BORING LAWN Turned to BEAUTIFUL WILDLIFE, HERB & POLLINATOR GARDENS - Ep. 183

We've been keen to turn more and more of our lawn area into a much more diverse habitat for wildlife while bringing an untold amount of beauty to the front yard. Within the past two years, we've taken up quite a bit of lawn and converted it into an herb garden, a pollinator habitat, a shrubbery, and more. Here's a late spring 2023 tour to show you the updates.
Special thanks to Espoma for sponsoring the video.
We've used the following to complete the gardens:
- Biotone - amzn.to/3NzYx2y
- Raised Bed Mix - amzn.to/3PCv3Td
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[@Savethelepodopteraa]

I could cry. I’m just over the moon with the diversity of flora. I work at a garden center in NYC and am now designing private gardens/ terraces with an emphasis on keystone species and using a ratio of 75/25 Native to Non Native. In tandem the work done by Doug Tallamay in junction with other entomologists and scientific literature at Cornell and the Xerses society. Style wise I like to carry on and draw from my personal shero, Gertrude Jekyll as well as William Robinson. Height of the arts and craft movement is my preferred aesthetic. I look SO forward to every episode. Your wealth of horticulture knowledge and scientific based approach are what ALL gardeners need to do more of at this time. So many of the species in your garden I have already planted in my own or started from seed. This channel is nothing short of spectacular. To you and your whole team, a huge thank you. Let’s get these videos to go viral on Tik Tok

[@MonoiLuv]

Saunder's way of bringing the magic of the plants through the screen brings my gardener's heart alive. Beautiful

[@kootenayjoel]

Been looking forward to seeing the progress on this since last year!! What a work of art! I love the emphasis being made on supporting native insects and wildlife. More people need to do this instead of just turf grass. 🦋🐞🐸 I’ve got a pollinator garden in the back and front yard full of species native to the Rockies like asclepias speciosa, achillea millefolium and many others. Almost nothing brings me the same level of happiness than the pollinator garden on a warm sunny morning. There’s something to be said about the positive impact that these gardens have on our mental well-being.

[@andrewf6625]

Thank you Saunder 🫱🐛

[@ja-uh9gz]

Just beautiful! I love the textures and colors...low lying plants with taller ones as a contrast. I prefer gardens over lawns, too. Your property and gardens just keep getting better. 🥀🌻🌺🌿🌷🌱

[@Lou_Mansfield]

So nice that lawn is gone and lots of natives are there!

[@davidnicholson6406]

Showing all the individual plants up close gives me such peace. Thank You

[@ecocentrichomestead6783]

Thing about pollinators.... We notice the bees because they are big and noisy. We notice the butterflies and moths because they are big and flashy. But there's hundreds more pollinators we don't know because they are small and/or inconspicuous.

[@bungalowintransition9112]

I use Large paper Lawn Bags. Box stores sell them. Cut them open and use as WEED BARRIER. They will - like your cardboard break down naturally. Best of luck!

[@Ralpha1961]

As a gardener since I was a teen in the seventies, I always wanted to plant bulbs and other flowering plants in mass. I am glad you have shared your experiences with us. Remember, gardening is an art. You can plant as an artist, an architect or as a interior designer.

[@gasperkanoni8838]

Love you summer❤❤❤

[@dkulikowski]

Hi Summer. As I looking at your present garden I notice that it is lacking a yellow color. So with that being said you showed us the 'helenium' that you want to plant more of. Perfect choice. That small patch of helenium is showing you its beauty and saying "MORE OF ME" here and there. I always viewed my perennial gardens as a painter would with their canvas, step back and look at the canvas. Saying to myself "Lark, you need a dab of ....white, yellow, blue etc.... to balance this painting. Exactly what I did with my perennial gardens...step back and view the 'big picture' . Thank you for always sharing with me your joy and talent. Namaste dear lady.

[@timgarner1957]

I really enjoyed touring your garden! And I agree less grass is better..beautiful lawns are nice but more diverse garden of plants is so much more interesting. Thanks for sharing

[@FlockFingerLakes]

We totally agree!

[@mathometer]

really beautiful garden. I love the thoughtfulness of your choices and the organic nature of the planting layout. As with all seemingly simple things it takes great skill!

[@thomasmarley3646]

BEAUTIFUL!!

[@jenniferbaker19]

I'm watching from Adelaide South Australia. I love your work both at Flock and in Brooklyn and have learned lots from your visits to Botanical gardens, conservatories, private farms, orchards and so on - great work. Thank you and best wishes

[@mayjean1]

Hello from Adelaide too! I love watching these videos and getting ideas :)

[@jiminiecricket9034]

Perth girly here! I have a much larger appreciation of the 'why's' of natives now.

[@rickyt3961]

32:08 amazing transformation! the property has a natural beauty to it 👍🏾😉

[@AumsAcre]

The transformation is magical. Keep on keeping on. We did something similar on our land. ❤

[@Fabdanc]

I wouldn't be surprised if Summer has a personal relationship with all of the little animals that visit.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

I’m trying to be a little Snow White

[@MiBackpacking]

Beautiful flower garden 🙏🏼❤️ I bet your pollinators are super happy 🐝 🦋

[@hobbitlady7568]

THAT SPRING SHOT WAS MAGICAL ❤

[@JoyoftheGardenandHome]

I wish I took notes, I'll just have to rewatch all the videos to make a list for my turned lawn😊

[@tessblog3384]

beautiful farm so green

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Thankfully we’ve had some help from the rain to keep it green

[@GraceMed]

How absolutely wonderful to see the progress these last couple of years... So beautiful! And uplifting! ❤

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Thank you. We are loving it’s nice towards maturity. Every day is a different scene.

[@Blue_Azure101]

It feels like it’s either spring or fall currently on the east coast near NY, so to us it’s still spring 😂

[@MonoiLuv]

So much work, bravo!

[@belieftransformation]

Beautiful transformation; thanks for sharing!

[@growyourgarden3450]

Did I miss the mention of the brilliant red shrub that had the invasive caterpillar on it? Near 23:40 Also I really love the mixture of native and non native plants. Its a gorgeous balance.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Purple-leaved sand cherry

[@kathymacomber5115]

You have such vision..you and Saunder make an awesome couple

[@assomptaalbertini1727]

Thanks!

[@summerrayneoakes]

Thanks for the tip. Very sweet.

[@assomptaalbertini1727]

@@summerrayneoakesyou are welcome and hope to do more in the future. I am in bklyn also and have been trying to maintain a pollinator garden. I just cannot wait to remove my lawn in the next 5-10 years. Thanks for all of your inspiration.

[@melissamybubbles6139]

The lily beetles sound like baad news. The garden looks beautiful.

[@limitlessends]

Love, love your content. I'm literally starved for it

[@limitlessends]

And what you do is so big, so ambitious. It's so much work. I see it. And the places where the imperfections creep up, just know I'm not judging you. I see those imperfections within my own garden too and seeing it in yours reminds me that it's okay to just leave it as it is. Right? As you say, you didn't get around to it and it's fine.

[@limitlessends]

wow your catchflies are so pretty! Mine look like little genie bottles

[@limitlessends]

Gardens ARE lovely-er 😄

[@evemarkus]

Love seeing the progress! It’s such a beautiful space.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Thanks so much! 😊 we enjoy it every day

[@hobbitlady7568]

❤Wow! So amazing to watch this. Excellent job you all!

[@judymckerrow6720]

Thanks Ms. Summer. 🌸💚

[@Boucadillo]

How do you keep up with the pollinator garden and make sure no unwanted weeds disrupt the plants? I can imagine at some point you know what does not belong there but would pove to see a "garden maintenance" update video if you have the time for it!

[@CampingforCool41]

Thank you for showing the species names on screen, this is a great resource.

[@cefcat5733]

You are a wonderful artist, with your plant color choices.

[@_JanetLouise]

Beautiful & Inspirational!!! mahalo nui!! your knowledge of plants is awesome!

[@sanjoth90]

AMAZING UPDATE!

[@juliepeveto5104]

Just beautiful!

[@PlantNative]

Stunning!!!

[@paulahavens7215]

The pathway looks beautiful and beckons you to walk down it, just gorgeous! Had no idea Hoselink offered solar lights, guess I'll head over there now to make a purchase. 😊

[@bitethebullet8213]

beautiful pollinator garden.

[@cathykirkmcrae7727]

So beautiful!

[@mariagamboa6249]

Your dream… our dreams 🙌

[@JimL-lr8bo]

I enjoy your channel!Your scabiosa looks good but a little garden lime each early Spring will make them even better.Only scabiosa and tomato get lime here.Keep up the good work!!

[@alanFconrad]

very nice...Thanks

[@marieasplantas6561]

Love it

[@SMElder-iy6fl]

Is there a book you could recommend to help us learn about specialist plants for pollinators?

[@kirsip7104]

What’s the ratio of native host plants to non natives in your pollinator garden? Have you heard of Doug Tallamy and keystone species? I love that you planted New Jersey tea. I have it in our pollinator garden too. The pollinators absolutely LOVE it. Are the trees in your gardens Japanese maples?

[@sterlgirlceline]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌿🌳💚

[@rachelstark2391]

Greetings, I thought fennel was a foe for other plants? Cheers, Albany, NY

[@cefcat5733]

Could you do an update on the pond area? Thanks.

[@henningerflats]

Missing the grand scheme. Definitely in need of some dry stone walls.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

That’s the gazebo with stone raised bed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2HPfoSmmtqni6M

[@anthonyburdine1061]

Hello, fun video. WHAT ZONE ARE YOU IN ? WHAT GROWING CONDITIONS DOES THE XANTHORHIZA SIMPLICISSIMA LIKE / NEED TO GROW IN ?

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

A few questions, Wouldn't letting the grass go to seed make more weeds? I saw a few mushrooms in the garden. How is the mushroom project in the forest open space coming along? Are you harvesting any mushrooms from around your property?

[@user-yd1tf6ln2h]

Hi, watching from Montreal! I love your perennial pollinator garden! I was wondering where you purchase your native perennial seeds? Or do you mostly find plugs at nurseries? Will you be selling your own perennial seeds? Love your content!

[@FlockFingerLakes]

We get plants everywhere. There is a GREAT local plant scene here. Several nurseries and the farmers market. Then Izel for plugs. We worked with American Meadows to source seeds.

[@CliffordAllison]

Great video ! Where do you buy your plants from to have such a large assortment of 300 + varieties ?

[@donnahageman6289]

My neighbor has trumpet vine that is usually covered with all kinds of bees. This year... none. Scary

[@riawhetstone3725]

Would you say this is lower maintenance than maintaining a lawn overall?

[@wingingitsemiretiredlife2981]

So pretty. Oh those red lily beetles are really bad news. They took 2 seasons to completely wipe out my 20 year old Lilly's. I would spray don't underestimate their devastation. I replaced my lilly's with day lilly's they don't like those.

[@cefcat5733]

I just received 'Blauwe Vlindererwt thee.' Is this blue flower tea, just for fun, or does it have a medicinal benefit? It looks like Chicory. 'Kittelbloem' is on the label. Maybe Sander knows it. Thanks. ❤

[@natemullen5868]

Diarrhea bird poop, oh look a baby toad! My favorite part

[@frefrelili]

The yellow plant at 8:33 doesn't look like a Helenium autumnale to me but if anyone knows what it is I would be interested to know.

[@summerrayneoakes]

Good catch. It's misrepresented. Coreopsis lanceolata - lance-leaf coreopsis. Thanks for catching!

[@iancrump2130]

What type of insecticides do you use especially on the lily beetle

[@summerrayneoakes]

I don't use an insecticide. I just crush them between gloved fingers.

[@beatriceanderson9745]

Great job Summer! Your gardens are amazing! Plant it and they will come! Nature finds its way! I think you might need to plant 20 more pussy toes! 😊💖🦋🐝🌸🐿🙌👍👋!

[@shawngodfrey5527]

Phlox finger lakes ?

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Nice play on words!

[@breadandcloth]

please be my mentor

[@freedomofreligion3248]

Too hard to keep up, w writing name's down. Format?

[@Mary_Poppy108]

🌱🌻🌺🪻🥰

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Thank you for the generous tip.

[@Neilhuny]

Genuinely shocked, and impressed, that Saunder thought it necessary to block the view when Summer bent down at 23:58 *IF* she had accidentally flashed would it have attracted unwanted comments and so made KZbin remove revenue from this vid'? Or would Summer be appalled/embarrassed/frustrated that this section be edited out or left in? Very gallant and gentlemanly of Saunder, very sad that he thought it necessary, understandable that he did - there is a whole heap of weirdos out there! So why am I commenting on it, am I a pervert? No (imo). I just think it is weird that Americans, and therefore KZbin, think it matters, that anyone cares. It does appear to bow to Bible Belt sensibilities rather than the vast majority, either within America, or wider. It's a cultural thing, I think, and we must all conform to the mores of Alabama and Utah.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

It was a joke: he covered the video when I crushed the spongy moth on the ground.

[@Neilhuny]

​@@FlockFingerLakes Doh! I'm an idiot! Sorry, I missed that! And I thought it was a good introduction to a conversation about morality, ethics, universality ... I'm great fun at the pub and parties, honest

[@riawhetstone3725]

Our soil is so clay-y & useless we’re going to cover all of it in a layer of human compost 🤢 Apparently it’s free but there’s so much of it 😅

[@kumatmebro315]

the random all caps clickbait titles are truly horrendous