The Courtyard Diaries: BOYS AND THEIR TOYS!!!

[@nancyvernon1717]

Hysterical comment by Dan: pre-noon dress code here is pajamas! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@leanndelosrios1616]

Nancy Vernon yes the Robe Mafia! 😅😅

[@airi8395]

Laughed so hard when I heard. It was hilarious!

[@Fred317]

I love the relationship between Mommy and Dan. She kids him and he acts afraid of her. I think Dan could do nothing wrong in Mommy's eyes.

[@jennymay4720]

Mummy loves Dan don't you think!

[@barbibutton9619]

They are similar souls with their love for gardening

[@WilldoAldone]

Isabelle recognizes a valuable worker and not a manquine.

[@evealexandra4367]

I found this channel at the beginning of lockdown. I brought the videos up on the tv and watched them from the beginning on the big screen. I’m cabin crew in dubai and haven’t worked since mid march, I was isolated in an apartment with no windows and my boyfriend who worked from home on the laptop all day long. We had complete lockdown in dubai and couldn’t go outside at all unless it was for an emergency. I was so bored, so lonely and truly felt like I had lost all purpose. These vlogs provided hours of entertainment, warmth, laughter and happiness in my world that felt so bleak at times! I just want to say a massive thank you for such lovely, genuine content as it got me through months of no work and being locked up in what felt like prison. To everyone reading this, I hope you’re happy and healthy x

[@cgp1442]

As a high-end landscape designer here in the states for 30+ years, may I make a suggestion for planting next to the chateau ? Instead of planting right “along” the walls of the chateau, how about curved planter bed areas around the curved walls ( stairwells / turrets etc ? ) only. It will give a better visual ( soften the hard chateau walls) and also make it easier for future work on the chateau walls. Then you can highlight those areas of the chateau with up lighting. They make great commercial grade solar landscape lighting now too.

[@GoldenLady9779]

That sounds lovely and so much easier to maintain and compliments without distracting from the fountain.

[@babymammoth6254]

CG P Sounds great I’m not in favour of a border all along the walls Highlighting the curved turrets would be perfect

[@dloadthis1617]

I think Stephanie should power wash the walls and just paint the exterior now and tackle the complete wall restoration in 5 years. Then use your idea for the planters. Stephanie needs to get some large 1/4" graph paper and draw up the perimeter walls of the Chateau and then draw up several ideas.

[@bridgetcooper176]

Too bad she doesn't read the comments. 🥺

[@dianepelley7765]

I absolutely love the laughter. “A day without laughter is a day wasted.”

[@judithschrim145]

Yes, it would be a great time to put in wiring for two lights on both sides of the "Main entrance and two "flood lights" on both corners of the outside for late night guests arriving and departing....when the flower beds are dug - Perfect suggestion !

[@33piolin]

NO, NO, NO, put the french drains first, against the walls, then 1 meter away, the plants. The french drains will drain the moisture from the walls. Ask any construction engineer‼️‼️

[@0999milky]

Patricia Butts Patricia us right you never plant a garden up against a exterior wall without proper drainage .

[@francesaggarwal22]

I'm. sure Stephanie will have been given this advice anyway, there are professional builders (the Ians) who are on the team who would have been consulted Im sure. We only see a snapshot of the work going on in the vlogs. The soil was being dug out today, I expect by the time plants go in the drainage will have been done.

[@radicalmama135]

agreed french drains make the world ok!!

[@0999milky]

Frances Aggarwal Hope so !

[@kristineprice2722]

Shannon Tymkiw I have soak aways and hydrangeas, my house is over 100 yrs old in the countryside, mainly stone and cob, big believer In allowing house to breathe, so don’t render the outside, only with lime.

[@cindymarie2475]

Isabella will be missed!!! Bye Isabella 👋 Say hi to Percy for us. Have fun with your hubby🍁🌼🍁

[@deniewestover]

“There goes Dan and his tame digger.” Adorable Stephanie.

[@megankazukibuttons9334]

Oh what fun 🤗. Please consider a small French drain or perforated pipe as well as some wiring tubes for feature wiring around the windows and doors, before planting. You'll be greatful later. ( Been there done that) Also my heart jumped for Joy when I heard mummy say she would be on her way. Best news of this whole pandemic. So pleased to hear. Please be safe and well 🙏.

[@33piolin]

Oh, yes, please please put in a french drain!

[@joannecordelia]

Megan Comly-Rolison outdoor wiring for outdoor lights can be wireless these days. Another chateau owner just put some in.

[@teresacarle294]

@@joannecordelia 💡 Yes, it is 💣mind-blowing💥 how much wireless & ☀️solar lighting technology has improved. It has also reduced in 💲pricing making it much more affordable for folks.

[@robwestley7370]

A flower border filled with lavender would look stunning

[@danaholt1720]

Yes , it has to be very full ! It has to compliment the large walls of the chateau or it will look 'Scappy' 👍

[@Sosoph098]

Yes it would be amazing and smell so nice! I would buy the lavender when they prune it lol

[@RTCPhotoWork]

Lavender will already be around the fountain.

[@rebekkahaas9686]

Some hollyhocks mixed in would be spectacular. It's hard to tell what kind of exposure it gets, but I want it to be wild with artichokes too.

[@teresacarle294]

@@RTCPhotoWork ⛲Lavendar around the fountain doesn't seem wise. 🤔Seems like dried flowers might drop in the water & need to be fished out. Lavendar might create more 💪labor for them😣. My neighbor's pool has a lot of flowering🌳trees in the surrounding area. 🌬The wind blows a lot of debris in their water. Even though they have 1×week pool service, the owners might have to rake the pool 1-2×s themselves to keep the dried stuff from clogging the drain & filters😆😆😆.

[@shoshanabloom8669]

Steph if you have a water problem it might not be wise to out the flowers 🌺 right up,against the walls. Maybe good to put a border of stones around against the walls and the flowers against the stones away from the walls.

[@ginahamlyn2569]

Hydrangeas and climbing roses are a must for around the chateau. Will look spectacular!

[@annbardue3473]

Perhaps some papyrus to help with the moisture. It’s a fun looking plant and helps with extra water....

[@karinbergman1646]

The plants will require watering so will that make the walls even more wet? Roses will be pretty but perhaps some low moisture requiring plants? Lavender, Rosemary with white bush and pink climbing roses would be pretty, with perhaps some exotic tall pampas grasses at corners? And some big rocks? That one big rock to come out of the lake was very interesting--it had some near-90° angles, rare in nature. Perhaps it was part of a structure? I can't believe no artifacts came out of the soils, especially by the chateau walls! My nose would have been right on the ground with every scrape! Where would the tower ruins have been in relation to the rock in the lake? ⚜️💗⚜️💜⚜️💗⚜️

[@jourdainjardin846]

Anne Cordts how much lavender will there be... I think too much looks bland

[@lisaglynn3121]

Anne Cordts YES!!!

[@bernadettehooper4318]

"Start work on the extension..." Ah, Stephanie, never stop having goals. Operating a digger in night wear, the new rage.

[@radicalmama135]

@SMG he has one!!

[@jacquelinereynolds2934]

@@radicalmama135 he doesnt yet. He has a room that Tomaz got ready for him. His possible future apartment will be in one of the outbuildings Stephanie showed us previously and will need major building work

[@33piolin]

French drain required - ABSOLUTELY ‼️💯

[@bigboy77dk]

My first thought was, if there was a way to put drain down along the walls instead of flowerbeds? I just think that the sandy, gravel that you dug away to make flowerbeds would let water seep through, and now you are putting in fresh soil and compost, that retain alot of water, right against walls, that already struggle with moisture issues.

[@newbrightonflowerarrangeme5143]

Rasmus Mogensen my thoughts too

[@danaholt1720]

Uh oh ? I hope that you are wrong 🤔

[@stellamex1]

I was thinking the same thing too. 😐 Flower beds would retain moisture, though maybe something in super free-draining soil like lavender would be ok. I've always been told not to plant anything in the first two feet from the walls of our house....but maybe it's different in France.

[@raffaellavitiello1762]

The whole thing is not thought of properly, very silly , the gardener does not dare to give his opinion, only Mummy has somme sense , but again she is tired to fight against people that does anything to make sensational video. And it surely was. I love Stephanie but this realy was not thought of, and going to cost her unless she get proper advise.

[@bigboy77dk]

Well, we have not seen the completed project yet, so maybe there is no issue at all, or they perhaps solved it and just did not show it in the vlog. I think the courtyard will be beautiful, and the fountain will really get to shine with the new parterre design. Exited for the reveal 🙂

[@risalangdon9883]

Stephanie, while they were digging, you should have had Dan dig up the little hedges. Then, with fresh soft top soil and fertilizer, those poor little things wouldn't have to work so hard to grow. Their roots would be able to spread through the soft soil quicker & increase their growth rate. But yes, so agree, especially from the upper floor view, the courtyard is going to be absolutely amazing!!!! Cannot wait until it is all finished!

[@cujoenyo]

they really need to do something about those hedges

[@kseniyamorein5481]

Every time when I hear opening music of this channel, I feel like "ok, peace of heaven is still here, half an hour of something pure and shining is coming, beautiful people are doing their thing with live, love and laughter inside and outside in all meanings of these words. And we can do the same, no doubt". Thank you

[@clicker7019]

Stephanie! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take Michael to go metal detecting before the lake is refilled! I bet you'll find so much history! Also, the huge rock dug up by the lake looks hand shaped. I wonder if it's part of an ancient castle?

[@katehobbs2008]

What an acquisition Dan is! And finally there will be an entry fit to grace the chateau. Wonderful.🇦🇺

[@AlanHouser]

My wife and I agree that we only watch chateau de la lande episodes on the good days- my wife says she only wants good memories of la lande (which I think is the cutest thing I’ve ever heard). We love you La Lande!

[@MetaMM]

One minute you watch joiei de toile, the next, this heavy machinery digging the ground in the woods. One minute in pyjamas, another in fancy dress. That's what I love about this channel. Never dull, never boring. So relaxed yet so entertaining as well as inspirational with me now watching this digging the ground that I never knew how it worked.

[@cathyblackhall3448]

The last few episodes have been really enjoyable.Good to see lots of practical things happening amongst the humour and whimsy(which I love)Stephanie has the happy and deft knack of mixing it up😀

[@teresacarle294]

@@vino140 Don't mind the meal prep, shopping, or even laundry. 🍽Find the former very interesting👩‍🍳. 🏰Besides, running a B&B on top of an estate that size with all those workers & volunteers requires a lot of coordination, organization, & labor. Everyone has a role to play, & must be equally flexible to try new things. Each person brings something special to the table. They all seem eager to contribute. 🌻Stephanie has demonstrated great leadership. She sets a fine example for others too -- & is adept at team💪building.

[@mirandaash]

Oh Cat you made my day! A good cook never licks friends! So funny - I will never be able to look at that sign in the same way ever again! Come back and visit soon! xxx

[@phoenixwych]

Yellow roses are my favorite, too. My childrens dad used to give me yellow roses because he called me his "Yellow Rose of Texas" (a song title) because I was born and raised into my teens in Texas. I still buy them for myself when I get nostalgic about him. He died 4 years ago and I miss him every day.

[@lisaglynn3121]

Phaedra McCloud I’m very sorry for your loss! I totally understand! I lost the best man, the love I’ve never knew! Miss him everyday!

[@phoenixwych]

@@lisaglynn3121 Thank you, Lisa, and I'm sorry for your loss, too.

[@sarahburton3110]

Binge watching The Chateau Diaries......AGAIN 😭😁💖

[@kristineprice2722]

Do as the French do Stephanie, plant hydrangeas so then they’ll drink the water around the base of chateau, they’re are some amazing ones, I’ve just planted a strawberry and vanilla one, looks gorgeous when in flower 💐

[@destinydelaney1621]

Don't they like the shade more so I had one yrs ago and it was in a shared area and did well, but I'm in Australia

[@SB_McCollum]

Most hydrangeas do like some shade, especially midday. Any plant that loves water will also want water, so that doesn't really help them. They need plants with shallow root systems that don't require water in a dry spell. Hydrangea need a rich loam they can dig into, I suspect even the rose bushes will need to be in big pots so they can be watered. I'd go for upright sedum Autumn Joy if I were them, shallow roots, love rocky soil, grey-green foliage makes a good compliment to both the walls and the roses, and water maybe once a month if no rain. Pretty blooms in the fall after everything else has finished, you just leave the heads on thru the winter as a textural effect. They are also ridiculously easy to propagate, just pinch a bit of stem and stick it in the soil. Here's a video of them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2HXqah9atKgr5I

[@teresacarle294]

@@SB_McCollum 🏆Great suggestion. 🖤Love hydrangeas, but they do appreciate more shade & softer soil. The upright sedum Autumn Joy can handle a lot of ☀️sun & are also more drought tolerant. Not all plants🌾thrive in a shallow root system either as you mentioned. They come in a beautiful range of colors too. 👌😊🤙

[@marjoleint3592]

O yes, hydrangeas would be so beautiful against the walls. I have them around my house too.

[@emmarowse8071]

I wish I looked half as good in my bestest togs as Stephanie looks in her wellies and pj’s!

[@emmarowse8071]

Lol

[@radicalmama135]

ditto

[@peterwhite9261]

Mummy is so funny in this one. She was being a team leader by letting you do it. So wonderful. Loved the digger show though!

[@steviefirst]

Not happy with shenanigans in u.s.a. ......watching Chateau Diaries Is very welcome respite

[@solotraveller888]

I really hope Isabelle could be reunited with her husband soon enough. It will add more years to her life being with the person she 💕 (apart from Stephanie and Scotsman of course) .

[@marlification]

You will need a new drone shot for your intro once the courtyard is finished. I can't wait to see it finished :)

[@GalaxyRangerNiko]

Eagle Eye Photography is the guy who did the overshots of Basmaignee. He's got a new super drone with zoom capabilities on it.

[@teresacarle294]

Yes, the Petherick's have a drone 🛰 now. I'm sure they'd be willing to help out. 📷 The ladies were so smart to set up a time lapse camera outside the upstairs window to catch the digger in action in the courtyard below!!!

[@becb7936]

Stephanie riding the bucking bronco digger made me laugh out loud then I replayed it and it brought tears to my eyes as I hollered with laughter! Thanks Steph, I needed that!

[@joycarey]

So excited about the plantings of flowers! Just as a suggestion in avoiding too much moisture around the foundation of your chateau, you could place a line of pebble rock. It will keep water from going under and settling along the foundation, plus its a good way to keep certain pest/ insects from entering in the wall cracks of the chateau. I have done this for my home here in the U.S. It really works and will not hinder you in planting your flowers. Love today's video!!♡♡♡

[@raffaellavitiello1762]

Hope Stephanie READ THIS!!!!

[@teresacarle294]

💧Yes, that seems a pretty simple way to ensure there is some drainage💦 around the perimeter of those interior courtyard beds. Having moisture & water sitting next to any structure is never advised. 💡As someone mentioned, they could also use this space for solar up-lighting. Lighting would look really dramatic upon 🏰Chateau LaLande ⛲ @ night.

[@DanCoxArt]

The digger will certainly make life easier! Go Stephanie! You've got this!!

[@bobh3704]

I really enjoyed this episode today. I smiled all the way through it. Mommy, Dan and all the Ladies of the Chateau are enjoyable to be around even though I am 2,500 miles away.

[@martinphillips7221]

You need a "French " drain haha around the base of the building ( perforated pipe)

[@TheBTG88]

And they need to grade the courtyard so that the water moves toward the center and not to the foundation. You can clearly see how the walls are wicking the water, which is why the plaster is falling off the stone underneath.

[@martinphillips7221]

@@annec9859 you get what you pay for

[@lucyyoung9406]

My thoughts exactly.

[@martinphillips7221]

@@annec9859 it's a construction term .if you don't engineer something like this you're asking for more trouble

[@martinphillips7221]

@@annec9859 seems Stephanie is doing things out of order , without proper advice .This will ultimately leed to doing things twice and even creating more problems

[@barbibutton9619]

After having a "moment" with my worst half, it's good to know mommy is going home to Percy. So nice that some are still excited to see one another.

[@idaslpdhr]

Oh honey, what looks bad today, looks silly tomorrow

[@johnmorgan6812]

Stephenie your windows need to be painted before you start your flower beds. The longer you leave them you will then have to replace them because of the weather. A good therapeutic job for someone it will really lift the front part of the chateau xx

[@MiuMiuG]

As an avid gardener, this was the MOST exciting episode for me. I've often wished there was a better reception to La Lande and now there soon will be one!

[@lisaglynn3121]

MM G Same Here! It’s going to brighten up the whole front!

[@amirasmith5133]

Stephanie operating a digger (in yellow wellies and PJs, no less) - perfect! She's a real Renaissance woman 😍😂

[@robinchurch5658]

How much I enjoy this international community of LaLanders and the commenters with all their interesting and professional advice! What a wonderful and needed group of sweet, kind, and funny people. I will never forget “Good cooks never lick friends” and Kat’s hysterical sense of humor. Then there’s the makeup less Stephanie in her pajamas and wellies driving the tame digger! Oh, good times🤗

[@dotell8925]

The new courtyard is going to bring a nice dressing-up to the cheatu. It was much needed. So happy to see it come to life.

[@Cantfi]

How about putting the flowers along the château in long above ground beds? That way it won't pull moisture to the walls and it will be easier to move when you're restoring the walls.

[@healinggardens-terribowlby3129]

Isabelle is hilarious! Would your Father be very excited, Stephanie? That huge rock! Maybe the lost towers?

[@garyc5483]

Yes the "rock" did look fairly square like a corner stone maybe. regards

[@kit2130]

Trellises of roses with peonies and lavender in between! Also sprinkler or soaker hoses on a timer at the faucet is inexpensive and you don't have to worry about watering it all! And eventually flower boxes with trailing vines & flowers from the 2nd story windows! 😁

[@luciaroslingshaw2112]

The border is going to look incredible!

[@nj_jj]

Worst part of my day is when these vlogs end 💔

[@AlanHouser]

You stop looping them?!

[@endeavouringit]

couldn't agree more

[@rebekkahaas9686]

being caught up really is a mixed blessing.

[@susanritchie7816]

I love progress!!!! Nice to see the earth move. It is going to be beautiful. So very lucky to have Dan there. Good luck with all that's going on.

[@nuttisniche1717]

THANK-YOU!!! how much I look forward to watching to courtyard elevate the chateau from a country home to a classic well dressed lady

[@fineartlifestyling]

My husband literally squealed when you guys wanted to dig up soil in the forest. He was already predicting the stone and roots you were going to encounter and said right off he bat better order soil and save yourself the grief. We had recently gone through a huge renovation in our yard doing it ourselves and it’s such a learning curve. The last soil sample definitely needs nutritional compost because that soil is sandy and silty

[@shawnhammond140]

I watched this at the premiere. But missed some of it while reading the chat. It is so exciting to imagine how it will all turn out. It is also nice to see Isabelle so happy knowing she will soon see Percy. I wish her a safe, quick journey and hope they both can return to La Lande soon. It will be good to see what fantastic outfits Percy comes to dinner wearing. It is also good that Isabelle is leaving now so she can miss "Le Grand Désordre." It was nice seeing her using the glass chains one of the previous fans sent. Hopefully no more missions to find her glasses have to been launched. In Dan's vlog he and Annalise mentioned they were coming to Sunday dinner. I hope you share footage of that. I feel slightly guilty living vicariously thru your vlogs. But I can remedy that by telling myself that I am in my own way helping to rebuild this glorious building by watching these videos. Thank you again for sharing them and for being people worth watching. Love and good wishes from Alaska. S.H.

[@lanceduvaux3507]

Thanks from the bottom of my heart Stephanie. I have never had such a terrible week and you lot just bring me back from the edge every time I see you. In case you haven't really understood why we all love you so much, it's the little joys you bring to those of us who are having the harsh reality of covid19 surround us. Lalande is truly an island of light in a sea of darkness and I sincerely thank you and all your lovely friends and family for sharing with us. God bless you and keep your little eden well guarded.

[@seamoonsees]

I would take a metal detector around the new border..could be some treasures to be found.

[@teresacarle294]

🤔 That's a clever idea. Might be good around the grounds too. Bet there is lots of hidden treasure... even if they aren't any actual jewels💎. 🤗

[@pamyh.37]

That was an absolute joy!!!! Lots to laugh with,. Do I gather than reunification is happening between Isabelle and Percy? I do hope so. 💗

[@loishampstead8760]

Pamy H. Percy says SA still has restrictions on visitors from France but they are hopeful that it can happen soon.

[@missmichelle9923]

So funny. Loved the rapport & comeraderie in this Lalande. I think there is a very happy and talented community here. Mummy as senior stakeholder, advisor and confidant is pure joy! I find the deference of Dan and Matt towards her really touching......"and you Mummy?". Looking forward to seeing this project blossom. Best wishes to all at Lalande.

[@christinedavis5813]

yOU ARE A LOVELY LOT OF pEOPLE I CAN NOT GET OVER JUST HOW NICE YOU ALL ARE TO EACH OTHER

[@sallystites2946]

As the episode ended I had a big smile on my face and I was laughing. I love the love and laughter you all share.

[@jadejohns3107]

Stephanie, you’re making the right decision to plant the border now. The plants need time to establish and grow, no point starting in 10 years if you can start now. Lime trees and hydrangeas xx

[@robwestley7370]

Hydrangeas definitely, lime trees drip on cars and take paint off them, also cannot plant trees against the walls you would damage the foundations.

[@danaholt1720]

Will lime trees grow there? If so that would be awesome ! Imagine all of the Margheritas in the summer 👍

[@SJFoss]

Imagine all the fruit trees you could plant on that land! Apples, cherries, lemons... would be so nice.

[@jadejohns3107]

Ornamental miniature clementines perhaps?

[@jadejohns3107]

You do need to put French drains in first, otherwise you will increase your damp problem.

[@deezahm9143]

🧚🏻‍♂️Great to see this video today! I know the facade needs redone, and the bed needs planting - plant the bed and cover it as needed when the time comes to repair the facade. So many decisions - you will do what’s most reasonable Stephanie! Hugs to all at LaLande from Dee in Michigan 🦋

[@WilldoAldone]

This is what I want to see. Work done on the chateau. Thank you i was as excited as you. Lol. Have to say hats off to Dan as a worker and your good eye for design.

[@ourfloridagarden4191]

It must have been a sight to see when the lake went in.

[@barbaragrace1992]

I just have such a big smile on my face and not realising it until after. Love the ambience around the table.

[@sallystites2946]

I found the same smile on my face.

[@suzyq555]

Steph you should make the renovations in order. Building facade, entry gravel, planters as too not do double work.

[@carriematthews7991]

The moss stone covered clearing is where the fairies dance under a full moon. Sad to see mummy leave, but happy for she and Percy. Blessings 🐶🐾🐾

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

Stephanie, when I saw you at the digger controls I stood up and cheered! I LOVE seeing women working with equipment like that-WE CAN DO IT!!!!! You GO girl!!!!!

[@irenepirnik2926]

Dan is so sweet to your mummy🥰

[@marthaabrahamson6813]

So enjoy these stories of de Lalande My grandson is on a mission to France He loves the country so much and we are enjoying it with him. All through high school manyl of my children took French So enjoyed the experience

[@ntakovacj3644]

Absolutely great. I could almost smell the fragrance of autumn woods. Beautiful filming. Everything was lovely, even Mummy & Stephanie's argument.

[@roryodonovan8619]

The courtyard is really taking shape, I love it

[@amandalevy1227]

What a joyful video! And the Brit humour gets me every time! Thank you. 😘

[@Lea-bw9wj]

A good cook never licks friends. That's the best

[@singingone1]

From one of the Countesses, its going to look wonderful...I totally and heartily approve!

[@AvaT42]

I wish Percy could be at de Lalande soon 😢

[@-AuburnWaves]

Percy will not travel. Isabelle will travel to SA, much nicer to spend a cold winter there than at a cold castle 😉

[@harrytuttle0]

I'm in my happy place watching the digger at work

[@Cantfi]

The big rock in the lake looked very square. Might there have been a building there? Maybe another allusive tower?

[@susantaylor1359]

The court yard will look lovely when it is done. Love the interaction between Mummy and Dan. It was lovely seeing all your beautiful face today. My love to you all.🤗

[@radicalmama135]

Isabel!! Bonne Voyage!! safe travels!! dont tarry too long! Just bring Percy back with you! drag him if you must🤣🤣🤣

[@kaarenjukes8308]

The plants will add moisture to the walls. Not take it away. They will damage the walls and the footings.

[@V.Hansen.]

That forest primeval is magical.

[@gwyn192]

So looking forward to future drone footage of the work on the courtyard and grounds as it progresses. Belly laughs as the delighted Stephanie 'shimmies' the digger!!! Also, would absolutely love to understand where each room is in relation to the drone footage of the chateau in your intro. Perhaps it would enhance tours of the rooms to show an aerial view/map indicating where the room is? Your laugh lifts the spirit.

[@stuartbeattie472]

Jacqueline writes- never ever would i have imagined i would be soo entranced by the doings of a digger BUT with Stephanie everything is an adventure- thank you for taking us with you

[@lanajackson3730]

The courtyard renovation will be a such a beautiful sight, when you drive in and see the flower beds and the chateau. I know you have all worked so hard on the chateau, and have many more rooms to finish, but being a retired Landscape Designer, I always wanted to see the courtyard renovated!! It already looks fantastic! I must have missed an episode about Isabelle getting to go to S. Africa to see Percy. That’s great!,

[@allandanguyen8214]

Agree with many other comments. It’s an absolute recipe for disaster putting beds against the chateau wall. Even French drains if installed incorrectly can be disastrous. I would stick to large pots.

[@mbryan4964]

Yay, you chose to keep the courtyard garden with square corners. Super yay 🙌! SO excited about the courtyard garden!!! Surely, all will be well when the facade is refurbished. Stephanie! Heavy machinery operator, kudos. Like mother like daughter after all. ☺

[@adrianodecastro6208]

Wonderful vlog, happy mamma is going to South Africa to see Percy. Greetings from South Africa.

[@larrimos]

Stephanie looked like Tom Bombadil with yellow boots in the woods!

[@franceshnni7380]

best part before going to work is to watch your vlog and then when I come home I’ll be watching it again

[@suerosenal5807]

Me, sipping tea in my giant Spode cup enjoyed this time with Lalande very much... Merci ❤️🌸❤️

[@AlanHouser]

Only us Mericuns would use a GIANT SPODE CUP. With Mountain Dew and a Spode straw and Get-R-Dunn napkins.

[@barbibutton9619]

I've had 2 cups for this episode, for some reason. Lol

[@bloomsproutcottage]

I find African Blue Basil is a beautiful and low maintenance perennial with purple stems, green purple foliage and light purple flowers. It would look wonderful in the garden and is a long season source of nectar for the honey bees. It has become my favorite garden plant aside lavender and sage. 😺😺

[@kimmurphy6864]

Philip is just the best ❤️

[@jennymay4720]

He is funny and polite and so kind to Stephanie. Aware she gets tired.

[@0210rokvist]

Isabelle travels??? Missed the Ians and Sif. What does Selmar and Marie do?? So many unanswerd questions. Cannot wait for the next episode

[@0210rokvist]

Yes, but when were we told?

[@0210rokvist]

@SMG YI know. Just missed them

[@alelee25]

This is awesome! In just a couple of months there's so many great changes in and around the chateau 😍

[@jennymay4720]

You and Dan are hilarious.. Such a sweet friendship between you all. I envision pale pink and apricot roses and hortensia with lavender at the foot of the facade to match your lovely blue shutters...Whatever you do it's going to be beautiful.

[@fatimademendonca6009]

I am amazed to see so many Britons in France and that you are able to hire them for all kinds of works which is absolutely fantastic for your vlog. Your vlog has made theses times much better to bear! Thank you sooo much!

[@passplus1]

Thank you. That episode was so uplifting. Everyone at LaLande is fantastic.

[@kaeru12345678]

Always nice to see the Andrios bridge and his sculpture

[@sarahburton3110]

As usual a top notch video from Stephanie 👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️🧡🧡

[@edwardm.thornton6313]

The Flower Border is a great idea. You could incorporate some sort of water barrier to prevent "Rising Damp" to the external walls of your home 🏰. We did a small paved garden & had to put in external drainage & water proofing to the external walls of our home. Good Luck 🍀 With All Your Hard Work. 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

[@paean109]

If Philip wants to bring me yellow roses, I'd be cool with that {{blush}} (oh my.. did I just say that? hahahaha).. What I meant to say was yellow is my favourite rose colour.. lol.. Oh wow, so much work going on the courtyard. It is going to look awesome. I can't wait to see the progress. Enjoy the week everyone.

[@sharong8511]

I hope that someone you love will fill your favourite room with yellow roses and fill your heart with gladness. With Love 💐

[@CherylSimser]

My fave is yellow roses and these were gorgeous brought by the adorable Phillipe.