Making A Silk Purse Out Of A Sow’s Ear🐷

Welp.
It’s day 2 of Designing with Succulents.
I’m working with stuff on hand and making it all up in real time as I go.
This process has been fun, enlightening and liberating!
Thanks for your input and suggestions.
This is OUR garden project😊

[@bravohoteltango3091]

Laura practicing self awareness and unpacking past trauma with Aloe roots is everything folks. This is why gardening is so therapeutic 😊😊😊

[@LauraEubanks]

😂😂😂

[@BobiJadue]

LMAOO yes hhahah

[@nicogs97]

lol

[@dcharrison]

I loooove big ugly. I would come allllll the way from Cincinnati Ohio and dig it up! Lol

[@bonniebonnie7149]

This is so inspiring, Laura! We all have eyesores that we have to work around, and you are doing a stellar job! I am actually liking Big Ugly’s height and leaf shape as a foil to your tightly massed small-leaved succulent tapestry.

[@creativityofcolor]

I know you hate it but I love that philodendron! I wish I had it

[@1craftladytoo]

“I Don’t Care”, I LOVE it!!

[@Astasha]

I love how you are making this garden zone mostly from scraps and such. And showing us how you do it, the process, thinking it through out loud. It's coming together and looking beautiful!

[@lynnadames9526]

Hahaha! You are so entertaining! Your response to how dark the dirt is by saying it's succulent sacralidge to leave any dirt showing and that's why you top dress with gorgeous rocks.

[@dianearmoogan3326]

Whatever you planted still look beautiful 😍 🤩 👌 ❤😊.

[@jacdavis9]

Full disclosure, I do not hate Big Ugly - not sure where all that passion against this big guy comes from, but he clearly is a survivor, and even the air roots remind me of the fabulous roots of the huge ficus trees in our area. - Can't wait to see bromeliads tucked in around him to help you find a place in your heart for this lovely green giant.

[@nausheentariq6750]

The Philo is not big and ugly. Lim'it up nicely...it will give awesome tropical vibe. BROMILIADS MANGAVES

[@caesarianbaloncio460]

It's relaxing to watch you planting

[@MsCGarnica]

Some staghorn ferns would do good in the shade of those big leaves. They grow off trees naturally (:

[@gorrillagardening3692]

I'd cut the tallest part of "Big U" out - leaving a mound the height of the window...then maybe every 3 months cut the next tallest one out...Maybe it will produce new shoots and slowly will scale down???

[@halaman519]

The level of psychological treasures i found in this vid 😍

[@cactusgardener2060]

So nice to see you create a new bed. Lots of useful advice as you talk about what you decide to do.

[@carriej8337]

When the pots are done, coming out along the entrance way, I’d like to see the lady head further forward so that she can have beautiful coloured plants in her. Loved watching you create this 💜 lots of love 💚

[@troygoss6400]

" Big ugly" isn't too bad 🤩

[@No.DROUGHT.about.IT.]

Laura I appreciate you taking us along for this ride. I feel like you are one of us… a home gardener developing a space with limited resources, creatively using what you got. Dare I say, I like being a fly on the wall and watching you work and re-work….sharing your signature tips along the way. Proud of Hannah for taking the reigns on some projects & giving you and Greg the precious gift of time.

[@cookiemon4614]

Beautiful! I think some golden Mexican sedum 3 little blobs of if would compliment the colours in the golden barrel cactus

[@thelmahall2593]

if, you have an extra plant in a pot that you can put it in the empty spot you want for a statement. you could y=use the red pot if nothing else :) ive really enjoyed you talking thru the front yard make over its been very interesting tyvm for sharing

[@robingrunzweig3940]

ahhh, scrap gardening, my favorite... it's like quilting in your garden space, and watching it evolve is just the best... thanks for taking us along!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@LownieA]

Love the video. Definitely got inspired to finally start on my front yard. Had a few cacti and succulents just waiting to be used and now it's on like donkey Kong 🤣🤣🤣

[@juanramos.jr.7948]

Rome was not built in a day , and it still came out gorgeous! You will do the same . You're the best! Out of all the garden vlogs you hold the crown❤💯

[@jackveenstra9683]

As someone who lives in Wisconsin it hurts me to hear you call that pilo ugly I wish I could have that in my yard

[@bfitnessforlife]

I actually like it too! As someone living in Sweden I have to struggle with keeping one happy inside my home. All these exotic plants are just amazing to me!

[@user-vy6fk3rh6z]

After Laura’s remark on 9/21 walk about, I had to come back here and read all the comments. Now I must go back and watch this video again. When Laura says stuff like “Big Ugly”, it actually cracks me up!!!! But those who love this plant put a soft spot in my 💙 for it. But I was not offended at all by Laura’s comments. 🤓

[@janetyamashige9573]

@T I did go back and watch it again and like you, I wasn't offended either. Not in the slightest. I actually thought "Big Ugly" was kind of a cute nickname. Laura, just like the rest of us, doesn't have to love every plant she comes across. And she's certainly entitled, especially *on her own channel* , to state her opinion.

[@cheli8330]

Loving you sharing your journey making your front yard dear lovely couple... You show us how to work with love 🐱🐱🐱🐱

[@bonniebonnie7149]

Great job, Laura! From plain to fabulous. You are the best designer I’ve ever known.

[@ijayashree]

It's a pleasure to watch you Laura, designing from scratch, only utilising things that you have, and romancing the ordinary. Loving every bit of it, as you gradually build up the installation. As far as the ugly roots of the giant Monstera/Philodendron goes, you can mass plant the undersurface with smaller varieties of Sansevieria. They survive in low light and will hide the roots.

[@brunojones2308]

Looking great. Wish I could do that in Florida.

[@jenniferfinch8929]

I have learned so much from this video. I really like how you are using what you have and making it work. A lot of creativity is needed to be able to achieve great results when you have limitations. I love it🌵💕👍 Very inspirational. Thx!

[@jeandarbyshire4391]

I never have unlimited plants/rocks/soil when doing my stuff, I really appreciate how you deal with what I have. In zone 6b I have to make my arrangements in large pot that can be inside during the winter. Not everyone lives in the land of milk and honey!

[@beverlyasleson3321]

I love every inch of your work and I can’t wait to see the completion and the water feature and the other side of the big plant and stump, so exciting. See ya tomorrow.

[@eleanianagnostopoulou5256]

Laura you are amazing ! I live in a suburb of Athens ,Greece and we don't have such a big variety of succulents easily available over here and although Greece is the epitomy of rocks and mountains, rock yards are scarce also ...maybe because the demand is yet small... I am lucky though to live o a rocky hillside and have used all the rocks I can find ... Thank you for your inspirational creativity I am enjoying it so much and it has helped me create my garden paradise .

[@eleanorluckhurst9192]

The process is like planning a great vacation. Enjoyable to watch.

[@marthahernandez191]

This made me be there with you , looking,,standing back And taking a breather.. 🌵👍💚

[@bethreisman8869]

I absolutely love this. It's so helpful to watch you "use what you have". It's so much more realistic for most of us baby succulent gardeners. Thank you

[@normaalmeraz511]

It’s coming together beautifully!!!! Thank you for always sharing great tips!! As always just enjoy watching your videos!!!

[@BobiJadue]

I’m loving everything!! I love that idea of the pot display 😍😍 I’m so exited to seeee!!! YAY

[@sairashmipatra5220]

It's always a pleasure watching Laura do the tapestry herself.

[@dianaballew6329]

Yes, third time's a charm on the barrel cactus. Perfect placement! Good tip on burying the huge rock as well. Looks great.

[@pennyyoung8655]

I love how you plant so close

[@mitchellcoleman6477]

Hey Laura I’m Loving your evolution with this garden… may I suggest moving the fountain to the centre of the wall on the opposite side of the path and designating the space behind your mound for a secondary little water feature and a bench? It just seems like the perfect little corner and your cactuses would look fantasic on different elevations in different pots around the base of the succulent fountain. Just a thought. Love your eye! Also it’s a shame you can’t remove big ugly that window ledge looks perfect to stage some beautiful pots ! You’d be able to see them inside too :(

[@Elmerissa]

I am learning so much about the process! And you have such a good eye!

[@edithahernandez7023]

Perfect ❤!

[@MsArtistwannabe]

When you were talking about the pots goin around the edge of the entry I was thinking if only you had an unlimited budget. Can you imagine?

[@louisesemrani6860]

With that big plant next to your fountain I’d throw some more top soil and some big rocks and that’s it it hides those roots love what you have done ❤️🦘🐨

[@jillianleblanc9370]

Fountain looking very amazed thank you for sharing beautiful succulent Gardener amazing Garden

[@lalop123]

I think a baby ponytail palm would be a great anchor plant by that big rock. It’ll give the vertical interest, and it’ll grow slowly in the shade.

[@donnabronner4837]

We have a "big ugly" growing in the front foyer of our church (inside). Somebody thought it was a good idea years ago.

[@donnasmalley3713]

So beautiful and earth friendly to use these plants which aren't water hogs

[@stefaniereid8752]

Hey Laura... once you limb up that beastie of a plant, you could set a couple or a few Talavera pots on that shelf in front of the windows and plant them up. It might help to make that beastie disappear or at least take some of it's noticeability away😂

[@cacticollector6542]

Laura it’s looking great. These videos are a little different because we get to hear you think out loud. So looking forward to seeing your next video.😍❤️🌵 btw I can relate about little steps because I live on a fixed income. I’ve been working on my little postage stamp back yard and it’s taking me all spring, summer (because it was too hot for me ) and now next week we will be going into fall. I know that when I’m finished I’m going to love and appreciate it.

[@nitamerrill2211]

Thanks!

[@denisehowie3716]

Good job in not trying to finish when you just aren’t ready. I’m thinking the Aloe Cameronii needs to find a place in this installation. Maybe on the left side. Have a good weekend. 🥰

[@sandrafigueroa3429]

I wish I new what kind of plant a should plant in my front yard because of the water shortage. My grass is all dying and it feels bad but we got to help and save water 🙏🏼

[@Daniquas.Art.]

Haworthia's love shade 😎 they would be cute in pots around that shade area.

[@katecronk6789]

Laura, your sow's ear garden is better than my silk purse gardens... Well done on a job seriously underway now...

[@greenleaves6340]

Got the same big Thaumatophyllum in a big plastic pot in line with my potted succulents in front of my house😅 gets full hot sun the whole day. But I dont have good eye design as Laura just loves every kind of plants✌🤗

[@user-vy6fk3rh6z]

Ok, I think he’s not ugly either. Not a big fan of all the air roots though. But wow, I do agree bromeliads would look so nice there. I love the look of bromeliads, but my husband does not like the idea of a mosquito reservoir. Mosquitos love us.

[@fernandaleo2827]

Maravilhoso 😍😍😍😍😍

[@JoanaDarc-to2sh]

Incrível 🥰

[@PipMiister]

💥🌵🌸

[@Happilyretired65]

Looking great! Thanks for all the great tips. Could that big boulder dig in a bit behind the blue elf pointed downward? Just a thought

[@kirstenhouten5524]

oh man, you’ve started a war today, haha. I didn’t think much about big-ugly, but I guess everyone else did!

[@lidiajimenez2728]

👍😊💜🌸🌵

[@jeanniewagener3308]

How about adding a piece of driftwood? Looks amazing so far!😊

[@graffic13]

Laura , what about a long cement planter or 3 cement pots that match your fountain to place on that big " bench" area under the window behind that weird palm.

[@dorindajenkins7825]

🙋

[@kdonaldson7308]

Some red or burgundy or orange plants would be great !!!

[@barryventer3622]

My take on big ugly. Why not remove some of the smaller trunks like the one nearest the fountain, then cut off the lower leaves and remove all the air roots. It will open up the trunks, give more light and space to do something nice below and behind.

[@Rp10101]

What about a big frilly echeveria as the stunner ? They don't grow tall and always seem to do well In more shaded areas

[@suziewong8437]

What ever plant you are moving no matter rose's, succulents, natives they will always survive. Look at how much the plants will need to soak in a container, after washing off the roots & cleaning them up put water into container 1teas.of Epsom salts Per 1 litre water stir well then put plants in. Then use the water to wet over plants. I have left plants overnight with no worries.

[@terryeaton9559]

Thanks

[@LauraEubanks]

Thank you, so much😊

[@joanmiller9161]

Do something up on the ledge behind the big guy. Give him a haircut! Then tie it all in.

[@debbieescobar6267]

I actually like Big Ugly!

[@tshockmom69]

Can you cover “big ugly’s” roots with rocks and a few pots?

[@jenniferchance184]

The pot rock? Is cool. Is that easy to find? I’m on the hunt now. Is it volcanic rock?

[@thejlos]

I think Big Ugly needs to go. He is big and beautiful but he blocks the whole front of the house. If you remove him the whole front of the house would be open and give it a fresh look. The plants are going to pop against the white stucco. But with Biggie there it won't be as impactful. I always think when in doubt...take it out! No harm done! And you would be able to use the shelf in front of the window for some collectibles.

[@ginapearson3601]

Question. Is it my eyes, or is the planted fountain leaning towards the window a fare amount? Is that by design?

[@dalenedrinning9112]

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF USING BARKING CHIPS IN LIGHT COLOR BARK IS ANOTHER IDEA OR NOT BUT BARK CHIPS LOOK NICE ALSO AROUND YOUR PLANTS CUTE. JUST A 💡 IDEA

[@swatigokhale9495]

Can the succulent chair go there as a statement? Just a bit closer to the big ugly? Its come together beautiful and waitingbto see how it goee

[@tammysawyer4430]

Which soil did you use?

[@LindenRanch]

The front of your house is the shady side. The cactus need more sun.

[@LauraEubanks]

They get hit in mid morning.

[@fortunazee]

Would your landlord allow you to just cut off that top branch on that monstrous monstera?

[@fortunazee]

I think it wouldn't look so ugly if that long top branch was cut down, actually it might be able to be rooted maybe someone would take it as a cutting. But it looks terrible and I love all philodendrons and tropical plants as much as I love succulents.

[@meganh7742]

Exactly what we said to her and Greg,lol. I hate the tall weird growth. Somehow it got excited and grew a bunch all of a sudden last year.😮

[@elizabethmilan5775]

Laura Do you have sunrise on this area

[@closetheredoor]

Big ugly, is…well ugly to some people. I personally find it ugly. Not everyone has the same opinion on plants and that’s okay. Yes, maybe the owners of the house likes it, but Laura finds it ugly, that’s fine. Not every plant is pleasing to the eye. 😊

[@paulinedickson]

Put a pot in The corner to separate new installation from big ugly.

[@diogoflopes1882]

It's not ugly, Sorry Laura 😕

[@1craftladytoo]

Why do people plant plants that get large in frost of a window??

[@1craftladytoo]

Van you cut down that horrid thing in front of the window??

[@saladabrasileira]

My gosh that giant plant is so ugly there I really hope the owner of the house let you remove it and let you do the succulent garden there too .