Danielle, I don't know if you really know that you do for us what your grandma did for you. There aren't enough people in my circle of friends/family that share my passion, but I turn on youtube, and there you are. You teach me so much and keep my enthusiasm stoked. Thanks for all you do! You really make a difference. Deb
@judymckerrow6720 Жыл бұрын
I also have no one to share my love of plants and gardening. That’s why I sometimes get very wordy in my comments, KZbin is the only place I feel that I have a connection with people who love the same things I do. 🍁🍂🍁🦃💚🙃
@NorthlawnFlowerFarm Жыл бұрын
Glad to have you here Judy!
@andrearassbach5695 Жыл бұрын
Judy there are many great plant groups on Facebook, have you joined any? Plant lovers are always talking and connecting on there! I’ve found a few local facebook groups as well :)
@judymckerrow6720 Жыл бұрын
@@andrearassbach5695 Yes thank you, I have joined several.🍁🍂🍁🦃💚🙃
@gradyjones9678 Жыл бұрын
Judy, isn't it fun to talk to other gardeners who share our passion on KZbin? I love watching these educational gardening videos on KZbin. It gives me great inspiration for planting new plants. I was a Master Gardener for 8 yrs. I didn't realize until this week how much I missed talking to other people who love gardening too!
@sherylemoore8626 Жыл бұрын
It is such a blessing to be able to continue the passion and gardening spirit your grandmother left you. And the fact that you choose to share it with all of us is just icing on the cake.
@frannajohnson8203 Жыл бұрын
My grandmother sparked my love of plants of all kinds. She had many violets which i inherited. My mom had amaryllis and gave me my first one. That was many yrs ago. Now i have lost count of how many bulbs i have. some have been gifts, most i purchased .
@nmp6338 Жыл бұрын
Your grandmother guides you through your garden every day of your life. You were so lucky to have such a wonderful mentor and she would be so proud of you. You are a joy to watch and your personality is perfection. I have learned so much from you. You inspire me to keep gardening no matter what the season or the weather. Your gardening knowledge is extensive and your approach to gardening as a lifetime vocation is realistic and practical.
@burtonwillis6454 Жыл бұрын
Lost my mema years ago, love hearing you talk about how you felt like there wasn't anyone who liked the same things you did when she died. Love that you still keep her in your heart.
@angelgardener2748 Жыл бұрын
Really loved the look of the twigs in the paperwhite display, so charming. Thanks for sharing.
@susanbaker2796 Жыл бұрын
I agree, Angel Gardener. That is a really great look.
@QueenAnnesLace13 Жыл бұрын
Danielle, thank you for your sincerity, your passion and generosity of heart. We are here to cheer you on, learn from you, and to delight in the joys of gardening and growing. You made me reflect on the things I am grateful for this season. Thank you!
@jennyfrompr8940 Жыл бұрын
You almost made me cry Danielle. It is so sweet to hear you mention your grandma so often. You keep her legacy alive through this videos and we all thank you for that. I just got my first 3 bulbs (Apple Blossom, Minerva and Red Lion) and I cant wait to see them bloom. It's all your fault you know! 😄 I love your passion, I love your videos and now I am falling in love with Amaryllis. ☺ Your grandma would have been so proud of the amazing women you have become. I could imagine her being a regular on your videos. Much love from Massachusetts!💞
@neptuneeye1199 Жыл бұрын
a little bit of nostalgia takes it home
@joydaniel597 Жыл бұрын
Your sense of gratitude and thankfulness is infectious!
@SteveL2012 Жыл бұрын
I loved your comments about your grandmother. Gardening for me is also a passion that started with my grandparents-in their beautiful herb and rose garden. I too find great comfort in this gardening community and believe we are all contributing in our way to a gardening renaissance! 💕
@silkemarrin3515 Жыл бұрын
My grandmother always had an amaryllis and today would of been her 93 Birthday. Since her passing in 2020 we have started a new tradition of planting a bulb on Nov 19 to remember Oma. I kept bulbs from last year but instead of planting them outside I put them in the basement after the foliage died back, one is coming back so far. Thanks for all the great info and these videos.
@NorthlawnFlowerFarm Жыл бұрын
Happy birthday to your precious Oma. What a wonderful tradition and way to honor her legacy.
@lorellstoneman74 Жыл бұрын
30 YEARS AGO I gave my Mom an Amerillis bulb for Christmas....it bloomed faithfully every year under her care...when she passed away, the Amerillis came back, and is under my care...its been 8 years and it still never disappoints, each year, and yes it is like having my Mom's energy still in that large baseball size bulb, to share with all that get to see it. Its large solid red/orange flowers usually 3 stems with 3 to 5 flowers grouped on each stem, always give hope for spring at a time when we are usually without flowers. Love you Mom. And thank you Grandma, and Mom, for sharing your love of growing plants.
@gr8gardn Жыл бұрын
Today is the day we can start counting the number of times Danielle says "Amaryllis"💖! We all have our favorites but I doubt any of us loves our favorites as much as Danielle LOVES Amaryllis🥰 I believe she is solely responsible for the explosion of Amaryllis for sale everywhere! Her enthusiasm makes you want to have pots full of them and suddenly see them as THE PERFECT gift for everyone on your list 🎁. It is fun to watch her try to restrain herself and stay calm when she is showing us all of the gorgeous bulbs and blooms. Amaryllis are not just a flower to Danielle...they are an up-close show of the miracle of growth and beauty in nature. Welcome to Danielle's Amaryllis Season! 💗
@michelleh4588 Жыл бұрын
I fell in love with amaryllis two years ago, and I've started propagating the babies that mine have produced! I love your collection and your passion for them!
@gardeneroncarriagehill Жыл бұрын
Danielle, your content always has a very realistic spin and because of that it has taught me valuable gardening advice. Also, your creativity is inspiring. Thank YOU for the fantastic videos!
@anya229 Жыл бұрын
The feud re. Paperwhite scent was extreme at ours: I loved them, had to have them, while the other wanted them banished to the basement! Happily, a new alternative cultivar became available to the usual Ziva, which is very highly scented. Its name is Inbal, and you have to draw very close to get that scent - and the blooms are almost identical. A happy resolution - must have paperwhites for Christmas!
@deb135 Жыл бұрын
i have 5 growing, one flower stock peeking out, which made me squeal with excitement!
@mitzi6059 ай бұрын
Never had this bulb until last year when I found one on clearance for $3.00. With your videos I took the plunge and went into uncharted territory. The family thought it was scary and looked like a huge onion. Well at one time it had 8 blooms on it. It continued to bloom and I put it outside after frost. With your videos I put in the garage and will be bringing out soon. I'm in Oregon zone 8b. Even my daughter has an excitement about this bulb now.
@helenparsons6533 Жыл бұрын
I just love your fireplace and mantle. The garland just makes it more beautiful! Love everything you do!
@josephspinelli10696 ай бұрын
What a treasure you are, So happy I found your channel. Thank you
@Lou.B9 ай бұрын
LOVE the willow-branch supports!
@emguilbe7 ай бұрын
First timer! Your dog is precious, too! I have so many amaryllises, so I’m enjoying your videos 😊
@dksgardenoasis Жыл бұрын
Danielle, gardeners are such passionate people. We all love your open, caring, passionate personality. As a fellow You Tuber, I really appreciate you and your videos. Very informative and always upbeat. FYI i just planted my amaryllis too! Love them! Happy Holidays!
@thedreamingbun5998 Жыл бұрын
Hi Danielle, my grandma was also very passionate about flowers, something we shared since I was a little girl. In many of your videos I feel reminded of her. 💜
@suzannebartow6390 Жыл бұрын
Such great tips......southern hemisphere bulbs, willow supports, grow kits....you are a wealthy of information and I would never miss your videos. Thank you from eastern Washington.
@OneGuyOnline210 ай бұрын
Thank you. I came to watch because I am trying to re-bloom my Amaryllis. It seems easy... lol
@katherinecornette5315 Жыл бұрын
You have taught me how to grow & appreciate amaryllis and I’m looking at my pot of 3 bulbs I repotted this week. They are successfully showing growth and I’m excited to see them bloom! Thank you Danielle! And Grace!
@christiebeyer7790 Жыл бұрын
This is perfect timing Danielle! I just took my bulbs out of their cool spot this morning and am trying to rebloom them for the first time (after growing amaryllis for many years). Thanks for your guidance and passion for sharing!
@philipbrazis8732 Жыл бұрын
Ruth here, l am not a happy gardener, , my husband and l do it together but l love Amarillo for Christmas
@btlan6121 Жыл бұрын
Good tricks to support the paper whites ! Smart! Thanks.
@jenniferwalsh6568 Жыл бұрын
That mantle though! 🤩 Plow and hearth has the most beautiful things.❤
@elaineteut9579 Жыл бұрын
I have been a long time gardener and love to decorate for Christmas. My husband loves to have amaryllis blooming in the spring. He plants them outside in summer, digs them up in the fall and pots them up. They usually bloom late winter. We will have to look for Christmas blooming amaryllis. They are beautiful. This senior lady is a new fan.
@jomassey4207 Жыл бұрын
Danielle, you are such a wonderful person. So passionate and knowledgeable about gardening. I always look forward to watching your next adventure in the garden. Your grandma shared her knowledge....she taught you just enough to wake something inside you. Cheers, Jo.
@matildamagnusson4120 Жыл бұрын
It’s not Christmas without amaryllis ❤ I didn’t think Americans had amaryllis as much as we have in Europe, it’s a beautiful tradition 💐
@janicekeisler9225 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for another inspiring tutorial on amaryllis. When my mother passed away in 2010, I felt such a void because we enjoyed so many interests together. We loved gardening, but usually yard plants and annuals. She had a peppermint-like amaryllis she bought at the beach in May from a lady selling her collection. Every year, it produced flowers and she loved it. She just planted it outside in zone 7B. KZbin has given me an opportunity to share my interests with same minded people. Thank you for your energy, passion and love of flowers. You are delightful!
@solsticesummer982 Жыл бұрын
You are so precious! I’m so glad I found your sweet little gardening channel. Intelligent, thoughtful, clear language that makes me feel like I might be able to do some of this myself. 🙂
@janacox9478 Жыл бұрын
I’m hooked! I’ve over bought again this year. I have last years ready to replant, too. Amarylis is what makes Iowa Winters bearable. I am very passionate about Amarylis! ❤️❤️❤️
@kimbar11 Жыл бұрын
That was a beautiful tribute to your grandma and to being able to share your gardening passion with others. That’s why I love watching gardening KZbin videos. I can see others who share my love of gardening too!
@MissRnH Жыл бұрын
I bought my first Amaryllis last year on clearance, and to my surprise, my fiance was obsessed with it! He would marvel at the length of the flower stalk, and take pictures of the blooms once they came along. We had 4 GORGEOUS flowers, and once they were all gone, I cut off the stalk to prepare it for dormancy. Well to our surprise, it sent up yet another flower stalk and we had another bloom! I've restarted our bulb again, with help from your videos. I've added a few new bulbs to the collection this year, and my fiance is obsessed again. I love watching his excitement. Can't believe the bulb from last year survived from April to December, stored under a terracotta pot. Fingers crossed, it'll bloom again!
@janemurray1 Жыл бұрын
You are so awesome! I really enjoy your channel and appreciate the Grandma reference…me too! Keep it coming! 🌺
@l2iowacowgirl8939 ай бұрын
Im hooked! Im in my 50s and bought my 1st one this year. Now I want them all! I have been to the store and have added more
@cookiescott21657 ай бұрын
Think I'll start giving to my grandkids.❤❤❤❤
@janwhite6212 Жыл бұрын
Never apologize over being truly grateful❤❤❤
@juanlopez-ss8jj Жыл бұрын
I had an amaryllis about 7-8 years ago and it was the red and white one and if you had made videos then, i probably would've saved my bulby named Oddish like the Pokémon. Now that I've found your channel and all this information from an experienced amaryllis grower, i hope to find succession
@sageabovethemoon21 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing your story. Brave and strong
@sueprovostwilliams3824 Жыл бұрын
I have amaryllis bulbs in my basement that I need to get going again. Thanks for the inspiration! Today is the day. Your display is going to be fabulous!
@Sa9560 Жыл бұрын
I planted my regular store amaryllis last month. I planted the pink and white this time. I’m not sure about its’ growth. They aren’t growing as well as the red. Well, I’m looking at yours on your mantle, maybe mine is doing okay. I wish you could see the beautiful huge red amaryllis my neighbor planted many many many years ago. It is magazine every Spring. She has passed on but her love for flowers and the beautiful bulbs she planted in her yard continues to live on and I enjoy them each year. Awe, bless your heart and your love for your grandmother. Somewhat ironic me discussing my sweet neighbor Ms Mary and all our love for flowers. I can never grow tired of your talks and discussions about flowers. I Always enjoy your videos!
@miekowu5139 Жыл бұрын
I bought Red Pearl and Yellow Star after seeing your video last year. While I was watching this video I paused it and bought two more amaryllis.😂. I agree that they are the perfect plant for the holidays and add so much cheer to the season. Thanks for sharing with us. We “get” the obsession. 😊
@mykianatreasures5320 Жыл бұрын
Lol, I love her! So 😁 on her ending. I have 100 collections, I love the doubles..Never new you can trick them. Gonna do this tomorrow. Your so lucky, my dream retirement to garden 7x7x40hrs.
@mykianatreasures5320 Жыл бұрын
Awwh, your so sweet! Always thankful. This the seasons. Awesome videos. So blessed and many more. Thank you for all your time, efforts to teach us to luv these awesome God's gift to mother nature.
@jan-johannes-bosman Жыл бұрын
It is summer here in South Africa, so we have been busy. I am catching up and my favourite, Amaryllis is in abundance here is South Africa, I realize how fortunate and thankful I must be given all circumstances to live here in the Southern Hemisphere. Just thankful for an Amaryllis little light shining here under the Southern Cross. Thank you for sharing and your regal.
@PlantPerson58 Жыл бұрын
I found a passion for amaryllis from watching your videos. This is my first time re-blooming and I’m looking forward to having flowers over the winter. Thank YOU for posting such great videos and for inspiring all of us to be good friends to our plants.
@emkn1479 Жыл бұрын
That humidifier is too cute! Our stove is more utilitarian and in the basement, so I’d just use a pot, but I love this decorative option. On the mystery tag it reads “double” but the bottom word I can’t make out. Maybe it starts with “love” or “dove” or “cove” or something like that 😅
@morgaynelove9327 Жыл бұрын
Greetings from the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state! Of all the adjectives that identity me: veteran, feminist, activist- I most identity wit gardener! Thank you! 🌻🌻🌻
@atefbasha1809 Жыл бұрын
And your dog very very beautiful So So Much Much More More also Danielle
@noraalvarado8178 Жыл бұрын
What a great gift! A girl can never have to many flowers or bulbs. Loved hearing about your grandmother. This is my first year growing one and you explained it the best! Thank you for a great video.
@janeburrill6115 Жыл бұрын
🌺🌺🌺 hugs to you!!
@easternsecrecy9777 Жыл бұрын
I only grew paperwhites once and they smelled so strong, I have never done it again. It's good to know there are varieties that don't reek. I love your blue and white urns. I'm so glad I found your channel. The videos are always wonderful and I learn something new all the time.
@johanernapoll3485 Жыл бұрын
My amaryllis also reminds me of my grand mother. I Nederland New you save them. Last year i sa your video. I saved them and my started blooming in september.
@kathrynmettelka7216 Жыл бұрын
You have convinced me. I will buy at least 1 amaryllis this year.
@miriamcooper7181 Жыл бұрын
Love❤️ 😍 💖 ❣️ Love Love your sharing information and sharing your thoughts and sharing your life with us ❤️ 😊 ♥️ Thank You!!! Your teaching and experience is precious, You are precious!!! I laugh and smile and cry and rewind and pause and re-watch to see what I missed! Thanks 😊
@amyjones2490 Жыл бұрын
Gardening can be a lonely hobby. How fun it is to have gardening friends on KZbin.
@eyrerosecottage1970 Жыл бұрын
You are so inspiring! Thanks for sharing your passion and knowledge with us! Last year was my first time with amaryllis because of you! It bloomed beautifully! Thanks again!
@lorrainecourtney4589 Жыл бұрын
What a sweet mailing 😁 Thanks for all the tips and I can't get enough of Gracie 😉
@pamulapowell3951 Жыл бұрын
Thank u for sharing with us. It helps me a lot also. I lost my mom last year she was the one that loved flowers like myself. We use to share our plants and pictures with each other. So I'm very thankful ur here to see ur beautiful gardens.
@naleenidas8444 Жыл бұрын
Can't wait to see your Christmas blooms next video. Cheers from me all the way from Malaysia :)
@lgp423 Жыл бұрын
Thank you Danielle for this video! I too love amaryllis very much and am going to repot and wake up my bulbs later today. KZbin is such a wonderful way to connect with like minded people and I've so enjoyed watching your videos. When I grew up I was the only one in my family who loved gardening and growing but now I'm lucky to share my passion with my husband. Gardening just seems to become more and more important to me as life goes by with all it's ups and downs and it's so inspiring to see other people enjoying it so deeply as well 💕🌺💮🌸
@jennifer-threedogsinagarde8265 Жыл бұрын
Such a lovely and touching video!
@katewhitehouse4836 Жыл бұрын
I used to have a black labrador named Grace! I'm new to your channel. Nice to see that there are others here who share the love of Amaryllis. I used to have 70+ bulbs, but had to give them up for a while. I would like to get back into them.
@jennyzimmer2224 Жыл бұрын
You are precious!! I’ve learned sooo much from you!!
@judybarton455 Жыл бұрын
LOVE watching you❤️❤️❤️❤️
@lyndellejohnson5002 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for your helpful information Danielle. I love hearing all your knowledge of plants. I wish I could spent a week with you watching all you do. You are adorable.
@ritasicari7518 Жыл бұрын
You had me tearing up. You are so sweet and sincere.
@conniebrenneman3749 Жыл бұрын
Danielle, You have reignited my passion for amaryllis. I grew my first one when I was pretty young and have had them gifted to me off and on, but I've gone to the Longfield website and ordered several a couple of months ago. Just yesterday I ordered 5 more because they were on sale. I'll stagger my planting so I can have a succession of blooms just like you! Your videos inspire me and I just love to watch them. I feel a little bit like a kindred spirit because of you and your grandmother--my husband and I live in my grandparents house (they've been gone for 30+ years) and my first recollection of growing flowers was with my Grandma who gave my sister and I a little section of her garden to grow seeds. That's what started it all! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas season!
@conniebrenneman3749 Жыл бұрын
I made a mistake above--the bulbs I got on sale were from a Dutch bulb company--not Longfield. I've received some before from them and they're huge & paid around $28, but they had some on sale for $11!!
@laurieh9388 Жыл бұрын
Great video! Thanks, and enjoy!
@nancyspanich3574 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing you passion. God bless
@claudiakoprowski8925 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing your passion!
@user-xc7jk9sz2s11 ай бұрын
I can't get enough, your knowledge and gardens are inspiring! Love your passion
@canadaerin Жыл бұрын
I wonder how many of us now have amaryllis bulbs thanks to you? 😄 Just picked out my first one on the weekend and am excitedly potting it today! What a beautiful gift you bring to us through your videos. How lovely to feel your Grandma's presence through this community you've built! ❤️
@agardenbeyondparadise9787 Жыл бұрын
So glad to see you made another amaryllis video. You have such a beautiful collection, I love them 💚🤩😍.
@health.bites.5615 Жыл бұрын
i wish I had all the windows you do to grow many amaryllises! I just love them. I am crossing my fingers that the 2 we bought last year will rebloom. That was a good tip about cleaning up the bulb because of fungus gnats! I had a problem with them last year and don't want them to feel at home here. Thanks for all the joy and for sharing your passion with us! I think its spreading to all of us!
@itsmewende Жыл бұрын
I think maybe you answered my question. Last yr for the first time I bought an expensive bulb from a garden shop I like, it never bloomed, just had a lot of leaves. After hearing you mention it needs the dormancy period to form the bud, I don't expect any blooms this time. It's been in it's pot in the room I do my seed starting, never any time in darkness. It started showing new growth about a month ago, 7 leaves later no signs of buds.
@bethlynch1909 Жыл бұрын
Now I know why I have trouble reblooming Amaryllis. I don't leave them in dormancy long enough. Next summer I will bring them in in August instead of October.
@lindaannb Жыл бұрын
Last night, I was watching your amaryllis videos from last year and this morning I was surprised by this lovely video!
@grisespino5342 Жыл бұрын
I put my Amaryllys to rest and going to pot up, fingers crossed it flowers. The steam cover is beautiful. Happy Thanksgiving 🍽🍁
@josweatt898 Жыл бұрын
Great info on Amaryllis! I just dug 3 bulbs out of my garden, shook the soil off their roots and put them in a paper bag in my shed. Guess it will be awhile until I can pot them up. I will have to write dig up Amaryllis on the month of August in my calendar so I can have blooms around Christmas next year. I did find some nice ones at Walmart hidden away outside that I just potted up and are on my little greenhouse. 7bMS
@joycedagostino8869 Жыл бұрын
Most of us didn't know your Grandmother, but we are so fortunate to know you and the incredible work that you do and the information you share. I always learn something new from you, you are so generous with your time and knowledge. Your Grandmother would certainly be proud of you but I bet she would also acknowledge that you have done so much on your own as well.
@judithkeyes7232 Жыл бұрын
I always look forward to your videos because you share unconditionally. I enjoy seeing more of your home surroundings and I subscribe to your tutorial about growing cut flowers in the landscape. Thanks, Judith
@judymckerrow6720 Жыл бұрын
Thank you Danielle, people collect all sorts of things, you happen to collect amaryllis, it’s the gift that keeps on giving,” unless of course you accidentally kill it”. Heck one year mine bloomed without any treatment at all, it was sitting in a place that I don’t pay much attention to and there she was in all her glory, I hadn’t even watered it. It was a miracle in my eyes. 🍁🍂🍁🦃💚🙃
@kellyscott3426 Жыл бұрын
beautiful video thank you!
@TARAdactyl56 Жыл бұрын
I also feel like your videos make other people passionate about the things you’re passionate about. I definitely have tried many new to me things that my interest was sparked by you. Like I’m trying cold flowers and growing amaryllis bulbs for the first time this year.
@nicolechew1029 Жыл бұрын
This video was so well timed! I just won a gift basket at work, and it came in a tin just like the grow kit. My first thought was " I can fit two amaryllis in there!" I didn't think about putting it on my mantle. That is a great idea!
@captaingish Жыл бұрын
I just potted up some today. Amaryllis, the white double one, are just one of the most breathtakingly beautiful flowers. It’s true that finding like minded amaryllis addicts is a treat! And lastly, you just radiate goodness and kindness and are very uplifting to watch. Merry Christmas!
@ellensmith844 Жыл бұрын
Danielle, I was so excited to find your video. I have been growing amaryllis for years, and I share your enthusiasm. Since I live in Florida, there is no cool basement to use. I simply put the bulbs in a dark closet and leave them for two months. Usually, most of them do rebloom. I forgot to label them last year when they went dormant, so I'll have a surprise this year, as I won't know what I have until the flowers bloom!
@NorthlawnFlowerFarm Жыл бұрын
Thank you for this wonderful information Ellen!
@valiumsurbanjungle2041 Жыл бұрын
I do live in a warm country, so we keep our amaryllis outdoors throughout the year, but we've been having the warmest November ever recorded (54-70°F!!) and I don't think I'll get to see any blooms... Of course the weather can still turn, like it did this past winter (one of the worst cold-wise for Athens), but I might cover them with a bag or something. Have a wonderful day!!
@annebeck2208 Жыл бұрын
I echo so many other comments! I gardened with and then for my Grandma. She would ask me to bring flowers inside and arrange them for her. Thanks to you I have amaryllis! I got mine from Brent and Becky's because I was ordering hardy cyclemen and winter aconite from them too.
@sp9600 Жыл бұрын
I never thought I liked Amaryllis, now you have me contemplating buying them for Christmas even if it is to gift to someone else. Have a great holiday!
@bettyblalock298 Жыл бұрын
I’m hooked and continue to add to my collection each year. Love your channel!
@gracieshomeandgardens5089 Жыл бұрын
I am difinitely hooked and rooted wirh amaryllis since you introduce them to me last year. I just went to store today and saw amaryllis and bought more to add to my collections also to give away as gifts to my friends I love them all.🤗thank you Daniele for sharing your passions to all of us. ❤
@theheritagehousesc Жыл бұрын
I love your knowledge on these beautiful flowers! I love amaryllis and I plant them out in the garden in the spring. I need to try to place them into dormancy now that I have a basement. I love them and I agree Christmas would not be the same without them