BIG PLANS in 2024: Renovations + Landscaping - Ep. 225

After sharing what we were able to accomplish in 2023, Sander and I muse over what is on the docket for 2024, which includes more renovations and landscaping projects. Now that the Meadow House renovation is behind us, we'll be digging our heels into the barn and the Common House, fondly becoming known as 'The Roost'.
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[@brendaw53]

Watching your videos makes me happy. In the 70’s we had maybe 4 stations on tv and my favorites were on PBS, This Old House and The Victory Garden. Thanks for sharing Nature and building projects. ❤ 🪴

[@FlockFingerLakes]

So glad these videos brighten your day. When I grew up (later than you), we may have had 6 channels. I remember Mash and the news haha.

[@sharonknorr1106]

Still have my Victory Gardens books - loved that show. Plus my Rodale organic gardening magazines and books were how I got started in gardening. There are so many more resources now which is wonderful.

[@marky3131]

My favorite parts of this channel is the educational focus on native plants and Saunders really outstanding work. Hope you work hard to keep things fun for yourselves.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Great to know what you like the best. Thanks for sharing.

[@krista6677]

Love the honest talk about “decisions & visions”. My hubby go through this with EVERY project. It took years of battling to learn that we don’t verbally explain our ideas to each other well. So now we quickly draw a horrible rendering of our ideas. I tend to be the “that’s too extravagant “ and get overwhelmed only to look back a few years later and think “that was the better way to go” because now I’m only trying to expand on what we compromised on 😂😂

[@FlockFingerLakes]

It's important to not only recognize each others "shortfalls", but our own shortfalls. If we become more acutely aware of them, we may be able to break a pattern or at least be able to come to a compromise or conversation more easily. Thanks for sharing!

[@sandyd4922]

This reminds me of our annual family reunion growing up. It was 6 siblings and their families 2-3 generations. There was the bigger common guest house where we ate dinner all together every night and each family had a night to host the dinner. Each sibling and their extended family stayed in their own cabin with a kitchenette with the basics in the kitchen but the common house had a fully equipped kitchen. Great memories! Thanks for allowing us to watch your journey

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Very nice dynamic and memories!

[@janebutz5375]

I really enjoyed this video. Having done some restoration myself, it’s good to take a pause and remember your accomplishments. It helps move through the less exciting phases. I also really like the banter between you two. You can kid each other without being mean-spirited. Obviously you have put good energy onto your relationships. Having lived with siblings and boarders, I know how helpful THAT is. Best wishes for 2024. It’s exciting to watch the progress.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

There are so many non-exciting, tedious bits in the process. Most of the time, we just put a timelapse camera on those parts. Ha. But thanks for noticing the camaraderie we have. Keeping good communication and solid relationships is vital. Nice that you recognize that. Thank you. Happy New Year.

[@edmundkudzayi7571]

Used to watch this a few years ago. It was three or four back then.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

From 3 to 5 now!

[@edmundkudzayi7571]

@@FlockFingerLakes wonderful!

[@rebeccaz789]

For deer in Montana, we got 10 ft fencing. There were poles and plastic tensile strength mesh. The remote control, solar gate had a gateway above. Deer will charge but bounce off rather humanely. For the edging, lay it out on a sunny day. It gets warm and becomes more pliable no matter plastic or metal.

[@3404speed]

Great to see all the updates, nicely done videos with meaningful content. Also really enjoy the local business tours, looking forward to more stuff!

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Glad to hear what resonates with you!

[@hstephenphillips260]

An idea for completing the deer fence or perhaps another project might be a call out to volunteers. If a bunch of followers showed up for three days to work on one project, it would engage followers, advance your plans, and make for a fun vlog.

[@carolfisch9750]

You should visit Glenstone Museum in Potomac, Maryland. It has the most beautiful meadow style landscape all around it. It’s gorgeous. It all looks natural and much is native plants but clearly the landscaper had an artistic eye in creating it. Lovely to look at from inside the museum and to walk thru outside up close and from a distance.Photos don’t do it justice. Museum and its landscape area is free. If you drive there, you need to get timed tickets (free). If you take public transportation (red line metro Rockville station to 301 bus that drops you right at the museum, no tickets required.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Thank you for the lovely recommendation. I'm sure folks more locally to MD also appreciate the recommendation too!

[@rebeccam1027]

Is it just you two making all the decisions and doing all the work? I thought there were more people on your property. Love how meadow house turned out. The kitchen is wonderful, and my tastes are more minimal.😁

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Three of us are founders, yes, but each one of us participates in ways that suit us at each individual's times in life and we recognize and honor different ways of participating, including personal work, personal finance/investment, revenue generation, in-kind donations, connections, and the like. These are discussions we had well in advance going into the partnership and check in with one another regularly, so it's been smooth. Certain day-to-day decisions are made more regularly by Sander or Sander and me (SRO), but if we had larger decisions to make like, "Should we buy a tractor," (which is a high value product) or "should we change our operating agreement", that becomes a discussion by all of us. We record some of these considerations and dynamics in an earlier video for those interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGeliKWYnt-moqs

[@dawsonbarnhart418]

I’m excited to see the lawn alternative idea!

[@judymckerrow6720]

Thank you Ms. Summer and Sander. 🌲💚🙃

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Happy New Year.

[@Thewildmanwoods]

Love your place…haha wish I could pop in I’m in a back to basics river camp in western Brecon Beacons,wales ….very different landscape but some similarities as we’ve dug a lake and planted 400O trees ❤ ….make a compost loo guys !! ….and you’ll get wwoofers ( workaway ) who would love camping….especially by the lake …..it’s made such a difference here having help …some stay for 5 weeks in a tent …❤❤bless them xx Becky @The wildman woods

[@danielacenariu5314]

Just love you , guys! My love for our beautiful nature finds a strong resonance in you. God bless you!

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Many blessings to you as well in the New Year!

[@pierrelipperheide7981]

happy 2024! I really enjoyed last year's content :) the wet lawn area near the common house sounds like a great area for a bog garden! put your recent crash course to good use :D maybe there is a spot near the gazebo on Half Lake where you could add a frog pond as a little extension? "roughing up" the edges of the lake might actually look more natural, too...

[@FlockFingerLakes]

There's an overflow area off the main lake that would be perfect for Bog Habitat (or at least we think so), but it has to be freed of the massive japanese honeysuckle and multiflora rose. It's an area we have yet to tackle. It's nearly impenetrable. But we don't want to tackle that area until we are able to re-fence it. But yeah, there is a "natural" frog pond just off the Lake in the forest, but having one closer to the house where we can more easily observe nature would be nice too. Good ideas!

[@liliflood2470]

Sanders you are so wise!!!

[@robertbass5283]

Great video guys…lots of cool ideas and plans, following. HAPPY YEAR !

[@katemiller8113]

As someone also obsessed with good design while in the midst of a condo reno in a 1944 industrial/art deco bldg that is very different in style from my current 1917 post-Victorian bldg, I very much identify with the challenges of project mgmt and design compatibility/integration with what the bldg wants to be. It’s also a joy if you’re one of those ppl who enjoy the process/visionary thinking, not just the outcome. But then the continued patience needed - with oneself and with avail time/resources. I can easily get lost in analysis paralysis trying to anticipate every flaw so I’m not kicking myself later (and cursing myself for all the things I’ve complained about when dealing with bad design elsewhere lol). Oy! You’ve bitten off a lot. Deep breath ohmmm 😅

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Sander has identified that he can be susceptible to analysis paralysis, as you describe it, but that's when it's helpful to have someone who can make decisions to break the cycle. I think I've been that person for Sander as far as decisions go, but sometimes his extended analysis has been a MAJOR asset too.

[@wimhance6541]

I love the idea of recycled tyre roof tiles, and they look great too. Where have you been living while all of this goes on? Is the building across the road from the meadow house yours too?

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Well we now have the Meadow House done; all of us have stayed down here at some point (though not all together haha); and we always keep a bedroom and couch and inflatable bed upstairs. We have now eliminated another bedroom, however, because we are gutting the Common House, but only doing it so as not to ruin sleeping places because we never want to be in a situation where one of us can't stay here. That being said, I'm only here half time.

[@sharcarlson4980]

I really like your sensibilities. Happy New Year

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Happiest New Years to you as well!

[@sharonknorr1106]

So a thought on grass. Was watching the Canadian Permaculture channel the other day and he talked about things he would do different. And one thing was he would not be so insistent on getting rid of all the grass because he found the rabbits would often preferentially munch on the grass rather than going after his plants - not foolproof, but he thought it was an important discovery over the past few years that would lead him to let more grass grow in some areas. Very excited to see what happens in the common house this coming year, as well as the gardens. Love the frog pond idea - I would love to have one, but it is very dry here and our dog would likely demolish it immediately.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Definitely good thoughts. We noticed both ground hogs and bunnies eating the dandelions and grass. And robins like the lower mowed areas. But we are not proposing to eliminate lawn entirely. Just making certain areas more diverse, with many of those areas still be kept low. Like the native, low-mow lawn alternatives, which we highlight in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqDOpXSPgdFqi7s.... The thing is, we have a good amount of space to do some great test plots without removing any one thing from existence. One thing we noticed was that when we instated the meadow and grass began to grow in the gravel, we eliminated breeding habitat for our killdeer, which we had the first year. So we talked about creating designated space for killdeer again.

[@sharonknorr1106]

Yes, it is complicated trying to figure out what would be best. The guy in Canada has a lot of very wild and natural areas, but has decided that trying to get rid of all the grass is actually counter-productive in some areas. I think that you are thinking the same way, not being dogmatic and observing what is going on over time, like the killdeer. That is what good stewards of the land do - observe and adapt as necessary. Love what you are doing and planning on doing.

[@ryanmetcalf7506]

Love hearing about the plans for the coming year - have you looked into doing controlled burns for some of the meadow areas and to get rid of the invasive grasses? It could end up being the most economical option, and a lot of native meadow species are fire-adapted, so you could end up seeing a bunch of rare native plants springing up in the following year

[@ja-uh9gz]

That's a good idea. Right by me, there's a large meadow..which is a park...that every spring, park maintenance do controlled burns. The meadow is thriving and is beautiful.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

We will do small burns of areas, like around the gazebo to keep encroaching, shallow-rooted grasses at bay. The type of grass that I'm referring to in front of the Meadow House, does not really respond to burns due to its root depth. And the time we would want to burn it, is the time when there is typically a burn ban in the area, which is terribly inconvenient. But in general, for folks interested, it's common practice to only burn about 1/3 of the area at a time because ecologists studying controlled burns have found out that (no surprise), it can really destroy habitat for many insect species that were overwintering or utilizing the plants for food. There are some excellent studies out there showing how burning too much habitat at a time has decimated fritillary numbers. Just throwing it out there for folks who read this comment and consider that as a practice. Weigh costs and benefits. And know when your burn bans are, so you don't get in trouble with your neighbors or the town!

[@courto5927]

Great to see the visual update & hear the plans. You are inspiring me to make a meadow. THANK YOU SO MUCH for the info re that. I know how much hard work goes into even one of these projects. It’s just me with a 1/2 acre but sometimes it’s overwhelming: need to do, want to do!!! It’s so awesome to see the support you give each other. Love your vision❤️

[@pattithompson1395]

As a landscape designer and gardener, this presentation gives me much perspective for going into the second year of managing ten acres of land with large gardens and a dynamic increasingly arid environment including hungry near starving deer. Have followed what you do here since you obtained this parcel of land, so it is great to hear of your considerations and assessment of your wins, losses, and ongoing challenges. It was all a big mess when i arrived. Last September the deer crumbled a 14 foot high fence at a fence post spot to take access to the vegetable and orchard garden, when no one was on the land. i believe it got a running start down a hill to get over the fence. In a weird positive way they suitably pruned all the fruit trees and perennials...this is off of coastal Western Canada on a small sunny island in an archepelago.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

We call the kind of deer you have: "Super Deer" ... we have them too :)

[@pattithompson1395]

Yes, i have come to see all of us, the humans, the birds, the "super deer", the rats, and mice, the fish, the whales, the bees and butterflies, and the soil micro organisms, as vulnerable to the changing forces of Nature! I have chagrin but feel deep love for the all the fauna who participate in making the flora be what it is. Thank you,@@FlockFingerLakes, you are much appreciated for all that you share!

[@cacape75]

You should check the channel Baungarten Art Renovations. The guy created a studio with different pressure so the fumes are sucked quickly. I don’t think there’s an specific episode about it but he explains stuff along the way. He seems awesome and might be glad talking to you.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Thank you for the reco!

[@Lillystromhollow]

Are you guys friends or together?

[@FlockFingerLakes]

We're all friends. Joey and Kiya are married.

[@latebloominghippie]

💚😂🥲…..💩? That was awesome 👏

[@christinelarkin8054]

I feel your a bit overwhelmed Saunders. We women have grand ideas. Might have to clone yourself😊

[@FlockFingerLakes]

As if! Sander has the grandest of all ideas out of all of us. Hahah.

[@ambongiorno]

Seems like the common house can be used for things like weddings. Not sure if that would ever the direction you want to take, but 2 or 3 events could pay you lots of projects.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Weddings is not necessarily something that speaks to us, but we've been asked, and we may consider it down the line. But like you said, maybe 1 or 2 ....not like a full-blown business. Of course, we would have to look into other things like event insurance and public facing bathrooms, etc.

[@browneyedbottle]

What product did you use for the black roof? It looks great, I would love to use the same thing.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Euroshield...Canadian product. Shipped amazingly fast. Can't say enough good about them. Only challenge/concern we see is that if you're collecting rain water from your roof (we are not, as it goes straight in our gutter and into the earth), but we're not sure how a rubber product affects quality of rainwater when it goes directly into a rainwater collection system. That being said, it's got a 50-80 year lifetime.

[@MrKellfireBray]

Do you guys know Alexandra Gator’s renovation channel? Her woodworker Grant is incredible and would be a great person to ask about what goes into a great wood work shop.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

we do not! Thanks for the reco.

[@prismaticflowerfarm]

Will you have a large veg garden?

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Our goal after residing the barn is to add a greenhouse off its southern side, so that we can grow our primary veg in there. That way it'll protect it more from our hungry creatures ... like ground hogs, rabbits, skunks and the like. Not sure if that will be a 2024 or 2025 project. But it's in the works. Otherwise, we're growing some of our perennials crops like asparagus and sunchokes in raised beds; the community garden has our peas, beans, and greens; and the larger orchard area has a host of longer term crops and the like.

[@amk1231]

Hello! I will be in your area this July during my family vacation, and I was so hoping to see the gardens in person. THINKING I was planning ahead, I visited your website intending to contact you, and was dismayed to find that there were two tours set up for that month, and that they were both already sold out! Will you be making available any other options to see the gardens?

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Possibly! We really only wanted to do one garden tour in the coming year to trial it out, but stay tuned here or the email list.

[@amk1231]

Will do! Thanks.

[@VanillaAttila]

Where are you sourcing your cor-ten steel from?

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Directly from the manufacturers of Corten. Most affordable option that way!

[@VanillaAttila]

@@FlockFingerLakes thanks!

[@rowenadinsmore1]

or you could just put pvc pipes for the meantime to indicate where the trees are

[@carolfisch9750]

How about the movie room be soundproof…so if a movie is showing the sound doesn’t overtake the whole house. Could also double as a music practice room for any future musicians who may be living or visiting. Also at least one or two guest bedrooms that be used by residents guests.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

The way that the house is set up (more open concept with an opening in the floor, it will be hard to sound proof it, but we're soundproofing the ceiling to the best of our ability. That being said, the way it's designed, it'll be easier to have movie hours than it would be to try to make it a quiet room. Sander built a soundproof booth, however, at my place in brooklyn, so he could record his course and I could record my book, so he knows what it takes to do awesome sound--proofing. Damn good meditation room too!

[@lauriesickles5393]

This has probably already been said a few times but I missed it, is the third person they were working with, no longer with them?

[@andreeawhatever]

They just published a new video, he is on that. He does not participate in the renovations as far as I can tell.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Yes, JoJo is still with us. Each of participate in different ways based on where we are at in our lives and careers. And as you may have seen from one of our latest videos, Joey is now a dad!

[@mrs.rogers7582]

Leave the meadow, it's beautiful and supports the wildlife and insects and frogs!

[@FlockFingerLakes]

We are adding meadow and plant diversity-removing the invasive monocultures. Not sure what you mean by "leave the meadow."

[@bitethebullet8213]

poor sanders!! lol

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Wait, he doesn't feel sorry for himself, so why do you? haha. :)

[@sdqsdq6274]

where to poop , make a compost toilet ? i believe some people like to camp too

[@FlockFingerLakes]

True. But I have this thing with hospitality and would want to make sure everything is set up for folks to be there.

[@theclimbingroseaffirmations]

I wish you two were dating, you two always look so happy together. So in my head you're dating but keep it professional in front of the camera 😏 if not I hope you two stay good friends forever!

[@VanillaAttila]

Where is your 3rd partner?

[@FlockFingerLakes]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHirpZuugrNnf6c making babies! haha

[@Kristhedish]

Sander does amazing work but is difficult to watch and listen to. He doesn’t look at the camera, he doesn’t modulate his voice and he talks but doesn’t converse. I expect the response will be to find something else that I like better, but hopefully we will meet in the middle.

[@ac42405]

Have to say I enjoy his thoughtful explanations and keeping it real manner while providing really professional quality video and artistry behind it. Yes, there is definitely plenty of slickness personalities out there in KZbin land to choose from.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

"WHHHASSSSSSUP KZbin! Be sure to SMASH that like button." Hahahha we always joke about the added drama and flair that's out there on the 'Tube. At any rate, just be happy SanSan shows his face on camera b/c it's not something he LOVES to do, and so we're grateful that he shows up for us. Thanks for your feedback regardless.