I like the idea of a large planter, but thinking that a tall cylindrical pot with the floating solar fountain in it might look nice. You wouldn't have to drill a hole, but cleaning it might be a problem. It would be simple and not draw attention away from the Hartley. Also, the birds would love it, and what a perfect place to watch them from the Hartley!
YES!! So glad that you looked at the big picture and considered the Hartley as your guide to where the trees needed to be positioned! Architect and landscaper here, and I was sitting hoping that the click moment would come to use the Hartley as your guide!! Woohooo 🎉🎉 Its gorgeous! Loving this ❤
The story about Samantha tossing sand and telling you to go that way - oh my goodness is that precious. I know it can be frustrating at times when a toddler gets a little sassy, but sassy girls grow up to be strong women. She is figuring it all out and it is so fun to see those wheels turning. You guys do a great job with both kids. You model good manners, responsibility, respect, and moral values.
Hi Laura and Aaron, I hear you about the decisions about planting trees! I planted three arborvitae and two sand cherries. It took me two days to get them in all straight and lining up. Doing it by myself made it more difficult. It so is so good to have someone say no that isn't straight yes it is. Finally after a lot of up and down and using the measuring tape I finally got them in straight and not too high out of the ground. Planting trees on a slope is interesting. :)
Thank you for being real about not knowing what to do in the garden. I felt so much better seeing that even Laura needs to take a break to re-assess an area. It is so relatable. I love the end result.
I agree...seeing someone else who you respect and love take a break and step away is about as good as it gets examplewise. Thanks Aaron for letting us know. and thanks Laura for staying real!.
That's what I love about Laura and the Garden Answer channel, they don't just show the before and after but all the headaches that come along the way. The honesty is refreshing and a chance for all of us to learn how to solve odd problems like this. Great work Laura and Aaron.
What a great partner Aaron is! Stepped in to keep us up to date on the situation (mental health breaks are 100% necessary and helpful!) and was super supportive when he saw the finished product! We all need someone like that in our corner. 😊 I think the placement is perfect, centered amongst the boxwoods, not "what it would be if it was square". I think leaving the center of the parterre empty for now and get everything around it settled first. You may want that breathing room. Looking beautiful as always!
🦋Good day Laura, Aaron, and all GA friends. I enjoy a good ‘mental health’ break. What a great team you two make to appreciate each other’s needs, and in the end it is just magnificent! Beautiful placement and the pots, just to die for! Have fun in your little truck, Benjamin. Enjoy a lovely weekend everyone ☕️💚🦋
Love all of it. My personal opinion only is you don’t need anything in the centre. It looks calm and serene. The pot might be a eye block to the front door of the Hartley. Whatever you choose I am sure it will be as usual stunning. 💝
I just love how real you are in your videos. I love how you took us on the journey of the struggle of placement of those trees. Sometimes that's what it takes is a few moments to gather yourself and look at it with fresh eyes to see what it needs. That is real life. You and Aaron do such a wonderful job. The trees and all the plants look so amazing in front of the Hartley!! You are such an inspiration to me. I have learned so much from watching you over the last three or four years. Thank you for sharing your love of plants.
Everything looks Beautiful!! It was very sweet of Aaron letting us know you needed a mental break. I can't count how many times I just needed to walk away for a few minutes and come back with fresh eyes😊
Aaron stepping in for Laura, great job Aaron! In the end they look awesome! Samantha is funny.... they really test you at this age and beyond to see how much they can get away with stuff!😂 Have a blessed weekend 🤗❤️🤗
So glad you noticed the Hartley was providing the guidance on placing those crabapples! It's weird and amazing what a step away and break can do for a conundrum. Looks "right" from all angles now!
I love the problem solving. It's the real part of gardening. Other channels gloss over the real stuff. Sometimes you have to just sit and think about the next steps. It's not flashy or glamorous. But it's real.
Oooooooh I really like the idea of an art piece in the centre of the Hartley tree quadrant. Laura is constantly modelling for us - who here hasn’t felt a moment of frustration while gardening? Taking a mental health break by stepping away and doing a different activity before coming back to the project with fresh eyes and more patience is a brilliant strategy. Aaron giving her the space to do so is admirable. Huzzah!
Love your comment Gardener Phyl! I truly agree! That fresh perspective is so helpful - I spend 3/4 of each installation deciding just where to place each new planting. Sometimes it takes days. They are our babies! ☺️🌿 PS ❤️to you all in Canada w/ the fires. Our hearts are with you
Such a smart tip to dig holes and leave trees in the open hole while finalizing the position. I can't say how many times I've had to dig up a newly planted plant to reposition it correctly! 😂 The Hartley looks even more amazing as the garden grows around it.
Thank you for keeping it real! Sometimes we just need a moment and I'm glad you didn't sugar coat that. And thank you Aaron for taking the camera and being a part of this! Love you guys! My day isn't complete without hearing "Hey guys, how's it going?"
It's incredible to see how much you have been able to accomplish in this space already! I love the open middle section and don't think you need anything in the centre. It allows the area to breathe and you get to enjoy the beautiful, uninterpreted view into the Hartley. Looking forward to seeing how this area matures.
Your tree placement was perfect. The area is just beautiful. Awesome job Aaron and Laura. As those trees grow the slight imperfections,bend will not be noticeable. Love all you do. Have a blessed day everyone
I had a scarey thought: remember the trees in your townhouse garden?!? The gofers got ‘em and ruined the symmetry! How will you keep that from happening? It would break our hearts to see that again!!!
Oh, Laura! I get the same way when trying to figure out these seemingly impossible decisions on the spot! It was encouraging to watch you power through the tree placement decision!
I loved the part where Aaron took over the moment he noticed that you needed the mental break for a few minutes. He is very good at explaining garden stuffs too. We love you both.😊❤
I think I would leave the middle empty for now tbh. There’s a lot going on around that area already and the round space with the gravel looks so good as it is
Words can’t explain it…Just Beautiful 😍.. Because of you. I painted my house black and white, put up window boxes, plant the plants you plant and drove 8 hours to pickup Bio Tone so I could smell it and use it. Thank you for all the videos and tones of inspiration and information. Thank you again ❤
Hi Laura, Aaron, I never leave this channel without being inspired, entertained or educated. Today was an education in formal garden and how it is to achieve symmetry; which requires perception and measurement. Everything is looking great in and around the Parterre garden.
I can't believe how much your channel makes me so happy. I literally check every morning for your latest post. I have learned so much from you, thank you thank you thank you. You have worked so hard to have such an incredible life, what an AMAZING way to live life. AHHHH, maybe one day. I just live through you and your videos for now :)
I had to take a mental health break today too while trying to hang a trellis on our house. I walked away and everyone thought I was crazy for just throwing my hands in the air and leaving. But I came back about 10 minutes later and made a decision, and now it looks great. Sometimes you have to do that to save your own sanity. It looks amazing. Love the rose trees. Just lovely.💗
I love how it turned out. 😊 I think the center should have a large statue with flowers surrounding the bottom. That would be beautiful and is my vote. Lol. 🤭 🌿🩷🌷🌸🪷🌿 You and Aaron always do a wonderful job together. Love your videos.
It is a beautiful landscape, and you always do beautiful work! I love how Aaron gives you space and encouragement! You always end up with the most beautiful things! ❤
Absolutely fabulous!!! This is among my favorite videos! I realized while watching you that I need to build a day of "fluff" into my gardening chores. As a 73 yo single female tending almost two acres of gardening, I constantly maintaining and need a day of doing pretty things! The trees are perfection. Also, with a property your size you can never have too many water features. I vote for a large basin type water feature in the center!! Happy weekend. Thanks for this perfect video!
I don't know why but having these trees installed behind the Hartley was such a sense of accomplishment to me and it's not even my garden. It just looks and feels like they were there all along. I love it. I was so glad you lined them up with the Hartley. There's something about the two wooden benches that adds a touch of balance to it all also.
Everything around the Hartley (so far) has been meant to frame it and show it at its best. The trees are perfect. I was thinking anything in the middle of the circle might block/interrupt the view....keep in mind you don't have to put anything there. If you do, something low instead of a tall statue might do better at not blocking the beautiful view of the structure. But I suppose anything would look great and you have a great eye for design. Can't wait to see what you decide!
Thank you for being honest and real about needing a mental health break, would love to see more of that! I am a perfectionist and I know if I was making videos i would be very tempted to edit things like that out. But as one of your regular viewers and a novice gardener it is reassuring to see that you have moments where you don't always know exactly what to do. Also great job vlogging Aaron- you should do more of it! Maybe some more lawn care videos? In this small moment the strength of your marriage came through on camera ❤ Aaron's patience with Laura's decision making 👌
I think that a beautiful statue would be an amazing addition because it won’t take away focus of your 4 quadrants AND it will allow the Hartley to shine…. Regardless of your choice, it is turning out absolutely magnificent. Great job, Laura & Aaron …. May you continue blessed and a blessing to all . Happy Gardening ! 🌸💐👋🙏🦋🌸
Laura try flowering Vinca sometime. It looks like regular old fashion Inpatiens but can withstand heat beautifully. They mound up and make beautiful pillows of color. They come in so many colors too.
My Dad always grew Vincas and I have a picture of my Niece and daughter at 7 yrs.old standing in front of a mound of Vincas. They can take the Texas summers as long as they have plenty of water.
Laura taking a mental break, I know the feeling sometimes you just have to walk away lol. The big containers up by the Hartley are sooooo stinkin' beautiful and the crabapple trees are perfect for those beds. Aaron you and Laura rock. One of my best joys of the day is watching y'all videos and recaps.❤❤❤❤
Hi! I was thinking about mental breaks and I get it! So for a visual peaceful center in that garden, plant all things that attract butterflies and birds! Its always fun watching them and great for your mental health sitting on the benches for a few minutes. Love your beautiful gardens! I watch you every morning from Florida while having my coffee. Thats my mental break and start the day with a peaceful hour. Have a blessed day! Thank you!🌺
Using the rule of thirds in a square is balanced and pleasing to the eye too. They look good. And I actually love that they aren’t obelisk-straight trees. Nature is in motion and the movement of living trees is so much of their beauty. Excellent work. Thank you for sharing.
How beautiful. Love the way the supertunias are beautiful. Loved seeing Benjamin. Had to go back and stop the video, He is getting so big. Know he had fun with his tractor driving around in the sun. Loved hearing how you two support each other in jobs, and thoughts. :-)
Glad Laura took a “mental break” aligning the trees with the front of the Hartley is perfect. The trunks are perfectly aligned also. Easy on the eyes. Another great video. Thank you GA Team.
Most definitely a sculpture...theres already several fountains or soon-to-be water features. There's more containers than you can count (cant believe I said that😂). And there's several lovely pieces of statuary. A beautiful piece of art sculpture...maybe iron or bronze or copper. Be on the lookout👀 while antique sjopping😊
Laura, I’m so thrilled for you all with all you’ve been able to do and accomplish. The Hartley looks beautiful and the surroundings are just wonderful. You should be so proud. 😊 I live in a humble, little suburban rental and although my dream is to one day have some land of my own, you inspire me to get after it each day and bring beauty to what I already have. Thank you for being a constant source of light and joy. As a few others have already mentioned, I think leaving the space in the middle of the parterre free would give a nice visual rest. Blessings.
Super job! Aaron did really well with the camera! That was so sweet of him. I'm glad you finally got it worked out, looks great! Regarding the circle in the middle where you said you may put a big planter, what about leaving it how it is? You know the saying, sometimes less is more.
I am so glad that you notice that the Hartley was your point of reference, Great Job!! Your inspiration has inspired many. Love that Aaron took over in the time of a break!!
You did a great job! I love the colors, especially the Bordeaux petunias! The trees make a wonderful centerpiece, it will be so beautiful in every season!
Oh that Samantha Grace!!! A girl after a gardeners heart!!! Playing in the dirt, always! The crab apples look perfect. Love the color tones in the Hartley area!!!
Deine Genauigkeit liebe Laura, macht das ganze so perfekt. Sehr schön, mit den neuen Bäumchen. Aber auch die richtige Farn Sorte oder Palmen könnte ich mir auch im Eingangsbereich vorstellen. Ein bisschen Englisch angehaucht .L.G.Anja aus Germany
Laura, purple, pinks, and whites are my colors too. Thanks for being real and explaining the whys of placement. I would wait on the center until the lollipops get bigger. Right now the Hartley is still the main focus.
Sometimes it’s just better to walk away, take a deep breath and say a prayer. I think what you ended up with was the perfect solution. I’ve loved watching the space evolve.
Thank you so much for being open to share this whole process of planting the crabapples. It makes me feel better to know that I'm not the only one who stresses about getting placement right. It's important when you're placing trees to get it right because it's something that will be there for years unlike planting annuls or even smaller perennials that can easily be moved later. It all looks fabulous and very restful to the eye. Excellent job!
Laura! You have created a magical place ❤. Just so lovely and inspiring. I ❤ how you work together. “Laura’s having a mental health break” omg 😂he’s such an awesome guy. What a lovely home and couple
Oh gosh as a medical technologist my job means great attention to detail and perfection! I understand your mind Laura to the max when you were placing the crab apple trees! My mind is always that way at home too, I'm a kindred spirit with you!❤
I absolutely love watching you two work through garden issues! Your garden is so spectacular and you are a joy to watch every morning. You inspired me every day to get out and get going!!! Thank you!
Every fiber of my being was saying 'VISUAL CENTER' - haha! With a lifelong career as a graphic designer, I know this concept well - and NOT surprised Laura came to the same conclusion because...she understands balance. This area is just stunning! Excited to see it fill in.
It took me many more years of frustration than it should have to realize it’s better to take a break and look at things with a fresh eye than try to get planting done in a hurry. There is a young man (18 now) who helps me with some of the heavy lifting in my yard but he doesn’t seem to have the same appreciation (?) for moving something 10 times before it’s in the best spot! 😆 Laughed out loud when you were showing Samantha’s redesign of the greenhouse and plants, and especially telling you to go other way! My 2 year old granddaughter loves to “organize” things at home and in her sisters school room when she has been there. That could be a good thing except she does NOT think anything should be moved once she has finished. 😂
Laura, you make me so motivated!! Loved Aaron picking up the camera too. Everyone needs a mental health break every once in a while 😉 and I can't wait to see the crabapples in bloom, they're going to be stunning!!
The wisdom of taking a mental health break, to allow yourself a fresh perspective on an issue, is a fabulous life lesson. Thank you for being so real and for the reminder that pushing through isn’t necessarily the best approach.
I know the feeling when you love your space soo much - the struggle over the decisions is real!🤪 I, for one, am glad you took the time to get the placement just right! What a wonderful feeling when the plan comes together - it looks great👍👏😊
You TOTALLY made the right decision on the location of the trees. Don't fret your original feelings and go with it! I can't wait until this area matures more and looks like the English garden it wants to be... Enjoy!
How about a nice sundial on a beautiful pedestal for the center? Would draw the eye, but not take too much from the overall design of the outside of the Hartley.
Hi Laura, I was trying to figure out what to plant in a few pots I have in a small backyard patio that get lots of direct sunlight as I live in the HOT Houston, TX area. That is when I came across your RUclips channel just at the beginning of May 2023. What beautiful garden areas you and your husband have created. I have learned so much from you in one month. Plant names, soil information, irrigation tips, and much more. I just love your formal garden around the Heartly, so beautiful. You mentioned possibly putting a statue or beautiful big pot in the center of where you just planted the crab tress. May I suggest a beautiful Sun Dial as a point of interest!? By the way my patio pots look beautiful because of what I learned from you. I have a beautiful moon pot, a beautiful tri-coleus pot, my first basil pot, a combo pot of super-tunia, verbna and superbells. In purple of course as that is my favorite flower color too. Thank you for all your inspiration, may God continue to bless you and your beautiful family.
I have a different variety of Geraniums that I started from seed - a varigated lavender bloom - but its my favorite flower in either garden this season. Such big leaves and adorable blossoms. Coleus and Geraniums are my two new faves from seed
Thank you Aaron, we all love Laura but it’s nice to hear you explaining things sometime.🌸💚🙃
“Laura’s taking a mental health break” 😂 we feel you, Laura! It looks awesome and I totally agree that you should do a large planter in the center.
😵💫
I like the idea of a large planter, but thinking that a tall cylindrical pot with the floating solar fountain in it might look nice. You wouldn't have to drill a hole, but cleaning it might be a problem. It would be simple and not draw attention away from the Hartley. Also, the birds would love it, and what a perfect place to watch them from the Hartley!
I think a 2 or 3 tier concrete planter would be awesome!
I would like a sculpture. You don't need any more planters for flowers. Maybe a sculpture with a small amount of movement?
Lol, a well deserved break no less ! Glad you got all your steps in 😂
YES!! So glad that you looked at the big picture and considered the Hartley as your guide to where the trees needed to be positioned! Architect and landscaper here, and I was sitting hoping that the click moment would come to use the Hartley as your guide!! Woohooo 🎉🎉 Its gorgeous! Loving this ❤
Walking away and coming back with fresh eyes is the smartest thing to do. Even if you don't need a break! Yahoo :)
Perhaps a simple sunk in water feature.
The story about Samantha tossing sand and telling you to go that way - oh my goodness is that precious. I know it can be frustrating at times when a toddler gets a little sassy, but sassy girls grow up to be strong women. She is figuring it all out and it is so fun to see those wheels turning. You guys do a great job with both kids. You model good manners, responsibility, respect, and moral values.
Hi Laura and Aaron, I hear you about the decisions about planting trees! I planted three arborvitae and two sand cherries. It took me two days to get them in all straight and lining up. Doing it by myself made it more difficult. It so is so good to have someone say no that isn't straight yes it is. Finally after a lot of up and down and using the measuring tape I finally got them in straight and not too high out of the ground. Planting trees on a slope is interesting. :)
Thank you for being real about not knowing what to do in the garden. I felt so much better seeing that even Laura needs to take a break to re-assess an area. It is so relatable. I love the end result.
I agree...seeing someone else who you respect and love take a break and step away is about as good as it gets examplewise. Thanks Aaron for letting us know. and thanks Laura for staying real!.
That's what I love about Laura and the Garden Answer channel, they don't just show the before and after but all the headaches that come along the way. The honesty is refreshing and a chance for all of us to learn how to solve odd problems like this. Great work Laura and Aaron.
Im glad its not just me who gets the tape measure out sometimes. ☺️
What a great partner Aaron is! Stepped in to keep us up to date on the situation (mental health breaks are 100% necessary and helpful!) and was super supportive when he saw the finished product! We all need someone like that in our corner. 😊 I think the placement is perfect, centered amongst the boxwoods, not "what it would be if it was square". I think leaving the center of the parterre empty for now and get everything around it settled first. You may want that breathing room. Looking beautiful as always!
Would love to see a sundial on a pedestal,or something similar in the center of the parterre.
Yes..I just wrote the same thing about a sundial! 🌞
I just wrote this, too! Great minds and all 🤩
I love that idea as well. I feel like a large planter would distract from the beauty of the Hartley. 😊
I was thinking empty but a sundial is perfect!!!
“Grow old with me, the best is yet to come.” That’s the sun dial I have had in my garden. One of my favorite quotes.
🦋Good day Laura, Aaron, and all GA friends. I enjoy a good ‘mental health’ break. What a great team you two make to appreciate each other’s needs, and in the end it is just magnificent! Beautiful placement and the pots, just to die for! Have fun in your little truck, Benjamin. Enjoy a lovely weekend everyone ☕️💚🦋
Beautiful!
You too 🙂
Love all of it. My personal opinion only is you don’t need anything in the centre. It looks calm and serene. The pot might be a eye block to the front door of the Hartley. Whatever you choose I am sure it will be as usual stunning. 💝
I just love how real you are in your videos. I love how you took us on the journey of the struggle of placement of those trees. Sometimes that's what it takes is a few moments to gather yourself and look at it with fresh eyes to see what it needs. That is real life. You and Aaron do such a wonderful job. The trees and all the plants look so amazing in front of the Hartley!! You are such an inspiration to me. I have learned so much from watching you over the last three or four years. Thank you for sharing your love of plants.
Everything looks Beautiful!! It was very sweet of Aaron letting us know you needed a mental break. I can't count how many times I just needed to walk away for a few minutes and come back with fresh eyes😊
Aaron stepping in for Laura, great job Aaron! In the end they look awesome! Samantha is funny.... they really test you at this age and beyond to see how much they can get away with stuff!😂 Have a blessed weekend 🤗❤️🤗
So glad you noticed the Hartley was providing the guidance on placing those crabapples! It's weird and amazing what a step away and break can do for a conundrum. Looks "right" from all angles now!
Love how Aaron took the camera while Laura was on her mental health break! 😂 Aaron, you're a natural!
I loved it to! He did a great job.
Aaron reminds me SO much of my brother, whom I absolutely adore. They have a calmness that is reassuring.
I love the problem solving. It's the real part of gardening. Other channels gloss over the real stuff. Sometimes you have to just sit and think about the next steps. It's not flashy or glamorous. But it's real.
Oooooooh I really like the idea of an art piece in the centre of the Hartley tree quadrant.
Laura is constantly modelling for us - who here hasn’t felt a moment of frustration while gardening? Taking a mental health break by stepping away and doing a different activity before coming back to the project with fresh eyes and more patience is a brilliant strategy. Aaron giving her the space to do so is admirable. Huzzah!
Love your comment Gardener Phyl! I truly agree! That fresh perspective is so helpful - I spend 3/4 of each installation deciding just where to place each new planting. Sometimes it takes days. They are our babies! ☺️🌿 PS ❤️to you all in Canada w/ the fires. Our hearts are with you
Such a smart tip to dig holes and leave trees in the open hole while finalizing the position. I can't say how many times I've had to dig up a newly planted plant to reposition it correctly! 😂 The Hartley looks even more amazing as the garden grows around it.
No stress Laura! It will all be BEAUTIFUL. BTW- Aaron’s monologue was such a treat! ❤️
Thank you for keeping it real! Sometimes we just need a moment and I'm glad you didn't sugar coat that. And thank you Aaron for taking the camera and being a part of this! Love you guys! My day isn't complete without hearing "Hey guys, how's it going?"
It's perfection, Laura and Aaron! Can't wait to see the centerpiece. Loved the story about Samantha 😅
It's incredible to see how much you have been able to accomplish in this space already!
I love the open middle section and don't think you need anything in the centre.
It allows the area to breathe and you get to enjoy the beautiful, uninterpreted view into the Hartley.
Looking forward to seeing how this area matures.
Your tree placement was perfect. The area is just beautiful. Awesome job Aaron and Laura. As those trees grow the slight imperfections,bend will not be noticeable. Love all you do. Have a blessed day everyone
I had a scarey thought: remember the trees in your townhouse garden?!? The gofers got ‘em and ruined the symmetry! How will you keep that from happening? It would break our hearts to see that again!!!
Oh, Laura! I get the same way when trying to figure out these seemingly impossible decisions on the spot! It was encouraging to watch you power through the tree placement decision!
I guess I’m probably in the minority but I love the open pathway to the Hartley, without a centerpiece.
You have a point, Dona. A visual break for the eye.
I agree. I love the open pathway. A nice break from all the structure of the Hartley, chicken coop, large pots and trees.
Me too guys there sometime simple and a rest for yours eyes. Once the plants begin to grow I think it will be stunning!
me too 😊
I think so too if not it needs to be something low to the ground so it doesn’t block the views
I loved the part where Aaron took over the moment he noticed that you needed the mental break for a few minutes. He is very good at explaining garden stuffs too. We love you both.😊❤
I think I would leave the middle empty for now tbh. There’s a lot going on around that area already and the round space with the gravel looks so good as it is
Words can’t explain it…Just Beautiful 😍.. Because of you. I painted my house black and white, put up window boxes, plant the plants you plant and drove 8 hours to pickup Bio Tone so I could smell it and use it. Thank you for all the videos and tones of inspiration and information. Thank you again ❤
Hi Laura, Aaron,
I never leave this channel without being inspired, entertained or educated. Today was an education in formal garden and how it is to achieve symmetry; which requires perception and measurement. Everything is looking great in and around the Parterre garden.
I think you made the right decision on the placement of the trees. Perfection!! 💗
And those pink geraniums....💕
I can't believe how much your channel makes me so happy. I literally check every morning for your latest post. I have learned so much from you, thank you thank you thank you. You have worked so hard to have such an incredible life, what an AMAZING way to live life. AHHHH, maybe one day. I just live through you and your videos for now :)
I had to take a mental health break today too while trying to hang a trellis on our house. I walked away and everyone thought I was crazy for just throwing my hands in the air and leaving. But I came back about 10 minutes later and made a decision, and now it looks great. Sometimes you have to do that to save your own sanity. It looks amazing. Love the rose trees. Just lovely.💗
Good morning Laura love watching all the planting going on I would love to see how your sister’s backyard is looking☘️🍃🌸🌷🪴🍃☘️🌿🌼🌻🌺
I love how it turned out. 😊 I think the center should have a large statue with flowers surrounding the bottom. That would be beautiful and is my vote. Lol. 🤭
🌿🩷🌷🌸🪷🌿 You and Aaron always do a wonderful job together. Love your videos.
It is a beautiful landscape, and you always do beautiful work! I love how Aaron gives you space and encouragement! You always end up with the most beautiful things! ❤
Absolutely fabulous!!! This is among my favorite videos! I realized while watching you that I need to build a day of "fluff" into my gardening chores. As a 73 yo single female tending almost two acres of gardening, I constantly maintaining and need a day of doing pretty things! The trees are perfection. Also, with a property your size you can never have too many water features. I vote for a large basin type water feature in the center!! Happy weekend. Thanks for this perfect video!
I don't know why but having these trees installed behind the Hartley was such a sense of accomplishment to me and it's not even my garden. It just looks and feels like they were there all along. I love it. I was so glad you lined them up with the Hartley. There's something about the two wooden benches that adds a touch of balance to it all also.
Nothing and no one is Perfect,but Aaron’s humor was hysterical 😂……keeping it real 🌿🍃
Everything around the Hartley (so far) has been meant to frame it and show it at its best. The trees are perfect. I was thinking anything in the middle of the circle might block/interrupt the view....keep in mind you don't have to put anything there. If you do, something low instead of a tall statue might do better at not blocking the beautiful view of the structure. But I suppose anything would look great and you have a great eye for design. Can't wait to see what you decide!
Thank you for being honest and real about needing a mental health break, would love to see more of that! I am a perfectionist and I know if I was making videos i would be very tempted to edit things like that out. But as one of your regular viewers and a novice gardener it is reassuring to see that you have moments where you don't always know exactly what to do. Also great job vlogging Aaron- you should do more of it! Maybe some more lawn care videos? In this small moment the strength of your marriage came through on camera ❤ Aaron's patience with Laura's decision making 👌
I have never tried planting a formal garden, and now I can appreciate how challenging it is to set one in the landscape.
I think that a beautiful statue would be an amazing addition because it won’t take away focus of your 4 quadrants AND it will allow the Hartley to shine…. Regardless of your choice, it is turning out absolutely magnificent. Great job, Laura & Aaron …. May you continue blessed and a blessing to all .
Happy Gardening !
🌸💐👋🙏🦋🌸
Laura try flowering Vinca sometime. It looks like regular old fashion Inpatiens but can withstand heat beautifully. They mound up and make beautiful pillows of color. They come in so many colors too.
My Dad always grew Vincas and I have a picture of my Niece and daughter at 7 yrs.old standing in front of a mound of Vincas. They can take the Texas summers as long as they have plenty of water.
Yes here in SC vincas are wonder for never stop color in hot temperature👍
I don't think I've ever seen Laura plant vincas! Maybe they can't get them in that area. I wonder if Proven Winners grows them?
Laura taking a mental break, I know the feeling sometimes you just have to walk away lol. The big containers up by the Hartley are sooooo stinkin' beautiful and the crabapple trees are perfect for those beds. Aaron you and Laura rock. One of my best joys of the day is watching y'all videos and recaps.❤❤❤❤
Hi! I was thinking about mental breaks and I get it! So for a visual peaceful center in that garden, plant all things that attract butterflies and birds! Its always fun watching them and great for your mental health sitting on the benches for a few minutes. Love your beautiful gardens! I watch you every morning from Florida while having my coffee. Thats my mental break and start the day with a peaceful hour. Have a blessed day! Thank you!🌺
We want more Aaron commentary! Love that he joined in and grabbed the camera while you were taking a break 💚
Using the rule of thirds in a square is balanced and pleasing to the eye too. They look good. And I actually love that they aren’t obelisk-straight trees. Nature is in motion and the movement of living trees is so much of their beauty. Excellent work. Thank you for sharing.
We all need a mental health break occasionally, and look how productive it was. You totally made the right decision. I vote for a beautiful sculpture
How beautiful. Love the way the supertunias are beautiful. Loved seeing Benjamin. Had to go back and stop the video, He is getting so big. Know he had fun with his tractor driving around in the sun. Loved hearing how you two support each other in jobs, and thoughts. :-)
Glad Laura took a “mental break” aligning the trees with the front of the Hartley is perfect. The trunks are perfectly aligned also. Easy on the eyes. Another great video. Thank you GA Team.
I am loving the purples and soft pinks that you are using this year. Can't wait to see them grow this summer.
Most definitely a sculpture...theres already several fountains or soon-to-be water features. There's more containers than you can count (cant believe I said that😂). And there's several lovely pieces of statuary. A beautiful piece of art sculpture...maybe iron or bronze or copper. Be on the lookout👀 while antique sjopping😊
I loved your story of Samantha at the end ... she has a super cute personality.
A video and cute story to show her what she was like as a child when she is older.😊
Laura, I’m so thrilled for you all with all you’ve been able to do and accomplish. The Hartley looks beautiful and the surroundings are just wonderful. You should be so proud. 😊 I live in a humble, little suburban rental and although my dream is to one day have some land of my own, you inspire me to get after it each day and bring beauty to what I already have. Thank you for being a constant source of light and joy. As a few others have already mentioned, I think leaving the space in the middle of the parterre free would give a nice visual rest. Blessings.
Hope you can get your home and garden someday.
Looks gorgeous! I vote for some sort of art piece or statue as you have lots of pots already in the area.
I agree…
A large fairy statue would look nice because this area is magical!
Super job! Aaron did really well with the camera! That was so sweet of him. I'm glad you finally got it worked out, looks great! Regarding the circle in the middle where you said you may put a big planter, what about leaving it how it is? You know the saying, sometimes less is more.
YOU TWO ARE AN AMAZING TEAM!!!💖🌞🌻🌞💖
Hey Laura, I'm always surprised tô see the videos be uploaded at the perfect time, you are só punctual and we're ALL here for It ❤
The videos are prescheduled, which is awesome and a smart move on their part.
I am so glad that you notice that the Hartley was your point of reference, Great Job!! Your inspiration has inspired many. Love that Aaron took over in the time of a break!!
Looking so gorgeous love the pretty soft colours you went with this year so pleasing to the eye❣️
Ahh, to see things with fresh eyes. If we didn't have that emotional attachment, we wouldn't be doing what we love. Excellent job.
You are such a breath of fresh air !! The two of you working together on a challenging project . So inspiring and it looks heavenly ❤
You did a great job! I love the colors, especially the Bordeaux petunias! The trees make a wonderful centerpiece, it will be so beautiful in every season!
Oh that Samantha Grace!!! A girl after a gardeners heart!!! Playing in the dirt, always! The crab apples look perfect. Love the color tones in the Hartley area!!!
Deine Genauigkeit liebe Laura, macht das ganze so perfekt. Sehr schön, mit den neuen Bäumchen. Aber auch die richtige Farn Sorte oder Palmen könnte ich mir auch im Eingangsbereich vorstellen. Ein bisschen Englisch angehaucht .L.G.Anja aus Germany
Laura, purple, pinks, and whites are my colors too. Thanks for being real and explaining the whys of placement. I would wait on the center until the lollipops get bigger. Right now the Hartley is still the main focus.
Sometimes it’s just better to walk away, take a deep breath and say a prayer. I think what you ended up with was the perfect solution. I’ve loved watching the space evolve.
Using the line on the Hartley is definitely the way to go imo. Well done! Everything is looking so good!!! 😊
You made the right call on the crabapple tree alignment! Loving all the purples and pinks, too!
Thank you so much for being open to share this whole process of planting the crabapples. It makes me feel better to know that I'm not the only one who stresses about getting placement right. It's important when you're placing trees to get it right because it's something that will be there for years unlike planting annuls or even smaller perennials that can easily be moved later. It all looks fabulous and very restful to the eye. Excellent job!
Laura! You have created a magical place ❤. Just so lovely and inspiring. I ❤ how you work together. “Laura’s having a mental health break” omg 😂he’s such an awesome guy. What a lovely home and couple
Absolutely beautiful. You and Aaron have done a great job with your landscaping. The Hartley is such a great focal point. Love it.
Love to see Aaron & Laura working together. 💕. A sculpture would be elegant.
Nothing wrong with taking a step back to clear your mind and get a new vision. ❤ they look lovely!!!
Oh gosh as a medical technologist my job means great attention to detail and perfection! I understand your mind Laura to the max when you were placing the crab apple trees! My mind is always that way at home too, I'm a kindred spirit with you!❤
I absolutely love watching you two work through garden issues! Your garden is so spectacular and you are a joy to watch every morning. You inspired me every day to get out and get going!!! Thank you!
I love all of the purples, soft pinks and pale peaches you are using this year. It will make for some beautifully romantic vistas 💕💕
Every fiber of my being was saying 'VISUAL CENTER' - haha! With a lifelong career as a graphic designer, I know this concept well - and NOT surprised Laura came to the same conclusion because...she understands balance. This area is just stunning! Excited to see it fill in.
Geeze Laura, Aaron. Your garden is just absolutely gorgeous. Your hardwork is paying off. BIG TIME!!!❤❤❤❤
Just when you think your space can’t get any better-it DOES!!! Looks amazing🌸🌸
It took me many more years of frustration than it should have to realize it’s better to take a break and look at things with a fresh eye than try to get planting done in a hurry. There is a young man (18 now) who helps me with some of the heavy lifting in my yard but he doesn’t seem to have the same appreciation (?) for moving something 10 times before it’s in the best spot! 😆 Laughed out loud when you were showing Samantha’s redesign of the greenhouse and plants, and especially telling you to go other way! My 2 year old granddaughter loves to “organize” things at home and in her sisters school room when she has been there. That could be a good thing except she does NOT think anything should be moved once she has finished. 😂
Laura, you make me so motivated!! Loved Aaron picking up the camera too. Everyone needs a mental health break every once in a while 😉 and I can't wait to see the crabapples in bloom, they're going to be stunning!!
The wisdom of taking a mental health break, to allow yourself a fresh perspective on an issue, is a fabulous life lesson. Thank you for being so real and for the reminder that pushing through isn’t necessarily the best approach.
Love….Love….how everything is coming together! Good job Arron filling in…
Love the “mental health break” with Aaron!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻🥰
I know the feeling when you love your space soo much - the struggle over the decisions is real!🤪 I, for one, am glad you took the time to get the placement just right! What a wonderful feeling when the plan comes together - it looks great👍👏😊
This area is amazing! I just want to sit on that bench, relax, and take in all of the beauty of the landscape! 🙂
Totally agree with the tree placement. Visually center is always better than actual center. Looks great!!
You TOTALLY made the right decision on the location of the trees. Don't fret your original feelings and go with it! I can't wait until this area matures more and looks like the English garden it wants to be... Enjoy!
I love that you have a formal garden right next to a cottage garden. #gardeninggoals
Hearing you and your husband talk in such supportive manner is absolutely wonderful. And of course your gardens are gorgeous!❤
I love how real you guys are. That is one of the reasons we all love you. "Mental health break" yeah we all get that!
How about a nice sundial on a beautiful pedestal for the center? Would draw the eye, but not take too much from the overall design of the outside of the Hartley.
Great choice in trees. That will be beautiful. Love the cool tones concept. I can certainly appreciate how hard it was to get those trees just right.
Turned out beautiful. I'm glad I'm not the only one that likes things to be balanced. I love your choice of crab apple for that area. Awesome job.
Hi Laura, I was trying to figure out what to plant in a few pots I have in a small backyard patio that get lots of direct sunlight as I live in the HOT Houston, TX area. That is when I came across your RUclips channel just at the beginning of May 2023. What beautiful garden areas you and your husband have created. I have learned so much from you in one month. Plant names, soil information, irrigation tips, and much more. I just love your formal garden around the Heartly, so beautiful. You mentioned possibly putting a statue or beautiful big pot in the center of where you just planted the crab tress. May I suggest a beautiful Sun Dial as a point of interest!? By the way my patio pots look beautiful because of what I learned from you. I have a beautiful moon pot, a beautiful tri-coleus pot, my first basil pot, a combo pot of super-tunia, verbna and superbells. In purple of course as that is my favorite flower color too. Thank you for all your inspiration, may God continue to bless you and your beautiful family.
Those trees look amazing. The whole area looks so beautiful.
Laura and Aaron it looks so beautiful!!! I’m a Libra and get very indecisive in my garden. Totally get it. Thanks for always keeping it real ❤
I have a different variety of Geraniums that I started from seed - a varigated lavender bloom - but its my favorite flower in either garden this season. Such big leaves and adorable blossoms. Coleus and Geraniums are my two new faves from seed
Courtney, I've never heard if a lavender Geranium...do you have the name of the seeds you used?