Best garden design tips of the year....

[@kemifm]

What I love the most is your attention to detail. The journalistic background reflects so well with the detailed questions. Fantastic content and a great reference point in all areas of gardening. My favourite resource for ideas ❤️👌🏽

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@TheImpatientGardener]

I’m really loving these compilation videos, Alexandra. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Oh, thank you so much! There aren't many gardens to photograph in January, so a compilation seems a good way of remembering summer. I expect you're completely under snow!

[@gardentours]

"Repitition and pattern are more important than lots of colour" that sounds interesting especially for someone who is starting a garden on a budget. You can multiply your plants and it will look fabulous.

[@sammysworld5485]

What I learned as a gardener is to plant things that grows successfully well & repeat. Also propagating & splitting plants to save money is another great tip.

[@pansepot1490]

Keep what thrives and get rid of what struggles. I have heard that advice a lot from professional gardeners.

[@RSinton]

Your videos are absolutely entrancing, they are so chalk full of so much amazing information and they have such a pleasant and straightforward cadence. I feel completely transported to these magical gardens! I've always been interested in gardening, but I find myself nurturing my inner gardener more and more as I get older. In Northern California it feels like I really have to travel far to find local examples of amazing gardens, some places in the South and East of the US have great garden traditions, but most of my neighbors have relatively lackluster gardens, which is good news in some ways, lots of room for improvement!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@joannmicik1924]

I think my biggest challenge is "linking up" the various areas of my garden so it forms a cohesive whole. I still haven't quite got the hang of having different garden "rooms" yet each being part of a whole. This video was a big help! I think the idea of using three's is very helpful. Thank you once again for great ideas.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I'm glad they were helpful

[@depasti]

In my garden I inherited some tall plants wherever an alley turns. Each room has its micro climate, with various degrees of shade. As tall plants I have a magnolia stelata (which can be safely pruned), a vine on a pergola, 2 forsythias. I also have 2 Japanese quinces, which are tall and bushy, but I don't recommend, as they look too wild. I'd rather have Japanese camellias instead.

[@adjesprangers3738]

Thank you . I love seeing English gardens.

[@nicolassmith1278]

Hi pretty lady. How are you doing today? and how is the family and that of the weather over there??

[@DeborahChapin]

I am on my fifth year of building a pollinator garden, and I have been using the same plants throughout the whole 2 acres because of the idea of trying to make it cohesive. It’s still very wild, but I have been propagating and filling in and gradually it seems to be coming together. I think that trying to keep the wild aspect and still be planting into it to augment at the same time not making more work for myself has been the biggest challenge. But I keep building upon those things that are working in the hopes that I will end up with, beautiful sections if nothing else. In another five years I will know, maybe🤷‍♀️

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It sounds as if it will work beautifully.

[@DeborahChapin]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden Thanks 🤞 hope so.

[@juliabinford6500]

Your interviews are so interesting. After an unusually dry summer, we had ice damage this past week, in the Pacific Northwest. Mild when compared to colder climates, but branches did come down. Gardening is not for the faint of heart.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! And we too have had some surprisingly icy weather after the drought this summer.

[@annashiegl]

My favourite is the prairie planting, I remember seeing it the first time around, so inspiring. 😍

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I think it's stunning and Michael explains it so well.

[@rickwalker5203]

Thank you for showing so much content in so little time. The variety of styles are amazing!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@nyoni90]

At 32 I've found myself becoming more green-fingered this channel is the best thing I've found!

[@SpanishEclectic]

Nice recap of some excellent moments from the year. The people you interviewed on your trip to Australia were terrific, and their advice especially pertinent for this Southern California gardener. With an old house I ended up with a number of old trees and large shrubs, most rather out of hand. I have bougainvillea (dark hot pink, don't know the variety) and Mexican Fence Post cactus (get to be 15 feet tall) in my rose garden. Neither one needs water. I loved the "shed guys", and would love to learn more about repurposing found items, etc. as garden structures and hardscape. I have this pile of scavenged bricks, you see....As always, thank you, Alexandra. :)

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Funnily enough, one tip I cut from this (because I didn't have an image and I think these things can be confusing if there isn't an image) was Posy Gentles saying that she used to work in a garden that had a pile of bricks. The owners kept wondering what to do with it, and while they were wondering, it was colonised with plants, and it's now a brick version of a rock garden! but also I hope to do more repurposing in videos, too.

[@heidis3993]

My favorite program was about the back yard of a house, in a city, I think, and the high-school- or college-aged son had persuaded his mother to make it a wildlife habitat. The result - though it is still evolving, I expect - was thrilling, and made such a thing seem achievable to lots of people, without much money, or space, or deep expertise. Everyone with whom I shared it, or to whom I mentioned it, was excited, even those whose lives had about zero overlap with gardening.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I agree, I thought that was so interesting. I'll be doing another highlights video on plants, and I was thinking of doing one on wildlife friendly gardens, but even if I don't I will cover that garden again.

[@alexandros1973]

Thank you Alexandra for this great video. It is very well edited so it is very informative and cohesive at the same time. Have a great winter!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@JoannaLouise200]

Really lovely video :) You ask questions of your guest gardening peers that I never realized I needed the answers too! But after your guests reply I realize I always wanted to know the information they give in their answers. You clearly know the right questions to ask! (I hope that makes sense).

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@folee_edge]

Thanks!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much! And I hope you have an enjoyable festive break and Happy New Year.

[@dianepuskas6362]

Thank you so much for another great video. I know already that I will be rewatching several times. One of my main concerns in my garden is trying to figure out the sun patterns in the same border. I figured out the area that is mostly shady, but the areas that are part sunny are giving me a run for my money.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I know what you mean - I find the same. I think in the end, the plants will tell you.

[@kevinwilkes5969]

Thank you for another year's videos, I've enjoyed everyone.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@bettinaschmid1158]

I love your videos! Again, beautifully put together!! Thank you.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@amyjones2490]

This was most interesting…I’ve incorporated many of these tips and my garden is looking much better for it.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@BeautifulOaks]

My garden concerns are planting and growing west coast native plants on 45 degree downward slopes with winds from the east, west and mostly south, on compacted sand dust soil. Fortunately, there are some ground covers and native short shrubs growing on the southern slope but it really needs native tree and shrub roots that can spread. I mention native plants because 1) they are less likely to have their roots eaten by gophers , it’s like eating veggies all the time ( non native plant roots tend to be like candy to gophers), 2) if native plants are planted properly and endure the first few years of drought and heat, then there’s hope, 3). If the native plants grow to maturity, even if stout, then the berries are food for animals and shelter for smaller animals and insects. How does a person situate/ plant shrubs on such a steep slope without the slope crumbling, so that the shrub has a chance to keep the slope together while catching some rain?

[@lulajohns1883]

Thank you Alexandra for video. I am currently trying to start a few perennials and herbs inside for the winter. Watering is a bit tricky but so far so good

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I'm just trying to decide if some of my perennials need to come inside, we have such mild winters, but suddenly a big snowstorm will creep up on us.

[@ATLIEN333]

I totally agree with the guy about being obsessed with color combinations. Nature is never wrong in what it does and all colors go together. The idea of the ponds would not work in the Southern United States. We have a major mosquito issue and lately mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus. It would have to be a pond with some type of running water to prevent mosquitoes laying their larvae.

[@carolynclark8780]

Check out Irai Rod's suggestions about how to control mosquitos in an eco-friendly way. His/her (?) suggestions are contained in a reply to my comment on this video.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, the running water helps, as does fish in the ponds and changing any shallow water areas, such as bird baths more often than once a week. I will look into this further.

[@ATLIEN333]

@@carolynclark8780 Thanks will definitely check it out

[@ATLIEN333]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden Thanks and Happy Holidays to you as well.

[@LindaOsier]

Love your video

[@DownButNotOutYet]

Good morning Alexandra, all the inserts are lovely. It depends on each individual regarding placing of pots like with the 9x7 section, all the pots are virtually hidden, you just notice the mass of flowers which is the main focal point, then spreading into open gardens, it really is up to the individual how they plan the end result. One owner could spend a fortune on this and that and the new one arrives and rips all out or make a complete change. At the end of the day I suppose we want in our gardens what we like. I have seen a smallish house, with just grass, no trees or shrubs, I often thought, o.k. the only advantage here is, if we are in drought they have no worries about watering, if a bad storm hits us like heavy hail, no damage. If you can live with an almost plant free garden, you will save thousands over the years, but the majority of people work themselves a good old sweat, carrying heavy containers etc., and restart after the gardeners nightmare, a heavy hail storm of a heavy downpour and high winds. Gardening is great, work out your lifestyle, if very busy, start a small almost maintenance free garden, there are so many ideas to follow nowadays. Thank you for the lovely garden chat of showing and growing. Until next time, take care, many blessings. Kind regards Elize

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, and I agree, we like the work of gardening...most of the time.

[@Dan-440]

I get lots of inspiration from your channel and these different gardeners. Thank you.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@yvonnehall544]

This is a good video refreshing our minds while we prepare for next Spring Compact and great. Thanks again..

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@SuerteDelMolinoFarm]

Greetings from the LooseNatural farm in Andalusia

[@barbkenas5663]

Great video packed full of great ideas!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@andreabriem853]

A wonderful mix of your gardenvideos. Thank you Alexandra. I looking every tipps you gave. And you teach me in garden english language. Thank you so much, have a holy christmas with your familiy and a lucky jump in the new year 🎄

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you and happy Christmas

[@andrea-bero]

Great tips and video!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@ordiekelleher2641]

Great video!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@beckyscheller9358]

Loved all of those videos. Great tips from all of them. My best tip is to work with Mother Nature not against her. Using what works where you are located as several of them said.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@gardenextra7415]

That was a really good video 🙂♥️🌿

[@AKPRispect]

Very nice video 👍#ashishgardening

[@drawyrral]

Another good show. Lots of great ideas. How about art in the mid sized garden?

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

And just to add, yes, art is a great idea. I will look out for a good garden to 'interview'

[@carolynclark8780]

What a lovely idea to add a pond to the garden. I've thought about doing so many times. What always stops me though is how to keep the mosquitos out. I don't want to heighten the chances of mosquito borne disease, primarily West Nile virus in my area. Any tips on about this that don't involve insecticides that would kill beneficial bugs as well as the mosquitos?

[@irairod5160]

There's a product called "Mosquito Dunks" that you might want to do some research on. It has a bacteria that is toxic only to mosquito larvae and will not harm other insects, fish, frogs, pets, squirrels, etc. Another step to consider is adding a small fountain to your pond. Mosquitoes prefer stagnant water to lay their eggs on. My pond has a small solar fountain in it (from Silicon Solar, if you're in the USA) and with it, plus the Mosquito Dunks granules, I haven't had any mosquito problems, even in my area, where summers are humid and hot and biting creatures (ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, ants, chiggers) are prevalent.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I think Irai Rod's suggestions are good, I don't live in a mosquito-prone part of the world - some people say that if you change the water more often than once a week, it doesn't give the larvae time to hatch, but that sounds a bit complicated.

[@carolynclark8780]

@@irairod5160 Thanks, Irai for such helpful suggestions. I will set up a small container pond and try the Mosquito Dunks. (Too much shade in my garden for anything solar to work, I think.) It'll be wonderful to finally have my pond!

[@irairod5160]

@@carolynclark8780 Glad to help--I'm excited for you! If you are intrigued by the possibility of the fountain head, my solar pump has a very long cable so the light collector can be placed high up (on a trellis or bird feeder pole, for example) or on the ground, about 8 feet from the pond. That distance is usually enough that one can find a clearing between tree canopies and away from the shade of building and fences. I wish you hours of pleasure enjoying your new pond!

[@alisonburgess345]

Fantastic video - one thing i've noticed when professional gardeners and designers work is that they don't hold back with the volume of any given plant they use - they put TONS of plants in the ground!

[@joannmicik1924]

I noticed that too! That's one of the design points I struggle with...getting enough plants of one kind to make a big impression. Do you have that problem? I tend to buy whatever catches my eye and end up with a very spotty effect. I tried planting a BIG patch of sedum Autum Joy and wow, it looks great! Want to try to do the same with other things.

[@alisonburgess345]

@@joannmicik1924 I don't have that problem any more! A landscaper planted a hedge next to me and put the plants (Viburnums) about 12" apart! They grew quickly into a fantastic thick hedge. Meanwhile, nearby people who only put them 3 or 4 feet apart won't have a hedge for a couple of years...!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Absolutely. I'm trying to make myself do that with the replanting of my main border, it's surprisingly difficult to get my head around buying 5 or 7 of a plant!

[@RoseMary-vs3io]

👍👌

[@camillaluckey4136]

What are those tall brown “spikes” sprinkled liberally throughout the Mc Coy naturalistic garden?

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It's a foxglove type called Digitalis ferruginea.

[@camillaluckey4136]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden Thank you!!!!

[@anitahadley2871]

I definitely need to work more on textures and shapes. I feel like I’ve lost that middle height. I’d love a pond but we have so many mosquitoes, is that an issue for you as well?

[@carolynclark8780]

The problem of mosquitos has been holding me back from establishing a pond, too. In fact, the mosquito borne West Nile virus is a problem in all of our 50 US states. But Irai Rod has some great suggestions about controlling mosquitos in a reply to my comment on this video (a product called Mosquito Dunks and/or a solar fountain).

[@anitahadley2871]

@@carolynclark8780 yes, I do use mosquito dunks in my bird bath and my fountain. But here in the south I still get lots of mosquitoes. Maybe having fish in a pond might be more helpful.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

We don't have the problems with mosquitoes that some people have, and there are some precautions that can help. Keep the water moving with a fountain, change any shallow water completely more often than once a week (apparently any water deeper than 24" isn't suitable for mosquito larvae.) and use fish that eat mosquitoes (check those that are appropriate for your area). Being wildlife friendly and encouraging bats and dragon flies is also good as both feed on mosquito larvae. It's also important to check that water isn't gathering in any upturned lids, small pots without drainage etc and to change water in bird baths more often than once a week. I will also look for an expert to interview on this.

[@sunitashastry5270]

Really enjoyed the video. Ideas were interesting and practical - I like ‘work with what you have.’ I spent years trying to grow rhododendrons and azaleas in central Illinois where neither the soil ph nor the weather ie hardiness were appropriate. What a waste of effort ! So my advice is - don’t do that. Work with what you have is a more positive approach as it focuses you on what you do have.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! I think we've all had a go at planting something that just didn't want to grow in our gardens, I think it's one of the hardest things to get our heads around when we're new gardeners.

[@joannmicik1924]

I agree! I'm in Pennsylvania and altho I'd LOVE to have aeoniums and all those great succlents, they just won't survive our wet cold winters. I'm learning to use "look alike" plants wherever I can...we have a deer problem here, and they eat hostas like salad. So I tried planting Rhubarb in some areas instead. Worked! Ha!

[@sophia-youtube]

My tip: have a dog and you will use and enjoy the garden so much more :)

[@flowerpixel]

I agree people are too obsessed with color/not enough with shape

[@slomo1716]

What about all the mosquitoes hatching in those standing water ponds? I do provide water for my birdies but change it daily. Otherwise a lovely video!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It varies depending on whether you live in a mosquito prone area, which we don't. Changing the water is effective, apparently it takes 7-10 days for the larvae to hatch so if you change the water more often than that, you should be OK, also some people add small fountains so that the water isn't still.

[@Thepotagerscottage]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden I have people say the same to me. I don’t live in a mosquito prone area also. I do get wee midges but they are around even when we didn’t have a pond but they are never a problem. Thanks so much for sharing. 😊

[@carolynclark8780]

Irai Rod has suggested a product called Mosquito Dunks, a bacterial treatment, that only kills mosquito larvae and does not harm other insects or wildlife. (See his/her reply to my comment on this video.) I plan to try it although I'm in the NW (Seattle) and don't have nearly the magnitude of mosquito population as you do in the South.

[@FireflyOnTheMoon]

Often we are trying to hide other people's ugly sheds or weird structures that we see from our propertty.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Good point!