Creating Our Dream English Country Garden

[@converseallstarish]

Roxy’s so funny in the timelapse how she follows you everywhere 😅

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Haha she is bonkers

[@notgadot]

@@MadeleineOlivia What is bonkers means ?

[@csr3282]

i agree with the lattice needing to be removed, i think you will sign with relief at the space, but nice idea to still have garden rooms to wander around in.. Having the veggie gardens closer to the kitchen , like the herbs will make it easier and more likely to be used in cooking. The pots of herbs look really good either side of the door. Don't worry about how the veggies look atm, realistic moments of the dog and weeds means viewers also relate to things that arent perfect and that you intend to improve and make it wonderful. we understand that was just what was there when you bought the home. your ideas will grow like the terrace. the box in pots looks so sweet and the hydrangeas pop against the house. An idea for the play house could be a chicken house, painted white like you imagine. they would clean up fallen apples too.

[@terrydouka6023]

My 2 cents.😂 The fence gives your yard a cottage feel. Personally, I would make the lattice about a 3rd shorter. Still keep the effect of the look. Plant some color way in the back, which will draw your eye to the back. Wish I had your backyard. Mine is a total blank state.

[@astriedel]

My thoughts exactly! Creating zones and dividing gives depth to a big garden…

[@rudie280]

No need to be embarrassed ! Gardens are a major undertaking and work in progress! There's only so much time in a day! Sounds like your plans are perfect! However, plans change and evolve! Well done, so far! Love the time you share with us! 😘

[@jb4056]

You should totally grow strawbs that will hang down the front of the sleepers next summer! That will soften the look of the wood in a really easy natural way and they'll grow back year on year!

[@denisewade6439]

Madeleine have you thought about trellising roses or jasmine along the walls of your raised seating patio! Or perhaps a cottage border around the structure? Things are really coming along well in your home and yard. The garden is the frosting on the cake! So much potential too! 😊👩🏻‍🌾🦋

[@christiaccurso1723]

I love the trellis and little garden gate but I agree it looks a bit like a fence. I think if the trellis portion was half the height it would look more cohesive while still having the separation and being able to keep the garden gate.

[@decanuses]

The one thing I miss living abroad is not having a garden, not even a terrace. Having a garden and gardening is so good for not just physical wellbeing but also your mental health. After nearly 18 years living in Catalunya I'm actually toying with the idea of moving back home to the UK. You have a wonderful garden and so much space. Love your renovation and garden vlogs, keep em coming! 😊

[@MadeleineOlivia]

I am so lucky to have our garden and I am learning so much as I go! I am sorry that you’re missing having a garden since living abroad and if you make it back to the UK hopefully you can get your garden back!

[@decanuses]

@@MadeleineOlivia ah thanks for your reply. One thing I forgot to mention. I was gifted two of the RHS gardening books with my first garden. They are well worth the investment!

[@schwesi5961]

if you want to soften out the wall, adding architectural elements seems kind of counterintuitive… why not add a few medium sized shrubs that‘ll give a lovely garden feel from the patio and camouflage the wall with soft textures? ☺️🍃

[@christinawatkinsyoutube]

I love this content. so calming, quiet and relaxing. I live in the city and hope one day to live in the country and wake up to quiet, and get herbs and veggies out my own garden!

[@GeeThePea]

Gardening is so peaceful and rewarding 💆 the white hydrangea are beautiful! The blue hydrangea needs acidic soil to keep it's colour, otherwise it will revert to pink 🤯 it's easier to maintain that in a pot, but either way, blue or pink hydrangea are lovely!

[@daniellehuston8313]

It's adorable to see Roxy follow you around, even when you aren't going far! Lol

[@matissoniadh9608]

Well done! It's great to see the progress. Dont forget that hydrangeas need a lot of water, especially during the first year, while they are developing roots after replanting. Even during the winter, make sure they dont get too dry. I highly recommend also using osmocote fertiliser, which can be found in any garden centre. You use it twice a year, and it slowly releases minerals every time you water your plants/ shrubs. It really helps them, grow bigger and survive winter cold a lot easier.

[@itsmewende]

The new patio, sitting area, and now plantings are really lovely. Your yard is such a wonderful size, I agree it would be nice to see the garden from the house, and vice versa. You'll have all winter to come up with the prefect design. I'm in the states and was thinking, I'd love to see what Charlie from Garden Rescue would come up with. I love that you guys still have nice garden shows, really miss the ones they used to have over here.

[@kylieharrison3782]

The honeysuckle would be really nice espaliered along the sleepers on some wires.

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Oooh this is such a good idea I totally am going to plant it to cover the sleepers! Thank you!

[@donnasaiia3643]

It is lovely to see you outside in the garden. I bet that the patio will be lovely. I like the shorter format and quiet narration. So soothing!

[@lauramitchell6725]

The blue slate on your patio is beautiful,would you please share if it’s slippery when wet?

[@MadeleineOlivia]

I haven’t had this issue no because it’s a natural stone, it has a lot of texture!

[@lauramitchell6725]

@@MadeleineOlivia Wonderful,thanks so much for responding!🥰

[@sianswinton4623]

You can affect the colour of hydrangeas somewhat by changing the acidity of the soil! The more acidic, the bluer and the closer is get neutral it goes through purple and then to pink! I haven’t done it myself so I’m not sure how to do it but as a florist I’m aware of the concept!

[@dottiebaker6623]

Your herbs look great, and very functional, outside the door. Don't worry about them not getting enough water - most herbs like it not terribly wet, and most do better (have more flavor) in poor soil. They're tough little things, herbs are. Just keep an eye on them, and give them a bit of water when they need it. I love it that they're right outside the kitchen! Well done! Roxy is SOOO sweet - when you tell her you love her, she just looks so ecstatically relaxed and happy! Also, it's good to have a vision for your garden, but keep in mind that a mature garden takes a long time. I planted a semi dwarf heritage apple tree almost 10 years ago, when I first moved in, and it's only this summer that the effect of screening the neighbors house I was hoping for has been realized. A garden is a life long activity - there are new discoveries and new looks on a continuing basis. Nothing teaches you patience like a garden. Once the hardscape is in, the idea is to have a good time tending it, and rejoice when it gives back to you. If it's beginning to seem like a chore, it's a good idea to scale down a bit. Have fun, Maddie!

[@devafrost17]

Just brilliant advice @dottiebaker6623, with my half acre garden only taken on a year ago I have to remind myself to also take a step back when it starts getting stressful, and I'm a horticulturist so it's a bit like taking work home with me 😂

[@paulaandrews5493]

Wow I didn’t realise your garden was so big until you walked past the trellis. It’s beautiful❤

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Thank you so much!

[@flibbertygibbette]

Looking lovely, and the great thing about gardens is that sometimes if we let them go for a while, even though it's not very *aesthetic* or even if we don't get a good harvest, or whatever the case may be, it can actually be good for them. The two rosemary you put into one small pot... you might want to consider breaking those up sooner than later and putting them into two pots, because each of those plants could get huge.

[@kathleenclark5877]

Do a meandering path which is far more interesting than a straight one. Years ago I found a wonderful vintage seven (?) foot fountain with tiers and installed it in my garden. There is nothing more delightful than to hear the water falling. And lit up at night! You have tons of room and living in the UK you would have access to all sorts of fountains and lawn ornaments that have the cottagey vintage vibe. And this plus plantings along the path would break up the solid lawn space you have now. I am so enjoying hearing about your plans!

[@lorimcmichael5846]

Beautiful- can’t wait to see your work in progress!

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Thank you so much

[@SeaTurtle515]

I love your terracotta pots. I have about 10 different herbs growing in my garden, some in pots and some in ground. I just love being able to run out and pick some to add to whatever I happen to be cooking. In the fall, I am going to plant a Meyer lemon tree, as I love to cook with lemons. Your garden is already looking lovely and will be more so as time goes on. Gardens always need never ending care and are continually evolving. 🌿🐛🐝

[@fshbulb1]

Have you considered putting in dangling plants around the sofa? That might help break up the wall of wood until you get to adding in flower beds and the greenhouse.

[@pamelarubelmann5692]

Love every inch of your home and yard. You've both done an amazing job.

[@marykelley782]

The plants are gorgeous. Will make your yard look beautiful ❤️. And Roxy. Omg. Such a sweetheart. Love her!!

[@revonda5204]

Keeping Roxy out of the garden beds is an excellent reason for the trellis division. 😊 Personally, I love the trellis & think it's an excellent way to keep the "working" part of the garden separate. I love the beautiful greenhouses for which the English are well known, but you can put it behind the trellis, and the roofline could be a lovely temptation to see what's there. Most gardening designers will develop "rooms" and then plant things to draw your eye into these spaces. Think of the "Secret Garden". Even as an American, I've watched tons of Bunny Guinness and Monty Don garden visits . To show my age, I used to watch Penelope Hobhouse as she talked garden designs. Maybe spend any more rainy days or the winter perusing gardening books by some of the best designers that help walk you through the how and often more importantly, the why. Just a few suggestions, but of course, you need to make the garden design whatever pleases you and Alex! Keep going!👍

[@MadeleineOlivia]

All such good suggestions! Thank you so much ❤️ We will definitely spend some time this autumn and winter reading and watching for all of the inspiration!

[@casswilson3964]

Yay dad for mowing the lawn! Your planting efforts were fantastic - really motivating. Agree the lattice breaks the yard up too much. Might be able to reuse somewhere else in the garden for vines or veggies.

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Yes I wonder if we could reuse it to rebuild our fruit cage! And maybe a couple of pieces to grow some things up at the front of the house

[@andreasenyk9788]

Yahoo! Love the garden content. Even slow and quiet Maddie. Dont sand the furniture ( i think its teak ? ) its to much work and not necessary. it just needs a good scrub with a big brush and soap and water. It takes some elbow grease but worth it! And then make sure its covered in the winter when you dont use it, otherwise your work is for nothing. Enjoy this new space !

[@annwilliams9214]

I'm enjoying watching your garden plans.

[@davidthescottishvegan]

Great to see a gardening vlog from Madeleine and good to see the progress Madeleine & Alex have made. I love 😍 plants & gardening. Have a lovely week and love 🥰 the vlog and love 💞 Madeleine & ❤Alex.

[@a.b.2458]

You need about 4 or 5 chickens to help with your garden. Use the crates to make a chicken tractor so you can keep them in the area that needs help. It's amazing how they can clear the weeds for you. Everything looks lovely.

[@katyss9128]

They dig the earth up and it flies everywhere!

[@a.b.2458]

@katyss9128 Yes, that's what they do, it's part of their gardening procedure.

[@hildemarieskavik]

Beautiful 😍 I think it would add interest to the yard having the greenhouse on the opposite side from the fire pit. And have climbing plants on the hard wood making them softer or something ☺️ that way you can make walkways (from pato, greenhouse, shed) and rooms easily, and not have everything on one side of the garden. Balance everything out 😍

[@tracybownes7612]

You have worked so hard, it looks lovely, i love the way your dog doesn’t leave your side in the garden !

[@alentrevor]

and Mrs T Nice interesting video good music choices your garden is looking nice already well done

[@annjones345]

Everything looks great! You are doing a good job! Gardening work is never really done!

[@jolenecrosby2116]

If you test your soil to see what it’s pH level is you can adjust it to change the colour of the hydrangea. My white hydrangea went blue when we planted them in the garden!! And then one at the front went from white to red. Google is your friend on what to add!! Your garden looks amazing though but I think you’re right to think about removing the trellis it will open the whole space up ❤

[@MadeleineOlivia]

That’s amazing! I am intrigued to see if the colour changes!

[@loissaedder2214]

​@MadeleineOlivia it depends on the acidity or alkalinity of your soil what colour the hydrangeas end up.

[@stellamex1]

Adding to note that it's only one species of hydrangea (hydrangea macrophyllla, or big leaf Hydrangea) that changes colors based on soil ph levels (acidic soil = more blue, alkaline soil = more pink). Most other hydrangea species, like oakleaf and panicle, do not change.

[@ALdiyrenovation]

So nice to see more of your garden ! It is and will be so beautiful and resting ❤

[@carolineholland4178]

You're doing a great job in the garden, the way that you have placed the hydrangeas, the box plants and the pots of herbs add symmetry and balance which is in keeping with your beautiful Georgian house. I completely agree that the trellis division should go. Gardening is a fresh journey for you, it is lovely to see the garden calling you, and you are willing to embrace and share this ever changing journey. Never see any mistakes as a failure, they are a learning opportunity. You share this space with the elements and mother nature. Your garden is a flexible canvas which will allow you to explore your creativity and it will feed your soul, as well as your tummy. Please, the ladder, don't fall! I was scared for you. Hope you can get someone in to trim the wisteria next time,

[@amazinggrace4036]

Your backyard is beautiful and your work in it looks amazing! Enjoy your garden 🌼

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Hi Maddie a lovely video. We agree you should bring down the trellis it will make your yard and garden look bigger. Much easier to take care of.❤

[@tanyapazdera5660]

your home and yard are so beautiful, thank you for sharing it makes me smile.

[@michellehooper661]

Such a lovely wholesome vlog. Your garden is so beautiful and like the changes you have in mind. Just wanted to say how lovely your dog is, she follows you everywhere, you can see she adores you and has a beautiful soul. Have a great week ❤

[@MadeleineOlivia]

She is the most beautiful of souls! We are kindred spirits! Thank you so much for watching ❤️

[@joannebingwa3640]

Loved the wholesomeness of this and seeing the progress…. Gardens are nature and take time to flourish so I look forward to this series and seeing the progress and process.

[@norascholey7909]

Gorgeous garden area, but you might need a fence to keep Roxy and other dogs out of your vegetable beds. Sometimes people plant beds when trees are smaller and there is more sun but relocating them up towards the house would be ideal both for more sun and easier access. What a wonderful spot!

[@sallyannfarrell8933]

Really enjoyed this video.... looking forward to seeing more Home and garden videos to come ...... 😊take care 🙂 x

[@annas1185]

Your house is so lovely. Amazing all the work you guys have done to it!

[@devafrost17]

I would have recommended adding horticultural sand or grit to your compost mix for the Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) as they would like a more free draining and less fertile mix similar to what they would have at home. Also if you intend for things to live in pots long term they could also do with a generous mix of a John Innes no. 3 for mature plants as this supports long term life in a pot. Multi-purpose compost is really just for about 6 months or so... Also give your skinny, stringy mint a cut back to encourage it to bush out and fill the pot nicely. In fact I'd say give everything a wee haircut to stimulate it!

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Thanks so much for the tips! I will get trimming and also the I’ll add some John innes in the autumn!

[@janlisseman6302]

Hi Maddie, garden coming on really well looking really nice, good when a plan comes together xx

[@Julkotte]

Before committing to sanding the furniture. Try this! 2 dl 12% white vinegar, 3dl water and 5 drops of dish soap. Scrub with a coarse brush. Dry wood works best :) good luck!

[@sharaniparker2429]

I can’t explain how much your videos bring me peace and quiet my mind but thank you for always being a safe space to immerse in when the outside world is so busy and tiring. Truely a gift to be able to soothe in such a remote way 💕💕💕

[@briangenny8670]

Thankyou for the garden vlog, lovely to see your plans and work coming together. The hydrangeas will be lovely in the spots you’ve chosen to be enjoyed all year round.

[@sueleeg3215]

I love the lattice with the gate but I agree it cuts your lawn in half. I so agree with keeping the little house and painting it white, maybe with a little flower garden around it. I really like this content and love seeing your progress. Good job Madeleine.

[@jackiehorwood1603]

Loved this video, your garden is lovely. I agree with you,what you have done so far makes such a difference, well done. Roxie is adorable and you can see the pleasure she gets from spending time with you. xx

[@andrealiberadzki5375]

It's amazing the transformation its a very handsome house xx

[@houseislikelava]

Great gardening! :) What about a coverup for the tables and chairs to protect them from the rain?

[@angelanice]

I'm excited for this new series, I've been wanting to garden for so long and life keeps getting in the way. I've been watching other youtubers garden and it seems like such a huge task, so I appreciate your honesty about how your depression has affected what you do. It's such a realistic and genuine approach and helps encourage me that I can garden too and it doesn't have to be perfect all the time

[@amylouise3624]

You could replant the roses (when removing the lattice) to be at the base of the sleepers to hide them (rather than a greenhouse hiding them).

[@NonStopParis]

Definitely keep the bbq in a shed or under a cover in off-season time! It will stay nicer for longer

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Yeah we will deffo put away for winter!

[@pineconesacorns3118]

Love seeing your sweet pup. I love how helpful she is! The cleanup looks great! Cannot wait to see your plans comet to fruition.

[@carriefraser2555]

Really enjoyed watching this Maddie, looking forward to seeing the garden progress 😊

[@lorimariegrace614]

It might be worth purchasing a power washer for your patio furniture rather than sanding it. Much easier, and you’d be surprised what a great job they do in making things look like new!

[@suzettebristol3683]

I just began gardening this summer and I find it so soothing to just weed. I agree about removing the lattice. Thanks for the fun video!

[@peggymohr7899]

So lovely yard.

[@lindsayhudkins9027]

It's looking wonderful!

[@pamd1861]

Love what you've done so far with your outdoor space!!

[@AnneRas11]

The progress on your garden back area of home looks lovely. I love the added hydrangeas. The patio is really coming together.

[@Alaskaventureswithbrodie]

I have been feeling all the same feels. It’s nice your real about your feeling and emotions. Thank you

[@kgold5962]

Try power washing the table as opposed to sanding. Works for us!

[@Sarah-mv8nt]

beautiful you have both worked very hard let's pray for lovely weather so you can now enjoy it thanks for showing it us love the patio colour good choice

[@roxannehernandez3131]

yaaayyy its looking so nice to see how much you have done. so happy that your family is so helpful and willing to lend a hand! there arent too many family that do that and i am so glad you have help =]

[@LaFarmhouse]

beautiful gardening vlog

[@kayw3906]

Everything about Maddie's videos is exactly what I want to see. They calm me, cheer me and give me inspiration! Honestly and beauty! ❤❤❤❤

[@clairelaydon3097]

A habatious border would b nice to develop where those pots are

[@irismeeow]

love the music so much

[@ruthpaino6171]

It might even be a good idea to talk to a Landscape Designer to pull together all of your good ideas. They could draw you a plan that you could implement....just a thought. You are doing so well....lovely to watch...

[@jvgl2024]

Totally recommend the Weber cover we use ours every year and it has kept our bbq in amazing condition. I also was influenced but I went for the yeti not the Stanley.

[@Juuanaa2014]

Hortensia love fertilizer ( can be fertilizer for tomatoes) to have beautiful big flowers.

[@wannabe535]

Oh I loved the start of the video with the timelapse and the calm, classic piano music! :D Also love the potted herbs. If only I had the space to do that as well ... =) In general I really look forward to seeing what you make of your garden. Love the progress so far and I also think that a garden needs time and thinking and slow development to really learn what works and what doesn't - just as you mentioned in the video. =)

[@beec9741]

You’re making such tremendous progress in your garden. It’s really taking shape and looks lovely. We love are Weber grill. We especially like to grill large Portobello mushroom caps that have been marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. They taste like grilled steaks but better. Enjoy your beautiful outdoor space.

[@luisafernandasalcedorojas9720]

I like the video is very nice and inspiring.. Thanks for you videos 🌿🙂🌿🙂🌿🙂

[@annam1604]

So beautiful. Maybe since you are mentioning the lawn and moving the greenhouse, you'd be interested in permaculture, which I think is absolutely amazing and Geoff Lawton is great at explaining it in short chunks on YT. Zoning would be interesting, I think, for when you're ready to set up as it will talk about accessibility and how often you visit e.g. the herb garden or the greenhouse. Best of luck and lots of love!

[@dariavuistiner1103]

Love love love the idea of a new garden series ❤ beautiful amount of work you did! But yes colossal!! :) my dad got an automatic lawn mower (electrical) and it’s game changer for big gardens FYI ! It does get stuck when it’s too muddy ! But otherwise yes amazing

[@Practice_Kindness-1st]

@MadeleineOlivia, there's really no need to sand down your outdoor furniture. All you need to do is simply power wash it on a sunny (and dry) day. Just keep it covered when not in use. Also, don't know if you're doing this or not, but before re-planting your beautiful plants, be sure to loosen the roots. This will encourage them to spread the roots better and thrive. Love all your content and have been following your for years! 🥰

[@Joysteib]

Loved the vlog...just subscribed to your channel. Thanks for sharing!

[@DanielH-z8o]

Try to scrub the outdoor furniture with a mix in a spray bottle, use 1/4 cup of white vinegar with 2 1/2 cups of water, plus 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap. :)

[@MadeleineOlivia]

I have screenshotted this recipe thank you so much!

[@samjones9465]

How about trailing the honeysuckle over the sleepers, just put up some wires and train it - amazing smell and flowers whilst relaxing ?

[@Ellie-fx7bh]

Have you considered doing a permaculture garden? Growing fruit trees, berry bushes, perennial vegetables can be beautiful and have long term benefits. I think it takes less effort than annual plants too. And the growing zone of that area allows for a lot of variety!

[@marlajacques6947]

I’m really enjoying the process and getting great ideas…since we seem to have the same taste in basically everything!

[@jacquieevans1712]

It looks great xxx

[@heatherhouston7371]

Loved it!

[@mansoor3159]

Madeleine you are so so so inspiring for me and I really really can't wait to watch this video💕

[@lornawood3260]

Your home is so lovely! Just a couple things this Grandmother noticed. 1) Maddie on that ladder in the wind! 2) Maddie trimming the vines near a dangling electrical wire (looked so, anyway). I was telling you to get down and to have that wiring fastened down or covered in piping!! Admire your diligence and stamina. The hydrangeas will be stunning for years!! Take care and God bless! 😊👍🏼🙏

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Awww thank you so much! My mum didn’t like the idea of me up on the ladder either haha! Alex was with me don’t worry! And the wire has been properly wired in now under the patio ❤️❤️❤️

[@deborahharrison9401]

Your home and garden is beautiful x

[@abdullahbaguffah4898]

Nice work to be done .

[@daniellecomeau2996]

Weber will not let you down. Enjoy!

[@tammygozel7771]

That little house would make a cute chicken coop

[@MadeleineOlivia]

I would love this! So worried about Roxie though and what she might do 😬

[@lizpadron1477]

Hi! I heard somewhere that the color of Hydrangeas are determined by the minerals in the earth where you plant them! You might be surprised and a purple one might come in the bunch when they start flowering again! Beautiful garden and so many possibilities!

[@danadpt2012]

I think it generally only affects the pink and blue ones.

[@staceytaylor1502]

Do you have a power washer? That would be an easy way to clean your furniture with a bit of cleaner. the patio is lovely!

[@MadeleineOlivia]

We do but there is a hosepipe ban in Cornwall right now!