HOW WE'RE SAVING THE CHATEAU'S TREES (and dealing with a giant pile of manure)!

It's a busy gardening day at Lalande, with all hands on deck! With a big freeze arriving at the weekend, we hurry to save the chateau's new trees. But work on the new 'jardin a l'anglaise' can't stop, and Kirsty also has to deal with a giant pile of manure...
The Chateau Diaries Episode 296 ✨🏰✨
Escape to the chateau with ’The Chateau Diaries’ 🏰
This channel follows the adventures of chatelaine Stephanie in her French 16th century home, the Chateau de Lalande, in the heart of rural France ❤️
We share our life in this ancient chateau in the heart of the French countryside, and show you the diy, renovations, crafts, cooking and gardening that are needed to bring a home like this to life!
A very special thank you to all of you who have become Patrons of the Chateau de Lalande. You have made The Chateau Diaries one of the top 400 Patreon accounts in the world, and have transformed not only our lives here, but the future of this beautiful chateau! I’m overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity. On behalf of this beautiful chateau that will continue to survive and flourish because of you, thank you!!!
If you're interested in becoming a Patron of The Chateau Diaries, click here:
/ thechateaudiaries

[@dhgemein2]

"I'd rather see this shit than that shit." Pavlina has the right approach to mental health, lol.

[@WillowTreePottery]

perfect

[@frangeorge5962]

The Ukrainen lady is lovely and funny. LaLande is a good break for her to rest, relax and plan toward her future once the invaders have been kicked out. Please let her know others are thinking and praying for her country and it's people. 🇺🇦🌻💪🕯️🙏☮️☮️☮️

[@marionchanson5479]

Yes, she is great! She is so lucky to be with all of you in a positive and friendly environment.

[@SivaJivamukti]

She’s welcome here, in NYC. 🎉

[@catherinedurbin9298]

I am going to show your video for Ukrainians from unwrapped to the Ukrainians who are being housed in a convent a few villages away from me. It brings them great joy to hear folks talk about the beauty of Ukraine and to know that we stand with them. :)))

[@auntytutu]

Thank goodness for Kristi, such a hard working and intelligent women, the garden has not been the same since she came to the chateau. Clearly she has a high level of intelligence and awareness of the garden and it shows so obviously.

[@karlasmit7535]

Yes, I agree. Kristi is a smart cookie and I too love her hair and sense of humor.

[@amme30]

Isn't Dana such a kind friend, how lovely to bring such a delicious meal for everyone.

[@karinabasualdo6194]

Dana should write a cookbook

[@nancymartin1123]

Kirsty, you my dear are always lovely, not only are you absolutely beautiful, but you have such a sweet personality with a shining soul!

[@juliehinkel608]

Pavlina - words to live by for us all. I laughed out loud and heavens knows we all need a laugh in these sad times.

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hi 👋 Julie, how are you doing?

[@trinahayden747]

Kirsty is a very lovely girl ..Always so positive …Love you and Dan working together and everyone have a lovely time working ,cooking ,playing together..Well done Stephanie and all ..

[@bigboy77dk]

Only one thing wrong with these vlogs.... They are never long enough! 😂

[@joseebellemare7535]

I agree. Stephanie's vlogs are such beautiful examples of how to genuinely live and find joy and also created such an incredible and beautiful community from everywhere in the world. I love it!!

[@nebula402]

Glad to see Stewart back. She seems fun and has a good energy.

[@jitaamesuluma9730]

Well said pavlina, keep your head busy because there something you can do,best you get your head straight, you are no good to anyone if your depressed, including you

[@twobluestripes]

I LOVE PAVLINA. “I’d rather see this shit than that shit”. What a card! Surely you guys have a tall A shaped ladder that stands on its own somewhere? Ah yes, here it comes. “Traditional american pound cake”. Too true. This January, my grandmother in Alabama died, and I went to see her there from California in the hospital and stayed for the funeral. Now, of course, once we knew it was going to be her time, people started called asking if they could bring food. There was a new whole dinner dropped off every day I was there (I stayed almost 2 weeks), some days a huge lunch came too! And the trend this year was pound cake. We had no less than 6 full size pound cakes arrive, sometimes there were 3 we were eating on as one time. We had all the southern classics as well, but various types of baked mac and cheese also were a reoccurring theme. Honestly, all the food and being in my grandma’s home with family I hadn’t seen in some time (actually, several who had married in or been born in the last few years that I hadn’t even met yet!) was an amazing comfort. Going back to my every day life this year has been much more difficult than the time spent there during her death and funeral.

[@mmeduplechin1577]

@Anna Timm Condolences upon your grandmother's death. Your description of the way people reach out with support in the manner of food (traditional) brought so many memories up for me. What a comfort it must have been to be surrounded with physical expressions of love/support. May your grandmother's memory be a blessing for you, family, friends, community and everyone who reads your loving tribute.

[@rhondathomas7952]

So sorry about your grandmother’s passing. With all of you there it is just proof that she left a lasting legacy. We southerners love showing our live with comfort food. We have our family pound cake recipe as well. It has a vanilla almond glaze and yes Stuart, we always double the vanilla. Hehe! God bless you and your family. 🥰💔🙏🏻😇

[@kimberlyearly8918]

@@rhondathomas7952 My aunt used to make pound cake and custard that was incredible! I looked forward to it every holiday!

[@kimberlyearly8918]

Sorry to hear about your grandmother. So much love was shown through all the people that brought food. She must've been a lovely lady! Do people eat potato casserole where you live? It's made with frozen hashbrowns, cheese, sour cream and a few other things. Some people put crushed corn flakes but I put cheez-its and it's delicious! Anyway, I was looking for the recipe one time and they are actually called funeral potatoes which I thought was really interesting. I think it said it's because they are comfort food and feed a lot of people.

[@larrimos]

Can you imagine if Isabelle and Mr. Percy were there during all of this activity? I miss seeing them at the chateau…

[@yummboy2]

Danna's stuffed artichokes looked amazing, almost as amazing as her boots! It is always a delight to see her. A quick word to Stephanie about climbing scaffolding in high heels. . .

[@kimberlyearly8918]

It was so sweet seeing Phillip's concern for her in this vlog!💞

[@zander8018]

It's nice to see Danna ...it's been a while. The progress of the garden is comming along quickly

[@mlnuniada]

It's always exciting to watch everyone (The Lalanders LOL) is busy doing/helping with different chores.

[@TheIreneSchulze]

Pavlina…Summed things up perfectly. I think we all agree with you and couldn’t have said it better. Glad she has some outdoor activities to distract her for a while.

[@phyrewillow6463]

I’m an avid gardener, and I must admit I’m really jealous of the massive manure pile! Lol

[@claudine1928]

Dana always looks fantasticly dressed. And her food always looks good. Great to see her again. Good luck with the chapel. I hope that it can all be restored. And i don't envy Dan with the garden. That's a hole lot of work ahead, before it will become enjoyable. Kristy can work that walled garden like no other. Can't wait to see the vegetables growing. Good luck with al the projects that are going on.

[@suzannahmacaulay7768]

That was a really nice comment to make, so positive 🥰 what was Dana’s vlog called anyone know? Her food looked tasty! 🤩

[@jenniferrayhill2000]

Fun watching you all work in the new garden, plant beds and trees around the fountain. Your gifted cooks are making me hungry! Hope the frost is not too bad. Prayers and hugs to Pavlina.

[@cynthiamckenzie1462]

I absolutely love Davys plan! So wonderful!!!!😙

[@chrissih4046]

Kirsty is pure gold! And her hubby is so funny… ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@turawolfe2841]

Clothes Pens are the best for holding anything over trees/bushes to protect from cold weather. Love all ya'll do. You and all there are the best!!!!!

[@BehindtheseEyes]

Wooden clothes pins.... Agree...the Best👍

[@33piolin]

Yes rather than staples because you’ll have to tear the cloth to remove them.

[@turawolfe2841]

@@BehindtheseEyes Right and after I posted I realized pins not pens are right. So thanks on all sides. Wooden clothes pins may be clipped off when the job is done and saved for the next project. Here in Memphis, Tennessee in early spring just as azaleas burst into bloom frost arrives, so from my childhood to old age sheets are spread over them and secured in place with clothes pins till morning sun warms the air....once again.

[@turawolfe2841]

@@33piolin Hi! Clothes pins clip off when the project is done. Wooden clothes pins clip on and off. In days of long ago in my childhood they were used to hang clothes on the outside clothes line to dry. Today, we use them on many things, like closing a bag of chips.

[@annecraig1040]

Two observations: Instead of always burning all the wood cut from the forest, (there will be more in the future, I assume LOTS MORE,) what is needed is the set-up of a wood chip plant to process all the wood into wood chips to put along the forest paths, (making them less muddy when it rains and to keep the weeds down.) This would require putting a professional grade wood chipper, (NEW TOY FOR DAN!) under a shed roof . . . maybe the shed where a lot of the wood planking is now stored.) Second observation: maybe it is just an optical illusion, but it seems to me that given the incline of the area behind the chapel which is intended to be leveled with top soil, I think more boulders will be required to retain the amount of soil which will be required to be spread. Remember, when it rains hard, the water will run toward the wall of boulders . . . it is my opinion you will need more boulders to retain the soil and prevent major run-offs of water and topsoil. Otherwise everything looks magnificent to me! I'm happy to see so much progress. Just sorry that the weather is now again threatening the fruit trees Look into what the citrus farmers do in Florida when temps drop low enough to threaten their crops. I think they are called "smudge pots" . . they are heat-emitting and set out on the ground near the trees, close enough just to keep the air just above the freezing point, enough to protect those tender buds from which later the fruit develops. Look into those if you want a way to prevent "fruit sacrifice" to the nasty weather gods!

[@eledatowle8767]

I was thinking the same thing regarding a wood chipper. Since trail maintenance will be an ongoing process, having a chipper and collecting chips for future use would be a great investment, and a great way to reuse the trees and brush you need to remove. A chipper is on our wish list here as well, as we always have limbs and things that we ought to be reusing for landscape mulch.

[@carolinegooder7091]

Nick the tree surgeon has a Wood Chipper and has been chipping a lot.🤣 After the Cherry Picker, maybe a new Chipper can go on the list. 😁❤🌺🌹

[@heyguysimstuck5196]

I cant wait to subscribe to Dana's channel . Her talent , style and sense of humor will make incredible viewing! Congratulations!

[@rankinstudios5342]

Looking forward to Dana's channel!

[@kearabartlett2279]

“God your good” “you’ve never said that before” “just saying that for the vlog” you guys are the best and always make me laugh!

[@rosiebeardshaw658]

Hello everyone, last week people were in t shirts...we had snow today in Hertfordshire. Dan is such a grafter! In fact, they are all hard workers. The changes are amazing.

[@annettewalter2273]

A wonderful video thank you Stephanie. Everyone including Pavlina helping. Pavlina working with Kirsti in the garden will be so calming and therapeutic for her. Busy enough to sleep well at night hopefully. Good food and a fabulous bonfire, nothing better.

[@charlenmiddendorf2111]

Kirsty has glorious hair...my goodness 😍

[@kellyhawes8901]

I love when Stephanie laughs so hard she can't move🤣 🔥And seriously.....who climbs scaffolding in heels? The LaLande Chatelaine!! Well done Steph!!!♥️

[@lizbignell7813]

She climbed scaffolding in an extremely short dress on Château DIY so…

[@frangeorge5962]

I think daffodils and hyacinths behind the new rocks placed behind the church would be striking.

[@danamoss67]

Congrats to Stuart/Stewart for her move to Paris. Exciting! Love Dana's style and Kirsty's smile. 🥰

[@klarsen1839]

Speaking of stone masons for the chapel window - I'm reminded of how I always mean to ask but keep forgetting: what ever happened with repairing the stairs/patio along the back of the chateau? That was a big project and I don't recall ever seeing anything about the progress or possible completion of that job.

[@TheChateauDiaries]

It’s still on the list, we’re waiting for the builders to return

[@janellmichael2166]

Maybe this is just an American thing - but so much of what you were burning could have been put through a chipper to make it into mulch for your gardens or used at the bottom of raised beds to breakdown into nourishment for your plants besides cutting down on the cost of raised bed soil. Part of it (unless it was diseased) could have been added to your compost. Just a thought.

[@mindakahn9964]

Thank you. It was an enormous waste on many levels. It could have provided heating fuel for people who are having a hard time meeting heating bills. And then there’s the impact on the environment. Live in the woods. Eventually the everything deteriorates. Raking roots? What’s going to happen next taking leaves? What trees did you save? The few shrubs that you’re going to move? Not a great vlog.

[@MariyaPrytula]

Or hugelkultur beds. But maybe their soil is very acidic and they wanted to use wood ash for the garden.

[@txjellybean3772]

So happy you have a TEXAN there! Now you shall be blessed!

[@dreamchaseruk]

Everything is coming together 🙂. Lovely to see Pavlina, I think she is probably right to keep busy, it will definitely help her mental health and well-being. Hugs to all at LaLande, you are all amazing 💞💞

[@JeannieMitchellMyers]

I'm so glad Phillip came into your life, he takes great care of you!

[@korithekrow1385]

Seeing another American at the château is so inspiring! I often daydream of staying there. ♥️

[@thedesken]

Why is a bonfire 🔥 so satisfying? Everyone is drawn to it. Magical.

[@amandaoosthuizen9065]

That ash will be wonderful for the rose beds.

[@margiemistretta8885]

I'm afraid you'll need another layer or two of boulders...so glad the chapel is on the way to being repaired. It is so beautiful!

[@jomeyer13]

and could slant down into like a rock garden...but that is just me.

[@elizabethnash7491]

Dan Dan the gardening man holds the ladder. What a gem

[@scottburbridge3170]

the Courtyard Garden and Convention of Ghosts is so beautiful.❤ 💙 💜 🌼

[@benedictegaspard5867]

Prayers and hugs to Pavlina. I am delighted to discover Chateau de Lalande. You make this vlogs so interesting !

[@nancyblandin755]

Philip is such a sweet heart

[@Helen-us1ly]

I could not breathe when you were up that scaffolding in heels.

[@Pariyaa]

Loved that phrase, "Convention of ghosts!" So funny! 😂❤️

[@josephforsuh6929]

If you are having another bonfire and it has died down you could pop in a few potatoes with a double layer of tinfoil for a couple of hours and eat on site with salted butter. Yum!

[@btlgr2901]

Dana is making videos! How great is that! 🎉🎉🎉

[@dazereigh]

I predict a slew of bigger staplers as gifts in Cadeaux over the next few months 😉

[@TheChateauDiaries]

😂 We do have bigger staples - I just grabbed the one from Nati’s desk!

[@dazereigh]

@@TheChateauDiaries I guessed as much, quickest to grab 😉 but still I’ll LOL if even one arrives 😆

[@deniseadams8064]

One shaped like a hedgehog and one shaped like a peacock are sure to arrive

[@cherylmomof2boys]

God bless you, Pavlina. I love your humor in the middle of the world's heart ache.

[@janetcorey5102]

Château LaLande needed you and your loyal patrons to bring it back to life. Actually, you have saved this treasure ❤️

[@nicolevanburen6052]

Danna video with her cooking? Oh yes please. 🦋💟☮️🦋

[@lcg5790]

A great work day! Can't wait for Dana's cooking vlog as everything she makes looks awesome.

[@lyndablack3438]

I'm glad Tracy mentioned the lack of apples. We had such a late frost in Scotland last year I had only 5 Apple's on my tree. 😥

[@okienana11]

I want to sit around the table in the kitchen!

[@LA-jf1zn]

Always nice to seeing everyone! It's a full house. You've been busy, love seeing things getting done. I do hope you can save as much as possible from the darn frost. Pavlina I agree I'd rather shoval that sh.... than the other sh.....! Something about being outside in the garden that's good for the soul 💜. Take care all, looking forward to next time. 🌷

[@tanyab7318]

I love the care and attention you are giving to the chapel restoration.

[@TheLittleBlueFly]

What are beautiful adventure you are on! I adore your piece of earth! 🌷🌷🌷

[@amxranthine]

As for Stephanie's issue with rum cake Consider caramelizing it, then it won't be as soggy

[@stellaevans752]

Lovely video as usual Stephenie, nice to see Pavlina looking more at home and relaxed bless her heart, I love to see Kirsty, she’s so lovely and works so hard and she has gorgeous hair, all the Lalandes are so good to watch but you Stephenie are in a class of your own, my whole family loves you, xxxxxxxxxxx😘❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@aleta5873]

Love the ancient French boulders ....and Danna's unique dishes she shares....

[@susanneking2524]

I love seeing everyone pitch in and work together, the garden will be amazing!

[@ritajohnson5594]

Honestly brought a smile with the comment shoveling crap here or the crap in Ukraine. Blessing to the Ukraine people💕 Great team work in the garden and yard make sure to get monthly pics of the areas and progress. Food looks delish

[@monikastuckey8737]

Awesome plans for the gardens! Your Mum must be so happy to see that pile, since I can remember her saying the garden needed it.

[@newmoondarkmoon]

Dan just steals the show. 💜💜💜😂🐶✌️🌚✌️🌹✨💚🌸⭐️💫

[@peterolsen6454]

My god only you could do a segment on manure and make it interesting, you really are good kid !

[@angelapa9513]

Your content is always interesting 👍🏻

[@maryallen6334]

It's going to look great. You will have a lovely huge pile of ash for Kirsty to add to the vegetable gardens. I can't remember but it's like bio-char to add to the soil and very purifying.

[@alicewonderland9254]

Phillip and Steph are so so cute!

[@vlink4071]

The vision for the gardens is truly amazing! Thank you for bringing us on the journey. All the wonderful food on your videos makes me wish you had a cookbook!

[@stknmggs1788]

The gradual unfolding and creating of the foundations of your gardens are a true metaphor for life!

[@gloriagavaneli9862]

Such a happy group enjoying life thanks to Stephanie once again.

[@janetvorenkamp3655]

the logs would make a good trail edge border as you take the path in the forest.

[@mavep2855]

Praying all the trees survive the cold snap. You are having some very nasty weather, sunny and warm one day and into the deep freeze the next. Dana’s artichoke and pea dish looked awesome! Thanks Stephanie and company.🙏🏻❤️

[@tinacarrol6702]

Good Evening Lalanders. Xx 😊😘😊😘😊😘

[@anuhjarpe1812]

It's going to be so Beautiful when the chapel is finisht☺💟💟💟💟

[@sharronr]

Kirsten is looking very slim these days. She is such a cheerful, positive person.

[@olivia-kb1sd]

So many beautiful things happening in the gardens, I can’t wait to see them progress. And I hope the frost wasn’t too bad on the trees

[@katherinebopp2021]

The chapel is the jewel on the crown. So ,so happy for all your attention to your beautiful chapel. Perfect marshmallow , absolutely. Yum. 🪴

[@darylpenner5763]

Some very exciting progress all around the grounds of the Chateau. ...and there was a great shout throughout the Chateau! "The new dung pile is here! The new dung pile is here!" 💀 How fortunate Stephanie and the Chateau found each other! ⚜

[@claraisely9397]

Somehow you hit perfection with this video. Thank you for the lovely time with lovely people. Blessings and Warm wishes to all at LaLande. Special appreciation for Phillip who watches for Stephanie. Live Free from NH,USA

[@krisindaboyce3417]

We have had a return of winter here too in Rodney Ontario for the past 3 days. Early hours this morning torrential down pours and strong winds all day. Can not wait for the warm weather to come back. The Chateau is looking great. I love how every one pitches in and helps out. A positive atmosphere. Love watching your videos. Hugs from Canada ❤️

[@annettetoohey8934]

Dear Stephanie It is so lovely to see all the friends and volunteers together. What a great group of people. xx

[@colleenrose5355]

OMG when all that is finished you'll be able to host amazing weddings right at your own Chapel! How grate is that?

[@starmysticcatarot4928]

Oh my goodness, the poor rose window!! I hope the chapel gets fixed the way it needs, so that it can keep being the beautiful place of worship it is :) Thanks for sharing with us :)

[@imhappy3093]

Now we know why your back is hurting! In the familiar words of Isabelle, “Stephanie!” I can hear it now when she watches this! What a fun-filled vlog full of the people, animals, foliage, activity and food of LaLande! And the the news of Dana’s cooking channel 👏👏!

[@Hellyers]

Clay soil is great for Acer trees... they love it. My garden is full of clay soil, which can be a real pain, except for the fact our acer trees have grown amazingly well and look gorgeous!

[@MaryEllen_of_OBX]

I've got an old, family pound cake recipe too! It gets its name because you use basically a pound of each main ingredient.

[@josephforsuh6929]

22.53 Mummy Isabelle is probably beginning to have kittens around about now.... That scaffolding is high!

[@TheFiown]

I also planted blackberries last year and they are now 8 metres long over the trellis ! Incredible, maybe some fruit this year. I also planted a kiwi and it is amazing, actually a bit like a Triffid !

[@debragonser745]

In the US we have small burn barrels that we light at night under our apple trees to save the blooms. You could use your burn items there and save your crop!

[@debragonser745]

Hope it helps

[@carolinegooder7091]

Kristy said she is covering the trees in flannel. I don't think they could be out all night with burn barrels.🤣❤🌺🌹

[@debragonser745]

@@carolinegooder7091 we don’t stay out all night. Just wanted her to know so they could research it.

[@carolinegooder7091]

@@debragonser745 Do they burn on their own all night? I've only seen burning pots in fruit and grape fields in the mountains and foothills that are tended all night. 😁❤🌺🌹

[@menmanagement]

The château Garden needs a new Orangerie so you can pull in fruit trees and keep them going in warmed light and grow then all through the year like Royalty did with Oranges in France

[@carolinegooder7091]

There will be a new building beyond the pool area (where Tennis Court is now). A Orangerie would be great next to that water feature. 🤣❤🌺🌹

[@pamkullman8839]

Gardening is suppose to be very therapeutic, I am glad that Pavlina has a huge garden with many lovely animals and people to keep her occupied! I didn't even know that there were different types of daffodils! I just thought they were all a sign of spring and yellow.

[@lindamitman4538]

As always, a fun and interesting vlog. Much love to all at LaLande!

[@michelebourke4340]

wow...being an organic gardener, this captivated enormously. the vege garden n chapel surrounds. almost orgasmic!!! n thank you, phillip, for picking out the lovely ruby...waiting to see if someone else gets close with him like selmar did. good luck with the coming weather bomb n hope there's not too much damage. all the lil snippets of beauty/interest are what make your channel so distinct from most others, imo. the flit from thor, daffodils, the chapel window fix, the cuisine creators, dana's boots, texas pud, phillp's marshmellows n kirsty's passion...riveting. i live for the vicarious experience. thank you.

[@cheriethievin9243]

Kirsty, your hair is beautiful.

[@MicheleLRid]

“Always double the vanilla” - yes, please, “that’s like the garlic” - absolutely! All the beautiful flavors! Such a fun video! You are all just the best!!

[@trampertravels]

The Chapel - You need to have the chapel surveyed and find out what is happening to the foundations, there is probably water damage, either by increased levels of water saturation because of the removal of the large trees or by erosion of the footings. It might be possible to stabilise the footings with drainage channels.

[@elvaporter9111]

Loved this. Lots of hands make light work. I hope you can save some of your apples.