I also do not believe your garden looks tragic. This is a real-life garden and you have enough honesty to show us the transformation of your space. Thank you!
😊 I never thought your garden looked "tragic". However, that view in this video is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and giving me the courage to move plants if needed. I always thought once planted, that was it! 😁
Wow, the angle today was stunning! If my garden went from "tragic" to stunning in just a few months, I would be ecstatic, It just shows how all the care that you took before you left helped the garden to bounce back so quickly.
I think your garden is beautiful! I think it’s crazy when people make mean comments , what happened to if you cannot say anything nice then say nothing at all
You never know with a hydrangea from a florist. I received one as a gift. It was small and I think had three blooms on it. After it bloomed I stuck the pot on the far back raised bed in my NYC terrace garden (Zone 7) and forgot about it. Next time I looked, the roots had gone through the holes in the plastic pot into the planter. I left it to see whether it survived the winter. It did and over the years became a huge shrub with beautiful pink blooms (non-remontant). My terrace was only one story up and in a relatively shady area and being on a roof is probably warmer than the surrounding area. Unfortunately I had to dismantle my terrace garden due to roof repairs so I dug up the hydrangea, having to severely cut back the roots to do so. The remains of the plastic pot were still there. I replanted at my new property in the country (was 6b now 7a)-- it has leafed out in the last two years but no flowers yet. I think the poor thing needs a chance to recover but I have faith in its will to survive.
How funny; I never thought your garden looked tragic! I guess I just expect gardens to look less than in fall and winter. As long as the garden is healthy, spring brings it all back to its glory days! 😊
I love your garden - everyone's gardens look 'tragic' at one time or another... The view behind your video today was awesome - makes me wanna walk the path to see what's there!
@@elainemcclellion8223 I’m sorry to hear that. After watching this I found a tree where it was happening. Turns out I had seen it but never realized it was a bad sign.
Good morning Jim! I'm 6th generation North Carolinian (maybe more but at least 6th). I understand the moving back to the hometown, which is what I plan to do once I retire. I'll actually be moving back to my childhood home over in Shelby, which has a 2x bigger lot than my my house here in Charlotte.
Jim, it looks to me like your dream is coming true - at least the one where you hoped to be able to video from more than one angle. It's obvious that you've been switching locations lately and they all look GREAT! What a transformation you and Steph have achieved in just a few years. It's so much fun to see what you have done and are doing with this space. Thanks!
Whoever said your garden looks tragic is a snob and uptight. Your “tragic” garden, looks better than the vast majority of residential gardens in the US. Just saying. Great vids as always!
The garden absolutely did NOT look tragic! You showed us how to prepare for an absence and you went on an adventure. And look how great it all looks now. Thank you for showing us we can have a balanced life outside of the garden because I do not want to be chained to my garden.
This is one of the best Q&A’s. Such great questions this week. Every single question was wonderful and so were the answers. Thank you Jim and Steph. PS we also have early butterflies here this year. They’re visiting the lithodora and all the purple flowers.
The convo on B&B vs potted trees was really helpful for me. I could never manage a B&B so it’s interesting to know a potted tree could fare just as well… with a little patience 😊
I never thought your garden looked tragic, but doesn't everyone's garden look a little sad in winter? I know mine does. I'm with you on vacuuming the whole house from one plug! I downsized from 2600 sq ft to half that a few years ago and have never once missed having a big house!
I live near Cherokee national forest and it looked so much better after the controlled burn. I’m so glad you talked about this Jim because it’s so true. I think the controlled burns are important.
For me, you definitely did not talk too much about B&B plants vs container plants. That answer was super informative. In my experience, B&B’s are insanely heavy and difficult to work with, especially if you try to remove the burlap when planting (which I have heard differing opinions on and would appreciate your thoughts on removing the burlap or not). Thanks for another awesome video!
What a great q/a on the florist Hydrangea! I had no idea, I put two in the ground this past year we shall see how they preform. At the very least now I'll know if and why they underperform
My mom said nothing broke her heart more than a fairest hydrangea lol I think it depends on the breed though because she has some that have grown well.
*About suckering* , I was always taught (and I have seen it myself) that some species (especially among shrubs and small trees)have a natural predisposition to suckering. Poplars got their name from the fact that they form large “populations” by sending up new shoots and growing more trees through their roots. I strongly recommend your viewers to research online any plant they want to dig up because they see a lot of suckering and think it’s stressed. Sometimes it’s just their natural growing habit and if you want a single stem specimen you have to resign yourself to the necessity of having to remove suckers regularly.
I just finished moving my dad (exhausting), so hearing about you assisting two moves this winter, plus the other traveling makes me appreciate how resilient both you and your garden is!
I should have such a “tragic” looking garden. It has looked amazing through everything you’ve done and this view is stunning! Makes me glad I am doing more shrubs and evergreens in my garden. It truly looks wonderful ❤
I agree 100% with raised beds and usage but being said - everyone has a different story! After yrs of digging, raking, adding nutrients , trimming , for many yrs! At age 70 , I have s courtyard style yard and love it!
I'll send you some pictures Jim we made a 75ft by 45ft rectangle for our Vegetable garden, then raised the bed a foot above the lawn, trench edged it and built up the sides with clay and tamped it. The bed has a ft deep of blend compost as rows with a ft deep of Mulch as walking paths. When it rains the water soaks into the bed and drains in the trench edge...very cool project because I wanted raised beds in ground if that makes sense!
Your landscape is stunning! Watching the transformation has been educational and therapeutic. Tragic? Not at all…. Just part of the process and well worth following along. 😊
I opted for raised rows on native clay. I did form the bed with untreated lumber to hold the soil/compost in place since I'm on a slope. The bottoms are open and hopefully everything will hold after the boards rot away. I would rather not replace the boards in the future. So far they are working wonderfully.
I learn so much from you, Jim! Thanks for all your videos. We moved into a new house and the previous owner had several large trees removed and chipped in place. We'd like to make this area a huge sun garden, but the chips are anywhere from 4"-12" deep, it is also on a slope'. They are aged about 2 years now. We have Georgia clay soil, zone 7B. Would you recommend tilling this area and mixing the chips with amendments? If so, what would you add? I have added a couple shrubs and transplanted a couple gardenias and topdressed with compost and fertlizer, thus far. I want to be able to direct sow flower seeds and plant perennials in this bed.
Thats nice about your dogs Jim. I garden in an area where everyones front yard faces someones backyard and vs versa. People here like to get big dogs then keep them pinned in a small backyard. Its a non stop bark fest, and we've had escaped pitt bulls roaming others yards. I garden with my hori hori sharp on my side. I hope one day i can garden without anxiety in a few acres.
Hey Jim! I always enjoy your content and have been a long time follower. I have a question about clay soils. I've seen your posts about dealing with and planting in the red clay soils you have in the Raleigh area. I'm in Wilmington and the clay I have is deep, thick sheets of grey/white clay about 12 inches down. My drainage is terrible. I do my best to dig as deeply as I can, and incorporate pine bark fines when planting, and mound the soil as much as I can where possible. My question is if there is anything more I can do to break up these sheets of clay and improve the soil and drainage. Thank you!
That’s a wonderful question. I have red clay so I personally use the wood chips over top and let them break down. I’ve never dealt with the gray clay but I know it’s around here as well. I’d love to know the answer to that. I hope Jim talks about it next week.
We have a mature flowering dogwood that is showing signs of stress including some water spouts. We have replaced the lawn around it with mulch and are having an arborist fertilize it. We also have a lot of native Virginia creeper elsewhere on the property. Would letting some of the VC grow on the dogwood cause harm? The goal is to maintain the form of the dogwood- along with the shade- until the shrubs we plan on planting nearby mature. Finally, thanks again to Team Horttube for providing such terrific content.
Hills and Slopes question: (Atlanta GA 8a or 7b or whatever we are now, full sun East facing, slope down to street) I have an old japanese maple with sloping "lawn" to the left and right of it right by the street. I'd love to plant some ground covers, things that smell nice, and some figs in the corner for fruit in the future to be shared with anyone who walks by. What ground covers and smaller fruit shrubs or other plants should I plant in this space? It probably tends to be drier since its out in front of some very large, mature oaks along the property border.
We live in 1300 sq ft and LOVE it, so I agree with a bit smaller living. Oh, we also have 2 small children and it works well to keep eyes on them. Plus, we can spend more on the garden 🤣
How do you build healthy soil where you have ground cover and can’t lay mulch or even compost. I have Platt's Black Brass Buttons and White Star Creeper spreading in some areas and really love it. But I want to amend the soil still.
Hi Jim and Steph! Question from the Colorado Front Range area, Zone 5B: we have a tree (Canada Red Chokecherry) that's planted too deep, been in the ground for three years not really doing much or improving. Watched your most recent transplanting video (thank you!), already root pruned and getting ready to pull it out and replant in a couple weeks. The question is... how do you go about raising it up? Mix bagged soil with existing? Make a mound to settle it onto? Find the root flare? Just a quick lil how to would really help lol thank you!
Hi Jim, I love the new view! I'm one of those people that asked you previously in a video you actually answered about gardening on a slope. In the end I chose creeping phlox, grasses, junipers, spirea, barberry, and several evergreens and yes, even roses. Everything is doing great, and the mulch has stopped sliding down the hill. One of the surprising things I planted that has done exceptionally well are my tulips. Because the water doesn't stay on the bulbs too long, those tulips have just kept on coming back year after year. As long as I remember to fertilize them, they are as beautiful as ever. Also, can you discuss the toxicity of Sago palms please. How serious is this if I have a single one with no cross pollinator around? I have kids around, although they wouldn't go into any of my deeper rose beds that are surrounded by thorny roses.
Do you have or plan to grow any summer blooming bulbs on your property, more specifically, lilies? I have various species of them, but have to treat them with animal repellents to keep browsers away. They can help bridge the spring and summer blooming seasons.
Oh the “DRAMA OF THE TRAGIC COMMENT”…it’s winter the yard is not at its best… ridiculous Comment….your garden space is truly spectacular even thru projects…as long time gardener I always have a project going …hence the messes but try to keep front in some order lol… good sport you are JIM!! Thanks again!! Judy in pensacola fl 🐰🐰😂
Question : Talking about invasive plants ... I have had several opinions from others on removing the entire root system from the Burning Bush plant . There where 20 plants placed next to each other and the root system has spread out at least 6-7 feet from the removed plant ... I have been working on taking the roots out because I will be redoing this bed and a second one just like it... I trust your opinion on if it is really necessary because I am sure that you are familiar with how this plant roots ... I am in zone 5-6 what ever ... Thanks
Jim great video again and thank you for your dedication. Do you have any low spots/drainage issues? Would you recommend French drain, or reworking an existing swale, planting, wet garden, or a combination, or something else?
Hey Jim, Is planting from seeds a way to get interesting plant varieties? For example where did that Hong Long Maple come from/originate? It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on coming up with new varieties. Thank you, enjoy your videos.
We are so close to being done with our new construction, and I’m planning our garden. I want to be much more intentional this time, and would love to hear your ideas for the best ornamental and shade trees for full sun. I am in southeast Alabama (zone 8b/newly 9a), so super hot and humid. Thanks!!
Love the winding path. Beautiful! Question - I put my compost bin and piles by some trees and now they are full of tree roots. It’s making it difficult to turn. Any ideas?
Have a 35 foot wide space in front of a low retaining wall. I’m wanting to create a screen between my neighbor with Sunshine Ligustrum and Ever Red Loropetalum. I’m in zone 8a in TN and the area gets afternoon sun. How far apart should I space these shrubs so that a screen would form but still keep the plants healthy? If there are other plants I should use, please make a suggestion. Thank you!! Love your channel!
Not a question. Just sharing my experience with leaving wood chips in the flower bed. We had just moved in and ground a large tree stump and several large roots in different places of the flower bed and right away planted several Japanese hollies in one place and several emerald green arbs on the other side. The emerald green and the Japanese holly planted right above where the bulk of wood chips was have grown a lot larger than their neighboring ones. Wood chips not only stole the nitrogen, they actually acted as a great source of nitrogen for these evergreens. Had I seen youtube videos before that, I would have probably waited 6 months but I am glad we did not.
Do I need to worry about termites in chip drops> Is there a safe distance to use them if I put them in foundation beds or should I only use in beds at a distance from the house, and other wooden structures?
You mentioned landscaping slopes. I have a drainage ditch along the street in my front yard thats probably 2'-3' deep... and I hate it. Any advice on how to landscape for better curb appeal, would be FANTASTIC! Zone 9a Coastal Georgia
I've recently learned about Edgeworthia Chrysantha from your channel and I fell in love with it. I've since ordered and planted mine. I'm located in recently updated zone 7a (used to be zone 6b, south central PA). I know that only means so much, so I looked at my historical annual low temp and in the last 20 years its only gotten below zero like 2 times. I've decided to plant my edgeworthia under a young yoshino cryptomeria in hopes that the evergreen foliage will provide some frost protection. Is this a bad idea because of root competition? I unfortunately don't have a good spot protected by the house foundation so I need to find a spot in the landscape that will provide protection. I appreciate any help with this. Thanks for providing invaluable information for us learning gardeners.
Question: I live in DFW area of Texas zone 8b and I am landscaping a new house. I have 150' back lot line where I need to plant a privacy border. I have about 30-35 ornamental trees, shrubs and large perennials I want to use to develop a mixed screen and my question is about spacing. How much should I adhere to the estimated width for spacing? Can I space them a little bit closer together to achieve a full screen? Thank you and I enjoy your channel tremendously.
What are your thoughts on using pecan shell mulch for clay soil? I love the look of it and thought maybe it would keep the snails and slugs down because its got sharp edges and would be hard for them to crawl on. Your thoughts?
Zone 8 Fuquay-Varina. I got a bareroot flame seedless grape that I am very excited about. I potted it up when I got it and am planning on putting it in the ground in a few weeks and am having trouble picking a spot. What things should I keep in mind choosing a spot and if I change my mind later is it a plant that does ok transplanting later. Also, would love any Jim wisdom about grapes in general!
Who’s garden doesn’t look tragic in the fall and winters months the weather is terrible and it’s hard to get anything done. Also some how I hope you don’t put a fence back on that wood line it looks so much better without anything there
I live in Central Texas (zone 8b). The last two years we have had scorching summers with 70+ days in a row with no rain. We are told to mulch our trees out to the dripline to help them conserve water. When you have mature trees, that's a lot of mulch! Would using wood chips be acceptable in this situation?
Hi, In February I accidentally broke a couple branches off of my Oakleaf Hydrangea. I immediately just stuck them in the ground and now they're growing!!! When will it be ok to dig them up and put them in their permanent home? Last summer, I air layered a couple of plants (SweetTea Olive & a Hydrangea). When it would be ok to check them and separate from the mother? Thanks Very much, Sandy. zone 8a Chattanooga, TN :)
Jim - what is your opinion on getting a raised bed/potting soil mix that is extremely woody, that is totally organic and just using it as mulch - I did this last year and I haven't noticed any negative effects - I assume since it's organic that I could just use it as ground cover/mulch as I thought it was too woody to use as a potting mix. Thanks - love the wood chip pathways - so rustic, but also gives a nice appearance to the gardens overall♥
Jim, I'm in VA Zone 7B (formerly A). I have no room indoors to grow seeds, but have had great luck w/ winter sowing cool weather veggies/flowers (lettuce, kale, poppies, & such). Is it possible to use this method for starting warm weather seeds like tomatoes, peppers, perhaps even cukes? If so, can I start them now? I'm thinking, @ worst, they don't come up till the temperature warms up more &, @ best, it works. What do you think? Thank you. 😊
I have a bunch of ruby loripetilum planted by a builder that have completed their spring bloom and I would like to move to a space along my neighbors fence line. My irrigation line runs along this same stretch. Are there any concerns if I plant them near the line? Zone 9a, Coastal GA. Thanks for considering my question.
Hey Jim, I wanted to ask this week if you have any experience dividing tractor seat plants (farfugium japonicum)? I’ve read they divide well and I’m not really sure if all you do is stick a shovel through the center. I don’t want to kill mine but I need two and I have one that’s gotten quite large. Zone 9b central FL so no worries if freezes damaging them if I divided it now.
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That's a beautiful view... the way the path meanders... just beautiful Jim.
I also do not believe your garden looks tragic. This is a real-life garden and you have enough honesty to show us the transformation of your space. Thank you!
😊 I never thought your garden looked "tragic". However, that view in this video is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and giving me the courage to move plants if needed. I always thought once planted, that was it! 😁
Wow, the angle today was stunning! If my garden went from "tragic" to stunning in just a few months, I would be ecstatic, It just shows how all the care that you took before you left helped the garden to bounce back so quickly.
I think your garden is beautiful! I think it’s crazy when people make mean comments , what happened to if you cannot say anything nice then say nothing at all
Amen.
You never know with a hydrangea from a florist. I received one as a gift. It was small and I think had three blooms on it. After it bloomed I stuck the pot on the far back raised bed in my NYC terrace garden (Zone 7) and forgot about it. Next time I looked, the roots had gone through the holes in the plastic pot into the planter. I left it to see whether it survived the winter. It did and over the years became a huge shrub with beautiful pink blooms (non-remontant). My terrace was only one story up and in a relatively shady area and being on a roof is probably warmer than the surrounding area. Unfortunately I had to dismantle my terrace garden due to roof repairs so I dug up the hydrangea, having to severely cut back the roots to do so. The remains of the plastic pot were still there. I replanted at my new property in the country (was 6b now 7a)-- it has leafed out in the last two years but no flowers yet. I think the poor thing needs a chance to recover but I have faith in its will to survive.
Love getting my Sunday mornings started with Jim's Q & A video. Happy Easter everyone!
How funny; I never thought your garden looked tragic! I guess I just expect gardens to look less than in fall and winter. As long as the garden is healthy, spring brings it all back to its glory days! 😊
I love your garden - everyone's gardens look 'tragic' at one time or another... The view behind your video today was awesome - makes me wanna walk the path to see what's there!
Happy Easter Jim and Stephanie! This new view is beautiful ! Thank you for another great Q&A! I love learning something new every time!
The First Year, Plants Sleep, Second Year, They Creep & Third Year, They Leap! Awesome videos and information.
Sunday Qand A is awesome! Thank you
I love the view you've captured in this video. The wooded path is so lovely! ❤
I love the changes you are making in your garden! Looks great!
Love the H T on the shed!
Jim, your garden is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge of horticulture.
I second the notion of “one-plug-whole-house vacuuming” as a life goal. Less time cleaning equals more time in the garden. 🌸🐝
I almost didn’t recognize your garden. Your garden has always liked so nice but my gosh it is gorgeous now!
I have never even heard of a water sprout. Thank you for whoever asked the question and Jim answering. Always learning something new over here.
I have a dogwood that is full of water spouts. I've been told by an arborist that it's dying. Definitely stressed.
@@elainemcclellion8223 I’m sorry to hear that. After watching this I found a tree where it was happening. Turns out I had seen it but never realized it was a bad sign.
Even though I have been gardening for a number of years I still learn new things from the Learn to Grow series
I love your back drop, without the fence. It looks like you have a secret garden back there. But I do understand the need for a fence.
This was a very informative video. I really enjoyed it!
Good morning Jim! I'm 6th generation North Carolinian (maybe more but at least 6th). I understand the moving back to the hometown, which is what I plan to do once I retire. I'll actually be moving back to my childhood home over in Shelby, which has a 2x bigger lot than my my house here in Charlotte.
Jim, it looks to me like your dream is coming true - at least the one where you hoped to be able to video from more than one angle. It's obvious that you've been switching locations lately and they all look GREAT! What a transformation you and Steph have achieved in just a few years. It's so much fun to see what you have done and are doing with this space. Thanks!
Watching these has become my Sunday ritual.
Whoever said your garden looks tragic is a snob and uptight. Your “tragic” garden, looks better than the vast majority of residential gardens in the US. Just saying.
Great vids as always!
The garden absolutely did NOT look tragic! You showed us how to prepare for an absence and you went on an adventure. And look how great it all looks now. Thank you for showing us we can have a balanced life outside of the garden because I do not want to be chained to my garden.
This is one of the best Q&A’s. Such great questions this week. Every single question was wonderful and so were the answers. Thank you Jim and Steph.
PS we also have early butterflies here this year. They’re visiting the lithodora and all the purple flowers.
The yard looks wonderful. I want to walk down that path and see what else is there.
The convo on B&B vs potted trees was really helpful for me. I could never manage a B&B so it’s interesting to know a potted tree could fare just as well… with a little patience 😊
I never thought your garden looked tragic, but doesn't everyone's garden look a little sad in winter? I know mine does. I'm with you on vacuuming the whole house from one plug! I downsized from 2600 sq ft to half that a few years ago and have never once missed having a big house!
I live near Cherokee national forest and it looked so much better after the controlled burn. I’m so glad you talked about this Jim because it’s so true. I think the controlled burns are important.
Your garden is looking great!! Love what you are doing and I need to work some of your magic in mine.
For me, you definitely did not talk too much about B&B plants vs container plants. That answer was super informative. In my experience, B&B’s are insanely heavy and difficult to work with, especially if you try to remove the burlap when planting (which I have heard differing opinions on and would appreciate your thoughts on removing the burlap or not). Thanks for another awesome video!
What a great q/a on the florist Hydrangea! I had no idea, I put two in the ground this past year we shall see how they preform. At the very least now I'll know if and why they underperform
My mom said nothing broke her heart more than a fairest hydrangea lol I think it depends on the breed though because she has some that have grown well.
*About suckering* , I was always taught (and I have seen it myself) that some species (especially among shrubs and small trees)have a natural predisposition to suckering. Poplars got their name from the fact that they form large “populations” by sending up new shoots and growing more trees through their roots.
I strongly recommend your viewers to research online any plant they want to dig up because they see a lot of suckering and think it’s stressed. Sometimes it’s just their natural growing habit and if you want a single stem specimen you have to resign yourself to the necessity of having to remove suckers regularly.
Beautiful garden !! Happy Easter🌷
Your videos are always informative, but I really learned a lot from this video!
I just finished moving my dad (exhausting), so hearing about you assisting two moves this winter, plus the other traveling makes me appreciate how resilient both you and your garden is!
Beautiful view today, thank you!
I should have such a “tragic” looking garden. It has looked amazing through everything you’ve done and this view is stunning! Makes me glad I am doing more shrubs and evergreens in my garden. It truly looks wonderful ❤
Thanks again for a GREAT Q & A! You answer questions I didn’t know I needed the info, ie trees suckers. I always learn something new! 🌼🐝
Your garden space looks amazing Wow! The changes made such a difference
Tragic to Magic!™©®
I'm really enjoying the format of the weekly planner. Starting April this morning, and love that y'all have included the recap for important jobs. The short video bites, and not being on YT, really encourage me to watch a bit and then get out there and do it, rather than be tempted by another video 🐿️
Great questions this week!
I agree 100% with raised beds and usage but being said - everyone has a different story!
After yrs of digging, raking, adding nutrients , trimming , for many yrs! At age 70 , I have s courtyard style yard and love it!
Happy Easter 🎉
I'll send you some pictures Jim we made a 75ft by 45ft rectangle for our Vegetable garden, then raised the bed a foot above the lawn, trench edged it and built up the sides with clay and tamped it. The bed has a ft deep of blend compost as rows with a ft deep of Mulch as walking paths. When it rains the water soaks into the bed and drains in the trench edge...very cool project because I wanted raised beds in ground if that makes sense!
Brought a lot of sense to potted plants and B and B plants! Thanks!
Good questions and answers that pertain to my garden.
Thank you.
Warm greetings from Canada 🇨🇦
Your landscape is stunning! Watching the transformation has been educational and therapeutic. Tragic? Not at all…. Just part of the process and well worth following along. 😊
I opted for raised rows on native clay. I did form the bed with untreated lumber to hold the soil/compost in place since I'm on a slope. The bottoms are open and hopefully everything will hold after the boards rot away. I would rather not replace the boards in the future. So far they are working wonderfully.
I learn so much from you, Jim! Thanks for all your videos. We moved into a new house and the previous owner had several large trees removed and chipped in place. We'd like to make this area a huge sun garden, but the chips are anywhere from 4"-12" deep, it is also on a slope'. They are aged about 2 years now. We have Georgia clay soil, zone 7B. Would you recommend tilling this area and mixing the chips with amendments? If so, what would you add? I have added a couple shrubs and transplanted a couple gardenias and topdressed with compost and fertlizer, thus far. I want to be able to direct sow flower seeds and plant perennials in this bed.
Thats nice about your dogs Jim. I garden in an area where everyones front yard faces someones backyard and vs versa. People here like to get big dogs then keep them pinned in a small backyard. Its a non stop bark fest, and we've had escaped pitt bulls roaming others yards. I garden with my hori hori sharp on my side. I hope one day i can garden without anxiety in a few acres.
Hey Jim! I always enjoy your content and have been a long time follower. I have a question about clay soils. I've seen your posts about dealing with and planting in the red clay soils you have in the Raleigh area. I'm in Wilmington and the clay I have is deep, thick sheets of grey/white clay about 12 inches down. My drainage is terrible. I do my best to dig as deeply as I can, and incorporate pine bark fines when planting, and mound the soil as much as I can where possible. My question is if there is anything more I can do to break up these sheets of clay and improve the soil and drainage. Thank you!
That’s a wonderful question. I have red clay so I personally use the wood chips over top and let them break down. I’ve never dealt with the gray clay but I know it’s around here as well. I’d love to know the answer to that. I hope Jim talks about it next week.
How do you combat moles/voles. We have them bad here in Memphis. We want to plan on a small vegetable garden for 2024. Thank for all yo do!!
We have a mature flowering dogwood that is showing signs of stress including some water spouts. We have replaced the lawn around it with mulch and are having an arborist fertilize it. We also have a lot of native Virginia creeper elsewhere on the property. Would letting some of the VC grow on the dogwood cause harm? The goal is to maintain the form of the dogwood- along with the shade- until the shrubs we plan on planting nearby mature. Finally, thanks again to Team Horttube for providing such terrific content.
Hills and Slopes question: (Atlanta GA 8a or 7b or whatever we are now, full sun East facing, slope down to street) I have an old japanese maple with sloping "lawn" to the left and right of it right by the street. I'd love to plant some ground covers, things that smell nice, and some figs in the corner for fruit in the future to be shared with anyone who walks by. What ground covers and smaller fruit shrubs or other plants should I plant in this space? It probably tends to be drier since its out in front of some very large, mature oaks along the property border.
Happy Easter.
How about the Pack! Final 4 for women’s and men’s teams!! Has it been crazy? Have the trees received the toilet paper treatment around campus?!?
We live in 1300 sq ft and LOVE it, so I agree with a bit smaller living. Oh, we also have 2 small children and it works well to keep eyes on them. Plus, we can spend more on the garden 🤣
How do you build healthy soil where you have ground cover and can’t lay mulch or even compost. I have Platt's Black Brass Buttons and White Star Creeper spreading in some areas and really love it. But I want to amend the soil still.
Hi Jim and Steph! Question from the Colorado Front Range area, Zone 5B: we have a tree (Canada Red Chokecherry) that's planted too deep, been in the ground for three years not really doing much or improving. Watched your most recent transplanting video (thank you!), already root pruned and getting ready to pull it out and replant in a couple weeks. The question is... how do you go about raising it up? Mix bagged soil with existing? Make a mound to settle it onto? Find the root flare? Just a quick lil how to would really help lol thank you!
Question: Your thoughts about native flowering dogwoods vs. Chinese/Japanese kousa dogwoods - zone 6b?
Hi Jim, I love the new view! I'm one of those people that asked you previously in a video you actually answered about gardening on a slope. In the end I chose creeping phlox, grasses, junipers, spirea, barberry, and several evergreens and yes, even roses. Everything is doing great, and the mulch has stopped sliding down the hill. One of the surprising things I planted that has done exceptionally well are my tulips. Because the water doesn't stay on the bulbs too long, those tulips have just kept on coming back year after year. As long as I remember to fertilize them, they are as beautiful as ever.
Also, can you discuss the toxicity of Sago palms please. How serious is this if I have a single one with no cross pollinator around? I have kids around, although they wouldn't go into any of my deeper rose beds that are surrounded by thorny roses.
Good thing that our plants aren’t political because they would definitely be stressed! Happy Easter😂
Idk though... The deep Red tulips did try to take over the east bed last year. We call it the February 7th Plantsurrection. 😂
Yard (background) looks good
Do you have or plan to grow any summer blooming bulbs on your property, more specifically, lilies? I have various species of them, but have to treat them with animal repellents to keep browsers away. They can help bridge the spring and summer blooming seasons.
Thought same thing as well early for butterflies...even seen a hummingbird as well
41:40 some folks are just too dramatic. Love you guys!😁💘💘
Oh the “DRAMA OF THE TRAGIC COMMENT”…it’s winter the yard is not at its best… ridiculous Comment….your garden space is truly spectacular even thru projects…as long time gardener I always have a project going …hence the messes but try to keep front in some order lol… good sport you are JIM!! Thanks again!! Judy in pensacola fl 🐰🐰😂
Question : Talking about invasive plants ... I have had several opinions from others on removing the entire root system from the Burning Bush plant . There where 20 plants placed next to each other and the root system has spread out at least 6-7 feet from the removed plant ... I have been working on taking the roots out because I will be redoing this bed and a second one just like it... I trust your opinion on if it is really necessary because I am sure that you are familiar with how this plant roots ... I am in zone 5-6 what ever ... Thanks
How timely! I just purchased four florist hydrangeas on clearance from Wal-Mart for $7 each!
“Griffin has been a dog I can’t trust for several years now.” 😂😂😂
😂 I felt that. One of my 3 was that way .... 😑😅
Jim great video again and thank you for your dedication. Do you have any low spots/drainage issues? Would you recommend French drain, or reworking an existing swale, planting, wet garden, or a combination, or something else?
Hey Jim,
Is planting from seeds a way to get interesting plant varieties? For example where did that Hong Long Maple come from/originate? It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on coming up with new varieties.
Thank you, enjoy your videos.
We are so close to being done with our new construction, and I’m planning our garden. I want to be much more intentional this time, and would love to hear your ideas for the best ornamental and shade trees for full sun. I am in southeast Alabama (zone 8b/newly 9a), so super hot and humid. Thanks!!
Not connected to this excellent video, but…..Mr. Maple is featured in a NYT article today.
Love the winding path. Beautiful! Question - I put my compost bin and piles by some trees and now they are full of tree roots. It’s making it difficult to turn. Any ideas?
Have a 35 foot wide space in front of a low retaining wall. I’m wanting to create a screen between my neighbor with Sunshine Ligustrum and Ever Red Loropetalum. I’m in zone 8a in TN and the area gets afternoon sun. How far apart should I space these shrubs so that a screen would form but still keep the plants healthy? If there are other plants I should use, please make a suggestion. Thank you!! Love your channel!
Not a question. Just sharing my experience with leaving wood chips in the flower bed. We had just moved in and ground a large tree stump and several large roots in different places of the flower bed and right away planted several Japanese hollies in one place and several emerald green arbs on the other side. The emerald green and the Japanese holly planted right above where the bulk of wood chips was have grown a lot larger than their neighboring ones. Wood chips not only stole the nitrogen, they actually acted as a great source of nitrogen for these evergreens. Had I seen youtube videos before that, I would have probably waited 6 months but I am glad we did not.
Thank you for your comment. I appreciate reading these comments of people’s experiences.
Hi Jim. Your background looks fantastic! Q: Can a mature sunshine ligustrum be tree formed?
Do I need to worry about termites in chip drops> Is there a safe distance to use them if I put them in foundation beds or should I only use in beds at a distance from the house, and other wooden structures?
Hey Jim, I’ve never seen a view from the back of your property looking at your back steps. Could you show that? Thanx!
You mentioned landscaping slopes. I have a drainage ditch along the street in my front yard thats probably 2'-3' deep... and I hate it. Any advice on how to landscape for better curb appeal, would be FANTASTIC! Zone 9a Coastal Georgia
I've recently learned about Edgeworthia Chrysantha from your channel and I fell in love with it. I've since ordered and planted mine. I'm located in recently updated zone 7a (used to be zone 6b, south central PA). I know that only means so much, so I looked at my historical annual low temp and in the last 20 years its only gotten below zero like 2 times. I've decided to plant my edgeworthia under a young yoshino cryptomeria in hopes that the evergreen foliage will provide some frost protection. Is this a bad idea because of root competition? I unfortunately don't have a good spot protected by the house foundation so I need to find a spot in the landscape that will provide protection. I appreciate any help with this. Thanks for providing invaluable information for us learning gardeners.
Question: I live in DFW area of Texas zone 8b and I am landscaping a new house. I have 150' back lot line where I need to plant a privacy border. I have about 30-35 ornamental trees, shrubs and large perennials I want to use to develop a mixed screen and my question is about spacing. How much should I adhere to the estimated width for spacing? Can I space them a little bit closer together to achieve a full screen? Thank you and I enjoy your channel tremendously.
What are your thoughts on using pecan shell mulch for clay soil? I love the look of it and thought maybe it would keep the snails and slugs down because its got sharp edges and would be hard for them to crawl on. Your thoughts?
Love your videos. I have asked about Hornbeam trees several times in the comments. Do you have a video about Hornbeam tress? I live in North Alabama.
Question: when would be the best time and method to overhaul a bed of Daffodils. I would like to dig up the whole area and re-do the whole bed.
Zone 8 Fuquay-Varina. I got a bareroot flame seedless grape that I am very excited about. I potted it up when I got it and am planning on putting it in the ground in a few weeks and am having trouble picking a spot. What things should I keep in mind choosing a spot and if I change my mind later is it a plant that does ok transplanting later. Also, would love any Jim wisdom about grapes in general!
Who’s garden doesn’t look tragic in the fall and winters months the weather is terrible and it’s hard to get anything done. Also some how I hope you don’t put a fence back on that wood line it looks so much better without anything there
I live in Central Texas (zone 8b). The last two years we have had scorching summers with 70+ days in a row with no rain. We are told to mulch our trees out to the dripline to help them conserve water. When you have mature trees, that's a lot of mulch! Would using wood chips be acceptable in this situation?
Hi, In February
I accidentally broke a couple branches off of my
Oakleaf Hydrangea. I immediately just stuck them in the ground and now they're growing!!! When will it be ok to dig them up and put them in their permanent home? Last summer, I air layered a couple of plants (SweetTea Olive & a Hydrangea).
When it would be ok to check them and separate from the mother?
Thanks Very much,
Sandy. zone 8a Chattanooga, TN :)
Jim - what is your opinion on getting a raised bed/potting soil mix that is extremely woody, that is totally organic and just using it as mulch - I did this last year and I haven't noticed any negative effects - I assume since it's organic that I could just use it as ground cover/mulch as I thought it was too woody to use as a potting mix. Thanks - love the wood chip pathways - so rustic, but also gives a nice appearance to the gardens overall♥
Jim,
I'm in VA Zone 7B (formerly A). I have no room indoors to grow seeds, but have had great luck w/ winter sowing cool weather veggies/flowers (lettuce, kale, poppies, & such). Is it possible to use this method for starting warm weather seeds like tomatoes, peppers, perhaps even cukes? If so, can I start them now? I'm thinking, @ worst, they don't come up till the temperature warms up more &, @ best, it works. What do you think?
Thank you. 😊
Hi Jim, zone 6…I have a large established burning bush I’d like to transplant. Can I do it now or wait until fall?
I have a bunch of ruby loripetilum planted by a builder that have completed their spring bloom and I would like to move to a space along my neighbors fence line. My irrigation line runs along this same stretch. Are there any concerns if I plant them near the line? Zone 9a, Coastal GA. Thanks for considering my question.
Do you have any advice on how to lobby for your town to remove Bradford Pears planted in public spaces?
Hey Jim, I wanted to ask this week if you have any experience dividing tractor seat plants (farfugium japonicum)? I’ve read they divide well and I’m not really sure if all you do is stick a shovel through the center. I don’t want to kill mine but I need two and I have one that’s gotten quite large. Zone 9b central FL so no worries if freezes damaging them if I divided it now.
Hi Jim! Question, how long, on average, does it take for organic fertilizer to become available to a plant once it has been broadcast?