Welcome to Garden Sanity! I’m Laura, gardening for over 30 years. Gardening is therapeutic for me, peaceful and calming. My goal is to help you find the sanity in your own gardening plus learn how to garden smartly -- hopefully minimizing frustration. I garden in southern New Jersey, near the coast, zone 7.
Here on Garden Sanity, you'll find helpful pruning and deadheading videos, garden tours of my various garden beds, plus videos about day-to-day gardening -- you know: the fun stuff and the not-so-fun stuff that we all experience as gardeners. Whether you're a beginner or experienced gardener, I hope you'll join me here and subscribe. And don't forget to ask questions or leave comments -- I read and answer each one! ~Laura Kuhlmann
Storm Cloud has quickly become one of my favorites! Glad you're enjoying it too Carolyn! I recently saw along the highway a business on a hill, and the entire hill was blooming with Amsonia -- not sure if it was the Storm Cloud variety, but it was stunning! 💙
You're welcome! I think propagating in the mid-to-late Winter or in the Spring (now) works best. I wouldn't try to do this in the heat of the Summer or in the Fall, as you want the plants to get their roots established well before the dormant season. If you're doing cuttings indoors, then sure you could take cuttings during the Summer. But if you want to cut them and pop them directly into a pot, I'd say Spring at the latest. I hope this helps!
Hi Carre, this video you just watched is the 3rd in a grouped collection of 9 videos in my Dappled Willow Playlist here on my RU-vid channel! So yes, there have been quite a few updates since then. 👍 Plus, there will be another one coming in the next two weeks, so I hope you’ll watch that entire playlist to see how the plants (and new seedlings I propagated too) have been doing. Thanks for asking! 😀
Hopefully, this fall I can divide my hostas. I’m working on a giant hosta wave. I did pick up a First Frost. Nice, but the yellow is turning white. The only hostas I don’t like are the wrinkly ones. I don’t need to be reminded I’m getting older.
Yes, Walters Gardens says the yellow does indeed turn white -- it's intentional. I have so many sunny areas right now, that I can't plant a lot of hosta, however there will be a more shady bed perhaps next year and maybe I can add more there. You had me almost spit out my tea laughing about the wrinkly hostas! 🤣
I don’t know much about gardening, but I bought some daffodils in early February when I buried my dog in my backyard and I planted them over his grave. They bloomed, but they’re looking a little weak even though I water them consistently. Do you think it was due to planting them in February?
I'm not sure where you are located in the world, but were these Daffodils already in bloom when you planted them, or were they bulbs you planted? (Here in the US, the latest to plant Daffodil bulbs is usually December...possibly into January.) Don't water them too much, as you don't want the roots to drown. Usually -- and again, not sure where you are located -- the average snow and/or rainfall is enough water for Daffodils. The Fall season is normally the best time to plant Daffodil bulbs, as they require a period of dormancy in the ground to get their roots going and take in more nutrients to get ready for their Spring blooming period. The first year the flowers should be nice and healthy, not weak as you described. But no worries, as next year should be perfect! 😊 Just leave the foliage to die back naturally -- as I explain in my other videos in my Daffodil Playlist series -- and fertilize with some Bulb Tone by Espoma or a similar bulb fertilizer now, while you can still see where the daffodils are. (Again, I have a video just on fertilizing Daffodils.) You'll have wonderful flowers next year, to honor your beloved pet's memory. I wish you peace, as saying goodbye to a furry family member is a really hard experience. ❤️🩹
Hi Laura! Looking lovely! That dogwood is stunning. I feel your pain with the catkins, I have large alder trees. First catkins (or alder worms, as I call them), then tons of tiny cones. But I do love my trees! I wiil keep my eyes open for those new hostas, I love yours. I got a new one this year called 'Whee'.😊 Have fun, and thanks for the tour!
Hi Susan! Yes, every single day I'm staring at the dogwood saying how much I love that tree! Catkins are the worst, but your "alder worms" name is hilarious! 🤣 And yes: I love my trees too, so as much as I complain, at the same time I'm thrilled we have all of those trees behind our fence for a little bit of "woods" between some of the houses. I love that it provides homes for so many different birds as well of course as feeding those pesky squirrels too. The "Whee" hosta is another one from the Shadowland series I was talking about: they are supposedly "premium" hostas because they do so well in gardens. 👍 I never thought I was a fan of Hosta, now I have two of the same! And just last weekend, we helped my elderly parents with getting all of their garden beds tidied up: I found myself loving so many of my Mom's hostas that I overlooked forever. 🤣
@@GardenSanity I did wonder about 'Whee' after I saw yours, it has the same ruffled edges, with green and gold variation. All my hostas are in pots on the deck. Deer and slugs, say no more! Glad you are able to help in your parents' garden, must be nice for both of you!😊
@@susantodd6963 I think I'm going to try hostas in pots in the future . . . after my credit card cools off from my recent plant buying spree! 🤣 Yes, being able to plant for my parents was something I can't even put into words: it was such a wonderful experience to be able to give back to them like that. I helped them garden from an early age, and their property is beautiful. I know it has been bittersweet for them (both almost 93 years young) that they can't garden anymore. (This is the first year they aren't able to do it themselves.) I'm honored that I could plant flowers and perennials that will add to their already wonderful gardens for them to enjoy, hopefully for many years to come. 🙏❤
I know what you mean about the credit card bill. I try not to look this time of year.😅 Then I get twitchy when I don't have any more plants to plant! Gardening is the best, it gives so much back to us in so many ways. So glad you have been able to share it with your parents, they sound like lovely people!
@@susantodd6963 My husband is used to the small "nursery" of plants I have lined up in the backyard every Spring. I had to explain that I'm still waiting on two more orders, and then I'll have everything to plant, because first I need to move one plant, replace it with another plant, then find a home for the original plant, and so on! I made a list of where I want things to go this year, so hopefully the process will be smoother, rather than me staring...and staring...and staring! Yes, my parents kept thanking my husband and I for all of our gardening last weekend, but I kept reminding them that I'm thanking THEM for nurturing my love of gardening from an early age!
Yes, the catkins are a maddening start to the season each year aren’t they?!?! They are finally slowing down around here. All of my evergreen shrubs look like they have brown tinsel hanging from them lol😂 I am so interested in seeing how the heliopsis performs. The Proven Winners Tuscan Gold has done really well for me. Blooms for such a long time. But I love the variegation of these Touch of Blush. Do you know if they stay more compact like the Bit of Honey?
Hi Allison -- I'm so glad you can relate, even though it means you deal with the brown tinsel too! And I love that description because it IS like tinsel. 😩 The Tuscan Gold is so pretty, and I was thinking of buying that before Walters Gardens sent me the Touch of Blush to trial in my garden. The size is smaller than Bit of Honey: just 20 inches by 20 inches at maturity, so it should fit the space nicely. 🌼
Love love LOVE all of your videos. You explain everything perfectly and have a soothing voice. I love to watch your videos with my morning coffee and a notepad. I learn so much and discover so many beautiful plants. Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.
Thank you Clara - I really appreciate it, and love that you can relax in the morning and enjoy my videos! I love sharing not only my favorite plants but also new plants I learn about along the way, so I'm glad to have your positive feedback! ❤️ Enjoy the holiday weekend!
Oh Teresa -- what a great description: meatballs! 🤣 Love it! I'm working on my follow-up video about how these boxwoods look today . . . it's going to be called The Good, The Bad...and The Ugly . . . so stay tuned! 😉
I love your gardens. I’m curious about your choice of stones as compared to lawn. A great option for people with allergies. It looks very nice. I like the information about the individual plants. One can pause the video and take notes, much easier than listening to someone giving the stats.
Thanks for your helpful feedback Mary! ❤️ We got rid of our grass for several reasons: we wanted more garden space; the grass required a lot of watering in the Summer; sections of the property were always wet where our feet would sink into the muddy grass; and finally my husband hated mowing the lawn. 🤣 Eventually there won’t be as much gravel, as we continue to add new garden beds. The gravel makes our entire yard usable, as the water drains and you can walk on the stones after it rains. No more shoes stuck in the mud! 🫠😀
Always love your gardens. You have such talent on arranging them with the colors of the leaves and flowers. I do have the False Sunflower with the leaves but mine is not the blush one. They grow very tall and wide in there 3rd year but they are so beautiful. I also finally bought the Candy Tuft so I am glad that I bought 2 of them. Thanks for showing us your beautiful gardens. Happy Gardening.
Thank you so much Linda! 😊 I look forward to my False Sunflower filling out as it grows, although this variety will be approximately 20” x 20” at maturity. The yellow flowers are indeed beautiful! Glad you bought some Candytuft - it’s such a wonderful year-round plant. Keep me posted on how it’s growing. 🤍
That was wonderful! You almost tempted me on the Heliopsis so Thank God it is not available 😂😂😂. Laura, because of your love of pink……… you need a Carolina sweetheart redbud! Omg the color! When the leaves on mine get a little larger, I will post it on instagram and let me know what you think 😂.
Thanks Chris! 😊 Maybe once you see the Heliopsis more mature, you’ll find one! Carolina Redbuds are stunning with those leaves! 🩷🍃 How many Redbud varieties do you have, as I think you have Flame Thrower as well?
@@GardenSanity don’t laugh……. I have weeping falls, red one, 2 normal ones that were on the property 4 years ago when I moved in, I have flame thrower, rising sun, a smaller regular one and Carolina sweetheart 😂😂😂😂! I love them so much!! My next passion was the golden shadows pagoda dogwood that has variegated green and yellow leaves and I have 2 and they just glow in my dappled sun yard. I have one in a pot and one I planted in the ground. They are my magical trees 😂.
Wow -- you're more of a tree lover than I am! I definitely want another Redbud because my "stick" doesn't count, even though I refuse to dig it up! So now I'm wondering if Carolina Sweetheart will be the one I'll end up with. I love the Flame Thrower and Rising Sun too...as well as the multi-trunked styles. So I'm not laughing...instead I wish I had all of yours!
Yes Tim, you can definitely divide the Totally Tangerine now. Once you replant them, if any of those flopping leaves don't bounce back up, you can snip them off without any worries. I find this variety divides well and the new smaller divisions get established easily. Keep me posted!
@@timd5597 Oh I see! Yes, the flowering stems will sometimes do that. It can be from the wind, from them stretching to reach the sun, or rain beating them down a bit. No worries, as it doesn't happen every year. (My backyard Geums did this last year, but not this year.) So yes, go ahead and divide, but know that the stems sometimes have a mind of their own, especially when they grow pretty tall. I think the stems grow taller than described in various catalogs and on websites.
I just have to say thank you for putting in timestamps in your videos. It makes it so much easier, especially when there are several different plants discussed. Really appreciate all of your practical garden tips and love watching your videos.
Hi, I’m in zone 9, and would like to know how often I should water this plant? Most articles say don’t overwater, but since I’m in a very hot area, would once a week be too often? I know these questions are difficult to know exactly how to advise. I appreciate any info you offer. Thank you
Hi Debbie! I think your best bet is what you suggested: start with once a week and see how the Butterfly Bush does. You'll know if it is too much water because the leaves will begin to turn yellow - which can be confusing as that's how leaves turn on many plants when they are dying too. If you see some yellowing, just expand the time between watering. It's always tough to figure out these drought-tolerant plants when we first have them, to make sure we're not overwatering. I go through this too!
I have a multi colored Butterfly bush in my front yard in front of the porch and it gets almost as high as our apartment it grows really good only issue I have is I want to deadhead it when it comes times and have never before but we get a lot of bumble bees on it and im alergic so i have got to figure something out its above knee high right now and really green growing good here in ky ,Ive been able to photograph about 7/8 different species of butterflys last year hope this year is better for it.
My bugbear! I find planting similar perennials like day lilies is helpful, you can hide the daffodil leaves easily. I do braid others and tuck them behind other flowers. I have had no problem with diminishing blooms next spring
Glad to hear you've not had any problems with braiding the stems Brenda. Yes, Daylilies are a fantastic way to hide the similar leaves of Daffodils too. Great solution! 👍
Well it's not as bad as it might look to you, so no worries! The shrubs that are planted with river rocks around them are all doing well, nothing is suffocating. I do agree that perennials would not do well at all, as would many other varieties of shrubs, surrounded by river rocks. But the ones I have are all ok -- especially as we work to remove the horrible landscape fabric that was put down by previous landscapers before we realized just how awful landscape fabric is: talk about suffocating plants! 😊 Had I to do it over again, I might confine the river rocks just to the outer beds against the fence in the backyard and not to the beds around our patio. But...so far they're doing well. (And yes, I know there are many gardeners who aren't fans of rocks around plants, and I totally get it and respect it!) 💛 Thanks for weighing in! 🙂
Thanks Bea! Glad to meet a fellow gardener who feels the same way when you stumble onto a smart idea . . . as well as a "Why didn't I think of this sooner?" idea! 😉 😃
great advice, just what I was looking for! I'm in central Florida and recently ordered from Creekside Nursery in South Carolina, close to home. Happy with the quality of the plants, but I need to do more research!
Hi Cate, You only need to change the water if it starts to get cloudy. Continue to add more water into the container/vase every so often when you notice the water level evaporating a bit. I found that by adding some water every so often, it kept the water clear. I hope this helps!
Thank you for the information about when to cut back. I wonder if you could address how to move daffodils to a different spot. Also when you've made the mistake and caused a "no flower" situation, is the damager permanent or will they eventually bloom again? Thank you.
I'm testing out growing candytuft in a container right now as I'm getting my landscape done. The flowers are entirely white, but this week, I'm noticing some are turning into a light pink color. Is this a sign of disease, over or underwatering by chance? Or something else?
I find the pronunciations curious. Vitae is Vee-Tay' yet with arbor your'e saying it differently. Leyland sounds like Lee'-land as in the name, and you're saying that lay-land.
Not crazy about red tip fontina anywhere near hardscape or houses. I think of it as a privacy plant along a fence line on a very large piece of property.
Thanks for your video. I just bought three Phenomenal 4" plants. How much shade can they handle? I am in Georgia, and my backyard faces east, so can it grow in direct sun from 12-3 or 4? I have a concrete pool deck, so I was thinking of planting them in containers which also has reflected heat like in your plantings.
Lavender Phenomenal needs to be in full sun, which usually is 6 to 8 hours of sun daily. They also don't mind being shielded from late afternoon sun, so depending on how hot your Summer sun and temperatures are in Georgia -- you know your garden property best -- they could do fine with Noon to 3 or 4 PM. They also do well in containers, so yes, that's an option too! I wish I could help you more, but I think either choice will work for you. Please keep me posted on what you decide to do! 💜
Great video and great help - thanks. I live in London - but what time of year do you think is best to divide Geums? There’s a lot of conflicting ideas on line and I would rather go with what you recommend! Thank you.
Hi Brian, you can divide them either in Spring or in early Fall. I do mine in the Spring, and they always thank me for it by growing nicely for the Summer season. Plus I never have to worry by dividing them in Spring (versus Fall) that we get an early freeze and the plants get damaged if they roots haven't established themselves into the soil yet. So I'd say divide them now and enjoy their beautiful foliage (and maybe more flowers here and there) this year! 🧡
