my second gave me understanding to never judge another parent!
My mother-in-law was the difficult 2nd child. My husband was the EXTREMELY difficult second child (until he was a teenager). Our son is so sweet and calm and accommodating. So I decided that one perfect child was the way to go ;)
Laura I hope people are paying attention to your interactions with your son. You always include him in your tasks instead of telling him to go play because you are busy. The tasks you give him are always within his capabilities (ie. carrying a small pumpkin, picking a spooky pumpkin, mashing peaches). Then you praise him for helping you. Most people learn their parenting skills by observation. Kudos to you for also recognizing that your child have different personalities which impact your parenting decisions.
I’m with Laura on the trees-a park look would involve several types of (well-placed) trees. Our landscape architect also warned against planting only one type of tree in an area-what if bad weather, insects or disease takes out all of your mature trees. Biodiversity would help.
Exactly! We've already lost elm and ash trees. Who knows what's next? Diversity is so important.
I agree!
This Ed’s wife I am so glad that you have both addressed the napping thing bravo to you both for your awareness. You are both talented & doing what your destiny for life is all about! When our children were young I did not take them any where if it interfered with naps & never took them grocery or shopping that did not concern them even when thy got older! Now it is hard for me when in a store I want to tell everyone to take child out of control home for naps🙃
Thank you for your channel it has also influenced me to try my hand at some gardening in my old age be blessed 👩🌾
I remember one vacation when we were doing a variety of activities in the mountains and child-centered activities. The children spotted an old swing set. We stopped and they had a wonderful 45 minutes playing on a swing set similar to a playground near home. We learned and changed our pace. Naps and anticipating/watching meal and snack times make a difference. Ordinary activities help pace the vacation so being overtired doesn't happen.
Children remember vacations and the activities and follow those path themselves when they make vacation choices.
our cottage on lake erie has enormous dock spiders...a few years ago, we were sitting with our neighbours near the breakwall where it meets rhondeau bay, Ithrew a beach towel around my shoulders, that one of the grandkids had left down by the water as we were in a shaded spot and I was cool. we left for home shortly after that and when we got in the car, I felt something wiggle under my shirt just below my right shoulder. I didn't want to just knock it into the car. I was able to extract a VERY large dock spider and put it outside of the car...my husband thought that that was hilarious...I did not!
😱 🕷!!! That’s why I’ve started inspecting everything!!!
You were very controlled! I would have been running & screaming!! 🤣
One more tip for Christmas: choose 23 storybooks, wrap them all in the same wrapping paper, and put them in a basket; have your kids take turns choosing 1 book as the bed time story each night, like an Advent calendar. Save The Night Before Christmas for Christmas Eve (the edition illustrated by Matt Tavares is a family favorite), and then a really meaningful one for Christmas Day
My mother always said "God gives you the easy kid first because if you got the second child first - you only have one!" True that!! :)
If you knew my cousins, you would be questioning your faith in that idea.
@@jelatinosa ????????????
Laura knowing now that you don't watch other Gardners on TH-cam has made me appreciate your content a hundred fold. You are so authentic and I love that about you guys!!!!
I completely relate to the nap situation. We kinda became hermits too, but our youngest just turned 3 and it has gotten so much easier to go out with them. We also have the same situation with our son being calm and "easier" and then our wildflower daughter came along and taught us to never judge other parents!
We had friends who semi mocked us for being slaves to our son's naptime. But everyone else was always amazed at what a sweet well behaved kid he was.
Laura I LOVE that you don't want outside influence on your day to day life, it's best thing for your mental health too! I do the same now! And it's so freeing! I would LOVE to see the everyday life too if you could show glimpses of it, I've been able to transform my large backyard one plant at a time over last 4 years...all thanks to you! The amount of times I start a sentence while working in the yard with "well, LAURA from Garden answer said....." ☺️
I am one of 4 girls and I am the mother of 3 girls and grandmother of 6 girls! I am certain Samantha Grace, as strong willed as she may be now will be a wonderful, independent young woman! The struggle is real, but so worth it as a parent. You and Aaron are wonderful parents and I see it in Benjamin and Samantha Grace!
Oh my gosh! 100% agree with you on the kiddos and naptimes. My kids were also very well behaved, and I lived by the “fed, changed, tired or is the love bucket full” motto. Sometimes little ones just need a 5 minute snuggle or 15 minute playtime with mom/dad and they’re all right again.
Woohoo!! I see boxwood pots lined up outside, in the background when Aaron comes into view 😍
On vacations 😊 it’s a mindset. We have always kept in mind that we want to see the world in our child’s eyes and vice versa. That the world is the best place to learn. And it has been. I would not change it for anything - the culture and places she has learned - Peru, South Africa, China, Thailand, France, Italy, all over the USA, Disney Paris, Disney world, the Caribbean …it has been priceless. Whatever she does with these experiences is up to her, but knowing we were all together and we all experienced these places as a family are all blessings and gifts. Now I am tired and older and have been spending a lot more time in my garden, I look back with gratitude 🙏🏼😍
I LOVE that you don't want to be influenced by trends. I'm the same way. I do love your channel though. I get the information about plants that I take notes about and someday I'll take it and do my own thing with it, so thank you for teaching all that you've learned!
I love hearing you talking about Miss Samantha, she sounds so similar to my daughter - who was a complete rascal! I always joke that if I had my (now 22 yo) daughter first, we wouldn’t have had another Bub, so my son is lucky he was born first instead!
My sister called my nephew a rascal when he was a rascally toddler. I can still hear him saying, "I'm not a wasco." (We celebrated his 32nd birthday today.)
LOL most mother's can relate LOL
Just love ur show n share with many.... U have no idea how calming, teaching n just plain fun inspirational... Thanks. N too ur Mom ALSO especially the shopping sprees... LOL. " You need this" LOL
Lay kids clothes flat... Forget folding.... Of course u would pick up just like if friends coming over....
What???? Ur not perfect??? LOL
Just so you know, Laura and Aaron, your videos are always honest and informative. You always keep the material real and original. Your family and extended family are natural and not phony. There is nothing fake about y'all! This is why I'm an avid fan!! Thank you!
Keeping the kitchen garden close to your home is just classy and traditional to me. I sure love all that you do and the inspiration I get from your videos. Thank you so much ❤
Maybe she needs to call it the kitchen garden. It's something I remember hearing from my childhood.
@@jerriecook6908 That is such a good idea - and it’s so nice to just nip outside to get what you need.
I had an herb garden in my main garden, but found I rarely used the herbs. Then I planted herbs in my deck, and now that I don't have to put on my shoes and go down the stairs, I use my herbs all the time.
That is exactly why you are so successful!! You do your own thing with no outside influence but you trust Aaron’s knowledge also! Team work ROCKS!❤️❤️❤️❤️
I like to watch impatient gardener, gardening with Creekside, Jack Barnwell, Linda Vater, Hortube with bill, North lawn flower farm-and Garden Answer. Watching different gardeners in different regions of the country is inspiring rather than influencing. You can still do your own thing while appreciating others gardening style and love for gardening.
You should add “How’s it Growing.” ❤
When our kids were little we told them they could touch anything on the Christmas tree so long as they did so with only one finger. Kept the ornaments safe and they felt like they could explore and touch.
My parents have a Pacific Sunset maple outside their bedroom and every autumn the light that hits those maples makes the room turn a wonderful orange-red for weeks. You can even see that light when the door is closed and its so amazing.
One of my other favorite garden dudes on TH-cam put a hot tub in the middle of their greenhouse. It worked great!
Windbreaks are fun and interesting to create. When we were ranching in Wyoming, the windbreaks were several rows deep, consisting of pine, spruce, deciduous trees and bushes. They work!
This is something we really are trying to step our game up on. We've got a lot of land but the way the house is set up its hard to find space to go so heavy with trees. Our "backyard" (where wind mostly comes from) backs up to our equipment yard which is all gravel.
@@katiedavis5861 check with your local conservation dept. You can often get on their windbreak program. Costs on some areas are free, or at the very least, VERY inexpensive.
@@dianequist835 interesting! Thank you, I will certainly check that out.
Don't forget marigolds for fall color! They can take the heat of summer and keep blooming all the way until freeze. My favorite variety is Strawberry Blonde. The color gets more peachy-red with colder temps. So gorgeous!
As a viewer, I have followed numerous channels for varying lengths of time, and still check in on a few of them periodically.
But I think Laura picked the right lane to stay in. You and Aaron have become part of my morning routine. Whether it is something I can duplicate, whether I am learning something that day, doesn't matter. It's like hearing from good friends who want to share something to make me smile, and I often do. Thanks for staying true to yourselves.
I’m so with you on the nap time! Nothing effects nap time! My kids are older now, (6, 11, 14). Before they reached the age of 5 nap time was sacred and non-negotiable for all of our happiness! I probably drive my kids crazy even now because when they are cranky or whiny my first thought is, you must be tired we need to get to bed a little early tonight 😂
For my grandchildren, I bought two little 3-4 foot christmas trees🎄🎄 and helped them make "ornaments" out of popsicle sticks, ribbons, cotton balls, angels cut out of paper plates, feather boa from the dollar store for garland, etc. They understood that those were their very own decorations and they could move them around their own little tree to their hearts content. Hence, they left the big tree alone. It was a big success, they loved it!
Laura: Aaron is giving you a compliment and you seem to want to pass over it/ ignore it…!! So appreciate your work. Thank you Laura and Aaron
It makes sense to tidy up before you shoot a video. I see it as you're inviting people over to your house. And just like having physical guests over you're having virtual guests over. My husband and I would never invite someone over without straightening up the place. Even if it wasn't a disaster in the first place. You always want your guests to feel comfortable
It's nice seeing your weekly wrapup in the Hartley!
Well I love what your mom says, “romance the ordinary”. Why not stage your whole just for you? Luara you love what you do keep doing it!!!
This is why we love your channel...you do you, no trends, no hype, just Laura & Aaron.
Regarding leaving a large grassy area in the middle for the kids to play : I foresee family/ friends soccer, softball… . The shade trees on the perimeter will be great for spectators! Good plan.
I have found folding and hanging clothes and towels right out of a warm dryer skips a step. Then the laundry is folded while warm and doesn't wrinkle as much. It has to be taken out of dryer and put in something at any rate.
I totally agree with you on the benefits of a regular nap for the littles. Maybe if everyone took a regular nap the world would be a better place! 😊
A well rested child is a happy child. 😂 Aaron, my Mom and I used the catalogue system for gifts for years. We’d collect catalogues and each would circle ALL of the things we liked and then everyone was guaranteed to get something they liked but it was still a surprise. ;-)
You're spot on about the parenting thing. So many parents just ignore or tell their kids to shut up in public vs tend to them. It's disgusting.
Masterful presentation, GAH👍 ✨
Looks absolutely impressive!
Have a great Sunday, Friend 🥰
All the best!
I saw Russel right at the beginning of the video and the first thing I thought was “ohhh he’s not supposed to be in there!” 😂
Loved this update. Your interactions are so enjoyable and add so much to the overall content of the past weeks.
Look forward to the tree planting and the continuity of the videos.
Hartley is beautiful and look forward to how you use it as a wonderful addition to your home living. Thank you so much for taking us along for a lot of your adventure .
💕👍💕👍💕👍💕👍💕
Laura you are so adorable with your comment towards Aaron in the beginning of video. Your look says multitudes. Lol I agree with Aaron though you all are an amazing team. You both are what I call a Power couple. Your sphere of influence is immense and not just with gardening but how you relate as a couple. This is a great example for all.
How are you doing?
it's refreshing to see you living your life and not having to be absolutely perfect in everything. It's wonderful to see a really great family working together and not sweating all the unimportant things. Life passes quickly, enjoy every moment with those precious children and embrace the messes for now.
I enjoyed your recap video very much.
I had 2 boys who received their meals on time, frequent changes of diapers, baths and I tried to encourage naps too. My sons were very hyperactive and difficult to manage.
You and Aaron are very fortunate to have two very well behaved children. I am glad you are able to enjoy the experience.
Have a great day!
Good morning, Laura & Aaron ☕️ Another great recap. I always look forward to Sunday morning with you two. Can’t wait to see the new trees 🌳 Have a Blessed Day 😊🐈
I'm betting that the PW gardens have been around for many years and the soil has been built up over those years to be in excellent condition, whereas most of what you are planting in now is new and needs years to build up to what PW has.
Aaron is spot on with both of your roles💚
Good Morning everyone
I agree that you have to do different trees bc of disease. I grew up in the era where all the neighborhood had elms lining the streets. One day every tree in our town were cut down bc of a disease. From then on I have had a variety. Now in our area the spruce trees and some other pines are dying but there is a variety of trees and pines in the neighborhood so that we still have trees.
Agree, or can have a few of same, just like floral garden, so that it does look clean and neat, and still to be mindful of any garden pests and earth’s changing climate .
I remember in my hometown (population about 13, 000) the main street was lined with beautiful elm trees... Then came Dutch Elm Disease and every one of them had to be cut down.
Good morning! Love these videos. I remember when my 2 kids were babies I wouldn’t allow anyone to disrupt their nap schedules even the grandparents. They needed that rest time to be able to function without any meltdowns. My daughter was the drama queen and my son was the comic relief.
Y'all are the best parents! Every child deserves thoughtful and intentional parents like you both. Do you think waiting about a decade to have children helped you mentally/physically/emotionally prepare and plan to be the type of parents you wanted to be? Judging from Laura's mom, Susan, maybe you both also were fortunate to have really great role models of what supportive/protective parenting looks like. Y'all bring me smiles and hope for the future 😊
That’s such great advice about checking with great gardeners. We had customers that would ask have you seen this garden at the beach? I’d say no but of course checked it out. It was gorgeous and lush. Later I realized she was a customer of ours. She bought more soil amendments than almost any other customer. NOW I knew why they’re garden was so amazing. It’s all about the soil.
I have another customer who NEVER bought soil amendments. She would complain about her perennials would often struggle. I finally turned her on to our Fafard planting soil and she’s now hooked
I'm in NC mountains and the soil absolutely MUST be amended. The clay is brutal -- hard as granite when dry and slickly impenetrable when wet. Compost is essential and some bark helps!
Loved this Highlight video! Lovely in the Hartley! It was nice to hear the "Parenting" discussion as apparently we think alike. I can't remember a true vacation but we had so many great "Day Trips" with our kids when they were little. All grown up now and the memories of those little forays out to explore are so good! No tired kids crying on an airplane - fussing on a long car drive - just a lot of fun and happy family time! Thank you for bringing those memories back to the surface! My whole family went to Flower World in WA State yesterday (We live here) and just loved the experience!
It is so refreshing to hear you and Aaron talk about the importance of naptime for children! I raised my two boys with pretty strict naptime and meal time. I wasn’t always well supported on these thoughts, however I generally had happy boys when out & about! Love your videos!😊💐
Go to Ireland and Scotland. It might rain a little everyday briefly but it is a sprinkle to me as I live in a subtropical climate. Their gardens are fabulous with no watering required. AND they consider 80 degrees a heat wave!
I've always enjoyed recap videos, a little glimpse into behind the scenes and a few personal stories. I too shared a room with my sister and I put tape on the floor to separate the messy side "not me" , from "type A" side of the room 😂🤣😂. You're the only other person I know that did that !!!! Thanks for the memory . Happy Gardening 👩🌾
Aaron just really loves the trees!! 👍👏🍁
I loved this video with you and Aaron talking back and forth!! Do more of these!! You both are very cute together!! Love all of your shows! I don’t have your kind of property so I live through you!!
Laura, I am like you and your mom loving layers and textures and lots…..I know lots of people don’t like that but I do…then I can go calm and serene too. Just am eclectic in my tastes.
You should leave the raised bed garden where it is AND make a larger vegetable garden that maybe has taller raised beds and plants in ground like potatoes planted in ground/mulch (I see videos of this and it’s sooooo easy to harvest!!!) this way you have your convenience with the kitchen garden & more room in vegetable/market garden to experiment and expand!?! Seems like a great idea 😊😊😊love you all! Have a great day!!!
lol have you not seen when they harvested the potatoes from the big garden area OMG I don’t think they need to be planning anymore potato areas 😂😂🥔🥔🥔🥔🍠🍠🍠🥔🥔🥔🥔🍠🍠🍠🥔🥔🥔
I went to Hawaii in January & it was so nice, great weather but not overly hot. They have the best weather
I absolutely cracked up at Aaron’s comment/demo of how the petunia’s flop!
My # 2 was a bombshell compared to # 1 too- that was over 30 yrs ago !!!!!!
Makes life a joy and enjoy while they are little!
I lived in the Binghamton NY area for years before moving south. It's the cloudiest city in the eastern US. It averages over 200 overcast days and 160 days of rain or snow a year. Everything was nice and green in the summer and I rarely ever even had to get the hose our to water my garden. The downside was that you had to make sure you were getting enough Vitamin D in your diet with the lack of sunshine.
I live in Michigan and I honestly only plant proven winners cuz it always works out so well for me, it's great quality in a plant.
I love hearing you talk about your children. Y'all are most definitely family goals😊. I remember when my 3 boys were aged 2, 3 & 4 (yes, I was a glutton for punishment, lol) & life was busy, I would vacuum every night after they were put in bed. I liked to have carpet lines in my downstairs carpet because it helped me relax. Well, many times they'd wait to hear the vacuum turn off & while hearing them giggling at the top of the stairs, I'd just wait for it. All 3 would come running down the stairs & proceed to run around & put little footprints all over my brand new carpet lines. They thought it was the funniest thing ever, lol. I actually did, too, but I had to keep my "mom game face" on, so to encourage them to stop 😅. Anyway, thanks for the nostalgia. My "boys" are now 31,32 & 33 & trust me, their littles are giving them a run for their money. Ha ha:)
Patiently hitting refresh with my coffee ready, waiting for this to post. I had to get those seeds after seeing the harvest video. I can’t wait to see what you do with the flowers next year ☕️😁👍
I learned the 5 min pick up every night right before bed. Everyone picks up for 5 min. Set a timer. It was a lifesaver for our family. At first I think it was 15 min and then 10 then 5. It works! Kids are all grown now and I even miss the mess!
SO. MUCH. YES!!! Start it now Laura!! It's a game changer and a great compromise. "I don't care what u get out but come __o'clock you've got 5 minutes to clean it up"
I searched, found and watched the concrete pumpkin video. I'm happy I did and will be attempting to make a few myself! 🙋♀️🍁🎃
Hi Laura & Aaron! I love your channel and even more so I often times wish I could listen to you recap vids while at work. We don’t have access to WiFi so playing your video and listening drains too much of the data. Have you ever considered having your own podcast so that the recap videos can be uploaded to it and any other interviews like the one you did with your mom? I’d definitely listen 😊❤
Lol Laura, that is why they are generally referred to as a kitchen garden. For ease when planning and preparing meals. 😆
A tree video by Aaron in the future please! Just love his passion when he's talking about them. He is so descriptive that he's almost makes you see varieties again for the first time!
I like the idea of using all the same maples in the grass area. It'll look very clean and park-like. And the idea of using the locust trees around the Hartley for the dappled light seems smart. You would have a wider variety of plants to grow in there with the type of eventual lighting. Can't wait for the tree video!
Just got back from a land and sea Alaskan cruise early September. It was amazing and you and your family would love it. Lots to see, do, and learn. truly amazing!
I’m only a few minutes into the video, but the laundry “hack” that was a total game changer for me when my kids were younger, was to fold and hang when taking items out of the dryer. I ended up with color coded hangers from the container store as well. It just made everything so much faster when the three kids were little and I still do this now that they’re all young adults.
Laura you can freeze a few cloves of garlic. Then take out what you need. On ATK Bridget does this and uses a grater to mince them.
I mince mine before I freeze them in oil in an ice cube tray (I keep one just for garlic).
I love that you put your kids needs in the forethought of your mind when they are "misbehaving" so many don't, then they punish their children when it was the parents fault
I love being home, my favorite thing to do is a staycation. We tell everyone were out of town and enjoy being home and doing whatever we want.
I just found this second channel and I love it.
Compost is never, ever, ever a bad thing.
Oh definitely not fake, you can tell you guys are as you are. I think I've even got on to when you've had a tiff or disagreement. I remember when I first started watching, Aaron came into the studio and was given the cold shoulder by you Laura obviously over a tiff. It was so real and ordinary. It made me keep watching because soooooooooooo many channels are very staged, over scripted, whatever or ramble on and on and on, it gets on my nerves and I switch off. It is also very endearing to see how well suited you are, a perfect foundation to build what you have.
How are you doing
Thanks for being down to earth in your video's, love you and your family.
honestly, we did the same as you. Naptime is sacred people. We went away for a weekend once but my sister watched him.
Your story about turning on and off the system while on cell phones made me giggle. At least you had cell phones, we had the old WHAT--DID U TURN IT ON---YES ---WHAT---TURN IT OFF---ON---NOOO OFF!!! I didn't iclude the other lovely words spoken or yelled back and forth. Crap now I am tearing up. My dad just passed this May and even though I hated that stuff it still memories. Also when you talk about watering it reminds me of the countless hours of watering he did. We live next to a church and he would stay up most of the night watering and watching the sprinklers because of the lovely people who couldn't leave things be. He would always say, I need help to pull the hose. That was his way of saying come hang out with me. 😢