5 Game Changing Garden Lessons I Wish I Learned Sooner

In this video, I am looking back on my gardening career and discussing the five game-changing garden lessons I wish I learned sooner.
0:00 Introduction
0:15 Lesson 1- Seems obvious, but don't forget this tool
2:32 Lesson 2 - Easiest way to develop a cohesive garden design
3:16 Lesson 3 - Gertrude Jekyll's greatest lesson IMHO
4:04 Lesson 4 - Save time and effort and hide that foliage
5:57 Lesson 5 - This is the most important part of gardening
Thanks for watching.
Here's the link to the video about Gertrude Jekyll
• Important Life Lessons...
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[@shelleymolinaro5866]

I learned that it is OK to take out plants that are not thriving. I had 2 large hydrangeas (6ft by 5ft) with large blue ball blooms. I bought them years ago and they were glorious for many years. It had been increasingly more difficult to give them the water that they needed in my Portland Oregon garden. Last year we had no rain from the end of may to the end of Sept. I finally bit the bullet and took them out. When I stood back I expected to see a big empty hole in the garden. Instead I saw the shrubs that were behind the hydrangeas. I could finally see them standing in their full glory. What a lovely surprise! So the lesson is that change is hard but many times well worth it. Thanks for your thoughtful and thought provoking videos Sue.

[@GardenMoxie]

That is a great lesson. I can appreciate how difficult that decision was. That reminds me of removing my overgrown arborvitae from the centers of my boxwood borders. That is a great lesson. Thanks for sharing it.

[@dora59]

I just dug out most of my macrophylla. I have one very large one which I tried to kill 3 years ago but it refused to die. I think I’m going to try again. They are very over rated

[@sharidecterhirst1879]

I love your year end lessons. My husband noticed that I was rarely pausing to enjoy the garden I was so busy working in it. So he built me a wonderful gazebo at the intersection of three major gardening areas for me to sit. I’m often there enjoying a shady afternoon during the heat of the day. I’m using Evernote for the photo record of the garden. And I’m going look at long drifts in the perennial beds. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and your garden, and all the best in 2024.

[@GardenMoxie]

Your gazebo sounds wonderful! Evernote is a great way to document your garden. That's a great idea.

[@UpstateGrammy]

I am working on planting flowers that spread, flowers that are dependable, and flowers that are native. Your videos are inspiring. Thank you!🦋

[@GardenMoxie]

That sounds like an awesome plan Peggy. I can't wait to hear about your favorites for the upcoming season.

[@hobbitlady7568]

When someone talks about Jekyll ❤I'm liking the video.

[@GardenMoxie]

Ha ha! Jekyll is my hero too. Such an amazing woman.

[@lauriegenovese3936]

Thank you for your 5 lessons. Lesson #5 resonated with me as I would look at my lounge throughout the summer saying to myself, “ oh, I need to grab my book and relax more” I did…. 1) raise the canopy and thinned my trees. I was overzealous with my planting and I needed to thin trees out or have an exclusively shade garden. 2) learned I don’t want as many potted plants on my patio. I lost too much room and it was overcrowded. 3) removed more lawn… more room for plants 4) shared seeds & plants with friends & family Your videos are a joy to watch. Thank you!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for sharing the things you did this season. I especially love the reminder to share seeds and plants with friends. I appreciate your kind note.

[@richbishop7896]

I have garden benches all over my garden so I can sit and enjoy each area that I'm working in. I want to make a garden video of my garden as it progresses over the seasons next year. I also want to plant more rabbit resistant plants. Bonny

[@GardenMoxie]

Hi Bonny. Your garden sounds perfect. Those little bunnies can really be destructive. Good luck! I'd love to hear what you find that works.

[@SpanishEclectic]

These are all great lessons! I started a Garden Journal in about 1992, and I doubt it's been updated since. The photos of your garden from season to season are wonderful. I too like to take time to sit and listen to the birds while watching the pollinators enjoy my flowers. I also give myself permission to 'just sit and enjoy'. We put in a security camera that records overnight, and I had no idea we had so many nightly visitors. Two coyotes last night!

[@GardenMoxie]

It is amazing how many critters visit the garden at night, isn't it? I haven't see coyotes. That is really something! Thanks so much for your note and for watching the video.

[@SpanishEclectic]

@@GardenMoxie I live in Southern California, and we have semi-urban coyotes that live in the canyons and open spaces, coming in among the neighborhood streets to look for water and food. You can hear them yipping and howling at night. They can be aggressive with small pets, so we keep our kitties inside. :)

[@GardenMoxie]

@@SpanishEclectic Oh my! Keeping your kitties indoors is a good idea.

[@GrandmaSandy]

I have a very small garden and I don’t have a fancy garden like yours. It’s just a simple garden that I just love being in and planting and moving things around but it’s a small garden but that’s fine still. I’m not a fussy Gardener I don’t care where things come up that much but thanks for sharing your beautiful garden with us.

[@GardenMoxie]

That's the beauty of gardening. Everybody can create a space they love. Gardening is the best!

[@klk12399]

Totally agree with your lessons. I plant lots of ajuga, lamium and hardy geranium as ground cover to hide bulb foliage and keep weeds at bay.

[@GardenMoxie]

I haven't tried using lamium to hide bulbs. I'm putting that one on my list. Thanks for the great suggestions.

[@dustyflats3832]

Today is a stressful day and need to escape from the world news. Will replay this vid probably a few more times as needed. I use perennials, biannuals and annuals around spring bulbs. Petunias with baby’s breath worked well. The biggest problem is remembering where those bulbs are. And remembering where the irrigation is. I’m using the plastic tent stakes right now. Biggest lesson was what a difference irrigation made in our sandy drought stricken garden. It improved everything, gave me more time to do actual gardening and saved time and money. I found a few other things out like changing carrot variety and that radishes and beets need shade here. Those 3 root crops gave me the hardest time here and Finally figured it out. Thanks for the tips.

[@GardenMoxie]

I don't have irrigation, but my friends that do say it's a game-changer. I am glad to hear it's helping you enjoy your garden more. Gardens are just the best!!

[@DeAnne9743]

I am binge watching your videos. I love them and i have a lot of respect for you not accepting sponsored plants. I have always loved gardening and read about Gertrude Jekyll years ago. I think it's time I pick up gardening books again this winter. I have been really struggling with my age. At 59, I know i have limited springs left to see the garden burst with blooms. I have little tolerance for things like drought, bunnies eating all my zinnias, and the deer, but when i was younger, i would think...there's always next year. It is very inspiring to me to see comments from people older than me loving their gardens. Well, thanks for letting me vent in Columbus Ohio!😊

[@GardenMoxie]

Hello and thanks for being here. Gardening is the best. If you haven't watched the Gertrude Jekyll video, you might just be inspired by how much she accomplished in her old age. Such an inspiration and reminder to enjoy today.

[@bernadette1510]

Thank you for inviting us to your garden with each video you post, it is such a privilege and honor to walk the paths with you and see the beauty of each season. Merry Christmas!

[@GardenMoxie]

Hello Bernadette and Merry Christmas to you. Thanks so much for being here friend.

[@jeanannpowers9335]

The end where you are creating the word Peace from leaves is so precious. Reminds me of Jesus saying that we need to be like the littlw children. Love your lessons. And i look forward to your videos in 2024.

[@GardenMoxie]

Ahhh....thanks for your kind words. The garden is my favorite place to be and I am grateful you are here.

[@HookedandRooted]

This was great Sue! covering up bulb foliage with other blooming perennials is wonderful. I've been trying to do that in my own garden over the years as well. Another plant that might be helpful with this is ladies mantle. Loved the video!

[@GardenMoxie]

Lady's mantle is an excellent addition Steph. Thanks for sharing that. Thanks so much for watching.

[@josefalawson3049]

This is motivating. My garden keeps me fit and relaxed. So simple a task, however full of blissful result.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you. I love gardening too. It is a fun way to relax for sure.

[@lucart08]

I'm learning that it's a process & it doesn't have to be perfect.

[@GardenMoxie]

Indeed. That is the fun of gardening. You are never really finished...thanks for watching.

[@GrandmaSandy]

I love shooting my garden also and videos and sharing it with everyone.

[@GardenMoxie]

I always love looking at the photos in Winter to figure out what improvements to make.

[@melissaschloneger9902]

I have been paying attention to the “long thin drifts” and am excited to see what my front garden is going to look like with more of those. I definitely have paid attention to repeating the colors as well, and will see how next year goes in different areas of my yard. The biggest change or tip I have done is to feed and water my plants more. I have expected them to perform well without giving them the food and drink to do so. Once I started giving more fertilizer, it was a game changer.

[@GardenMoxie]

That is a great tip. Fertilizing containers is helpful as well. I added fertilizer to my pollinator garden to amend the soil based on the soil test and I saw the difference. Thanks for sharing that tip.

[@rhho9457]

Love your videos! 💗 They give me a sense of peace and a desire to keep working on my garden. Here are some lessons I've been learning this year: 1. Thick mulch (3 inches or so) makes all the difference! I put down new mulch in late spring after the maple helicopters have mostly finished falling. The mulch covers the ugly helicopters, plus I barely have to weed all summer because it smothers the weeds. And it makes everything look fresh and cared for. 2. It's ok to move a plant if it's failing to thrive. I've moved the same rose three times now (over the course of 4 years or so) and it's finally thriving. The right plant in the right spot! I'm glad I didn't give up on it. 3. Gardening is the perfect hobby for a stay at home mom! 👋 It's something you can do without leaving the house, it provides a creative outlet to focus on, and the kids can help too! 4. I can't remember who said it, but it's a quote that inspires me and it goes something like this: "We think we nourish our gardens, but of course it is our gardens that nourish US." So true.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much. The 3 lessons and quote you shared are great. Gardening is the perfect hobby. Thanks for being here.

[@gloriamathews3035]

Thank you, I love using my camera too. The deer here in pa are relentless. My husband and I finally recruited a landscaper, he threw in a lifetime guarantee replacing plants if they eat them.its been interesting. Keeps changing. Hopefully they stop cause I truly want to enjoy my garden. My husband refuses a fence, we also have a ditch with 4 retention ponds. It's been difficult but not giving up. Merry Christmas God bless

[@GardenMoxie]

Merry Christmas. I am amazed at some of the plants the deer here are eating. Things that typically never get touched like boxwood. They are tough to deal with for sure.

[@dustyflats3832]

@@GardenMoxie​​⁠I could never have a garden like yours here. I have to fence everything or we would have nothing. We are on a deer run to the water. They think we are the salad bar. It looks like a zoo with the amount of fencing I have. Trying to figure out an invisible fence for front landscaping. It’s ruff.

[@GardenMoxie]

@@dustyflats3832Ugh! That sounds tough for sure. I hope you find something the works.

[@izhark9854]

I always learn something new from your video make me better gardener. Thank you so much 🩵

[@GardenMoxie]

Ahhh...thanks so much for the note. I appreciate you being here.

[@ValeCreekCottage]

Lovely lessons for us! I garden in country NSW Australia- about 3 hours west of Sydney in what equates to a 8/9 USDA zone. We are in mid-Summer here. What I’ve learned this year is to got to local gardens and nurseries every month to see what is in bloom or in foliage for my area. Even if you can’t afford to buy the plant, if you can learn more about the plant that appeals to you in that month, you may be able to get seeds or cuttings of it from local gardeners.

[@GardenMoxie]

That is a fantastic idea to learn about plants by visiting local nurseries. You are right that a knowledge of plants is so important to learning how to keep things looking good all season. I am going to take this lesson to heart and do this myself.

[@hc3021]

I’m so glad I’ve found your channel! It’s such a great idea to photo document everything! You have such a gorgeous garden; I need to go binge watch the rest of your channel. 🌸

[@GardenMoxie]

Ahh...thanks so much. I appreciate you being here.

[@GrandmaSandy]

You have put such a beautiful garden together with such beautiful designs.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much.

[@SMElder-iy6fl]

Daylily foliage is good to cover dying bulb foliage.

[@GardenMoxie]

You are right! That foliage will cover up a ton of bulbs. Great suggestion.

[@ElizabethCasey-sg4rl]

I just discovered your videos and love them! Thank you for sharing what you know. My biggest take-away this year is to finish whatever project or planting I've started before excitedly beginning the next one.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you. You made me laugh out louyd with that lesson. I am still trying to learn that one myself!

[@dedewarren]

I too find photographing and videos a great way to capture the changes in the garden. However I really like your suggestion to capture images from the same vantage point! I’m definitely adding that to my list for the upcoming season!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much for watching. I still need a better way to get to the same spot, but these photos have been a game-changer for me.

[@staylor6913]

I’m not sure where I heard this, but it is true: ‘gardeners always have something to look forward to’... Love your garden and hearing about your gardening journey. I am also looking forward to next season, as well as your videos. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours. 😊

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much. I am counting the days until Spring and need to order my seeds this week.

[@Blake.Cooper]

I always enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing your beauty with the world!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much for being here.

[@paulotto2475]

Black Mondo Grass with Japanese Painted fern and Checkered Fritillary is an interesting plant combo for light shade

[@GardenMoxie]

That sounds like an incredible planting combination. Wow!

[@Anonymously4051]

Beautiful garden, spectacular and inspiring. Clearly no deers in your area. Here in Nova Scotia Canada there are more deers than humans I think. They eat everything, even plants that are labelled deer resistant and toxic to animals such as daffodils, rhododendrons, alliums. Coneflowers, black eyed Susan, ferns, mint, boxwood, privet….all deer food. Fencing isn’t an option, sadly. As much as I want to plant a well designed garden it’s just futile as the deers come day and night. Beautiful creatures with big appetites. A beautiful, peaceful garden you have created. Be proud and enjoy every second in it. Thank you for sharing.

[@GardenMoxie]

Oh my goodness you are right about deer. My back garden is fenced in and my neighbors have good stuff to eat in their gardens so the deer have stayed out of the back. But if you get a herd that visits, it is deadly to a garden. They will eventually eat anything. As you said, they have even nibbled the boxwood in front this season. For me, that is a first.

[@Tibetan2]

Great video! … Especially the tip on evolving seasonal photos of the same area. One huge lesson I’m learning to embrace is to simply get rid of plants that aren’t working. I had a gorgeous Lacecap hydrangea which bloomed beautifully for almost 15 years, then suddenly stopped 3 years ago - plenty of healthy, green foliage but no blossoms, while a similarly aged Endless Summer hydrangea bloomed profusely right next to it. I pulled it out this fall and will plant something I love in the spring. I learned that Life is too short not to have plants that bring you joy in the garden. Can’t wait til spring! 🪴💫

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you. That is such a great lesson. I need to learn from you. I sometimes spend too much time trying to nurse things back to health. Sometimes...you just need to replace the plant. That is a great lesson!

[@mittenhomestead]

I learned that the world doesn't end when I loose some plants. I left several splits in pots unprotected and they did not come up this spring. 😢

[@GardenMoxie]

That is a great lesson for sure!

[@bluesky7226]

Taking photos throughout the season is invaluable. A blessed and merry Christmas to you! ❤

[@GardenMoxie]

Merry Christmas! I am going to try "extra" hard this season to get more photos. I always end up looking for something I can't find and I realize it when I make these videos. So this year I will keep that camera handy for sure.

[@JoAnnBlondin]

Hi Sue - great lessons. Love the fifth lesson - one we often don't take the time to do. I find the first lesson and the fifth often relate to each other as taking photos allows the pause and gives you time to enjoy it in other seasons. Thanks for sharing what you learned. Jo

[@GardenMoxie]

You are right! thanks for watching Jo.

[@heidijones1516]

A very worthwhile reflection and thank you for sharing. Great tip about companion bulb planting and taking photos from the same vantage point. This year I gave myself permission to remove some large grasses and shrubs that took up too much room, I planted large dahlias for the first time and cool flowers in the early fall. I finally realized my zone 9a allows me to plant almost year round. I also came to really appreciate and depend on the gardening videos on KZbin that I watch every morning for inspiration, knowledge and entertainment. My garden is my escape hatch too, I love it. Merry Christmas!!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for the kind note and Merry Christmas! I sounds like you finished some great gardening adventures yourself in 2023. Way to go!

[@wavelene7]

I soooo enjoy watching your videos! Your garden’s are beautiful and an inspiration of what our gardens can be with some work, dedication and time! Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience! ❤

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you being here.

[@phyllisstrickholm1074]

I totally agree with your lessons! I thought I'd share that I use native veronica, with it's charming blue blooms and masses of clustered foliage to hide dying bulbs. In fact, I use daffodils to hide the stubs of raspberry plants (autumn producers), then the veronica to hide the faded daffodils, until the raspberries gain vigor, and the veronica then provides weed control and a charming edging.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much for sharing that tip. That sounds like a great combination that covers a few plants which is great.

[@YalisCommunity]

Thanks for sharing your garden lessons. I love them all. My garden lesson this year is to remember to add lots of wood chips around the veggies. This 2023 I did not keep up with gardening and loss many pumpkins, watermelons and so on, all because of not protecting them with a nice layer of wood chips. Is a bit of work but then it saves the harvest.

[@GardenMoxie]

Mulching is a great lesson to share. Thanks for that great tip!

[@shimmyhinnah]

Merry Christmas Sue! 🙏🎄🎁 Thinking of you. You have been a blessing in my life!

[@GardenMoxie]

Merry Christmas and thanks so much for your kind note of encouragement. Thanks for being here.

[@myswedishcottagegarden]

Thanks for another great video! I´m hiding tulip foilage with Salvia, Baby´s Breath and Nepetas. in one of my borders. It works great! I´m going to document that i a video on my KZbin channel next year 🙂

[@GardenMoxie]

Great foliage suggestions and I just subscribed to your channel. I'm looking forward to following along with you. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

[@Michael-Bennett]

These are excellent lessons. I hadn't thought about using corydalis lutea among the daffodils, but will try next year. It is an amazing plant that was still blooming in our Toronto garden at the beginning of December. Thank you for the great videos this year and Merry Christmas.

[@GardenMoxie]

Merry Christmas. I am amazed at the bloom power that corydalis lutea has. That has to be the best shade garden plant ever!

[@phildendron4702]

Thank you. much appreciated

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching the video.

[@dawndawn6946]

Thabk you! Simple and doable.❤

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for checking out the video.

[@delldirks3726]

I love your videos. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you. I'm glad you liked the video.

[@jamescooke4847]

super relaxing video..thank you....

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much.

[@nedda2000]

Thank you for the ideas. Love your garden space, very serene while at the same time vibrant. Merry Christmas!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you so much and Merry Christmas!

[@supertrucker99]

I learned a lot last year 💯

[@GardenMoxie]

That is the best part about gardening, isn't it? Thanks for watching.

[@nothing2seehere34]

Great ideas! Seasons Greetings to you.

[@GardenMoxie]

Happy holidays!

[@jasminelouisefarrall]

Have a wonderful Christmas 🎄 and a merry new year 🎄

[@GardenMoxie]

You too Jasmine. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@rickimoler7158]

Great lessons. My lesson that I've been working on...more evergreens! Merry Christmas!

[@GardenMoxie]

Merry Christmas. Evergreens are great in the garden, aren't they? I always realize that in Winter.

[@TheOrganizedHomemaker]

My garden is my sanctuary too. I so love your garden Sue. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

[@GardenMoxie]

Hi Claudia. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family. Thanks for watching the video.

[@GrandmaSandy]

Hi my dear friend thanks so much for another great video always learned so much from your videos. Thanks so much for sharing all the tips. Hugs and kisses from grandma, Sandy, and Debbie.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching.

[@CheriRuskus]

Sue this was so inspiring! Such a great reminder at this time of year to look at all my digital photos from last gardening season as I begin to think about the beautiful season ahead!💚🤓

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks Cheri!

[@geerandall5855]

Brilliant lessons. Especially about the camera and taking progression photos. And the bonus of doing that is you get to relive your garden through the photos throughout the long winter months.

[@GardenMoxie]

You are right! I love looking through the photos in Winter just dreaming of the next garden season.

[@adelekasinskas2007]

Loved your lessons and. Views of your gardens. Hope I can learn from you! Great role model. Gardening for 50 years , I am 😅always learning. Your reply to the Mary statue comment is spot on: the focus is gardening. I too hope that we all find the peace that gardening brings to you and me. So very appreciative of your true efforts.

[@GardenMoxie]

Gardening for me is like music. I can't imagine life without them. My garden is my favorite "hiding spot". Thanks for watching the video.

[@Meport1105]

Love these tips! I learned that you can still plant in the fall! I’m a rarely new gardener and I was soo bummed when I couldn’t find things to plant the last couple of years cause nothing was available for me to plant. Then I learned shrubs are great also Etsy has lots of starter plants to plant. I was so excited! Love your videos.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you. I am glad to hear you have found a source for plants. Planting in Fall is also a great way to save money. You are right. It is a great time to plant.

[@Cat-xs6os]

I loved the episode where you removed part of the lawn and created a flowers bed with different sizes snd shapes of plants and flowers! Its very stunning and I'm a beginner and looking forward to trying it in the spring! Thank you for sharing your experiences with your garden. 😊

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much. I would LOVE to see photos and hear about your new garden. If you are willing, we can post your photos on the community tab. We can all learn from new garden builds.

[@user-tz5yp2dj4q]

Thank you for this video, it's really useful with lots of food for thought. I particularly think that taking photos/videos throughout the year is a good reminder. The thing I would like to take from last year is to pause more and not be too anxious to be thinking forward. Also, to have the confidence to propagate. I was amazed at how well sedum leaves grew into new plants when I just popped them into the soil, it's so rewarding. I would also like to enjoy this downtime, rather than itching to get out and get my hands in the soil :) Thank you again and happy holidays from an appreciative English viewer.

[@GardenMoxie]

Hello and thank you for your note. Propagating plants is such a great activity. I think it also teaches us a lot about different plants. I am interested in learning how to propagate ferns. They take a long time, but the process looks interesting. I read about it in Ken Druse's book "Making More Plants". I am trying to grow maidenhair ferns right now. We will see if it works. I really want to learn how to grow primroses. I have not had luck growing them from seed.

[@user-wf8xm1lq4g]

New to your channel: Totally agree w u I take pics of my garden all year round. I also put notes so I can remember in spring what I wanted to move or take out, and what I want to add where.

[@GardenMoxie]

That is a great idea to add notes. That is a great way to remember the things you want to change for the upcoming season. Thanks for sharing your tip.

[@user-sc9lr6kz8t]

First time visiting your channel-I enjoyed it and subscribed. I like the tip about documenting your garden throughout the year with your iPhone. I think it not only helps you see how your garden is growing, but also helps you to pause and be thankful for the changes that you -have made year-to-year.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you. I love your observation that taking photos helps you stop and pause in the garden. That is such a great point.

[@vickimaiorano5763]

Great tips. I have also been taking videos of my garden which also shows how much has grown over a period of time.

[@GardenMoxie]

That is another great thing to do to see how things are progressing. Thanks for watching.

[@dora59]

I love all the evergreens. It’s only over the past year or two that I learned to love them. Last year I bought quite a few on clearance at HD on New Years Day. I’m going out later today in hopes of finding some plant presents for me. Thanks for your videos and ideas o

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you. I love evergreens too. They are such a great help to the winter garden aren't they?

[@judithhatch6175]

Excellent recommendations, thank you!! from 6 A Lexington, KY

[@GardenMoxie]

Hi there! Thank you. I love KY. It is such a beautiful state.

[@PeggyMills]

All good lessons, Sue. After a recent move and downsizing, I’ve learned to keep adding every organic thing I can lay my hands on, to the soil. It’s already making a slight difference. I too am looking forward to the next gardening season. Merry Christmas.

[@GardenMoxie]

Merry Christmas Peggy and thanks so much for your note and for being here. I am looking forward to hearing about your garden next season. I'd love to hear if you have any special things you want to try this year. I'm still trying to figure out what I want to grow from seed.

[@PeggyMills]

@@GardenMoxie one thing new for me is direct sowing of echinacea and butterfly weed seed. I put it out about a week ago. I’m old zone 6b and new 7a. I’m going with 6b for the foreseeable future, lol.

[@GardenMoxie]

@@PeggyMills Thanks for sharing that. I am trying to learn more about seeds that can be direct sown. It saves so much space.

[@lorinsmall5403]

This doesn't work in North Dakota because they come up so close but when I lived in the high desert I used shorter Daylilles like Stella de oro are good coverage for tulips & daffodils. You put the bulbs deeper in the bed & the dailies in front. Put summer annuals behind the bulbs and tall asters behind the summer annuals then you have color all season. The asters look like a small growing hedge until they bloom. If you have nice larger shrubs as a back drop it's very effective.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for sharing your suggestions. These are great!

[@gardeningwithkirk]

your a beautiful gardening

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for checking out the video.

[@gardeningwithkirk]

Good morning 🙏, keep up the good work from Gardening and kirk. Have a creative day ✨

[@alilbitofsol]

These are some great lessons to learn. This year got away from me. I wanted to do so many things and ended up doing nothing. I learned that I just need to do one or two things or work on one project at a time so it doesn’t get so overwhelming. I also didn’t realize how challenging gardening would be when you start a KZbin channel. How do you balance everything so that you get your work done in the garden and deliver a great video. Your videos are so inspiring and I hope one day to get where you are at. Thank you for another great video. Hope you had a nice Christmas. Wishing you a happy new year.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. It sounds like you had a bit of a frustrating gardening season. I'm so sorry. One thing I might suggest is to simply set you tripod up in your garden while you are working and only take a few minutes doing this and that. Once you collect some footage, you can tell the story through your video edit.

[@GardenMoxie]

Send me an email if you want to setup a zoom or audio call to chat all things KZbin.

[@alilbitofsol]

@@GardenMoxiethank you so much! I would love that! I will definitely take you up on that.

[@alilbitofsol]

@@GardenMoxiethis is amazing advice! Thank you!

[@AJsGreenThumbLLC]

Hi Sue. I just subscribed and your garden is lovely! These are some pretty practical lessons and I will try and incorporate all of them. Thanks for sharing!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much for subscribing. Welcome!

[@gardeningwithkirk]

Beautiful work from Gardening with Kirk. you have a green thumb.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you for being here!

[@gardeningwithkirk]

Thank you too

[@sbffsbrarbrr]

Great video with lots of good ideas, especially about taking time to enjoy the garden. That's what I am hoping to do next year. I have a tendency to want to propagate anything I prune rather than composting or just throwing out. So I constantly have a couple dozen pots with something growing and then I can't figure out where to put it, so fit things in willy-nilly . Next year I am taking a break just to see what all I planted this year and where. Time for me to get more intentional 😁and taking photos will be a great place to start in the spring. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@GardenMoxie]

Merry Christmas and thanks so much for your note and for being here.

[@vickiemifflin2854]

Beautiful pictures. That’s something I need to do better. I’m a scrapbooked so you would think I would take more pictures. I had a heart attack a few years back and thought I couldn’t garden anymore but this season made me realize that gardening actually heals. It’s been a great season for me. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Joy and happiness from Kentucky.

[@GardenMoxie]

Hello there! I LOVE Kentucky. You live in a beautiful state. I am just imaging the kind of layouts you can do with your garden photos being a scrapbook artist. I love that.

[@rosemarythyme6351]

Your garden lessons are all key elements of landscape design. Wonderfully done! The only thing I would add is focal points that ushers you down the garden path to a destination - which I noticed you have in your video landscape. Focal points can be eye-catching plants, fountains, structures such as an arbor, gazebo, potting shed, benches, eye-catching garden art, etc. One plant that I enjoy in my garden is peonies. Although their bloom time is fleeting, their foliage gives texture through the gardening season. I love plants that do double duty in the garden.

[@GardenMoxie]

Such a great point to include a focal point. Absolutely. I bet you are excited for the Spring peonies. They are an amazing plant.

[@BACKYARDBLOOMSWITHKIM]

I really learned all these lessons before I started my garden due to watching videos before I bought my house while I was in a transition period. I always planted in drifts, always took lots of pictures, and I never had a difficult time enjoying the garden

[@GardenMoxie]

Great job!

[@englishwithanerudite]

Thank you for the lessons, one should learn all one's life! I must say I have been "fighting" with ferns for a long time, I seem to have a particularly invasive variety. I wish I had never planted it.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching. I have pretty good luck with ferns, but I know that some ostrich ferns are pretty aggressive. I bet that is tough in the garden. I am trying to remove all the plants in my garden that are bit thuggish. That is no easy task!

[@englishwithanerudite]

@@GardenMoxie You are absolutely right about the thuggish plants, it's high time I did that too!

[@quarterbeatrecords7654]

Me too I am making an area with a bench to enjoy my garden I too am too busy creating my garden from an empty lot that I don’t enjoy it. I noticed that you don’t have places to sit except deck. I think you should make 1 or 2 areas. I like you have rooms.

[@GardenMoxie]

Your suggestion to add seating is EXCELLENT.

[@michaeljonesdougherty.209]

❤ i take pictures to get ideas trough out the year or following year .i have a cottage garden at the beach zone 7b i site trough out the year in different places in the gardens to get ideas enjoy its been a great healing place to meditate and just watch nature.i can wait to play out there. My main regrets are not useing pegan calander to watch see my plants have used it 10 years.get out enjoy the gardens in all seasons theres alway something to discover.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for sharing your gardening experiences. A cottage garden at the beach sounds like a dream. I have tried keeping a more detailed calendar and journal for my garden, but I just can't seem to keep at it once garden season starts. Thank goodness for photos.

[@kaitlinjohnson2915]

I’m trying daffodils with Baptisia australis

[@GardenMoxie]

Oh..that will be a stunning combinations with those colors.

[@supertrucker99]

Im still bringing bokchoy in from the garden in december.

[@GardenMoxie]

That is fantastic!

[@annakasikkink7489]

I have daffodils planted within daylilies, and I love that combination. Similar to your alliums, the daylilies have strappy foliage that blends with and eventually covers the daylily foliage well.

[@GardenMoxie]

That is a great combinations. Thanks so much for the suggestion.

[@lucbeau6343]

Hello, what about this combination?: peonies, hostas, and perennial geraniums make excellent choices for covering allium foliage; brunnera works well for hiding daffodil leaves.

[@GardenMoxie]

Those are excellent plant combinations. Thanks for sharing that.

[@sandrawilliams8027]

At 6:25 you have a pine in a planter. Curious- how long has it been in there and will it stay dwarf due to its roots being restricted? Or will it need to be placed in the ground at some point ? Thank you for sharing your garden insights. Points well taken.

[@GardenMoxie]

Hello and thank you. That tree in the container is a white pine sapling. It needs to have its roots trimmed to keep it happily growing in that pot, but my plan is to move it into the landscape at some point. My husband and I call it "Tiny Tree" and it is the perfect Christmas tree for the patio.

[@cindyrae2605]

What is the airy, pale leaf shrub on the right @minute58? How much light does it get? Thanks. LOVE your garden.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much. I think you are referring to the red twig dogwood. It has a variegated leaf. It is a very tough plant and will grow in part shade to sun.

[@cindyrae2605]

Thanks! @@GardenMoxie

[@cindyrae2605]

What is the tall orange bloom @minute1:56? Thanks.

[@GardenMoxie]

Those are African marigolds. The variety is 'Kee's Orange'. I bought the seeds from Select Seeds.

[@Edu_Kate]

Oh no! I had to get a new phone and my last phone's photos didn't transfer over. I can no longer turn on the old phone. I'm hoping the ten years of photos (which I always "meant" to back up to my computer) are somewhere and I can retrieve them. 😱 I had documented several new gardens' progress.

[@GardenMoxie]

No Way!! I hope you can retrieve those images. I am sorry to hear that.

[@Edu_Kate]

@@GardenMoxie THEY'RE BACK! A Christmas 🎄 miracle. 😃

[@GardenMoxie]

@@Edu_Kate YAY!!!!

[@asaliden4584]

Well… over 10000 photos and my garden is only two seasons. 🫣 I have a huge amount of kitten and puppy photos too but mostly garden. I make test squares where I test combinations, mostly for foliage and found some gems I definitely will plant next season, one is sweet potato vine ‘Raven’ which blooms here, columbine’Lime Sorbet’, ‘Cerastium tomentosum and geranium ’plenum’ a double pink adorable bloom.

[@GardenMoxie]

That is awesome! It sounds like you've got a great photo system down. I think photos are the best way to figure out how to change things up. I will sometimes overlay magazine images or pinterest images if something inspires me so I can "test" what it would look like in my space. Way to go!