Our mission to revive our Japanese countryside garden to its former glory

[@cassienolan4553]

The noon bell sounds like you need to evacuate rather than it being for lunch 😆

[@yvonnepallan7210]

I thought the same thing, sounds like a nuclear bomb alert, at least according to what we think in USA. You’re doing a great job!! Keep up the hard work 😊

[@ymotle]

Woudnt surprise me at all if that alarm its a remaining from the world war 2

[@HisameArtwork]

@@ymotle sounds like it, 45' nostalgia sound.

[@ilmarinen79]

We have the same sounding ones here in Finland. But it's just a daily signal test at noon for the emergency system. Probably the idea is the same but you can choose your own meaning if you want to.

[@IrrigoCorrespondent]

Time to evacuate... for lunch.

[@dhruv2985]

My doctor told me I'm maigomika-deficient so I been watching jp countryside vids. But, I'm told the real cure is more pancakes.

[@Bubblepoot]

Isn't the country side so beautiful there 💕

[@maigomika]

BWAHAHAHAHA you're sweet 🤣

[@1whitecottagelife770]

We need to be friends

[@HelyaRavn]

Pancake under the table was just the cuuuutest thing ever ❤

[@julesdr1169]

The connections you seem to have created with the community there and the little snippets of them that you show is one of my favorite parts of these, that and the shots of pancake getting comfy in the kotatsu!

[@Gogoslittlesister]

Something I haven't seen mentioned in the comments yet is you might want to consider (if you haven't already) to plant many native plants for your garden as they support bees and insects finding enough food. Supporting the ecosystem is always a great idea!

[@dorsetdumpling5387]

It’s clear that Pancake is the driving force behind this project - his involvement, both in a “paws on” and a supervisory capacity, is truly inspirational…

[@danielburgess7785]

Everywhere dogs are dogs. We're fortunate to share our time with them. "Do your best" will always be a part of Japan.

[@recycledMilk]

We live in germany and our neigbors chose to plant lavender around their garden as a short hedge! and within just a few years the lavender grew to a great size! and with them planting a native kind of lavender the plants are perfectly equipped for the climate/weather, are super hardy and easy to care for and they got a ton of bees, insects and other animals that keep their other plants happy and healthy!... (people usually plant Buxus shrubs into their gardens here, they are probably the most popular plants for hedges but they can be REALLY hard to take care of bc we got some pests around here that will RUIN the plants, so compared to everyone elses garden, the lavender garden looks super neat and healthy! no dead parts of the shubs!) really the only advice i would give is double check if the kind of lavender you planted is a native variety, not just a popular or pretty one! i dont think planting non-native lavender will have any negative effect on the environment :) but its just that the pros of actually native lavender, is sooooo much greater! no matter how you choose, your home is beautiful and i cant wait to see how the garden will grow!

[@maigomika]

thanks for the advice! This lavender isn't native to this area (I believe there isn't a native lavender to Japan), but we did get the ones that are recommended for our region. Plus the ones we got are meant to grow well with well-drained soil (which our stone walls are perfect for) with lots of sun! Not sure how it will do with all the rain though... We shall see.

[@1LivingCuriously]

Pancake is such a good helper when he is not contemplating life's many mysteries from under the table!

[@patlilburn5251]

That happy noon “bell” is something else 😂. I hope the garden works.

[@Maude_T]

The noon bell???? They couldn't have picked a more ominous sound. It's hilarious knowing how cute and harmless the Japanese EAS sounds compared to this silent-hill treatment. On another note, the garden looks amazing, good job! It's super satisfying to see!

[@LuigiRosa]

Lavender is a good idea, is good for the bees and you can harvest the flowers to scent your drawers

[@m.a.p.g.]

Not to mention that lavender oil is excellent for minor kitchen burns, stops burning and heals faster.

[@susanspence3029]

It will be beautiful when it blooms. Pancake is such a character. I love to watch his facial expressions.

[@jefflovenc]

Planting flowers are not as fun as enjoying them…….. but watering them is one of another experience

[@gregdixon5848]

You have performed a miracle in that property in 2 years. Can't imagine how nice in 2 years from now

[@immersivesinner3350]

I grew up in Rural Alberta, and they had that exact same siren blasting at noon every day for the whole town. And again at 9:30 pm for curfew, bylaw was that kids under 16 were not allowed to be outside without a parent. What an ironic way to make me think about my youth.

[@ceruleanroses]

I just stumbled upon your video as someone who’s not only a horticulturist by trade but a lover of Japan as well. And I am so here for this garden revamp! Pancake under the kotatsu was the cutest thing ever.

[@bobstanden6788]

Pancake is so smart, getting under the heated blanket on a cold and rainy day.....

[@MrRolandMichel]

Pancake, for President of the Known Universe! He always keeps his promises and never, ever lies, what more could you ask for?!

[@sconeindygw]

I wish I was healthy enough to travel to see JPN and am grateful for you three sharing the great videos!

[@lathamorama]

Looks like you have developed nice relationships with your neighbors. Really great to see you fitting in and belonging.

[@tammyroyal7547]

Hi guys!! Seeing Pancake "help" you garden made me laugh!! I once had a big cat named Otis. Otis was a big baby ❤ every time that I would go out & work in the yard he'd go with me. I'd sit on the ground & try to pull weeds but Otis would start head butting my hand cause he wanted loves & of course he got them 😂 You are going to have beautiful flowers!! I bet that lavender smelled wonderful!! Y'all take care!! Please give sweet Pancake some pets from me 😊❤💐

[@7694]

あんたの夫婦は偉い！　お幸せを願っていますよ～～～

[@CarlosRodriguez-dd4sb]

I think the world spins a little slower when Pancake gets tired.

[@kylebrochill21]

Here I am procrastinating doing my yard work watching you do yours. Thanks for the motivation, can't wait to see more!

[@ryanfoster9863]

Thanks for sharing your garden! Please update everyone as the season goes on. 1. Good luck with your lavender. It needs dry feet, so your slope with sun, drainage, and extra warmth from the concrete is a good choice. 2. Is it too late (possible) to get a free garden plot from your local city? Great place to put potatoes and tomatoes, and you will meet your neighbors. 3. I miss rinkon! 4. I also had good luck planting big giant sunflowers (himawari), mostly for the birds. They can make a cheap attractive temporary hedge for the yard. I managed to get them to 3 meters high one year by giving them a bit of support. 5. As always, the rolls of black mesh plastic are your friend for killing weed seeds. 6. Do you have any red spider lilies (Lycoris)? Always fun to divide, plant, and propagate. Seem to recall the stores have the bulbs in April-May. 7. Never got to try it, but planting morning glories (Ipomoea) at the bottom of a big net hanging from the south or west side of the house as a August sun screen looked fun.

[@yeevita]

I think they are able to garden on the other side of that road. In one (some?) of their other videos, they show tending their garden vegetables. They are in the countryside. I think they can grow in as much space as they can manage.

[@resonantstorm771]

Any color you add down that driveway is going to POP in the most beautiful way in front of that dark grey retaining wall.. especially from that street view! That entire terrace ( at 3:00 ) is begging for color to shine in front of those beautiful walls! 🏵️🌸🌻 From one caretaker to another, thank you for taking care! Aloha 🌈🌞☁️

[@Bubblepoot]

There is so many amazing things you can grow due to the seasons in japan, many native foods but you can also grow so msny betries, fruits, melons, veggies there that sre hybrids made for western parts of the world but can grow in japan. I bet you could grow amazing watermelon 🍉 on the hill and really good high bush blueberry since it gets cold there too. High bush is a huge producer when pollinated with other high bush. You can also start to grow fruit trees that will be a more consistent supply. Even stuff that dies in the frosts can be grown in a pot and put in a greenhouse. You're so fortunate to have that tropical AND cold environment, a mass array of food types you can grow! Im free to help coach you as im a organic gardener. 🍉🍓🍑❤️

[@Bubblepoot]

Sorry for the typos as it's hard to type out on a tiny screen when excited about your videos 😁

[@critterwriter]

This reminds me of my mom planting precious plants in her garden and then the dog digging them up and eating them. Hope Pancake isn’t hungry!

[@judiehavard4903]

I love rainy days. Ise the timme to slow down and make plans for the days without rain. So I put on a pot of coffee to sit and watch the rain for a while. Then usually make a good hearty soup, A favorite is potato. Then cooking is done for the day.😊

[@shubhangiray5997]

There are so many channels about countryside videos they are like feel good, but yours one feels special Lots of love for your channel and Pancake❤

[@Meluforever]

Hello Mika, cette Lavande c'est Lavandula stoechas, ou Lavande papillon :) et certain oiseau l'utilisent pour protéger leur nid des parasites! Elle peut atteindre 1m de hauteur. C'est une plante médicinale, mais à utiliser avec plus de précautions que la Lavande vraie parce qu'elle contient beaucoup de cétones qui peuvent être toxiques. Comme toutes les Lavandes, elle n'a pas besoin de beaucoup d'eau. Bravo pour ce beau travail, enjoy spring!

[@Zhang1000000]

Thank you for posting. It's worth the effort. Noon bell?

[@LaurelWashburn]

I think the rhododendron will do well there! They flourish freely here in the rocky wooded cliffs of southeastern USA.

[@brigidm6279]

I must have jumped onto YT as you posted, but so happy to see this spring-fed joy as Australia slides towards winter. Love your videos! Enjoy the sunshine!

[@atarasu-ch]

We need pancake kotatsu merch!

[@tatianaabramovskaya8765]

Does anybody have berry shrubs in the neighborhood? Raspberry, mulberry, black current, bluberry... They're a good supplement of food. They are also a good natural inoffensive fence for privacy (as you're right on the road). And the local kids will be happy.

[@W4iteFlame]

Hope morning and evening chimes (bells?) are better. I love hearing those in Japan. Once I was lucky enough to hear two different evening chimes while cycling through two towns in a row

[@michaelmcteague7471]

Lavender does fine in Osaka with little care, shoud grow well down there.

[@deepstonecostco]

we have the noon bell in Ohio too and it sounds exactly the same! Wow!

[@kathrynblack9152]

Bell?? That was a siren (probably making sure that it works for earthquake/fire/disaster warning).

[@deepstonecostco]

@@kathrynblack9152she referred to it as a bell in the video

[@kathrynblack9152]

Yes, I know what she called it but that's not what it is.

[@deepstonecostco]

@@kathrynblack9152Yeah... I know... given that I said I also live in an area where they use this same device... but I used the same term she did so that it was clear I was referring to the same thing. It's not that big of a jump and not necessary to correct a stranger over. :)

[@aken_yudoyo]

I really look forward to those flower plants growing in your garden

[@strohhut_tufi]

I can't believe how cute pancake was under the kotatsu 😍🥰😘😚❤

[@cherrypi_b]

I'm really curious how the rhododendron will keep up. It's very demanding and needs sour soil (the ones in our yard died after planting). BUT it originates in East Asia so this might come out glorious! I recommend to plant some wildflowers or blooming shrub that are beneficial to bees and other pollinators. Maybe sprinkle in some cornflowers, camomille, daisies and poppies if these seeds are available. I can send you some if you'd like :) Just starting the balcony season over here!

[@elizathepainter8604]

So much hard work!! It will be worth it in the spring! Hope the lavender thrives

[@superEN30]

These videos are so very soul warming - I can't believe what an amazing community you live in and get to be a part of, I'm extremely jealous!

[@maigomika]

Thank you! We are very lucky to have such wonderful neighbours. 🥰

[@NicholeOxley]

Excited to see all the plants mature. I just planted some moon flowers seeds & nasturtium seeds. So easy to grow & full of color. You can put the nasturtium flowers in your salad. And the moon flowers are big white vines & extremely fragrant at night.

[@colleenrodamer9497]

Omg I love gardening many blessings from North Texas ❤

[@fourleafclover2377]

I love that dog so much the gardening is so satisfying but if I had to hear that alarm every day I would faint !

[@TheDreded603]

Wonderful video of the garden and your great neighbors. Me and my father like to garden. My father plants special seasonal flowers in pots in front of my coffee shop. It’s special, like what you are doing.

[@sarahc4004]

Pancake is so big now! and such an enthusiastic helper.

[@cyphist]

Love your channel. I’m from Hawaii. Been going through things in life and watching your videos bring me so much peace. Things seem so peaceful where you guys live. I really appreciate your content you guys put out. Aloha 🤙🏼

[@sirmione905]

「はかどっていますか？」means “Are you making a good progress?”. In other words, “are you working/doing things smoothly without any obstacles?”

[@fabianosoriani]

Would LOVE seeing what you're gardening for food in Japan! Must be quite different from West Coast. I know it's not quite your vibe but Epic Gardening channel is quite good at that as a reference:)

[@Noel-lh1vi]

Dude that bell scared the hell outta me

[@sailorPinata]

7:04 Rhododendrons are partial-shade flowering bushes, you seem to have planted yours in full sun, I hope you won't have any issues !

[@TennesseeHomesteadUSA]

So much potential in your homestead ! Good work on the gardening.

[@blessedbeauty2293]

- *The tornado/hurricane bell.* Oh how I remember. 🔔 Also, what do you do with all of the trash from the vines? Burn them?

[@leahlemieux]

Spring gardening! So excited to see how it all progresses. Good luck and Happy planting! 🌸

[@lordofmosquitoes8693]

your channel is soothing grew up watching anime fondly and this is a real treat who loves countryside.

[@ymotle]

omg god pancake grew up a lot he's all a teenanger and acts like one

[@kerriirvin5206]

Noon bell? Sounds like a Air Raid siren 😮

[@ordinarysummer3878]

I think it would take me some time to get used to the midday erm siren 🫠

[@mikamekaze]

Seeing your first "flowers" were rhododendron bushes... As the upteenth generation of blue jays in the two-story tall rhododendron outside my window carry on with their morning cacophony!

[@margheritagalasso947]

Please, come back soon! You three spread a lot of joy here ❤

[@jonerikantonsen5896]

What a great video Thank you

[@michaelantonelli7067]

Love you guys. My favorite videos on the internet !!

[@hemmelight]

This is one of my favourites so far, I think. The rainy-day section was so cozy.

[@GiselleMetcalf-Grosso]

Pancake under the kotatsu on the rainy day was so cute!

[@雪崩雪ん子]

ミカさんちらし寿司作れるなんてすごいな🎉ラベンダーが大きくなったら又ビデオアップしてください

[@LittleSpaceCase]

Its important to cultivate native plants, a mix that blooms from spring to fall in order to contribute to bee diversity and butterfly and moth diversity! Idk if this is as much of a problem in Japan but lack of native plants in gardening is a big problem in America and Canada

[@judithwalker8682]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh ! I’m glad you posted this ! I was soo looking forward to your next video 😊. I hope you film a part two to this ….. I’d love to see what else you plant ! I hope everything you plant does well and blooms beautifully! 😊

[@maigomika]

Yes! A part two!... and a part three, and four, and... I think this will end up being a very long gardening project we will learn a lot from. 😊

[@readingdewleaves]

This vlog gave me very animal crossingesque vibes, relaxing and peaceful country landscapes and garden. Thank you for sharing

[@garotadagavea]

On the garden design, you might want to consult an ikebana teacher. I'll bet there is one there. Japanese gardens are just mega ikebana arrangements. And, as a Japanese gentleman told me some decades ago: "In ikebana the flowers and plants FRAME the empty space." In other words, one sculpts a space with the flowers and plants. Also, the plants and flowers are chosen so the space changes with the seasons and there are different interesting things to see specific to each season. So, the sculpted space is dynamic with the seasons.

[@soniaparenteau4339]

Merci beaucoup pour vos vidéo je les attends toujours avec une certaine fébrilité. Je vous regarde depuis le Québec au Canada.

[@Smokejumper92]

Planting a new garden is a huge undertaking, good choice with the Lavender! Being from Australia I would have to add a few Eucalyptus and Bottlebrush for the nostalgia. It also looks like Pancake loves the kotatsu! Very cute!

[@mark_wooley001]

と異変よくできましたとナイス家ですな。🙌

[@woodsontr]

Beautiful garden! 😀 Thanks for the video.

[@earthbaron18]

I love your videos and cant wait to watch new upcoming videos.. watching from Philippines ❤❤❤

[@MOVE2JAPAN]

Shikoku is an amazing place

[@ajap_]

Will be cheering for your garden to bloom beautifully!

[@Sticks2mini2rs]

OMG that alarm reminds me of WW2

[@gillianbell6819]

Love Pancake! Your house reminds me of the Totoro house,it's beautiful.you need a camphor tree and soot sprites.😍

[@atakkuuuuu]

We started to garden too over here in America and hoo boy the pollen is kicking my sinuses in the butt.

[@sternenregen5489]

Lavender loves it alkaline - so you can collect eggshells and pulverise it. Rhododendron is on the oposite side. It needs a more acid soil and more moisture. You can give it bark mulch from conifers.

[@elithess]

Fantastic video, calm and relaxing 😊 love the music choice and the editing. Such a simple topic but so nicely executed with lovely story telling

[@グスタフマーラー-d3t]

懐かしくなる風景に癒やされるな～

[@anniemac3075]

Pancake is the best at holes! Your garden is going to be beautiful.

[@charlyrogers5711]

I’m excited to see how the lavender grows there, it’s a very beautiful plant but it’s so stubborn! Spring is in full bloom here in North Carolina. Love seeing your videos pop up in my notifications🌸

[@sndsofscnce]

Pancake is such a lucky dog!

[@hello_mich]

Finally!!! Please post more ❤❤❤

[@TuckerSP2011]

Beautiful! A great effort, and I think it will be wonderful.

[@Eos_3]

I've been excited to watch a new episode from you guys! Your content is great!

[@delven121]

Awesome video, thank you, you two.

[@TheEGA4421]

Pancake is so funny. You should do a short video on "The Adventures of Pancake" every now and then. 😊🐕

[@moda78z]

Pancake was having so much fun gardening 😂🤣

[@irmawesterback2930]

Thank you for the nice spring time video. Im sure your garden will be beautiful. Nice you have lovely neighbours there too. Pan-kun is others little helper. Waiting for next video🌱🌳🌷🌹

[@frankfarklesberry]

Wonderful plant choices! I hope the rhododendron/azalea establishes a root system strong enough to withstand the rainy season in that spot. It will look spectacular. Pancake is such a punk but you can't help but love that inquisitive face.

[@AbigailGerlach-zt1sh]

That noon bell would freak me out. I'd be looking around for the tidal wave or mega-monster coming over the Ridge to eat Japan! Will sun flowers grow well in Japan? I love them because they grow tall and are so cheerful. They'd look lovely up against the house. Just a thought.

[@abberistired]

this is what I watch waiting until I can have my own home and yard to work on heheh

[@catherineclement7798]

Bonjour, cela sera très joli, une fois tout fleuri