Don't Give Up on This Plant!

[@maryyaffe2678]

I enjoyed that so much, it was very calming watching you do what I love to do when I can. I’m 69, have been having a few health issues that keep me from doing as much as I’d like. Just saying, please don’t ever feel like you’re wasting our (your viewers) time, as you mentioned you could have saved time by doing some things beforehand. Like Stuart said, we like just hanging out with you!

[@crazyflowerlady1060]

Mary I reitred at 69 am now 70,. I had hoped to do all the things in my gardens I never had time for and like you have health issues impeding my time in the garden. Watching Linda is so enjoyable. So many times I thought there is a better why to do this, but I'm in it now. 😁

[@gypsyjudy3521]

The viburnum looks magical in the evening light near the end of the video. I love how Stewart gravitates to it every time when you ask him to show something pretty. You may wake up one morning and find him asleep in the fallen petals.

[@maryeliason1504]

He does seem to love the vibernum. 😄

[@youbetcha108]

I almost bought the snowball after seeing Linda’s but bought the limelight hydrangea instead.I did know vibernum was not hydrangea. Linda taught me that! Her specimen is gorgeous. 👍🏻7a New York

[@bettenotap4791]

I used dormant oil on a euonymus shrub after a severe hard pruning, came back just fine. “Stewart, show some pretty things”, he pans right to the viburnum, he knows what we want though 😂 beautiful evening light! ❤

[@nikkiholton6318]

I'm not good with nursing plants that are in bad shape....but kuddos to all you folks that do it !!

[@tracyslone66]

Whether it’s me or you playing in the dirt, it’s just as soothing. Never tire of it 🥰And those coral geraniums that were in the background😍😍😍

[@barbralauterbach5901]

Hi Linda, Barbra, Taylor’s mom here. She loved meeting you. We’ll be driving by on the 10th. I soooo appreciate your beautiful topiaries and the beauty of your home. Many blessings all around for sharing yourself with your viewers. KZbin shrinks the world! From Wisconsin to you! 🪲

[@kevinnunn3012]

This is in answer to a previous question of the day, about whether we spend time just relaxing and enjoying our gardens. So, although I don’t usually- it’s always on my list - but as soon as I sit down, I spot something that needs doing. But my copy of your book came on Thursday, so I spent an hour on Friday morning, sitting and reading in my garden with a coffee and a bun - total joy - the most fun I have had in the garden this year - Thank You

[@lindamiklos4964]

Love the gravel crunch!!!

[@carmencampana3329]

“The things we do for our art” I love! Gardening can be a form of creative expression!

[@terrycourtney8011]

Oh Linda, you are so loving and patient with your plants...I would have given these babies the deep six along time ago!

[@KODoch48]

Linda … Use your shop vac to vacuum around the area you cut out the bugginess! It will pick up ALL the stray leaves and bits that might have flown into your other plants. You might inadvertently remove a few leaves you didn’t intend (and I’d probably just avoid altogether an area landscaped with pea gravel 😏), but it’s usually nothing too damaging and much preferable to a bug infestation! I use this method around plants I can’t remove to a neutral working area. And yes … The backdrop is certainly eye-candy for the gardner, so thank you for the “sacrifice”!

[@evalindell2757]

Yes! Loove hanging out with you in your garden! ❤️

[@margaretfrise8047]

I like them as single lollipops. I love the way you are such a normal gardener and sometimes stumble or get your wheelbarrow stuck on the hose, just like we all do. I decided to try topiary today, got two Spanish lavenders but I just couldn't do all that chopping, they were so beautiful that I had to stop once I did a few of the lower branches!

[@sonyasanders5170]

Linda, saw you in Better Homes and Garden that I just pulled out of my mail box. You are a Drawing! Love your comments and I always feel proud that your my friend when I see you in Magazines!! Lol😁👍 Texas 9

[@gardener5158]

This was the most satisfying video! I can feel those topiaries saying thank you, thank you, thank you...I can breathe again!

[@youbetcha108]

I do not do much container gardening anymore outside. Only herbs now. Your potted plants are breathtaking. Interesting to see how it’s done. I think keeping topiaries is work intensive. You do a very professional job with them and it shows in the end. Enjoy the camera work too. Stewart knows what to show us. I will be looking forward to seeing those sheared plants leaf out. Don’t forget to show us the results when it’s time. 🌺🤗7a New York

[@melonieroe7310]

great video. we shop the reduced to get rid of plant area. we have saved many dollars and we have saved many plants. we have pretty much a 100 per cent revival result. i love watching the struggling plants come to life. its been a fun part of our gardening. thank you for all of your great videos.

[@lisalundstrom1591]

I have had a sorrel now for probably 10 years. Every time I think that thing has completely died it comes back. It has been completely cut down to the base and always returns. It has survived all manner of bugs and lack of watering.

[@libbywarren6083]

Year before last spider mites got all my marigolds.😬. Last year spider mites went all over my morning glories on the fence around my garden. I sprayed a mix of neem oil, Dawn soap, hydrogen peroxide and water. It saved my morning glories and my marigolds.😊. I feel like a super hero!💥😜

[@lanaritter9410]

Your garden is so breathtaking, and the evening light showed it in a total different “coloring”!

[@pinkfrangipani5131]

That was very satisfying to watch you resurrect that almost dead topiary. I see you got yourself one of those beautiful variegated coprosma (.sp) plants that you saw with Steve at Bustani Gardens. It will look majestic trained in the conical shape which you have already started. I agree with you - spending a day in the garden is indeed dreamy and blissful. Yes Linda we do like hanging out with you. I think your garden on my screen does not do it justice - it must be so much more beautiful in reality. Thanks Stewart and Linda. Love from sunny Sydney, Australia.

[@anneedfitzpatrickfitzpatri3294]

Finally there's no wind, wish I could say the same here in zone 6...garden is looking so good Linda!

[@joywhitley3141]

Thank you for the tip on the insecticidal soap with Neem! I will appreciate having that on hand to get the jump on the bugs. Love how your garden is growing!! 💗

[@amypitts-knous2531]

Yes we love hanging out with you! Do all the things on camera! It is so helpful for us new gardeners to see what you do!

[@kellic8665]

Texas sage is an invaluable and bulletproof plant here in the AZ desert zone 9b. Mine are 6 x 6 foundation shrubs but I would love to have one in a lollipop form. I’m inspired!🤩 I’m positive that the issues you have with these guys in the greenhouse is humidity related - these plants thrive in the same conditions as saguaros. Not that there is anything you can change about it, just an observation. I’m glad you find they are worth the extra attention to fix them up each spring - they are truly one of my favorite plants and are such overlooked gems. The leaf texture and the bloom color are just perfect! Thanks for the video, Linda! 🌱

[@LindaVater]

Great observation!

[@deborahr9237]

Such pretty evening light!

[@adeletrimble4046]

I have a suggestion for Stewart, because you both need more things to do..is it possible to have a very occasional “freeze frame” of your yard where you could add a couple labels and arrows to some of the larger plants? I’m wondering what the white flowering shrub is, to the left of the video. Thank you for all you do, Linda and Stewart! 🥰

[@donnawright5749]

I had 4 azalea bushes that had grown up really pretty. But they all got scale. I cut them all down to about a foot from the ground thinking I will kill them. They are all getting buds on them. I can’t wait to see how they grow back.

[@miriamgleeson6947]

That’s how I repot too and yes it takes a lot of time! Can’t wait to see their progress. I’ve started to reuse old soil and mix in with home made compost after seeing you do it. So much cheaper too. In fact sometimes I just plant straight in to compost.

[@charlesperez9976]

This is a very impressive video,and I say this from bonsai point-of-view,. I love how you just dive right into pruning,that’s so important,and it still freaks me out at this time of year! Neem oil,yes,I use it too sparingly. I lost a beautiful tree last year,probably from a buggy situation😞 Here’s a related story,regarding bugs and leaves. A prized type of whole leaf tea is called ‘Gushi’ which means ‘ancient tree’. It is prized because over hundreds of years,it has learned to fight off leaf eating insects by producing just the right amount of turbines,which is the ingredient in citron candles,and it gives those tea leaves that heavenly aroma and taste! Sometimes I think that plants are smarter than us! Sorry,I should just speak for myself🥺

[@charlesperez9976]

Spell correct,I meant ‘Turpines’

[@charlesperez9976]

Aah another spell check,the ancient tree leaves are ‘Gushu', not gishu. I have a KZbin crush on you,I can’t help it! It’s ok though,that type of crush is happyworthy 😊😊

[@joydaniel597]

Pls give us updates of these topiaries later on. The viburnum is really beautiful.

[@tumbleweed57]

I agree that there could be a better way, but I do it my way too! And I do it the same way you do!

[@kathyley5661]

This video was relaxing. The thing I like to do. And like you said, I do it my way! Ha!

[@michelemarquez7333]

My mom's hibiscus standard has had every issue for 20 years but my mom loved it so I kept it going for her.

[@joliz1234]

Linda, your garden is so beautiful!

[@cathyhatfield5340]

The garden is looking glorious 👍😎❤️

[@barbarasidel9012]

I do enjoy the videos where you are gardening like today.

[@bernadette721]

The light…. Just beautiful

[@dorothyevans697]

The light in this video was spectacular. You looked extra beautiful Linda!!

[@LindaVater]

Thank you:)

[@jamescross1395]

Love the old saucepan as a soil dipper! Need to find one at a junk shop. I am always using an old flower pot. The sauce pan with handle would be so much better!!

[@jillwhite5072]

Thank you for all information and the beautiful light.

[@SnappyR]

That Viburnum tree is so beautiful - it's my favorite shrub in your garden~

[@gerdabreig9689]

Perfect video! So, I’m not the only one fluffing armoured, a little unorganised, getting a project done, Linda, you do it on camera😅💕 love it!!! My biggest problem in my garden are mealy bugs in my box hedging, I have meters and meters of it. It started a couple of years ago, and I get an enormous infestation in a very short space of time. It seems like one day there is nothing and the next the hedge is covered with it. I cut it back hard to get some airflow happening, and spray it twice a year with neem oil. At one point I was so disheartened that I was ready to take all of the hedge out, but after a good treatment it looks stunning again and I would really miss it in my garden. I got myself a large pump sprayer that makes the job easier. Your two refurbished topiaries are looking good and will be beautiful when they have recovered. One thing I have learned from you Linda is to reuse old potting soil and refresh it with new. I always replaced all the soil when repotting and now realise what a waste that was. So thank you sooo much for all of your great tips! And I am looking forward to your next video 🌱💕🌱

[@annierampersad3982]

There's always something new to learn from your video. I have a bay leaf plant that I might train into a topiary. Thank for sharing Linda.

[@mariemcgrath8681]

Lovely video, lots of hard work, but worth it. The garden looks beautiful, all your pruning finished & ready for their "show-time" ....

[@lildavis7579]

Yu mentioned a greenhouse, I'll have to check if yu have a video of it, I love all greenhouses ,love your videos

[@chammons8063]

I have a Texas sage and I am in 7b. It is a topiary. In the winter I put it in a protected place, spray it and it does fine. maybe you could try that and avoid the greenhouse. ❤️ this plant.

[@dianebanks1125]

My Lysimachia arvensis was full and glorious 3 months ago then I began to see browning here and there. I should have paid closer attention but had major irrigation issues to deal. So by the time I noticed her she had turned brown, lost her luscious blooms and was covered with scale. It was so bad I cut her to the ground, added soil amendments around her and started Neem treatment. I have saved others this way so I am hopeful this works.

[@danimartig8229]

Thanks for the neem spray reminder...BEE ALERT!!!🐝 I appreciate you and I'm always are in sync with what you are dealing with in your garden. I want to share a tip from my GREEN ACRES garden person... I'm in Placer County,CA Zone 9B...When I had the black dots on my geranium, I was advised to use Capt. Jack's and only spray in the evening. The bees are out all day and she advised to spray in the evening. What do you think? I LOVE BEES and you (and all of us) can save a lot of bees if we all spray our sprays in the evening. SAVE THE BEES! Thank you. (and your video was an evening video...) Dani 🐝

[@youbetcha108]

Interesting. I have a tree service and they spray the evergreens for me. The hemlock bc it gets the wooly agelid. They would never come in the evening. 7a New York

[@LindaVater]

Great observation!

[@myrusticgardens]

I always appreciate “hard-pruning” videos because I need to be reminded that it is sometimes necessary! Question… Would it be possible for these plants to be treated during their stay in the greenhouse so that you don’t have to go through this each spring? 🤔

[@LindaVater]

Not really….for many reasons but a great observation.

[@hacintabalgobin9811]

I really needed to see this video Linda ! I have to do the same thing with my gardenia topiary, it needs repotting . Thank for showing me how!🌳😊💕

[@ireneenetwork3338]

Watching the butchering of the topiary gave me inspiration to do it to a Yew I have planted in my front yard. I can’t wait to see your topiaries replenish

[@rhus36]

I like the idea of the double ball form. I think the lollipop form looks a little too heavy for such long and skinny trunks.

[@chelseajones4141]

Zone 7B Edmond, OK. Linda & Stewart, the evening shoot was refreshing and gorgeous- it really highlighted your dragon-wing begonia hanging basket 🌞 🌿 🌺 Last year I purchased a snake plant from Lowe's. Shortly afterward my entire house and a dozen indoor plants got infested badly with gnats 🦟 They we're super annoying! My husband started taking offense to my plants & after a month of nagging, swatting and zzzzzinging, I finally caved and got some "mosquito bits". WORTH! The infestation was cleared out in about 2 weeks. Thanks to the person who suggested M.Bits in the comments. Without it, I would have been a sad plant mama.

[@hildahefner2390]

Lovely to see the garden in a different light!

[@beverlyasleson3321]

Good job on cutting back the topiary and transplanting it in a smaller pot . Love the earrings and sweatshirt. I just did 1 hour worth of planting my Easter lily in my backyard never done it before and trimming a couple milkweed bushes.

[@DeAnne9743]

My amaryllis was seriously completely infested with gnats. Had to put it outside in February. Needlessness to say the amaryllis didn't make it...but neither did the gnats. Zone 5b PS, I love watching you work!🌷

[@LindaVater]

Lol!!!

[@danielallen138]

A friend and I play long-distance Wordle. We take turns selecting the first word in advance, and it's fun to compare how we each solve the day's puzzle starting off with the same word! I had already selected my word for tomorrow, and it's GNATS! So I got a chuckle when I read your comment!

[@LindaVater]

My daughter-in-law just introduced me to that game. What a fun concept. Let me know how that works for you!

[@danielallen138]

@@LindaVater We enjoy starting out with the identical word. It's fun for now; we both said if either of us tires of doing it that way we'll stop. But so far we like it! So far, we have never come up with any of the same words as subsequent guesses, which is quite interesting! He has actually learned some new words from us playing this way... he asks where the heck I come up with some of the words I do! I always considered one of the most impressive things about my mom was that she had an enormous vocabulary, and knew the subtleties of many unusual words! And she never went to college! She just loved to read! Are you playing, Linda? Do you share results with your D-I-L?

[@margaritamedina3307]

Thank you for your awesome videos always learn something new as I see your videos. I appreciate your vast knowledge of gardening 👩‍🌾

[@marcusseidel6824]

I have a 20 year old fuchsia. After winter it looks awfull. But after repotting in fresh soil, hard pruning and peeling off the loose bark...it revives and looks 10 000 times better than a fresh bought plant ...I think it becomes from year to year more beautifull. Kind regards, Marcus

[@meliss36]

🌿Oh my goodness Linda, today at Lowes I came across TWO of those Texas Sage topiary’s!! There were beautiful blooms all over both! OH HOW I WISH, I would have bought them now!! If I had known you yours for 9 yrs I would have gotten them!! I e had Lavender topiary’s the past two Summers, and those were a flop!!😬 I was afraid those Texas Sage would be a repeat! OH SHOOT!! well yours will be beautiful I am sure, your garden look magical!! Thanks Stewart for giving us a peak!! 🌿 Maybe I’ll check another Lowes and see if they have some!! 😉 Linda I am enjoying your book, it came in 2 weeks ago, I sure have enjoyed looking through and reading. 🌿

[@LindaVater]

Thank you!

[@jacquelinecreativelifestyl3393]

Great video on how to save a plant.

[@juliecarns]

Linda, This video on pruning to resurrect again is quite helpful! Would you take a minute to share about your ground cover growing around the yard. The lovely greenery growing in front of the step where you worked on this topiary is a plant or ground cover? I need something to grow where rain wipes out my grass every single year no matter how we try to remedy it! Thanks for your consideration. Julie 🌷

[@kfetter9046]

It's amazing how green your garden looks now. We don't get snowy winters like you do when everything looks brown, so the transformation is fantastic! P.S. Next time, feel free to use your driveway, LOL! 😄

[@LindaVater]

Yup😆

[@dbueter]

I rejuvenation pruned our Nelly Stevens Hollies and also transplanted two because they were overgrown crowded and covered in scale and powdery mildew. They all sprouted new beautiful leaves. So it was a big success but not for the faint of heart.

[@LindaVater]

I get it!

[@jenniferwolford4646]

That was a fun one!

[@robcurranphotography]

Such a helpful video. Also looks like there’s a threat of some weather in your area tonight so hoping for the best!

[@LindaVater]

There is!

[@amyhoff1501]

Hi Linda , got my new Better Homes and Gardens Magazine in and who did I see while leafing through? No other than beautiful you, great accomplishment 👍

[@JoecessaDiary]

Great thank you for sharing...

[@maryeliason1504]

Can you treat it before you put it in the greenhouse this winter? Prevention. The garden looks lovely Miss Linda. Hello Stewart. 🙏🌹

[@jeanbrewer576]

Hi Linda, Why not go with a larger container you have a good root ball?, but it still looks great. Your tree in the corner is it a snowball? Love the structure and it's gorgeous. Thank you for sharing.

[@alaine57]

Great job as usual

[@ivyandroses25]

I would just keep the top of the topiary for 2 reasons: for looks instead of the double (my personal taste & its hard to make both sections even on 2 plants- can be frustrating), second to encourage the top to fill in prettier & not steal any energy away from stronger top regrowth & blooms.

[@peggy-ann1961]

It’s too bad you felt we needed a pretty background, it made more work for you! I’m sure I speak for many of us, we would watch you no matter where you filmed! Please do what’s best for your project and your yard! ❣️🇨🇦

[@Grammarobinsongmail]

Go for the double bubble. I have done that with a holly.

[@romiehutson5230]

I swear by bayer bioadvanced or bayer 2 way systemic rose and flower care. It’s the best

[@mmarinl508]

I'd love to see how those (or one) might be turned into a double poodle.

[@kathywitzel2177]

Such great information!!!! Thank you for the inspiring video! That viburnum!!!!! The deer ate all the buds from mine this winter. Would you mind sharing what the beautiful white flowering scrub you have? Thank you, Linda!!

[@LindaVater]

Deutzia:)

[@Chris-gf1rh]

Could you tell me the name of the insecticide spray u used that had need oil in it, I just found your site and m so enjoying it, thank you

[@bethreisman8869]

Years ago I grew 200+ African Violets under lights. I judged regional shows. The horror of every hobby violet grower was to bring in a new plant with an insect or disease! Your entire collection was at risk. So the arsenal of many solutions and techniques. Diatomaceous earth, Neem, Insecticidal soap, alcohol on Q tips, tenting with foliar spraying and on and on. Of course outdoors in lots of fresh air your entire garden is not at risk. Many plants are not susceptible to the same issues. My advice: monitor your garden frequently, use meticulous garden hygiene and treat problems quickly and as frequently as needed .

[@sherryhudson9075]

Yikes! I’d be so afraid that Texas Sage topiary would infect everything around it . It would be in a large trash bag isolated from everything at my house .

[@jillbruce3624]

Stuart is going to be so sad when the viburnum loses its magical petals. It is endearing, really.

[@peggy-ann1961]

By the way....yes we like hanging out with you!!🇨🇦

[@cynthiacisneros1694]

Yes, a double.

[@adz5bneweng589]

Isn't it amazing how some plants thrive from a hard, rejuvenation prune? Would love to know which pruners those are? I have (and love) my Niwakis but am always looking for good pruners. Maybe those are Okatsune? Please advise.

[@kktn4739]

*comers-by 😂😘

[@larainekarl6234]

I no sure I entered my comment correctly. I was wondering where you purchased the basked for your hanging plant. It is beautiful.

[@LindaVater]

It was a prototype we were working on for something 😌

[@larainekarl6234]

@@LindaVater Thank you.

[@jennifersauer3257]

Thinking of the clippings that flew everywhere, do you ever use a vacuum on your artificial turf? 🤔😊

[@LindaVater]

Lol. Nope🙂

[@trinityloewen8141]

I have a Peony that always suffers from powdery mildew(yes, it's located where it gets space/air). Nothing else in my garden obtains any problems(no bugs, etc). I've tried so many products but nothing has worked. Only thing is to cut it back and the next growing season, she's beautiful until after it blooms and develops the mildew again. Any suggestions are appreciated!

[@LindaVater]

You might try a homemade baking soda spray. Lots of recipes on the web if your do a search.☺️

[@dianeasberry7928]

I'm wondering if you couldn't leave the sages outside during the winter. They may lose their leaves but I think they'll come back during spring. Just wondering. That Snowball is gorgeous!

[@LindaVater]

I’d love to be able to, but it gets too cold. I may have another idea though😉

[@barbaracarlson1331]

Linda, question for you. Is that lantern in your front yard filled with a battery operated candle? If so does the heat/sun cause wax to melt? I’m thinking of adding a lantern in my flower bed. Thanks.

[@LindaVater]

It is, and yes it can and has to be removed.

[@judymiddleswart9350]

My first thing I would do is totally toss it... YOU ARE BETTER THAN ME...Lol 😀

[@LindaVater]

😂🤣😂

[@anitahadley2871]

I tried forming a topiary out of a little gem but it has two trunks. I couldn’t decide of if I should separate them. Have you ever done that? I left them as is for now and trimmed them up a bit. The trunks just aren’t very straight so I just may leave them together to form a funkier trunk. I don’t know what I should do! 😄

[@LindaVater]

I really haven’t had any luck separating them. Sounds like you’re doing a good job as you are :-)

[@lisalundstrom1591]

Can you run a vacuum over your Astroturf? I know it’s not actually Astroturf. And why didn’t you just use smaller hand pruners to begin with? It probably would’ve kept the branches from flinging everywhere?

[@danielallen138]

I had to wonder the same thing myself!

[@LindaVater]

Cuz sometimes I’m stupid!😂

[@danielallen138]

@@LindaVater Away with such talk!

[@Catsanddogslivingtogether]

This is the first year my miniature pink roses got powdery mildew and leaf curl. The pot is way to big for me to replace all of the soil. I replaced about 4inches of soil, cut off infected branches; mostly just the tips were infected and sprayed with insecticides soap.

[@Catsanddogslivingtogether]

It's the same insecticidal soap with neem oil that you use.

[@annheide8856]

Speaking of pots, I made an impulse buy of a beautiful multi colored pot. I love the colors, size and shape but I’m now stumped by what to put in it. I don’t want the pot to steal the show. Should I color echo the plants with the pot? How do you balance shape of pot with height of the plants? Is there a formula?

[@LindaVater]

Yes! I often use a ratio of the plants being a third of the pot height or the reverse… The pot being a third of the plant height. Have fun experimenting!

[@discoteach]

I was looking at bargain plants at Home Depot. The plant keeper was removing gaura that looked dead. I told her that I would buy them, knowing how drought tolerant they are. She tried to talk me out of buying them. Reluctantly, she sold me two plants for 50 cents. The cashier told me they were dead. Three days later they both began to bloom.

[@LindaVater]

Hurrah!

[@lesayoung505]

Do you have mulch under your plants or pea gravel or both?

[@LindaVater]

Both in some cases:)

[@pujanpatel9789]

What is the tall tree in the back with the huge white blooms please?

[@LindaVater]

Snowball viburnum

[@judyjohansen8393]

What is the best thing to get rid of scale? It’s on my Camilla’s and Neem oil is not getting it! I have chopped my Mayer lemon way down do to bugs. Hoping it comes back!

[@LindaVater]

Sometimes you literally have to scrub it off

[@terriejohnson4884]

Hi Linda, love ❤️ your channel, but why did you not just cut the limbs instead of trimming first. Maybe the bugs wouldn't fly so much. Love the background, but not at sacrifice of the other plants.

[@LindaVater]

Cuz sometimes I’m stupid and don’t think things through before tackling a job🤣😂🤣