It’s great when someone knows you well enough to say, ‘I’m not sure you’ll like that.’ Your Mom is great!

I like the idea of the fountain in the open circle, but what about a lower fountain, nothing as tall as the one you have at the front of the house, but more like a reflecting pond type? That will also still allow you to see the hartley when sitting opposite of it!

Love how Aaron so nicely suggested that the ipad be taken inside...as he looks for scratches from the rock. I totally get it. 😊

30:09 here’s an idea, since you have kids. For the center circle, consider a splash pad fountain made from one large 5’ stone. A hole is drilled through the center to created a bubbler fountain. You want to look for a flat stone that can hold a little water that bubbles and spills over the edge but that also allows for dry seating around it. Kids and birds can splash in the water which is so fun to watch. The rest of the circle bed can have crushed stone and steppables thyme ground cover for little bare feet and sensory exploration. Flowering plants and grasses can be tucked under and around the main stone. Since the rest of the property is formal, this will be a fun surprise to break it up and add hours of entertainment.

I’m so glad mom said to keep the patio bigger!! You won’t regret that decision! Having a boxwood hedge around the center circle is brilliant as well!! Mom’s always know best, right?! 😂❤

When your mom suggested a circle hedge of boxwoods around the water feature, I saw it In my mind immediately. Love it!

Laura!! Remember - birthday party’s - family gatherings/ small reunions? - graduation celebrations!! Keep your space big because your future will need it 😊 imagine all your friends and family gathered in that space to toast your children’s graduations and maybe one day their weddings ❤❤❤❤ It’s so far off in the future but one day it will be your present 💝 Whatever you create will be amazing❤

Don't forget posts for lighting, which could also holding hanging baskets, and the end runs of large string lights that could originate in the trees. That area is large enough for multiple conversational groups of tables and chairs, with a buffet table laden with cocktail makings and nibbles. It will also be a good presentation area, and you could do movie nights. You're going to use the heck out of that space, and Benjamin and Samantha are going to have so many memories of fun parties out there.

Mom always brings another wonderful element, when I saw her arrive I immediately thought…yayyyyyyy! ❤

I would definitely use flagstone path by chicken coop rather than the wood slats...decisions.. decisions... ❤️👍🏼

Don't fret over removing the Ash tree. It lived a good life, and will now make for warmth in your fireplace. And now that you and Aaron are pros at picking out large trees, it's an opportunity to go back to the tree farm to replace it with something healthy and large 🌳

“No fighting, ,no screaming - Aaron. Something tells me that sweet Laura can be a little fiesta sometimes! 😂

This was cool 😎! It was kinda like being a fly on the wall as you planned your space out. Thanks for including us.

I’m with your Mom on the fountain. Also don’t you want to design the brick circle with a border of brick rather then just cutting around it ? I love the idea some of the comments suggested of a reflecting pool . I can’t wait to see this in progress! We rarely sit outside in the summer here because heat,wind and flys .

I love the ideas that was talked about. So happy you included your mom’s input. That’s one thing I love about your channel, you keep it real life. Even when you and Aaron was talking in the beginning about no yelling, that made me smile. When my husband and I do projects the yelling does happen. It’s real life!! I also love that you include us in the planning and makes us get as excited as you are!!!Thank you for always including us!❤

My 2 cents… I would definitely keep the middle circle open as opposed to cutting it out later. I think doing the latter would look unfinished and messy. But what about a flagstone edge around a pond? That way the view remains unobstructed but the water element is still present? It would be cool to watch some coy swimming around, maybe a water lily? Whatever y’all end up doing, I’m sure it’ll be gorgeous! It was fun coming along during this process! Have a great weekend ❤️

No more boxwoods - thinking about around the water feature. Like the idea mentioned of a lower, broader fountain. Less formal.

Your mom is so sweet. I wish I had a mom like her.

Your Mom brought in all the pizzazz! Always exciting to listen to her ideas! She has such great taste and is always inspiring! I can't wait to see this project come into fruition.

"We talk each other's language." So sweet your mother & you working through the garden plans. ❤️

I love your honesty about working with Aaron on this type of job.😂you could see it on his face when he came out the door. My husband and I are the same way with certain projects. Like your mom said sometimes we speak different language.😊

Aaron saying in the nicest way possible, "oh you brought this out with no cover on"😂

A waterplay would be fun right in the middle 😍. Maybe one, where the water fountains come out right from the ground and the kids could run through or in between....would cool down the area as well. Could be replaced later by a fountain or what ever.

I remember one season Laura and I (viewing from England) were looking from her POV in the Hartley onto the patio area. It was full of beautiful beautiful plants and she said something along the line of the scenery looking so magical. I agreed. It was absolutely stunning. I know that sometimes, repeating old stuff can make things look dreary, but I also believe that if something worked before u can still apply it. In my humble opinion, you guys have already captured the formality around the Hartley and the step-down meant going into a different room. The patio area could be less formal and mirror what u had before with some connection in terms of the shape, etc. A fountain in the middle is high mentainance, plus a bit ‘more” on the formality side. I would put back the little pond u have under the tree or somewhere near, and the circle for planting, making it changeable each season for a different look, a place where u can combine your gardening techniques with your children. I remember it was nearby that u made a garden for your boy... They will be able to relax and play. Another space which is not so formal with just a slight touch of mirroring what's happening at the Hartley...Just my little maybe unwanted input, but I adore you guys and respect that at the end of the day you will ‘do you’. Been watching from the succulent day and never miss your videos. Love and Respect from the UK PS. Still believe the benches are less formal than the scenery at the Hartley and u should put back those black ones. Every time I see I formal space I get the idea that it's so ‘strict’ that u dare not sit down. You just have stand and be awed. That's what those black chairs brought to your Hartley and they were on point.😂

This was great! Cheddar on the truck, a visit from your mom, etc. I love these vlogs where we just follow you around. I'm glad your mom was so into the fountain. It just feels needed there.

Haha, the thumbnail looks like Aaron is ready to rumble with the shades, cool jacket, and that pipe in his hand! Don't mess with him! ✋️ 😆

This is going to be such a highly trafficked area that I think some sort of interesting, maybe whimsical sculpture would be incredible there, possibly something with movement even. You already have several fountains and flowerbeds. I think it could be really nice to view some sort of sculpture from different angles as your looking across the way or as you're passing through. Just a thought.

My mom passed away within a year of getting sick. She was 62 & I was 40. I will be 65 this year. I absolutely love your relationship with your mom. It almost brings tears to my eyes. I miss my mom so much. We were very close as well & so much alike. Your mom is lovely. Thanks for giving me a warm & fuzzy feeling whenever you're together. Much love to you both

Nothing too tall in the middle so as not to block the view of the Hartley. I think a repeat of hydrangeas with plantings around would be lovely!

I love you and your mom together collaborating! So lucky to have each other. This project will be just stunning 😍

However you decide to do it, it is going to be so much more beautiful than the old brick was! I love mirroring the lines around the Harley though. Sorta like the garden rooms that Claus has!

I agree with your Mom about having a fountain in the center. I can envision you all sitting around and listening to the peacefulness of the water. Can’t wait for the finished product! I’m as excited as if this were going to be in my garden! Another day of living vicariously through you. 😊

It’s gonna be epic. I can’t wait to see. Such a wonderful spot for a party and family gathering. I just see kids running around and yummy snacks and cocktails and of course 🐈🐈.

Mom’s input is perfect. Love the idea of the 2’ hedge around the center circle. My two cents: If your very partial to the size of the Ash that will be removed, budget for a similar size tree to replace it. (Another Golden maybe?) While things are torn up, be sure to run extra utilities to the corners, just in case. You don’t want to tear up the brick later.

My husband and I have the same fun times when it comes to working together. Our brains also work differently. We've had some doozies over the years. I love that you have your mom to help. 😁

No fighting😂. My hubs & I have been together for over 35 years & the one thing we will never do again together is hang wallpaper! 🤣

I have been OBSESSED with you videos lately! I recently purchased a beautiful lot and I’m excited to start creating. Your videos definitely inspire 🫶🏽

Your mum’s opinions are so honest and useful - brainstorming is good for these kind of projects. Moreover it is always great to get mother-daughter time. 👍🏼❤️👍🏼

Your mom makes my heart happy. ❤

What a fantastic video. Laura, your relationship with your mom is just so wonderful. She is an absolute delight!!

I think incorporating both a fountain and plants would be beautiful. And if you end up not liking the fountain for whatever reason you could remove it and add more plants.

Great idea for the brick patio! Imagine all the beautiful containers and staging you can do. You can create themed gardens like Claus Dalby has now.

I always wanted a small pool for the kids. They’re a lot of work, and you can go to your parents’ pool, but here’s my idea for the center of this new space. Make a custom pool only 6-10’ diameter, and 4 or 5 feet deep. When your kids are a little bigger, they will have a blast jumping in and getting out, repeat 30 times. It’s a fun thing to have for when you want to have their friends over. It won’t be much work, and much cheaper. Easier to winterize than a big pool. You will have plenty of patio space around it for chairs and tables.

I would do a water fountain that has lights! That would be so beautiful.

Good morning everyone! God be with everyone that is in the storm or affected by it!🙏❤️ I love the design and Susan's input!💞🤗💞

The circle in the center seems like the perfect spot for a fire pit. I’m not sure if that’s your jam or not, but when you talked about how much you all hang out in this particular space on your property and how you want lots of cozy furniture, I could totally picture a crackling fire and everyone gathered around it. It’s always fun to see what you come up with. I know whatever you decide to do will be beautiful.

I absolutely love the idea of a fountain with water lights. I would have a bottom tier at ground level then two more tiers or a post with 4 spouts that have low flow of water into the fountain. I would make sure to have lights in the water to reflect the water onto the trees nearby. It will look beautiful seeing the water dancing. Make sure you have a variable speed pump so you can lower the flow of water while you and you company are sitting and talking. It will look stunning! God bless

I agree with mom! Definitely need a huge gorgeous water feature right there because you’re really gonna have lots of opportunity to enjoy it in that heavily trafficked space

I'm so happy you're putting the circle back in the center of that space! If you do a water feature, have you thought about the height of it blocking your sitting view of the Hartley or surrounding beds/lawn? Have you thought about a very low rock/water feature similar to the one you had installed at one time? Great for sound but less maintenance? Just throwing out ideas here. It's going to be great no matter what you decide.

SPLASH PAD (modified version) for your children in the center! When they are older you can move forward to more adult area. You mentioned how it's where you sit most often. Good luck! It's beautiful!! And you are always so inspiring.

Laura, I'm one step behind you. I have my sketch made of my formal vegetable garden which will be surrounded by soft edged beds for "permanent" plantings. This is giving me confidence to get out there and start my diy space. Thank you for all the time that you and your family share with us to inspire others to create beautiful spaces we can enjoy too.

Ohhhhhh! I light with raised brick circular planting area in center. With a wide cap on top so it could be used to sit on the edge…I can just imagine the most beautiful garden party with the Hartley aglow in the background

Hi Laura, I agreed with your mom water in the center. Kids will love to splash in those hot summer days

Enjoy the planning and strategy discussions very much. Thanks for including. Let the transformation begin!!!

i love mom content, she's so wise and fashionable.

We love it when you and your mom "take your time!" 😁

The random pathways are called desired pathways and definitely worth the time to plan out! Love watching you all talk through your plans and really see what’s goin through your head while designing a space!

It is going to be spectacular - I see👀your vision - I know it has a way to go and have total confidence how well it will come together - Dreams turn Into plans, turn Into projects, turn into beautiful spaces to enjoy👍👏😊A lot goes into it, you got this !

Disneyland-style Iron Lamp Post in the center with plants around it and brackets off it for hanging baskets is what I envision. Lighting is SO important and often forgotten to bring landscaping to life.

How about a LIT FOUNTAIN in the middle? It would add a bit of romance and whimsy to the formality of the space. Also, on the Hartley side, take out or move one side of the boxwood hedges of the narrow walkway where you talked of putting flagstones. You widened every other narrow path around your house, don't stop now! I love the flagstone paths in the South Garden, but as a design feature, keep the continuity of the brick near your home and the seated area. In the long term, I think you and Aaron would be happier with that design choice. You can always start a new boxwood hedge on that side of the brick pathway. It will eventually catch up to the other side of the hedge you keep in situ. Just something to consider...😉❤

Good morning! Getting ready for the snow here in Ontario, Canada and dreaming of spring! Thank you Aaron for rescuing that iPad! 🤣

Your mom is a treasure! I wish I could afford to fly both of you to Virginia to help me with landscaping ideas. Guess I need to win the lottery and provide plenty of coffee, wine, and pastries!

I like Aaron’s idea to lay the brick and come back and cut out your circle. This would present a clean cut or circumference to your circle. Can’t wait to see it take shape!

I think a fountain feature would look awesome in the center with maybe a flower bed around it!

I loved this video, your relationship with your mum and Aaron makes me smile so much. It's just like my relationship with my mum, when you said about your mum speaking your language with finding the thing with the thing and Aaron looking at you like WHAT? Really made me giggle. I have exactly the same dynamic with my husband and my mum. I love how your all so genuine and real.

With resources one can do many things. We are doing priorities first per year.

With your moms insight, you can’t fail! Looking forward to watching this area come to life!

"Look at all this nice mud...and snow." Laura your videos are so fun. Love your mannerisms ☺️

How exciting!!! LoVE that your new room will mirror the shape....can hardly wait to see this area in motion! The size will give you and Aaron 'room' to grow with celebrations with Benjamin and Baby Samantha Grace....what a lovely place to have Birthday Parties!

My mom is my cohort for things like this and we struggle at times too because we approach things differently. 😬 But in the end, it all comes up flowers!

Yay Mom! Yes boxwood circle, yes large patio!

This is my very first comment to your channel and I just want you to know that I am a very loyal fan. I watch your videos everyday and it brings my heart joy and inspiration. Hearing that you and Aaron could possibly argue working together on a project makes me feel better and realize that you are truly both human and not always perfect. Your mom is the absolute most joyful woman in the world and I adore her. Laura, you are like a sister to me, which I do not have. You are so generous to share your life with me each day and I am eternally grateful to you! ❤ I wanted to give back to you, for all that you have given to me. So I became a member today and I will start commenting because I truly do LOVE all of your creations. GBY! God Bless YOU! ~Erica

This inspired me to go back to one of your early tours. I had forgotten how mismatched it all was! It’s going to be such an exciting relief to have this patio done. And it really helps me dream bigger for my own yard.

I’m with you Laura…leave the circle open (un-bricked). Would save time and money. Your moms input is always so valuable! I’m excited to see all this come together. ❤

In my opinion I would plant grass, the whole back side of your house is almost completely hard scape. It’s all brick, gravel or stepping stone. All that brick is going to be so hot but you already know that because it was already brick once. Keep the corners and/or borders flowers. Just my opinion, I just love grass, and think it would look nice if you had some grass near the Hartley.

The circle of Boxwood around the fountain in the center kind of replaces the Boxwood circle you had to get rid of on the other side, doesn't it? I'm super excited to watch this happen!

Another exciting project! My thoughts: a) be careful that you don’t end up with too much hard surface (brick floor) - it can feel too cold and not cosy. (But you are lucky to already have a sense of how it may look based on the old floor.) b) I would really work on imagining the seating arrangement and how you live - will the furniture areas at the corners feel to far away from each other (and not easily moved), especially if you are entertaining a large gathering. (Your family is growing!) And finally c) your brain seems to work like mine - everything needs to be symmetrically balanced (ex. mirror reflections) But some of the best and beautiful layouts are those that are more free flowing and have asymmetrical balance, focusing on visual weight and scale , if that makes sense. Best of luck! It will be fun to watch it all unfold.

I love it when my daughters ask my opinion. I am sure you are making your mom feel important, valued and loved.

Raised reflecting pool with shorter plantings around it.

Good morning its going to look beautiful, my thought for the centre is everything a fountain with plants around the base and soft lights to light it up in the evening

It’s going to be such a beautiful space that you’ll spend so much time in. I agree with your mom you should leave it the size you have painted out. Once furniture goes in there you will be glad you have the space. So excited to see it come together❣️

A carriage light with a flower bed in the center would be that nice blend of formal and cozy that you're looking for in this area.

Aaron, I truly cannot imagine either of you yelling or screaming while working through a project like this, even if you both were at your wits end. LOL I have faith that the measurements will BE ACCURATE!! ☺

I think a large fountain would look beautiful in the middle of the new brick patio since, if I remember correctly, you aren’t planning on putting a fountain by the Hartley. How exciting to plan out a new spot in your garden!

Because you asked what would we do in the circle. I would do a small fountain with flowers around it and uplighted.

I really enjoyed this and learning tricks to plan out a space. Wish you were both my neighbors to come down and look at my plans and give your thoughts. I’m in northern Kentucky and I have lots of trees to temp you both! 🌳 🌲

I like the idea of a raised bed area in the middle where you can grow something tallish (kind of like that vertigo penesitum you did that one year) that forces guests to walk around the planting just to see what is on the other side. But not too tall that it obscures the Hartley. Plus you could reserve that area for playing around with annual combinations. I also like the idea of something between the patio area and the Hartley that also pulls guests through. You still want to see hints of the grandeur, but not the whole thing. Plus it might camouflage the fact that the circle is not lined up with the Hartley. I know the circle is centered in the patio square, but it feels like it should line up with the Hartley. Something that pulls people through the gardens. Also I'm so glad that your mom's ankle seems to be in much better shape.

You should fill the circle with brick. You may find later you don't want to have anything in the middle. As Aaron said you can cut it out later on if you do. Without anything in the middle it gives you a place to set up tables to be able to host gatherings.It also gives the kids a play area when your setting outside enjoying the evening. Did Aaron get a drone shot. Would be able to tell more about the lines and size once you see it from overhead.

This will look beautiful and so excited to watch the process and the end result! And what a sweet bonus watching Cheddar chase the leaves! Too darn cute!

7:47 - Watching y’all model healthy marriage is one of the themes of your channel that encourages me the most ❤❤❤

I can’t wait to see the brick patio come to life. I agree with your mom that a fountain in the middle makes the most sense. Your mom is so precious.

Hi Laura, From watching your Parterre come together, I would agree with Aaron, get your water and electricity in first. When Benny and the team come in they will give you the exacts and this may change your final piece de résistance (centre piece). Would you consider four arbs instead of boxwoods, it will be a nod (and marry) the exterior westside of your property into the landscape (not to mention a great Christmas tree welcome feature)? Also, have you thought about ground up lights to mark entry points / guides to both main entry points? You may even find ones that change colour for seasonal displays 😬 Whatever you do, it’s going to be great! ❤

I can't wait to see it from start to finish! You have no idea how much you are incorporated in my day, adding joy to my life! God bless you and your family!

I love how your mom starts to say something but stops, and you like read her mind and know exactly what she means. And vice versa. Love that!

I'm team fountain in the middle. I'd love to also see more dimension on your property. Build up hilly areas and secret gardens, etc. You have a lot of flat and open land but some more depth and mystery would be so charming and fun.

No matter what you do, it will be beautiful. I loved you and your mom working through the space. My mom was my sounding board for any project I did. I do miss that. Cherish these moments. It’s very special that you have these videos to keep memories alive. I’m excited to see the progress!

I love the way you have to bring out a cold drink and a hot drink on the same morning. It is like that here also. Mostly cold but a few warm days. I love your designs and beautiful creations.

U can always use ur archways covered in roses between rooms to separate spaces n still look glorious

Greetings, Laura and Susan, from Windermere Florida zone 9b USA 🇺🇸 It's so nice to have someone who speaks your language. Your Mom has great wisdom 👍 This project is going to turn out great 👍

I’m in on the fountain as the centerpiece. I think it would look beautiful hedged with the ‘Paloma Blanca’ Euonymus you showed us in a few earlier videos. The low, compact profile with those stunning white-tipped leaves! 😍