I left my garden for a week 🌿 How I cleaned up the mess

It's always amazing how quickly a garden falls apart without all those little things we do every day. I left my vegetable garden for a week and now I'm cleaning up the mess and trying to put things back in order.
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My name is Erin and I love sharing inspiration and information with real-life gardeners. I live and garden in southeastern Wisconsin, zone 5b.
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[@Floraltherapyfe]

Definitely needed this, thank you!! I had a 1 week vacay in July I feel like I finally recovered from and just went away for 4 days again. It was about 90 degrees the whole time and my garden is so sad. Definitely looked at too much too soon and am overwhelmed so thank you for the redirection!

[@thegardnersgarden]

I love how your garden looks, even with you being gone for a week. Those little garden vacation surprises are always so much fun to find and you did so much to tidy it up. Love it.

[@denisedelgado3350]

What a gorgeous ‘welcome home’ bouquet!

[@marilynruggeberg]

Thank you for sharing. Love the Realness of Weeds even in the Gardens of Creators. 💖💖💖

[@TheOrganizedHomemaker]

It looked pretty good for being gone a week. Looked even better after you put your special touch on it

[@nangel270]

…and are usually reluctant, but it can give you a new perspective and appreciation upon return.

[@vickiejones7085]

The flower bouquet is beautiful

[@darlenemartinez384]

I wanted to cry when you said that you just let the pond water overflow. If you have fish in there that water is super nutrient rich. I would have used it on any plant looking like it needed a bit of a boost. In fact years ago I used my pond water to water the garden and just replaced the water that I took out with fresh water. Since I didn’t have a pump in the pond it helped the pond. And the fish were very happy. It’s literally free fertilizer.

[@GardeningSpirit]

We rent our house for the months of August (& sometimes July too)... and when I get back, I literally need a glass of wine or 2 and a couple days of deep breathes. It's amazing to see how everything just goes wild but it's also amazing to see how quickly it can be put back together. Your pond is lovely!

[@gabygarcia8367]

You made me laugh! It happens the same to me when going in vacactions for 2 weeks in the middle of summer, specially the worst time because of spider mites in my tomatoes.

[@karencrane6325]

Hey if only 2 glasses of wine that’s pretty good! 😂😂😂

[@GardeningSpirit]

@@karencrane6325 🤣

[@staceyalarcon4027]

That bouquet was stunning!

[@wildbirdfarm]

“I don’t even like eggplant but they’re awfully pretty.” Same girl, same. 😆

[@safefromdaapes7109]

We went to beach Vacation for 5 days. I well watered My flower garden and veggies garden the Day we left. The Whole time I was checking the Weather if we got rain. But I told myself, What ever what happened it ok! I Loved watching your KZbin Channel. God Bless

[@ladikmk]

Strictly stay-cation this year; way too many big things to get done around here so no extra $$$ for a trip away but that’s okay because I do love my garden. A glass of lemonade or tea, a great book and a lounge chair in the shade where I can read and watch the birds, bees and butterflies and life is good. Hope you had a good time Erin. Stay well.

[@venusgarden959]

Very nice video🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹👍👍👍👍👍

[@marilynmcgillick2931]

It's so funny...the 1st thing I do when I get home from vacation is go check on my garden. Which is basically all containers on my deck. 112 containers. A huge variety of perennials and annuals. No matter who I get to water, something is always struggling when I return.

[@greenthumbelina7331]

Erin, yes, I totally agree with you on taking a vacation, we all need to refresh and relax now and then! Our gardens will be there when we return. It's easier to tackle the overabundance of weeds, deadheading, pruning, and redirecting of wild vines, that occur during our time away... when a person feels refreshed and re-energized. I love your teamwork, as you tackled the vegetable garden, your sweetheart was out mowing, then he put the clematis' (who were holding hands as you entered the veggie garden) back up on the arbor. I hope you guys have a wonderful weekend! ~Margie😊💚🦋

[@erinjames377]

Love Erin, so real!

[@helenbuckwalter3955]

I was down with Covid for most of July plus we had a very rainy month. Plus part of our family was in town on vacation. I was unable to keep up with anything and what a mess! But I’m better now and little by little I’ve had enough energy to get things back in order. Yes, I had to put my blinders on and focus on one thing at a time!

[@mellissabgarden1549]

Garlic looking good

[@jennifersauer3257]

That bouquet is magnificent! And the advice is sage and is a truism for all parts of our lives. Thanks!

[@gracechan5683]

Love your music choices on these videos. You need a Spotify playlists!

[@BarbaraAnne55]

Very awesome veggie beds and lots of sun. I bet they take more water to!

[@leslienichols5268]

The August garden! She wild!

[@socorrom5293]

Oooh what a lovely arrangement you created! For sure they will last more than 2,days for you to enjoy! And then maybe dry them??

[@greenrockgarden2851]

🥹I literally just got back to my house after being gone for a week. Good timing on this! Thankfully, it rained a lot while I was gone. I left suddenly and did not make any arrangements for anyone to keep an eye on things. 🫣I just went out with a flashlight. It looks like a jungle out there! I know what I’ll be doing for the next week.

[@blondie7740]

Here is a tip on gladiolus, you have to stake them, or they will break off every time. A plant round will work too, they just need some form of support.

[@RevAcres01]

I've learned to take vacation the garden will be fine. Re-entry is tuff usually takes a glass of wine to access the situation then dig in but, I keep the wine bottle close in case I need more encouragment.

[@guntaweiland3428]

Beautiful bouquet.

[@glendariggs2391]

That flower arrangement is gorgeous, what a beautiful blessing to come home and find.

[@mimleggette2886]

Enjoy your videos welcome back!

[@Janet-bx4kf]

Thanks so much for saying that, Erin! I feel so guilty and FOMO leaving my garden (even with someone watering), but it is all recoverable! It’s heartening to hear that others feel that way too. Sometimes I think I’ve gone over the edge!😂

[@jitkadevaux3958]

Superb bouquet!

[@altheab.8907]

Nice bouquet, Erin, pretty soft colors. Good you took a little vacation. If you make soup stock toss those peas in the freezer to add to the stock so you can still benefit from the nutrition. I always make stock when I roast a chicken or buy a rotisserie chicken. I take all of my frozen bits of parsley stems, wilted lettuce, carrot ends, etc. and get them going while the chicken is roasting then toss the bones, skin and other bits in and let it go on low for 24-36 hours. Then I strain it and chill it until the fat solidifies so I can easily take it off. Freeze it, make soup, or condense it down for gravy. The crockpot takes a lot of the work out of. Don’t have to play around with the setting on a stove burner. Was the hornworm food for the fish? I didn’t see any beneficial insect eggs on it. 💕😊

[@barbarasidel9012]

Wow! Your bouquet is gorgeous!!

[@laurahiggins4712]

Good advice to go on vacation and not worry about the garden. Nice to have someone to keep plants watered. Tell us about your vacation!

[@franthomas5867]

oh Erin, so grounded in the garden reality! You make me feel like I'm always doing the right thing!! Thanks!

[@katjo0812]

Luckily my mom lives close and checked on house and watered everything for me! Yes, , re-entry is hard esp, when you go from Colorado springs, 5500-6000ft altitudes, back to Mn..last Monday my body felt like a ton of lead!

[@tammyhoushour8070]

pretty flowers...I've never seen a tomato worm ..gross...but talk about gross....pond scum lol😂 hope you had a fantastic vacation 🙌💖

[@cindylouwhobohl6983]

Yes it’s amazing how much the garden grows and changes in a weeks time. Glad you were able to get some time away! Love your videos! Gorgeous bouquet💜💕

[@mstudt6]

Mr much more patience dropping that coffee? off warms my heart ❤️ beautiful veg garden

[@joanotto9984]

Just got back from two weeks away. Lots to tend to. Just opened up the walkways today. Tomorrow will get into beds to dead head and trim beck. Know it will take me a couple days. Always enjoyable to see how garden changes in such a short time.

[@amauricontreras9554]

I love your garden 🏡!

[@brendadonaldsonsarty2325]

A stunning bouquet!

[@Betzie229]

I had COVID and was away from my garden for around 10 days, and whoa, I was shocked at much everything had “grown!” I managed to water the containers… but couldn’t do anything else. So, I’m taking it area by area. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@cdixon2011ify]

Hope you feel better soon

[@Betzie229]

@@cdixon2011ify Yes, feeling much better and thank you for your thoughtfulness.

[@nangel270]

All in all - not bad. Glad you had a chance to get away. Gardeners need it and

[@jimoviegirl]

Beautiful bunch of flowers .

[@juliepuhr9806]

Oh yes….the need to get away to refresh….

[@carolynimboden9906]

Loved this advice.

[@suzannebartow6390]

You have been missed, know that many of us just love to hear from you on this channel....glad you enjoyed your vacation.

[@bethlynch1909]

Four years ago we went on a 2 week vacation. I had a friend come pick whatever was ready in the veg garden. I placed containers where the lawn sprinklers would hopefully keep them watered. My friend also watered the containers without my asking. The worst thing was the deer realized we were gone and ate everything including plants in window boxes. But the trip was worth it and I'm glad we went.

[@juliafiore120]

Good morning, Erin ☕️ The weeds!! I have an explosion of them! You’re right, one section at a time. I love that pond with the Lotus 🪷 Have a Blessed Day 😊

[@chumanirosexiamaru8572]

Not to bad.. squirrels would of ransacked my yard and garden.. love your pond. Thinking about creating one.. thanks for sharing 👌🏾

[@harrymyhero]

Be sure to check if your parsley has swallowtail caterpillars! I found some this week.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

I haven’t seen any yet but good idea to check again. I always plant extra for them.

[@kimberlyhughes9826]

I sure needed to hear that from another gardener. Between 2 dogs and my young garden, I've spent too much time at home.

[@sterterous]

Love the colours of the bouquet. Gorgeous!

[@emkn1479]

I also struggle with sunflowers. I think every critter eats them when I direct sow. I grew some in trays this year and finally have flowers! Unless the deer get the blooms 🤦‍♀️

[@Sullivan_Owen]

I love the surprise flowers after going away so much that I can deal with a mess for the most part! gorgeous flowers as a treat for all that hard work!

[@upnorth21]

Welcome back...you've been missed. Love your attitude. Vacations are a must and great you came back with realistic expectations!

[@slomo1716]

What lovely colours of your flower bouquet! I have been enjoying my Glad bouquets for weeks now, they are BEAUTIFUL. I am all about STAYCATIONS.

[@carriefrost3552]

Good advice Erin!

[@kimberlywilliams3008]

Love your videos, Erin! I've learned so much from you and you've helped me realize the garden will never be perfect and it's always a work in progress.

[@marthasidney2387]

Glad you had a good vacation and happy to see how well your garden survived. Mine would be fried when I returned unless I had someone to come water for me. That bouquet is stunning!!

[@christinestraub1994]

Same happened to us here in kentucky it was over whelming to get back but like you the blinders went on and I focused in spots and took my time. Your bouquet!❤️ it’s gorgeous! love how you keep it real Erin

[@ShirleyJDavis]

Beautiful flowers

[@janereel1903]

I'm curious about the plant supports in the veg beds. I don't know if you've mentioned them before. They look very functional and pretty.

[@alice_rabbit8345]

Yes, I’d like to know as well

[@jilladcock5648]

Great advice to go and address problems when you get home. I’ve only done short trips between June and end of August because I enjoy my garden so much, but there are places you can only visit in good weather so this is advice I need to listen to. Like so much advice from you - thank you as always 🌸

[@julipolito7761]

Uhhhhh! Beautiful bouquet!

[@ginninadances]

LOL tomatoes rarely make it to the house because I eat them!

[@jcking6785]

Stunning bouquet!!! 🧡💛💗

[@stephaniestewart9396]

Beautiful bouquet. 🥰

[@2prettyfunnythings736]

Loved it. Missed your videos. Glad you got down time.

[@valiumsurbanjungle2041]

I think it looks awesome!! I love overgrown, uncared gardens, they remind me of my own veranda 😂 If you don't like eggplants, try and find some greek recipes which contain this vegetable (moussaka, papoutsakia, tourlou, gemista, deep fried eggplants and zucchini are the most common ones) and try making those. I think you'll change your mind, I sure did in my 20's. Have a wonderful week!!

[@Flanuora]

Thank you! I’m about to go on a trip and I’ve been worried about my garden. I’ll try to let it go and have fun. 😉

[@TheImpatientGardener]

You must! I strongly believe that we need to course correct when the garden becomes more burden than pleasure.

[@themainer1267]

The garden looks great. The water feature looked good even with the green whatever it was. I usually sacrifice some of my tomato plants to the tomato hornworm because I enjoy the hummingbird moths. At least I think that's what I'm investing in.🦋Such great advice at the end of the video. Thank you.

[@stephaniesharkey3538]

Love your POV🌸

[@sc00badive]

I love your attitude, it can all be fixed. The garden is beautiful. I love your gate & fence. I really want to hear more about how you wintered over the Lotus bulbs/corms/tubers? I love that water garden. It's one thing I haven't tried yet. Please keep the updates coming.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

I overwintered the lotus in a few different ways and all were complete fails. This is a new lotus this year.

[@sc00badive]

@@TheImpatientGardener Good to know, thanks for answering Erin!

[@rubikitchengardening]

So beautiful garden 😍 ❤️

[@kandyharris2195]

Perfect timing . We just got back yesterday from a 4 day anniversary trip ... my goodness the zucchini we came home to 🤣. We shared with friends, family and neighbors. 👩‍🌾 Happy gardening

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Shared whether they wanted it or not I bet! 🤣

[@kandyharris2195]

@@TheImpatientGardener lol, they all know they're getting some , fair warnings when I start planting 🤣

[@dianeasberry7928]

My lilies cover the top of the pond not letting much sun in. That might be your issue with the scum. I love your lotus, sooo pretty.

[@lgarden7086]

Thank you for sharing…reality! Every year I say why do I grow eggplant? I do like it but turning it into eggplant parmigiana is too much work in the heat of summer. Last year just to use it up added it into red sauce it sweetened and thickened the sauce and that’s how we used it up. This year I had a few seeds left and said what the heck right? These are the very slim ones I forget the name but we sliced them about 3/4” and grilled them with a little Italian dressing. We placed them on a baguette coated with a bit of olive oil and fresh garlic under broiler added sauce to the bread, placed the eggplant which fit perfectly on top, added provolone and mozzarella cheese on top and melted that under the broiler. It was a delicious dinner with green salad.

[@carolmoore1797]

Good advice! Great video!

[@betsymaltby6788]

We can't be so tied down to our gardens that we feel like we can't get away. I deal when I get back, and if all goes well I too will have a vacation bouquet at the end of the day! (which I did after 5 days away...see profile picture). As for the rest...one day at a time to weed and deadhead. Cheers!

[@barbarapruitt3978]

Tks so much for your video I am inpatient to cause I have huge 3of them at the base is 18 feet round so I have to take all year and don't get me started with the poison ivy to Carolina creeper what they call it get have a vegetable garden the creeper goes everywhere

[@ceahorse56]

I love that feeling after being away of coming back home. What is the name of the clematis over the trellis?

[@annbrown3609]

Good advice. Thanks Erin. Gorgeous bouquet!

[@AJsGreenThumbLLC]

Erin you looked nicely tanned and refreshed. I'm glad you had some time away...we all deserve it! Besides a few weeds you had a gorgeous bouquet waiting for ya! 😎

[@joeycainong6873]

Your color palette gives me an inspiration how to plan my garden. Thanks, Erin! Great video as always.

[@Pervydachny]

Hello! Great video. Thanks for sharing interesting content. Good luck. See yoo👌🌿🌻💐❤️

[@willowingchintz]

Your bouquet is gorgeous! Wondering what type of snaps are in there? Thanks, Donna

[@bettyboop1524]

I'm new here and I'd sure like to know what that crisscross growth is in the vegetable garden on the fencing. It sure is pretty and very clean looking. Is there a video on it? Thank you

[@AngelaSissySnyder]

Yes there are videos of when she planted it and hire she has trained it. I love it too! I believe she calls it espalier?

[@heatherw.2751]

It’s called a Belgian fence and there is a video of her planting it from whips. It’s a good one! Definitely check that one out!

[@run34fun]

Your garden is beautiful! We are starting to put in a raised bed garden this fall so it will be ready for spring. Do you have a certain kind of soil that you use? Also, dumb question do you ever get snakes in the beds since they are raised and how tall are they.

[@barbarafegley5566]

The weeds went crazy while we were gone for 10 days. Still not caught up.

[@b.a.d.2086]

Love the video, especially the lotus. Not keen on the downer music choice though.

[@sallyloosli4379]

What are those frilly peach flowers??????♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@gailbartley9506]

Yes! I was wondering the same. Please name the flowers in your bouquet. I recognize most, but just like to cover everything. It's beautiful yet fleeting....

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Those are snapdragons! Madame Butterfly Bronze with White grown from seed started way back in about February!

[@kayjane2115]

Love watching your channel and your gardens are gorgeous! Okay, so I have a question... why do you place tiny clay pots at the tops of your trellises in your veggie garden? My husband and I have a few ideas about it, but we really don't know, 😄. 🌻

[@AngelaSissySnyder]

Most usually that is done so you can throw a cover over the bed to either protect it from insect or bird pressure and sometimes for a shade cover when you need to.

[@kayjane2115]

@@AngelaSissySnyder okay, so, that is NOT one of the guesses my husband and I came up with, LOL! 😄 But, that makes sense! Thanks!

[@heatherw.2751]

I’ve heard of people doing that to protect your eyes when bending down to work in the garden. In this case though I don’t think that’s it because they’re in raised beds.

[@kayjane2115]

@@heatherw.2751 that's one thing we thought of too. But, yeah, since it is so high up, we figured it wasn't the case. I'm really interested in the "why" behind it. In any case, I think the tiny clay pots look cute and plan to use them in my garden if for no other purpose than a decorative one. 😄

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Honestly they are only there to keep the canes together. Such a boring answer! 🤣

[@lidiaspyrka8096]

Please wear top quality sunglasses which will protect your eyesight and protect your eye area from wrinkling! You are blond and fair very important to do this! Love your videos your garden looks amazing don’t sweat the small stuff! Thank you for posting!

[@emkn1479]

Ooo what’s your go-to cucumber salad recipe? And have you ever tried a smashed cucumber salad?

[@janereel1903]

Please elaborate on a smashed cucumber salad. I'm intrigued. thanks.

[@emkn1479]

@@janereel1903 If you search here on KZbin or online in general you’ll find an abundance of recipes. It refers to the technique; instead of slicing or cutting, you smash 🙃 To my understanding it is a traditional dish in some cultures.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

I do a really classic (Midwestern, I think) cucumber salad. Peeled and really thinly sliced cucumbers (the fewer the seeds the better and I use a mandolin to slice them) and a bit of finely chopped onion. Salted and thrown in a colander over a bowl and then put in the fridge for at least half and hour to get some of the water out. Toss with about a tablespoon of cider vinegar, a bit of mayo (I like less mayo but some people like it with more), then fresh dill and salt and pepper.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Oh and I’ve not heard of smashed cucumber salad but I will look it up!

[@emkn1479]

@@TheImpatientGardener I’ve never had it with mayo! My favorite is with fresh dill and sour cream, after doing the same salt/colander method. Today I’m getting rid of (let’s be honest now😆) a few cucumbers with a vinaigrette based salad. Always fresh dill though.

[@debra9174]

Looks fabulous! What was the peach-colored flower you cut first?

[@TheImpatientGardener]

That’s a snapdragon called Madam Butterfly Bronze with White that I grew from seed

[@carolynkennedy9582]

Your gardem is so beautiful and lush. A few weeks ago, I could have used a whole bottle of wine, at least that's what it felt like. We had a hailstorm with huge hail that ruined the beautiful gardens I'd showered with love and money and time. In the enclosed vegetable garden, potatoes survived. Obviously. The raspberries will survive but I don't know if we'll get any berries. Everything else was gone. In my numerous herbaceous borders and beds, almost everything was trashed. So no matter what mess you have, you are lucky. That darn weather monster got us this year.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

It’s really been so terrible. I’m sorry that happened.

[@MargaretUK]

That's such a shame Carolyn, but there's always next year, and you know what us gardeners are like, ever the optimists! 👍

[@mrspaulsen1717]

What kind on snapdragons were those- so pretty!

[@TheImpatientGardener]

That’s Madame Butterfly Bronze with White.