080 || Slowly getting to know more about our property

How cool must this garden have been back in the day. I still hope to uncover some old photos at some point.
Join us today as we move the garden yet one step closer to its final form.
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We have risked every, including our jobs, to save this beautifull piece of history. With your support we can continue this quest. Of course, only financially support when you are able to. By watching our videos, we also know that you got our backs :)
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Villa Oliva Playlist
All the videos in chronological order!
• Villa Oliva - Our stor...
Start from the beginning - • 002 || Opening up the ...
My name is Sam and together with my girlfriend Lyanne, I am on a quest to restore the beauty of this old Italian villa from 1895. Join us as we have to let go of our Dutch habits to fit in in our Italian surroundings, were the word 'plan' gets redefined and our tastebuds are awakened.
The goal of this project is to show that with limited financial means and a lot of optimism we can resurrect the beauty of this abandoned villa in a green and sustainable way. But most of all learn from everything that we encounter and enjoy it whilst we're at it.

[@maudeestrella8196]

You are a very lucky man to have such a helpful father. Great work 🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦

[@Villa_Oliva]

I am, supper happy with him

[@shirleygraham6229]

When you think of the beauty of the villa, it is bound to have had well established gardens (and paths). A natural addition. Hope you find more as the paths will save you a bit of work in the long run. Best wishes

[@Villa_Oliva]

I sure hope so! thanks!

[@nancypyanoe3347]

Your property is so unique. I'm so glad you are taking time to plant some of your fruit trees and bushes! In the US, they can be quite expensive. I am happy you and your Dad are tending to them . Even if they are not in their final growing place. Vegetable and flower seeds are rewarding, tasty and beautiful to watch growing. But the fruit bushes and trees will give you many years of pleasure. Hang in there! Your hard work will be rewarded in a lovely home and garden.

[@Villa_Oliva]

thank you so much, I couldn't agree more!

[@garyrebholz4139]

It's an Italian garden, of course there will be more features to uncover. Also: It may be impolitic to write this, but an electric or gas weed trimmer will become your best friend with that size of a lot.

[@mlaiuppa]

Also a rototiller.

[@Villa_Oliva]

I sure hope so. I can imagine, and you're right in that it would be way faster. It's just not really my way of working. But who knows, maybe I will give in at some point

[@Scotty3146]

​@Villa_Oliva you will probably give in when you realise that in spring and summer plants, weeds and grass will grow faster than you can work!! I found to have successful vegetable crops I need to keep grass and other plants further away so that insects don't damage the crops as easily.

[@ccan2087]

I agree, it even a battery, electric or gas hedge trimmer or mini chain saw ti cut the branches down to a size that they can break down faster in a compost bin. They have battery operated equipment now if gas or electric is frowned upon. Even a heavy duty blower. I feel bad seeing your dad sawing branches down. With that said, I am in Phoenix, Arizona in the US and we try utilize all the gadgets and tools that make gardening, cutting, trimming or clearing easy which dinner may not consider a good thing. Lol. Whatever is decided, I very much respect all the hard work and care they are putting in their garden.

[@ccan2087]

​@@mlaiuppaor a small back hoe to move the top layer of gravel/dirt to another area. It can be five un one day and all the shoveling muscles can be saved for other things.

[@user-dg8vc3bw2s]

Sam you’ll need to catch that slug transport him to another place because he’ll eat all the young vegetables 😩 love the mix of plants and shrubs no wonder your working into the night hope you keep finding more paths I like them 🤗Ann 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Villa_Oliva]

Hi Ann, I would agree, but this is a leopard slug, which actually also eats other slugs. so I am happy to see these guys around :). Glad to hear it, yeah it is a lot of work, but definitely worth it! Thanks Ann!

[@radiogramgramophonetoons5802]

I think it time after time of watching your vlogs and I know I’ve said this before…….. but…… Nobody can ‘knock you’ for your dedication working on your property 👏👏👏

[@Villa_Oliva]

ahhh thanks!! I do try my best

[@AdamofCA.]

@@Villa_Oliva ... with all that work, your muscles will qualify you as Mr. Olympic.

[@mocarra100]

Everything's going to be beautiful when it's all in Bloom and it's already starting. Much love from Oklahoma USA Jackie 🇺🇸💖

[@Villa_Oliva]

thanks Jackie! I can't wait for everything to start flowering as well!

[@philgower]

The garden is shaping up really well!

[@Villa_Oliva]

thanks!

[@cyndel4263]

So amazing nature,, I love these colorful sprouts. I couldn't wait to see it grow! waaaay to go, Sam, maybe you've got the green 💚 thumb. You and Lyanne doing an awesome job, oh, sorry! And your dad is also helping out since day one of renovation. You've got good family 🙏❤🎉. Enjoy

[@Villa_Oliva]

it really is isn't it. thank you so much!

[@cyndel4263]

@@Villa_Oliva aww, you're very welcome! but you never know until you see it .

[@donnastorch4462]

It's an architectural site, so exciting to discover all the hidden beautiful features. Love your new adventure videos. ✨️ ❤🇨🇦❤️

[@Villa_Oliva]

It does feel like that sometimes haha. Thanks!!

[@janicedelp2775]

I am so happy for you getting so many wonderful fruits and vegetables started. It is inspiring to watch all the improvements. I usually have to go do things around our farm after your videos. Janice from Arkansas USA

[@Villa_Oliva]

Thanks Janice, that’s so nice to hear. It is wonderful to work in the garden, can’t wait for all these plants to get established and producing! Thanks!

[@margaritasanchezgomez3422]

Cuándo todo lo que estás plantando de frutos tendrás demasiado solo para tí , tendrás que vender, tienes una gran casa con mucho jardín también podrías plantar rosas y más flores que atraigan abejas

[@Villa_Oliva]

Or I will give it to my neighbours, most likely I will do that. and give back to the birds and insects in the garden. And yes I will, I have some roses already and I will plant more flowers in the future!

[@nancyf18]

Sam, Dad great job on the garden beds, Flower beds, the trees in pots until you find a place to plant them, fruit trees. God bless you Sam, Dad God bless your Family. See you on your next video. Dad safe travels going home.

[@Villa_Oliva]

Thanks a lot!!!

[@debpate9405]

Safe travels Dad! 😊

[@melissaeden1219]

What wonderful discoveries you are making--stone walls and paths , a well. The grounds of the place must have once been very beautiful and will be again thanks to your hard work.

[@Villa_Oliva]

thank you, I sure hope so!

[@Flaviat57]

A trick to keep snails and slugs away... ash. Put it around your plants and vegetables. My dad and the elders in my village did that, an organic and useful wayto save your orto 😊

[@Villa_Oliva]

interesting! I will definitely try that, thanks!

[@georgejones4379]

Overwhelming is the word that is top of mind. Stay focused and good luck.

[@Villa_Oliva]

haha, thank you!

[@elainemcgran8828]

Most people the first year planting veg or trying self sufficient say they planted to much the first year and got so bogged down with the work load. But also say it's a great experience and they learned so much from the first year. The second year you plan everything better and know what and we're to grow things, also know how quickly weeds take over and how quickly the soil drys out. Raised beds do drain quickly which is great for us in Ireland with the rain but mulching will keep water in during sunny periods. Gardening is great for your mental health, physical health gets you out into the fresh air, and every day, you learn something new , it's exciting growing your own food even when you make mistakes it's still great.

[@karenmetcalf-pugh5]

That garden just keeps giving. Is that well decorative? I'm glad to see all that over growth getting chipped away. Everything you do outside makes the villa shine even more.

[@Villa_Oliva]

it does doesn't it! I think it is decorative yes, I still need to give it a good cleaning. it really does, I agree, thanks!!

[@jimwilder5578]

You still have lots of yard work... Hope you make a beautiful guard...🇺🇸🇺🇸🍻

[@Villa_Oliva]

I sure do, and I am going to try my hardest to make something exciting out of it! thanks!

[@-htl-]

Good progress! If you like to keep all need it is in the south like in Italy where herbs can grow really fast, you simply make it flat and mowable. When you start mowing you keep the weeds down and all becomes grass by itself! This is the most easiest and simple way to maintain and keep a visiably good looking soil. You need to keep mowing every week now and in the summer and after maybe twice a month and the land becomes spotless..

[@Villa_Oliva]

good one but I won't have much space where I want to have grass though, I want to grow more exciting stuff :). thanks for the tip though!

[@catmindy2187]

I love the well...

[@brendacooper8109]

You better put some big lids out with beer in them for those slugs or those slugs will be eating all your plants

[@Villa_Oliva]

There are many many types of slugs, this is a leopard slug, which actually also eats other slugs. So I'd rather not, I think he is helping me out here

[@mmmppp8419]

The magic of Vila Oliva is that you can find a path and a water well while planting raspberry trees. Amazing. 💝💖

[@Villa_Oliva]

That is definitely true haha

[@radiogramgramophonetoons5802]

More crazy paving 😳 how long ago was that garden last cared for I wonder, how long does it take greenery to grow over the surface and hide something I wonder !!! ?

[@Villa_Oliva]

I have absolutely no idea, but I don't think it will take very long here. Things grow so well here

[@hedgewood7152]

✨🌞✨

[@Omaivo2904]

Druk baasje 👍

[@Villa_Oliva]

that's me ;)

[@Susan.I]

It will be interesting to see what is under all the ivy!

[@Villa_Oliva]

it still is like unwrapping all these little presents, a lot of work, but lovely and exciting!

[@sheilajohnson3668]

Just clearing small beds will not keep the weeds around them from invading. Clear out the whole property and then make your beds.

[@sharonstarling1403]

Well the snakes, worms, bugs are new guest.

[@dushandesilva2595]

Can I suggest something?. The water path that’s running by your house can be used to do a small hydro power thing.

[@Villa_Oliva]

Yeah definitely, good idea, I had the same idea and wrote it down on the long To do list :). Thanks!

[@elainemcgran8828]

Gooseberries grow up and out a LOT so give them space like all berry bushes

[@Villa_Oliva]

Good to know thanks!

[@user-dg8vc3bw2s]

Hi Sam I haven’t heard of a leopard slug when I saw it on your video I thought it was a snake until I saw the head but if he a good guy that’s great. Don’t know if we have them in Scotland ( maybe TARTAN ones 😂😂 ) I must google it

[@Villa_Oliva]

Hahaha can imagine, I heard that multiple times😇. There’s definitely a chance, we got them in the Netherlands as well. Hahahah yeah that’d be cool wouldn’t it

[@terrisantiago9128]

You have a lovely place

[@Villa_Oliva]

thanks!

[@stephenasmith49]

Are you allowed to use the water from the stream/canal through your property? If so, periodically you could pump it up to a tank and use gravity to automatically irrigate the garden from there.

[@Villa_Oliva]

Good idea! I’ll think about it!

[@AdamofCA.]

@@Villa_Oliva ... That's a Gurr8 idea.! That's rainwater runoff racing down the canal. It would be smart, Sam, to divert some of that free water into that empty well for irrigating your garden. All you would add is a horizontal pole to hold the rope that is attached to a bucket. 🎯👍

[@AbigailGerlach-zt1sh]

Just out of curiosity, what are you doing with all the rubbish you cleaned out of the garden? You seem to have a titanic amount of rubbish to get rid of. Does your community allow burning? Green goose berries are popular in England, but I've never seen them where I live. When you harvest, be sure to let us know what they taste like. 😁

[@Villa_Oliva]

haha no I am not burning it, don't think that's allowed either, but I will bring it to the local recycling spot. I have tasted them a long time ago, they are quite tasty. I will definitely let you know!

[@user-hd2mt9xh2p]

Slugs and catappilars are not a gardener's friend Another interesting finds today 😊

[@Villa_Oliva]

true true, but this is a leopard slug, this big guy also eats other slugs, so I am quite happy to have seen him. Also, I am happy to share a bit with these little guys that make everything go round right. thanks!

[@user-hd2mt9xh2p]

@@Villa_Oliva 👍

[@Vanessa-pl3br]

Who needs a drone with such a tower point of view?!

[@Villa_Oliva]

Hahha true

[@user-gf6be2rc6s]

Bei der Anlage eines Garten ist der Weg das Ziel. Beobachten, anpflanzen, behutsam eingreifen und ändern. Mit großen Maschinen und Geräten ist das alles leichter und einfacher. Aber nur behutsam kannst du deinen Garten kennen lernen. Und auch das braucht Jahre. Genau wie die Renovierung. Auch das braucht Zeit und Gelassenheit. Nur so kann man das Haus richtig kennen lernen.

[@Villa_Oliva]

Couldn’t agree more, that’s the mindset I am holding onto as well!

[@southerncolours826]

All lookn good Sam, you certainly wont have any shortage of potatoes and onions 😂

[@Villa_Oliva]

hahaha I think so too, let's see

[@philpoulin479]

So many changes

[@Kaligirl681]

What about the inside

[@Villa_Oliva]

of the well you mean? hard to say, probably decorative. I need to give it a good cleaning

[@radiogramgramophonetoons5802]

How are you planning to keep critters like rabbits away from the vegetable garden ?

[@Villa_Oliva]

I will deal with it once I spot them, and I'm fine with them having a little nibble as well. We'll see :)

[@alantar15]

Крыжовник лучше посадить подальше от дорожки, он потом когда разрастется будет очень мешать по дорожке ходить. Ибо иголки.

[@inavanstaden2601]

Hi julle, jul doen baie goed. Ons hou van jul program en elke eer iets nuuts ontdek ... soos die will. Ina Suid-Afrika.

[@Villa_Oliva]

Glad to hear that!! We also love to work and discover new things here on the property. Thanks!

[@ackermankellylee]

Beer traps will work on the slugs.....thats what I heard from a Gardner.....apparently slugs love BEER!😁😁😁😉😅😅😅🍺🍻

[@Villa_Oliva]

haha good one. This slug is one you'd actually want to keep though. this one also eats other slugs :) thanks for the tip!

[@Del213]

Garden starting to come together. What’s the total spend so far on it?

[@Villa_Oliva]

Definitely :). Time wise? Or

[@wildseifen]

Do you use the creek's water for the garden? Regards! Hedi 👋

[@Villa_Oliva]

Hi Hedi, that is the same water I use to water the plants yes :)

[@wildseifen]

​​@@Villa_Oliva cool! Water from the alps... very good quality. your creek looks full of water now. till the edges... more than in autumn... Would you have Problems if the water continues to rise? Just remember the beautiful surroundings with creeks and canals, water locks... I d love to "play" with. 😀 Good luck! Also for the vegetables. If you've got Problems with snails... I ve learnt in permaculture gardening how to deal with snails as help... Not as enimy. So if you like.. I can send you instructions. It s not much 😉 Regards, Hedi

[@cliveklg7739]

That well have water in it? Probably not clean if it does, but fine for gardening.

[@Villa_Oliva]

unfortunately not, it seems to be merely decorative, but we will see if I give it a good clean later.

[@cliveklg7739]

@@Villa_Oliva Oh well then it might make a nice planter if it has an open space for dirt at least.

[@oliverpavic275]

CAN you dip in that aqueduct in Summer or is it too fast? It would be an amazing feature 😱

[@Villa_Oliva]

You could, but I think you’d have to swim real real fast haha. Who knows, I might be trying it someday. Definitely!

[@AdamofCA.]

@@Villa_Oliva ... luv that humous reply.

[@ClaudeVERGUET]

Merci de mettre des sous-titres

[@Skattie]

Hello guys, have you seen the Dutch farmer on u/t?

[@Villa_Oliva]

I have, he is doing some amazing stuff. I check him out from time to time. I was actually thinking about contacting him with respect to the garden design and info on planting

[@alantar15]

Бро, ты зачем иногда субтитры отключаешь? Вообще-то тебя смотрят и те кто английский знает плохо. Я например)))

[@Villa_Oliva]

I don’t turn off subtitles. In fact I try my utmost best to get them in every video! Sometimes the automatic subtitles don’t get generated. If you know how to solve it, please let me know

[@giovannidivirgilio3215]

Mancano i sottotitoli ,

[@Villa_Oliva]

sorry, still don't know why I doesn't work. If you know how to solve it, please let me know

[@roperez19]

subtitles please, se poco inglés

[@Villa_Oliva]

Sorry, I don’t know why it doesn’t work. It is not my choice not to put it in. I don’t know why it doesn’t work

[@AdamofCA.]

check the settings.

[@AdamofCA.]

@@Villa_Oliva ... it may be an item in his computer settings that needs to be turned on by roperez19.

[@Villa_Oliva]

That could be, but I think he’s right. I can see there’s no “automatically generated subtitles” for this video. Do you actually have subtitles then?

[@AdamofCA.]

@@Villa_Oliva ... That is a good question, Sam. I never checked, because the volume is audible. Let me check. My cursor clicked on CC (closed caption). My screen (monitor) displays: "Subtitles/captions unavailable." That's odd. Because the dialogue of most movies is not audible, I press CC and get a printed text of the conversations on screen. That's really odd because my setting is On for captions (which happens for movies).

[@user-zh6qe3dv3c]

Pas de traduction possible !

[@Villa_Oliva]

sorry for that, I thought I had it solved! :((

[@ericpessey]

pas de traduction en francais

[@Villa_Oliva]

Sorry, I don’t know why it doesn’t work :((

[@wayneguy6043]

Are you fixing up this house or planting potatoes? Where are the priorities?

[@johannesdevreeze1367]

Ik sla over dit filmpje . Je bied geen geen ondertiteling aan

[@Villa_Oliva]

sure thing. Again, it's not a deliberate decision. I honestly don't know why it doesn't have automatic subtitles, so if you know how to solve it, feel free to share.

[@jwnl3981]

Please remove candy crush😢

[@gloriasmestad3803]

If you are referring to advertising, I don’t think you tubers control that.

[@Villa_Oliva]

yeah sorry, as Gloria mentioned, I can't control the ads in that way. Apologies