Christmas Begins At The Cottage - Doing It Ourselves

[@escapetoruralfrance]

About time you put a vlog out

[@ThePethericks]

😂

[@tinamac6960]

Cheeky Dan

[@flibbertygibbette]

I love the living xmas tree idea. Pro-tip: you'll need a much bigger pot for that tree to keep it alive and thriving. I'd suggest getting or building a 40-45cm square wooden planter box that's about 50-55 cm deep, with a liner and drainage holes in the bottom. Put it on casters, and you can roll it up a ramp into the house for the holidays. If you make it out of oak, it'll match your paneling! But it'll obviously have to be sealed properly to stand up to the elements outdoors. If you decide to keep it in the terracotta pot, and even if you don't, you'll need to carefully trim the roots periodically with a sharpened sterile blade or snips to restrict the growth and keep it from getting rootbound.

[@thecharminghodgepodgecotta8363]

I’d probably add handles to that, it’s likely going to be on the heavy side if it continues to grow, so it might take two people to lift it.

[@flibbertygibbette]

@@thecharminghodgepodgecotta8363 With wheels, there's no need to lift it, it's fully mobile!

[@panoreapan470]

no he doesnt, he can cut back the roots every few years it will not only keep it alive but also control its growth

[@maynewell3475]

or just plant it on the large property and do this every year. Seems like a lot less fuss to me.

[@gnarbeljo8980]

@@maynewell3475 Not sure how this works but my guess is if it’s sinply planted in the ground the roots will quickly grow and extend in al directions making it a huge chore to excavate. Grown trees in nature often have roots as massive as their crown!

[@toddmartin3936]

Florian is excellent and eager to learn English. He is not afraid to speak and make mistakes, which is how to learn a language. Is Florian not living with you yet, Michael - grab it!

[@Kiwi_2001]

In 1987, I bought a one-year-old Pinus Radiata in a small pot. It is now in a larger, terracotta pot that is about as tall as the one you have but wider, and the tree is only about 2 metres high. Usually, a 34-year-old Pinus Radiata would be about 60 metres tall. Every 2 or 3 years I take it out of the pot, remove about a third of its roots, and re-pot it into the same pot (I use a clay/fine sand/peat mix). I believe that there is a Japanese name (other than bonsai) for this type of cultivation. The choice of a wide pot is deliberate (mimicking the bonsai technique). You have to be very careful with watering - you can't let the pot dry out but you don't want to over-water. During its growing season, I feed it with nitrogen-rich, seaweed-based plant food. This tree lives outside year-round and I don't bring it in for Christmas but with this technique, it's thrived for over 3 decades. Good luck with yours!

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

Wow thats a great result! Well done! 🎄💞🎄

[@foretb1162]

As a child, when we had a Christmas tree, we not only decorated it and spent many happy hours just admiring it for its beauty and heavenly fragrance that filled the house but, yes, at the end, when the needles started to dry out and start clogging the spaces between the floorboards, that was when my parents took a large sheet for bedding, wrapped it around the tree and then took it to the tree recycling depot where the discarded trees lined the river's frozen surface until Spring in clusters of 3s or 5s along the 'river skating track'. For years I did the same as my parents but when I bought our house, I would take the trees, plant them in a hill of snow, pack it tightly in then, with our son, melt some suet, stuff in birdseed and portion it out into molds. We'd then stick a metal shish kebab skewer on one end and freeze or chill the mixture until set. After that, we heated the skewer, lifted it out and thread some butcher's twine through it and hang the suet treats on the tree outside to feed the birds throughout our rough and very cold winters here. The following Spring, I usually had some sunflowers or other wild flowers pop out from the ground. And we'd do the same year after year. I miss those Christmases now.

[@nelks1284]

❤ the memories!

[@scotthorn2362]

I enjoy discussions with Florian about words and their different meanings. He’s very nice. I like him. He’s quality content. 👍🏼👍🏼❤️Ohio🇺🇸

[@ricklosangeles5043]

Michael, please try to include Florian in more videos now that Ryan isn't in France anymore. What happened to the new helper Chris from Nevada?

[@pandabearray]

We also should thank price Albert for hanging xmas trees upside down that became popular then and now

[@raynonabohrer5624]

I'm a old Person. When you are done with the tree put in green house. Coming out a hot house. To out side cold will kill it.. Change a temperature. This is the lesson I learned at 16. Plus from a lady who was a Tailor. You have destroyed those scissors. You cannot cut fabric with them now. Not getting on to you just teaching. Love you very much. From oklahoma

[@nelks1284]

I love listening to the calming Christmas music. It just turned spring this week (USA 2023). So many bad things going on in the world, it’s nice to destress watching Pletheric’s videos. ❤

[@redxsos]

Just a tip about the tree -- if you can keep ice around the base of the tree, in the pot, it will help to keep the roots cool and water the tree slower 😊. That's what I do when I bring my Christmas tree in for the holidays. Lovely vid! 🎄

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

Yes! I occasionally put in a drop of vinegar too.🎄And i think Michael needs a far bigger pot. Happy Christmas to you.

[@moosegreen2612]

Plus spray branches with water, but be careful of fairy lights!! Nordman firs🖒. I think the change in temperature often kills them (when putting outside again) or central heating. If you can transition into a greenhouse it might help! 🌲

[@Madame_Butterfly_13]

*Pagans* were the first for bringing the tree indoors…They placed bells upon the tree that they believed the spirits of the forest would ring ♥️🔔🌲🔔🌲🔔🌲🔔♥️

[@pamelarichards7122]

I've brought my Christmas tree in a pot into the house for the last four years and then put it out in the New Year. It's always been fine. I repot it every year and now it's too big for me to lift inside!! This year it's staying in the garden with solar lights.

[@browpetj]

Can keep it and its pot small by pruning roots and foloage, see my above comment if interested.

[@pamelarichards7122]

@@browpetj Thanks Peter , I'll keep that in mind for next Christmas.

[@bettytochtli9994]

Just a tip for you, Michael. You can make a wooden "tray" and attach furniture wheels to it. When you put the clay pot and tray on it, it allows you to move the tree around more easily.

[@judithschatunowski6273]

Hi Michael, the tree is a lovely specimen and I was very pleased to see yours had a good root on it! I bought a ‘rooted tree’ a few years ago for the same reason you did but couldn’t understand why it was shedding needles so much. In the end, I took it outside and out of the pot it came in only to find it had no root at all and I’d been conned!

[@Aiko2-26-9]

It is a tricky thing you are attempting. Trees don't like the temperature shift of being in a warm house and then transferred outside again. Live trees stay healthiest if you have a room for them which is only barely heated most of the time. But with your TLC you may make it work. Good luck and certainly this year it will be lovely to have the living tree in the cottage. I'm looking forward to seeing it decorated.

[@martysmith8093]

Important!!! Get a plastic pan to catch the water and moisture from the terra-cotta pot to protect your floor Michael.

[@bethknight4436]

You’ll have to prune the roots, too, if you are intending to create a “bonsai” version of this tree.

[@susancharbonneau1891]

I always ended up using my ironing board as my kitchen island when entertaining . My only counter was 14” by 12” 🥴

[@augustomoreira1627]

When Florian apears in the vídeo Michael as more happy and Smiles more 😀❤️

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Some very grand people say they are 'pressing' the clothes! Personally, I say I am going to 'iron' the clothes because I am not grand! I loathe plastic trees. Your idea is best of all but even a chopped down tree is better than a plastic one! Thank you for the video! Have a gala week!

[@RosettaMaranos]

Hi Michael! A quick helpful hint-put a plastic dish beneath the terra cotta dish that the pot sits in. The terra cotta is porous and will wick water from the soil directly onto whatever it’s sitting on and can start mildewing and staining. I’ve learned this the hard way with moldy table linens and wood floors with water-ring damage. Cheers!

[@marymcandrew7667]

Very good point!

[@hollyschuyler4885]

The tree looks great! My inlaws always had a live tree but please be aware that it is somewhat more complicated than one would think. You can't just take the tree out of the house and into the cold weather once Christmas is over. It has to be acclimated back to the outdoors. Someone said to put it in the greenhouse and I think that's a good idea. Best of luck with it!

[@purplehaze5977]

That was so thoughtful of you to buy the dog a coat as you said he shivers hope it keeps him warm

[@peterking1134]

Whatever happened to your first volunteer??

[@cwatson1975]

Compost will breakdown over time, the tree will become waterlogged and not drain. The root filaments die off from rot and the plant suffers from drought. Plan to repot in a larger pot with new soil next fall. Compost will not last.

[@lindabullock6159]

I love your live tree! Tip -Terracotta saucer will get saturated and may harm your beautiful carpet. A glass or plastic saucer will protect your floor. Even a plastic bin bag under the saucer will do. Hide it with a tree skirt or swath of pretty fabric. A friend had her wood floor damaged after having pots in terracotta saucers. Enjoyed your video today.💕

[@jomeyer13]

I do love the tapestry in there.

[@Alex_Bonneau]

Michael, for the Stairs, if possible, you should reverse the orientation. The landing being right beside the door that go to the other part of the cottage, and having the 3 turning steps at the top. This way you would have a single walking path from the entrance to the door to the other room. You could have your table almost where it is right now. This would give you much more usable space.

[@debshaw680]

They’re doing what is traditional for this cottage.

[@cliffneasby5301]

That is a very good idea. However, I think the opening in the floor would have to be changed upstairs and the rafters run the wrong direction. But if they could do it it would make more space.

[@alecs1196]

That would look great downstairs, but then the stairs would emerge awkwardly onto the second floor landing, where the roof/ceiling slopes down towards them.

[@alecs1196]

@@debshaw680 @DebShaw: There is not really any "traditional" direction for cottage stairs? (especially in this circumstance, as Michael's cottage was originally a stable.)

[@Alex_Bonneau]

@@alecs1196 Actually, it wouldn't be that awkward looking. I already saw this configuration. This would just create a slope in the ceiling. Not the best look for sure, but personally, I would be ok to sacrifice a small bit of aesthetic for more space and functionality.

[@Marykguise]

Great idea using a live tree!!! 🎄

[@estebanalvarez5829]

Florian’s intro is just too cute 🥰!!! He brings a lot of charm to the videos.

[@mavep2855]

Your cottage looks warm and cozy, look forward to seeing the Christmas decorations. Bertie’s coat looks good on him and should help keep the little fellow warm. Florian did a good job filming. Thanks Michael 🎄🙏🏻❤️

[@JudithBisson]

Merry Christmas Mavis, 🙏🇨🇦❤️🙏

[@vickyoakes4584]

Beautiful tree and just the right size! Love that you can use it year after year.

[@barbaragoss6177]

We had a beautiful tree in a pot and every year pruned its roots until it was to big to move inside! We then planted it in the garden and continued to decorate it !

[@karentozer1871]

Bertie looked so cute in his coat although he didn’t appear very impressed. Love the tree, perfect size for that room x

[@terrigray6044]

You need a pot about twice that size for your tree. Great idea!

[@stinki97128]

It is a lovely little tree Michael.

[@SouthernArtist77]

I’m loving the live Christmas tree idea, now I want one only smaller because I’m not strong enough to handle a large tree, so adorable and smart Michael.

[@billtodd999]

Michael, thanks for the video. I tried what you have done several years ago with the same reasons. What happens is a shock to the tree and most of them end up dying anyway because of the temperature shocks from bringing inside now, having them weeks in warmth and little natural light inside, then to return them outside. Since you have a greenhouse, it might help to preserve the tree if you take to the greenhouse once Christmas is over to acclimate it back to outside temperatures without the shock. Remember the roots are in a pot and not in the ground that may insulate them more, so extra protection is needed. Good luck and let us know latter how it works out. Merry Christmas!

[@B-leafer]

Outstanding idea Michael. I pray it works brilliantly.

[@suemount6042]

You need some padding on your ironing board. Love your posts Michael it’s great to escape to the chateau and the cottage with you and the family

[@tomweber7350]

I should send you an extendable gateleg table. Thats what you need!

[@luciaroslingshaw2112]

I love your vintage drying rack and ironing board! I want one, now.

[@amywolfe5673]

Great job! However that tree will never grow in that pot. You need one that is MUCH larger, about 3 or 4 times larger. Also, it needs to be kept cool, the Aga will roast it. Get it outside as soon after Xmas as possible. Joyeux Noel! 🎄🎄🎄

[@jeanoliver3784]

The Cottage feels so cozy and warm. The addition of the Tapestry on the Wall, and the rug helps give it that warmth too, I bet. The changes to the furniture arrangement are going to be nice also. Merry Christmas to you and yours. And Bertie will be as warm and dry as can be in her new coat. 🐕‍🦺🐶

[@alecs1196]

Make sure that you keep the live potted Christmas tree well away from you Aga, and perhaps run a humidifier while its in the cottage. More importantly, on the very same theme, think twice about bringing your piano into that room for the very same reason. The change in humidity from where it was previously stored along with the sudden change to dry heat (unlike the gradual natural temperature changes with the seasons) will not only throw it even more out of tune, but (as I experienced with my own in a similar situation) may delaminate the felt from the hammers & the ivory (or celluloid) from the keys and warp or crack the soundboard. This is a similar scenario to the new/old boiseries currently being installed in Stephanie's grand salon at Chateau Lalande, where they brought the antique panelling indoors quite some time ago to allow it to aclimatise to the indoor conditions. If you're still intent on bringing your piano into the cottage, consider doing so either in midspring or early autumn, when the atmospheric change won't affect it so drastically.

[@kellyhawes8901]

My thoughts too... that Aga will dry the tree.🥲

[@darneittajones8338]

What a fabulous Ideal.

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

Pad the ironing board with old quadruple folded cotton flannel sheets Michael!

[@tc7486]

You could set the tree on a small wooden box to make it taller and cover the pot and box with a tree skirt.

[@PaulJones-so7fj]

Love the live tree and your lovely cottage. WANT!!!!

[@helenevans9332]

Lovely. Amazing idea. 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲 🌲

[@bobbyc6006]

I'd put piano understairs away from cooking heat and steam etc.

[@ChristineKelly1000]

Sounds like a good idea.

[@bettyebell2835]

Love your tree and the idea behind it. A real live tree makes more sense to me too. I think you will have to move it to a bigger pot though. Looks good there too. Will love to see it all decorated. 💕💕💕

[@ranlive1]

Billy needs to finish the cobblestone walkway that he started.

[@ThePethericks]

No he doesn’t

[@454book]

Damn. Florian is gorgeous. oh yea...the tree is nice also.

[@tstrong7910]

Michael you cottage is progessing beautifully. One suggestion is to have a custom kitchen table made that seats two but expands to seat 4. That way you can put the table in the kitchen which will give you extra work space. You can then put the piano under the stairs which would make a nice cozy seating area.

[@jillipepper5353]

Lol, Bertie is like “ the lads are gonna make fun of me”😧. I wish everyone grew their own trees now, I got a fake one and I’m planting a tree for Christmas..well a few trees. The thing about how high the soil should be , it shouldn’t be higher up than it was when you got it, the soil shouldn’t be higher up the trunk, it can damage the tree. Looking forward to the next video.🎄🙋🏼‍♀️

[@kerryharding5587]

Such a pretty little tree - beautiful shape and yes the little branches look sturdy ❤️ Merry Christmas Michael and Florian 🌟❤️

[@carlmuhm3896]

Michael nice not only teach Floren small things of English but us also, love the tree concept good luck.

[@tunicoco]

Ugh, I wish I could experience Christmas during winter. Damn Southern hemisphere.

[@marymcandrew7667]

Very nice Michael, maybe next year if your piano is in, put the tree in front of the window and just move the chair temporarily. It's so nice to see Christmas lights in the window, and during the day the sun sparkles on the glittery or glass ornaments. I can't wait to get our tree up.

[@suesscents5771]

When you put the tree outside you should bury it in the ground to prevent the pot from freezing

[@greta-annesullivan]

I absolutely love the cottage it’s looking awesome and I love your idea for the Christmas tree!!!!!

[@julieburton-johnson1557]

Lovely tree .... Firs drink a lot of water ...good idea ...you may need some advice about its upkeep though 🤔 ....hope you manage to finish the cottage next year its looking soooooo good 😊xx

[@MarijkevanGiffen]

I have my X-mas tree in a pot for the fourth season in this year. During the rest of the year it is outside in my garden. I have made a little trolley for it. A board with 4 sturdy wheels under it. That way it is easy to move it around.

[@eastcoastartist]

I love how honest you are in front of the camera

[@BM18033]

that's a lovely Xmas romance... Santa Florian.. and Michael the gardener... ! next episode coming soon....

[@annaibarra3447]

I was so excited to see these vlogs Michael! Love to see the garden cottage. Love how you moved your furniture around. Works much better and the carpet and tapestry looks incredible. Just looks cozy with those gorgeous armchairs, conversational area is looking so good. Keep it coming Michael.

[@B-leafer]

Beautiful tapestry on the wall.

[@maryannrecht7605]

So happy to be back in your Cottage, with you, it has a certain cozy feeling that is wonderful. The tapestry looks fabulous and adds so much interest. Of course a live Christmas tree with its wonderful smell is the best. In America for the past few years some people have a fresh tree every year and then plant it in their garden in a pre-dug hole. If your tree grows to tall and heavy maybe you could replant it outside? Great vlog, thanks Michael.

[@alybridgwater3282]

Hi Michael you prune a tree in winter and summer I suggest you look up the pruning for a fur tree because there are certain ways of doing depending on what you want like the shape and the height and also looking after through the year specially when it's in a pot or you will have wasted your money if it dies hope the information helps aly

[@debbierudolph9489]

Loved the story about the origin of the Christmas tree. Put the piano under the stairs rather and table back in the kitchen

[@nadeansimmons226]

So nice to see you again in your own little part of the world.

[@flowergalpower2681]

I agree 💯 to have a live tree and just bring it in every xmas. I dislike seeing beautiful evergreen trees chopped down just to look at for a couple of weeks then thrown away. It is took yrs for it to grow.

[@browpetj]

Great idea with the tree! Nordmanns are really beautiful. Glaucous white under the branches. Not sharp like spruces either. Even if cut, firs wont lose their needles, their attachments are strong. Hard to pull off, high surface area attachment on the needles like a sucker. Pretry cool identification marker for firs. Ill have to make a video on a Nordmann I have that was planted after christmas one year. I had difficulty identifying it it changed so much when it went into the ground. They have good foliage miniaturisation potential. Thanks for the idea! They are aggressive so it should survive well for you. Plenty of water and drainage. When you put it outside let it root through the pot if you can (slip pot to a plastic one for better results). It will maintain it's vigor for you if it roots into the ground. This allows for a smaller pot. If not then you will have to have a bigger pot longterm. Ill show some of the pots I have and tree sizes to give examples for people (and a record for myself too). Good rule with all plants is that roots should always be growing stronger than the foliage mass (cytokine dominance) to remain healthy (for physiology and pest immunity) year on year. That doesn't mean bigger roots though. Root pruning and repotting ensures health related to cytokine dominance while maintaining pot aesthetics. It will really densen up for you pruning it. Repot and root prune every few years. Use ferts through spring and summer to pump it up for Chrismas. Don't prune too late (late summer max) becasue it will confuse the poor thing. You don't want it in active growth at Christmas if you can help it. No significant light in the cottage see and growth will be weak. Another thing with Nordmanns, they will die back sometimes, bless their cotton socks. They keep holding their needles for grimm death and get scruffy bronze patches that last about a year sometimes. Looks pretty cool like a salt and pepper beard lol. But should be removed to facilitate growth. The only better thing with spruces is the scent IMO. Grand and noble firs also make great christmas trees. Maybe you can get one of each popular fir if you stay there a while. They all have their own personalities and beauty.

[@andyyeager8165]

I really enjoyed this video! It makes me feel like I am a friend getting a glimpse into your life. It's really really nice. Thank you for allowing us to peek into your life.

[@col8547]

Ha, my ironing board is just like that but the board is covered in some sort of white/cream woolen blanket material, was my grandmother's I think! Served me perfectly well for forty years!

[@aimeelawrence-bespokefurni575]

Any tree would look spectacular in your cottage. Because you have such good taste. I am so glad that you used a live tree with roots. To many people just basically kill a tree. So I hope more people are inspired by you. To get a rooted tree. And keep it alive for each year. You are one of the most kindest, loveliest people. I absolutely love watching your videos. Yours and Stephanie's channels are my two top favourites. I always get excited when I see a new video is released 😍

[@melodybecker2309]

In America that folding clothes drier is also used to display folded quilts and can be used as room dividers. Your live Christmas tree in terra cotta pots can break if they get frozen because evergreen tree needs moisture thru the winter❄️ Merry, Merry to all the Family 🌲🌲🌲

[@alaine57]

Great idea, I think your brother might be angry at you, potting a tree on that lovely rug.

[@lunatickgeo]

I'm a simple man, I see Florian, video gets an immediate like

[@sallycarpenter1584]

Thats a lovely Tree Michael,cant wait to see it decorated,

[@purplehaze5977]

I love the iron board it's amazing

[@johnbatterbee2257]

Always good to see Florian. Everyone in the comments is being so polite about your tree. Good idea BUT…….as soon as you can, get rid of that rockwool and replace it with a little gravel or brocken pieces of pot to cover the hole but allow drainage. The wool will act as a sponge and the tree will die as the roots will rot… Do not overwater……..even when you repot and get rid of the wool. With minimum care this tree could outlast you but go to google and get a basic knowledge of growing conifers in containers. Appropriate watering and a very occasional feed and i think it could stay in this pot for a few years.

[@crownethorne]

Florian is delightful!

[@peterdestination]

I like your charming friend and his accent. Happy Christmas to you both and family

[@LA-jf1zn]

I agree a live tree is much better. Yours is perfect. 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

[@lyndaking7519]

The tree looks lovely but think it will be too warm for it with your aga in the same room. Put it as far away as possible or have it outside next to your door 🎄

[@THEMAYQUEEN1]

What a beautiful tree, but alas!! I feel like your pot is too small. Your cottage renovation has turned out sooooo beautiful 💕😁

[@jeremysomeone]

We do same here with our tree in the US.

[@kellyhawes8901]

Great video Michael!! I truly love your cottage. Looking forward to seeing your decorations for the tree and Christmas. You have a great artistic style. ♥️

[@susancollado5290]

💕Your piano will be a great addition to the cottage & I’m sure will give you many hours of happiness & joy💕

[@BrandonDrabek]

FEED ME MICHAEL! 😂 Little Shop of Horrors is a great movie.

[@kyrvhy]

Yes to the piano in the Cottage. I Love your tree and it makes so much sense. Florian is such a sweet guy and seems a good neighbor and friend. So good to see you filming Michael. Lah.

[@deborrastrom8559]

I love that stone walkway, never did see how you finished it up!

[@LCNWA]

Thx for history lesson on Christmas trees from across the pond!

[@user-hz8uc9iu8c]

you could plant it somewhere special. they do need a bit of root room did you know. plus birds like them and they smell good!

[@lizzylou2085]

Missed seeing you working on the cottage and it's progress. Love the living Christmas Tree, just the perfect size too. Have a Happy Christmas and look forward to seeing the cottage progress into a home next year.

[@libbyammerman8383]

We use to buy live trees and plant them outside or give them to someone who wanted to plant it. Our last on got planted in my parents front yard.

[@mariagillinson8527]

Michael! Why don’t you see if Emery from Lalonde if he’ll make you stairs? He’s an amazing carpenter.

[@gnarbeljo8980]

Oh what a perfect darling christmas tree! I love this idea, always feel bad throwing the tree out as mine tend to shoot green new shoots by the time christmas is over. It is wasteful all this chopping and throwing away. I know in the US these days, there are tree companies that offer potted christmas trees of all sizes for rent over the holiday. They are all individually marked so families can rent the same tree year after year and see it grow! Great business idea, love it! With the tree ans the piano against the wall and perhaps some candle sticks on top your cottage kitchen will be the cosiest warmest most christmassy place in the world! I love than you bought your little guy a matching Barbour coat to yours as well. You’re such a sweet and thoughful soul. Best christmas wishes to you! ❤️🕯🌲