Recently, I needed to record my voice using my computer. Since I had absolutely no idea how to accomplish this, I called my son, Christopher. I explained that this was for an important project and asked if he could please send me an email with step by step instructions. The email I received was exactly 4 words long. ‘Download this. Watch this.” What he had sent me was a link to Audacity, a program that would record my voice and a link to a Youtube video that included someone filming his computer screen while he explained how Audacity worked. While I was slightly ticked at my son, his method really worked. I watched the Youtube video and successfully navigated my way to being able to accomplish what I needed to do.
Each day millions of people upload instructional videos onto Youtube. It is a virtual classroom. Is your dryer displaying an error code? Check Youtube. Chances are not only does the manufacturer have a video about your exact problem but several consumers may have posted about the same error code as well. My husband recently saved us about $350 by watching Youtube videos and teaching himself how to change a front headlight assembly. Although my natural instinct is to be a bit wary of this platform, it really is quite a cornucopia of great information.
The field of gardening is very well represented on Youtube. Need to know when, if or how to cut down your hydrangeas? The answer is on Youtube.
Need some planting inspiration? Virtual tours of the world’s most beautiful gardens are all capture on video and available through Youtube. In this format it is difficult for me to cite specific video links, so instead the focus of this column will be on Youtube channels. If you subscribe to these channels, you will then be able to easily access all of their videos and will be notified when new videos are posted.
Garden Answer is a channel that boasts over 1 million subscribers and hundreds of videos. Each of the videos are hosted by Laura LeBoutillier. They cover a wide variety of topics including craft projects, houseplants, flower arranging and vegetable gardening. Through her videos you get to see her home and garden in a fun and lighthearted presentation. Along the way, she educates and entertains. Her specific channel website is here.
Although not nearly as popular as Garden Answer, the University of Illinois Extension Horticulture office has a Youtube channel as well. It features a series of educators and their slide show presentations. Recent presentations covered such issues as Hardscaping, Composting and an intriguing video titled ‘Landscape Fact or Fiction.’ I’m thinking of sending my daughter a link the one titled ‘Spiders are Your Friends.’ While the videos are a bit long, they are very informative. Here is a link to their channel.
As we are all trying to remain socially distant our ability to travel to public gardens as decreased. The Chicago Botanic Garden has a Youtube channel that is vibrant and full of life. Their videos feature the Orchid Show, mushroom hunting and even making vanilla ice cream. Each video features a different setting, topic and presenter. This may be my go to channel during the first snow storm. You may find their channel here.
Proven Winners, the tremendously successful plant marketing company is also present on Youtube. Many of their videos feature Laura from Garden Answer. Gorgeous colors abound in these videos made possible by a wide array of annual and perennial flowers. They have a great series of ‘How to’ videos that give step by step directions on choosing, planting and caring for container gardens. Their Youtube channel may be found here.
I hope that you are able to find some enjoyment as well as helpful information through these videos. One bit of caution; gardening is not universal throughout the United States. What one video presenter recommends for viewers may not do well in your own yard. Gardening in Northern Illinois gardening is obviously different from gardening in California.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
