Why the Best Gardens Grow Up, Not Out! - The Magic of Vertical Space

[@GardenMoxie]

IMPORTANT NOTE: Thank you to the viewers that reminded me that large mirrors in a garden are dangerous for birds. This is an excellent point. If we have anything reflective, it is a good practice to cover the surface with the anti-collision dots. But best yet, no large mirrored surfaces in the garden. That will help keep our birds safe. One of the design examples I show in the video includes a large mirror. It's stunning, but as people reminded me, not good for the birds. This week I'm diving a little deeper into one of the garden design elements we reviewed in last week's video. Adding vertical layers to your garden can transform your space from ordinary to amazing. I've been studying old photos to understand how to renovate my back garden this spring. This notion of adding vertical elements is one of the keys, in my opinion, to creating a beautiful garden. I hope you find this video helpful. Happy gardening!

[@graffic13]

Have you been to Schedel garden in Elmore Ohio?!? I think it would be a great place for the channel to visit... And you can check out Bench's garden center!

[@GardenMoxie]

@@graffic13 I have not been there. Thanks for sharing the recommendation. I will look into it.

[@casandrasobczak4446]

Your videos have great information! I think your illustrations with photoshop are very effective. Not cheesy at all! Another way I am considering at vertical interest to my garden is to grow vines up a dead tree. I look forward to watching more of your videos!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@marcellacoblentz8433]

Of all the gardening videos I watch, and they are many, yours are my favorite! You have never shown a design or garden I did not love. I wish you did long distance design! The freezes here two years ago wreaked havoc in my garden. Had total loss of many plants and a lot of damage to others. Keep up the great videos! They are such an inspiration!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much and thanks for watching. I offer virtual garden coaching. There is a link on my main channel description area if that is something that interests you. I appreciate your words of encouragement.

[@lindaroller-x7g]

Just found your channel. Sorry to miss out on your garden book club. I am binge watching your videos. I garden in North Texas, where my biggest challenge is the heat . I have an acre and a half and live out in the country on land where i am the 6th generation of my family to live. We built our house over 30 years ago and gradually added flower beds and vegetable garden. My husband is a retired football coach and teacher who enjoys woodworking in retirement. He has built arbors, decks, fences, a covered bridge, a greenhouse and walkways. I enjoy your channel and subscribed today. ❤

[@GardenMoxie]

Wow! It sounds like you have an amazing garden. Thanks for sharing that and thanks for being here.

[@topaz3468]

I have visited some of the most famous gardens in the UK and France, and yet for me personally, I gravitate to the nonformal look that mimics nature itself. With that said, the vertical elements in any garden design is so important aesthetically speaking, but also for the birds. I use semidwarf trees for this with a long blooming cycle. Great episode today!❤

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@gilliancruise-johnston947]

I realise from watching this, that I have intuitively added vertical elements to my garden. Thank you for helping me appreciate how valuable they are 😊 and for encouraging other gardeners to incorporate them.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@margolyn8291]

I'm obsessed with sky pencils and junipers..beautiful when snow covered too

[@GardenMoxie]

They are beautiful plants, and the snow cover makes them even more special.

[@Mindy-s-channel]

My garden is only a few years old. I can’t wait to see it mature. I love watching and creating the journey

[@GardenMoxie]

Gardening is the best! I agree. It is fun to watch everything change through the seasons. Thanks for watching.

[@bernadette1510]

Sue, another great video for the beginners and for many of us, seasoned gardeners. There is always something that needs to be considered or tweaked in any garden. You analytic approach is tremendously helpful and beautiful pictures help us imagine the thought process behind each serene and peaceful garden. You are a great teacher and an amazing inspiration.

[@GardenMoxie]

Hey Bernadette, I am so happy to read you note. Thank you. I sent you a couple emails to say hello and see what your planning for seed growing this season. I have some seeds to share too. I hope all is well. Thanks for watching the video and thanks for your kind note.

[@bernadette1510]

@ oh no, I am sorry, I didn’t see them. There are so Mary emails that are coming in, I seem to miss the important ones. I am so sorry. I have to try to find them. I too have some seeds to share… I’ll reach out to you directly via email. Happy New Year!

[@debrabray8855]

This has been my plan over the past year. It has transformed my space. While mirrors look great in the garden, they can be hazardous to the birds, whom, like us humans, think they are passageways to a different space.

[@twpsy634]

Thanks for mentioning this. It is indeed heart breaking when they fly into them .😢

[@GardenMoxie]

That is SUCH a great point about the birds. Yes. Unless you covered the mirror with those anti-collision stickers, you are right that they would be a bird hazard. I appreciate you sharing that wise advice. Thank you.

[@GardenMoxie]

Exactly! I am so glad that was mentioned.

[@dedewarren]

This is a great video, Sue. I have been trying to add vertical height to my own garden for the past 18 months or so. Do not discount your photoshop images, I think gardeners particularly are visual, so it’s a great tool and you’ve done a nice job or getting your point across. If you ever consider longer videos, I think many of us would love that. You’re informative and your content is spot on!

[@eileenchang2173]

I too really appreciate how you demonstrate through Photoshop images! I believe we are all visual as that comes with the territory of being a gardener! You are an excellent teacher! 🥰🇨🇦🌸

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much for the kind words of encouragement and thanks for watching.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@Darceys_Flowers]

I'm here from Hooked & Rooted. Congrats on making the top onimental gardening channels on KZbin. I look forward to watching your content.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much. I love Steph's channel. She is such a great gardener and KZbinr. Thanks for being here!

[@ginamansfield4376]

Thank you for this Vertical Design video. The “cheesy editing (your words) was a great way to get an important design concept across to us fellow gardening enthusiasts. I love all the photos you share of beautiful gardens & Live Photos of your own. Also, thanks for the tip on the brick clip fasteners, a great way to hang plants or other things on a bare wall. Great ideas! Thanks again…

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@FlowerPatchFarmhouse]

I love visiting historic gardens of all sorts. I just learned of one recently here in California that I want to visit this coming summer. Vertical gardening is so helpful in smaller gardens. I have been adding taller elements with native shrubs and a few Japanese Maples. My garden is so small that I don't want space hogging larger trees that will cast too much shade. I already struggle to gain more sunlight and need to be judicious.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for sharing such great points. Thanks for watching.

[@karenschrantz2307]

This is eye opening! Exactly what my garden needs more of. Can you do a video of plant options with names and zones/growth habits? I think my garden looks very flat.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for the suggestions on things you'd like to see in future videos.

[@vickyskelton3735]

Thank you, just what I needed to hear. As a northern MI gardner winter is the time for planning. I'm planning some vertical additions. Thank you 🌲

[@GardenMoxie]

Hello fellow Michigan gardener. I hope all is well up north. Thanks for watching.

[@christinehaack8123]

💡💡💡💡💡!!!!! I have followed u for some time now, and have always admired ur garden!!! I love how u have studied the great gardeners and estates. With a small garden, space is constrained, and I have felt like my hands have been ❤somewhat tied. The vertical component!!! I thought about planting a green wall surrounding the garden, but have a well and have to be careful about roots. However, I will explore small trees/standards, as well as the personal/meaningful decorative touches!!! Thank u!! U have truly inspired me!!! ❤️🙏

[@GardenMoxie]

I am glad to hear the video was helpful. Thanks so much for watching.

[@twilde3754]

Another lovely video...and inspirational. Verticality is my No. 1 concern this spring for my small urban garden. Thanks!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@Youdoingnothing]

So many great ideas I had to pause multiple times in the video to visualize your points and make mental notes. Great video!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching. I’m glad the video was helpful.

[@lynnpurse]

What a great video, Sue - you've illustrated so many important elements of garden design. I had to laugh when you talked about the "cheesy Photoshop" treatments - I've used Photoshop for a long time to design new garden beds😃I've found it helpful to work out the design with a good mockup before spending time and money on planting it. I also loved seeing all of the garden photos, including yours - I've been to many of those you featured and a walk through a well-designed garden is deeply influential. You are a wonderful teacher.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much. I appreciate your kind words.

[@MaryWeber-u5g]

Valuable suggestions and beautiful examples! Thank you

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@maggiew5192]

Tell us more about brick clips! Where do you get them, how do you use them? Love that idea, thanks.

[@GardenMoxie]

I bought the brick clips at my local Home Depot. If you google them, you can likely find them online too. You can't hang really heavy things, but I was amazed that I was able to hang the purple vine plants using two clips along the top edge of the container. They are great to add decorations without hurting the brick surface.

[@urchinsushi2041]

Many years ago we had a boring, ugly shed from a big box store built in the back corner of our yard, purely utilitarian. Before I was really gardening and knew what I was doing. I listened to my inner voice and let the invading ivy completely cover the shed over the years, except for the entry of course. Now nearly thirty years later, we have a 4 season backyard “paradise” - a brick patio, sunroom, arbor, fountain, boxwood hedges, ornamental shrubs and trees - very similar to your garden but on a smaller scale. The ivy shed fits right in - I love it!!!

[@GardenMoxie]

That sounds like a great way to spruce up a shed. I bet it looks amazing. Thanks for watching.

[@PeggyMills]

What a lovely video, Sue. I have an old iron arbor going in this spring. Thanks for always teaching and inspiring us.

[@GardenMoxie]

Hi Peggy. I bet that arbor is gorgeous. Thanks for watching.

[@jcrane45585]

I love a vine covered wall

[@GardenMoxie]

I just love that courtyard. It's stunning.

[@marylonczak1786]

Another great video! Thank you

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@jasminelouisefarrall]

Beautiful video Sue 💞

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank so much Jasmine and thanks for watching.

[@MrsB_734]

Thanks for the inspiration. This was helpful. I plan to start our new garden by creating nature's privacy with vertical evergreens & deciduous trees and work my way down. 😊

[@GardenMoxie]

I'm glad to hear the video was helpful. Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@SpanishEclectic]

My first garden was very small, surrounded by a six foot old grey wood fence on two sides and the house/garage on the others. There was a full size orange tree on the south side. I put a wall fountain on the garage and shelf brackets above to hold a strip of trellis for a wisteria. I also squeezed a wooden arch into one flower bed, and trimmed back the orange tree so I could hang baskets of flowers underneath. On the corner of the house, I grew a vine up the downspout. I'm always in awe of those huge English (an American) gardens with the rows of trees like you show in your video. With creativity, so many of these concepts can be crafted to work in any size garden. I'm loving your deep dive into historic garden design wisdom.

[@GardenMoxie]

Your garden sounds amazing! I bet it is absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for sharing that and thanks for watching.

[@meganblasco2]

Good teaching video with an abundance of ideas.

[@GardenMoxie]

I'm glad the video was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@cupritchanel5139]

Desain tamannya sangat indah terimakasih tutorialnya sangat menginspirasi

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@francineh.7825]

I absolutely agree that vertical elements are needed at least in some parts of the garden. I think layering in nature, or even layering when considering interior design, is just so much more visually appealing.

[@GardenMoxie]

Great point. I think we can learn a lot about what to do in a garden from Interior design. Thanks for watching.

[@margolyn8291]

❤❤magical..thank you..happy new year to you and yours❤🎉

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and happy new year to you too. Thanks for watching.

[@debraisola9037]

Going more vertical in my tiny garden..looking for small trees isn't easy. I'm in a rural area not many nurseries. Great video! Thanks for sharing 🙌💚🌿

[@rosemama9995]

A number of online nurseries will ship. Eg fast growing trees website. All the best!

[@GardenMoxie]

I know what you mean. It can be hard to find the small trees we want. I agree. Sometimes you can purchase bare root trees online and since they are bare rooted, the shipping is not crazy expensive. Thanks for watching.

[@suzismith9681]

I have been looking at this element in design. It has been a bit of a challenge as this is new concept for me. Ty it has given me options i had not considered. Which is what I was looking for ❤

[@GardenMoxie]

So glad to hear the video was helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@gardenextra7415]

Inspiring, Beautiful well done 😊

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@judygray7718]

Inspirational. Thank you.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@jmuth890]

I need some of these ideas. Thank you

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching.

[@therealsoutherngarden]

Another beautiful video 💚you have put together! Like you, I love to study historic garden design and visit them too. I recently bought Seeking Eden, which explores historic gardens of Georgia, so much to learn from heirloom plants and things that have stood the test of time💚💚

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching. I will have to check out your book recommendation. It sounds wonderful.

[@therealsoutherngarden]

@ you bet, gorgeous pictures I know you will love💚

[@gardeningonthewestforkwith8994]

Lover verticals . This fall two established junipers had to be removed and as disappointing as thiss was it’s giving me space to consider what comes next. Your video is inspiring for such a space . Thanks

[@GardenMoxie]

It's tough to lose established plants, but it sounds like you have a lot of exciting possibilities now! I am glad you found the video inspiring.

[@barbkenas5663]

Great ideas, great video!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@chrisogrady4956]

Beautiful video, thx.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks and thanks for watching.

[@margolyn8291]

❤the tea cup garden

[@GardenMoxie]

Isn't that the most amazing space? I fell in love with that garden. Thanks for watching.

[@agarsorchids7708]

Thank you for sharing!❤

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching.

[@marshagaravaglia8149]

Thank you, great information ❤

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@kuhlbreezegardens8663]

Beautiful! Are there other photos on social media of Garden on 7th Street in Traverse City?

[@GardenMoxie]

The garden is open to the public during the summer so I imagine you can find images on google. It was a beautiful space.

[@christinagarcia927]

That was an inspirational video. The problem we have in our yards is that we have a massive sprinkler system….it extends to the property lines of our neighbors’ houses. Should we remove them ? We have never dug into the ground because of the pipes. Any plants we had have been in pots. Thank you for any advice.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching. I dare not make recommendations without knowing the area. I would consider talking to a local landscaper. They may have some ideas on how to best handle the sprinkler system. Thanks for your note.

[@doowopshopgal]

Wonderful

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@mariay.279]

Gr8 ideas.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@restorationlandscape61]

What are some of your favorite historical garden books?

[@GardenMoxie]

My favorite books are the In Your Garden series by Vita Sackville-West that are published versions of the articles she wrote for The Observer newspaper. I also love Fletcher Steele's book, Design in the Little Garden. His writing is wonderful IMO.

[@nancynoascono747]

I have white vinyl privacy fence sections. Looking foe ways to make them look less staunch! Any ideas?

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching. I would think about adding some climbing vines to help soften the edges.

[@nancynoascono747]

Thanks great idea!!​@GardenMoxie

[@gardensenglishanddance]

Thank you for such an interesting and inspiring video! I have always been a proponent of the magic of vertical space, hence the number of climbing and rambling roses in my garden :-) I have got a beautiful red brick wall of my neighbour's shed at my disposal, on which I grow a rambling rose and a climbing hydrangea. Unfortunately, the shed, which is 80 years old, has not been taken care of properly and is crumbling in front of my eyes. Gardening near it has become quite hazardous, in fact my neighbour has received an order to demolish it. I would love to keep it but I would rather not have a brick fall on my head one day.

[@GardenMoxie]

I am sorry to hear that your neighbor's brick wall is a hazard. I bet it is the perfect spot for a rambling rose. Thanks for watching.

[@nitastacy8325]

This is something I’ve been thinking of doing. I have no borrowed views from the house behind me the guy back there cares nothing about his yard and there are no trees. I cannot plant trees along my fence line because a sewer line runs in that area. I know this because it all got dug out last year to replace the sewer line for my Back Neighbor therefore, I am limited to bushes which I have been doing, but the area badly needs something vertical. I am thinking of doing three tall arches or trellises and growing vines up them. I am going to start looking for the perfect trellises.

[@GardenMoxie]

Sounds like a great idea. Good luck with your garden adventures. Thanks for watching.

[@samueljaramillo4221]

Theses gardens are beautiful , and I disagree with your comment in that gardens don’t require a fortune. I’ve been gardening for 55 years now, so I know this very well. Gardening is an expensive endeavor. Unless your gardening by growing your plants from seeds, purchasing plants,trees,shrubs is quite expensive. So if you have the resources why not. Beautiful video.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@liesesadler5295]

I think given your note you should edit out that mirror suggestion altogether- not everyone is going to read that note! The suggestion in the video was so disturbing that I immediately stopped the video to comment how dangerous this idea is!

[@garmody]

Paráda

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@Kolibrida]

Be careful with Mirrors in the garden. Birds think they can fly through and brake their neck!!

[@GardenMoxie]

You are absolutely correct! Thank you for mentioning that. Such a large mirror in the garden would be a definite risk. I was looking at it in terms of design. It would have to be covered in the anti-collision dots, but I think it best to use a different design feature all together. Thanks for the note.

[@rickblanton4328]

Pretty much a fan of everything you said with one glaring exception. The outdoor mirrors have got to go. That’s a bird death trap of the highest order. Reflective glass is bad enough but putting a mirror in the midst of foliage is bad upon bad. Please don’t do this, ever.

[@GardenMoxie]

You are absolutely correct. There were a couple other comments reminding me of this extremely important point. Unless that mirror was covered with the anti-collision dots, but even then, I think it best to leave the large mirror out of the design to protect our feathered friends. Thanks so much for the reminder. I appreciate your comment.

[@Ellofez]

Your photo shop skills are impressive . Far better than what I could do and I'm a designer by trade . Besides all that the photo shopping did help it really did help a lot . Great ideas I wish I had a walled garden like you find in many British estates but sadly I do not .

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching the video.

[@michellezentmyer4288]

Thank you! Perfect video!!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much and thanks for watching.