Cottage Garden Maintenance

[@suz1680]

Hi Linda. I know this isn't a cooking channel, but my Sicilian self couldn't help but give you a suggestion for cooking the chard. Blanch in boiling salted water until soft/wilted. Drain. In same pot sauté garlic in olive oil and add chard back in. Cook on low for 15 minutes or so. You can also sauté fresh sweet tomatoes in with the garlic for an added twist. This was the only way my grandmother cooked her chard. Love all you do! Have added multiple Southern Living plants to my landscape. Thanks for all the great suggestions.

[@Donaldhoward009]

Hello 👋 how are you doing??? 🙂😊

[@peggy-ann1961]

What a great suggestion, thank you😋🇨🇦

[@Donaldhoward009]

@@peggy-ann1961 Hello 👋 How are you doing?????

[@maryeliason1504]

So glad we hear more of Stewart's voice.❤️

[@whomadethewordword5035]

Love the interaction between you and Stewart.

[@jeriwebb700]

Me too!

[@Itschriscruz]

I personally love the look of a messy and overgrown window box (so long as it’s not seriously at the expense the the plants). It reminds me Permaculture gardens which I can’t get enough of 🥰.

[@cindiblazer8621]

I love the planter box and the way everything is growing

[@terrihart2133]

I like it too.

[@teresahatfield4521]

Linda . Your front yard looks so beautiful. It has come along so nicely.

[@ruthiewilliams3482]

Have followed you a long time. Adore your command of the English language and knowledge of easy and comfortable plants.

[@tracyslone66]

Loving it! My husband says “hi Linda” every time I turn on one of your videos. I think he now sees where I get my garden inspo from.

[@maryeliason1504]

She has that effect on me too.

[@Ingridvieira310]

I usually like to prune my gardens in the morning. 🍃 I’ll pour myself a cup of coffee ☕️ .. and away I go !! 🪴🍃

[@karenj4268]

I like to do my garden work in the morning here in Fl. Like you, the heat gets to much in the summer to garden during the day. I do have an all year round garden though so that’s a perk here. No cold! I do have seasons, as many don’t know. Just different. Love your videos, I’ve leaned a lot over the years. I do enjoy your instructions as you garden. There’s something about your presentation that is relaxing and your so like a gal next door if that makes sense. Keep up the good work and looking forward to see the back yard started. The front looks gorgeous. I have always bought southern living plants, but I do more now watching you. I think they are more reasonable $ than PW. And always grown great. My encore azalea are growing fantastic here in Fl! Have many now because of you & Jim Putnam. Keep the videos coming!

[@77sun222]

The foxgloves will be beautiful. You have introduced so many new plants in this garden and kept your loved stalwarts. I wish i could wave a magic wand and see the garden in two years time🎈☔💕

[@chelseajones4141]

Tuning in from my flight to take off to Germany & so glad I got to watch before taking off- 😅✈️ Auf wiedersehen 👋 🌿

[@brendacejda7069]

Awww....Have a wonderful flight Chelsea! I remember the video you did with Linda at her previous home! I'll be praying for you! ❤️✈️❤️

[@LindaVater]

Oh Chelsea!!! Bon voyage my dear friend!

[@jeriwebb700]

Oh Chelsea, I am going to miss you! Have a safe trip!

[@maryeliason1504]

I trust that Linda knows what she is doing. We love you Linda V. You too Stewart! 🥰❤️🤪 I just came in from caring for my garden. So nurturing. Peaceful. Love your shoes. You ALWAYS look so perfect gal. 🥰 There seems to be many walkers in your area. How nice.

[@leejacobs3620]

I deadhead as soon as the blooms begin to fade. I would just like to complement Stuart on his masterly camera work. It's only one of the reasons is an absolute pleasure to watch your videos though.

[@sjerzgrl]

Your garden has come so far in such a short time. It looks beautiful and Ike it’s been there for awhile. 💖

[@amberbiggs]

I will never tire of your garden! Thank you for talking about your vision for the boxwood villages. It has me so curious to see what they will grow into.

[@donnagarcia62]

I never tire of your garden vids and look forward each day to what is next. Keep it up....

[@leslieschultz5616]

Would love to see how the new sprinkler system works. In other words, see it on and running. Just curious where your sprinkler heads are located, how long it runs, how many days per week, etc.

[@elizabethsmolens2752]

Linda, you need to try sautéing swiss chard with shallots, prosciutto or bacon, s&p and a touch of maple syrup, served with a fried egg for brunch...it's amazing.

[@roselandmcguire9925]

Thank you. I look forward to visits to your garden.❤

[@thehorticulturalist1376]

I enjoy your videos and have been watching your upgrades on your new home! I think your landscape is awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@RosaLopez-zw2ff]

Enjoying every video of such a beautiful Cottage Garden. Thank you!

[@andrewwyatt-younger7115]

I have enjoyed watching as your process unfolds. I think this is my favorite vlog post of the Cottage on the Hill because this reminds me of what I enjoy most about you. An experienced gardener tending her joy and sharing educational bits along the way.

[@lorismith5369]

Absolutely ! 🌷

[@joywhitley3141]

Love to watch you taking care of your garden!❤

[@Cinderella1125]

I love to check out my little garden every day to check for aphids and whether I need to deadhead. Very informative video!

[@teribru1091]

Oh that was a nice walk-about. You garden is chock full of things to manage today. U live that Lemon Way

[@karysu51]

You are already doing pruning and maintenance! I love that. My favorite part of gardening.

[@maryjohnson1393]

I always enjoy any update. Can you also should the side yard with the new plantings. I would love to see a view from down at the side street side looking up at the yard and the social patio. Everything looks so good in such a short period of time.

[@LeeLee-cp5dy]

The stalks of Swiss Chard can be used in place of celery. Also, love using the leaves in place of spinach. Thank you for sharing about dead heading and how it will make the plant flush out.

[@sharondallum962]

Loving the walkabouts❤

[@AliceBurns-bw4yv]

I notice that you now have superb sidewalks AND very wide too with the strips of grass near the road. You definitely did not have this in the fairy tale house. So nice !!

[@sandykoenig1666]

Not only was this very informative, but it was fun. I always learn several things from you.

[@lydiaellisor4090]

As always, your inspiration is invaluable! I so so need this inspiration and encouragement just now for my mental health and well-being!!! I have been struggling with an overloaded plate for several years, so your garden inspiration has buoyed me much ly! Thank you, thank you!

[@LindaVater]

I am so glad my dear🙏

[@HelenPutica-ok3jj]

Linda I love watching and you are informative, so much so you have inspired me to get out there and create my new garden.

[@bettygotschall4504]

Looking forward to seeing your back yard!!!!! Love your videos, love that front !!!!

[@Donaldhoward009]

Hello 👋 how are you doing??? 🙂😊

[@anitahadley2871]

I just found a few foxglove seedling in a small pot that also had a viola seedling. It was just an empty nursery pot that just had a bit of soil in it! I love finding those little treasures.

[@TheSavedGardener]

Good morning Linda. Your gardening style inspired me so much that I used your take on using bricks , pavers and pea gravel in my flower garden borders. Thank you!

[@youbetcha108]

I’m so jealous. We have had a cold spring and I just can’t get out there like you to garden. 🙁7a New York but you have a grand time Linda❤️🥰

[@HealthyLifeFarm]

Loved this video so much and seeing your garden unfold is super fabulous! Thank you for taking time and doing these videos. 🥰🌳🌿🪴🌺🌸

[@GardeningSpirit]

Hi Linda, you have me really drooling over that salvia.. very pretty! I have a Q for you... are you by any chance considering a picket fence like your friend w/ the Appletinii door? I know you've said that this friend's garden was the base of your inspiration and I think it would look wonderful, but haven't heard you mention it so wasn't sure if it's in the plan.

[@betsyschaffitzel1044]

Where’s your basket when you need it? Looks beautiful Linda!! Love the window box!!

[@havfaith56]

I dead head whenever I'm there like walking outside going to the car to leave. Best story, I lost my purse once. Couldn't find my purse anywhere. Cancelled all my credit cards, etc. A week later I was outside deadheading flowers. I found my purse amongst the flowers in the front yard not far from the sidewalk. I had laid my purse down while I fiddled with something just moments before leaving for Sunday Church. Deadhead whenever, hide your hands later.

[@shannajoseph9069]

Loving the new garden, Linda. When I can keep plants alive 😂, I love to dead head in the morning. It is very relaxing first thing.

[@beverlymurray6554]

Love watching the progression of the garden. Thank you!

[@mariem.8205]

I love your instructional working maintenance in the cottage garden. I try to deadhead whenever I notice it's needed. Then I check the rest of my garden beds. I don't have a set time because the weather is so unpredictable. 😮

[@jasbirkamboj5272]

Hi Linda, you have inspired me to improve on my garden. I have been gardening for over 40 yrs. Covid introduced me to KZbin and I was hooked on to your channel. I look forward to Wednesday and Sunday additions. I have started my own KZbin channel and it is Jazzy’s garden. I have a long way to go. Thanks for inspiring me❤❤❤❤❤

[@theresaparodi6027]

We’ve got lots of agapanthus here in California. I’ve never given them fertilizer, but recently I read something about Moreblooms, so I fed them a little bit about a week ago! Here’s to blooming 💚

[@spiritranger9202]

Yes, I grew up near Monterey and I'd see so many. My grandfather's house had a bunch. They thrive in CA!

[@theresaparodi6027]

@@spiritranger9202 they aren’t liking all this rain - way too much❣️

[@maryeliason1504]

I once planted some & didn't have room for the last one so threw it in my dry creek bed. It bloomed! Hardy plant.

[@yvettehart864]

Hi Theresa, I'm from South Africa and they also grow beautifully here but I never realized that they will reflower, I thought they only produce one flower head a season (my knowledge is shocking) but we learn 😮😂

[@theresaparodi6027]

@@yvettehart864 right! I don’t believe mine have ever rebloomed during a season; they do last a very long time if our the deer don’t eat them. I was worried about all the rain here in California; it’s still raining in May - certainly not typical for us. So I thought I would give Morebloom a try. Because I don’t even see flowers forming. As you know, they can take some time to grow!

[@judyzennnaro7336]

I am retired and spend a lot of time everyday out in my garden, I dead head constantly, I think of it as grooming. Here in Phoenix I have tree shade and umbrella shade, it gets so hot in the summer I hand water in the early mornings and sometimes in the evenings as well .

[@doreen9838]

Wish you would do more videos. Never seems to be enough!!

[@MsArtistwannabe]

Everything is coming in nicely.

[@susanmason3432]

Early mornings is my favorite time of day to walk about and deadhead. Please keep updates coming …looking great.

[@77sun222]

Love you Linda Vater but why don't you carry a basket with you to add the clippings to? It won't take no more time. Picking it up after filming must be time consuming😵🍀💕

[@tracyslone66]

A Linda Vater QVC kobo basket perhaps? 😉😂

[@keishastallman929]

I think that’s the chop and drop method, I do it the time 😅

[@lj5090]

I don't think she bothers to pick them up.

[@lornadunne526]

I agree with 77sun except with the. P roper English would be it won’t take ANY more time.

[@brixandblooms]

She said she let's them self compost.

[@LadyCourtney13]

It was chilly in my garden today, but I did do a quick walk about with a friend. My foxglove are sending up flower buds! And I have babies to spread around. Looking really great Linda, and I am looking forward to the backyard starting.

[@laurasamaniego5274]

Your garden is magical! Can’t wait to have a garden of my own! You are so inspiring! ❤️🙏

[@janb2162]

I have grown Swiss Chard in the past and those young leaves I like better than Spinach. I am forever amazed at how mature your front yard has become!

[@karenlehn2351]

I deadhead daily,it’s a calming affect. I love to deadhead as my neighbor,talks over the fence as I’m working. Your yard is coming together so “ Linda Vater” fashion., I love it ! Excited,I received my 2 tall wire cage cloche for garden QVC. Thanks for all your inspiration!

[@DeborahLebalch-g5v]

Great video. Learned a lot from this one. Thanks

[@sharronboxenbaum7392]

Im really surprised at how much of a difference spray painting the tree supports made. I didn’t think it would look good but it really does help them “disappear “!

[@michelejohnson6146]

I know! I thought the same thing and will do the same next time😊

[@marywalker3336]

I love foxgloves! I discovered one in my garden a few years ago that I think came from my neighbour. Every year now I find a few seedlings in my lawn that I add to my flower beds. Thanks for the tip, I will try sowing some in a pot!

[@aprilmogensen]

I purchased 2 boxwood yesterday & planted in my large backyard flower bed -- hope they do well.

[@Angie-ci1lp]

I really enjoy your walk through explaining what you’re doing👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I just received your book I’m making notes and visualizing how I can improve my garden. Thank you!🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽

[@Donaldhoward009]

Hello 👋 how are you doing??? 🙂😊❤

[@susanschellberg4509]

Love the agapanthus. I recently planted 3 indigo frost and dwarf buddelia but no flowers, yet.

[@gardengirl7446]

LOVE the Stuart interactions ❤

[@lisabassett-vp2wx]

I am in Zone 7b and I planted Violas in pots on Feb. 10, 2023 and I deadhead every 3 days and if there has not been any rain for 3 days straight then water my plants. Currently, this year, my violas are still in full bloom mode and it's May 4th almost 3 months later. Start with great soil and added fresh compost in Feb. They are beautiful, but very soon will change out to summer plants.

[@mariemcgrath8681]

Every morning I do exactly, like you, walk about hosing, dead heading & even transplanting all depending on weather conditions. Like you, just love my garden, even thro twice a month I have a gardener mow, whippersnip, & prune big shrubs Love from Australia

[@tammyjones163]

Deadhead mornings❤️❤️❤️

[@desireehouse]

Things are really looking great! I do rounds in my garden morning and evening, pruning off dead blooms and weeding. I bought a euonymus this week that I’m going to make a topiary with, thanks to your inspiration. ❤

[@penelopeshaffer5143]

Not a garden question, but I love your striped shirt. Would you mind telling me the brand? Thank you. Love your new cottage house and garden!😊

[@robertavernon8301]

I grew up in Virginia. When I see your “wall” at the top of the rolling terrace there, I think, “There’s her “Ha Ha Wall” ❤”. Not exactly a Ha Ha, but very reminiscent. The wall between the manicured gardens and the bucolic, wilder pasture keeping the cows out of the garden.

[@conniemcgehee2851]

we sprinkle feta cheese on our sautéed swiss chard and a squeeze of lemon juice. 😊

[@beverlyhill6783]

I love seeing the progress of your garden and your helpful tips - Thank You Linda

[@jordanyeager9220]

I think a few sun hostas would look great in the landscape too!

[@margaretmaguire3329]

Hope the pots are cemented down had lots of them stolen from front yard over the years, might be better there than Australia, looking great 🌺👍😀

[@jeanbrewer576]

When are you going to start on your back yard, the front looks amazing ❤ thank you for for Wednesday Walk about

[@camilla6110]

I think I love what you’re going to do in the Swiss chard pots! 💜.

[@yusraamjad8972]

Linda, please give us a tour of your containers as well, please!

[@carlahorn3361]

I love your new metal water hose, I’ve had them for several years. You may want to be careful because I have stepped on mine and my foot has rolled causing me to almost fall. Be careful.

[@nitahiltner3348]

I should have cut back my buddleia I think. No flowers yet. I have been deadheading geraniums and roses in my garden here in SoCal. My azaleas HAVE to be in the sun. My mom made wilted salads where you cook bacon and crumble it and add oil and a little vinegar, get it hot and pour it over your salad greens and salad and eat. Delish! There is a gal you would love in central Calif. who does a video each day. Small but beautiful "Dig, Plant, Water, Repeat." Her name is Janie. Love your walkabouts.

[@ceahorse56]

I'm 66 and I remember my Mom making a similar salad. She also added fresh green onions from the garden.

[@salimorton641]

Janie is great! Learn to be a Master Gardener.

[@petertjeerdsma2299]

You’re a delight! I have a 3 acre garden so I have it divided into 5 areas and focus on one specific area each weekday. Deadheading is justone of my daily tasks in each area. However, I often stroll in the evening and often return to the house w a handful of spent blooms.

[@annasyl12]

I like the plants by the stairs and the trees on the side, I haven't done any dead-heading yet. I bought a nice hyacinth which is really nicely blooming especially after al this rain. The container looks very nice.

[@maxw1346]

Loving the content. Just FYI The sound is really quiet today.

[@krybastian2611]

Hi Linda❤️, I love the process- it never gets old- I was looking at Blue Rug Juniper for ground cover in my space and thought that would be beautiful for your rolling terraces- not sure how that does in your zone. Also, still voting for potted lemon trees in your back dining space…

[@SharkSandwich451]

I have that exact dandelion digger! GREAT idea to use it to pluck seedlings!

[@monicahennessy5648]

My mom would often make the San Francisco Joe's Special recipe and sub out the spinach for Swiss chard. Sometimes she would sub out the ground beef for sausage too. But the scrambled eggs, onions, garlic, etc. always remained. It was so good and the chard was nice and mild.

[@dawnmitchell11]

Pruning depends on the season. In spring (February - April, Texas 8b), I tend to prune more on the fly as I see something while doing other chores since there aren't as many things blooming yet. Once summer hits and things are getting going, I usually prune a couple times of week as a larger chore. I do my best to make the most laborious chores the earliest of the day and save the less laborious (pruning) for after. In summer, I typically don't do gardening after 11am-noon. 😆🥵🥵🥵

[@gpswatching]

I’m in Texas 8b as well. I also have to get out early and finish up before it gets oppressively hit.

[@pamelaritch8587]

Same here in 8a Texas. Early before noon, because in the evening the mosquitoes are out. It’s an every few days thing I pinch back but actual pruning is less often.

[@debel829]

In Texas 9a and it is already hot & humid. Week before last was lovely, low temps & low humidity. Didn't last! Redid a bed inspired by Linda and ordered some lovely plants. Have 4 agapanthas and they were in bloom when I got them. So happy. Good luck with your gardens!!

[@dawnmitchell11]

@@debel829 you as well! Hopefully Texas has a good year for rain! I don't like the humidity, but we definitely need rain, at least an hour east of 35 corridor to west of that corridor!

[@Nancybartlettofficial]

Thank you for explaining why you dead head. I’m a new gardener and I didn’t know that if you dead head, your plant will get bushier. I’m picking up my shears right now! 🏃🏻‍♀️

[@cherylramsey3409]

I do most of my deadheading daily and early in the morning. I only have a very small perennial border.

[@LucyGirl-61]

Chard is delicious in pasta too

[@ruthiewilliams3482]

I will thank you for this. My sons Gardner grows us chard but didn’t keep any ( gave it away )

[@mayyingiang8021]

Love your updates. I don't know if it is my computer, but the audio was a little low for me compared to the ads that pops up and startles me because of their louder volume.

[@mouriefeeney1903]

Hi Linda. I loved the idea of the votive cup on the candle holder for cut flowers. I now have mine in place and will share with all my relatives and friends. Also I wanted you to know that The Little Poet youtube gave you a shout out in her last video Saturday. If you never watch her, she is unique and you will enjoy once you do. I am taking away great ideas! Thank you for your dedication.

[@evelynnellis7903]

Lovely!

[@marybeth4002]

Everything looks magnificent! Wondering if your boys have seen all the progress (whether in person or via video) and what they think? They must be watching with wide eyes just like the rest of us :)

[@ceahorse56]

Stewart do you have a garden to share with us? I also remember Linda talking about doing a project in your home, did I miss that video?

[@jeriwebb700]

Linda had mentioned working on Stewart's office I believe. I would love to see her work on his yard. I did see a video of his front yard after the ice storm.

[@cindyjames4201]

Your garden is a beautiful design!

[@123Rockchild]

There is a place for everything….I never cut and throw the cuttings to the ground. I carry a little container around with me.

[@bridgetdwyer7700]

Amazing how far ahead you are of Pennsylvania . No flower shopping yet. Still had frost this week

[@elizabethmillinghausen7356]

You must be either way west or north--in Valley Forge I've been planting for weeks. We're only slightly behind OK in the Philadelphia area with several days near 90.

[@pomme800]

Oh dear, my sound is at maximum and I can hardly hear you....don't want to miss anything :)))))

[@RichiWheeler-gn6jr]

Absolutely beautiful 🌹

[@camilla6110]

My walkabouts are involving way too much watering for this time of year. 😕. Praying for rain!