Today at the cottage, I’m joined by my daughter-in-law Taylor and her sister Katie for a "Gardening 101" session. When you're first starting out, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or even unsure of what questions to ask. We’re getting back to the fundamentals, from identifying pesky weeds (the bane of my existence!) to the magic of propagation.
We discuss how to develop a "signature touch" in your garden—like my love for topiary—and why it’s so important to be patient with your plants, especially hydrangeas, before reaching for the shears. Whether you are overwintering container plants or selecting bulbs that return year after year, remember: the essence of a garden life is learning from your mistakes and finding beauty in the process.
In this video, we cover:
Winterizing: How to save your non-hardy container plants for next season.
Topiary & Style: Finding statement plants that reflect your personal "brand."
Bulbs & Hydrangeas: Why foliage is food and why "new wood" vs. "old wood" matters.
Weeding 101: Identifying common weeds like Poa annua and larkspur seedlings.
Propagation Hacks: How to make new plants for free using leaf nodes and cuttings.
Fashion Epilogue: A transitional spring look featuring Amazon finds, J.Crew, Zara, and some stunning African-sourced jewelry.
Connect with us:
Check out Taylor’s channel for more indoor plant tips!
Visit the All Things Topiary playlist for more on my signature garden style.
Don’t let your plants (or your weeds) boss you around!
Step inside the iconic home and garden of Linda Vater. This channel is a dedicated chronicle of a storied property—a masterclass in English-style gardening, timeless interior design, and the art of living beautifully within a "Fairytale" aesthetic.
Whether you are looking for secret potting tricks, boxwood hedging inspiration, or a deep dive into the evolution of a grand garden, you’ll find it here. Join us as we celebrate the lessons learned and the beauty created at the Fairytale House.
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