Duston McGroarty (Mike’s son)
An important message from Duston McGroarty (Mike’s son):
I can’t believe it’s been 15 years (I guess time flies, right?). 15 years ago, this January, my Dad started FreePlants.com. He didn’t know it then but his life would never be the same. Over the course of the next 15 years he went on to change the lives of thousands.
He is full of knowledge and experience, his words are powerful and inspiring and his underlying message is simple…
“If you want more out of life,
it’s up to you to make it happen.”
These are words he instilled in me at a young age and words I live by today. Some people look at what my Dad has done for himself and say it’s just luck. But I say… if they only knew the amount of work it took for him to be so “lucky”, they’d hang their head in shame.
No one ever gets anywhere in life out of luck. Success takes hard work, dedication and perseverance (something else I learned from my Dad).
In just the last four years of working closely with my Dad, I’ve learned more about business, marketing and life in general than I have ever before. Like Amber mentions below, he doesn’t just tell you how to do it… he tells you WHY you’re doing it. Something most people don’t do and the sign of a true teacher and mentor.
Love you Pops!
So… here’s why I’m writing to you today…
My Dad is turning 58 in just a few days and for his birthday, Amber and I wanted to surprise him. We thought it would be great if you could leave a comment below telling us how my Dad has made an impact on your life.
Anything at all. Something he might have said, done or shared with you that was of value, or possibly life changing. I’ll be honest… I have no clue what to get for him for his birthday. He’s a hard guy to shop for… but I KNOW he would love to hear from you.
So please, if there’s anything you can think of… anything at all… about growing plants, running a nursery, running a business or even just about life… I know he would love to hear about it.
Thank you SOOO much! I value you as a subscriber/customer and I know my Dad does too!
Amber Welch (Mike’s Assistant)
Here’s a message from Amber…
♪ ♫ ♪ Happy Birthday to you!
Thanks for all that you do.
Your knowledge is priceless
Thanks for sharing it too! ♪ ♫ ♪
I am blessed beyond words to have the opportunity to work with Mike. When I first started this job, I was hired to help in the office. By the time spring came along I was more than excited to play in the dirt.
Reading through his books beforehand was helpful, but working hands-on under his direct supervision really helped me to gain confidence in my gardening abilities.
I have learned more over the past growing season than I did in 4 years of college. Mike has a knack for taking something that seems complicated and explaining it in simple terms.
What I like best about Mike is that he has never (ever) answered any of my questions (and there were tons) with a yes or no answer. I would ask, “Mike, does this cutting look long enough?” He would say, “Yes because it needs to have at least 3-4 leaf nodes.” “Hey Mike, can I use this gas can to fill the tractor?” “No because that gas is for a 2-cycle engine. A 2 cycle engine works by…….and it needs….”
He explains his reasoning for everything. I don’t think he can help it, and I wouldn’t want him to. It is in his nature to teach. I’ve learned about pruning and sprinkler systems, rototillers and back hoes, grafting and intermittent mist.
I learned about fertilizers, pre-emergents, and rooting hormones…how to build a donkey shelter, how to remove a dead groundhog from a well and how to cut down a 30 foot tree in under 4 minutes. I even learned what happened to Jimmy Hoffa!
As any nurseryman (ahem, or woman) knows, growing plants is only half the battle. You need to know how to sell them. I’ve seen first hand how a good news paper ad can bring in swarms of customers.
Mike’s newspaper ads are no accident. He has studied marketing for a l-o-n-g time and has mastered the art of carrying on a conversation with his reader. He knows a great deal about advertising and more specifically, how to use the internet to market a product.
How does that saying go? Those who can, teach. This anniversary marks 15 years of sharing his information with others. I’ve met so many wonderful people who have used Mike’s Backyard Growing System to start their own backyard nurseries. I’ve seen first hand how it has changed lives.
He has guided young entrepreneurs, given independence to the disabled and helped retirees supplement their income. For Mike, its not about the money. Its about helping others.
He knows how it feels to be down and out and he genuinely wants to show others how he overcame it. Mike is the real deal. If you were to show up unexpected at the nursery, you would find him in his bib overalls-just like his picture.
He puts a tremendous amount of time into creating free content for his websites and works continuously on improving his products and information.
For his birthday, I would like Mike to know how much I appreciate his patience with me and that I value every lesson he has taught me. He has shown me how to run a business ethically while keeping family a top priority. I genuinely like who he is and what he stands for. Most of all, I am a better person for having the opportunity to work with him.
Thank you Mike! Happy Birthday & Congratulations on 15 Years of Business!
DISCLAIMER: By leaving a comment below, you are giving McGroarty Enterprises Inc. permission to use your comment and your name in our future marketing and advertising. We truly appreciate your feedback!!
Wow. How much more affirmation do you need when it takes 21 minutes of constant scrolling down the comments from well-wishers and all the stories of lives you’ve blessed or even turned 180 degrees from despair. You deserve all of it, Mike. 5 years ago, I chose to trash a life I deeply loved to move to a place I didn’t want to be so that I could help my folks deal with the terrible ravages of Alzheimer’s. I was prepared for the Alzheimer’s, but not for the seemingly endless stream of negative experiences that resulted from the changes. The garden has always been a refuge for me. When I first signed up for your newsletter, I loved the information. What I didn’t know is that I also signed up for a steady stream of hope, encouragement, and empowerment. That alone would have meant everything. But buying into the BYG system, the online course a couple of years ago and now the Business board is slowly turning life around, and doing it in a way that helps others, too. Two neighbor girls, aged 7 and 11, learned how to propagate cuttings this summer, and learned how to be responsible and happy caring for the baby plants while I was out of commission with major back surgery. You should see the joy, pride, and total excitement on their faces as they’ve found very well-rooted baby plants. It’s their own personal miracle. The only problem is that the youngest is so excited she now wants to chop up every shrub and tree in my landscaping to make more baby plants. Their first sale happens next weekend, weather permitting. You are personally and directly responsible for introducing a steady stream of hope, encouragement, empowerment and pure joy, not to mention a solid stream of practical information. While the ultimate miracle of life is one that I still give totally to the Creator, I will always have a very special place in my heart for you and your family/organization. Because that’s really what it is, bottom line, isn’t it? One very big, hopeful, mutually supportive family in the best sense of the word. May the Good Lord Bless and Keep you Mike. Please, live long and prosper..
Thank you so much for your kind words, wishing you and the girls incredible success with plants.
I have clinical depression and a chronic pain syndrome plus some big family issues. I was stuck in a dark time in my life for quite a while. My husband is a landscaper, it is his passion he loves working with plants and trees and dirt. Because of my situation, I wasn’t very much help to him. Then I found Mike, I don’t even remember how or where, but there he was talking about growing plants in my own back yard and how easy it is and just about anybody can do it. I’m anybody! I’m slow to get started, I don’t do anything quickly anymore, but I’ve gotten started. The biggest best thing Mike gave me was a spark that grew into a plan that grew into action. I was never so excited to get going into spring in all of my adult life. MIKE GAVE ME HOPE AND A PURPOSE! I still have good days and bad days but the difference is I have something to look forward to and get excited over every day. I also feel like I am contributing to my husband’s landscape business and pretty much pulling my own weight. Thank you Mike for giving me a new outlook on life. I hope this was the happiest birthday you had all year. Take care of yourself so we can do this for many more years. 🙂
Patty,
Thank you so much for your heartfelt message and I am extremely happy for you. You just keep doing what you are doing. You are doing good. For you and for the planet.
I didn’t see a date on this post so I hope I am not to late to say “HAPPY BIRTHDAY.” i am just a subscriber to his newsletter, but I love reading it. I was hoping to buy his book when I could save up enough pennies. Due to my ailments, that didn’t happen. I am so very bummed out that I didn’t get to do this.
Anyway…”HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE.”
Hello Mike & Happy Happy 58th Birthday,, (belated, I think would be more appropriate)
I’m one of your newest fans (just purchased) and very excited about getting to know you an all of your trade secrets..
Thanks for sincerity & genuineness..,, that’s what convinced me to purchase your information!!
Here’s to making this a life time venture 🙂
Lisa
Happy Belated Birthday Mike 😀 and Anniversary!
I love you videos! I have been watching them for about a year now. This is the first time I have seen to your website. Thank you so much for all the priceless detailed information and advise you give. Watching your videos is like getting advice and learning from an older brother. I would say dad but your too young, and I’m to old for that to work. Ha! 😉 I am a wife and mom who just happens to love digging in the dirt, planting things, landscaping, hanging out in the yard with my animals (4 dogs) and working on my plants, trees and flowers, every chance I get. Now I am excited about trying my hands at grow more plants and trees from cuttings, thanks to your words of wisdom. Thanks again Mike, for sharing all of your knowledge with me and so many others. I have learned so much from you. You have made my experiences with my planting, pruning, and growing even more enjoyable 🙂 I hope you had an awesome birthday and I wish you many many more happy healthy years! Keep up the great work!
Jackie,
Thank you so much!
This is my first season starting as a backyard grower. It took me a long time to overcome my skepticism, but Mike’s straightforward approach, and his plain and simple explanations for the how and why of doing things won me over. The two most important things you’ve given me, Mike, (other than all the terrific, hands on instruction) are hope (because I had lost it didn’t see any way to regain it) and excitement. I’m doing the backyard thing now with my two very young neighbor girls assisting. I’m excited. They’re excited. Their folks are excited. These little girls are learning how to make baby plants with me, and learning to take care of them patiently for a payoff down the line. A great lesson to learn early in life. Thanks, Mike. What you do is valuable, for all of us. Best wishes.
Happy birthday from Ireland mike. I’m a dedicated follower on YouTube and have bought all your material .every day I check YouTube to see if u have uploaded any new videos. I never thought I would learn a skill until I followed your teaching videos and I love the way you explain everything in layman easy terms so I could understand. Have a great birthday from rainy ireland
Brian, thank you and thanks for your kind words. We’ll be adding more videos soon, we didn’t shoot a lot of video over the winter. Take care and take care of Ireland!
Thanks Mike!!
Kathy
Happy birthday and hope you have many more , wishing you and yours Good Health and Happiness . It is truly a wealthy man who has such a positive impact on so many.
Mike– Thank you for your inspiration to propagate hardwoods. I am hoping for new grape plants ready to plant on my pergola this year. I have also got starts going of spider plants, aloes, jades, and hoyas, as well as honeysuckles and will propagate mock orange and forsythia—i will set up a self serve cart at the roadway and sell small plant for up to $5.
Thank you. And Happy Birthday.
Teresa,
If you are going to do a self serve cart don’t exactly advertise that it is sell serve. I used to do that, but I’d let them come to the front door where they would find a note as to where to leave the money. That way people are not interested in plants, only stealing your money, won’t bother to come to the door.
Have a wonderful birthday, and happy 15th anniversary! I love reading your articles filled with lots of gardening information. Thank you for loving the outdoors as much or more than I do, and the tips are great, keep them coming!
i AM STILL USING YOUR DAD’S DEMO FOR INTRODUCING NEW PRODUCTS IN THE MARKET PLACE.
i AM ALWAYS GREATFUL TO YOUR DAD’S HUMBLE.
i WILL DO SAME IN THE FUTURE IF SOMEONE NEED ME.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
HONG PARK
Thanks Hong! I appreciate that.
Dear Mike, You are the MOST! You share your knowledge and skill with US and ask nothing in return. You are eager to assist in getting AMERICANS to provide for ourselves as we have in the past.I haven’t ordered your book(s) yet because I would not have time to read it/them. I do well to keep up with your blog. I thank you for your kindness in sharing your knowledge of gardening.
Two years ago I planted 5 100ft rows of thornless blackberries. I potted 300 trees. Most of the trees appear to have died but I won’t give up on them until Spring has sprung and they don’t leaf out..
The berries are hard to keep up with. They are reproducing rapidly. I let them get ahead of me. Unfortunately, I planted different varieties and did not mark accordingly, however I have documented the fruiting times and I hope to label them during fruiting. I have a basic knowledge of their identity.
Thank you for what you are doing. I hope to be almost like you when I grow up. I will be 77 this month and I am begrudgingly slowing down..I (we) appreciate your advice and service. GOD bless you and your family.
Sincerely, Chuck (Cea) Fulco and family.. ..
Mike, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your emails I hope you had a great birthday and anniversary!!! You have blessed us all with your knowledge and humor!!! Thank-YOU!!!
I truly enjoy all the material, Videos, utube, information pieces, written material and all the other things Mike has done over the years. I wish I had 1/10 the knowledge he has. Keep on going on Mike you are doing good.
Happy Birthday! Have enjoyed the knowledge and tips you have shared over the years. I hope your Birthday is as great as you are, and hope you enjoy many more! Have a Wonderful ANNIVERSARY!
Thanks to Dustin and Amber also. Gerald from Texas
Mike,
You continue to inspire! Thank you for all that you do. I enjoy reading your weekly newsletters and in following your endeavors with plants. Wishing you a very happy 58’th birthday. May you enjoy much success and happiness this year!
Danny
better late than never . . . HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mr. McGroarty, you inspire me! I don’t have a green thumb, but thanks to you, I give it my all . . sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t but at least I tried, and when it does work out, I thank you, and God of course, for the joy in having committed to trying at all. AND MANY MANY MANY MORE 🙂
Before time totally slips away Happy Birthday young fella, I got you by 20 years but although moving slower I can’t wait to get into the garden again this year. And I can’t wait to implement a lot of your instructions.
I also have to move slower in the spending department as I can not print my own money like the government and I must say It has been tough living on Social Security retirement only. Therefore some times the pennies are not there to purchase what ever I want or need for the garden as I’d like to do. But i must say you have inspired me to do a lot more today than in the past.
Happy birthday to you The knowledge you got is help me at alot
Thhank you for sharing
Enjoy continued blessings this year Mike!! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and folksy way with even us backyard gardeners here in MI. We’ve learned a lot, like not being shy about pruning, how to keep the rabbits and deer out of our plants. You’re a great teacher and love seeing pics of your family, including the ones with fur! You’ve become like an old friend, thanks for your time and appreciate your humor too.
Happy Birthday! Thanks for all the tips and stories. God bless you and your love for all of His creation.
Happy Birthday, Mike!
Thanks for all the great information you’ve helped fledgling plant lovers & growers like myself & my husband. Because of you, we took the plunge last year & built a greenhouse! Because of you, I rooted out burning bushes & lilacs. Because of you, i had the courage to chase a dream.
Happy Birthday, Mike & thanks again!
And because of you Patricia, I do what I do! Congratulations on your plant growing success!
Well I did this once and it didn’t post which is lucky for you because the other took forever to read, or should I say write. Just wanted to thank you for being out there helping people with their gardens. I’ve got thousands of seedlings growing now from bushes I haven’t found the names of, leafs rooting that I’ve picked up all over the US, just the other day I took my dog to the vet and they had the most beautiful plant on the counter. I asked if I could have a leaf and got one (it’s a beautiful Rieger Begonia. The flowers on it look like roses). I can’t wait for that to bloom.
I live in Tampa, FL and it decided to get cold and rainey so all of my propagation boxes, seedlings, plants all moved to the patio and over flowing everywhere in the house. In July will mark the 5th summer that we’ve lived here. Four years going on five I haven’t met one person. They are all Snowbirds, Cuban – I don’t speak or understand Spanish, or Mormons – my mouth would get me in trouble there.
Finding your business on-line has kept me busy and also kept me from the looney bin. With that, thank you and your whole family. My husband thanks you too.
Hope you had an awesome birthday and congrats on 15 years of the Backyard Nursery.
Ramona Hendon
Happy Belated Birthday and Happy Anniversary too! Man you are awesome, teaching so many people about plants. Friends of mine say that I have a green thumb. Everything I know about plants was taught to me by my mother. She could even throw a leaf on the ground while pruning her plants and go back to that same spot in a couple of weeks and BOOM two giant plants in bloom. Maybe a little longer but who was counting. We had African Violets that were huge and flourished. I went to every nursery to get more A.V.’s and the people said they didn’t have them because they were hard to grow. I could have started a business selling African Violets if I had know about about you and your Back Yard Nursery. I have learned a lot from you and now I have 5 of your propagating boxes full of plants rooting and thousands of bushes and palms. I even got 3 from a Bird of Paradise tree. This last summer they, (plants and trees), all decided to have babies and I’ve pulled up every bush seedling, don’t know the correct name yet), Palm tree seedlings, seedlings from things I’ve never seen, and one leaf from the vet’s office called Rieger Begonia. They are all on my small patio with a heater on them because it decided to get cold and rain the last several days in Tampa. I appreciate you, your wife and your son working so hard to teach all of us how to get started in a “Back Yard Nursery” of our own. Hope you had an Awesome Birthday and thanks. You are very appreciated. Ramona Hendon
Happy Belated Birthday, Mike! And Happy Anniversary! I missed your birthday with this comment, but I just want to tell you how wonderful a person you are and how much I have enjoyed all of your videos and excellent advice given out for free. I do know how much work this is for you. [I don’t have your Backyard Growing System unfortunately because I live in Canada (Alberta) and I don’t know if it works up here. If it did, I would get it!} All the best to you in 2014!
P.S. 58 — you’re still a youngster!
Thanks Mike for all you do. It’s wonderful! Love plants and love learning about them. Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Mike.
I live in the Chicago area and have enjoyed your videos. They are educational and fun to watch. Thank you for all the gardening tips. Enjoy your birthday.
Congratulations and thank you for expanding my knowledge base of plants and gardening. Hope you continue to help and enlighten us by sharing your knowledge and I hope you have a wonderful birthday and anniversary.
I look forward to your Emails and have used so many of your tips in my own garden. I hope your birthday is fun and special! Maybe you can even get away from the arctic blast we have all been living with the past few weeks. You are an inspiration to all of us and make gardening approachable even for us beginners. Thanks!
Hi big bro,Happy b/day.Im experimenting your garden tips here in FIJI ISLANDS in the South Pacific
Mike,
You have inspired me to continue to seek financial freedom. I have used your tips and ideas to better my own landscape. Your are a true individual and I encourage you to continue your good work.
God Bless
I have been inspired by all that I read and hear from you. Being an “older” adult I had been looking for both a fun and profitable hobby. I purchased your book and materials a few months ago and have been waiting with anticipation to try it all out as the snow melts in the spring. Utah soil and weather and lack of water will prove a challenge but I believe that it is still possible for me to adapt what you are saying to our growing season. Thank you for all you do. My family were early pioneers of Ohio and settled there way back when they cleared the trails for others to use in settling Ohio. It makes me happy to see you live and work your gardens in that wonderful state. Thank you again for all you do to help others.
Have a wonderful birthday!
thanks so much for all of your awesome advice.
I’ve always been able to depend on you for help.
Thanks Mike for all your advice that is given freely to all.
Amber puts it just right, I echo all she says.
I live in the U K and your weather seems similar to ours although just a few of your plants are different.
So ” HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE” and many more to come.
Sybil
Ah, man; I am sorry, but … HAPPY belated BIRTHDAY and 15 years in the nursery business, Mike. Sorry, that’s what comes being out of touch a bit. Thanks for sharing all that gardening wisdom meted out with a lot of love, Mike. I like all the little – & more often than not they are not so little for us – tidbits of expert experience you have gained for working daily doing what you love, all those tidbits so often missing in other websites. Again, HAPPY belated BIRTHDAY! And I hope this new year is turning out to be a very happy and prosperous one for you and your loved ones.
at first I wanna congratulate your father’s birthday .yes Duston time flies but remember your the pilot . nowadays I’m having some depressing days. but don’t worry be happy.
How do they say it?
You can sit and enjoy the shade of a tree that may have been planted by a man 50-300 years ago.
Thank you for teaching me how to grow those trees from seed & especially how to transplant them.
Oaks, hickory, walnut, maple seeds collected from the adjacent Northern Illinois forest & nursed to strapping 20-30 years olds-hopefully just like Duston.
Enjoy your wisdom and down-to-earth personality and look forward to your advice and videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, I’ve learned much from you. I have received your emails for some years now and want to return a message to you with wishes for a happy birthday with many more growing seasons to come!
Happy birthday to my garden friend
Happy birthday to you
Mike, Happy Birthday! I’ve got you beat, unfortunately, by 4 years. LOL Hope you have a great day… Stay warm! I had to turn a heater on in our new greenhouse the 2nd time this winter here in Toccoa, Georgia last night. It got down to 12 degrees. Just wanted to say thanks for volumes of good information you post, especially your videos, to teach us about plants. I have been utilizing your suggestions on making a plant starter for propagating orchid magnolias and ornamental maples,etc., –using a large plastic box with sand. I have also learned valuable information about the different types of mulch. Keep up the good work! (Oops, I got interrupted and forgot to post this timely. Sending it anyway and hope you “had” a great birthday! 🙂 ) –Vicki Conrad
Thanks a million for all the gardening advice over the years! Not only useful but entertaining too.
A special thanks for the “dirt farmer fudge” recipe.
Have the birthday ever, and thanks to your family for giving us “out here” a way to join in the fun.
Take care and God bless.
Happy Happy Days! Keep going!
Love every single one of your newsletters. Thanks a million! ………AND THE DIRT FARMER FUDGE REALLY IS TO DIE FOR!
Have an amazing birthday! Take care and God bless!
Dear Mike
Thank you very much for your support and knowledge thatyou keep on to add to my life , happy BD and god bless yo you.
All the best
Safinaz
Hi Mike,
I can’t exactly remember how I came across your information a few years ago, but know I was researching for plants, etc since I work part-time for a college as a Horticulture Technician and instructional assistant.
I bought your Backyard Growing System, as eventually I would like to supplement my income and just plain love propagating plants. You make everything so understandable and love your teaching videos and of course, the fact that you are so family oriented. Also, enjoy any information on the donkeys–so fun!!
MANY BLESSINGS on your birthday and anniversary. Lynn
Hi, have a great birthday. I am in Scotland and very new to your site, but I have been inspired to make the most of my small patch of land and use the trimmings to grow more instead of composting. Many many happy returns Mike. Regards Roz.
Happy Birthday Mike, Thank you does not cover what you are doing on here for all of use. Hope you had a great day and have many more. May God continue to bless you and yours.Growen thouse baby plants oh ya. Dan
Happy Birthday for Mike McGroarty,,,,wish you all the best Mike. For this opportunity, I want to say to you how feel thank you from me,,,there is many valuable lesson which I can obtain from your articles about plants. I now become progressively take a fancy to activity plant. Well though as downright as language of my english not to good,forgive me Mike. I was born in Indonesia and this is my wish to submit something using language of Indonesia, if enabled it’s of course..
Semoga setiap orang yang membaca artikel-artikelmu, Mike, pengetahuan dan ilmu mereka bisa bertambah banyak dan tentu saja mencoba mempraktekkannya di lingkungan tempat tinggal masing-masing. Dan semoga kebaikanmu ini (karena telah membagi ilmu dan pengalamanmu di dunia bercocok tanam) memperoleh balasan kebaikan di sisi Tuhan, karena seluruh artikelmu sangat bermanfaat bagi kami pada umumnya, dan saya pada khususnya.
Once again, I want to say Happy Birthday for you Mike.
Forgive me because I newly have time to open e-mail today.
Best regards,
Kartika Aprilia M., S.Pt
Manager Trainee for Entrepreneurship
PT. J Darmawan Ventura
Babakan Madang No.99 South Sentul 16810
Bogor – West Java – Indonesia
Happy Birthday & thank you for all of you’re good information.. I enjoy reading it & putting a lot of it to good use. Hope you have a wonderful B. D.!
Happy Birthday Mike!!!!!!!!
I will be turning 61 in July and planning to hopefully retire early after age 62, not because I cannot continue to work at some type of work, but due in part to some recent medical concerns developed over the last couple of years.
I am now dealing with mild and occasional “atrial fibrillation” and a racing pulse that has required a hospital trip and stay for a couple of times these last couple of years and along with constant neuropathic pain and symptoms with some associated swelling in my feet…
You have been an inspiration to me for nearly 10 years now with your videos and information…I have had a constant and very strong interest in plants and growing nursery trees and plants for many years now and used to drive delivery truck to many nurseries for a local nursery around 6 years ago all over Northern Ca. and even to several towns in Nevada, driving a bobtail moving truck installed with a propane heater in the rear to keep the plants warm in the winter time going over the Sierra Nevada range into Nevada delivering Poinsettia varieties to nurseries before Christmas time…
I still and always will love gardening and working in the dirt at home and have always dreamed of beginning some type of backyard nursery type plan for my retirement years…
I am trying hard not to allow my recent medical issues to slow me down too much and not be able to shoot for that goal and dream you have helped to instill in me and have had some success the last couple of years in starting varieties of Japanese maples and other species from seeds and some cuttings…
I love watching things grow and mature from the work I put into them to, just as you, I know do as well…
Well I do not want to turn this birthday greeting into a book bro, but Happy Birthday from me to and many,many, more to come for you…
God Bless and Keep you and your family and staff and thank you for your very helpful information and the inspiration you have shared over the years with all of us…
Best Wishes & Regards,
Dana~
Just wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I will be 66 my self Feb. the 3rd and will be retiring from my current job and doing the Nursery bizz full time, in about three months. JUST ONE THING I CAN SAY ( KEEP IT SIMPLE!) Do something every day, it all adds up. Bob
Happy Birthday Mike! I look forward to your e-mails and your easy to follow instructions have expanded my understanding and love of gardening, you are a Blessing. Stay healthy and enjoy your day!
Hey Mike! Sorry I missed doing this on your birthday but like they say, better late than never.
Also, Jan. 24th is also my Mom’s birthday!
Best Wishes buddy and thanks for all you do!
Hi mike,
Just wanted to wish you a Happy belated Birthday and a Happy 15th Anniversary with your nursery bussines, Sorry that I missed the actual date, but it was kind of hectic here. Anyway I love your e mails and your teachings and even I do have a very small garden I apply your teachings were ever I need advice thank you so much, I hope you had a great day. Francien
Happy birthday! You inspire me and my mother and two brother to keep growing everyday in our lives and in the dirt 😉 ! !
Thank you 😉
I`m 77 years old, and was raised in a farm area of Lawrence county Ohio. When I see you standing there in Bib`s it reminds me of my dad who dressed the same way, and so did I until I started to high school. Yes, I look forward to all your information and ideas on growing things. Maybe I will just decide to grow a few things this year. Keep up the good work Young Man.!! Jim Nance Wheelersburg Ohio.
Well were do I start? This has been such a inspiration to me! Were else can you get a college education in horticulture and marketing at the same time??? And for peanuts in cost!!!! Mikes story is a inspiration in when your down you still have hope, he’s always professional and straight talking. Have meet you once a t the BYG get together, but most of all you inspire others through your common sense and practical advice to be everything that they cam be….. Duston what do you get a guy like that? Maybe just something simple like another friend in his circle, or a big hug and a heart felt THANKS MIKE!
I didn’t think I could go through my flower bed dig out all the plants that have tripled get them in a container and sell them at are Garden Club annual plant sale. I usually have quite a few for the sale and very proud of how green and strong they are. Mike your message and videos are what made me feel like a master gardener with confidence. I have even started some bushes with good luck and again your videos. Thanks you for giving me a green thumb and HAPPY BIRTHDAY Donna
Happy Birthday Mike:
Thank you for all the great information that you have passed along. I use your tips while working at the New Brighton Parks and Recreation Department in MN and have passed along information to my day care leaders as well, so they can teach the kids. I love to watch your videos and have saved tons of time and money pruning the trees on my 10 acres in Wisconsin. I love your “can do” attitude and that you are willing to pass your knowledge on to others. Keep up the good work….and enjoy your birthday! Take Care… Pat
Thanks for teaching me about pruning and starting plants from cuttings.
Your instructions are easy to follow even for us old folks.
Thanks for caring. God Bless. Paul
P. S. I am praying for Jill who commented on your site.
Also, I have just run through some of the comments, and I think it will take you until your sixtieth birthday to read all the Happy Comments from your fans.
Don’t stop sending your emails! G.
Happy Birthday Mike, You are just a young fellow yet. I love receiving your emails, and because I am 81 years old, have not taken up the young plants stuff, but I really enjoy your videos, and have gained a lot of knowledge to use in my garden. I live in a house and have a huge yard, which is quite enough (and sometimes more than enough) to care for.
I have always loved nature, plants, gardening, and have a front yard with flowers of all kinds. A lot of perennials, and many roses. My back yard is lawn and a huge vegetable garden. I have a huge compost heap, and I produce about 200+ lbs of tomatoes as well as kale, carrots, beans, beets, squash, kohlrabi, cucumbers, raspberries, herbs, cabbage, lettuce, onions, and more.
I really like hearing about pruning my shrubs and rooting new plants. I have a lot of shrubs to trim, but as I said so far have not gone into business with my products. My neighbours, friends, family, and others all receive fresh produce during the summer.
I am not sure how much longer I will be gardening, but I will still enjoy your emails.
Thank you so much for all the good stuff you have passed on to all of us, and I pray you will have a long healthy, happy life in your garden.
Happy, Happy Birthday; from a grateful reader.
Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday! Your emails are very interesting and the information provided is useful and easy to understand. Thanks for providing this to those interested in gardening!
Hope you have a happy, healthy year ahead!
Happy birthday Mike, saw you and your family at work yesterday hope you had a great day,I am behind on my messages or I would have wished you a happy Birthday personally . The best to you Nadine
Happy Late Birthday!
I allow very few “blogs” (is that what your web site is?) to come into my Gmail because I don’t have time to read them and they usually lure me into a maze, however I always read yours and have learn a lot about a lot! In Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, he says the last need on the pyramid is need for aesthetics. At one time in my life, I would never plant anything that I had to do anything more than plant. Now that my child is grown, I don’t have to worry as much about money, I have retired from teaching and I have a brain again to think instead of running full speed on auto pilot, I understand what Maslow is talking about. I now plant things that I tend to and bloom! Thank you for educating me at this late age in my life, and letting me enjoy the last rung on Maslow’s hierarchy. I guess that means that I have a full life. And the wonderful thing is, my husband and I still are physically able to enjoy working in the yard(s) of three houses that we own.
Mike, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I have been receiving your emails probably about 2 years. I can’t say I’ve put to use much of the information you’ve shared, but I do have good intentions 🙂 When my husband and I retire, we plan to start gardening. Your site will be my go to source for information. Thanks for all you’re shared. God bless.
Mike
Happy Birthday, your emails and messages are an inspiration and blessing to many of us. I hope and pray for your continued success.
Take Care
Morris E => Mr. Safety
Mike,
I love your emails and ideas. You have helped me and my bff dream big and have fun on the farm. What you do is wonderful and I wish that there were more people like you…willing to share and teach. Have a wonderful day! Happy Birthday and many more!
Mike,
Happy belated birthday. I wanted to say that you have inspired me to pass on the spritual words of planting for profit. I have told everyone that will listen and passed on the copy of your website. I hope to get my garden planted sometime soon…I was actually swindled out of the money for my start my misting system, but with hope the police will get their man! I want you to know that every since I saw you on youtube, I have inspired others to start growing their own plants even if it for there own enjoyment…you are an inspiration to us all. May the next 20 years be as wonderful as the first 15….you deserve it!
thanks for the winter rooting bed idea I have used for two years and it works great my yard thanks you also.
Here in north Manhattan (New York City, NY) our co-op apartment building is very lucky to have land for beautiful gardens. We have several of the plants that Mike recommends, and use his advice for planting and pruning. Our garden covers two sides of a 118 unit building, and it is definitely a highlight of the neighborhood. Thank you, Mike! PS. Your dirt farmer fudge recipe is fantastic! And your donkey photos are a hoot! (I’m sooo jealous…)
Truly enjoy reading all your gardening tips. Thank you for being so inspired to help everyone .
Wish you a wonderful and Happy Birthday!
Happy 58th Birthday Mike!
I have been reading your posts for sometime now. You are the American Dream personified. Hard work, determination, and no doubt much favor from God on more occasions then we ever sing His praises for.
So right now I’m going to be all over that…”Lord God, thank you for Mike. Thank you for the work of his hands and the wisdom that you have given him to know how to use them to bring You glory through the gifts and talents that you have wired into him. I praise you God for his willingness to share those talents with so many of us desiring to learn. Bless him on this special day of his in ways that make his eyes pop wide open. Bless those that he holds dear – most especially his wife who has no doubt believed in him and stood by him in the good and the not so good times. I ask this in Jesus Name. Amen.”
Thank you Mike!
Happy “B” Day Mike ! I always have been intrested in plants and all it involves but worked to hard to have time to enjoy any of it. Now I’ve been retired for a few years now and have spred your knowledge across the landscapes of many properties in Georgia including my own. Thanks for sharing your vast knowledge.
Rick
Happy Birthday to You Mike, Tanks for all that you do.
Hi Mike, Happy Birthday to you from Italy. Thanks for sharring so much information with us. Congratulation for your 15 years of bussiness.
Thanks for reaching out and sharing. You can never know how far reaching your message is. You make a difference.
Happy birthday.
i ve just turned 57 myself,been in lawncare since 1981, LOVE THIS GUY!!!- Happy Birthday!!! many more and never stop what youre doing. Thank-You
Hi, Mike.
Thank you for inpiring me to get my fingers deep, down into the dirt. My garden is beautiful & even my grass looks like it should again!! 😉
I’m looking forward to selling plants once ‘retired’ too!!
Lots of love from Cape Town, South Africa
-xxx-
happy birthday mike. in a little over 4 years that i have been receiving your e-mails, with a wealth of info, i have learned more about gardening than some of my friends who have been gardening. for more than 9 years. i appreciate all you have taught me. thanks,and again, have a very happy birthday.
Happy Birthday Mike, wishing you many more happy, healthy and fruitful and plantful years!
You have really helped us with “growing goodies”. Your information is so easy to understand and apply. We love you for the way you care about helping us in a caring and down to earth manner..keep it up Mike and Thank You for being the good soul you are!
Hey Mike here is a late happy Birthday wish!!!
Well hope you had a great day celebrating another year for you and 15 years for you business! I am relatively new to learning from you, but so far so great. You’re a down to earth teacher and make it all look very do-able. Here’s to all the best and continued success!
Mike, I have to say that your videos and your easy going, no nonsense way always makes me smile and it’s the little things like a smile that enrich a life. Many happy, healthy returns!
Happy Birthday Mike….Aftert I thought what was lost forever and that was my dream to have a farm where I could sell beautiful plants, flowers, trees and shrubs to sell to the public and at a price where I could make money doing what I love. I found your web site and everything you said was honest and so helpful with your knowledge and how much you share with your readers. I have listened and applied that knowledge to my little business. I am looking forward to the day I can retire from my regular job and do this full time. Its my plan B in life and will help pave the way to early retirement and to do what I have always loved to do and you have shown me how to do it. I can never thank you enough for having the courage to get your message out to all of us and showing us how easy all of this is. Knowledge is power! We are listening and you have a captive bunch of gardeners under your wings! Keep up the good work you do on a daily basis. Happy Birthday Mike!!!!
I don’t know where to begin. Mike, you have been so generous to all of us who have been fortunate enough to find your posts. I have saved every one you have shared and have read them several times over. I plan to have my first plant sale this spring…wish me luck that this freezing weather we have had hasn’t killed all my cuttings. But if so, I will just start again, I too have bought your Backyard Garden System and love it. I hope your birthday was special because you are a very special person. I would love to meet you in person one day.
Happy Birthday to a true inspiration. I am an Active Duty soldier and have been following Mike’s Backyard Nursery postings fr many, many years. It was a great diversion to read when I was deployed to Iraq; something to think about and plan for. I plan on trying this out when I soon retire. Thanks for the years of pep talks and information.
hey mike just dropped in to say hi and happy birthday[even if it is late].Thank you for all the information you have allowed me to learn about plants and some business ideas too.
It was through his offerings that I have learn to appreciate my ability to start, nurture and grow plants. I speak not of veggies but a variety of plants. While I have not ventured into the sales area I have cause my children to understand it is not a green thumb but a willingness to invest time and effort in creating greenery around the house. So as I say happy birthday I also am saying thank you for your efforts on the behalf of many you will never meet.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Hope you have a wonderful day. Congratulations on 15 successful years. Keep up the good work.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Hope you have a wonderful day. Thank you for all you do. Congratulations on 15 successful years.
I look forward to all the emails and abundant information Mike supplies. I especially like the occasional video that show just what a down to earth guy he really is. No pun intended. Thank you for all of your help and time spent on my garden flowers as well as yours . Happy Birthday and Many more God Bless
Thanks mike I enjoy your posts and information you give. I use it a lot as I help others since I do a lot of landscaping for people. Thanks john pittsburgh
Thanks Mike for all your knowledge and humor. Happy birthday and many. more.
Happy Birthday Mike…..Hope you have many more. Thanks for all the time you spend to help out other people learn how to be better gardeners.
i like how yous young guys keep us old guys informed on all this good stuf been afarmer @farm at haret to still love lerning keep it up thanks
Mike–I have become a fan of yours through the internet, and through your “Gardeners
Secret Handbook” Keep up the good work, and celebrate many many more birthdays.
Your friend and admirer, Jim Addison, Atlanta GA.
Happy Birthday Mike! Your home spun wisdom, and columns are a welcome reprieve fromthe negative news cycle in the World. I always look forward to reading your articles, and hope you enjoy your Birthday, and have many more!
All the Best,
Michael B. O’Malley
Hope you have a great birthday and anniversary! Thank you for keeping me
inspired and giving me helpful gardening tips.
I always look forward to your e-mails and always keep them for future reference. I love the videos in which you demonstrate everything a gardener needs to know and why it is done in a particular way.
Happy Birthday and thank you Mike!
Connie Kleppe
Happy Birthday Mike
Wishing you a wonderful day and many more birthdays.
God Bless You on your birthday ! ! ! !
Happy belated birthday, Mike. We here in the midwest will need plenty of advice after this years cold outbreaks. You give sage advice!!
Best wishes on your birthday and through out the year!
Happy Birthday Mike! I wish you the very best life has to offer plus 100 percent more. During the short time I have subscribed to your email list I have never been disappointed in either your guidance or your suggestions. You give away a lot more then any other online marketer I am familiar with and that goes a long way to keeping your subscribers very happy! Take the rest of the week off Mike- you deserve it!
P.S. When do the donkeys get their own show?
Read all your emails. Well written and easy to comprehend. When we move to a more hospitable climate (away from the mountains in CO with hurricane force winds), I will be able to implement more of your advice. Happy Birthday, Mike!
I read all your emails. They are always easy to understand and helpful. Keep up the good work, and when we move to a more hospitable climate (away from the mountains and hurricane force winds), I am sure I can use even more of your advice. Happy Birthday. J. A. Berge
Happy 58th birthday, and happy 15th anniversary, Mike. I’m one of your silent readers — I enjoy your wisdom and your e-mails but i don’t tend to post a comment. I’m breaking with form here today because you have much to celebrate!
What I love most about your blog is how your love for the natural world shines through in everything you write about. It’s that very down-to-earth love of plants and animals that I connect with very readily. Thank you for sharing your wisdom in a most appealing way. Congratulations!
Mike: I read about propagating plants on your website; the difference between hard cuttings and green cuttings. I also saw illustrations that clearly showed me what you are talking about. I have made a number of grape cuttings, many of which were successful. I can see that I could have been more successful had I warmed the roots, so I thank you for pointing this out for me.
I am presently interested in propagating roses, so the procedures that you gave are of interest to me.
Happy Birthday Mike !!!!!
A big Happy Birthday to you Mike. I have followed you through many years . You have given me such inspiration. And the joy that my garden has given me through your advice has no bounds. I say I am a dirt person. My husband wants to downsize and move to a high rise.Less work. Just cannot do it. Just for some unknown reason makes me feel closer to God. Once again Mike , Big big Happy Birthday. 😉
happy b day thanks for some good advice
from across the pond
Jray
Hi Mike!
Happy Birthday you young fella!!
I love that your son and Amber so appreciate and value who you are… & want us to chime in.
For myself– I love gardening and never get enough of it. I love reading your stuff cuz it makes me feel like I am in the yard…. Though I never used your ideas to make bucks…. I can see possibilities there and until I do– I just love the pieces you do. Also appreciate your obvious love of gardening.
When I see your stuff in my email box, it kinda feels like some nice sit down time with a friend, who will expose me to new ideas or ways of doing my plants. That is a very good feeling!! Kinda like a smile!
Thank you for your ideas and sharing Mike… Love your kinda “real ness” and want to encourage your sharing & wok/play outside– or in that barn garage of yours — for another 20 years!
Smiling at you till next time!
Thank you again and Happy Birthday Mike! ( in Polish, we say “Sto lat” which means 100 years! ) may YOU live to be 100 years old…. With more joy in every year. God BlessYou!
You are a wealth of knowledge and so willing to share. Thanks for all the information you have provided!
Happy Birthday
Happy birthday Mike! Thank you for all of your time and information that you pass along in your emails. I so look forward to receiving your material about plant information, your family, and yes, especially about how the donkeys are doing! Thank you so much for all that you do! Happy birthday!!! eric
Hey Mike,
Happy Birthday and a big Hello from me. I’ve been getting your e-mails, reading your posts and watching your videos for the past year. Thank you so much for taking the time to provide “us” a vast amount of info.
Mike, the most important reason I’m drawn to your site is first and foremost your obvious love of family. Everything else, which is a deep well of info comes in at a distant second to that.
May you have many more years as patriarch of your family and please continue to pass down your wisdom first to your family then to us (your fans)
God bless and Happy Birthday
Dave Hine
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday and God bless… You have taught me so much about plants in easy to understand language. I love your site and loved your chocolate fudge recipe, Thank You. Hope to see you for another 15 plus years…..
Happy Birthday Mike,
I’ve been reading your comments and watching your videos for years. Until recently, I’ve also been working for a small company designing and maintaining gardens. Your advise has been spot on, and I’ve used your cutting techniques very successfully. Thank you and happy birthday.
Carol
Happy belated birthday. I have just recently subscribed and watched ypur videos on youtube. You did a great job and I have learned alot about gardening from your videos. Please keep your videos coming. and thanks alot.
HI Mike,
Happy birthday
I bought 2 of your rooting cuttings books one for me and one for my daughter who is an avid gardener. We both plan to try it this spring.
She called me last week to tell me she figured what she got from her garden last year and it amounted to over $3000.00 in vegetables and berries.
Thanks again for what you do.
Arland
happy birthday Mike!
Happy Birthday (a little late)
Thanks for all that you do. You have inspired me to pursue gardening and I love it.
Happy Birthday Mike. and congratulations on 15 years of teaching us how to grow our baby plants.
Love the business and refer back to your information often. the $4.97 sure gets people talking and I tell them the reason why, and it gets them talking and buying plants… it’s Australia Day( 26th Jan.) here and we are busy getting the plants ready for a couple more scorching hot days in a few days time. (again!) keep up the great work. “cheers” to all the team, behind the scenes too.
I have a McGroarty file. I have learned more than I csn even behin to mention from your site which I happened upon purely by mistake. Thank you so much for all the help you have been and happy happy birthday!
One of my best memories of you is the message you left on my answering machine, thanking me for purchasing your system. I was impressed/thrilled that you would do that. Your voice sounded just like all the videos I watched. (Well, who else would it sound like!)
I’ve always identified with you having a similar background as a landscaper and being of a similar age. You are one of the good guys Mike HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jadon
Happy Birthday Mike!
Thank you for your real-life stories about business and life. When I read them I am reminded that I have a choice of how I live my own life. I haven’t bought your growing system YET, but I know I will one day. In the meantime I am encouraged by your words and your life. Thank you for being you. I hope you had a wonderful birthday!
A fan In CA.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike,
My brother bought your first tapes (VCR). He passed them to me. I’ve watched them 10 or more times taking notes. Followed you on the web for 8 years and learned so much. The very most important thing I learned from you is HELPING PEOPLE it’s worth more than any money.
With that, I THANK YOU !!!
GOD BLESS
Keith
Mike, Happy Birthday.
I am an avid follower of your program and newsletters. I only wish I had a backyard to follow in your footsteps. I have always been interested in plant propagation and its through your articles that I’ve become proficient at doing it on the small land I have access to. I have given away many plants that I successfully propagated and my neighborhood is the better for it. Good to see all the plants as I go about my walks in the warmer weather.
Thanks and again Happy Birthday.
Happy anniversary and Happy birthday Mike. I enjoy listening to you talk about the plants you grow on video. I hope your special day is enjoyed.
Thanks so much for all the practical information. I love reading your posts. Have a blessed birthday. You have blessed many with your life.–Ruth
Happy Birthday Mike! You know with all your knowledge you have given, I still haven’t committed to doing right by my small garden. I make it complicated even when it is not. I will try to concentrate more in the weeks to come and finally get it right.
However, I am just one of many that wants to Thank You for your efforts and asking you to set back a little bit and enjoy your family and just bask a little on your Birthday. After all you have began a business but that is no good without your family to share it with. Family is everything. So Thank your son and daughter-in Law.
Then kiss your dogs and pt your loving wife on her head! LOL!
Happy Birthday Mike!
I enjoy your listening t your gardening tips!
Have a Happy Birthday!
Roses are red
Violets are blue
My thump is green
Thanks to you
Happy birthday Michael
Happy Anniversary too
So many are thankful
For all that you do
hope the next 58 is as great
Happy Birthday, Mike! I am a relatively new subscriber to your site, recommended by my sister- also an avid gardener. Beyond my own landscaping, I have a team of some 12(+/-) people, aka. “The Dream Team” (Team work makes the dream work!)”,who work with me once/week on our 6+ acre church property- very natural landscaping – so I regularly share your advice and hints. We have been a team since 2005. Thank you so much for all you have shared with us! hope your big day is superior!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY & HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIKE. I have learned so many things from reading on your site and listening to your videos. You are a great teacher. What you teach is practical and relevant to my interests. Please keep it up! I love it!
Enjoy your teachings! Wow, can’t believe how many lives you have touched.
Hi Mike, I wrote a Happy Birthday message to you before so I am writing this again because i really want to tell you how much i have enjoyed all your advice on gardening. Have a wonderful day with your family.
Regards
Barbara Pye
from Sydney Australia
Happy belated BD. Guess I don’t check my email in timely way. Thanks for the information, humor, and dirtfarmer’s fudge recipe!
Happy Birthday Mike! Thank you for teaching me Gardening, I hope that you have a very enjoyable Birthday and please know that I enjoy your teaching and you are very much appreciated.
All the best,
Helen
Happy Birthday, Mike!
I’m 75 and I’ve been following your newsletters for about four years now. Every time I feel like I can’t do it, I think about you, and I tell myself “Yes you can do it” “Mike McGroarty did it” “There’s nothing stopping you from doing it – no matter how old you are”. So thanks, Mike, you have given me a lot of good ideas and hope.
Sincerely,
Matt Hodson
Happy Birthday Mike. Wonder what your family is going to do for your 60th birthday in a couple of years? Well, enjoy your day with all that you love, your family, friends, pets, and plants. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge with us want-a-bees. Wishing you another year of good health!!
Happy…. Happy… Birthday! I happened upon one of your videos on youtube this last spring and haven’t been the same since.. I am a single mom with three little one’s and we just dabbled in gardening, cause I didn’t know any better and was trying to provide healthy food for all of us. After watching the video on how to root leaves and sticks (lol) and read your story of how you started your business, it just hit home with me. I had went through a couple of very difficult times in the last several years and needed to cut cost where ever I could. I also become very passionate about the food we eat and the quality. Buying plants for the garden can get really expensive quick, not to mention the flowers my girls wanted to buy. Thanks to your help and the kindness of neighbors and family we have several roses and butterfly bushes growing in small containers this winter that were completely free. 🙂 We still have a lot to learn but I have found that I truly love to work in the garden and love the idea that I know exactly what is on our produce. My girls thank you for showing us how to get starts off of other flowers and bushes. Now we have the best of both worlds and who knows where the knowledge we have got from you will lead us. We wish you the best on your birthday and many more to come.
Now in my 70’s and a full time caregiver, I wish I’d had Mike’s generous information at least 10 years ago. I love growing and feel so wealthy when a pack of seeds fills a flat!
Happy Birthday Mike, and many thanks for your generosity.
I love that Mike likes trees and plants and that he wants to help us grow them right. Joy Earl
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE! Thank you for loving gardening as much as I do and sharing your knowledge; you have enriched my green thumb experience and added to my love of growing things green. I enjoy opening your emails which put a smile on my face and know how in pocket; ; ; ;Catherine
San Antonio, TX
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU MIKE! i wish you happiness and joy, and to be able to enjoy all your favorite things on your birthday. As a gardener I enjoy every tip and garden information you provide, you enrich my green thumb experience and love of gardening and put a smile on my face; thank you Mike.
Happy birthday Mike! I’ve been reading your posts for about 7 years now and thoroughly enjoy all the helpful gardening tips and videos. I don’t do much gardening anymore except for some tomatos,garlic and flowers but like watching the videos, especially the donkeys. I get a kick outta them! Have a great birthday and a great year!!
ps: my aunt and uncle lived in Erie, PA so I spent a lot of time there on the lake as a child. So many fond memories!
mike you have brought so much joy, knowledge and love to so many people and was God sent . We are so blesed to know you and may god blees you and all your family and also the cutiest donkeys. the Arrudas in Rhode Island
Wishing you a happy birthday! I love your newsletters! Keep up the good work! 🙂
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mike!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
Have a SUPER Happy Birthday.
Mike, Happy Birthday! Thank you for all your valuable help and hints. Gardening is and has been my favorite past-time ever since I can remember. Thanks again. God Bless. Kayla
Mike has been a wonderful inspiration and teacher. Happy birthday Mike!
Happy Birthday, Mike! My health prevents me from doing much outdoors including gardening, but by reading your newsletters, tips and watching your videos, you give me a vicarious enjoyment of all that I miss!
When times get rough, we all need something or someone to inspire us if for nothing else, for hope. Mike, thats what you have given me. Starting my backyard nursery has been slow but sure, it gives me something to get and stay excited about. Now looking forward to getting things off and running this coming growing season, I can’t hardly wait. Things are still a little tight but I am sure that will change. Thank you for what you do, it truly does change lives.
Happy Birthday ! God Bless!
HAPPY (BELATED) BIRTHDAY MIKE! I LOVE GETTING ALL YOUR NEWSLETTERS & EMAILS, AND THO I NORMALLY DELETE SO MANY OF THE HUNDREDS I GET EVERY WEEK, I NEVER DELETE YOURS. I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR HINTS, SUGGESTIONS & TECHNIQUES THAT NO ONE WHO HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE HAS EVER BEFORE SHARED “FREELY” AND GENEROUSLY TO THE EVERYDAY HOME GARDENER. I USED YOUR SUGGESTION FOR MAKING MY SMALL-SCALE ROOTING BEDS (INVERTED FISH AQUARIUM), AND HAVE HAD REALLY GOOD SUCCESS WITH IT. I’M GOING TO BE TRYING SOME OF YOUR OTHER “FROM SEED” INSTRUCTIONS AS I HAVE MORE TIME.
BLESSINGS ON YOU & YOUR FAMILY!
RONDA
mike: thanks for the many tips. have started grapes and hopeing your tips work. have a very happy birthday. bill
So sorry I missed wishing you the best B-Day ever, yesterday. Want to tell you I lived in Ohio for my formative years. Hearing your voice and relating to your Midwest spirit gives me such a good “back home” feeling! California is so different. Besides your great gardening info, you take me back to walks with my grandfather, an Ag. Econ Prof. at OSU, formerly West Virginia farm boy. He is long passed now. I think you two would have had so much to talk about like Japanese Maples, dahlia’s, composting… just so many things.
It sounds like you are a man, richly blessed! Happy, HAPPY birthday and many more!
Catherine
happy happy birthday
u are great!
I have been watchin for years.Ì
I have learned a lot from your videos.. I always look forward to your emails. I appreciate that you are down to end you teach in a way that I understand foothill the information
Greetings from Pennsylvania and Happy Birthday!
I enjoy your newsletters very much and have learned a lot about plants from you.
Have a great day and be happy and healthy in 2014!
Thank you for bringing joy into my yard, I wish I had more than me, a 54yr old, working f/t, but you help me in your videos, I am very greatful.
May your birthday, be all and more! Your friend on Vancouver Island, BC Cindy Shaw, Come visit anytime, should you make it to the Island! Cheers! Enjoy Your Day!
Thank you for sharing your GREEN thumb. You know how to make me look good! Many more Happy Birthdays!
Happy Birthday Mike and congratulation on 15 years of successful business. Thanks for sharing your valued information. I am new to your site and hope to make a go at this business. Thanks again. Larry
I always enjoy reading about the garden tips and I also enjoy his videos. I find them very helpful. Thank you and Happy Birthday, Mike!
thank you and happy birthday
Thanks for helping so many people. That within itself is a testament of excellence. People don’t care about people anymore and that’s a terrible thing, but your actions show you care. May you have many more wonderful and blessed years.
Happy Birthday, Mike! And congratulations on your 15th anniversary, too! May God bless you with many more of each.Thanks for all the good you do by sharing your encouragement/knowledge with us.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!
Love to learn to learn something new always. You have an excellent way of helping us, and I truly appreciate that!
Hope you have many, many more birthdays!
Thank you for making gardening so much fun. Your enthusiasm is catchy !!!
Happy, Happy Birthday, Mike!! Wishing Love, Happiness, and Health not just for a year, but for many years.
Happy Birthday-Mike
I have been a follower of yours for a few years. Haven’t taken the dive into my business, but my thoughts are there. I love your down to earth and unselfish approach to business. I know I must do something everyday for my business. Thank you for all you have given. I hope your birthday was great!
Rona
Happy Birthday Mike. I discovered your website and subscribed to your emails about 5 years ago…..I must tell you that you were very inspiring for me when I was looking for what it is all about….life that is…..you are a great example and a true testament for people as they move through the stages of life. Yourselflessness has inspired me to do as you have done….so much for others. Keep up the great, fantastic, superplantastic work! Hugs and kisses!
PS. You really have a wonderful son. Cheers to him and his wife.
Warmest Regards
Anita
Mike,
Thank you so much for all the interesting articles you send. They have helped me in so many ways just taking care of my little yard. Keep them coming and you have the greatest of birthdays.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY MIKE. You are very much appreciated.
Happy Birthday and Anniversary and many more to come. I have little space for plants but have enjoyed your videos and your Baked Beans recipe the most!
Mike has given me the confidence to grow things, the knowledge to keep them alive and to share my knowledge with others. Happy Birthday Mike!
Happy Birthday…I so look forward to your emails…I have a folder on my pc to keep them
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE !!!!!! Thanx 4 all u share . I hope to be able to see more of ur videos now that I have fibre optic . thumbs up !!! Enjoy Your Special Day !!!
gina
Happy birthday, Mike! I was so happy to find you a few years ago, especially since I was in that place you experienced before of no money and hopeless. The more I watched you and read , the more I appreciated your gentle sharing ways. I love how you take a process and just show how to do everything in such a matter of fact manner. It takes the fear of trying out of the equation. I love how you are just “plain folk” and share about your family, like a good neighbor. So now you and I are the same age! That is another reason you inspire me. You have accomplished so much and grown with your business by getting the technology factor and you make me believe in my own dreams again. I may even do it your way. I have been a horticulture lover my whole life.
You are my “plant profit”
“ingenious inspiration”
“garden guru”
“tree teacher”
You are a good man and I hope the next 15 years double the blessings for you and yours. I look forward to more of your shared wisdom. Thank You!
Hi Mike, I’m wishing you a Happy Birthday and continued good health for the next years. I want to tell you that you blog and your books have meant a lot to me as a “novice gardener.” Your advice has been priceless and I can’t thank you enough for all that you do.
Again,
Happy Birthday!!!
Jackie Hillian
Happy Birthday Mike,
I’ve been around since the first message board and have learned a great deal. Iappreciate the time and energy you have put into this whole thing.
keep up the good work and thanks for all the enjoyment and knowledge you have given us!
Warrem
Happy birthday Mike! Sorry a bit late but hope it was enjoyable. Like you, I also live in Ohio, a small town between Mt. Gilead and Mt. Vernon. My husband and I have a small greenhouse business and enjoy gardening as well. Always enjoyable to read so many new ideas from you. I learn something new everytime I open an email! Please continue to inspire everyone. Looking forward to the next idea.Happy Spring!
P.S. snowed in today but looking forward to warm days.
Hi, Mike! A belated, but very sincere HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!
I’m a newbie to your site, but have been soaking up your emails that you send out…it’s winter, I live in senior housing, so miss gardening, sure wish I had discovered you many years ago!!!
I hope you had a REALLY special surprise birthday, that was a great idea Duston came up with, such a sweet celebration of you, his Dad, and your kind, giving nature, thanks, Duston, for this lovely tribute!!
And thank you, Mike for all you do!
Wishing you many years of prosperity and good health, and continued sharing of your thoughts and advice!
Gratefully yours, Kristina Huber
I’m trying too learn how to grow food type plants and to make some money I just barely was able to purchase your growing system to learn more but i’m a little disappointed on the Immediate need to spend more money to get on to the buyer board.
Any ways I hope you have a very Happy Birthday
someone recommended to lose weight check this out https://deenamorton.infusionsoft.com/go/bgweb/robinfenn
Looking forward to learning more on growing plants.
Hi, Mike, Happy Birthday/Anniversary!
I finally got some cuttings from my favorite bush. I have so many now I am sharing them with a few of my neighbors. Thanks for sharing information on gardening. I love getting your emails. Love the donkeys! God bless you Mike!
There are very few things in my life that have remained important, lasted, over the last 15 years. Mike’s Growing System and his e-newsletter was one of the first I added to my inbox. Dial-up and a basic Imac seemed so liberating! Ever since then, I have enjoyed opening those emails with the sender- Mike McGroarty! No fluff, great guidance, realistic applications, and all of it is delivered by a real person.
Mike, happy birthday! You have inspired me to make cuttings and share the rooted starts. I’ve ripped out unhealthy plants instead of making do. My home’s landscape is a reminder to me, that first e-newsletter was an excellent choice. Thank you for being you. Please continue!!
Dear Mike Happy,Happy Birthday and Anniversary to you and wish you many,many more in your life time you have been a had a great impact on my gardening thanks to your wonderful and knowlegable advice that you give in your e-mails you sent out to us all Today is a day for you to take off and relax and enjoy the day with your family and great kids who came up with this idea. It was a great and thoughtful gift to you. HAVE A GREAT AND BLESSED DAY!!! Eat all the cake you want and enjoy it. Your a wonderful person doing what you do so unselfishly and sharing the tips and ideas. Your so inspiriing to us all out here in the gardening world and those who want to learn and be one. Your the man!!
Happy Birthday Mike I really enjoy reading your newsletter and I have learned a great deal from you about plants last year I had the best garden ever and would like to think its because of all the great information I have learned. Thank you so much I would like to think I will give your backyard growing a try at some point.
Happy Birthday Mike,
From one Buckeye to another…I always enjoy your e-mails and love the videos. My first gardening experience stems from Ohio with my parents and grandparents and I have lived all over, but still remember how good the “dirt” was there. I now have my grandson to pass it on too, so appreciate all the tips you give both of us. Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Have a good day!
I have learned so much from this site. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
Happy Birthday!!!!
You bring joy to my life through your blog. The donkeys are such a delight. I’m not able to do all the things I would like to do but I enjoy you coming to my house on your occasional visits. Love gardening and flowers. I started my first garden in 1953 and all I had was a hoe. Have a wonderful birthday and keep on bringing joy.
Thank you. Nancy
Happy Birthday! Thanks for sharing your vast knowledge of plants. You have been a valuable resource for many years, and hopefully, many more to come!
We wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! and many more.
I read your e-mail and look a the web site and wanted to say THANK you
for all your advice and suggestions. They have helped me to grow things
better and enjoy the garden and flower beds more with all the easy
tips you share. Thank you again for all the time it takes to write and video
the articles.
Marlena and Butch
Happy birthday to you and many more! Thanks for all you do!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WISDOM YOUVE SHARED. LOOKING FORWARD TO SPRING!
HOPE YOU HAVE A BLESSED BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY
ROBIN
He taught me how to make a potting bench and Dirt Farmer fudge. My Mom made this type of fudge all of the time but she passed about 15 years ago and I had never run across the recipe that was just like hers. He even uses the same tricks she used to test it. so amazing that people from different parts of the country and totally different life styles would have the same recipe. She was 74 when she passed.
I have started my little business by planting a small portion of my 4×4 elevated garden with gardenias and forsythias that I will sell this spring. I am currently a nurse but this is my retirement plan. My ancestors were farmers and share croppers so it is in my blood. Thank you for helping me start this wonderful retirement plan.
Happy Birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A MOST INSPIRING PERSON WHEN IT COMES TO TIPS ON PLANTS AND,SHARING HIS PLANTS,THANKS AGAIN MIKE.
I live in a trailer community, so space is very small. I’m sure I got some tips from Mike in regards to my one rose bush that I transplanted, to allow for more room for the strawberries! I love flowers (& food!), so am grateful to see Mike’s awesome skill with these beautiful flowers & plants! May you continue to “bloom where you’re planted!” & have a very delightful 58th b’day, Mike! I save all your e-mails to have as “reference” if I, or anyone I know, has need of them! Thank-you for your diligent enthusiasm, & may God richly bless all your endeavors! When a SON compliments his DAD – he knows he’s doing something “right”! 🙂
You are a blessing to all who have access to your site. Your helpful hints and insights make a joy to work in my yard. To see beautiful flowers and vegetables grow with your hints and helps has opened my eyes to the glory around me. God Bless you and Happy Birthday.
Happy Birthday Mike, so we have the sane BD, it has been such a pleasure, & I look forward to your newsletters, even though I had to give up my flower gardening, I still enjoy your tips, with help I plan to have more grape vines. After your advise on how to start need ones. THANKS
Gwen. Dick. Monticello, KY.
Happy birthday Mike. A coworker gave me your website date telling her how many plants I was killing. I’ve learned a lot from your videos. And I enjoy the donkeys. Your down to earth approach is what I like the best. Thanks for sharing your gardening knowledge
Happy Birthday Mike. I was around near when you started but just finally starting. Feel like I’m coming home. i wish you many more prosperous years and to your family as well.
Happy Birthday Mike. I was around near when you startedbut just finally starting. Feel like I’m coming home. i wish you many more prosperous years and to your family as well.
I live in Canada and I love getting your email regarding different ideas. I have subscribed for many years and always look forward to the next email. Thanks for all you do and Happy Birthday – wishing you MANY more.
Mike- Last year I stumbled across one of your videos on youtube. Since then I’ve really enjoyed your emails and watching your videos. The down to earth manner you use is great, but even better is the passion and inspiration you have for plants, gardening and what you do. Happy Birthday and a hearty thanks for all you do!
Happy Birthday Mike
I discovered you online when I was searching for info on propagating plants that I already own. We have totally different plants in the front yard than we have in the backyard. It only makes a little sense,,,full early sun in front and shade in back until late afternoon. I think the previous owners beefed-up curb appeal before we bought in 2006, but I have since learned the plants are in the wrong places. I just wanted to bring consistency to the yard and now I’m planning a BACKYARD NURSERY. I’m excited about all of the things you cover in your system and your pure, sincere approach really shines through. Wow !!!!! YOU are the real deal and my life is better from all of the things you share about you, your family, your experiences and the direction that your Backyard Growing System gives.
Thank You and may God bless you.
Your Friend,
Vince
Happy Birthday Mike
Thank you for all the knowledge you have shared with me with your videos and the backyard propagation video I learned so much from you. You are a true inspiration to so many people.
I have had both hips replaced and cannot get onto my knees, but I love the practical approach to gardening. Mike doesn’t add a lot of junk to his soil, but makes it easy for people to try his ideas. Love his blog and glad I found it.
Happy Birthday Mike,
Hope your day is filled with as many special blessings and you have given to us with all your wonderful knowledge about gardening.
Blessings to you and your company.
Happy Birthday dear Mike
I wish you a very happy life to be able to share your wisdom on our effort to multiply the best in life Plants and trees. Thank you
so much I could be telling stories and facts refearing to them…
and for you….
My dear sensitive Duston and Amber congratulations for your brilliant idea to involve all us “the distant friends” into a family afair!! Happiness and joy to adorn your fresh lives.
kisses from Helen Lemonis
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE ! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I enjoy your presentations and dream of putting your teachings into practice.
From one of your newest students,Tim
Happy Birthday and many more!!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and inspirations!
I so look forward to Mike;s emails. It is a break in my day and puts a smile on my face to connect and see what helpful hints he is giving out each time. They are always put in such a enjoyable down home format that it only takes a few minutes of my time and I always come out with a new hint or two. Keep these bits of sunshine coming my way.
Happy Birthday! Very short and to the point. West coast weather this winter has been a blessing, for once. Minimal rain and snow is a phenonomen seldom enjoyed in January. The important point is the inspiration you have given me at the age of 63. I now know exactly what I will be doing during my retirement years Thanks again, and happy birthday Mike.
Happy, Happy, Birthday Mike! I read all your emails hoping I can retire soon
and start practicing what you do. You have a wonderful family.
Happy Birthday, Mike! You have planted many good seeds and deeds over the years while sharing your love of plants. I have appreciated your generosity and expertise. So, today is harvest day . . . may all the positive you have sown come back to you one hundredfold and more. Everyday can be a “birth” day of new beginnings . . . make this one yours! Enjoy!
I was looking for a website for gardening and came across Mr McGroarty’s add and bought his book. I wanted to find someone like me who loves growing things and learning all that you can from the ground. He came across an adventure due to a financial need and seemed to me found his passion to share with all of us. He shares his real life experiences and I enjoy his many adventures with is trail and errors. I have a brother in Vemiliion Ohio and would one day like to get to your fathers farm. I think he would be a great person to meet and talk with about growing things from scratch. He seems to be a down to earth type of person and to me that is a great way to be in life.
I haven’t had as much time as I want to work in my yard but when I retire I will definetly be doing some serious back yard growing…hope to really tap into his knowledge then.
Happy Birthday Mike,
This story will be a little different in that I found your site by accident. I subscribed to the email newsletter and purchased one item. I have always had a hands on approach to plants and enjoy working with them.
While reading your newsletters, I read one about 2 years ago that was on starting cuttings. My mother in law always enjoys her for forsythia bush outside her kitchen window. My understanding is it came from her mother’s place. Well just after I read the article, it needed to be trimmed, so I took extra off because Mike said it was ok….LOL. I took 5 cuttings and rooted them for each of her kids. I let them grown in flower pots for a year and this past May suggested she give one to each of her kids (on her birthday) so they could share in the delight. Most enjoyed the new plant.
Just before Thanksgiving she went into the hospital with complications of a disease she has had for 13+ years and went to be with the Lord just before Christmas. I took starts again this year in September (it needed a pruning again). And placed the cuttings in my basement because I did not have a place outside I wanted to put them. Did you know they would bloom indoors? They were blooming when she passed away December 20. So I have had the pleasure of enjoying the blooms of her forsythia in the middle of 7 degree weather and 27 below wind chill.
I just want you to know Mike that without your newsletters and sharing the information. None of this would be possible. Your gift of mentoring and encouraging individuals has an impact that you will most likely never know. All I can say is thank you for sharing your gifts so others can reap the rewards of blooms, plants and (in some cases) making money. Thanks and God bless you and your family. – Robert
Happy Birthday Mike! Thanks for having me. I enjoy your knowledge you share!
happy birthday mike you’ve been an inspiration to me in ways youll never know thx
Happy Birthday from Australia Mike. Few people have impacted my life the way you have. You are a natural teacher – you have the knack for sharing your knowledge in a simple, straight forward way that is so easy to follow. Thanks you for all the time and energy you put into helping us all enjoy plants and gardening. You encourage and inspire – thank you.
Mike thanks so much for all your guidance over the years. The happiest of birthdays to you sir. If all the teachers in the world could instill knowledge with your finesse, the world would be much smarter , and more kind to one another.
Happy Birthday Mike…from Georgia!
I’ve been receiving you’re emails for over a year now and have enjoyed them all. I’ve have several cold frames filled with cuttings all over my back yard and look forward to seeing them grow up. Your down to earth method of presenting the information is perfect for us Georgia folks. You do talk a little funny and fast on your videos but I just rerun them. My latest project that you inspired me to do was the legless potting table. I did mine in the garage because it was below 50 degrees here in Georgia and it turned out great. Besides the fact that a sheet of 3/4 treated plywood weights a bit more than I could handle, I had to get some “inside” help. She was really thrilled! So, the project became a family affair. Thanks for all of the information. You can tell you have a passion for gardening. Enjoy your birthday!
i m just a beginner, i love your sight
Mike I use to live at Powhatan Point, Ohio thirty years ago, and miss it to some degree,moved to Tuscaloosa Alabama enjoy your letters. PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING.
Forgot to wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY.so, HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Mike,
I cannot begin to tell you how much you have inspired me to actually try to make my own plants. Although I still struggle with the process you inspire me to keep trying and I am thankful that you continue to offer encouragement to all of us. Happy birthday from a fellow dirt lover!
Ron
Mike, I attempted to send a greeting yesterday via my smart cell phone. Not sure it got out the door. With that Happy Birthday Mike, you got just 2 yrs to catch up with me. Wishing you a Happy 15th Anniversary also. Hope you day was a grand one. Can’t wait to see what the youngins are going to do for you for your 60th. God Bless Mike. Bill Kaminsky
Hey Mike,
Many Happy Returns of the day! Thanks for taking the time to research AND share with us all the things you do. Though I live in India and often can’t use all the information you give us, there’s so much I’ve learned.
Thanks!
A belated Happy Birthday Mr. McGroarty from the young children in my day care and me. We enjoy reading your emails and we have learned a lot from you and some of it we are practicing in our garden. We are thankful to you.for keeping us informed.
We wrote a letter to you last year(!) and never got to mail it. We will find it and send it to you.
We are sure you had a wonderful birthday. May God keep you healthy so you can guide us in our gardening.
Many more happy returns of the day.
Ms. Annie and all her Vcare children
Happy birthday 58 I am also birthday mode for the big 60, Thanks for all your advice in gardening .My yard is also full of growing stuff but only sell a little,my biggest sale is tomato plants in spring,thanks for all help
Mike,
About 8 years ago, I stumbled across your website and ordered a book called “Back Yard Nursery” (or something to that effect). I was so impressed by the wealth of knowledge and simplicity that you shared that I purchased the whole set of videos. I have told several people that you have restored my faith in “online marketers” (though you are one in a million!). You continually GIVE so much more than you promise!! I follow your newsletter and your marketing advice. I have purchased your propagation system and will get it all set up next spring. I have been building up knowledge and a desire to jump into the “business” end of plant propagation and sales when I retire a year from now.
You have truly been an inspiration for me – and now for my wife as of 2012. You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve told her “Mike says to (do it this way), because………” . You make what has been merely “fun”….now very exciting!
Happy Birthday, Mike (belated) – and God Bless you and your family for all that you have shared and all the lives you have inspired to change!!
Bob Miller – Peoria, IL.
Dear Mike Hava Ha Hap Happ Happy Birthday and as a subscriber of your fabulous Newsletter for just a few short months I have to say the practical help with my garden, especially vegies and compost is simply I N S P I R I N G me to keep at it and experiment! Thank you for ALL that you do, its most valuable.
Kindest Regards and Gratitude
Grace~Shanti
Down-Under [ or is that Up-Over? :-D]
Hi Mike,
I accidentally came across one of your articles in August 2012, & couldn’t help but subscribe immediately to your newsletters.
You remind me of my father! He was a farmer, & his character was very similar to yours, so I feel so easy with all that you
have to portray about your business. He taught me business tricks & ethics too, just like you do.
I save most of your newsletters, because I’m retiring as soon as I can get myself organised to sell my business. Once retired,
your articles will be the first I delve into, as for once, I want to not just stick plants in the ground & water them for years, but
to have really nice plants, & to sell home-cultivated shrubs for a bit of income, & pleasure too.
And you’ll be my teacher!
In the meantime, have a Very Happy Birthday Mike! I hope you’ll be treating yourself to a day off from your work, & that some-
one special treats you to the fabulous day that you deserve.
Cheers Mike, take care.
Love, Liz
Happy Birthday Mike, I have a true friend.
Happy Birthday MIke! I have enjoyed all of your videos, they are great. I have learned quite a bit from you over this last year and plan to enjoy more of your wise direction when it comes to gardening. Thanks for all your time.Bob
Happy Birthday Mike!! I always enjoy your emails and updates; keep up the great work 🙂
Dear Super Energy Mike McGroaty!! Congratulations and Many Best Wishes on this, your 58th Birthday and 15th Anniversary of growing plants and helping us all to become the better persons I hope we all want to be. That is what I believe my purpose in life is: To live and work in the world and become a better human being each and every year. To bring joy to others with my compliments and smiles and spread happiness around by showing and sharing it where and when ever the opportunity arises*!* Wishing you and yours a fabulous year, and a fabulous next decade!! Sincerely, Rebecca B.
Thank’s to you I have better looking plants Happy Birthday
Thanks Mike for freely sharing your gardening knowledge, lots of great tips, most of witch I am able to apply to my garden here in the UK. Happy Birthday
From John. near Liverpool England.
Happy Birthday Mike!
I appreciate all of the inspiration & wonderful photos & explanations you have sent…I hope something blooms especially for you today!
Mary
Happy birthday Mike, it’s been 8 or 9 years since I found your website, when I first found it I was teaching horticulture as part of a Second Chance Training course, your website helped a lot of the trainees realise just how easy it can be to start their own work from home business.
Thank you for all of your time and effort.
Warren
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY” Mike and many more!My husband and I learned quite a bit from all your great videos so keep up the good work for it’s alot of work to keep everything going. Hope your day was filled with joy and laughter, sincerely Bryan and margie Miller in Nevada.
Your vine propagation information is fantastic. Thank you and happy birthday!
Happy Birthday Mike.
You do a great job providing information for us brown thumb gardeners.
Keep it up!
Hi Mike! Thank you very much for your time, information and all things lovingly shared about plant propagation and growth. I have been able to make use of your knowledge to start and grow a few plants now. God Bless and have a great Birthday!
Happy Birthday Mike]\
My name is Mike also Im 55yrs old I live in AZ. I have watched your videos on you-tube I have learned alot from your knowledge I have wanted to started a business but like when you started out I am on a tight budget but I love working with plants this last yr I grew the biggest Garden people were so amazed that they would stop on the road in front of my house and ask me questions like I was an expert some of the men would even ask me if I would come to there house to give them tips on there’s.Im hoping to be able to join your program to start my own business one day.Well I am here to say thank you for all you do and have a Happy Birthday even though I am sending this late.]\
Your Friend]\
Mike
Happy Birthday MIKE!!!! Thank-you so much for sharing all you do on your blog. because of what you have shared, i’ve decided to plant dogwood trees and see how it goes. you spend so much time on your blog to help others receive joy in planting. i appreciate all that you do. keep it up and have a healthy and happy year. God bless you!!
Some time ago, during a dark time in my life, I happened upon your website, being a gardener myself. Just reading your “life story” Mike, I was both brought to tears for you as well as being deeply inspired by your ability to keep going despite repeated setbacks. Your honesty about your ups and downs touched me deeply and I have followed your posts ever since. Your love for your family shines through in your stories and is Proven by the heartfelt message from your son here on this page. May God continue to bless you and yours for all that you have done to help others so selflessly . HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! And Happy Anniversary, too!
hi mike ,,its a long time that i wanted to write to you to say thankyou for all the wonderfull things i have learned from you …. i never had a computer so when i retired the children bought me one.. that was just over a year ago and yours,, was one of the first things that i came across ,, and that s where i started enjoying making baby plants and compost and all the rest thanks a lot..we are ready to celebrate new year and spring festeval in china……….i am 73 and stay with my youngest son and fasmily who works in china….GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY…..ashton fourie
Happy birthday, Mike! I’ve been a keen follower for a few years. I’ve rooted & grown plants – the garden has become a lot of work!
From Pretoria in sunny South Africa!
Happy Birthday Mike. I stay in India. Many of the things you talk about or not applicable in our conditions.
But I am very happy reading your mails as they create a sense of positivity & nver give up spirit. My best wishes for a very active and happy life.
Happy Birthday to you!!!! May this year be the best one yet. Your newsletter has made me feel like one of the family. Your tips and wealth of information you give out makes me yearn to get started. I have the backyard growing system now but i remember when i first found your site and the info for the potting bench. It was in 2003 when i came acrossi it i was sooo skeptical another pitch man selling air and yet by the time i read a few newsletters and got to really studying the downloads, i totally realized you are the real deal. You have made me excited about plants while teaching me the valuble lessons from your vast store of knowledge. I never knew about differences in wheel barrows. Wished i had known that information years ago. Keep up the great work as it is highly appreciated by so many including me. When i am fully recovered i expect to use all you have taught and will teach, to the full to enjoy the fruits of growing my own plants to sell.
Thank you and again Happy Birthday and anniversary all in one
Mike, For many years I dreamed of becoming familiar and comfortable getting my hands in the dirt and
actually growing things; Being productive with soil. I always thought it was beyond my
ability because I have always been on the outskirts of experience with raising anything green,
or otherwise, at all.
You made things simple. You educated me in the art of growing things in soil and allowed my dream to flourish.
I actually had a productive garden this past year and was able to share my bounty with my neighbors and encourage
them to compost and have a garden as well.
Even though my other dream would be to raise and sell plants etc. I am taking baby steps towards that goal as well.
Thank you so much for allowing me to nourish that dream and believe I CAN SUCEED and GROW THINGS!
Have a wonderful birthday…belated but sending heartfelt thanks and best wishes.
Lin Caddell
Mike has definitely awakened my interest in growing plants. I haven’t be able to utilize all his wonderful suggestions and tips, but i have changed the way i see
plants now.
Best wishes to you Mike. May all your dreams come through. May the Supreme Lord bless you and keep you close to Him. I hope you live for a long time and continue helping others to grow, take care of plants and make tons of money doing so if that;s their desire. Thank you and God bless.
Mike, Happy Birthday. Thanks for all you have taught me.
Dear Mike, I have been following you for some years now and learned lots, not only about plants. You are a voice of sanity and hope in a crazy world. Keep it up! Happy birthday.
Happy Birthday! Your blog has really encouraged me in my gardening efforts and has taught me a lot even though I am definitely in a different gardening region (I am in north Texas.) Keep up the great work. You are a natural teacher that helps a lot of us to grow as gardeners.
Happy birthday and Happy anniversary Mike. I enjoy reading you news and find it helps me in many ways even though I don’t do a lot of gardening.
Thanks for all your work.
Rose
Happy Birthday, Mike and many more!
Thank you for all the advice and wealth of information you have provided over the years! I really enjoy the videos and learning how to prune, root trees, plant, etc. I came across your website awhile ago when I was looking something up for pruning wisteria and have enjoyed it ever since! I hope I can incorporate the knowledge that has been provided to me once I get my planting area suitable for doing so! I have many weeds and live in the woods in this spot but have full sun so it is perfect for so much!
Thank you again,
Lisa G.
P.S. Prayers for Jill!
Dear Mike, a very happy birthday to you. Of all the videos I have watched, the tips on poison ivy and hydrangeas were so valuable to me. You’re the best. That fudge recipe was phenomenal.
Happy Birthday!!!
Thanks for all the gardening advice and tips!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Mike
Do you think you might have even A CLUE as to how much money you have helped other people make? Do you think you might have even A CLUE as to how many people live a new and Better lifestyle because YOU have come into thier life? Mike, you have been a BLESSING to SO many people. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Happy 58th Birthday and congratulations on 15 years of inspired gardening and marketing!
You are an inspiration .
Thanks for all the time and attention you have given to making the world a happier, greener place! Happy birthday and many more.
Thank you for all the helpful info……I love to plant and see the rewards of the work…..You are a great inspiration!!
Mike, You are one “hell of a guy!” Your family is very lucky to have you. Best wishes on a HAPPY, AND HEALTHY BIRTHDAY – may you have many more! (I look forward to your E-Mails…THANKS!)
I just enjoy reading your emails and watching your videos. I wish you could cover the specifics of gardening in Texas which is a hard place to have much of a garden with these two short growing seasons we have.
Mike: Wishing you a most wonderful Birthday. You deserve so much THANKS from all of us for whom you have made gardening a wonderful challenge and so exciting. Thanks You so much and all Best Wishes possible.
Mike,
Happy Birthday!
Mike, I love watching your videos. I really hope you have a great birthday!
Thanks Mike for your information about plant propagation. I have a large yard and get a big charge out of making more to fill it up. I also give many to friends and family for their enjoyment.
Happy Birthday from a 75 year old!
I’m fairly new to your site…but I have learned so much about plants and the care of Japanese maples….Happy 58 and you have raised a fine son who you must be very proud of…Kiss the donkeys for me….
Smile, Meg
Several years ago when I was looking for something to make a little money with that would also allow me to spend time on the farm, I ran across Mike’s advertisement. The following spring we had put up a small hoop greenhouse and had started 50 flats of assorted plants and herbs. We then sold these at the local Farmers Market over the summer and while we didn’t do a raving business, over the course of the summer, we sold out. We did this for three years, and then during the next year we added home canned jelly (thank you farmers market bill) and the plant sales slowed, we just weren’t having the customers, due to the larger businesses around. Now, because of first starting at the market with the plants, we now have a small, but steadily growing confectionery business, making and selling (out of a licensed kitchen of course) homemade fruit spreads and caramel.
Hi Mike,
Nice to be writing to you again. Its been a long association with you ever since I came across you while surfing the net. Your message is always there to guide and care and learn about plants and their cultivation and care. I have always loved plants don’t know why ? But after I learnt that life on this plannet is totally dependant on plants only I came to appreciate them. I have found people buying plants out of fascination for their beauty, fruits or flowers but only a few knew to care for them and still few having any knowledge of caring. And those a few having that knowledge bothered little to share.
On reading your regular mails I learnt that growing plants is no enigma as U have dealt with media ie soil and ways of manuring them and their preparation in details.
It really feels like on the job training. Thank you for spreading not only the message but imparting real knowledge selflessly and free of cost otherwise unthinkable in the States, where they ask money even for a trifle.
I wish you a very Happy Birthday and ever more prosperity for self and family.
with humble regards
S.A.Karim
India.
P.S.
If ever possible and if God wills I shall visit your gardens to learn under your able guidance.
Take Care.
I really appreciate your emails and your videos. I have learned quite a bit from you. Thank you for all you share to help others be successful in growing. I have forsythias growing down along the road because you taught me how to start them. In fact, when it warms up a bit here in COLD Tennessee, I’m going to start some more because I want the whole front of the the property to have forsythias growing and have that beautiful yellow in the spring. I hope you have had a wonderful birthday today and that your year is full of blessing and joy!
Happy Birthday Mike
I enjoy reading all your garden information.
Thank you. You have been a big help at times.
Nancy
Happy Birthday Mike!! (And would you believe it’s my oldest son’s birthday too?! He’s 42 today!)
I’ve really enjoyed learning all the things about plants, trees, etc. that you’ve sent me by email. You are a truly great teacher!
Thanks!!! I look forward to learning more!
Hope you have a wonderful year!
Congratulations mike on your birthday & 15 years of helping educate us on how to manage our gardening needs!
Happy Birthday to one terrific guy! I have to admire all that you have accomplished, all with simple humble humility and a desire to help others. Thanks for all your tips and advice. THanks for your dirt farmer fudge. It is great and I enjoyed the video also. Your example really helps us to keep trying and also have some fun along the way. Thanks Mike….and Happy Birthday!
Mike I wouldn’t be able to do it without you. I used to go to your site if I had a problem or didn’t know
what to do with a plant. Now I live by your knowledge. If I’m buying a plant, Doing landscaping, changing up my garden, composting, or anything to do with plants I turn to you first. I so apprieciate
having your site to turn to. Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday Mike! Thank you so very much.
Tammy Winheim
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE, I HOPE YOUR BIRTHDAY IS AS GREAT AS WE THINK YOU ARE. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR ADVICE. YOU MADE ME LOVE GARDENING AGAIN.
Hi Mike,
Happy Birthday! I feel I have to tell you that my son just turned eight yesterday. I have been reading your newsletter for a couple years now, and I am determined to one day set the money aside for the whole package. Meanwhile, you have continued to inspire me towards my dreams of having my own nursery. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom. There are so many of us that benefit tremendously. I don’t think I’ve ever commented before now, just read and read. There’s so much information to soak in. Today I felt compelled to tell you how wonderful you are (thanks to an e-mail from your son). I feel blessed in my own life to have come this far, and I feel that you understand the blessing that comes from making everything from nothing. I appreciate how much you share, especially with those of us that cannot yet budget for the package. Thank you again for everything that you do! Blessings to you and your family~Arianna
One two three four
Who are we for
Mike Mike
Rah rah rah
Five six seven eight
Who do we appreciate
Mike Mike
Rah rah rah
Rattle up a tin can
Shinny up a tree
Mike mike
Deedle deedle dee
Happy Birthday Mike
May all your wishes come true
First would like to wish you a fantastic birthday Mike.been communicating with you from the UK since 2006 love reading your emails and keeping up to date with you and your family I have every email since you first sent one to me :). and use them on a regular basis with gardening tips but today is not only your birthday It would of been my dads 76th he was born 24/01/1938 but sadly he passed away 29th June 2011 even though my thoughts are of my own dad I am thinking of you enjoying life so make sure you do exactly that all my love and best wishes Dawne
Thank you Mike for publishing such helpful books and having meetings at your nursery. I really enjoyed the last one you held in the fall. You obviously attract like minded folks as other attendees shard knowledge, and even gave away dozens of free flats. Having been a member of a Master Mind group in the past I was very impressed to learn that you are also in such a group. Master Mind groups offer support for each other;s dreams and goals…just like the Backyard Growers Board. It is a very successful support system/ Thanks for bringing it to the world. Many Happy Returns and keep up the good work you do. Karyn Flynn
just wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you, and to thank you for all the great information you send me. I hope your Birthday was Fantastic for you.
Happy Birthday Mike!! Have an Awesome Day! Thank you for all the helpful gardening tips. Always something new to learn from your posts; very imformative. It’s inspiring to see what happens when you share ideas on something you are so passionate about. Have a Great year and may your gardens continue to flourish. 🙂
Mike, Happy Birthday and may you have many more in good health.
Save some cake for me.
Keep up the great work.
Happy Birthday Mike! Thank you for being so positive and encouraging. You make me believe that great things are possible! May you be richly blessed today and always. 🙂
Wishing you a Happy Birthday Mike! You are such a blessing to all of us new and seasoned gardener’s. How can we ever thank you for all of the valuable lesson’s you have shared with us. You are a man many of us look up to.
Thank you so very much for touching my life.
Mary Kay
Happy Birthday Mike,
I’ve been ” following ” you for 8 years. You have been an inspiration for me for those 8 years.
Let It Leaf Nursery may get a website up this year. I’ve been selling through craigslist with some decent returns. And that’s using online wholesalers for my starter plants. Now that I’ve signed on
with you’re community I’m expecting it’ll kick up a notch. I started this as a future supplement to my
SS, I am 61 now.
Keep up the good work, Dennis
Hi Mike; Happy Birthday. I really enjoy reading your news letter. You sure do put a lot of work into your growing plants and videos and newsletter. I always get some little tip about plants that I didn’t know before. So I thank you for sharing all of this valuable information. It looks like you really enjoy your gardening and sharing your knowledge of plants. I intend to keep on reading and I hope you have a great birthday.
Happy Birthday Mike,
It is so gratifying to plant a seed and watch it grow, stick a cutting and find roots sprouting out. I have a passion as you and others on this online board and would like to thank you for your dedication in answering our questions, knowing you have done this hundreds of times before, and you do it again and again. I bought your package about 2 years ago but didn’t go all in until a year ago.
Hope you have the best birthday ever… HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE
Happy Birthday Mike!
Your advice and information is priceless!
Thank you for all you do!
Mike – You deserve a very special Happy 58th Birthday. You bring so much joy with your letters and ideas. I only wish I had met you 25 years ago. Please do not reach 74 very soon. My gardening joy is shrinking every year but I still try to do some of the suggestions as I am able. Keep up the joy you share.
I love to read and learn from him. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge! I appreciate it all, Happy birthday Mike.
Mike, Thank you so much for sharing the inspiration to grow plants! Happy Birthday!
Hello Mike; Happy Birthday……
You are still a young man with many good years left to keep teaching folks hope to it the right way.
None of us know it all, but by working together and sharing ideas, we can all become PRO’S in our own little back yard …Thank you so much;
Happy Birthday agin:
Mike has inspired us to try backyard growing too. My son in law could make a rock grow and with Mikes information I think we will be selling plants soon. Happy Birthday, Mike!
Thank you for all your time and inspiration…I always look for new knowledge Happy Birthday!!!
Well ..the fudge recipe certainly clinched my admiration for you Mike and the work you do. I love the fact that you are so down to earth, pardon the pun, making dodo heads like me feel as though the simple pleasures in life are certainly the important ones. Kids, grandkids, plants, dogs, friends, family and fudge. When I feel down your e-mails are a reminder of what matters most and i smile to myself all the way over here in Australia. Happy birthday, enjoy your beautiful family and have a piece of cake for me
happy gardening. Gaill 🙂
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!
1,000 THANKS to you, your family and staff for producing such a “hands on” welcoming place for all to learn from your wealth of knowledge.
I will never forget last summer, when I was in your area, and stopped by the farm. I pulled up to find you tucked under your tractor. You crawled out, with a big friendly grin on your face. You are ……the real deal!!
Your experiences acquired with many years of hard work will not only be passed on with your family and staff, but with our families and generations to come.
You are a humble man…and your feet are grounded so firmly on the ground.
Renee – Pittsburgh
Happy Birthday I am so glad you share your knowledge. I love it!
I love gardens and its nice to see the passion you have for it.
Thank you for all your plant advice! You’re great!!! Happy birthday. Michelle
Happy Birthday Mike! I live in northeast Ohio and we have had a lot of snow to shovel this winter, but instead of just shoveling, I have put it – or some of it – into good use… I have melted it down and used it to water my indoor plants and do they ever love it! Simple, free, worthwhile, free, no-hassle and my plants love it!
I enjoy reading Mike’s articles and tips on gardening. I work in technology and don’t always get to even see daylight, but he gives me inspiration that I might get to grow green things again.
I grew up in the city and have lived in the country for about 15 years now. I have bought a tractor and have big plans for it. Thank you for teaching me what I never learned growing up surrounded by concrete.
Happy birthday! You inspire me!
Thanks for all the great ideas. How nice of your son to come up with this idea.
Happy Birthday and best wishes for many more!
sh
Happy Birthday, Mike, and many more!
hello well happy birthday! As for being a woman and been with a husband twice, and raising their children , also.I congrats you as being a true blue father to your son and his wife.These days are far and few my friend.He has alot of your qualities in views with life and you should be proud.May God Bless you with abundance and fortune to you and yours!
Happy Birthday Mike!!! I would like to thank you for all your videos and funny stories. I read your blog alot and really appreciate all of the things you teach us. You and your family seem like family to me. I have learned so much from you. I had never been very good at gardening but once I started watching your videos and doing what you said my garden has been so much better. I have you to thank for that.
I wish I could give you a big hug for your birthday but since I can’t I will wish you a very happy birthday and another wonderful year!!
Thank you for all that you do!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!
It has taken me nearly a year to be a full time member however, I have nearly 300 plants and trees ready to sell this spring.
I will be growing nearly 5000 western refund and a couple hundred eastern redbud. Thank you for always being so positive and encouraging. I have been told I could make a dead stick grow,LOL
Thank you for never giving up.
Kindest regards;
Floyd
Happy birthday Mike. Thanks for all your help and ideas.
Mike I started receiving your emails Quiet a while ago. Although I never went commercial with what I learned from your many emails . I have had a real life expereance rooting and raising the many different plants that I either gave away for Christmas presents and many other occasions. it has made abig difference in my retirement years. Thanks again mike and happy birth day and many more
Happy birthday Mike & Thanks for all your gr8 advice! With your help I’m starting my own backyard nursery and loving it!
I go to your dad’s video’s for good information for things from cuttings to mulching,etc,, I especially loved the video of him making homemade fudge. He’s for real, down-to-earth,fun and informative.
Hello, Mike. And may GOD Bless You and your Family and Associates on this special day!
I would like to take a few lines to just say “Thank You”! You are a special guy with a very special
Gift – two Gifts, actually. One – You are always scrupulously Honest – that is Your Nature.
To this 75 year old man, that alone says it all. Two – You are a natural Teacher, that is in your genes. A thought just came to me – of All the Names given for our Lord Jesus Christ, the One
Name that he loved above All others – was when someone called Him “Teacher”. Anyway, Mike, you have studied, experienced, observed, read – and Learned. Now you are passing precious and valuable knowledge on to others. That is the ONLY Way that a man can become truly Great. Well, Buddy – You Are Already There !!
With All our Best from Idaho . . .
Bill “Slim” Marrs
Mike: I have been a subscriber for years. I have not
used any of the info I have learned from you, but I plan to retire in May of this year. At that Point I hope to do more than just make more plants for myself. I plan to supplement my income by doing what you have taught me, and countless others, how to do. Thanks for all you do and I can see you have to be working hard to do it. Have a happy birthday and I hope to do a lot more with your system in the near future.
Hi Duston & Amber. I have a pretty good idea for something that you could get your dad for his birthday, but maybe not until he’s 60. Your choice though of course. I think that you should get him a book and in it could be chapters on yourselves and your lives and his wife and the rest of his family and any other important people who have been in his life and how he has affected your lives and only God knows how much he has changed so many thousands of other peoples lives, including myself, but not nearly as much as it could/should have.
I was always interested in plants in some way and I guess that a Venus Fly Trap and/or flowering cactus would have been my first attempts, but I didn’t know that I had to catch the flies for the Venus Fly-trap and it didn’t matter how much water I put on that cactus, it wouldn’t flower and I actually don’t believe that it lived long enough to flower. That was another thing that I don’t believe that other people knew about Mike and that was his attitude to not give up on making something different in order to make it better and better covered a pretty wide range of accomplishments which covered beauty, ease or maybe a more practical way of doing something and he’s got that never say never, stubborn and determined mind-set character, along with that soul embedded kindness to help others. (I’m too tired to proof read this article so….)
I kinda(look in the Nova Scotia dictionary for meaning) got away from me before getting down and dirty so to speak, but I just wanted to add to the myself section of this article and I must mention that I also had gotten involved directly with the management of certain land areas owned by different landowners in Nova Scotia and also certain pieces owned by Bowwater, a company located in Nova Scotia with certain landholdings and whose business was related to different areas in the tree management and the final milling operation which supplied lumber to where-ever it might be needed. I never worked in the mill, but I was involved in the many different areas of forest management going right from planting trees to cutting down the biggest of biggies. I was in my thirteenth year of working for my brother and even though much of it was by far the most difficult work that I have ever done in my life by far, I got paid by what I did and it didn’t take long before I got very good at it and sometimes I did get a nice check for two weeks of hard work. There were many other people who came and tried and left in a very short time. I don’t know how many hundreds over the years and I even got some friends and relatives to try and I even partnered up with some which was a bit naïve, but at least I had somebody there that I could talk with. Less than a year and gone….every single one.
March 3, 1997 and I was cutting on a piece by myself and the guys who hauled the wood out had to stop in town for some parts for their porter and I’m not sure how many hours it was before they finally came back and started hooking up some logs and a bit of hardwood and pulp. There was quite a bit of hemlock and they were big and beautiful. After a period of time, one guy asked his buddy if he heard my power-saw going. No and my truck was right there so they just started to look around a bit and then I believe that the one guy saw a big hemlock that was down, but not limbed up. It wasn’t long before he found where I had drug myself from out beneath some of the branches of the hemlock onto a dry pile of brush. There was patchy snow here and there in the woods.
It didn’t take long for the ambulance to run off the dirt road after making the turn onto the road going back to that certain piece of land that we were on so a firetruck of some sort came to the area where a few more people had gathered and apparently they had taken me out to the Southshore Regional hospital which was the biggest down our way in the town of Bridgewater. I’m not sure what they did, but I wasn’t there long before I was taken by ambulance to an infirmary in Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia which is one of the smaller provinces, -plus nine others in Canada. My apologies to the people of Ohio I believe and I’m not sure, but I thought Lower Ohio was where Mike set up shop. Anyway, I was in the Infirmary for either one or two and a half months where they eventually discovered that my spinal cord was crushed between T6 and T7 which is approximately behind my chest, which in turn left me paralyzed from there down and soon after, it was determined that I had a moderate brain injury which affected my temperament to some degree and also my short-term memory. I apparently had gotten out of my bed several times in an attempt to get back home. The bed was raised where cameras were attached to no avail, but I could only assume that more damage was done. Then came the straight-jacket, but that too was a lost cause as I apparently wiggled free of that on the very first night. I’m not sure how much longer I stayed there before I was eventually ushered by my mom and sister and sister-in-law over to the Rehab where I was slowly taught all of the intricacies involved with my paralysis. That little side-trip was the first time that I had been conscious of what was going on around me.
There is so much more to my little adventure, but this was a lengthier version of a bit of my initial accident that I sent to Mike, but it wasn’t long before he sent me a “free” parcel of his profound information on propagation along with so much more and I did have much success with propagation, but sales were a bust only because I lived in such a rural area and my poor memory did nothing to help my business approach. My mind was still very rough along the edges and I still appreciated all of Mikes help in trying to get me stabilized and set straight in the business. I also had to deal with much pain while going through recovery and it is still haunting me after so many years…16+. I believe that I had gotten some more insight from Mike by selling cuttings over the net, but I never did get back in to see if this was fact or just another part of my imagination. There is so much more that should be told about Mikes helpfulness, but one thing that I will never forget is the great source of light that he emitted through what was a very dark tunnel that I had stumbled into. Words cannot even express the light that he had opened within my soul by teaching me how to give new life to a simple, single, separate stem of so many different plant wonders. Thanks Mike! You’re one of a kind,
Todd
Happy Bday Mike!!!! You better hope for a late spring in Ohio so you can read all the emails. Keep up the good work. I have used bits and pieces of what you’ve posted and have filed away and saved a lot of info. Hopefully I’ll get around to using it someday.
G,day Duston Thankyou for giving me the chance to wish your Dad Happy Birthday he has been an inspiration to me with all of his comments advice he has given over the years , I have made the potting Table and rooted Roses , pruned shrubs and potted on the cuttings what a wealth of information your Dad has ,we just love your Donkeys . As we live in Australia QLD. so our winters are not as cold as yours there are some things that we can,t grow but our back yard is full of plants and Veggies . Wishing you all the very best for 2014.
David Lockett
From all the info and help you’ve given gardeners,
both novice and pro, I figured you’s get many thousands
of greetings so I didn’t send my birthday greetings.
However, after seeing that you’ve gotten just 2,121
so far, a number far lower than I expected, I’m adding
my HAPPY, HAPPY to make it 1,122.
Kate Scott
All I can Say LOVE LOVE LOVE yOU DO NO’T KNOW IT IS LIKE WITH PARENTS UNTILL THEY GO HOME TO GOD=YOU CAN ALWAY MAKE $$$$ SOME WAY BUT YOU CAN NOT GET TIME BACK!SHOW YOUR LOVE AND IT DOESNT MATTER SAY “I LOVE YOU”
Happy Birthday Mike! You are a great teacher and human being, and have given me a great opportunity and also hope for a successful future. 🙂 John S
Happy Birthday Mike!!!
Mark has been watching you and learning so much in the past year!
He has been planning and planting to start his business…
He pretty much tries any twig to see if there’s life…
Mark, my mom and I finally did a road trip to meet you during
your Plant sale…
We loved meeting all of you and the Little Donkeys…
Were the couple that foster 3 donkeys last April for a friend.
Since April all 3 donkeys have had a baby,,,
We hope you had a wonderful day and we looked forward
to seeing you at your next Plant sale…
Give the donkeys a HUG from us!!!
Mark and Elle
I get a lot of emails that I scan past, but I find myself LOOKING for Mikes!! I can’t wait to read them and see what I will learn next. Mike, you are genuine, realistic, enthusiastic, and so positive that I have discovered through you that I CAN garden, and I love that. I have several tools of the trade purchased on your recommendation..you never steer me wrong. I have learned to appreciate my progress and owe you so much for being such a great teacher…each year I think “maybe this is the year I start” the side plant business, but I think I may actually have a small spot ready this round! Thanks for being so genuine and generous with all your knowledge, may you be blessed in countless ways!!! Happy birthday to you….and how nice you’ve been the kind of Dad to solicited such a lovely tribute from your family! Kudos for you!
Happy Birthday Mike ! You are quite guy. I am so glad that I found your website as it has stirred my interest in plants. I have always liked working with nature and all sorts of plants and you have so much enthusiasm, wisdom, and get ‘er done attitude to pass along. Something we all need. I am following your advise about trying to get dogwood seeds to sprout but so far no luck. Will keep trying. I will also continue to pay attention to your website and videos and advise. Thank you for being a nice part of my retired days. I know that your family loves you and are so proud of you. Pat from Kentucky.
Happy birthday! You have shown me that, even though I have had to downsize & no longer own a farm, I can still enjoy the pleasure of propagating & growing plants as a business. Thank you!
Have so enjoyed your home grown teaching! HAPPY BIRTHDAY….have MANY more!
I came across Mike’s youtubes about two months ago. He was so knowledgeable and really just explained everything so clearly.
I’d been sitting on some land in Tennessee for about four years not knowing what to do with it. I tried chickens and geese and rabbits–I love them all. BUT, the expense of feed and equipment plus I work a full-time job and travel so it became clear that that was not for me.
Seeing Mike’s vids really opened my eyes as to what I really should be doing. That I could do this part-time and not spend all my money. I worked in a retail nursery 25 years ago while in high-school and learned a lot while there. I never thought I’d go in this direction but it does seem to fit.
THANKS Mike. I’m a fan! Jon oh! and Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Mike,
Enjoy and take break. Just wanted to thank you for all you have done, not only for me, but also all the BYGers!!!! Looking forward to this year, it’s gonna be a good one. This is your day. You get to do anything you want.
Tucson Tom
when I first came across Mike’s info about plants I was so happy coming from the city”Chicago”
my family did not have a place to plant ..when I married and came here I was anxious to try gardening.So you helped me get interested in the Gardening understanding ,so” Happy Birthday Mike” thank You for all the info you sent out. Louise singer.
Thank You , so much for all the information you give to everyone! You remind me of my grandfather
he had a green house and I learned a lot of things from him when I was real young. To day I’m 65 years and still learning. Your information is greatly appreciated !!!!!!!
Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement which I derived from your posts. They have given me the drive I needed to continue with my plant business
Happy birthday, despite not living in the same climate as you, I have certainly learned a lot and look forward to your posts.
I have learned a lot from
his articales
Happy Birthday. My family and friends think I am a plant genius…but everything I learned, i learned from your site. Thank you
Happy Birthday, dear Mike! Best wishes and richest blessings! You are inspirational to me and to many others. Such people like you make this world better place to live in.
May you enjoy your birthday with the same approach to gardening that you share with us. Everything you share with us comes across with such down to earth advise. I love hydrangea’s and following your advise on how to propagate them was a real thrill when they started to grow! In a fast moving world of high tech solutions it is nice to go out back and be able to meet Mother Nature with nothing more then a little time, patience and new growth. Thanks for your emails my friend. May you enjoy many more years in the garden of Mother Nature
Happy Birthday! I’ve very much enjoyed reading all of your tips and tricks. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us! Happy, happy birthday~~!!!
Mike, Happy Birthday. May you have many more. Your articles and hints over the last several years have been very helpful and interesting. I hadn’t gardened for years because I have health issues but I have started a less labor intensive container garden. Thank You so much. God bless you. Have fun with your donkeys.
Happy Birthday and anniversary Mike!!! Love reading your postings and have learned a lot, planted my first garden in years last year forgot how good a homegrown tomato tastes. Looking forward to reading more of your postings. God Bless you and yours.
Mike, you have been an inspiration to me and helped me keep my enthusiasm for gardening as well as teaching me so much in a light-hearted and humorous way. I love your sense of humour. I hope you are going to write a book about all your experiences. I still laugh at your story about the signpost on your property with the plucked ducks hanging from it.
You have made the world a much better (and more beautiful) place to live in.
Have a really great birthday.
God bless you,
Linda
Happy young 58, Mike. I’ve still got you by three years! You and your site have been such a blessing to me, and such a tremendous help, even if it was only comic relief at the time.
I’ve learned so much from you, I couldn’t even begin to enumerate, so I won’t try. But throughout, one of the most important things I have learned from you is “family first”. Though I’ve never gone into business with you, I’ve still enjoyed all the knowledge you’ve imparted along with such high standards and ethics.
You’ve brought all of this to me (and everyone else, thankfully) in such a way that I don’t ever feel like a failure. If you’ve misspoken, or learned a better or more workable way, you’ve shared that. I’ve never known anyone so ready to stand up and admit “oops, bad advice, this is the real thing”.
You’ve been with me since I lived in Oregon (eons ago, it seems), Georgia and now north central Arizona, with a move planned in April to Missouri (itchy feet is what I call it). I’ve been able to use so much of your material, and what I can’t personally use I’ve either passed on or just plain enjoyed reading about it.
You’re a good man, Mike, and an excellent teacher. I look forward to many more years of your advice and teaching. Maybe, finally, in Missouri I’ll be able to try your “growth” system and be successful with it. I’ve saved all your newsletters, so when I run into a problem I can go back and check. If I can’t find what I’m looking for, I know you’re just an email away
Stay young and healthy, Mike, and have a very blessed birthday and anniversary. Couldn’t have had the gardening success I’ve had without you.
Happy Birthday to Mike !!!
Love the Emails of advice !!!
Thanks !!!
I’ve appreciated all the advice you have given so freely, Mike, since I’ve subscribed to your Blog.
Happy Birthday–Make it your best ever!
I want to thank Mike for telling me that I had the ability to remove Tree stumps by hand!
I love telling my friends about it.
I was able to build a shed on the spot where three trees once stood.
Thanks Mike!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike!
Thanks for all the information on Gardening. I appreciate your talents and gardening skills. It has motivation me to get the community together and start a Gardening Club. Everyone is surprised when I tell them to grow plants from seeds and cuttings( all your teaching and advice). Plants in my backyard have multiplied a lot. I think people of your genius deserve a lot of appreciation. Have a long happy healthy life.
Happy Birthday Mike. Since retiring to Florida and finding your program I am excited again. Thank you for all the good work and sharing it with all of us.
Take care and wish you many, many more birthdays to come
Jim
Happy Birthday! Hope your day is fabulous and your year is full of blessings! Your emails and advice, information is second to none. I joined when looking for info to help my son with his horticulture class, little did I know we would be working towards a family goal of a full time business! With out your help Mike, I don’t know where we would be.
Thanks so much for all you do!
We are inspired by each and every email and video! 🙂
Christina and the crew (Bill, Jake and Tyler)
Happy Birthday Mike! I have learned so much from your news
letters and I thank You. Your information is easy to understand and to the point and free. I wish I could buy your back yard growing system but I can’t afford it now. Someday I will. God Bless you for giving to so many. Stay healthy and keep up the good work.
Maria
keep up the great work.I haven’t sold any plants just grew them for me to enjoy and I am.
HI Mike,
Happy Birthday!!!!!
We want you to know that you have changed our lives. Some years ago, I happened upon your website. I have been following you ever since.
We just retired last June, so now we can actually put the time into our garden and plant work. We have learned a great deal from you over the years, but we just bought your book last summer. Lots and lots of good information. We haven’t got to the point where we want to sell plants, but with the information we have, we are consulting with lots of friends and their friends. So in a way, you have changed all of their lives also.
So Happy Birthday, and know that you are an awesome example for all.
Donna Snider
Retired 4th grade teacher.
Mike, you have been an inspiration to me and helped me keep my enthusiasm for gardening as well as teaching me so much in a light-hearted and humorous way. I love your sense of humour. I hope you are going to write a book about all your experiences. I still laugh at your story about the signpost on your property with the plucked ducks hanging from it.
You have made the world a much better (and more beautiful) place to live in.
God bless you,
Linda
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE! I found your freeplants.com by searching youtube for information on how to prune a Japanese maple. Thank you for helping me turn my love for gardening into a business I can retire to someday. Thank you for all the wonderful information you have shared and the fabulous forum filled with like minded people. Have a wonderful Birthday celebration.
Betsy
Amherst, MA
like I said the other day I no longer have a yard to grow stuff in all I have is 5gal buckets in front of my store, I would have stopped a long time ago, but you make it so interesting that I find myself taking clippings from every thing to try to grow them.i grow tomatoes & basil in buckets, I thank you for keeping me interested,i look forward to your emails & everything you put into them I Thank You Very Much & hope you keep on forever because of you I will stay interested again Thank You & a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY ….Richie
i have not purchased your book but have gone to your website numerous times to see how to do many tasks.
Thank you so Very much on sharing your expertise and knowledge so freely.
Congratulations and “HAPPY BIRTHDAY”
Happy Birthday, Mike. Many more to come. Although I bought the system a couple of years ago, I have not been able to start growing plants. This will be my first year. I feel very confident and couldn’t have done it without you, Mike. Thanks very much.
Happy Birthday Mike, Thank you for all that you have shared with the rest of us. I enjoy all the videos, love the donkeys and all the information. I hope to implement Your Backyard Growing System one day.
Happy Anniversary !
Best regards, Jeane
I’m not much of a farmer. I really can’t grow anything. However , I enjoyed reading your articles.
Michigan
Mike, I hope your birthday has been or will be the best one you have had! When I first talked
with you by e-mail, I thought you was an older gentleman. Now I know that you are just a young
whippersnapper! I know that I haven’t ordered anything from you, but in my older age, it seems
that my green thumb has turned black! During my first visit with you, I think you answered two gardening questions for me. I appreciated your time and your good answers. Maybe some day when I can revive my green thumb , I can dare to venture out and talk to you again Meanwhile,
you have a good life and a great celebration !
Mike, while I don’t sell everything that I grow, I have learned from you how to propagate, when to, why to, and do it as opportunities arise. I have sold some to make room for others, and i have sold some to get rid of surplus. You showed me what to do to make this happen. My yard is 30 x 30, and does not hold a lot of plants, because I don’t want to lose the lawn, but where there was dirt before, there are plants growing, both from see and from seedling.
I have shared your website with others, and regard you as a helping hand in my garden of flowers as well as weeds. My wife laughs at me when I tell her that “the guy” on the internet showed me how to do something. And she waits with anticipation to see “what will grow now”. She appreciates the flowers, I appreciate the ease with which you share your information, and now it is time to say Thank you for all that you have given, and for that which I have learned from you. Mike, have a happy birthday, and may your years be as lush and plentiful as the gardens that you have and have helped others to enjoy.
Hi Mike
Please know that Jen appreciate the nuggets you give, and am glad that you never give up.
I thank you ,because although, I’ve not met you, I believe that GOD is using you to unite people,you have a good heart, and I know that you’ve , trained up a child in the way he should go (speaking of Justin),when he get old he’ll not depart from it. It is a blessing to have children who cares for the parents.
Happy Birthday Mike, May GOD continue to bless you, and give you many more years.
Jen
Happy Birthday……58th huh, don’t remember mine, that was 16 years ago….enjoy it, they don’t get better!
Happy Birthday Mike
May you plant another million cuttings!
Happy Birthday Mike! Thanks to all I have learned from you, I will be growing into my 4th year with my Backyard Nursery. Hope to see you again this summer at your shindig.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom I have not started yet but plan to get to work on growing at home when the weather breaks Thanks again for the good work you do
I hope you have a wonderful birthday!! I have recently started to read through the materials you sent and I enjoy the email messages. It has given me a different perspective on some things and I will be more willing to try to root a wider diversity of plant material with hopefully better success. Your experience is invaluable….Thanks for sharing!
Firstly I wish to congratulate you in having such a caring son is obvious you have done a splendorous job as a dad.
Wel there are so many ways to express my gratitude your website is highly informative and I never get tired of reading all your tips. Where do you come up with them beats me but sure are very well explained and easy to follow. There are to many to name but in their own way they all helped me and opened my eyes towards how to care for my garden I never new one can use crushed leaved to do mulching it was amazing learning about this.
I want to take this opportunity to wish you many happy returns in complete Health and Harmony
Thank you for all you do for us little green fingers.
A.M.C.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOPE YOU HAVE A GOOD ONE .
Happy Birthday Mike!!! And thanks for all your inspiring stories and ideas s on gardening. It keeps us young lol, have a great day!
I appreciate the site the e mails and how u share all types of knowledge even if im a nobody little guy Dont stop doing what u do as it inspires me I bet i only get to read or use a fraction of what u send me but the little i read is what i find helps me unwind and relax Happy birthday from a professional grounds worker at the cleve clinic main campus Also from a licensed pest applicator of over 27 years from chesterland oh I rarely txt or e mail or go on internet as im too busy and i hate my old computer but your stuff is my release from the world At 52 i enjoy it anytime i can
Dear Mike, May this be your best year ever! I have been so encouraged by your emails and the seemingly unending advice and clear directions . My Dad loved gardening and you remind me so much of him. My sister got me started when I didn’t even know I would be able to garden. She’s been gone (10 years fighting Ovarian cancer) 3 years 9 months. I so needed someone like you for advice and encouragement. May you continue to bless many as you have me. I would not continue without my sister if it were not for you. Words can’t express my appreciation for your wonderful advice, humor, and just your presence on your videos. Once again, I wish to echo your fine son and assistant, Thank You for your shared life and wisdom, and all you stand for……..Happy Birthday and Anniversary! Marti from Seatac, WA.
Happy Birthday Mike. You have helped an immeasurable novice keep his garden in better shape. Can’t wait for spring to do more from what you have taught.
Also, I’m pushing for “OHIO MAGAZINE” to do a store about you. Hope it helps.
Mike,
Happy Birthday, thanks for all advice you have given in your Blogs, it has been insightful to me and has encouraged me to try growing other plants that I have never tried before….
hi mike,have a wonderful birthday and anniversary. thanks for all of your info and inspiration these last 4 years.i loved the wheelbarrel video even though I knew how to load one.thanks fir putting my green thumb to use.later on friend!
Happy Birthday Mike!!!
I have always loved gardening but know because of you everyone thinks I have this amazing green thumb! You have taken me to a much higher level than I ever thought possible.
I could be making lots of extra money but instead I give everything away and it is quite fulfilling to me knowing that I am getting others involved in growing their own plants and vegetables.
Thanks for all you have done and continue to do. You are the gardeners “Angel”!
Happy Birthday Young Fella
Thanks for all you do. My only problem is I am still working 100 hour weeks and have not had as much time as I would like to follow your Teachings. Thanks for everything you do. God Bless you & yours
Hi Mike! I’m in on wishing you a “Happy Birthday” and “Business Anniversary.” I found your site by searching for tips on pruning! That little search has taught me a lot about gardening!! I immediately subscribed to your email. I read each one, click on the links, and learn. Thank you for sharing your wealth of information and your hard work pays off attitude. May this year be a fabulous one! Happy Birthday!!
Happy Birthday, Mike! Hey, it’s my birthday too! Happy to share it with such a great guy. God Bless you and all you do to make our gardens and yards look so beautiful.
Happy Birthday Mike. Thanks for being so willing to share your knowledge, experience and ingenuity. i like how “down to earth” you are…pardon the pun….but I mean it both ways. May your next 15 years be filled with God’s blessings…and I am sure that it will…because what you have sown into our lives, you will reap 100 times over. Thanks for your willingness to share with us.
Happy birthday and many many more. You are an inspiration to all of us. I thank you for all the help you have given and I know that without your hints and “how to’s” I wouldn’t have a garden.
Thank you.
I always smile when I see an email from Mike McGroarty. I know I’m going to learn something that I can use for my happiest thing – my garden. His videos, his love for his family, and his willingness to share his vast knowledge with all of us is inspiring and just plain makes me happy. So – happy birthday to you, Mike and may you bloom for many years to come!
Hey Mike! Happy Birthday! I really love the videos…get a usable hint from almost every one. Thanks for all you do.
Happy Birthday Mike , hope you have a good time, love reading your Emails,,,,,,,,,,,,
Thank you for all you do. Your hints & wisdom have helped us make our veggie & flower garden flourish. Great work.
Have a Happy Birthday & many many more.
Mike is on my mind everyday…because “you need to do something everyday for your business.” Right Mike? I’ve always been a versatile player whether on a sports team or in my studies or in business. I am good at putting too much on my plate, but Mike’s “keep it simple” and “get help when you need it” advice keeps me in the works doing not only the veterinary business that overwhelms my life but also the plant growing business that has nourished and offered me a quiet outlet for many years. I do not always get everything done that I plan, but I continue to progress forward. Knowing that Mike is a friend helps remind me that this plant business is fun and that I started it to make my life more fun. Year by year and growing lesson by growing lesson, I am enriching my mind and building my retirement business as I go..while keeping it fun! Happy Birthday Mike!!
Happy Birthday Mike! May God Bless you with a wonderful day.
I know with these cold winter temperatures you are making plans for spring planting time. I just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed your website. I love to work outside in flowers and gardening. Your videos are so helpful, easy to follow and make gardening for the novice a lot easier. I do enjoy the videos of how to make use of the plants we have, to multiply what we have. I especially enjoyed the one on the burning bush. I’m retiring this year and hope to make a new raised bed garden. My husband and I enjoy your emails. Keep those videos and information coming.
God Bless!
Jenny & Harvey Kiser – Northeast Kentucky ( Carter Caves Country)
Well Mike, you turned 58 and so did I, back in December and in my 58 years of life there are just a few people who have impacted my life as I am sure the same is true with you. My grandmother gave me the best gift ever, the love of plants! I wanted to share this with my grand kids and when they came to live with me at the ages of 4 and 6 I had the opportunity to do just that. We would research many questions and would be inspired on how to make the little plants grow. All with the help of your videos. So it is now my turn to thank you for all your help.
I am so glad you have such a supportive family and keep those tips and videos coming, as they are so informative and helpful for all of us. Keep warm and hopefully we will see an early Spring as I miss seeing green sooooooo much!
Happy Birthday to you Mike. Have an awesome day. Just want to thank you for all your hard work thru the years.
Thanks so much !
Virginia,
Ontario,
Canada.
Yes, I have gained a lot of knowledge from Mike, but more importantly, I have increased my enjoyment of gardening, something I didn’t think was possible. But most of all, Mike has made me laugh . . . and laugh . . . and laugh . . . and . . . That is a priceless gift in this present time of history.
As I said in my previous comment, I’ll never be able (at my age…77) to apply all that Mike has taught me in his emails & videos. I’ll never be able to start a nursery & sell plants, but he has surely instilled the desire in me. I love to play in the dirt & work with plants, but now my back won’t allow it. I have learned how to graft & to prune the plants that I have & I’m eager for my back surgery to heal so that I can do it. I love the friendly & natural way that he teaches. His teaching ability along with is gardening abilities are astounding!!! I could never tell all of the ways that Mike has impacted my life, but I know that he will have a happy birthday, & many days ahead, as he reads all of the ways that he has impacted the lives of all the people who will send emails to him.
I have followed with real interest, everything that your dad has posted over the past few years, strangely enough I don’t even have a garden, not yet that is, but I have been inspired by his ideas and the enthusiasm which seems to emanate from his posts.
I will keep looking and watching, as soon as I am in a position to start my own backyard growing
I will put all of the useful tips and advice gathered from the excellent posts to good use.
Will keep you informed of my progress
Happy anniversary and have a great birthday. Drew Houston Founder of Green Tree Furniture Scotland, you can find me on face-book.
2 Things I like the most about Mike—-
1- What I like best is when I say “Hey, how do I…” somewhere in Mike’s products I see ” Hey, here’s how to…”
2- He’s been under the trailer flat on his back with a flashlight… just like I have.
Been there, but not there now.
Done that, but not doing it now
THANKS MIKE and a SPECIAL HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Mike has inspired me to prepare a bit better for my gardening, which provides joy and relaxation. I cannot begin to tell you how your messages and information have helped me learn more about how to deal with plants. I look forward to a great year in 2014. Keep it coming!
Happy Birthday Mike!!!
THANK YOU, MIKE, FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE, TIPS, BOOK AND GARDENING SECRETS WITH US, YOUR FRIENDS. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS…
Happy Birthday Mike!!!!!!!!!! I love your program and have learned a lot from your e-mail news letters. Hope you are keeping warm in this ugly OHIO weather!!!
Hello Mike. Life is soo good to you ~ I’m glad I came across your Website, I have learned much. keep up all to knowledge, we, I , need it, and enjoy all you do ~~ Happy Birthday to you and many more ~~~ 😉
Mike, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary, Mike! I’ve learned so much over the years from your e-mails and videos, but I think the most important is that when I retire (not too many years down the road at this point), I can make the transition from a career (that I love) to growing stuff (that I also love) and still be vital and productive. I’m now looking forward to retirement instead of dreading it.
Keep up the great work, Mike! You and your wonderful family are an inspiration to us all. Take care and God bless.
Happy birthday and anniversary!! I love getting your e mails. They encourage me to keep trying after failing with gardening. This is the first season my roses haven’t died. They are beautiful. Thanks for taking the time to write your e mails to all of us. Enjoy your day
Happy Birthday Mike!
I am a fairly new reader of your emails. I am new at gardening and I’m enjoying it greatly. I always look forward to reading your internet postings with your helpful information. You always come up with information and helpful advise that you don’t normally find in books or online. I especially like the video on the mantis. Perfect timing for me. I bought one on your recommendation.
Again, have a great birthday with the knowledge that you have many faithful readers and you are helping many with your passion for gardening. Thanks!
Thanks,
A.V.
San Diego Ca
Hey Mike,Happy Birthday and wishing you many more..Just wanted to say thanks for all the info.(Now if I will just get started and use it.)Take care…:>)
GOOD GREETINGS TO YOU,MIKE, ON YOUR HAPPY DAYS!! I KNOW YOU DON’T HEAR FROM ME OFTEN, BUT I HAVE ONE OF YOUR BOOKS AND USE IT OFTEN. I REALLY SHOULD SUBSCRIBE TO YOUR OTHER F R E E
NEWSLETTERS. YES, I WILL. HAVE A WONDERFUL CELEBRATION AND HAPPY CONGRATULATIONS. GOOD LUCK ALWAYS AND GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO.
Happy-happy Birthday, Mike, and thank you for sharing all your ideas on plants!!! Aaron and I enjoy your inspirations!!!! May all of your dreams and wishes come true this year!!!!
Happy Birthday MIKE!!!
Thank you for all the informational videos and newsletters…
Hey Mike, First of all I want to wish you a belated HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY and a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY. I hope you celebrated in fine style.
I want to thank you for all your help with my gardening experiences. I have read ALL your posts and selected those I might try my hand at. I have had many failures but it is the successes of which I am proud. You offered step-by-step instructions which I did my best to apply and as mentioned above enjoyed a few successes. You are truly dedicated to your profession and give freely your time and expertise. I have not found another site which offers such devotion & love along with the immense knowledge of their vocation in life. I am so glad I stumbled onto your site. I look forward to continuing my gardening pleasures with your help. I offer to you my immense gratitude . Sincerely, Elizabeth
Thanks to Mikes Knowledge on plants I have built a hoop house setup with timers and sprinkler systems for root cuttings. I practiced on growing root cuttings last summer and thanks to Mike it went well. So I am going bigger . Happy Birthday and Happy anniversary Mike.
Happy Birthday Mike. Thanks for helping the community!
-HSP
hey Mike! Have a grand birthday! may a new set of bib overalls and a eye for natural beauty keep us all smiling till next year! – I dont know how you manage to create the content you do! you’re unstoppable! very kind regards,
wade
HAPPY 58TH MIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for all your helpful advise and guidance.
Remember stay inspired even in all the SNOW…
you know who’s quote that it..
Thanks Again, Nick from Delaware
Happy Birthday, Mike. I love your newsletters and share them with my Dad. He loves them almost as much as I do.
Happy birthday Mike.Hope you have a great day.I love reading you newsletters and as old as I am I have learned a lot about growing different plants.I can’t do much now but I enjoy telling others how to garden.
My mom forwarded Mike’s newsletters to me a few years ago and I signed up right away! I love how he really gives you good and useful and useable information and shares his sunny and upbeat look on life. Mike, you seem like someone who really loves life! and I think Life loves you right back. And that is a real inspiration to me.
HAPPIEST of BIRTHDAYS! May this be your best year yet!
With love, Jane
Very best wishes on your birthday [29 wasn’t it? ] and anniversary [seems forever!!].
May you grow and grow and grow!!
Prosit to you.
Have a warm and woolly day.
m.b.
Happy Birthday Mike, thank you for sharing your knowledge. I personally have learned so much from you and you have been a great source of inspiration. I always look forward to reading your emails.
Hey Mike… Happy Birthday and congratulations on 15 years of making life better for many.. I want to tell you that I believe God used your kindness, and “go for it” attitude to help me believe we can do the same. My husband and I started late, near retiring and owe alot on house still. I think God showed my husband in a dream after I bought your business plan/books on growing… it showed money growing on trees in Our backyard!!! There’s hope and kind people like you helping your neighbors to step up too. Thanks Mike for your realness. I don’t know you personally except from videos, but you are already a trusted friend. May the Lord bless you and keep you and yours.
Mike tells it like it is…very knowledgeable and helpful…and it’s nice
to know the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ of problems…so the understanding is
actually grasped…
Thanks Mike, and Happy Birthday…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE! HOW FAST TIME FLIES. I REALLY ENJOY READING YOUR NEWS LETTERS. ENJOY YOUR DAY.
JERRY NUNN, NAPA, CA.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I have learnt a lot as a subscriber.
Happy Birthday and stay blessed
WOW YOU ARE TOUCHING AND GREENING THE WORLD……From your little corner of the world you are touching people’s lives and greening the planet through your work. Not many people can say that on this earth.
Happy Birthday and many many many more.
Keep up the amazing work you are doing and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have taught me.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Mike,
Thank you so much for showing me that my dream is possible, small town growers still exists, and your forum where I can meet others that enjoy the same things. I no longer feel alone.
Thank you!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
from Helissa
Happy Birthday Mike a job well done..
You have been an inspiration to me over the past 5 years.
I have learned so many things from your videos and your books.
I have used many of your techniques and shared your ideas with other horticulture
students, you make learning so much fun..
I love your donkeys too.. I actually when out and got my own mini ass and named him Francis.
He’s the best companion.
I wish you happiness and abundance of new friends, God bless you through out the New Year.
“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need”
Marcus Tullius Cicero
Happpy Birthday!
Hi Mike,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I’ve enjoyed reading your personal news and the information you share on everything possible in gardening and nursery no hows. I look forward to seeing an email from you and like the videos. Some of us can understand better when we see rather than just read how to do things. You’ve been very helpful and have given me ideas on how to plant and take care of certain plants, shrubs and trees and your suggestions on different vegetation you know about. Even the various tools you use have helped make like easier when I purchase what you show. I hope you will be able to continue with your emails for a lot more years to come. Hope you have a wonderful birthday and I hope you realize how many people you have helped these many years. Thanks for sharing your education with us (including some of your yummy recipes.) Enjoy your day and God Bless.
Sincerely,
Sue Gartner
Thanks to you, Mike, I have prettier shrubs, nicer planted beds, and tons of knowledge about plant care! Happy Birthday Mike!
Happy Birthday Mike, you spring chicken!
I have enjoyed your emails of advice for years and learned much on pruning, planting, weeding, and even which tools work best for the job. Thank you so much! Wish you many more years of happy gardening!
Happy Birthday Mike, but I’ve still got 16 years on you so try to catch up!
Happy Birthday Mike:)! I have enjoyed and used many of the tips in your Newsletters over the years and I look forward to learning more about planting and my plants. I also enjoyed meeting and talking with you at your Perry Plant Farm. May you have many more happy and successful years helping others.
Happy birthday mike–I realy enjoy your letters and info,altho i’m not able to raise plants I like to graft apple trees sometimes
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE !!
You are so encouraging! And what an inspiration you are to me, a ‘gardenstudent’ baby gardener. I am 63 and I am looking forward to what I can do with my garden because of your sharing … Thank you so much for being you. Bless you over and over and the best health to you always!
Sincerely, Linda
Happy Birthday Mike!!!
Just wanted so say hello and wish you the very best on your day. I appreciate the heart that drives your business. You are truly a great help to a lot of folks, especially a Detroit city boy like me.
Make it a good day.
Emanuel
happy b/day mike glad i contacked u a few yrs ago i injoy all uer e/mail have a great day mike ; wish u many more
Thank you for the wealth of information that you offer. It is an invaluable tool for learning the ropes! Happy Birthday Sir!!!
Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge and your humor. I love reading everything you send out to us and have learned so much about gardening from you.
Have a wonderful, wonderful birthday!!
Happy Birthday Mike. I can’t express what your emails have meant to me. The advice and things that you share are great. I get excited each time I see an email with your name. Hope you have the best birthday ever and Thank you for being you and what you mean to so many.
God Bless.
Mike, Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday! You have no idea what your newsletters, videos and programs have done for me. When I first became aware of you, I had lost my job and was really lost in general. Your program provided focus and I am now a Master Gardener tending to a greenhouse for a local non-profit. You are down to earth and I really appreciate the information and motivation that you provide. I believe you to be a special person and I pray you have a special day.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Your info has been invaluable, I have learned so much. Thinking about planting small dogwoods to sell, if i can make the room. I am 58 myself and crawl around, climb and dig like a much younger person thanks to gardening exercise!
Mike =====Happy Birthday and many more……..You are so good to share what you have learned…But I have one question I am 82 and was wondering where you were when I was really able to play in the dirt.? Reading what you write is like having a letter from an old friend.
Thanks loads, Jackie Mitchell
have a great birthday and keep those great e-mails coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday Mr. McGroarty!! I am sincerely thankful that God chose to make you and the unique recipe that you are. I am blessed to be influenced by you and to have a chance to celebrate your life! You don’t know me but I am one of your students.. I anxiously await each of your emails! You are such a gifted teacher…it is in your DNA! My “happy place” is the dirt and I can never thank you enough for all of your wisdom and your generosity by sharing it with others. You are truly a blessing and I promise to honor the gift you are to me, my passing along what I have learned with my family and friends. Thank you, and I wish you the happiest of birthdays!
Thanks for inspiration ,motivation and all your great ideas and lessons.
I didn’t become rich and famous but there’s nothing like growing several things at one time and having great success at it !!! I so look forward to your video teachings!!!
Happy birthday MIke !!!
Mike, I thoroughly enjoy all your blogs and videos. I learn SO MUCH from you. You are REALLY a GREAT TEACHER!! Please keep up the good work! I’m wishing you the Very Best Birthday!! You are certainly Deserving of All the Best!! Thank you for being the super person that you are and the exceptional teacher that you are…..without you to teach us, it would be so much more difficult to find out the really interesting information that you so graciously share!!!
Mike. Happy Birthday. I am brand new to this, like a week??? Even though I was born on a farm years ago, I have had my hands in good old mother earth. The information is very clear and I am excited. Blessings Allan, central NY.
Just wanted to say Happy Birthday and keep up the great work!!!
Happy Birthday Mr. McGroarty!!! May God Bless you with many more years with great health, love and happiness!
Thank you for sharing your passion of gardening with the world. Your knowledge, expertise and passion have given me the inspiration to do more than buying houseplants. Right now I am playing around with starting plants with seed, mainly fruits…well…citrus, and so far it is going great 🙂
I did manage to start a few dogwood seedlings last year and I have two that survived in my back yard from my husband weed whacker 🙁 Again, thank you so much for helping me polish up my green thumb with a bit of dirt 🙂
Sincerely,
Fia Salapo
♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Happy Birthday to you!! ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥
♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Happy Birthday to you!! ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥
♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Happy Birthday Dear Mike!! ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥
♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Happy Birthday to you!! ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥
Happy,Happy Birthday,Mike! Thank you for being a part of my “gardening life!” I love to dig in the dirt as you do.My own dad passed away some years ago and he certainly had a vast knowledge of anything that grew. I learned a lot from him.Now that he is no longer my mentor,I have come to love your blogs and learning from you. I appreciate that you are here and able to help me through some of the questions that arise concerning my gardening challenges. I guess I just wanted to say that I appreciate you and I hope you have a wonderful birthday! Best Wishes, Carolyn
Mike,
Thank you so very much for sharing with us all the gift of your extensive gardening wisdom.
Hope your birthday and anniversary are full of joy.
Dianne
Happy Birthday & many more! Mike’s “pearls of wisdom” have inspired me through the years! Just when I think I might give up the gardening thing, I get an e-mail from Mike & I get fired up again! Every time I follow his advise & see a new plant thriving in MY GARDEN from my two brown thumbs, I am amazed that I thought it was impossible in the past! Thanks Mike for giving me the passion!
Happy Birthday to YOU!!! I look forward to receiving your emails/updates and seeing what new things I will be inspired by. You are truly a wealth of knowledge and your family, friends and subscribers are blessed by the impact you’ve had on our lives! Thank you for all that you do!
Wishing you all the best, Melanie Nugent
Happy Birthday Mike,
I am just a home gardener and grow all my plants from seeds and even shrubs. I have a huge yard and have it full of flowers, trees, shrubs, vines, roses and everything else that I can get my hands on. I just do it for my own enjoyment because I love gardening. Your e-mails have helped me with so many things. Mostly pruning and the right time to do things. I once took a night class on gardening to show how to plant and prune. The class was terrible and I told the teacher that he needed to sign up for your news letters. He could learn a lot from them. I don’t think he liked that very much. I love everything you send and look forward to getting them. Thank you and I hope you have a great birthday.
Kitty
Thanks Mike for all the fun, real, “down to earth” (pun intended) information. You are part of the wave of the future: people coming back to home farming!
As I looked toward retirement years ago when I first heard about the program “backyard growers” I bought the program. So far I have not been able to put it into effect even though I have been retired for 2 years. We are in the process of re-locating. I am so looking forward to putting all your good instructions to good use. I have appreciated all the newsletters and the “How to” articles over the years and have saved most of them so that I can refer back for answers to questions I might have.
Happy Birthday and the best to you. You have worked hard and blessed many peoples lives.
Ruth
Happy Birthday!!!!Many, many, many, more!!!
Thank you for all of your enthusiasm and encouragement!
Happy Birthday Mike !!!! I hope you have the best year and many many more to follow,
You have inspired me as you have so many others . I found you on utube this last summer as I am off work due to an injury and still am . My lovely wife of 30 years is the one who loved to work on the yard ,I was the yard monkey ,dig here ,here and over there ,cutting grass leaf pick up,ect.. After viewing so many of your postings and others , we went and bought dish tubs at the 99. Store and and casa depot for sand and started taking cuttings like crazy from hybiscus ,lavender ,periwinkle , even bower vine and honey suckle . This has kept me busy misting with a spray bottle ( polish misting system ) and this gave me purpose instead of depression which I was heading towards as I can only watch so much tv or video games ect.. Longer story short : I can’t buy the BGS as times have been tight as for most of America. But will as finances will allow .
I Can’t thank you enough for you sharing as you do on your videos and emails and I have a love in life, plants plants plants, . This soothes the soul and gives me peace of mind . I just potted 153 baby’s ,and restocked with hardwood cuttings . Blessings to you and family ,Dana from Southern California
I find your little tips about gardening and plants have helped me improve my own gardening. More than that – – – you kindness and smiles show through your videos. I like that.
Thank you for all your insight. You have been an inspiration for getting my plants going. My God bless you and keep you in the coming year. Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday, Mike! I don’t sell any plants from my property, but I love watching your videos and learning from the great tips you have in them. For example, you inspired me to be a better pruner, especially with apple trees, which I rejuvenated successfully last winter. You also made me unafraid to prune shrubs near the house, like ninebarks, forsythia, etc. And I love seeing your mini donkeys..I have some equines on my farm myself, so your donkeys hold a special interest for me. I will keep on looking to you for advice as long as you are willing to give it!
Happy Bithday, Mike! Thanks for your honesty and gardening advice. Enjoy your day!
First of all
Happy birthday ,,,Thank you for being there to ans all of our questions, although i cant do what i would like, i enjoy learning from you and try to tell the younger ones how to raise food or flowers or trees. Ive tried to get them intersted in making some of the raised beds you show, wish i could do that again, you are blessed to be able, thank you and have a good day
Mike – I look at all your emails about plants, etc and have learned so much. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, it’s a blessing to all of us who subscribe to your emails. Thank you, thank you for helping an old lady remain active in my little back yard. I hope your day is beautiful and you have many more years.. I still have to try your dirt fudge but as with everything in my life at this age, it will happen some day.
HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY – YOU ARE STILL A YOUNG MAN. Hugs to you, Martha
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary Mike and to your bride.
Happy Birthday Mike. Thank you for the email updates and free resources you have been providing me with for the last short while. Always looking to learn to fuel my passion for gardening and help serve my clients. I hope you have an enjoyable day with friends and family. Cheers, Patti Knight.
Hey Mike! I retired 3 years ago when I was just 58 years old. I have been dabbling in plants since my horticulture years in college. I joined last year and you gave me the focus & organization to go beyond rooted forsythia twigs during a garage sale. Thank you so much. You are greatly appreciated!!!!!
Micheola in Peachtree City GA
Happy Birthday Mike
Thank You for getting me out of a rut ,and your motivation and teaching me
about Japanese Maples
Happy Birthday Mike!! Hope you have the best birthday ever and congratulations to your 15th anniversary!! What you have been doing are a wonderful experience for us to enjoy reading your email about everything!! We enjoy it so much you have motivated us to work in the yard, flowerbed, etc thinking about what you said or advice has been a wonderful experience for all of us. You’re doing an amazing job putting on videos, how to’s, etc. more…..You’re lucky to have your wife, your son Duston and others in your life to help you make your business successful. We greatly appreciate you for what you do for us. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts! Congratulations Mike!!
Kindest regards!!
Tremar
Happy Birthday Mike. I enjoy your emails & gardening advice.
Have a great DAY & may God continue to bless you.
Mel
Happy 58th Birthday! Hope it’s a wonderful one! Thanks for inspiring me to start a small garden, I never thought I could do it, but am so very glad I did, and it’s all thanks to you ! Happy Happy Birthday! Take Care ! 🙂
Happy Birthday Mike!! And thanks for doing what you’re doing to help people. You empower people not to be intimidated by thing they don’t know how to do. I love your free info on how to do all sorts of things. I read the emails you send out and I use lots of them. There is so much information. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!
Happy Birthday Mike!!
You Rock my World : )
Thank You ,for waking me up ,showing me how to get out of a rut and for your motivation and
your advice on Japanese Maple Trees
Happy Birthday Mike Keep Going
Happy Birthday I have really enjoyed all the newsletters Ive read over the years and for him just being real enjoy your day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday!
Hope you have a great day. Thanks for all the helpful tips.
From one “Old Timer” to another—-“Happy Birthday”!
I appreciate the honest advice that you give your readers. Even though I have been growing things longer than you—–you have taught me a few things and I have even built my own version of your “outhouse” potting shed. I will send you some pictures of it soon! Enjoy your birthday!
Hi Mike, Happy Birthday! We share the same day. Thank you for all the great ideas you share. They have opened up a new world to me. All the best for a wonderful year.
Happy Birthday Mike!! Thank you for all that you have taught us with your emails. I have learned so much about plants and thoroughly enjoy your style of communicating. Thank you for sharing your home, family, pets and expertise. It makes me feel like we get to know the real you and- I like you! Have a wonderful year with many blessings of health and happiness.
Happy Birthday, Mike! I really appreciate all the good information you pass along to us. Have a blessed day!
Hi Mike, I saw your video about landscaping and it helped me to do my own. I was skeptical about adding some of the plants to my landscape and your video definitely gave me some ideas. It was really good. Thank you so much and a very Happy Birth day to you. Kudos to your son too for creating this surprise birthday wishes from your email followers. God Bless!
Happy birthday Mike!
You have given me so many great tips and ideas even expanded my horizons of the things that are possible. Your charitable heart has helped me to hang on to my dream. I love growing plants, indoor and outdoor. It is my one true passion in life. I’ve started very slowly in the business of selling my plants as I have had so many uncertainties to deal with but I’m hoping I can move forward with my dream.
Hope you enjoy your day!
Happy Birthday Mike! Thanks for the great info…
Happy Birthday Mike,
My friends think I am a plant expert. I tell them to go to freeplants.com and they will learn the
ancient Chinese secret to gardening. That would be Mikes down to earth easy way to
propagate plants. I will never buy a plant that I have in my yard again!
Thanks Mike
I am old enough to know better but, still love to garden. Have a propagation box built to Mikes specs. It works great. Have lots of pruning help. Always read what Mike is helping me with next.
I passed the SC Clemson Master Gardening test. Have learned a lot more reading Mike. Thanks.
I enjoy your articles and look forward to reading more in the future.
Happy birthday Mike. I am just getting ready to retire and I am so glad our paths crossed. I am currently putting together my business plan to start my own home business doing something I love (growing things) thanks to you. Your help and is greatly appreciated. I have learned so much already. Have a wonderful birthday and keep up the great work, you are a wonderful mentor. -Diana Halsey, Minneapolis, MN
Mike i hope you have a wonderful birthday. I really appreciate that you are there for us poor souls that lose our way in the garden. When i have a question you always help me out. Thank you so much and keep up the great work. Happy 15 years in the garden business. Keep growing !
Happy Birthday to you Mike! Hope you have a great day and one to add to your good memories!
Thanks for your years of dedication and generous sharing. You are truly a kind and generous soul.
Happy Birthday, Mike. Just wanted you to know how appreciated you are and how grateful I, and i am sure many others, are for all your growing tips and advice given for free all the time. It is obvious you love what you do which should help guarantee many more birthday’s for you!!!!
Happy birthday Mike! I have come to cherish your site. You inspired me to make more out of my little yard then just grass! I have gotten plenty of very helpful insight to the world of plants thanks to you! Ed Hume was my favorite gardener because he also gave information about “what to do if” Now you have replaced him as my go to guy! Thank You for bringing out the little farmer in all of us! I also wish to thank your wonderful son Duston for giving me the opportunity to express to you just how grateful I am that you embarked upon this endeavor!
Happy Birthday, Mike. I really enjoy reading your website. I especially enjoyed reading your book on plant propagation. If I were younger and had more energy I think I would enjoy getting involved in that kind of project. Keep up the good work.
Hi Mike,
Happy Birthday!!! Hope the year ahead is full of blessings…….good health and contentment.
You must know what a blessing you are to so many others in the US and now other countries as well….amazing
I have looked forward to your emails for years and save them all for future reference
I have recently retired (difficult for me) and am in the process of figuring out the setup for my own backyard nursery. I really don’t like to waste land than can be used for growing all kinds of amazing edibles as well as plants pleasing to the eye and with your help I can do it.
You are awesome, Mike! ….a true inspiration of moving ahead no matter what knocks you down…..you know what success and failure are and are willing to share your vast knowledge and experience with others. Thank you so much for all you do, Mike. May you have continued success in the future and a wonderful birthday.
Luv ya
Chris
Mike I have learned so much since I became a member. I actually learned a lot even from the free site and even more after I joined. The members board is just outstanding. I tell all my friends and family if they have any interest in gardening they should join you.
Thanks for your wonderful support.
Mike, Thank you for your inspiration. I look forward to getting your emails with can do’s and how to’s.
Happy 15th anniversary and Happy Birthday
First of all I want to thank you for all of the wonderful information on gardening, giving people
ideas on ways to earn money and even growing things for themselves. Your videos are very
friendly and easy to understand and even your fudge recipe, that was fun! Gardening is a very
worthwhile endeavor and makes ones life more interesting, practical, and fruitful –no pun intended.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !
Sherry D. , Alton N.H.
Happy birthday my new friend,
Be always healthy and prosper so we can continue enjoying the fruits of your knowledge and your concern. Enjoy the day Mike.
Savvas
As a newbie gardener I learn so much from your articles……thank you and happy birthday!!!!!!
Thank you Mike for all the advise, knowledge about plants that you share. You are an inspiration for everyone and a good example of people who want to help others without expecting to gain something out of it. You are a wonderful person.
Mike,
Happy Birthday and thank you for great information for the home gardener. I get a great many directions that can help make my gardening and landscaping more successful. You make the things you do clear and real for all of us.
Nancy, Chagrin Falls
Happy Birthday!
Thank you!
Happy Birthday, Mike. Thank you for all the advice you have given through the e-mails. You have been a great inspiration.
I’m one of your “failures,” compared to the others, but to me it has been a great success. I have been too busy with my day-job as a lawyer to do many of the things you suggest, but the few I did and do and will do make a big difference. I appreciate things like your getting me to stop using black plastic weed-blockers almost 15 years ago, and your telling us how to propagate “free” plants. Keep at it, please, until I can really retire and use more of your tips.
In the meantime, have a GREAT birthday and anniversary.
Gratefully,
Brenda Barnes, Santa Monica, California
Reading the comments that your son wrote is the greatest tribute you could have. The job God gave you is foremost to be a parent and you really shine.
Happy Birthday MIKE!!
Reading your blogs and articles always gives me pleasure. Your eternal optimism about growing things gives me hope for the future. We don’t have much money but we have dirt and sometimes we have water (we live in California!) As soon as I have some money to spare I am going to get started propagating and gardening. Your blog is very uplifting, for that I say thank you and keep up the good work..
Happy Birthday Mike and thank you for giving me a renewed love for plants and gardening!
Mike , I don’t remember how I first heard about your home nursery business, but it has been inspirational to me even though I have not yet purchased your package. I will be though this year. Your videos are great and full of knowledge. I appreciate your enthusiasm and stick-toitevness. Thank you for doing what you do and congratulations on 15 years of success. Happy Birthday Mike. Sincerely, Mike G.
happy birthday I love getting your email I have tried to take cutting and have actually got 6 new plants I have a rose moss flower which I have take the seed and started some in a another flower pot they did well I think this year I will try to take a cutting from one of my rose bush I love rose bushes just do not really like the thorns but they are really pretty I have good luck with the rose of Sharon they are easy to grow and if you put a border around a older bush and put some putting soil around like 2 inches and leave it alone for a while you will get some nice seedling which I have done gave 60 plants away last year and even helped them plant them I had fun and enjoy watching them grow I hope you have a nice birthday
Just that I feel more happy and content just by knowing you Mike.
God bless you and a happy 58th this year.
Richard Pike
(Utah Rick)
Hello Mike,
Happy Birthday!! And many more.
I love reading your emails and have learned a lot from you. I like hearing about your family and your down to earth style.
Ruby
I first ran across Mike’s blog about the time I “jumped ship” from a career in Wildlife Biology (which I’d spent 7 years and three college degrees preparing for) after being offered a position with a Seattle-area firm as landscape architect. I had been landscaping part-time all through college and had done so prior to finishing high-school as well.But this was a major jump, and it took a huge step of faith to walk away from a promising career after graduating as the top Fisheries student in the state of Alaska. However, after 3 summers in “seasonal, entry-level” positions with various State Fish & Wildlife agencies I’d begun to see that the way things are done in state government wasn’t the life for me.
I thrived in my new position and began writing monthly gardening newsletters for the company I where I was employed. I was doing research for one of those gardening newsletters for our clients when I ran across Mike’s website and signed up for his email newsletters. I’ve always loved the miracle of growing plants, and from the time I was a toddler, growing up on a farm in NW Montana, I played in the dirt of our massive veggie garden, so hearing another gardening enthusiast’s take on gardening issues was a welcome addition to my email box.
Of course 9-11 brought that to a grinding halt! I had just signed a lease on a 2 bedroom house and suddenly my hours were cut to less than 20 a week. It seemed that the better pay and dream of working with plants for a living was to be short-lived. However, reading Mike’s “rags to riches” story inspired me to push through and stick with landscaping in the hope that I could perhaps start my own business and make a go of it.
It was tough those first few years, but the monthly emails kept me writing my own gardening newsletters. After surviving my first year as a sole proprietor of Alpine Mountain Landscaping & Nursery, it seemed I learned all the lessons the hard AND EXPENSIVE way… but I made it. I continued learning and working through 2004 when a terrible tragedy took the love of my life on April 12th, and suddenly I was at a total loss!
I spent the next couple of years in a self-induced stupor, running up massive debt, drinking to excess and not wanting to live at all. Finally, in a moment of clarity, I made the decision to move back home to Montana and see if I could find a reason to want to live again!
It took a few years, some time overseas teaching to pay off my debt-load and a LOT of sobering up, but now nearly 10 years have passed since that fateful day when my life turned up-side-down. I started Rocky Mountain Boy Enterprises Nursery & Landscaping in 2010 and it’s been a slow, difficult fight to make something of it. This past year, however, I incorporated, inviting my 3 godsons and their mother to form a corporation. They’d loved me through some REALLY ugly years in my life, so I wanted them involved in this venture.
We grossed nearly 6 figures last years, which is unheard of in this depressed economic area! We lucked out to land a new site with highway frontage for this coming year. The nursery is growing by leaps and bounds. The landscaping division has grown tremendously as well. Through all of it, I’ve been writing gardening newsletters just like your dad, and he’s helped inspire me to pull myself up by my bootstraps again to see a dream come true.
Thanks Mike! You’re an inspiration! It’s been a long ride, but “rags to riches” really does happen!
Sincerely,
Di “Thadius” Braun – Manager, Rocky Mtn. Boy, Inc. Nursery & Landscaping
P.S. My father spent his life logging while I was growing up… killing trees by the thousands each year. I find it incredibly redeeming to be planting thousands of trees each year and selling thousands more for people to plant themselves.
Happy 58th Mike! I’ve been impressed by your incredible gardening talents and read your posts with interest. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll find some time to get into your growing business. You make it tempting. I appreciate your love of nature and love of sharing your knowledge. You are making a positive difference in this world. Please keep it up!
Happy Birthday Mike!
I came across your site several years ago and use it in all my gardening. Lately, composting, when I thought all I had to do was throw everything in a can. I am an older gardener and I look forward to all of your hints, and how to’s. Keep up the good work and especially your information on design in our yards. Your work and knowledge is a special help to me.
Regards,
Mrs. Joan DiCostanzo
Wish you the best birthday ever. Best wishes to you and your family. God bless You Mike
Happy Birthday Mike!! Thanks for dreaming big and sharing!!
Thanks Mike for all your great advice and suggestions! I have used many of them. Happy Birthday!
You are the man ( plant whisperer ), thank God for you, and you have saved my life in this economy. God Bless You, Jan M.
Mike Happy Anniversary, and a Happy Birthday…. You have a great family and what you have accomplished is nothing short of amazing and I am so
glad to be a part of it..
Best wishes
Carroll Mcfarlane
Happy Birthday! Thank you for all the helpful info you have passed on to us. You have encouraged me to attempt to grow different types of plants that I wouldn’t usually try, and how to handle the ones I have. Hope you have a special day…
Happy Birthday Mike!
No big story here, but a another life you
helped change and another soul you have
touched.
Thank you Mike!!!
I really enjoy your news letters I learned not to be timid while pruning. Or to only prune at the “right “time of the year..My plants look better for it THANKS!!!
Happy Birthday Mike!
I few years ago I stumbled across your site and reluctantly signed up for emails, suspecting they might be loaded with advertisements and gimmicks. However I LOVE getting your information packed emails with links to wonderful videos you have put together, so that if I don’t fully understand something- I can watch you do it! Thanks for all you do, your effort doesn’t go unnoticed!
Hi Mike,
A very Happy Birthday to you!
Along with the birthday wishes, I want to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. I really look forward to your very helpful tips, hints and giving me the opportunity to enjoy the art of gardening. I especially can’t wait to see your videos with the little insight of your family life along with your precious little donkeys. Thank you!
WISHING YOU, MIKE, THE HAPPIEST OF 58 YEARS. WE LOVE ALL THOSE WHO LOVE TO GARDEN AND ESPECIALLY, YOU, BECAUSE YOU PASS ALL THAT LEARNING ON TO US. THANKS ALWAYS.
Mike I have always had a green thumb and was searching You Tube for hoop house ideas, I ran across some of your videos. The rest is history, I am a believer in your backyard stuff and my wife is not far behind me in this venture. At this point we have many irons in the fire and little time to spare, but we are starting small and will probably be in it BIG sooner than expected
I also wear BIBs all the time and have since I got out of school. I tuned 56 a week ago. SO———–
HAPPY BIRTHDAY and ANNIVERSARY. I hope the next 15 years treat you right.
Don and Jenny Flory
Hi Mike, wishing you a very Happy Birthday, Hope it a great one for you and your family, as one Horticulturist to another well done mate on all the help you give people and with a happy heart, I’m from a small village in the west of Ireland, and yea it’s true we have 40 shades of green, ha,ha. so lucky to work with plants and hands in the soil every day, as you do also.I love to watch your videos which I tell my friends to watch, so please Mike keep up the great work,as we say here in Ireland ‘ old gardeners never die, we just fade away ‘Happy Birthday.
Mike,
Very best wishes on your birthday!
You have had a great, positive influence on our family.
Keep up the good works 🙂
Happy Birthday Mike!
I hope you have a great day! You’ve helped many, many people; those who posted here are only a fraction of those you’ve helped with your knowledge and kindness.
I had, and still have, a lot of negativity toward starting this backyard nursery. I almost gave up on the idea until I talked to you and you told me that you knew I could do it. The greatest thing about you is that you are a “real” person. You’re honest, fair, and just plain nice. You deserve many blessings, for you have given out so many yourself.
I would like to know though… long as I’m here…. what happened to Jimmy Hoffa? 🙂
Cathy Ward
i thank you for all the informative information on plants and stopping weeds and your tips on how to start plants i want to wish you a happy birthday and hope you have many many more enjoy your day and keep them handy tip coming that all makes me think of my father he loved to garden and i have 2 trees in my back yard he got me in the woods they are beautiful hard maples he use to work in a nursery and he had all kinds of tips
Mike, I can’t pick just one of your videos that I value above all others because each one contains some priceless information that is of use to gardeners. I truly appreciate your practical approach to solving horticultural problems.
Happy birthday Mike, Thanks for all the postings you do. I love gardening and small home farming. Keep up the good work.
Happy Birthday Mike!
I wanted to take a moment and thank you for sharing your passion of growing all things green with all your friends across the country. I farmed for over 30 years before moving to the low desert here in Yuma, AZ and miss the rich central valley (California) soil very much. But, you inspire me to keep planting and experimenting with different plants and even when I fail I learn much and most of all enjoy the challenge! Keep up the good work my friend and many blessings to you!
Anytime I’m watching one of Mike’s videos, my boys (ages 7 & 9) stop what they’re doing and watch too! They think Mike, the donkeys, and growing things are all pretty cool. What Mike is doing is inspiring, especially building a business you can do from home and involve your family in. I’ve been hooked ever since I stumbled across Mike’s website. Happy Birthday Mike! Thanks a million for all you do!
Mike, now I can prune without fear! Thank You, ERN
Dear Mike, I have learnt so much just reading your hints and tips for gardening, Although I might not been a very active member in purchasing etc, please know that you have enriched my knowledge of gardening endlessly…..may I also now take this opportunity of thanking you of giving me the privilege of wishing you a very very happy birthday, may you day be blessed and may your garden be filled with friends
Mike, the feeling of growing something can’t be described to people that don’t love seeing the first moments of life. You have given me information that I have shared with others and the love only spreads. On this day I wish you a happy birthday and would only hope you keep up the great work.
Nicholas Iducovich
Mike – Happy, Happy Birthday!!!
Thank you so much for all the information you have so generously provided. I am just one of so many people who greatly appreciate you. I have learned so much and used information you have provided too many times to count. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Again, Happy Birthday and many, many, many, many more!!!
Happy Birthday Mike!
Thank you for all the wonderful information you share and for the great videos.
Wishing you a very happy birthday!
Mary from Maine
your site and emails are a constant encouragement to keep at it
thanks
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIKE! And Happy Anniversary! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and giving others and myself a chance to learn and profit. It’s been slow for me, but, taking it day-to-day and step-by step, with your help, my goals are in site. Again, Thank you!
So much common sense and I love how you share so much of yourself
Happy Birthday
“Our minds are the gardens –our thoughts are the seeds–so glad that Mike never sows weeds!”
Love the great stuff that comes thru my email. Still hoping to one day get the system. Still trying to get it together a bit. Learned a lot each video and each article. Keep it up! Happy Birthday! Many more!
Monica and Bill Geschke
ps–My opening thoughts were taken from this poem as I was taught it some 20+ yrs ago–“Our mind is the garden–our thoughts are the seeds–what will you harvest–flowers or weeds?” unknown author
Happy Birthday Mike
Your sharing of your knowledge, has really made me happy for many years. Thanks for sharing, and keep up the great work!
Happy B-day Mike! Don’t remember how I stumbled upon your website, but I am glad I did. I do not garden, but a lot of my yard questions have been answered thru your website without all of the research. Thanks for all you do. Many blessings and many more birthdays.
Happy Birthday! I hope the birthday fairies sprinkle joy and happiness dust all over your life!
I have been enjoying your emails for many years now, even ones that don’t pertain to what I am doing at the time. I often pass them along to friends and family members when I see something relevant to them. Many of them also now receive your newsletters.
One of the things you helped me with is finally getting a real garden together in my yard after 10 years of owning it and just knowing the quality of dirt and the amount of sun would not support it. So I ad some branches cut back and built 2 raised beds that produced tons of veggies, edible flowers and herbs. Also planted things next to fences on both sides of the house–keeping ground hogs out was an issue for a while, but I still had a good crop. Thanks for your inspiration, know how, and ability to put it in words that made sense to me.
Many happy returns,
Jackie
Thanks for everything you’ve taught me in the past. I’ll continue using your advice. Thanks.
MIke,
I love your down to earth approach…and the bib overalls! My Dad and father in law also wore overalls and there is just something about how that resinates with respect, knowledge and kindness. I love your diversity and variety. You share so many of your secrets even without someone buying your books. I used many of your tips and tricks over the years and they are always right on the money. I even made your farmer dirt fudge…with success…everyone loved it. The best part was that I felt confident making it because of all your good instructions and tips.
So a hardy Happy Birthday! Sounds like you will have a lot of comment reading to do so you should be able to celebrate all year! Thanks for being in business and sharing your knowledge, Happy Anniversay! Keep on keeping on!!
Happy Birthday Mike!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to thank you so much for all your gardening tips and knowledge. You have helped me out of a bind a million times over. I truly appreciate all your help over the years. God bless you and your family and enjoy your special day.
It is great that you share so much of your knowledge. I started collecting rose bushes recently and your posting and the video shared by your friend was very helpful. I’ve also picked up a few tips and tricks along the way from your many articles.
I live in Barbados, I think it would be nice to see pics of your readers gardens from around the world. You have touched many lives and even my neighbors appreciate it. 🙂
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary Mike! Keep spreading the love and the cheer.
– From a budding friend in Barbados. 🙂
Happy birthday to you Mike. Thank you very much for your emails that taught me the nitty gritty of plants. Your advice and love for what you do, is an inspiration for me. Thank you. Again have a great day.
Happy Birthday Mike,
Happy Birthday to you. I want to thank you for all that you do.
I joined your group some time ago, and it took me a while to start doing what you do.
I may have started slowly and have not gotten very far, but I find, I can’t keep my hands off plants now, where ever they are.
I have seen numerous Doctors and been to many “groups” to fix my Depression, or at least try to help.
I used to hide in the house, 365 and not want to lift a finger of even live.
BUT, since studying your method, planting and “playing” in the soil is all I want to do.
I can’t wait for Spring, to dirty my hands and knees, and in the winter I plan what to buy, from the Buy/sell plants forum, and what to do with them when received.
You have changed my life, and I can say “saved me”,
From spring to late fall, if my family wants to find me, they know I,m out side pulling weeds,
or planting RC,liners, or starting seeds, sometimes I start cuttings, Soft or Hard…..
Yes, thanks to you Mike I can’t stay in side and my friends now call me a “Dirt Wh__e”
and don’t forget to add “or”
SO, Happy Birthday Mike, and I’m sending a great big THANK YOU, and God bless you and yours in all that you do.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Mr. Mike. Keep up the good work.
Happy Birthday Mike. I don’t know you at all. In fact we may never meet, but I love knowing that you are out there impacting so many lives in a positive way.
Have a wonderful Day.
Happy 58th Birthday Mike! I live in Priest River, Idaho, and am not active at all as a gardener, though I do have some fruit trees and roses that benefit from your gregarious expertise. While I do little, I appreciate a lot your vitality and vital approach to all you do. I am more than impressed by your huge and knowledgeable input to the world of nurturing and growing our planet, one yard at a time. Your gift to us all of your delightful and loving being is inestimable. Simply thanks for being here , and for being you ! Many happy returns to you, ever and always.
Sincerely, Jennie R
Thank you for taking the time to make those videos! I have learned how to prune and gotten great ideas for my landscape. I really appreciate your work!
Charlottesville, VA
Happy Birthday Mike!
Love all your gardening help tips!
Mike has filled me with inspiration and ideas.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!!! Thank you for sending me your gardening info all these years! I use your info to take care of my plants in my yard. I read postings on when to prune and plant. On my own I wouldn’t know when to do those things , So thank you and I hope you are having a fantastic birthday!!!
Thank you for sharing your valuable tips, Happy Birthday and Anniversary mike
Wilma.
Hey Mike,
Hope you have a great birthday! Really enjoyed receiving your tips on gardening. I forward these emails to my sister in laws for them to enjoy also. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!
Happy Birthday from the U.K. Mike,
How refreshing it is to come across someone so honest and generous, prepared to give away their hard earned trade secrets to help us all.
Being recently retired I was getting really bored and cynical, then I found your website and ordered a copy of your “Small Plants, Big Profits from Home” book and DVD. In the last year I have planted around 300 plants in mine and my mother-in-laws gardens and potted up another 2/300 to sell and currently ordering lots of seeds to sow this year.
Your inspiration has re-kindled my interest in gardening and restored my faith in humankind.
I wish you a Happy Birthday and a healthy and prosperous 2014 and, as you keep telling us,
“Stay Inspired”.
All the best,
Jon
Just a big thank you for being so willing to share all your knowledge with us. Special!
Happy Birthday Mike and congrats on reaching 15 years in your business.
A big thankyou for sending me all the weekly emails over quite a few years now. You helped me to be a better gardener and gave me courage to try new ideas . What I found really helpfull was that your seasons appeared at the same time as ours across here in Scotland and of course your emails had lots of seasonal info. Hope you’re having a wonderfull day and all the best for the rest.
Rosemary Hughes, Scotland, UK
Happy Birthday, Mike! I happened upon one of your videos on Youtube a couple of years ago when I was trying to find out how to root some tree cuttings. After that I was hooked! I thoroughly enjoy your newsletters and your website and I am always inspired by your teaching. I have plans to start my own backyard nursery one of these days, (I just keep procrastinating) but I am sure I’ll get to it and I am thankful that I can turn to you for all the information I need. Thanks for every thing you do & for continually inspiring us! Maybe some day I’ll get to come see you on a tour!
Inspiration. Just pure inspiration to do things. And the how too doesn’t hurt either. Thank You and Happy Birthday.
Happy 15th anniversary and a happy birthday Mike!
Wishing you good health and many Blessings in the coming years.
Thanks for all the emails sharing your good advice which has helped me become a more knowledgeable organic gardener. In a way, we think alike as I also not just show or teach others how to do something I tell them why—easier to remember the technique in case they forget.
I share plants with friends even though I have never sold anything, covenants prohibit.
I like your theories and it appears many others do as well. Happy for your success.
Have a fun memorable birthday, you’re only 58 once.
This is a great idea your loving son Duston had.
First – Happy, Happy, Happy Day to you and your family. Second – what a great gift! Nice work Duston. Finally – I found your website and it’s info many years ago, when I was a fledgling, fanatical gardner! I was excited and hungry for information, how-to’s, pictures, etc. Your website was IT! Your guidance was AMAZING! At the time, we were in the process of building a new home, so, ours was a blank slate. Your advice on raising beds, width of the beds, choosing plants, pruning, landscape lighting, etc., etc., etc., and the all around common sense idea’s helped to create an oasis at our home. Neighbor’s comment daily. Our blank slate has become our slice of peace and quiet…a little bit of what I imagine heaven on earth would feel like…. We couldn’t have done it without your website and it’s generous information, help and guidance. Thank you and many more Happy Days to you and yours!
Happy, Happy Birthday, Mike!
Sure enjoy your emails and have learned so much about gardening and growing following your inspiring and educational materials!
Blessings, and wishes for many more birthdays with your family and friends.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE . . . I JUST HAD A BIRTHDAY AND TURNED 91, BECAUSE OF MY AGE
I CAN’T TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ALL YOU HAVE TO OFFER BUT I HAVE LEARNED A LOT FROM
YOU AND PUT IT TO GOOD USE IN MY BACK YARD GARDEN – – THANKS A LOT.
Happy Birthday! You are an inspiration to others. That’s a legacy.
Over the years that I have been receiving planting and gardening tips from Mike, I have learned many things. I have also “learned” things I thought I knew, but was wrong about. So Happy Birthday and Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us! You have saved many a plant from sure death in my yard. Enjoy your special day.
Happy Birthday Mike!
I can’t thank you enough for all the help you’ve given to myself and so many countless others, your wealth of knowledge and passion for all things growing in pots or gardens, has been shared by ‘this guy’ for a couple a years now.
Thank you so much. We are all better PEOPLE due to your gentle kindness!
Steve Peragine
Happy Birthday, Mike! I have read all your articles for the past couple of years, and you have wonderful information. My son in NC gave me your website address and I look forward to your emails.!
Mike, you keep so many people motivated! What a true gift. A big THANK YOU isn’t quite enough for the solid, reliable knowledge you share, but thanks for sharing your gift with us. (Luckily some of the info even sticks in my head once in a while!) Happy birthday and 15th anniversary too – keep having fun!
Happy Birthday Mike, I pray you have a great and joyful Special day. I sure would like to thank you for all the good ideals you gave for our gardens and to take care of our plants. And also I would like to say Congratulations on 15 years of business. Thank you for being here for all of us that need you. You are the Best. Happy Birthday Mike With Love Juanita Henderson (: PS May God Bless you always
Hey Guys what a great Birthday Gift Idea. No surely those who help others really need a pat on the back once in awhile. it is good for they soul to know that others truly do appreciate all they hard work, caring, and all of their sharing.
I am in the process of starting my own Aquaponics Green house and garden center. I don’t remember how I came across you dad and his stuff. But I truly do like receiving the e-mails and free video information. These alone have kept me on the path to getting that garden of mine up and running. As I have had many troubles these last few years. My income was cut by half and I am on Social Security so it wasn’t much to begin with and I have severe back problems.
But I know and need to get this garden up and running if only for my family’s own security and health. Food prices alone keep the poor malnourished in our country today. Healthy food is expensive in the grocery stores. And we have been train from our youth by the media to eat crappy foods, fried fast foods,full of sugars..
When I first saw your dad explaining the cutting process and how much plants are truly worth. I was astonished.No I was dumb founded that everyone everywhere was not doing this technique.
I can’t wait to get my garden going and I too wish to share with people how to do it for themselves and make a profit at It.
Thank you Mike and Family for being there and giving of yourselves as much as you do.
Happy Birth day and I wish many more .Have a great 2014 and a Blessed Year.
Donald Beres Jr. / CEO at PW&OSFSTSM/ JMKS Babydog
THANX MIKE…… For all you do! I have learned so much from the tips and videos you post.
Happy Birthday Mike!!!
I’m so grateful I stumbled over your website years ago. I love what you write, so willing to share your wealth of knowledge with us all. Gardening and growing is a passion for me, when I’m out in the dirt and question myself, I often say “What would Mike say about this”. You are an incredible inspiration to me. I wish you a beautiful day with the ones you love most. And Happy Anniversary….wishing you many, many more!
Sincerely, Kory
Happy birthday Mike! Thank you for all the great information and your obvious love for what you do, it’s an inspiration.
Love Mike. Love how down to earth and humble his is. Love his video’s. Love visiting his home, yard and nursery in his video’s. Love seeing his pets in the video’s. Love receiving the wealth of information he has. Love Mike!
This spring, I want to create some free plants of my own. Thank you Mike for being YOU!
You have been the inspiration for many things here in the Clark household:
#1- That we can be outside getting relief from day to day living just by digging in the dirt and helping things grow.
#2- That we can feed ourselves for free.
#3- That we can create beauty around us and tell everyone just who we are.
#4- That we can inspire and help many others to do the same thing.
#5- We can do all this and create an income at the same time.
Can’t thank you enough!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Happy Birthday Mike,
Had a chance to drop by at your shindig in August. It rained a bit, but that didn’t damper the learning experience. I had a wonderful time.
After watching so many of your videos, and then meeting and talking with you, I came away with the sense that you’re what I’d call someone that’s real–not a stuffed shirt. I don’t like stuffed-shirts.
I’ll tell you that I’ve been blessed to have some really terrific neighbors where I live(near Maumee, Ohio). Having neighbors like that is one of life’s great treasures. It’s priceless!!
So for your birthday I’ll give you this: I wish you were one of my neighbors!!!
JIM Szczerbiak
Duston,
Hats off to you also!!!! (And Amber!!!)…I’d love to have your job Amber…be like a pig in mud!!!Cow in sh***…..Just looks like FUN!!!! Because of the ol dirt farmer…what an inspiration to us all!
Duston,You’re doing an amazing job….because of your father!!!
He must be so proud (&vice-versa!!)
It’s your success story also, so congrats to you too!!!
Happy Birthday Mike! Your insights and advice are Fantastic! I look forward to each your postings and i have used them in my garden. Many thanks and have a Great Birthday!
Happy Birthday Mike.
Thanks for all your articles that I read on my email. You make planting, pruning and etc. so interesting.
Enjoy your birthday.
Happy Birthday Mike. Just want you to know how much I enjoy your email loaded with tips, tricks and new gardening tools. Especially enjoy your videos. Hope you have a great Birthday.
Happy Birthday Mike,
Thanks for making me making me see the big picture ….and that it is made up of a collage of small pictures and tidbits that i get from your sites. We are all the sum of own efforts and those of our peers
You inspire me.
Hi Mike,
Happy Birthday to you! Thank you for taking the time to provide me with the many planting tips. I am starting out small with houseplant clippings and some others but intend to expand at a future date. I hope you enjoy your special day to the fullest with lots of family and friends. Take care and congratulations on the 15th Anniversary. May life continue to treat you and your family well. God Bless you and yours.
Thanks again,
Misty
Happy Birthday Mike! Just wanted you to know how helpful I find your information. Its simple, easy to follow and very helpful when choosing plants for my yard. I may not always add my comments on your site, however, I do read everything that you post. I may not have that particular plant in my yard but I find all info helpful!
Mike inspires me to try stuff. His pictures and his words make it easy. He invites us all right into his dining room where he does stuff that should probably be done out on a workbench— just like what happens here at our house.
He fights his weight, like most of us ( tell him to stop making that fudge) and talks about that , too.
~~~ Happy Birthday Mike ~~~ Enjoy! I certainly appreciate your video’s and advice!
I’m a lurker. I ran across your website while googling and have loved your newsletter so much. I was an avid gardener, learned from my mother who, at 83, now lives with me. Since I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, as was as surviving breast cancer in the last two years, I have been enjoying your stories and gardening with my mother, kind of as a substitute for being able to get out there and do it myself. Someday, again, maybe I will. Until then, we thank you for letting us live the outdoor gardening life, and wish you a very happy birthday and anniversary.
-From Tennessee transplants in too much sun California!
Happy Birthday Mike : I read all your informative blogs. I am building plant boxes to see if I can grow some Buckeye trees to sell. Do you have any information on how to get the seeds to sprout.
Would appreciate any information you can pass along to your readers. Again Happy Birthday. Don
Happy Birthday Mike!!! I hope you have a great day and wish you many, many more to come.
I can’t tell how much you have done for me and my gardening. every time something comes up that I don’t know, I immediately think of you. You have been wonderful with all your information.
Have a great day and Happy Gardening
Fran Robinson.
A very Happy Birthday to you, Mike! Your advice, videos, and everything you offer have been such a help to me in my gardening adventures. Your simple, clear explanations, and the videos are priceless jewels for learning how to do almost anything. Thank you so much!
Happy Birthday !
Hi Mike,
Thanks for all the wonderful information you provide your followers. Hope you have a happy happy birthday!
DO NOT KNOW HOW TR THANK YOU FOR ALL THE HELP YOU HAVE GIVEN ME IN THE LAST YEAR. BUT THANK’S A LOT. DON R.
a very happy birthday and many more
i second all the great comments about mike
i must add that mike is a great entrepreneur and
has taken his talents and has taught us his skills
additionally he has taught his son dustin some
great values
best wishes barry
Thanks to you my Brown thumb’s are now turning Green………..
Happy Birthday Mike…..
Hey, Mike…Happy Birthday!!
Even though we haven’t met, I feel like you’re a good friend. I’ve gotten the program and I wanted to let you know that I appreciate the opportunity you’ve presented. Not some get rich quick scheme, but an honest to goodness path to the potential of a sizable income…depending upon the effort put into it. I absolutely love to grow things (I’m the type that could NEVER throw out a seedling when thinning out a row!), and for the first time in MANY years, I have hope for the future. You’ve provided that, and I thank you.
I also wanted to say that I appreciate and respect the way you do business. You’ve found a way to make money from a customer while giving them more than what they paid for. That used to be a standard in most businesses (I’m 61…I remember), but sadly no longer the case. Just your videos alone are enough information to build the groundwork for a rewarding career, and the inspiration to keep it going.
You have my gratitude and wishes for a great birthday, and the hope that you and yours find good health and prosperity in the coming year!
Thanks again,
Jim Bartilson
Pittsburgh
Hi Mike,
Congratulations & Happy Birthday to you! I enjoy getting your messages about plants and things. Here in Minnesota, the temperature was 20 below zero yesterday. We keep thinking springtime is on it’s way but we have a ways to go yet. Keep on sending out your blurbs about gardening & such and spring will be here before we know it. I don’t want to start of business with plants at the age of 72 as it’s far too much work for me, but I do like hearing about what you, your family and your plant’s business are up to. Keep on keeping on as I enjoy your time to time messages. Best Wishes for a happy Birthday and many more to you. Thanks,
Mike Roberts
St. Cloud, Mn.
Happy birthday to you…
Happy birthday to you…
Happy birthday dear Mike…
Happy birthday to you!!!!!!!!!
and MANY MORE !
Thank you so much for the straight forward, and helpful advice, and tips you share with all of us!
You make a difference, and that’s a wonderful thing!
Best Regards,
Debbie
Happy Birthday Mike and Happy Anniversary!! I enjoy reading your e-mails and all your good advice, although I can’t plant many plants. I am 81 years old, but I still enjoy outdoors and beautiful plants and trees. God Bless!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike!!! Have a blessed day. Last summer I was a first time gardener. I live in a condo with about 16 – 20 sq ft of growing space. Mikes tips have been very helpful. Again Happy Birhtday.
Happy Birthday Mike,
Hope this brings you as much pleasure as your gardening help has given me.
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=fePU5CIHpas
Edward
Hi Mike,
Thanks for sharing your vast knowledge of gardening tips with your online followers. I appreciate all of the effort that you put into the numerous emails that I so look forward to receiving. Even tips that don’t apply to my present garden are saved for you never know when you might need them.
I hope you have a Happy Birthday, and many more birthdays in the years ahead. Also congratulations on your successful business and having Duston there working and learning from the pro.
My best to you and your family,
Royden
Happy Birthday Mike, and to many wonderful ones with your loving family. Thank you for sharing your no nonsense garden advice with all of us; I do pass somethings on to my Garden Club Members with credit to you of course. Be well, hope to see your sage advice for years to come!
Jalé Dalton
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I GO TO YOU FOR ALL MY GARDENING NEEDS!!!!!!!!! PEOPLE ASK WHO MY LANDSCAPER IS AND I SAY ……. MIKE………………THANK YOU SO MUCH………….AND I HOPE YOU KEEP GOING!!
Happy Birthday Mike. Thank you for totally changing the direction of my life, for opening my eyes to a totally different world of growing things. You started me on the road of learning all about plants in real life/real time. and not just about plants and how to grow them but the “business” of raising and selling plants. With the original videos you produced, a seed was planted in my heart and mind that continues to grow even today, many years later. Again, Happy Birthday. I hope you have many more and continue to influence thousands more people with your passion, energy, and common sense approach to growing and selling plants.
Happy Birthday Mike! Just like to say thank you for constantly sending me emails. I always thought it was a good idea, but thought I could figure it out on my own. It is some much easier and encouraging to work with other people with similar goals! You have helped me with direction towards my goals. Thank you and have a great birthday! Rosie Feihel
Hello Mike, Just wanted to wish you HAPPY BIRTHDAY and also to tell you that I’ve learned a lot about gardening from you. Thank You sooo much.
Happy, happy birthday Mike! Hope this year is one filled with surprises from God. May He continue to bless you in all you do.
Happy Birthday to you Mike! Love your videos… I have learned a lot from you, from how to cut back overgrown brush to making the best fudge at Christmas time! And you always make me laugh! Hope you have a fabulous birthday, and thanks for all the great pointers!
Happy Birthday! and thanks for the help with pruning of trees etc.
God Bless,; and may you have many, many, more blessed ones!
I have sooo many messages bookmarked from you, Mike, about sooo many things. You are my go to guy for sooo many garden questions I might have. In terms we all can understand, I might add. Have a great Birthday !!!
Hi Mike, Im from Guadalajara, México, happy birthday, you have to know I been using your recomendation growing plants and its something great to me, now I can grow Anthurios, Orquideas and a lot of diferent kind of plants, thanks a lot and again happy birthday to you.
Mike,
Hope you are having a great and blessed birthday today! I want to thank you for sharing your love for growing plants with me. I have really enjoyed getting out of the house and back to nature! Growing plants is a great hobby and very rewarding. Thanks again for sharing a gift that last a life time.
Blessings,
Dr. Allen Savage Sr.
Happy birthday to you Mike. Love reading your tips about gardening, you bring sunshine into so many of our lives. Many blessings, have the best year ever.
I have never bought anything from Mike, but have gotten tons of good advice. The thing is, I am a pretty good gardener myself, but know that I will never stop learning from great people like Mike.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE !!!!
Jerrry
Happy Birthday, Mike, and many more! I love all the emails from you and learn many tips. My son in NC gave me your website to check on a couple of years ago and I have read all your reports. Keep up the wonderful work….that’s what keeping you so young!
Mike, Happy Birthday! Thanks for sharing your wisdom and humor with us all.
As a nurse I am into nurturing. Thank you for teaching me about nurturing of a different sort. My yard and garden love you and thank you for all the advice. Happy Birthday
GOD BLESS Mike!!! Congradulations _happy 15 th anniversary and happy birthday!!!!!Thank you for all your kindness/patience/sharing of all the knowledge of the plant kingdom!!!! You are the best!!! I must say you have made a difference in my life, I’ve been stimulated,encouraged and determined from all the sharing of your talents. You are a very smart business man/husband and father!!! Enjoy,love,peace & joy. Donna lee James
Happy birthday, Thanks for the sage advice wether it be about gardening or about life. As long as man can grow for nourishment and beauty, we can always turn to you for the knowhow and appreciate even more what you have done. Knowledge shared is knowledge learned for the betterment of all.
Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday Mike!!
I like to read your emails and watch your video to learn more about gardening. I love your donkeys to, they are so cute.
Enjoy your special day!!
Dearest Mike,
The Happyest Birthday Ever! First and foremost you have done something “Special” in raising your son Duston. The Strongest Tree in your Garden.
Thank you for making me aware of the Nature around me and that my Garden is a special gift. When I read the advice and guidance you give each of us I am so inspired to keep going until I get it right.
Peace, Love & Light,
Jean Renee
Happy Birthday Mike,
You bring such enthusiasm to gardening. I have found new joy in gardening because of you. My garden never looked so good.after following your advice and tips. You certainly show you enjoy what you do and can’t help sharing your experience with others so they can reap the fruit of your knowledge. God bless you and yours. May you continue to use your know-how to benefit many more as you have done in the past.
Hello Mike
Happy Birthday!!♡♡♡♡
I have been following you on line for years!
Always looking forward to your next bit of gardening wisdom. Always fresh and interesting. It keeps me inspired to keep doing what I enjoy. I learned from you that just about anything can be rooted so we keep plastic grocery bags in the truck. Then while we travel the state of Florida working I take cuttings (with permission ) seal them in a grocery bag and stick in the rooting bed when I get them home. With great success!!
And now that my husband and I are slowing down a bit from our hectic work life we feel that we can follow your lead and create an additional income from our nursery. So recently purchased your program and have been devouring as much as I can each evening after work.
Would just like to say, ” keep up the great work” and that you “Truly are an Inspiration”!!
Cheryl
Rocking Rabbit Ranch
All the Best, Mike! You’re a great inspiration for all gardeners and tree and shrub wholesalers and retailers of whatever size..
thanks 4 the invitation to share with all those who are very fortunate to come to Mike’s vast knowledge in farming/gardening. such a wonderful and generous man is hard to find, but in this vast world the internet has build pillars on which humans can stand and find support. it was only yesterday 23/1/2014 I came across mike’s webpage and download it free of charge by his request. I was surfing the net for information about farming and receive hundreds of information. (with free downloads and prints) to be very true, Mikes’ information was so complete, and precise, that I printed the download and after so doing shutdown the computer and started studying it’s content, I am about to go on retirement this year, and I am going into vegetable and life stock farming. (organic) I am 63 yrs. my wife is 59, we are living in St. Lucia West Indies. I feel very at home sharing his birthday. May the creator grant him his heart remaining years, and be merciful to him for being such an unselfish and kind-hearted person. His children will be forever bless through his kindness. Mike was not afraid to pursue his thoughts and ideas. he succeeded by sowing the seedlings of reality. his attraction to Mother Nature paid off. may he have a wonderful and bless day. thank you mike for your gift of love.
Dear Mike,
Though I am not able to garden as much as I would like, your newsletters encourage me and help me to think through how I can tackle gardening concerns the right way. Thank you for sharing your information with others! I love being outside in the fresh air, and hope to do more landscaping in the future. Thank you for being a source of inspiration and knowledge to me, and to so many others!
Hope you have a wonderful birthday! God bless.
Happy Birthday Mike…have enjoyed your emails for yrs now. The information has been fused with what I already knew. Been a great help thru the years in so many ways. Thks so much for all you do.
Aloha Mike! Happy Birthday from Florida! I’ve been a member of your group for years! Although I don’t post much, I still visit the group and watch the videos you sent me. I’m still interested, but my maintenance business has become all consuming (and that’s good!). Happy Birthday again and know we’re still out here lurking in the bushes! 😉
I love your down to earth attitude and humourous positive attitude…keep it coming!
Happy Birthday and thank you for the gift of courage to go out and plant. I had always been a reluctant gardener, thinking that everything I touched would die. With the tips you share here I have become a successful gardener and love the compliments I receive from neighbors and friends on the bounty that is my garden.
Happy Birthday
Great information and very helpfull. Thank you !!
Happy Birthday Mike and a Happy 15 year Anniversary! I have come across your site approximately 9 or 10 years ago and have saved each and every one of your emails and videos until recently when I accidentally hit a button on my computer clearing out the 3,000 + email messages in my inbox. I actually “had” a separate folder with all your wonderful and useful tips that I planned on using when I retire from my “real” job. In the beginning I did print out many of your tips but with the cost of ink, decided to save them on the computer. Gardening is my passion and I spend many weekends weeding, pruning, planting and utilizing MANY of the gardening tips I learned from you and look forward to each and every email I get from you! I have been composting for many years now and I will have to say that my gardens I created with your help are thriving! We live in New Jersey on a half acre of lousy clay soil. To boot, we live on a down-drive so it makes it even harder.
MY WISH FOR YOU is another 58 Birthdays and Anniversaries!!! You are a very special person who devotes countless “Free” hours to provide your internet followers with an abundance of information!! Enjoy your Day Mike, you deserve it!!
Irene D, – Randolph, NJ
Mike, your love and knowledge for gardening is surpassed only by your down-to-earth personality and demeanour . I really appreciate your blog up here in Canada. Have a Happy Birthday.
Dear Mike, We have not yet done any business, but,,,,,I want you to know as soon as I can, I will!, This is a good time to wish you and your wife a Happy Anniversary and you a Happy Birthday! I really look forward to your e-mail messages and videos, they are down to earth and interesting! I always learn something…..Thank you and keep doing what you do.
Alice Herron-Ray
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike!!!! Wish you many more! and many Thanks~
Happy birthday Mike! Really enjoy your news letters! You know so much and explain it so well! Thank you and enjoy your birthday!hope it’s great!
Congratulations on 15th anniversary and Happy Birthday. Enjoy your down home approach and information
Happy birthday young man! Thank you for making our world more beautiful.
I enjoyed your pruning grapes & how to reproduce them …Happy birthday ,MIKE
Even tho I find all the info interesting from you Mike. and enjoy reading up on that – I don’t really do plants. However, we both have two donkeys and always like hearing about yours also. Right now Oldcars and donkeys and taking care of other much needed things around the place take up my time. Happy Birthday – keep up the good work – and God Bless.
Here in E. Al. I think we feel like OHTenn in this January weather. Ha.
Bill
I think you’re great, Mike, helping neophytes like me to get a garden started. And I also love the way you pronounce the word “roots”
Happy 58th birthday today.
Lynn
Happy Birthday! Much thanks for all that you do to make our earth prettier and to inspire us!
Happy Birthday Mike and Congratulations on the 15 years in business. I have learned alot about plants and how to sell them from you over the last 6 years or so. I haven’t been able to expand much but I do some good business in the space I have and hope to be able to devote more time to my plants. Thanks for your help and all you continue to do for us newbies!
Happy Birthday Mike from canada vancouver island . Very frosty here this morning but lovely and sunny . Have a good one
Mike,
What I like best about you is how simple you keep it. If we could all just do that the way you do, life would be so much better for all of us.
Thanks for all you have done for some many of us.
Happy Birthday Mike!
Johnny R
Mike,
It’s a pleasure to share in the celebration of your birthday.
You are a special treasure to all who know you.
You, brought out my love for gardening. It was through the time you took to teach, that I learned.
Thank you and Happy Birthaday Mike
Pat Garvey
Namaste Mike G.,
Wishing you a beautiful and joyful, birthday with good health, prosperity, peace of mind, contentment and lots of beautiful weather. May you find more precious moments with Mother Earth and all her elements.
Reiki blessings forever,
Agnes
Happy Birthday Mike and thank you so much for all of the information you share! I have been keeping up with the freeplants site for over 10 years, and bought the system 4 years ago. I’m finally ready to pull the trigger on starting my business. It’s because of your regular emails over the years keeping that dream alive through losing my job to offshoring and starting over again on the opposite side of the country. Better late than never!
Debbie
PS some day I WILL have that out house potting shed – love that design!
Birthday greetings from Arusha, TANZANIA.
Wishing you a Happy Birthday Mike.
Have always loved plants and a garden. Have lived in an apartment for 50 years and could only keep a few potted plants. Bought a plot some years ago and no doubt house not fully built, I have tried to use your guidelines in gardening around the plot.
Whatever I do, I always look forward to receiving your weekly mail and implementing your tips.
You are an inspiration. Thank you.
Happy Anniversary too.
Happy Birthday, Mike! You aren’t getting older, you’re getting better ha ha. Seriously, I just wanted to thank you for all that you’re doing to educate us and help us to live productive, prosperous lives doing what we love best!
May you have many more birthdays filled with love, sharing and caring.
Thanks again and many blessings to you and yours.
Cherie
Mike has the best advice. I am a better gardener and have more understanding. I finally was able to start and grow cutting from a favorite plant flowering plant that I hard to cut down. Now she has lots of lovely children that I can plant in other areas in my yard.
I love his videos, they are simple and helpful. He also is a good guy with good family values. I love him! Thanks for reaching out of your own life to the continued help to us all. You are truly a wealthy man.
Happy Birthday Mike!!
I’ve been collecting all of your informational emails for about 8 months now and am so looking forward to putting it to work on our property!
Thank you for sharing your useful tools to make $$ off our property!
Wishing you an outstanding birthday!! 🙂
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y ””””
Been watching your articles for over a year, maybe 3 years now. I’m a bit older then you, 77 exactly. This past year I slowly got things together and have plans from you to just play with this.
Mainly thanx very much as I will find out more and like it too.
Paul, just a partimer
Happy Birthday, Mike! Many Blessings! I am soon to retire to a more rural area and share gardening and yard duties with my mom–lots of experience there! I can’t wait to get more involved with the opportunities you have presented to supplement the income. Thanks for being so generous with all the great information!
Mike, your positive attitude is contagious and very much appreciated – and your knowledge about the plant world is phenomenal. You’re a great teacher! Happy Birthday!
Thank you for the calming reassurance that gardening can be accomplished regardless of how little you know about it. Gardening is as much a growing process for the gardener as it is the garden!
Happy birthday
It has been more fun having your email to read
I’ve shared it with my gardening friend
Learned to not be afraid to cut those bushes back
And sometimes managed to stay out of those poison leaves
You are great and be sure to have a really great Day..
Happy Birthday Mike! I would like to thank you for all the knowledge you have shared with me. I am not on the board but hope to join in the future. Happy Birthday and Thanks Again.
Happy Birthday/anniversary, from Bonnie Scotland
I read every word you write and enjoy all the comments. I am 81 and do very little gardening, but I can still pretend! Happy Birthday youngster!
Happy Birthday,
Your gardening information has been very useful and you have a unique style in presenting it.
Enjoy your special day.
I do a lot of pretending myself, Charline.
Hey Mike,
Happy Birthday.. Hope it is the best & most exciting one you have ever had. Want to take a minute to let you know what a big help you have been to me. I love to garden, & also grow house plants, & start new cuttings. Thank you for sharing with us all you know about how to begin and what to do. You are such a blessing.
Jessie
I’ve learned so much and I appreciate the information. Makes gardening so much more enjoyable! Happy birthday blessings to you!
Happy Birthday Mike! Not only are you a blessing with all of your tips for growing and propagating plants, but you obviously are a master at raising kids. How many children would be as thoughtful as Dustin in coming up with such a unique way to honor a parent’s birthday?
Happy birthday and many more.Congratulations on 15 Years of Business! I have been getting your news letters for many years now. Also you have a very wonderful family. I learned a lot about pruning gardening and equipment ( mantes ) etc. from you! I don”t do the gardening like you do but I enjoy your videos and the donkey.
Hello Mike,
Thanks so much for your email and advise. Always enjoy hearing from you. What a wonderful gift you have…and what a wonderful gift you have in your family.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Anniversary!
the kids make you sound old , but, you aren’t. few weeks i’ll be 66 and started in flower business when i was 14. I realy enyoy hearing from you each time and i’ve learned some new trhings from you. hope you enjoy this special day. you need to try willow leaves as a rooting and growing harmone…!!!!!!!
roy
Mike
Thank you for some wonderful videos and great articles. I have enjoyed reading you information for years. Loved the video on how to tie up a bundle of sticks.
THANK YOU!!
Smile
Oscar
Happy birthday Mike.
Thanks for all the great advice.
A good heart, happy hands, and a wonderful family!
You’ve got it all — and best of all — you share!
Happy Birthday wonderful man!
Mike – Happy Birthday. I just want to tell ;you what a blessing you’ve been to us as we travel around the country. I try to plant something in each park we stay at: veggies if we’ll be there for a while, flowers or a tree if it’s a short term stay. Your advice along the way has been such a help. I look forward to each article you post – both the gardening and the family ones. May your next year be blessed.
Happy Birthday!
I just wanted to say that every time I see your name in my inbox I smile. You actually make me lol !
When I’m in my garden, I sometimes find myself saying ” is this how Mike would do it? ” Also makes me smile knowing our birthdays are in the same month!
Keep digging,
Patty
Dear Mike,
A very happy Birthday to you and a happy anniversary to you as well. I just signed up a few months ago and I cant believe the amount of information i have gained in so short a time. I want to Thank You for all that you have done for me and I’m sure many others. Enjoy your Birthday and continue to keep the back yard growers “growing”. thanks again!!!
Happy Birthday, Mike, and many more! My husband and I are retired and I have told him all about you and your success stories. He now considers himself following in your footsteps as he has started what he considers his “Christmas Tree Plantation”. He plans on someday selling these trees and has told our grand kids that they will be the beneficieries. God Bless and stay well!
My wife and I would like to wish you Mike a very Happy Birthday, You have done some much for us…We both are now 70 and are retired and with your wonderful help we can have something nice to keep us going in Life to look forward too.I always love to be outside doing gardening and taking care of our yard…it keeps us both busy and at our age is a great thing. Again we both wish you the best and look forward to working with you and your wonderful Backyard growers….We Love to met you and your family one day….Thank You Mike for your great idea’s and all your great work for us all !!! God Bless you and your whole Family
Harold Sr.
happy happy birthday my internet gardening guru friend! You have inspired me
To seriously look at space in my yard to maybe…just maybe start a little retirement nursery and earn a little income. sInce I will be purchasing from you I will keep you informed. What a difference you have made in my thinking about my future! G H Clayton
I have enjoyed all your educational videos over the years! Have a great birthday Mike!
Thank you for all the gardening ideas you’ve given me the last couple years. They are easy to understand and I’ve enjoyed doing many of them, with success.
Best wishes for a healthy and happy birthday and many more.
Aspiring.
Mike,
Happy anniversary and birthday too!
Thank you sparking and peaking a life long interest in plants.. In turn, helping my husband and children spArkle with excitement!
We are a family of five who gardens together and we are eagerly watching our bareroot cuttings and broccoli seeds grow!!!!
You explain things that everyone can understand and i feel so accomplished when i can have a bountiful garden because of your wise words!!!
I have enjoyed and used so many of the suggestions Mike gives us. Just about anything I have a question about , I can find the answer from his columns. I am a Master Gardener and we use his
great wealth of information at our meetings and in some of our newsletters.
Happy Birthday !! Keep on writing your columns for many more years.
Hi Mike,.. meeting you on the net is really very nice… I eagerly await your Mails , as in them I find a wealth of knowledge, and a ton of inspiration… my small patch of plants , I have on my terrace has such a calming effect on me..
Your enthusiasm for plants, and EVERTHING connected with growing, is so contagious.. Thanks for all the sharing…
Wishing you a great day on your big day, and may every day of the next year, be fruitful and blossoming….
” HAPPY BIRHTDAY MIKE”…
Happy Birthday Mike !
Keep on helping all us amateur gardeners. We love your advice & you.
Paul & Joan
Happy birthday Mike ! God bless you and enjoy your day.
Thank you so much of the gardening tips .
Ben
The one quote I credit and am continuously grateful for is “Do something everyday. If all you can do is 10 minutes, get up and do it” Before long, it was much longer than 10 minutes! There are days when I credit (cuss) Mike for his message of just get up and do something toward your goal.
I have always enjoyed reading and watching all the things you put on your web site!! I have learn a lot from you.! So happy Birthday day and Happy 15th anniversary!!!
Happy Happy Birthday to you!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday Mike! Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy and prosper from your website. The wealth of knowledge you share with me in each and every email is invaluable and very much appreciated. The best gift however, came in a very unexpected way. Over the past few years my wonderful husband has seen the awesomeness of Gods plan through plants.
You see, by trade I am a full time (and then some) R.N. in an emergency room. My husband and I both work 50-60 hours weekly. So, thinking I was going to take on yet another full time “job”, my husband wasn’t thrilled when I purchased your system. He was even less thrilled when my brother and I gathered recycled windows, boards and a discarded carport and built an awesome greenhouse in the backyard.
The first year I played with planting seeds, pineapple tops and whatever else I thought might be fun to grow. My husband saw how much fun the grandchildren and I had year around growing things. When the grandbabies harvested their 1st pineapple, well the moment was priceless.
The second year is when I actually took the time to read through your material and watch your dvds (I kicked myself hundreds of times for waiting so long). I found so many awesome plants, wonderful people and knowledge. Again, hubby was less than thrilled, especially when I purchased a bunch (about 100) of japanese maples (4 different varieties) and put them in the greenhouse ( I had spent a few hundred dollars in the past on THREE japanese maple trees for our yard and promptly killed them).
By year #3, I had kept all but 6 of my little japanese maples alive and they were beautiful. The grandbabies and I had harvested pineapples, meyers lemons, pomegranites, strawberries, oranges and had some beautiful flowers. And then we received heartbreaking news. A dear friend was diagnosed with cancer. As an R.N., I knew hers wasn’t curable. As an R.N., she (our friend diagnosed) knew it as well. But, our faith in God was stronger!! I took the strength of those little japanese maples as my sign from God to do something extraordinary for my beautiful friend. We sold almost every single maple for $40 – $50 (I bought them for $1.25 or less per plant) and donated that money to building my beautiful friend her dream kitchen. My beautiful friend enjoyed her new kitchen for 2 years before God took her home a couple weeks ago. In that 2 years, despite her failing health and the hell that chemo and radiation caused her body, she continued doing what she did best. She cooked and fed the hungry, she made sure that hospital staff had “proper” holiday meals when they had to work the holidays (Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas).
My husband watched and participated in these miracles for the past 2 years. He saw the joy that “playing in the dirt” gives me and our grandchildren. And now, at his request, I share all of the emails you send and he is participating in “playing in the dirt” with joy.
You helped make all this possible by sharing your wealth of knowledge! Thank you aren’t words enough. So, keep sending those emails. In our house they are like gold!
Mike, I pray you have an AWESOME, BLESSED and VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Thank you for all the wonderful information and most of all HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.
ENJOY YOUR SPECIAL DAY!!!
Happy birthday Mike. It has been a bit less than a year since I found your website and all the wonderful and informative information that really gave me a boost. Starting a nursery seemed like such a huge undertaking, but you broke it down and simplified things. So I jumped in, made a misting system just as recommended in your book and DVD, and started taking cuttings.
But more than just the technical information, I want to thank you for your conversational approach that is informal, friendly, unaffected, unpretentious and, even wholesome. You inspire me.
James MacNamara
Happy Birthday, Mike !!! Our whole family is much better off because of YOU, and we DO appreciate what you have done and taught us !!!!
I have learned so much more than I ever knew about JRMs , HLWSs, grafting, misting, hardwood propagating, mulching, and air layering than I ever imagined that I would learn.
Thanks…………And MANY MORE HAPPY YEARS !!!!!!!
Doc Birdwell
Happy Birthday Mike! I look forward to your emails.Have a wonderful Day.
Happy Happy Birthday Mike. Thanks you for all the post that you do. I enjoy all. fudge, donkeys and all the yard knowledge. Thanks and I hope to continue reading them for many more of your birthdays.
Happy Birthday Mike,
Age is just a number, enjoy everyday, before you know it you may be as old as I’m!
We all appreciate your work. It is still 42 years left to your big birthday…l
Hi,
Happy Birthday. I read all your emails and have learned so much. You make gardening so simple and that is what I like.
Thanks so much and have a great day.
Hey Mike. Just wanted to say Happy Birthday and thank you for all you do. I sincerely enjoy reading your emails and blog posts. You are a very giving person, and I suspect that is the reason for your success over the years. Congratulations on your success.
Happy birthday Mike
Happy Birthday Mike!!
From Central Florida
Discovered your site last year and have had fun in both watching your informative video’s and reading your emails. It got down to almost freezing here so I hope my starter plants weren’t damaged.:>) Don’t know how you deal with the cold up there.
I know you don’t deal with vegetables much but do you know a secret method for keeping squirrels from getting my tomatoes?
Enjoy your birthday
Happy Birthday Mike.
I enjoy your site and newsletter. Have found many interesting things to try.
Hug the donkeys for me. And rest of family too.
Many thanks.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE..just wanted you to know that I got hooked on your videos and watched some over and over..i like the way you present them and the tips I learned a lot from…thank you! and have a great birthday!
Mike has opened my mind to being a better steward of my land, using improved planting methods for our vegetables, flowers, and especially the fruit trees. What I found particularly important are the videos showing me exactly what to do. After watching his instructions I felt more confident to attempt his instructions. His comments are always positive and full of cheerful encouragement.
A very happy birthday to you Mike!!!
Both Della and I are glad to know you and to be doing the backyard business these 4 years now.
we are grateful for the help that you and all the other members have given us over the years.
Andy and Della Anderson “A time to plant” Quakake Pa.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
My birthday is 1-22
THANKS!
I enjoy reading about how you garden. At this time I can’t do more than a few potted plants but I’m hoping to be able to do more some day. Thank-you for sharing this with us. I hope you have a wonderful birthday.
Happy Birthday, Mike!! May you celebrate many more with your wonderful family!!
Happy Birthday Mike.
Our Garden Club has shared your informational videos and e-mails. Your knowledge has successfully directed us with pruning, planting, and landscape design. Thanks from all of Lake Latonka Garden Club, Mercer, PA
Diana
Happy Birthday Mike,
Thank you for all the information you have provided via your posts.
I have learned so much from them.. Enough to get my own plant business in gear.
How you are going to read all these posts, I will never know. Luckily its the winter and may find time. Speaking of winter, would someone please turn up the big thermostat dial out there. It’s just too cold.
Happy birthday, Mike!!!
Your thoughtful pages have been an eye opener in many aspects. I even got my husband to read and watch some of your videos. Your own-to-earthness is refreshing and your insights into gardening and life in general helps us to see the world in a different, better light.
Have a wonderful birthday, keep up the good work, and do take care of yourself.
Warm regards,
norma
Happy Birthday, Mike! I’ve been following your videos for about 3 years now and I just wanted to say “Thank you for making all that information available on the internet!” Through your videos, I’ve learned how to make and root cuttings for resale. I began selling them 3 years ago and have continued to grow my business each year! Since I was first introduced to you (virtually), I’ve subscribed to your newsletter, which is a wonderful tool by the way, and I just recently purchased your Backyard Growers package. I’m starting this season with 700 – 1 gallon liners to sell, which is more than triple what I had at this time last year. Your information on building hoop houses was very helpful to me as I needed a way to overwinter my plants. I now have three hoop houses in my backyard that are 4’x30′ and filled with plants. My goal is to continue growing my business by 400% each year so I can step out of my current corporate job into my own nursery business in 5 more years. Thank you for the inspiration and guidance to take the steps to finally fulfill my lifelong desire to run a nursery business!
I wish you a Happy Birthday and many more to come!!
Robert Hinshaw
Mike, thank you for your years of great information and inspiration. I’ve been a subcriber for a number of years now, and have always found at least something useful if not for that day, then certainly for sometime up the road in my gardening journey. I especially found the rooting and propagation information helpful.
What would we do without you? Thanks for being there, and being so dedicated to your craft. HAPPY 58th BIRTHDAY TO YOU & HAPPY 15th ANNIVERSARY!!! May you have many more!
Happy birthday, Mike!
You’re a special person and deserve to have a special
day.
I have learned so much from you and your videos over
the years and I just want to thank you.
I once did a lot of gardening and yardwork, but for the
past 9-years, I’ve been a caregiver for my Mom–who has
alzheimers. It’s been difficult to take care of a garden and
keep up with her, but I do what I can. Right now, she’s my
one job. I have saved all of your videos and refer to them
when needed. They’re priceless.
You take good care of yourself, keep up the good work,
and God bless you.
Debbie Rom
Dear Mike:
Because of your ability to give direction in non-intimidating laymen’s terms, I am able to prune my shrubs and particularly roses with confidence and effectiveness. You have given a myriad of helpful tips. Most of my gardening knowledge I can source back to you. I appreciate you and I wish you a very happy birthday!!!
Mike!
I read what you send every time it arrives.
You are improving the world with your efforts.
Thanks.
Tom
Happy Birthday Mike, May God Bless you and your family.
Thanks for all of your great tips on gardening. I especially want to thank you for teaching me how to prune my shrubs. Again, Happy Birthday. Ken Wisniewski
Mike:
I want wish you all the best on your special day. I wish I lived closer to you to share in your vast knowledge. You are a treasure and I hope to use thus in the future. I love plants and I know I will be able to enjoy life more in the future. Happy Birthday!!! Save me a piece of cake….. : )
Happy Birthday, Mike
Have really enjoyed your down-to-earth advice and have learned a lot in the past few months.
I retired a few years ago from a bank job and have really enjoyed working with plants, seeds,
and cuttings. I love to get out and get dirty and it’s just me and the plants, the dirt and the blue
sky. Have a great birthday and thanks for all you do!!! You have made a difference in a lot of
people’s lives and isn’t that what it’s all about!!!
Happy Birthday, don’t ya love em. I have not done anything yet with the business, however I am still interested. I just like the way you are so truthful and down to earth (so to speak) because you really want to help people.
enjoy your day
Joe
Mike – happy birthday! we travel the country in an rv and park many places. The advice and ideas you send make our stays so much more fun because, loving to garden, I’m able to take your help and make each place I stay better than when I got there. I’ve planted both veggies and flowers and trees in different places. Your advice has been such an inspiration to me. Thank you and may you be blessed in your next decade as you’ve blessed others in your last.
I’ve been a fan of Mikes gardening advice for about 15 years. It’s so nice to be able to ask mike a question and get answers quickly and for “Free”. Mike is very knowledgable and helpful with all my questions. When I have an issue for example, “how and when do I prune my blueberry bushes” I go to my friend Mike. I get all the info I need and quickly get the job done. Thanks Mike. I do pray u have a wonderful birthday and thanks for all you do. Your friend, Rhonda (from Washington State)
Happy Birthday, Mike!
Thank you for showing me that a plant-based business is possible, and all of your advice and insight through your mailings. It’s changed my life, and in no small way.
It’s helped me have the faith in myself and my abilities, to work my way through a major trauma in my life and focus on healing, growth, and prosperity doing something I love. It’s helped me ignore the naysayers, and do something entirely different from anything anyone in my family has done. It’s made me a business owner. It’s helped me change my career path at the age of 37, from being a secretary (something I could do, but did NOT enjoy! :-)), to getting past my fear of striking out on my own and actually going ahead, and doing it. I’ve started a small company, and am in the process of building it, now…I’ve turned my basement into a propagation area and am growing seeds and cuttings, along with other projects. I’m involved with the local farmers market and am building my online website and merchant account. I love what I do now, and all of the work involved in watching things grow! 🙂
Thank you for showing me it could be done.
With sincere thanks, and wishes for a very happy Birthday, with many returns,
Liz
Happy Birthday Mike!
I am a backyard gardner who is very new to gardening and I must tell you I really enjoy your videos. They are incredibly helpful since you cover a wide range of topics. Thanks for all you do to make us better gardners.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY & CONGRATULATION, MIKE!!!
YOUR INFO IS AWESOME—
KEEP ON DIGGIN’!!!
Have a Blessed Birthday! And a Blessed 2014.
I love your emails! They are interesting and informative. I think I want to do the plants, but grand kids, going places, etc, keeps getting in the way. The years are passing fast, so I will keep enjoying my life as it is, and keeping up with you and sharing in all the fun tour having by email. Blessings to you and yours. Bennie Rhoden
Hi Mike,
Happy Birthday,
I just want to say that I really appreciate all the valuable and down to earth
information that you impart to so many as well as a great sense of humor
that goes with it…..Thank you!!!
Roy
Happy birthday Mike! I still have my clay soil and the appletrees still aren’t thriving, but at least we’re getting cherries. Keep up the good work and enjoy your day.
Happy birthday Mike and thank you for all the gardening tips.
Have a great day.
Happy Birthday/Anniversary! You are a very inspiring person. You are also very generous in sharing all that great information in your head! I appreciate you! MKay
Happy Birthday Mike, I have enjoyed your videos and in the process have learned much about growing plants. I have shared your links with colleagues here at work and now we often have conversations about growing plants and we reference you and your site. Thank you for helping to bring people together doing something that I feel is good for the sole (growing plants).
Derek
Hi, Happy Birthday. Have a great year.
I moved into a house that had a garden consisting of weeds, weeds and more weeds. While searching for gardening answers I found Mike’s site. It has given me answers about pruning and growing and composting, etc., etc. and lots of hope. Very cheery, positive guy, I guess.
Happy Birthday Mike!
I have enjoyed receiving your inspiring and educational email messages about horticulture. I have always enjoyed the outdoors and discovering unique plant life. I started growing plants when I was about eight years old; I planted an orange seed. My siblings laughed at me until the seed sprouted into a small tree. My brothers and my ex-wife continued their ridicule of my love for plants.
I found your website and began listening to your experiences while learning some of your propagation and sale tips. From a tough looking guy like you who supported his family, I found your words and actions very inspiring. Thank you for sharing your life experiences and allowing a regular guy, like me, a little extra confidence while enjoying his hobby.
Keep the stories coming and have a GREAT BIRTHDAY! Your family loves you! Thanks again.
Phillip Parnell
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday……young man.
I can’t believe how much I have learned over the past two years.
thanks Mike.
The great thing about growing older is you get to look the part.
HAPPY “58TH” BIRTHDAY – I LOVE THE EMAILS AND VIDEOS, KEEP THEM COMING – I ALSO LOVE GARDENING AND YOUR INFORMATION IS SO VERY HELPFUL. THANKS SO MUCH. I CAN’T WAIT UNTIL SPRING. HAVE A GREAT BIRTHDAY.
Happy Birthday Mike!!!! Have a wonderful day. Thanks for all your help through the past years. Your the best. Enjoy!!!!
Shirley and Ted
Happy Birthday Mike from the balmy 10 degree Ozarks of southeast Missouri.
Louie Smith
Happy Birthday Mike!
I do not garden for a business, I do it because I love it. You have taught me how to start some of my Rose Bushes from ones that I already had.
Thank you and hope you have a Great Birthday!
Wanda
Many Happy Returns of the day. Live happy and prosper and please continue with your advice and videos. Even though I cannot put all into practice, having deer around, I still get ideas from you.
All the best from a British lady living in north New Jersey.
Happy birthday I enjoy reading your emails and learned a lot from them you never stop learning. If you don’t try something new all the time I will be 80 the 29th of Jan. Married for 62 years with 6 kids all boys but 5 I have been in and out off the hospital a few times just got out from having my back fixed I am ready to go again I could not think of a better person to learn from.SO you hang in there.
Happy Birthday Mike. Keep up the good work. I enjoy the e-mails and all the info you offer.
I love that you love to share your experience and wisdom with others. You deserve a
marvelous 58th B’day…many more…Peace, Pam
Hi and happy birthday to a honest out doors person. Living in California with all the acres and acres of land and the majority of people live in apartments and condo;s. I do own a home and have a yard but just did not know what to do with plants and being outside. Reading Mikes notes and seeing his small movies really encouraged me.
With Mike’s inspiration I grew many trees of many kinds FROM SEED!! This was so exciting. I never got into selling anything but the fun of seeing it grow was so fun. I learned it did not have to be beautiful or in an elaborate container, just water and give it sun shine and walla!! I have an Avocado tree growing from seed in the house and a Walnut tree too. Lots of not so good endings but learned they are like anything else in life, IF YOU DON’T SUCCEED TRY TRY AGAIN, If you are in doubt what to give someone, give them a plant, One year I sent seeds to everyone for Valentines Day, Just like Mike would say ‘play outside’ and I did and do and thank you and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU. You don’t know me but I appreciate YOU and thank you for helping me appreciate my yard!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TOO!!
Kathy
I read all your e-mails and enjoy them because I’m seventy nine years old and I’m finding out how I’ve been doing so many things wrong foe so many years. Things like prunning,planting and starting new plants. Thank you Mike and I wish you to have many more good years.
I’ve been following the blog for a few years and have learned a great deal. I just enjoy the books I’ve purchased from you, your realistic expectations regarding this business, your transparency and vulnerability with hosting ‘shindigs’ with total strangers and your all around friendliness! I was so excited when I found out we were moving to Ohio from Arizona and that we would live nearby! You’re just a gardening hero in my eyes. 🙂 Happy Birthday!
Happy Happy Birthday Mike!!! So, you are a fellow aquarian…my birthday is Sunday!! Well, I hope you have a great day, it is your day to do whatever you want!!!
Just want to let you know that I enjoy getting your mails…I read every single one and I have a designated folder they go onto…in case I need to read them again…lol
Happy birthday Mike – many more to go yet – thank you for the info
:>)D
At 70 with lung disease, living in a very hot SW city in a mobile home park it is very hard for me to have fresh food. Mike has given me the encouragement to keep at it even with more failures than successes. I am determined to flip the end results. Thank you and Happy Birthday Mike, may you have many more.
Ernest
I discovered you fairly recently, but I want you to know how much I look forward to your e-mail posts that not only provide excellent information but also a view of your life – including the donkeys. I will never have a gardening business because my gardening space is far too small, but I enjoy sharing veggies as well as plants and flowers from the beds that surround the foundation of my house. I learn from every video that you post, and I truly appreciate the knowledge and enthusiasm that you share so generously.
Happy Birthday Mike,I am sending you joy as it is one of Gods Best Gifts. Thank you for all your help, we need more people like you and less people like Obama. your honesty is appreciated .Your knowledge is your gift to us all.Happy,Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday and congratulations on your 15th anniversary. With your inspiration, I have tqken up gardening as my hobby and a very good time pass in the sun (vitamin D) ever since i have been at home. Your advice is great in every email. May thae Almighty give you all the happiness and prosperity in your life.
Happy birthday, Mike!!!! We both enjoy your expert and knowledgeable emails we receive from you. Your constant input about planting trees and expert tips and shortcuts is greatly appreciated! That hoe thingamajig is outstanding!
Enjoy your day and take care.
Happy Birthday – Thanks for your advice on how to remove bushes/bush roots – I have shared the information with many friends – a simple and quick manner to remove the roots and move onto the next task.
Happy Birthday! Love the baked bean recipe that is I think your Mother-in-laws recipe. Very good.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!!
I read your emails as soon as i get them. I have learned so much. I have ten rose bushes that thank you for the advice that you gave me to take care of them.
I love your down to earth talks and how you are always eager and excited about growing plants. There are some things that I cant plant but I still enjoy learning how to care for them anyway.
Thank you
Linda from California
Mike, someone already used the word perseverance but that was the word I thought about when I received this Happy Birthday surprise your Gang is planning for you. Perservance and hard work pays off, these are attributes that come here from your emails, keep up the nice work, and thank you………sure wished you lived in my neck of the woods. I know we only see the tip of the iceberg on this screen As we have heard, Never surrender and never give up. Happy Birthday fellow gardener !!!!!!L
Happy Birthday/Anniversary! Thank-you so much for all you do. You are a very inspiring person.
You are also very generous to share all the information you have in your head! I appreciate you!
MKay
In my darkest days of illness, I would get an e-mail from Mike. He had no idea what his little ‘plant pep talks’ did for me. When I finally came alive, I ordered his system. Love it! Mike, I have no idea how long you sent me the e-mails but I thank you from my heart. I know there are a lot of people getting your notes. You will probably never know how many people you are sending ‘Get Well’ cards to and you think it’s just about plants. 😉
Happy birthday Mike !
All the best for you and your family !
Chris-Toronto-Canada
Happy Birthday Mike, Thanks for the great tips and growing secrets. I can’t always afford to do all the things you write about but, I will keep trying all the new ideas that I can afford. Keep on keeping on! Hope you have a great day. Thanks for the inspiration……..Ben
i just want to say thank you for all you do. i read everyone of your emails and you have been a great help many times to me. ENJOY your special day and keep making ppl smile. <3 xoxox
I don’t have your program, but if I was younger and in better health I would. I love all your emails and videos of gardening tips and the donkeys. Good luck for continued success and Happy Birthday.
Dear Mike, Happy Birthday! I know the birds, bees and butterflies were chirping happily when you were born because you have done more than anybody I know to further growing plants of all kinds on the property of your subscribers. I’ve learned how to prune and propagate my beautiful roses, how to prune, grow and propagate my Japanese Maples, how to use my property wisely, efficiently and get the most out of every corner by looking at how you planned and planted your property. There isn’t a thing you haven’t covered in the way of composting, planting, growing and propagating plants. Have I left anything out? Well, you can add that as well. I’ve sent your website to all my hundreds of friends and they love it. God bless you on this birthday and I pray you have many, many more. Love and hugs to you, Pam and the family. AnnMarie
Hope you have a wonderful day Mike celebrating a Happy Birthday. You have continued to make videos that educate as well as inspire gardeners and future gardeners showing ways to success. Thanks again and God Bless you and your family. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you!
Happy Birthday Mike!
On the day of your birth i was already an elderly 8 years and one day
of youth. I don’t recall what I was doing on the day of the day of your birth but,
I am sure it was eventful.
Thanks for sharing and being a friend. I wish You Many more Happy days my Aquarian Friend.
Sam Norton
A long time ago…maybe 10 years or more?…I bought Mike’s ebooks, downloadables, and CD’s…on how to start a backyard nursery. Ever since I have received Mike’s regular emails and each one lifts my spirits when I see it in my in-box. I have learned so much and continue to do so even this morning with the compost video. (I didn’t know before that table scrapes did not make compost like the ground leaves do, and that we should give them to the worms!)
I have not yet been able to start my backyard nursery, and even though I am 78 years old, I have not given up doing it…I am trusting I can get my children and grandchildren to help me do it when the time is right. Our life has been filled with so many other people’s needs, that I chose to help the others first and then get to mine. We started a non-profit training institute to help the hungry, (SIFAT: Servants in Faith andTecnology) 35 years ago and now have graduated church and community leaders from 89 countries in appropriate technologies and community development. These people come from some of the hardest places of our world…refugee camps, isolated villages high in the Andes, tropical, jungle river valleys…We are teaching how to purify water, how to grow more food, micro-enterprise for survival…basic human needs. … The needs are so great in our world, that I am still involved in SIFAT, but when I can really retire, I still plan to use Mike’s backyard system in my backyard! Each year I add a little more to my garden there.
Meanwhile, during the last 10 or 12 years since I bought your material, Mike, I have learned many things from you. And I have passed on your teachings to the leaders of poor communities in Haiti, Bolivia, Ecuador, and from 89 countries total in Asia, Africa and Latin America. I have used many things I learned from you in my classes for these humble, dedicated, and oftentimes very brilliant people who then took it back to their countries. Even though I haven’t had time to make my backyard system yet, buying your materials was one of the best investiments I ever made. I continue to read and study and teach your principles.That $80 and has paid off hundreds of times as our students returned to their countries and taught their villages.
Even though you don’t know SIFAT, you have had a profound influence through SIFAT on helping many hungry, destitute people, all over the world now be able to grow more food and propogate plants to support themselves.
Thank you for what you have taught me. I pray that you will have a wonderful birthday and many years ahead to keep teaching us…and may your students spread your teachings to others….so that more needy people will have the ability to provide food and income support for themselves.
God bless you! You have really blessed the world!
Sarah Corson
Happy 58th birthday Mike!
Until 2012 I had a home and garden in Indiana and you have always been my go-to person if I needed information. My friends thought I was so knowledgeable about gardening due mainly to your help. Now I have an apartment in southern Virginia with
no garden, however, I do some gardening for my son who lives nearby and you are still my source for help.
Thank you Mike!
Wishing you a happy birthday and best wishes on your anniversary. I am new here but I have hope I can learn and develop a business growing plants. We put out a large garden every year and it truly is my favorite place to be. I appreciate all the information so far. I hope to join the backyard growers soon. Thanks for your inspiration.
! Happy happy Birthday to you !
Wonderful seeing your ideas of how to do well on plants.
Sharing you knowledge of you work is so amazing!!!
Great for you Birthday as it was the best special day …Thank you 😉
Kathy
I enjoy your work and what we learn from it. Every plant you grow has part of you in it. The plants take over your life. And you thought you were in charge.
It is very sad that I am so old { of course not an excuse } but when I read about his Email,s inspire me so much that I wish go to my backyard and start shoveling. I am running a little hydroponic system just to be active but in reality I should be ROOTING the way he teaches Us. Happy Birthday and God bless you Mike and your whole family .
I could not say enough about how much Mike has helped me in all aspect’s of this business, from beginning to end. His knowledge and understanding of the of the business is unequaled , as well as his care for his members. Integrity , honesty , and his willingness to help is a way of life with Mike. I am great full to him for all he has taught me.
Thank you Mike, and Happy Birthday
Eddie
Hello: and Happy Birthday Mike
I purchased your system a while back to look at trying to make some more cash. Now that I have lost my job and am down to a small pension I am trying to get the money together to buy supplies to get started. in growing some plants to earn some extra cash. I love your videos please keep them coming
Happy Birthday to your dad. Praying many, many more blessed ones for him. It is always a pleasure to read his e-mails as I love flowers & gardening. He has really helped me with more knowledge concerning them for many years. I look for more e-mails from your wonderful dad. God bless!
I don’t recall how I came upon your website, but I know I signed up and have enjoyed your articles and videos for several years now. Frequently, your information has affected something I’m just about to tackle…whether it’s when to prune fig trees or roses or how to root almost anything..
Listening to you share your expertise has been like having a neighbor who just knows tons of stuff and who is willing to lean over the fence and share.
Thank you for all your efforts. Have a great birthday and keep those e-mails coming. BTW, looks like you also have a GREAT family! what could possible more important?!!
Judy
HaPpY BiRtHdAy!
Your emails are inspiring and informative. I’m still trying to talk my dad into cultivating and caring for plants in his retirement!
Happy Birthday, Mike! You have been an inspiration to me giving me practical can-do advice. When I first found you my husband and I had just bought our dream house. I was overwhelmed being the steward of such a large property with heirloom plants and mature trees. Your website has helped me learn about not only caring for my garden but propagating it as well! I have gained so much confidence and joy thanks to you. Warmly, Rita
Happy Birthday! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with all of us. It’s wonderful to have a place to learn from someone who has so much experience. Thanks again for all you do.
Happy Birthday Mike! I know you pull a lot of hours educating and inspiring all of us….. just have to ask one thing, even though you may feel tired and maybe ready to hang up the bibs sometimes, please don’t…. I just got started!! No really, your whole program has been an inspiration for me and my whole family.
God bless you and your family, sir….
Happy Birthday Mike!!!
I watched some of your videos and i love that you always keep it simple, that is so inspiring to me!! Great job on your blog and all that you do, Have a great birthday today and continue on having fun and being YOU everyday!
Thank you!
Happy Birthday Mike!
I will be forever grateful for all of your help and encouragement.
I especially appreciate how you encourage people to keep going, just doing something towards building our little nurseries every day. I don’t have any support from anyone about my nursery, and your advice….”don’t give up”, “do what you can”, “a little each day”, and believe in yourself…..and to absolutely not let others discourage you from their lack of confidence in you…..
so much you have helped me with.
Thank you so much, Mike.
Your California friend, Martha!
Your father has always provided valuable insight. I have used his information often, and must say it was most productive in it’s application. Please thank him personally for me. …….and many more anniversaries!!!!!
Bob
I just enjoy reading about the everyday tips about planting and pruning. Everything is down to earth and simplified for the everyday gardener and plant and tree lover.
Mike’s e-mails and e-books have motivated me to try my hand at propagation. I didn’t know how much enjoyment I could get playing in the yard.
Because you are located in Ohio your advice and guidance has been very important to me. You are truly an inspiration and you share so easily. Thank You! Hope your Anniversary and Birthday are VERY SPECIAL and you have many more. Betty
Happy, Happy Birthday! I look forward to each of you newsletters, loaded with all sorts of gardening advice. I learned how to prune my trees, among countless other things. I have shared newsletters with friends, so they can see what they/re missing out on.
I know your family has a special time planned for you. I just wanted to send my wishes and a great big thank you for the wealth of information you provide! Keep up the awesome work!
Happy birthday Mike!!!!!
Hope you have another 58 Birthdays at least. Love all YOUR helpful hints it has helped me dramatically in the garden. Hopefully one of these days I can buy your book. Thanks again am enjoy your special day !
Happy Birthday to you, Mike.
Thank you for everything that you have done for our gardeners. I have been following you almost ten yrs now and have kept every single email/video that you shared with us. You have started me to get into the Japanese Maples hobby and I now collect about 100 different cultivars and other JM species i.e. Acer Japonicum, Shirasawanum… Your tips are always great and I have shared them with other gardeners, too.
Best wishes for your health and looking forward to many more BDs ahead.
Steven
Happy Birthday! You impacted my life more then you will ever know! I lost both my parent and husband in a 3 yr. time frame and I just wanted to die myself. But the love of plants and your wonderful e-mails brought me out of my slump. I now landed a job with a landscaper and start some of the plants for his business, we are both making a killing! But it was your down to earth videos that made it all possible. So thank you for letting me again enjoy what I love to do best work in dirt and play in the garden! Happy Birthday, enjoy your day!
Happy Birthday Mike!!!
I love your videos and have learned so much from you.
I have an even greener thumb after following you. 🙂
I hope you have many more years of gardening to come.
Wishing you, our Dear Mike, the happiest of birthdays – and may all your wishes come true!
On this day of honoring you, I’d like to thank you for all the gifts you have given us – confidence, common sense, valuable insight, and invaluable lessons from your heart – all in the name of growing, and making this world a better place.
With kindest regards,
Barbara
What a wonderful life you live! Keep up the good work – nothing is more gratifying than working in nature and seeing the results you have accomplished.
Really want to say
Happy Birthday.
happy birthday, Mike! since buying your course, I’ve immersed myself in plants- taking the master gardener course, working on permaculture, and creating our own garden of eden!
thank you, my friend, for helping us start this journey.
Wishing you, our Dear Mike, the happiest of birthdays – and may all your wishes come true!
On this day of honoring you, I’d like to thank you for all the gifts you have given us – confidence, common sense, valuable insight, and invaluable lessons from your heart – all in the name of growing, and making this world a better place.
With kindest regards,
Barbara R.
I love your common sense info. Directions are easy to follow.
Happy Birthday Mike
Thank You for all you do. I ordered the course a couple years ago for my daughter, who has mild CP and learning disabilities. She LOVES it. She has a hard time with reading so the dvd’s are excellent for her. She is married now and has a newborn son but they hope to get a house soon so she can have land to garden. A place to apply all she has learned from you and create income as well. Thank You again!!
I read all your email messages. And get lots of helpful hints. Thanks so much for taking the time to enlighten us.
Happy Birthday!
Hi Mike, Happy Birthday and Anniversary!
I have only been on board with you for a short time but have learned heaps already, I have gone from a vague idea of doing something with plants to having a huge area full of rooted plants and am growing to order, especially New Zealand Natives which we as a country are passionate about preserving.
You are an inspiration and I look forward to your recieving your emails.
God Bless
Jeff
Happy Birthday from a 75 year “Old Fart” farm boy from central Wisconsin who respects your barnyard humor & down to earth opinions. It sure is great to hear advice in a language we respect & understand. Keep on enjoying life as God intended us to do.
Thanx Glen
Happy Birthday Mike! I purchased your back yard growing system a year ago and have read through it all but not yet gotten started. My husband passed away a month ago, so guess what your Backyard Growing Systems is going to be my next new project. I am really excited about doing that this summer and starting my backyard nursery for next fall. I love to read your blogs and all the info that you send out all the time. I echo the same things your son and daughter in law say about you, and that is you always explain why you want to do something specifically the way you say to do it, the reason is . . . that helps me so much. I love playing in the dirt and I really look forward to putting your plan into action. Again I hope you have a fantastic birthday and get lots and lots of messages.
Happy Birthday Mike! While I a haven’t ordered anything – yet – I am a faithful reader. I even have a folder in my email to save your emails so I can revisit them. Love your enthusiasm and perspective, plus all the practical advice, rooted (pun intended…) in years of experience. I plan to really tap into your wealth of knowledge and experience when I retire in a few years. Keep up the great work! And thanks for making so much available. May God richly bless you, your family, and the donkeys too, of course!
Happy Birthday and thanks for all the great information and advice, I’m back to digging in the dirt at age 77, and now my girl friend at 84 is also getting ready to garden this year too. I think it’s all your fault.
Happy Birthday Mike. Thanks for all the encouragement and all the advise that you give us daily. You are an inspiration.
Hi Mike !
Happy Birthday! I think you
are so helpful! You are so good
at explaining how to work with plants.
I loved learning about compost too!
I want you to know, you have
inspired me to TRY! That is a physical
and an emotional response that I had
to overcome. Rooting away in South Carolina! Plant sales, over 200 Japanese Maple seeds that I got free
about to plant. Yay!
God Bless you, sir..
and just sayin… you have made
a huge difference in my families life!
Have some ” fun” today, ok?
Like a lot of folks I live check to check, and when I read about growing plants it is like a mini vacation for my mind. I have a dream some day of having a place to put in a garden, and Mike helps me keep my dream alive !
Thank You Mike ! and Be Blessed…
~ Charles
I thank you Mr. Mike for all of your info and hints on gardening, I have learned so much from you about rooting from stem cuttings, pruning and planting all types of trees and shrubs and transplanting including how to get rid of suckers. I have not gone into the market business but throughout my gardening experience, you have helped me to make a lot of people smile, just by passing my house and admiring my work and passing along lots of helpful hints which I tell them I got from Mr. Mike. Thanks again for all of your input. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!! I wish you many more and may The Lord continue to bless and keep you is my prayer.
Sincerely
Zetella Bonner
El Dorado, Arkansas
Hey Mike, 🙂
Happy Birthday and congratulations.
To a great guy with a super family.
Like I always say “Life is a do it yourself project.”
Stay busy and happy.
Tom Lance
Happy Birth Day
Happy Birthday! Thank you for the positive note in your blog! I always enjoy reading your page!
I appreciate the hard work that you do and keeping it simple. HB
Mike, I have been a subscriber for quite a while now. Yournewsletter allows me to keep in touch with things dear to my heart. I have an extensive science backgroun, MS in Agronomy, biology teacher, etc. BUT your notes are practical, straight forward…in a nutshell…you are good at teaching.
Please don’t stop.
Your 72 year old blinded vet buddy,
Fred
love your emails, I feel if there are any questions concerning plants and plant care I have a place to go. Thanks for all you do. Wishing you the greatest of birthdays, may God bless you and your family
Mike is like the neighbor you wish you had. Always willing to listen, lend a hand, share knowledge, show a cheaper or easier way to do things, etc .I don’t believe there is a problem that he hasn’t solved since I’ve been reading his web site and visiting with him, you, his wife, his helpers and his donkeys. You can tell a lot about a man by the way he treats his animals. Mike is a very caring and gentle man!! You are so lucky, Duston, to have been born into such a caring family.
Mike, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! You’re not getting older, you’re young enough to live a long life and old enough to be smart about it.
You have done so much good with your contagious enthusiasm and great ideas.
It’s always a joy to read your ideas.
Now just tell me how to grow asparagus in this North Texas prairie. I’ve tried for 8 years and they never get out of the ‘fern’ stage. What are we doing wrong??? Alkaline clay soil, but lots of sun!
Happy Birthday!!! we love you here and you advice always comes just when we need it most.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE
KEEP UP THE GOO WORK!!!!
Happy Birthday Mike! You are truly an inspiring man. Your knowledge and wisdom is great. I am so happy I fould your site. I so look forward to your newsletters. I love hearing your advice and the reasoning behind it. When I read your newsletter it makes me smile. I love learning from you and hearing what you have to share with all of us.I have always loved gardening and plants but you make it so much more interesting. It is so nice to see someone who truly enjoys what they do and it really shows for you. Keep the advice and explanations coming. Love me some Mike.
Happy Birthday Mike! You are the best! Every time I read or watch your videos, I feel like my best gardening friend has come to visit.
Over the past couple of years Mike has renewed my gardening spirit. I realized that I had strayed from growing my own vegetables and herbs. I see Mikes posts coming regularly and it triggers my need to plant something. Thanks
I love all your ideas and many things that I didn’t know, and many things that I want to try. You have taught me alot. Have a very Happy Birthday!
Hi Mike, I’d like to wish you all the best on your birthday! Due to an accident I hadn’t managed to do any gardening in years till I watched your videos. I now once again enjoy my pastime in a small way. All my best wishes to you and yours.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!
For all you have shown me, I am forever grateful. You prove dreams can come
true…and they do. Wishing you and your crew the greatest and happiest 2014.
Thanks,
Donna Lillis-Lynch
Happy Birthday Mike! Just wanted to let you know it’s OK to cry when you read all these comments! Because of your diligence and hard work, I have learned how to propagate plants properly and I make money at the local Farmers Market to supplement my midwifery income.( people want a midwife, just don’t want to pay for one)…. Our yard is also the most beautiful it’s ever been. Thank you for all you do, and keep up the good work!!
Happy Birthday To You Happy Birthday To You…….
Thank you so much for sharing your life’s ups and downs. Love everything you do and teach us. I am hoping one day to sell from my driveway. I have enough variety of plants in my yard to have a pretty good size nursery, but being disabled it does put a damper in that plan but one day it will happen.
Keep bringing us all your great adventures and information.
By the way I love the Donkey’s. I have chickens, ducks and geese.
Enjoy your day to the fullest.
Looking forward to more newsy newsletters in the future.
Cheryl
Happy Birthday Mike,
I’ve truly enjoyed every message from you. I only wish I had found this info 20 years ago and had the nerve you have to start over. I love playing in the dirt and wish I could make a living doing that. If I had started earlier in life I could have. Hope you have a wonderful birthday and please continue to keep us inspired.
First off, Happy Birthday. I once was your age ;0). Hope you are enjoying yourself today. I would like to thank you for your great work here. I just received the rest of your program in the mail yesterday afternoon. I am in the process of reading it. I am sooooo excited about doing this as being disabled and not able to get around like the good ole days I think I can do it. If not for a money making adventure, but as a great clean (so to speak) hobby. At least being outdoors is a definate plus. I just happened on your website a few months ago and have been hooked since. Thanks so much for all the info you have given myself and others. Now I walk around the neighbors yards asking for cuttings of their plants. Again, thank you so much for your help, encouragement and information. Have a blessed day and Happy Birthday from Washington state!!!
happy birthday MIKE!
I have really enjoyed your garden tips. It has made me a better person ,and gardener
have BLESSED DAY !
TERRY in PEORIA ,ARIZONA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You have given us some of the BEST advice I have ever read about SO MANY topics, from tools to plants to planting/mulching/pruning hints. The tools I have purchased after reading Mike’s ideas have lived up to everything he recommended about them. Thank you so much!!!
Happy Birthday Mike! I’ve had a long life of having a brown thumb and nearly gave up on anything to do with plants. Then I saw you and my life changed. You explain things in easy to understand language and actually show us how to do things. I’m having way more success than I ever did with keeping plants alive. My kids tell people I even killed 2 artificial plants (it was really only 1). So if you ever wonder if you make an impact ——- you sure do!!! Thanks for always being so helpful.
I always look to see his gardening idea’s…Great tips !! Happy Birthday !
I have learned much, thanks! HBD and many more to come.
Happy Birthday, Mike. I sincerely hopt that you get all that your heart desires and that you have many more birthday celebrations to follow.
I appreciate the emails that I receive from you, sir, and although I live on the opposite side of the Atlantic ocean to yourself I always find very useful information in them. The videos, too, are exceptional teaching aids … even the ones where the sound isn’t quite up to par.
You probably don’t remember, but I wrote to you quite a while ago about losing contact with someone that lives in the same state as your good self. Of course, I wasn’t expecting you to actually do anything about it as that would be an unrealistic expectation. You did, however, respond to my email and told me the area of your state where you lived, which set me on an exercise of finding where that place is, and how far away it would be from my previous contact. (Many hours spent searchng various maps, and looking at different things about your state. I also found that my ex-contact’s parents still, apparently, live at my ex-contact’s former address. I haven’t, though, written them a letter as they are obviously getting on in years now, and might be wondering what the heck this guy from the other side of the Atlantic would be wanting to contact their daughter for. Still, I can dream about renewing old acquantaces.)
As I say, sir, have a wonderful day, weekend, life, etc., and may you continue doing what you love doing for many many years.
Lots of Love and Light.
Mick
x x x x
x x x
P.S. Please don’t be offended or alarmed at the “x’s”. It’s simply a logo, of sorts, that I’ve used for some 30-odd years now.
Thanks Mike for the work you do to share your knowledge & happy b-day also!
Happy Birthday Mike. Thanks for all the tips I have made use of many and you are always one of my resources when I need information for what I am doing in my yard. Thanks for all the tips and I hope you have a great day!
I posted earlier to wish you a happy b’day & anniversary, but looking at all the responses you have here….it ‘s even overwhelming to me even….Honestly, Mike…you should be so proud of what you’ve accomplished!!!! All I can say is WOW!!!! Totally awesome for you!!!!
You’ve worked long & hard & then some!!!!
I, personally would be ever grateful and honored to even accomplish 1/10th of what you’ve done!
You’re a very generous man & I hopefully will have the honor of actually meeting you in person someday.
You’re an inspiration to many…congrats!!!!!
Happy Birthday Mike!
Hope you have a great day because you deserve it. I know how much work you put into your business for yourself and the rest of us who have benefited so much and continue to do so. I have bought your book and it has helped me so much on my 2 plus acres which was raw land 10 years ago….nothing but blackberries and Alders. Now we have a gorgeous piece of property that we cherish every day and you helped to make it that way. We have tons of plants that were put there through your methods of propagation. I have sold many that I didn’t use and still have more to go. There will always be a source of income on our property thanks to you and the sharing of your methods. I also love your videos and e-mails for I return to them all the time for info as I work through my year. Thanks again and have a wonderful birthday.
Happy Birthday!!! You are a blessing to a lot of people. Always look forward to your emails! Long and blessed life my friend!
I haven’t gotten a chance to spend time growing things. I admit I am not the one with a green thumb in the family, my mother is. I look forward to seeing the emails come with the info and program that Mike offers. One day I am gonna try it. I am living my plant life through Mike as I see how well he does things and it makes me want to go out in the yard and really “play in the dirt again” as the saying goes. Watching Mike makes me think that even though I have killed a cactus with kindness, I might still be able to figure things out. Mike and his wonderful way of showing us things always draws me back to watch him again and again even though I haven’t gotten the courage to put any plants in danger of my care. Thanks Mike for being there!!!!!!
Happy Birthday Mike! I want to say thank you for loving plants and sharing them with me, and everyone who also loves them. Your letters are saved for me to read any time, I enjoy them so much. Im also going to be 58 this year, in March. God Bless you and your family.
Happy Birthday and thanks for all of your invaluable information. You have inspired me to try growing new plants. And your tips are amazing. As long as you are on the internet I will be following you. Take care. Mary Jones
Mike Hausa heart for teaching, because he really cares!
Keep up the good work!
Happy Birthday!
Thanks Mike for all you do to help beautify Mother Earth. You are an endless source of information and the one I turn to when I have a question. Happy Birthday and Congratulation on 15 years of contributing to the betterment of this planet.
Happy Birthday, Mike, and congratulations on your 15th Anniversary! I only found your website about a year, or so, ago, but have enjoyed your videos and information very much. Thanks for all of your ‘tips and tricks’ and constant encouragement. Hope you have a Blessed day. Sandy P
What a great Son to do this for you! I have been a subscriber for a long time now. We just recently moved into a home with a huge yard (1/2 acre) and can’t wait for Summer. So you can be sure I will continue to read your messages, thank you for sharing your wisdom…..Happy Birthday Mike!
Give the donkeys a kiss from me!!!
Happy Birthday Mike… Your enthusiasm and accessability gave the courage to start my own business ….will open in April…God Bless
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A GREAT CHEERLEADER FOR PLANTS AND PEOPLE! HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY AND KEEP ON BLOOMING! LEA NADING,HTR, HORTICULTURAL THERAPIST, WINSTON-SALEM, NC
Mike,
It is ALWAYS a pleasure to read your emails and watch your videos! I have learned so much. I have watched and learned how to start plants/seeds/prune/and make compost! You have an incredible amount of knowledge and I am so thankful you are willing to share. Thank you Mike!
Happy Birthday!
PS Please keep teaching and sharing!
I like your helpful idea’s
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Thanks for all the great tips throughout the years!!!
Mike came into my life when I was praying and searching for a part time business that was not going to cost me an arm and a leg and half my savings. I love plants and has he taught me so much in the last couple of years. I have been getting my plants and tools together and will soon be in the nursery business because of what I have learned from his course.Happy Birthday Mike
Mike, I want to thank you for giving us all so much information and having a gardening family. You are a inspiration to al of us as you show how much you really care about our success. Have a Great Birthday.
DiannZ
Happy Birthday and Anniversary Mike. Now that my attention is full time in the care of my wife, I passed all my literature on to m niece who is consuming all your tips and backyard hints. Many thanks and Happy returns. BK
Happy Birtthday, Mike. I enjoy reading your advice. I’m fairly new to gardening, so I can use all the advice I can get.
I can see you are a blessed man with such wonderful kids like Duston and Amber who want to make your day special. Many more blessings.
Happy Birthday from your friend in Wi!
I love your how to videos, and share them so often. The newsletter is so inpiring and informative….please take time for yourself and enjoy this special day! PS you have some super sweet kids!
Best wishes for your continued success in life and business. I first learned about you and your business during a refreshment break at a local Master Gardener meeting. What they said about you was positive and sounded interesting so I checked you out on the Internet. Yep … there you were–distinctive overalls and all. This down-to-earth guy who had something special to share. At first I thought that “something” was just information about gardening. Quickly I discovered that you had much more to share than just a very large amount of gardening knowledge … you had a much broader message about living in general that you shared every time I heard/saw you. That “value added” message was the sharing of how to prosper in life–not just in the garden! For both, I thank you very much. You’re definitely a “giver!”
Several years ago I was looking for some help with a French formal garden I wanted to put in the back yard. The project called for 6400 boxwoods. I started looking for a low cost solution to getting a large number of boxwoods and ran across Mikes site. I followed his advice on propagation and began to buy and split up plants from my local nursery. In the beginning I had an army of sad little sticks, but over time they rooted, filled in and took their place in the planting. Now, several years later I have a beautiful parterre garden with complex symmetrical designs hedged by the little green soldiers and I only used about 10% of my plant budget. I put the rest of the budget to other things in the garden and it is a showplace. I’ve hosted a few weddings and scout troops come to learn about formal gardens and French aesthetics. Thanks Mike !! And Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday! I really love you site, you have helped me in so many ways.
Thank you and happy birthday, Jennifer
Mike has given me courage to prune…that may sound trivial, but I was always afraid I would cut too much, cut in the wrong place or cut at the wrong time. Through his videos, he has shown me not to fear pruning. My plants and I thank you. Happy Birthday, Mike.
May your birthday wishes grow with everything you sow. Happy Birthday!
You are inspirational.. Happy Birthday to you Mike!
To be honest I haven’t done anything with any of the advice or stories I have read from your emails. However, just hearing your high energy stories and pumped up innovations, I feel as if though I am a part of it. Plants are beautiful and they are so much part of us, I am a student and a mom of three my small herb garden and few apple trees are my joy. Getting your emails gives me insight to future aspirations. Good thing you are alive and fulfilling your dream.
Happy Birthday, Mike! I first found your website a few years ago, quite by chance, and just love it. I look forward to your emails and read each one from start to finish. I love love love your videos too! You have taught me so much and so many things I never knew I never knew (as mentioned already by someone else, the wheelbarrow!) You are such a good teacher, a real natural, and I’m grateful to you for sharing your knowledge. Thank you for being the kind and giving person that you are, and I pray you find much encouragement in knowing how you bless so many others. I truly appreciate all that you do. Thanks so much again and have a very happy birthday!!
thanks mike and happy birthday. mark taylor in baltimore.
Happy Birthday Mike!
Thank you for all the wonderful information you have shared over the years. Believing that you can make such a difference in your own life, just look at what YOU have accomplished, has helped me make a better life for myself.
Renee
Happy Birthday Mike I have enjoyed your youtube video’s and learned quite a bit and still learning. Keep up the good work and many more birthdays to come enjoy.
Happy Birthday Mike! Fifty eight, can you dig it? I just love your blog and all the info you send. You are an inspiration. Barb B
Happy Birthday Mike!
Thanks for all that you do, and the way in which you do it.
I enjoy your instructional videos and plan to use your system to both teach my small children about gardening and give them the experience and foundation of starting a small business for themselves.
Keep up the good work, plants aren’t the only thing you’re growing in America!
Best regards,
Nick L.
Hey, mike–Keep up the good work!
Happy birthday!
You have been an inspiration to me. I dream of the freedom that I will have from my cuttings and rooting them for sale. Economy has been tough on everyone in one form or another. You have given me hope! Thank you! MIKE
Happy Birthday! Enjoy your special day.
Happy Birthday, Mike. Thank you for all your hard work . I love the propagating plan and the ability
work as much or as little as I want. You have helped to make our lives better!
Jack and Priscilla
Inman, SC
Happy Birthday!!! And mannny more! Thanks for your great newsletters, Happy Anniversary too!
Hope you have a great year! Mary
Happy Birthday, Mike! Thank you for helping me learn about my passion for growing!
Happy Birthday Mike we love getting your emails.We have learned how to make cuttings from plants Keep sending the advice.We love to work with the dirt
Mike,
Happy Birthday, you bring such great garden tips to my email box, I look forward to each and every one. I love watching your video’s, and now enjoy the stories about the animals too.
May you enjoy your birthday and feel blessed with all the friends you have that you have never met.
ML
Thanks for all the garden help thru the years and Happy Birthday!
I live abroad in Israel and am origanlly from new york city. So thanks to Mikes videos and emails I was and am abell to learn alot about how to run and create my garden , from scratch
Thanks and avery Happy Birthday 🙂
Happy.happy,happy birthday!!!
Thank you for encouraging me and helping me think I can come a bit closer to living a clean and green lifestyle. I have come-with your help- from a fear of processed foods and GMO’s to knowing that I can make a difference in my life and health by being a bit more resourceful and getting my hands a little dirty and filling my mind with the ‘how-to’s of the good stuff-and a ‘can-do’ attitude.
Happy birthday and God bless you!
Martha
Happy B,day Mike and keep growing!!!!!!!!!!
Mike, HAPPY 58TH bIRTHDAY AND MAY THE GOOD LORD BLESS YOU WITH MANY MORE.
YOU ARE SUCH A BLESSING AND INSPIRATION TO SO MANY OF US. YOU ARE A DOWN TO EARTH FELLOW ……. WHO SHARES WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED IN A WAY THAT A COUNTRY LIKE ME CAN UNDERSTAND.
THANK YOU,
JERRY LOWRIE
Where have u been prior to 15 years ago? Please don’t answer that question..
Mike I am on here for the very first time and it’s for a good reason. I am here to wish u a
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y
May the LORD bless u and keep u may his light shine upon u and keep u around for twice as many.. Happy Birthday MIKE.
Happy Birthday Mike! I thoroughly enjoy your blog and especially when you include pictures! Enjoy your day!
You go Mike. You inspire me. Sometimes I am down and you give me an upper. Thanks. I am 55, live in Florida so not everything is Ohio-like, but I am getting closer to plant awareness and possibly income. You have provided a great spark. Keep the fire burning.
Happy Birthday Mike. Thanks for all the great information, and insperation.
Happy Birthday Mike! I’m a skeptic by nature but when I first ran across your ad, I was sold, because there was nothing in it that did not ring true. You offer great success but it comes with hard work. Thanks for starting BYG and all you do to help ever one of us to further our business.
Happy Birthday Mike! I have enjoyed learning from you. I love to plant things. (just ask my husband–he has to mow around everything) I have really learned A LOT from you. I gave my friends and family your web site as it is the best for helping out beginners. Thanks for everything you do and many, many happy years ahead for you. Sandy Hughes and family
Happy birthday! Thanks for all the info you share!
Hey Mike, I’m not your everyday professional gardener, but wanted to say that with your advise (I read your news letters) family members have said that I have good planting hands. This is because God gave you good knowledge and know how. Therefore, you are passing that information on to your customers and other followers. May God Bless you with many more years.
Thanks for your help!
Happy B-Day!
Happy Day for the EARTH….
You keep so many of us BLOOMING in the right direction…..You are a free thinking spirit, with a soul that GROWS all that is good in life…
Congratulations! on a life well lived……Mother Earth is proud. I welcome every communication, GREATLY embrace your philosophy and generous gifts (knowledge). We treasure you and know your honest soul and gentle loving heart…..More people need to have DIRTY hands …for the right reasons….Blessings on your celebration of your life and family, Mike, Keep on blooming!!! PLEASE!!
Hi, Mike. Happy Birthday! You’re a year ahead of me, pal. I’ll try to catch up. 😉
Mike, I like you. I’ve only watched a couple of your videos, and I really liked them. I like your story, I like what you do, and I like how knowledgeable you are about plants and horticulture…and I like the style and ease with which you convey your knowledge. Your story is inspirational. Truly. You have a lot to be proud about how you have earned your living, especially how you treat the ones in your life, with honor and dignity. It shows.
The two videos I watched had to do with how to root plants from cuttings – I will have to try that with my azaleas this year – and how not to be scared to give a bush a hard pruning. I’ve done that a few times with my own azaleas, and they’ve turned out fine, and I need to do that with my mom’s azaleas this summer. Also her camellias. I’ll be heading up to her place to do just that – prune her camellias – near the end of March. Daddy was the gardener in the family, but he’s gone now, and Mother can’t keep up with everything. Her camellias are pitiful looking. Misshapen, and over or undergrown. I love to prune things, shape them real pretty, and your pruning video gave me confidence and confirmation that it can and should be done in most cases. Wish me luck, ok?
Hey, and have a happy and blessed birthday.
Thanks, Mike, for all you do! You are a pure inspiration to me, an avid gardener.
I love your emails and your “how to” videos.
Have a great Birthday!
Happy Birthday Mike
The things that you share with the people who havn’t started a business yet, is wonderful, and because we havn’t there are all kinds of reasons.
What you give us is A dream & deams are to the reason for living.
My birthday is Feb. 2 I will be 78, my joy for my day is me giving a birthday party for a group of friends and a lot of them do not know it is my Birthday untial I give out presents, It is so much fun.
Happy Many Many more.
Wilma
Dear Mike; Your Newsletter may not have been one of the biggest things to change my life but it has been very helpful. The flow of helpful hints and teaching about plants and their particular nature has been a great help in my yard and vegetable garden gardening. You have made me more confident in the things I do there. Folk have question my ways but when I see that you do the same and or back up my assumptions I now do it the way I want and have more success.
Thanks Dean
Happy Birthday, Mike! I enjoy reading your helpful low cost solutions to various problems. When I can see how you use them in your yard it encourages me and gives me ideas as to how your great hints can be useful in problems in my landscape. Thanks and may you be blessed with many more birthdays!
Hope you have a great day Happy Birthday
I have been following your site for about 14 yrs.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
The infro. I have gotten from you has enabled
me to root,grow,and sell my plants. I sell them
at our local Trade Days Market
Thanks so much for your gift to us……………..Paul
Mike
Happy 58th Birthday and Gods Blessings for you who loves plants soo much!
I hope to meet you in person someday.
Larry
Happy birthday Mike i hope you have a great day
I would like to thank you Mike for setting me on an agricultural path. I followed your instructions to make hundreds of baby plants and had plant sale. I made $800 in a weekend. I have since then been experimenting with aquaponics. I have found that the cuttings root just as fast as intermittent mist and I am using much less water. I will explain the system in further detail in 2014. I still have a day job but you you have inspired me to start up my own business. Happy Birthday and congratulations on 15 years of self-sufficiency.
Thank You
THANKS MIKE FOR ALL THE ADVISE YOU POST. THE THING I LIKE THE MOST IS THAT YOU NOT ONLY ADVISE US ON WHAT TO DO BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY YOU GIVE ADVISE ON WHAT NOT TO DO.
I love it that he covers so many subjects. He has helped me divide my many grasses and various other plants. He has helped me learn how to prune trees….. I enjoy having a place where I can get advice on all kinds of gardening questions. Keep up the good work! And have a wonderful birthday!!!!
Tried my very first cuttings this year after watching one of your videos – they rooted nicely and I’m really looking forward to seeing them grow this year. Your knowledge and videos have inspired me to become more self sufficient and to take better care of my backyard garden. Happy Birthday Mike and I look forward to watching your new videos throughout the year. Ed Burns, Virginia Beach, VA
Feliz Cumpleanos a ti!
Happy Birthday, Mike. Thanks for all you do. I have learned so much from you and appreciate your dedication to helping others. God bless you.
Wishing you a very happy birthday…thanks for sharing all of your knowledge and experience with us. I love reading your newsletters.
Happy Birthday, Mike! I have every newsletter that I have received from you, and when I want to know how to do something, I look through them, and then I now how to prune, plant, etc. You have been very helpful to me over the years, through your newsletter, and I am very thankful for this. Hope you have many more birthdays and look forward to hearing from you again.
Tim Wingard
Columbia, SC
Happy Birthday Mike!!! May you be blessed with many more.Have enjoyed all your helpful tips,they have benefited me greatly in the garden.Keep up the excellent work.
Happy Birthday Again! Glad to be a fellow Aquarius! Pourer of the water from one vessel into another. One plant to another plant.
Multiplier of Talents! That’s the most interesting action!
Glad to meet you via literature and online.
Enjoy Yourself, as always!
Happy Birthday, Mike. Love your newsletter/blog and keep every issue. I have used your tips for rooting some blueberry twigs and hope to have fruit soon. My first cuttings are in year three this year. Your composting tips, your plain, simple, easy-to-understand writing style has given me the courage to try my hand at gardening after I retired and it is one of my favorite past times. I love planting seeds just to see what is going to come up and it is so exciting eating a meal that came straight from my garden just minutes before I cooked it. Thanks for the inspiration you provide, Mike.
Happy Birthday Mike: Love the information that you share, it has helped me in many ways. Thanks!!
thanks Mike for all you do. I appreciate the video on how to do . I look forward in washing all that you make for us . I read all your emails Happy Birthday Mike !!!!
Mike, keep on rocking brother! Thanks for what you do. Happy Birthday!
Mike, Happy Birthday! We appreciate all of the good advice we have received over the last 3 years. The board is a great resource for those of us who are fairly new at this, plus the ability to purchase plants at a reasonable cost. So many great people on the board that are willing to share their expertise as well. Have a great day!
Mike has put so much on his site that I have enjoyed over the past couple of years! I haven’t been able to do very much for different reasons but am really getting into the frame of mind to start working in yard ASAP! Just finished 3 years of chemo last August and am wanting hubby to build Mike’s potting table, etc. Just being able to read Mike’s postings have given me much pleasure. E
Will need to re-read some when possible since my mind acts like a colander (not a sieve) and stuff runs out of mind.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIKE! You give much pleasure to us as well as awesome information! Many, many more wonderful years! Beverly Isom
Hello Mike. My wife and I just wanted to thank you for every thing you do for every one. We have always been interested in starting out small growing different plants and then eventually multiplying our efforts. You have provided us with the info to do that. Also, the networking community you have created is priceless to growers of all volumes.
Most importantly, happy birthday & happy anniversary!!
You should be proud to have a family that cares so much for you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!!!! HOPE YOU HAVE A BLESSED DAY!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE AMAZING TIPS THAT YOU GIVE ON YOUR GARDENING PAGE. THEY HAVE HELPED ME SO MUCH. LOVE ALL OF YOUR FLOWERS AND YOUR DONKEYS ALSO. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!!
I learned about the web site through Robin McGroarty, as we work together. She was so enthusiastic about the site, I decided to check it out a few years ago. I have enjoyed the “how to” videos, and appreciate that Mike has reminded me that I don’t have to be super gentle with plants, they can take some handling. Also, he has reminded me that conditions don’t have to be absolutely perfect to still get great results. Although I don’t propagate for resale, I have enjoyed starting plants from cuttings for my friends, spreading beauty and the love of gardening like Mike does. He has inspired me to pull “free” Japanese Maple seedlings from the sidewalk cracks at work, and the one that took is now 4’ tall…and it was free! Thanks for the inspiration, your generous spirit and for sharing the beauty of the earth with all of us!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE and THANK YOU for all you do for all of your followers. I would also like to wish you a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY at this time as well. Again thank you I really do appreciate all you have done over the years for me and so many other people. Mike Smith
Happy Birthday Mike! Even though I have never met you in person, you have impacted my life tremendously- from the first advertisement in 2000 – I was hooked – in fact I bought the program, then lost it in storage when I retired from the Navy I bought it again – then I finally became a member last year – I have learned so much from you and all the members. I still have that dollar bill you sent to entice me into the business. 🙂 Now after 14 years, I am ready to begin my nursery as I wind down my last job into my working retirement – all because of you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Have a great birthday Mike – one day I am going to return that dollar bill in person. 🙂
I actually left a greeting a few days ago — a very long-winded one, I’m afraid, so this one is just to say today is my birthday, too! When I wrote the other day, I didn’t realize which day was actually your birthday. Cool! Only I’m 8 years your senior! Again, have a happy day — you’re greatly appreciated by many!
A very Happy Birthday to you Mike !!!! I LOVE your emails sent to me – I have read them over and over and over again. I pray about following you more with beginning our own gardening business each year. My having not done so yet is because of my health ( seizure disorder ) – I am a bit weaker in strength than I ‘d like, my energy level is limited after having a seizure for a few days – up to a week. But we love the idea of gardening and being able to have natural things growing to enjoy with others . We love earthing outside – & just can’t get enough. Our family of five survives on a single income of my husband working daily and at times thru the week the cupboards are very limited as to what to eat that day.
I am unable to drive and work but would love to have a gardening business at home that we could share with others and GROW TOGETHER ……… I am writing to you to say “Have the happiest birthday yet to come Mike – you are such an inspiration to me – praise the LORD !”
thank you for all you have done Mike
Julie
MIKE, TODAY IS ALSO MY HUSBAND’S BIRTHDAY, SO I WON’T EVER FORGET YOURS. EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE LOTS YOUNGER THAN ME I FEEL LIKE I AM ONE OF YOUR KIDS AND I HAVE TO CHECK IN WITH YOU EACH DAY TO SEE IF I AM GOING THE RIGHT WAY ABOUT EVERYTHING! IT WAS TRULY A BLESSING THE DAY I STUMBLED UPON YOUR INTERNET MESSAGE AND I WILL BE ETERNALLY GRATEFUL. GOD BLESS YOU MIKE………..MISS PATTI
Happy Birthday!!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences with us. It’s makes a better world.
Happy Birthday Mike !
I love reading your articles . I loved your video on how to burlap trees. This was always a mystery to me and now I know how to do it right. Thanks again and Happy Birthday 🙂
Thank you Mike! Happy Birthday & Congratulations on 15 Years of Business!
I want to thank you, Mike for giving me the insight and motivation to work on my garden. I like reading your material since it comes in quite handy. Happy Birthday, Mike!
Happy Birthday Mike. With all best wishes, you have done so much for all of us gardeners and we have learned so much from you. May God Bless you and your incredible family. With many years to come.
Happy Birthday Mike, and thanks so very much for all the gardening tips you send, I have them all in a folder. So keep them coming and wishing you a very happy birthday and keep inspiring others as you have always done.
Mike
Happy Birthday and many more. Thanks for all the great advice you have given, I love opening up your letters to see what is new. Have a great day,
Hope you have a Very Happy Birthday Mike. You have a lot of friends and family who truly want you to have a wonderful day. That is a true Blessing .
Happy Birthday from a fellow plant lover,Rebecca
Happy Birthday to Big Mike
I really enjoy all of your tips on gardening. You are so friendly I feel like I have known you all my life.I live in Newfoundland, Canada, where we have a short summer and hardly any Spring but here in St. John’s the capital city and surrounding areas you will see the pride that people show in their gardens. Wishing you a wonderful birthday and many more years in the garden.
Take Care
Bonnie
Thanks Mike.
I’m 57 tomorrow and on Bobby Burns day in Canada I’d like to take a wee bit of time to say:
”Happy Birthday” from Jeff (not Bob/Rob after Bobby Burns) born 25/01/57 – I’m now 57.
My recent accident rendered me disabled and our Prime Minister (red necked leader)fired me for trying to return to work while still being disabled after I put in a Human Rights Complaint to my department -Library and Archives Canada to insist that I was treated equally.(Irony eh?)
Last spring I started gardening under lights in February and continued throughout the fall till the snow fell. It was the best therapy for me since now in Canada you CAN NOT get physiotherapy without an operation first.
Thanks for your tips and giving me incentives to keep on gardening and enjoying the best outdoor thereapy – gardening. My cherry,apple and pear trees are beautiful as are my gardens. I’m now known as ‘the flower guy’ locally. I planted an English Oak and a Canadian Maple tree in honor of my parents. Me mom was a Liverpool(England) war bride and my Dad an Airforce ‘sarge’ turned ‘banker’ who loved to garden thereby feeding both his own 8 kids and his dads (minister) 11 kids.( supplimented by forestry in the Ottawa Valley)
All the best to you and yours.
Thanks kindly for all your help.
Cheers,
Jeff
Happy Birthday Mike!
Congratulations on your success in doing what you love to do – then it isn’t even called work!
I Also appreciate your self learned business success – awesome!
God bless you.
MAS
Thanks! Mjke for all the great info! HAPPY Birthday To You! Have a Great Celebration!
I hope you have the BEST birthday Mike! Thx for all your plant help and for having a killer blog!
Happy birthday Mike, I’ve recieved youf mail for years, and like yourself feel connected to the earth, thank you for all the inspiration and information across the years. Looking forward to much more.
Garry
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike!!!!!
I’d like to wish you a very happy anniversary and a FANTABULOUS birthday Mike! I have really enjoyed the emails packed with useful information!! I have learned so many things that I cannot begin to list them all here! It’s nice to get info and videos that are in normal everyday language that is easy for me to understand! Keep up the good work as we all enjoy it very much! Again, congratulations and Happy Birthday! May God bless you and your family always!!
Happy Birthday! Hope you have the best year ever. Thank you for all your help and advice. We look for your e-mail, and can not wait to try a lot of what you have done. Thank you for what you do keep it up..
Bob and Della
Happy Birthday Mike and may it be very enjoyable! Thank you so much for the wealth of experiential information you have and continue to share with us.
Hi, Mike…..Happy 58th birthday to my most favorite “ole dirt farmer.” I’m taking this opportunity to let you know what I think of you. What stands out most to me is your generosity in sharing all that wonderful, priceless gardening information you share with all of us. I have been reading your emails and watching your instructional videos for many years. I can tell you, I have bought quite a few of the tools you have recommended. You have never steered me wrong. You inspire me everyday with your energy and love of all that you do. Like I tell my friends, “If Mike McGroarty says it’s true, it is.” I love hearing about your family and the new donkeys; it all just makes you seem more real to me – like a regular person. Please don’t ever change, keep up the wonderful work you do for us and know that there are so many people out there whose lives you touch in ways you can’t even imagine. Thanks for everything, Mike. I hope you have the best birthday ever. I think Duston is going to be just like you.
Sincerely, Patti Zirpoli
mike happy birthday. keep passing on your “down to earth” knowledge. I can’t support you finianchly but I support your efforts to teach us .
thankyou ED age 75
Happy Birthday, Mike!
I have followed you for many years – originally bought an ebook from you about internet marketing where you kept stressing that if YOU could do it, so could anyone. Meanwhile I got interested in gardening too and have followed your emails with great interest. I have often been tempted to buy your system but because I live in the UK your contact list wouldn’t be any use to me.
Anyway, have a lovely birthday.
Happy birthday Mike, just starting out so don’t know financially how this will help but the knowledge you share is worth the money by itself, Thanks.
Happy Birthday to you……. I would sing the rest but you might run. I have a start up business in organic gardening. I learned from workshops, reading, a self-taught person. It was not until I found your web-site that I really began to understand the down-to-earth realities of plants and gardening. You have expanded my knowledge far greater than any text book or course. I now have my retirement business, and a new beginning after 60 years of age.
Thank You and Happy 15th Anniversary.
I so appreciate all the information you share . I love to garden, but felt lost most of the time as to what to do. With you as a guide I am having fun and success. Hope this year to have more time to really put in a great garden. Thanks for all you do for all of us who are so fortunate to have found you and be educated to make better choices. Vangie
God’s blessings for many more Happy Birthdays. Appreciate you. Vangie
Dear Mike,
Thanks for all the info and the accessible way and enthusiasm with which you explain things. You have helped me make my first steps on the way to what I hope will one day be a successful plant business. You are unique in every way and your family are very lucky to have you. I would really like to meet you some day 🙂
Happy Birthday from Poland!
Happy, happy birthday Mike!
I’m one of those people who enjoys others’ gardening efforts, and you never disappoint!
If I had an actual garden I would post a sign in it that said “The only thing I grow here is tired”
But as for how you’ve impacted my life, you’ve taught me what to tell my menfolk about dealing with poison ivy, and you’ve added a wonderful item to my files with your family fudge recipe.
Enjoy this special day!
Mike,
I love your emails and read them all the time and have gotten some great ideas for my gardening from you! I would be lost without your expertise. Thank you so much for all your help!
I hope you have a very Happy Birthday today and many, many more wonderful years!!
Sandy
I haven’t signed up to be a customer of yours, yet, Mike, but I plan on it when I’m ready to blast off with plants. I’m looking for land for my organic produce farm right now and I plan to become a customer of yours because of what I’ve read so far about your business. What you’ve written has been good, but what others have written, …well, you know, word of mouth just can’t be beat. That’s what has had the largest impact on me.
I wanted to know if your business was a scam so I did a little research. I didn’t expect what I found. I found a community of people that cared for each other even though they didn’t really know each other. It was the space you created, Mike, that developed this strong, caring community. Then there’s this son of yours, who reaches out to this community and wants to make a special birthday for you. I don’t see much of this in the business world, and it makes a big difference in our daily lives. It reminds us what life is really about: caring relationships. And hopefully this influence will carry into the relationships that don’t feel as cared for and fall apart.
Mike, it seems as though what you’re up to is making a difference in people’s lives beyond finances and the love of plants. This is why I want to be a customer and why I’m taking the time out of my crazy day to wish you, a man I hardly know, a very Happy Birthday. Stick to your values of integrity and thank you for passing them on to us. I hope my business does the same.
Wishing you love,
Ric
Only started receiving your info this year and it’s a great personal read. Keep up the great work and entertaining comedy!!
Rick
Happy Birthday! I have enjoyed putting many of your great ideas to work in my garden! You have made it easier and more fun. What’s not to like!!? Thanks, Mike!
Mike,
I love gardening and nature. Your videos and blogs have been wonderful. There is always something more to learn and your experiences have helped me expand my knowledge and skills as well. Thanks for taking the time to share.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE! You are such a joy and inspiration to me! Because of your no BS way of explaining every detail in every project, I can now go after my garden with “Superwomen” powers!!! You gave me the strength with your knowledge to tackle and conquer all of my garden insecurities with ease!
I’m very thankful for your help. I hope you have many more “Happy Birthdays”!
Cherrie
Happy Birthday, Mike! I am still in the beginning stage of our plant enterprise but I never would have even BEGUN if you had not come into my life with the free instructions! We are setting this up to be part of our retirement income and looking forward to the day when we don’t have to head out in opposite directions every morning just to make enough to barely make our bills! We have two acres next to our house to work on and you to thank for the inspiration and continuing instruction and guidance. If we cannot pay you in some way once we get up and going, we will “pay forward” by showing someone else how to do it, too. Thank you so much for all you are doing and have done! Enjoy your day! Happy, Happy Birthday!
Wishing you a wonderful Birthday Mike and many good things to come for the year ahead! Would also like to say thank you for the informative videos and cute pictures of animals and the time you put into doing all this for us growers. Looking forward to Spring!
58 years young and still going strong! Happy Birthday Mike!
You have helped so many people, in so many ways that it’s nearly inconceivable! I haven’t made any money with your system, yet. But you have renewed and strengthened my love for gardening!
Thank you from the bottom of my roots, or ruts as you say! You are a blessing to us all.
So far I agree with what Amber and Dustin have said, I think what appeals to me is that Mike is the “Real Deal” He is a farmer, like my father and others I grew up with. I like that he doesn’t charge for every word, that getting the word out and helping others are important to him. So I wish you the Happiest of Birthdays and a profitable year to come…..Peg
PS….Thank you for being you!!!!
HAPPY 58TH BIRTHDAY, MIKE. HAVE A WONDERFUL YEAR.
Happy Birthday!!!
Hope you have a wonderful, fantastic, magnificent one!! Thanks so much for all the information it is so nice and wonderful to have it right on hand and Free!! It is a blessing just about everywhere you go to get info now its either scattered all over the internet or to have it together you have to pay for it. Thank again and Happy Birthday!!
I have loved your blog for years. Your truly awesome with your knowledge and understanding of growing plants. When I read your blog years ago about Wisteria I listened to what you said and my Wisteria vine not only took off but it has turned into a beautiful vine. This Wisteria had not done anything for the first 5 years I had it. Love your emails!
Happy Birthday Mike and may you have many many more of them!!!!
Happy Birthday, Mike! Thanks for being an inspiration to so many people and congratulations on your 15th year in business!!
Happy Birthday Mike. You have certainly helped my husband and I with lots of good tips. Thanks and I hope you have a great day.
A very Happy Birthday to you Mike !!!! I LOVE your emails sent to me – I have read them over and over and over again. I pray about following you more with beginning our own gardening business each year. My having not done so yet is because of my health ( seizure disorder ) – I am a bit weaker in strength than I ‘d like, my energy level is limited after having a seizure for a few days – up to a week. But I love the idea of gardening and being able to have natural things growing to enjoy with others – I
Happy Birthday Mike. Your practical and no-nonsense advice has taught me so many things that have helped me be successful at one of my favorite activities – gardening and making my property beautiful!! Among many useful topics, your pruning and propagation tips run through my mind as I put them to use. I appreciate you! Best Wishes for a very Happy Birthday and many more!
Beth
Thank you so much for the many, many down-to-earth suggestions regarding plants. Happy, Happy Birthday! I pray that you will have many more happy years.
Sincerely,
Clara Roberts (Whigham, GA)
Happy Birthday Mike, Hope you have an AMAZING Day!!!
Happy Birthday!!! I appreciate your online so much!!! I have learned many “little” things but I think I mostly have applied info about dividing perennials. Love the way you are so “down to earth” with your talks. Feel like I can relate to you well. thanks again and Happy Birthday!!
Thanks mike and happy birthday!
You are very good at teaching about what is real and good. Plants are life!!
All good stuff. Your wisdom is so welcomed. Thanks. From your son’s and Amber’s comments your surely loved and respected by your family and workers! Have a wonderful day!
Happy Birthday! Hope it’s the greatest. You made me remember why I do love plants, as well as making more of them. You put a smile on my face! Thank You!!!
Sherrie – In the state of cold, Nebraska
Mike Thanks for your advise over the years. I can’t tell you what advise, because I have forgotten the details. (Getting Old) So are you, so Happy Birthday.
I wish you many more . Its great to be living.
Hi Mike, I always try to read your articles…I love gardening. It sounds like a blast working for you. I wish I had your knowledge…Sounds like you have a wonderful son and you have taught him well.
Happy Birthday! Kim M.
So many helpful ideas–I look forward to them!
Thank you!!! and Happy Birthday!!!
I have learned so much from Mike! I have many Japanese maples, and his wonderful video showed me how to prune them correctly. I now know how to properly mulch my plants; I know how to get rid of poison oak….. It goes on and on. I love Mike and his down-home ways.
Happy 58th Birthday Mike. I hope you have a great year! Thanks for all of the good information.
Sincerely,
Carol King
Happy Birthday. your helpful hints has been a boon to my garden. Enjoy your day to the max.
Happy Birthday Mike
Thank you for sharing your story of how life has handed you this gift.
A quote I read I’m sure applies to you.
Progress is impossible without change & those who cannot change there minds
cannot change anything.
Have a wonderful day,you make gardening fun.
Suzanne.
Happy Birthday!
Thank you so very much for all you do to teach us to be better at what we do.
Happy birthday mike, thank you for making horticulture logical, because of you I will be starting a maple nursery in this part of the world( Jordan ) which is classified as USDA zone 11+, although i am a dentist,,I listened to every advice you gave, ,,, keeping my fingers crossed, HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Dear Mike, Happy 58th Birthday,
I wish you all the best for today and always, much success with all you do. Your weekly emails on Plants and Gardening has helped me and given my valuable information to use in my own garden. I don’t have much time for gardening as I also work, but hope to give it more time when I retire in the not too distant future.
Best wishes, Happy Birthday and thank you, Maryan.
I bought your book on propagation many years ago and have had so much fun
creating plants for the family.
Very good book. Thanks.
mike,
First of all wishing you The Best Birthday Ever,
I love when your email comes through, grabbing my Hot Tea, seeing what you have to say.
Love all your advice. keep it all going. It’s been great.
Again, happy Birthday…..
Happy Birthday Mike!
I find your newsletters and emails a huge help in regards to working on and keeping up my gardens and my yard. Keep the information coming!
Many happy years ahead for you.
Sincerely,
Joan
Happy Birthday Mike!
Because of your blog I have planted coralbells in my landscaping and love them,
learned of many plants I had never even heard of, use your pruning tips every year…often reviewing them in your archives before the next season-and I often carry my little pruner on me like you do….BUT most importantly…I will never use landscape fabric or barrier again. Thanks for sharing your expertise to your subscribers! It’s like have a wise all knowing gardening friend!
Lori Bensley
Mike has truly developed a system so that all sorts of folks can easily follow. He has truly shared his thoughts and insights to many so they can too have success in their gardens and business. This concept of sharing your tested concepts is not apparent in the every day business owner. He has truly been such an inspiration to all.
Thank you so much for everything you provide.
Happy Birthday to YOU!!!
Happy Birthday from the UK
Happy birthday mike ; your emails are the only one I like getting ( even though I’m not planting yet ; house yard under construction I’m looking forward to your guidance and your generosity of knowledge as I’m not good with gardening ! We have five acres half forest in in upper Wrstchester New York ; not sure what to plant for landscaping but I’ll need evergreens in front to mitigate house something that will survive in a dry area we get rain water hoses font teach that far ! Plus a side business sounds interesting I have a large basement I could start planting a in ! So thanks for all your emails and videos ! Send more ! Have a great birthday !!!!
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y! Thank you for all your tips….
I’m new to you, but you have given me the knowledge to try gardening on my own. Years ago I had a green thumb with house plants, now that I have the time and acreage I’d like to start gardening and growing my own plants. Thank you for all the knowledge you are sharing with us.
Have the happiest of days
Brenda
Hi Mike, Happy Birthday! I, myself couldn’t live without Mikes advice and know how. He has taught me so many things over the years til it’s unbelievable. Without him my rose bushes would not look and grow as beautiful as they have. Keep up the good work for me, Mike, I need you!
Linda Williams
An admirable article from a grateful son!!!
Reading Mike’s blog feels like chatting with my brother – – he’s warm and fun, and I am so benefiting from the common-sense ideas and the tips he posts, as well as his resourcefulness.
THe only problem is: now I want to get a couple donkeys too and that just doesn’t work in the city.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you, MIke, and congratulations on 15 years of doing what you love.
Happy Birthday. We have gotten so many great tips from your website. We retired a few years ago and got interested in horticulture. We had no experience and very little knowledge about plants beyond mowing the lawn and trimming our plants. So your newsletters have been very helpful.
Thank you and have a great day!
Nancy Ford
Happy Birthday and Anniversary! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge…Enjoy your day!
Sometimes you have to spring board on something to believe in yourself. I do believe in what you do and I have chosen to teach sewing as a business. The plants are still on the back burner to create some more income in the future, but it is because of someone like you that is inspiring to help others do their passion.
Thank you and Happy Birthday Mike!
Kathy
Thank you for everything you have done to help me with my gardening. Happy Happy Birthday to you.
Happy birthday from Tallahassee,Flordia. Have a wonderful day.God blessing for you. Keep up. The good work
Happy Birthday, thanks for all your tips they really really help!
Keep up the good work, love the videos
thanks
Marilyn
Happy Birthday, Mike. I also turn 58 this year. I read the board every day when possible. I have a degree in Horticulture, but I read many things that I did not learn in college. Thanks for the ideas and all the information you have gathered. I tell my stepson “Knowledge is something that no one can take away”. I enjoy reading posts and try to chime in when I can. Again, thanks again and have a happy birthday.
James
I get TONS of emails, but yours are the only ones that I ALWAYS star so I can read and find them easily.
We finally bought a house, so after living in 14 different houses, in 3 states, over 21 years I can finally do some real growing and put down roots this year! I’m hoping to put your great shared knowledge to good use and hopefully make some money while doing what I love most – growing things!
Thanks for sharing and touching so many lives. Happy, Happy Birthday, and may you have many, many more wonderful years to come.
Mike you have me some direction to go with my love of plants. I am busy working at a regular job now but have hopes of some day being able to actually make my love of plants into a profitable business. Thanks to you, I have believe and hope.
Have a wonderful birthday. Wishing you many more to come.
Joan Smith – Missouri
Happy Birthday Mike!
Wanted you to know your back yard growing system is a real eye opener. I’ve learned so much from your system! This has changed how I look at plants and compost!
Enjoy your day!
Debbie M
Have read your info for years, just wish I had been young enough to take advantage of it. HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Your e-news letters have given me a better understanding of growing things. I used to have a brown thumb but it is slowly turning green because of the wonderful information you share!
Happy Birthday! Thank you for sharing your expert advise.
Happy Birhtday Mike
I would like to thank you for all you do for us. I got your book and dvds and I am starting to get things ready for my first season. I am 54 and am going to build this for my retirement. I am growing my stock to take furture cuttings from in the future.
Thank you Larry
Happy Birthday Mike.
Thank you for all of the information and knowledge you have shared with us over the last year!
Its rally reassuring, to know we can make a modest living, while doing something we really love doing!
Thank you!!!!!!
Antoinette
Happy birthday Mike! I’ve been following you for at least 8 years, when I googled ‘gardening’ or something. I love your emails and love your teaching. I’ve started a small nursery and am beginning to have success. but even if it goes nowhere, I’m happy to know how to propagate plants myself. It’s been so fun learning more and more about that. So, keep up the great work and keep being an encouragement to many of us. And thanks for everything!
Happy Birthday! Janet
I have learned so much from Mike and especially like his enthusiasm and encouragement. So glad I signed up for his emails. Happy Birthday Mike!!
Happy birthday Mike ! Your legacy will live forever in all of the plants that you have started !
God bless you !
Mike,
Thanks for bringing ordinary people closer to nature and being clever enough to put food on your table at the same time. Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday! Many Blessings to you and your wonderful family. Not only for this year but for years to come. You have given so many people hope and a positive way to help them help their families. So from one plant person to another. God Bless and enjoy each and every day. Oh and think Spring. It is -28 degrees here today but plant people make it warm and sunny where ever they are.Blessings to you and your wonderful work.
Mike, Although I do not have a place where I can become a grower and seller, I have followed and saved I think every email with how to’s in it – My late grandfather taught me much about growing in dirt and how to feed the dirt so it will give back and until you came along no one has matched him in what he knew. I look forward to your emails and one of these days I am gonna send you some secrets from him and what I have learned. thru trial and error. In the meantime have a super Birthday – kinda cold to be working dirt this winter but maybe the cold will reduce the bugs this coming growing season.
alan
Happy birthday, Mike! You inspire me to just keep gardening! 🙂
Happy Birthday Mike!!! Hope you have an awesome day!!! You newletters have provided alot of insite to my yard,Thank you and God Bless and have a beautiful day!! Stay warm!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. MGROARTY!!! Hope it’s the best one ever~!
Happy Birthday young man you are only one year older than I. Keep up the good work my friend. I love your work and videos. Be Blessed and continue to be a Blessing……………Flyinwright
Happy Birthday Mike….enjoy reading the many tips that you provide!
Happy Birthday Mike, I have learned quite a bit from your emails to me and enjoy reading them when they come in keep up the good work and Happy Birthday!!!!
Happy Birthday Mike,
Hope you have a great day.
I enjoy reading all your emails.
Your information is so easy to understand even when you get to the technical aspect of plants.
Thank you,
Deanna
Happy B’Day, thanks for all your help and expertise. Learning a lot from you.
Happy birthday and thank you!
Happy Birthday Mike. You inspire me to get my hands deep in the earth and get dirty..lol..this brings me back to center and gives me peace.
Happy 58th!
Best!
Johnna
Thank you for all you do for gardening & gardeners. And Happy Birthday, too.
I read all your emails and have picked up so many great hints & ideas over the last couple years…and thanks to you, I am even making a little extra money!
Enjoy your birthday!
Mike,
You have been very helpful to me and countless others with your vast knowledge that just makes sense. Happy Birthday and hope you continued success with your ventures!
The first email I read helped my garden so much that I read every other one
Happy Birthday Mike! By doing what you do and sharing your knowledge on the Internet, you are an asset to global public knowledge. May you enjoy many many more birthdays!
Dear Mike,
Wow! Look at all the lives you have touched in such a positive way. You are truly a rich man to have such a wonderful family and friendly fan base. I too enjoy your blog and videos. You are a very likeable and knowledgeable person. I’m looking forward to all that you have to share with us during the coming years and of couse I like many other love to see you with those adorable donkeys. I wish you a very Happy Birthday and many, many more quality years of digging and planting in this wonderful earth.
Sincerely,
Adele
Happy Birthday Mike! I have learned alot from reading your emails but mostly don’t be afraid to prune your trees, where as before, I was afraid of pruning because I didn’t want make a mistake! Thanks for all you do and thanks for inspiring me!
Thank you for all of your words of wisdom AND gardening tips and tricks. Happy Birthday To The Garden Guru! 🙂
the first 58 are the hard ones mike.. the next 58 is a piece of cake.. happy bday Mike
I always look forward to your newsletters. It’s great to see down-to-earth people become successful and use that success to help others become successful as well in a very grass roots fashion. Thank you for putting your God-given talent to work! You have inspired many.
Happy birthday Mike!!
I named my nursery after my late father, Joseph R. Quinn. He always had a sign on the light pole “Ballyquinn”, meaning Home of Quinn in Irish. I was inspired by Mike McGroarty and his freeplants.com website to start and build my nursery. Though only a backyard nursery, this hobby has turned into a part time business. I am eternally grateful for all I’ve learned from Mike.
Happy Birthday and Congradulations!!
Happy Birthday Mike!
I just want to thank you for your web-site that is very comfortable for me. I mean I can understand your plant language and plant ways. I have been a gardener for 35 years without formal plant education. I have learned a little something from everbody educated and just simple plain people who just like to see things grow. I use your web-site as a reference and sounding board. I also love how you have evolved. Keep the up the good work for folks like me.
Again, Happy Birthday!
Dear Mike,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
I am amazed at all you have accomplished so young (I just made 58 so yes you are young)
But most of all I have enjoyed getting to know you and your fellow backyard gardeners. I love logging on to the site and reading about everyone’s trials and successes. You have brought together an amazing group of people who delight in helping others obtain their dreams. That in itself it a wonderful thing to have accomplished.
I hope you have a great birthday and many more to come!
Happy Birthday, Mike! I first found your blog when I was looking for methods to protect plantings from the local deer herd (we see them daily, up to 14 at a time. They are so used to people that some of them don’t run when we are outdoors, they just watch us. One even came right up to the front porch to browse on the shrubs.). I not only found a solution to my problem, I also found a very interesting blog with a wealth of applicable wisdom that I can apply to my own life, and this is what keeps me coming back to learn more. Thanks for all that you do for all of your readers! Congratulations on 15 years of success, and I wish you many more!
Happy birthday and anniversary!!!! Thank you so much for all your priceless advice.. You have made what seems like a foreign language to some seem so attainable and easy. i look forward to receiving your emails.Keep up the great work and have a amazing birthday 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS MIKE!!! Thank you for all you do for so many. You are a blessing from above!
Take the best of care, enjoy your anniversaries this week.
Keep up the good work and thanks again! God bless,
Robin 🙂
I like to wish you a very Happy Birthday
I have saved all of the e-mails you have sent to me and boy the are so full of great information. I want to thank you so much and hope you and your family have a blessed life.
Love what you do——it is so much more than “business”; it is sharing with all your “friends” and keeping it all simple, fun and personal!!!!
Hi Mike, I’m sending you a big Thank You for all of your hard work and help….it’s greatly appreciated.
Happy Birthday to you,
May your skies all be blue,
May you always be happy,
Happy Birthday to YOU
Best Wishes, Kendra Eggleton, Crawford WV (originally from Conneaut, Ohio)
Each and every email I learn something new and many days… get a GREAT laugh from his musings
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU and HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS
Hey Mike,
I wanted to let you know that I appreciate so much the character of the man behind behind the site. I worked with the public for over 35 years and have met a lot of some really awesome people and a few of some really not so great – that’s just people. In my relatively short time on your site, I’ve watched you encourage, instruct, motivate, and handle some “situations”. The mark of a good leader is that he influences people for their good and that they want to follow – your score is way over the top.
You’re real, you’re authentic! Here’s a warm and cordial hand shake and a slap on the back. Congratulations on your anniversary of this business and a happy birthday!
Mike
I have yet to get a business started selling plants, but I have learned a great deal from you, Mike, towards making my own garden a success. I have propagated plants for a long time, and just gave them to neighbors and friends. But, I have had just as many failed cuttings as I have had successful ones. Hopefully, from the information I am learning from you, I will be able to stop wasting my time on the failures. I love reading your blog, and watching your videos. You take the complicated out, and put the easy in! Thanks, and Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary!
enjoy the information, videos, keep them coming
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE! Hope you are around to share sound advice for many years to come! I wish I had seen this video before I wrecked the brush guard on my Explorer pulling a stump out. Now I know better & I will be trying it your way next week when I remove two oleanders from the back yard.
I watched Mike and his marketing for a long while. I still don’t know if I will be a plant grower/seller. But what attracted me early on was I recognized a strength and a knowledge in an area that I was weak in – applying internet marketing to successfully promote and operate a business. Unlike many business models that I have seen, Mike understands WWW Relationship Selling. He grasps how to effectively promote his message. present products, disseminate information, deliver ‘calls to action’ . . . all without any high pressure tactics. The combination is a Gift. Thanks Mike for letting me peak over shoulder to learn some important lessons. BTW, Happy Birthday! 58 years old is a good age. 🙂
Mike, Reading your posts and emails have helped me learn so much about plants and gardening in general but more than that, his warmth and humor helped me personally during a terrible time in my life. I went through a 4 year period of extreme depression due to loss of life savings in a 401K debacle immediate followed by the onset of several very painful diseases for which I am still being treated. I shut myself off from all my friends, couldn’t bring myself to socialize or even talk with anyone; I cried practically all day everyday. Mike’s upbeat communications, his positive attitude, his humor, his warmth and love of plants, people, and animals became a cheerful distraction to my own misery and sometimes seemed like he was a friend, visiting and cheering me up, without my having to exert energy I didn’t have. I have come out of my depression but it was a long process and for a while, Mike was the only bright spot in a very dark time. Thanks, Mike, for helping me get through a tough time just by being the nice person you are,
Happy Birthday! Mike, Congratulations for 15 years of doing what u love. I bought your back yard system and love all the tips, tricks, and advice you give. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to get out there and apply all your amazing knowledge. I had back surgery not long after I got your system, and developed severe issues with my mobility, so I contented myself with reading your newsletters and the backyard system. I am hoping I can get out there this year tho and apply all your excellent advice to my new garden and propagation boxes. My husband has built me 2 small ones, and I’m really excited to get started. You truly are amazing with the wealth of knowledge you pass on to all of us novices of gardening. Passing it on for free in your newsletters tells me you are sincere that you want others to be excited and successful with their own gardens and lives in general. Thank you for all you do and Congratulations on 15 years in thebusiness of teaching and helping others realize their dreams. HAPPY BIRTHDAY and enjoy many more.
Lisa 🙂 “Reality is what is experienced, rather than what is apparent”
Happy birthday
Mike has an awesome personality.His kind words and loving heart can bring sunshine into any matter. He is the Supreme Being. Life goes from OK to GREAT when Mike McGroarty crosses your path. I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to know this wonderful man. Many blessings to you Mike and to your family.
Thanks to you Mike my future is set I have not yet started but have a plan in place. I currently live and work in China but retirement is just around the corner and I can’t wait to get started. Your news letters and endless emails full of new Ideas and encouragement have been such an inspiration I to me. Retirement is going to be so much more then I had hoped for thank you for the inspiration and all your fabulous ideas. I will send pictures when I get started hope to see you at one of your backyard gatherings in the very near future.
Have a very Happy Birthday and a wonderful year.
Kathleen
Mike, I have truly enjoyed ALL of your e-mails. They are full of useful information that the average person can understand and utilize. Your home style of teaching is greatly appreciated. I have no background in horticulture but with your help, I have a beautiful front and backyard.
Happy Birthday and may God bless you, keep you safe and healthy.
Happy Birthday Mike, You are a good guy, having found how a way to make a reasonable living. Then find the time to share with others, so they could if they wished, do the same.
Enjoy your day.
Kind regards, Phil from, Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire UK.
Happy Happy Happy Birthday, Mike!! I so enjoy your videos and articles. I feel like you are talking straight to me. You have a very special talent for growing plants–wish I had just a 10th of your knowledge!! Have a blessed day and thank you for all the advice about gardening! May God Bless You!
chelle
Mike ~
May this Birthday & Anniversary be filled with the JOYS you most desire.
You’re a world-class teacher, thank you !
Mike ~
May this Anniversary & Birthday be filled with all the joys that make YOU most happy !
You deserve the best life has to offer !
You’re a “world-class” teacher, thank you.
Hey, Mike happy birthday to you, just a really short note, I was very bored with my life until I saw an add to do something that I really like to do, now there is not enough time in the day to do it all, thanks for saving me from boredom.
Love you
Renee’
Happy Birthday & Happy 15 yr. Anniversary Mike ! A Big THANK YOU for sharing all your Knowledge with all of us. I am so happy I ran across you on youtube. You not only answered my question, I was so anxious to be a part of your program, I signed up that day.I enjoy your site each and every day. We need more People like you in this World. Thank You again & Have a Great Birthday.
I have appreciated Mike’s emails for several years, since I moved to Ky. We moved there from Ft. Lauderdale in 2006 and decided to have a garden. Any time I have a problem with plants, trees, bushes or what will grow there or when and how to prune, etc. I know he will have the answer.
I save all his emails in a folder and usually refer back to them at least once a month if not more often.
Blessings on him as he celebrates a milestone in his life. May God continue to bless him with many more years of good health and happiness,.
Happy Birthday, Mike.
Well, I’m too new to Mike’s program to say he’s changed my life, but I can say he gives me hope! His videos are great: simply made and simply easy to understand. He doesn’t waste my time with frills and hidden gotchas; he puts it out there, and if I want it I’ll buy, if not, I won’t. I appreciate the advice and the knowledge behind it. Happy Birthday, Mike!
Happy Birthday Mike, we plant people love you , thanks to you for all the learnin, my yard is packed with plants . I would have never done it with out your encouragement , and thanks to your video’s , which I made sure I showed the hubby , and guess what ?, he has done work I don’t think he EVER would have . it has kept us moving , which is a good thing , keeps the couch potato syndrome at bay. I am sure it has been why hubby had the energy for doing the deck and shed. So you see getting us out and working in the yard isn’t all we have to thank you for ……..it goes on and on……God bless you Mike…. cindy and bill
Mike,
Happy Birthday & anniversary!
You have been such an inspiration to me that I honestly can’t put it into words!
Your generosity sharing your knowledge is beyond comprehension even.
Your “keeping it simple’ is also an inspiration, because sometimes I tend to “over-think things”.
I totally appreciate all that you do…you inspire & also educate so many!!!…You should be so proud of what you’ve accomplished…everyday!!!!
And also thanks to Duston & Amber for all that they do…y’all are a god-send!!!
I honestly don’t remember where I came across your info the first time but it took many months of debating with myself as to whether I had enough money to go that monthly money for the program but am so glad that I finally convinced myself that it would be a good deal.
You are such a wealth of information that one can’t go wrong if we just read and implement your wisdom that you impart to us every day practically. Once in a while you go missing but not for long, LOL.
I hope you have a great birthday and many more years of playing in the dirt.
Toni
Mike congrats I’m 64 and learning from a youngster.i cherish your info. GOD is Great isn’t HE. I thank him for You and others who open his secrets in the earth.After all ;it belongs to Him.Bless you have many more.Thanks,Tom B.
Over the years you have provided me with a virtual book of gardening advice on so many projects and issues that I’ve lost count, but I have them all saved in my virtual ‘gardening’ folder. That is my gardening Bible that has been a constant source of valuable information year ’round. It’s helped me to provide joy, beauty, and food to all of my neighbors, as well as many who come to our seasonal block sales.
Wishing you a happy birthday just isn’t enough! I must wish for you and your family the most productive, enjoyable, and carefree life that can be had in our land of the free.
Have a great anniversary and joyful birthday, my friend!
Happy birthday Mike and happy anniversary too. I enjoyed your email. I resisted for a long time but finally bought your program and hope to start using it soon , sounds like fun hopefully can make some money. enjoy life thank you
Taunee
A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR A VERY SPECIAL MAN!!! I’m a little older than you but I have learned so much from all your messages. I have a problem with getting things started so I am still waiting to start my first real garden since getting our house almost 5 years ago. With our income limited and having my daughter and her 3 children living with us, our funds are always at the extreme short end. I know I need to get going but sometimes I have hard times just getting myself up to even do normal things I used to do with no problems. I always get aroused when I read your messages and I can see what I need to do to achieve your great results, I just seem to lose myself, get distracted, in other issues around the house, something is always pulling me in different directions. I know that once I start digging around and seeing things the way you show they should be, I will enjoy getting up and around more easily. After all, I come from old farm stock, northern Wisconsin, third generation, I know this is something that I can pass on to my grandchildren, they are still young enough to understand and enjoy what can be created from something we nurture and develop right from our own back, or front, yard. Thank you and God Bless you for many more years, you bring so much to all of us each and every day, or night in my case. Take care and enjoy your Birthday and your great family, Ben.
Mike,
Happy Birthday and congratulations on 15 years of playing in the dirt!! Your advice has been much appreciated and very helpful. God bless you and yours in the coming years.
You have shown me a lot of things i never knew i missed. I have to say its great to see someone strong in their beliefs. (and even stronger with their plants)
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday, Mike! Thanks for the years of reading your articles, and the knowledge that they contain. I enjoy watching your videos and learning from you. I’m slowly starting to do something with it, and you give the hope that it can be done.
Dear Mike, I am an organic farmer and 20-year veteran of all sorts of plant, nursery, ag and landscaping jobs. I also teach permaculture and run an educational farm. I am generally cynical about marketing based email communications. But… I have to say, week after week, month after month you have really won me over with your excellent and relevant emails. I actually read them. And I often learn something. Someday- I am actually going to take you up on it and start propagating plants and selling them- maybe in my own backyard!
In the meantime I’ve got a few thousand veggie seedlings to start and I’m just taking a moment out to say happy birthday- thanks for being you.
sincerely
Josh Rosenstein
Happy Birthday Mike, I just turned 58 myself. A few years ago I ran across your program and decided I wanted to be a part of it. I signed up for the installment plan and started studying and gathering supplies. Half way through the payment plan, I fractured my femur and discovered I also had 5 compression fractures in my spine. I later was diagnosed with osteoporosis and fibromyalgia; it was suggested that I retire if at all possible. I knew that I would have a difficult time doing all the work that would be needed to implement your program, but that this association would last a lifetime. I hoped that I would eventually heal up enough to use all this great information that you teach… I am still hoping, but I want to refresh myself and do something this year regardless of how small. Thanks for all you do and again Happy Birthday!
Mike: I became a fan of yours when I read the story of how the economy dropped you to your knees, and how you got up again with the help of plants. It is obvious that even though you use the latest internet sales strategies, you are not out to get rich. You just want to share with anyone who will listen how they can gain some freedom in their life and enjoy working with the miracle of propagation. I have told many people about you over the years, and shared your story. I first propagated plants when I was near penniless in Ohio many years ago. An 8 inch pot of variegated euonymus was my investment. I fell in love with the idea that we can all make new plants from old – as often and as many as we wish, through nature’s grace and bounty. I have on my to do list to start a propagation system. I bought the spray set up, and it is sitting under my bed right now, awaiting the right time to set it up.
I enjoy your videos. Because they are short and to the point, with good information, I always find time to watch them, no matter how busy I am.
Thank you so much for the gift you have given the world, Mike. I am glad to see you are losing some weight, as it means you will probably be around a while longer, sharing your love of plants and your guidance to a freer, more rewarding life through propagation.
He that plants a tree loves other besides himself.
— Thomas Fuller
I just discovered your online information about a year or so ago. I can’t tell you how much I look forward to each new posting. I just putter around in my yard, but all your suggestions are inspiring to me. There is always something useful, and I surely enjoy your humor and love those overalls! God bless you in all you do for others, you’ll probably never know just how much you are appreciated. Thank you, Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary.
Happy Birthday Mike I truly enjoy your advice and instruction I am happy to say I have successfully started miniature roses from cuttings and I never have been able to do that before. I hope your birthday is a blessed one and keep up the good work……
Mike, I wanted to wish you Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary! When I stumbled upon a video of yours, my first thought was, who is this guy in the overalls? Then I listened and what you were talking about made so much sense. I want to THANK YOU for getting me back in touch with my passion. I had let life and all that heavy stuff crowd out the fact that I love to grow plants! You filled in a spot that was missing in my life with your wisdom. Thanks again! Enjoy your celebration!
I have had the pleasure of getting your emails and reading your articles for a few years now. I simply watch the videos and read the emails for my personal use as I live in a rural area of Vancouver Island, BC. I guess what I really have to say is I am sure your information is great for those who want to form a business but its also great for people like me who just want to learn more so they can enjoy their own yard.
Thanks
Happy day for you Mike and the Mrs.
I enjoy reading your blogs,watching your videos and practicing your methods to life my spirits. Thank you
Mike,
Happy birthday!
It has taken me a while to get on board, although I always had this dream of having my own plant business. I am not there yet but you have inspired me with your newsletters which kept that fire alive. I am older now and not in the corporate world anymore but each day when you would send me an email I would sneak off and read it and get inspired. I still look forward to logging in and reading “inspiration” from you.
thanks John
Hey, Mike! I haven’t been around here very long, and truth be told I haven’t had time to really peruse the site and take advantage of everything you preach….er…I mean, TALK about! But that will be changing in another couple of months or so, and then I’ll be able to jump in and soak up everything I want and need to know. What I want to tell you is that I honestly believe you are the real deal. You are what you say and do. And, I look forward to a long learning experience with you all.
Oh yes, congratulations on 15 years and a very Happy Birthday!
Sharon H
Happy, happy birthday!!! And thanks for sharing your wealth of plant knowledge with all of us. Sure enjoy reading your e-mails and especially your videos as I feel I have an individual lesson that is very useful and practical. You make me so anxious for springtime. Stay warm and have an extra special birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike! I have been following you for a few years now and have your system. Never did figure out how to access the growers list, but that’s okay, I have had so much enjoyment just making more plants for my own garden. My son is a fan of yours also so we share all the ideas and try to help each other. Thank you for all of your help!
Happy Birthday, Mike!
I really appreciate your love for gardening and your desire and determination to teach all of us. I enjoy reading your emails. I am trying to get my husband on-board and put to use all of your council and ideas. Thank you so much for your great work. Have a great birthday!
Delores
Happy Birthday Mike!Thank you sharing valuable information with us.I’ve been follow you over year,I learned a lot.
Let me say happy birthday again in Chinese：生日快乐！
I just wanted to say that about two years ago, I am a 30 year old man, I started getting into plants. Mostly bonsai and house plants as a hobby. As I began wanting to understand how plants work in more detail I started searching the internet for any and all information. As my interest grew to include landscaping and propagation I stumbled upon Mike’s Backyard Nursery system. After seeing a few of Mike’s video’s on YouTube and FreePlants.com and/or your site I knew that I wanted to purchase MBYN system and read his book. I feel that Mike has a gift that God intended him to share with others. And that gift is being a down to earth, no nonsense, tell it like it is (without offense), kind, humble, relatable human being. Mike has a disposition that is welcoming and caring and you can sense it very quickly. His videos exude a transparency to his character that leaves you feeling that you are learning from a friend. And this friend is happy to welcome you into the nursery trade, no strings attached. This is and was very helpful for me because when my dad bought me the system for Christmas it gave me the confidence and the skills to be up to the task of starting a business into the plant propagation world. Thanks for all that you do Mike! The world is truly blessed to have you in it! Happy Birthday!
Jamie Russell
Mike thank you for sharing your testimony and your experiences of being a successful entrepreneur in the plant business. I love plants and am seriously thinking of starting a business since I am close to retiring and the extra income would be nice, May God bless you, congratulations and Happy Birthday,
Gwen
Happy Birthday Mike !!!
Happy Birthday Mike!
You have helped me start nursery business since my husband lost his job. With the guidance from you has helped keep my focus on growing my nursery and away from too many negative thoughts.
Thank you Mike! And Happy Birthday again!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIKE !!!
Your efforts have been so much appreciated for a l-o-o-o-n-g time!
I have now retired to rural Central America and am building an experimental farm wherein I shall be using your excellent advice to help the local people become more efficient in their growing techniques and a) be able to feed their families with much better nutrition and – hopefully – b) be able to expand their current meager incomes to ones which will give them some of the little luxuries of life.
All the best for the next decades – may you have many of them
Dave
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!
I keep all your e-mails and can’t tell you how much I appreciate them. I’ve garnered
a great deal from all the information you put out to everyone. Thank you so much.
Again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!
Happy Birthday Mike….I get your emails and look forward to reading all the great information you have. Thanks so much for all you do, also Happy Anniversary!
Hi Mike ,,I hope you have a happy 58th,so far I have 4 years on you. Also congratulations on the 15 years. I have received a lot of info from you from your videos, and different posts. I have had COPD for the last 6 years and ON O2 daily. When spring comes I turn up my my concentrater a notch and add an extra piece of hose, and head toward the garden. I can still do some stuff, it just takes a lot longer.. I was a lobsterman and other fisheries all my life so I just like the outdoors. Soon it will be spring.. Hope we all can stay inspired Thanks Mike
Happy birthday Mike love to read and hear your story’s they have helped out a lot in my little greenhouse. Looking forward to many more years of your help!
I love getting your emails, and watching/listening to your videos. I like the “old down-home” style .. farmer in overalls .. It resonates with me. I hope someday to put it all into practice. I’m too busy right now, and my big backyard is played in by many (home day care) children, but retirement draweth nigh, and we will be glad to put the yard to other use, and for some extra income.
Don’t stop yet!!
Dear Mike, always look forward to reading your post ( 5 years now ?. You are a big inspiration and a joy, besides you’re the only one that has been a help for me with my hydrangea’s!
God Bless you and your wonderful family!
Happy Birthday, Mike!
I look forward to your email newsletters, and I really love the online plant propagation guide. Thank you for taking the time to put together such nice informational resources for us.
Have a good and healthy year!
Christine
Happy Birthday Mike, may you have a blessed and healthy year. Words cannot express how much I have learned from you and your growing plants information. I just recently joined, but hope to this year put into action what you have passed on to me. What a special person you are. One of my favorite hymns is Pass It On and you have certainly done this. Thank you Mike. Dora Dickerson
Would like to wish you a wonderful 58th birthday. Certainly a knowledgeable business person to know. You are a great inspiration to all of us. Thank you for all you have done to help us through the good and bad in trying to make a successful business.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Denise Gaitan
San Diego
The happiest of birthdays, Mike!
It’s so much fun to read about the donkeys. 🙂 But more than that, it’s apparent that you’re passionate about what you do, that you have so much knowledge and information for the customers and subscribers to see HOW and WHY we should prune this way or till that way. Watching your YouTube videos, you’re not elitist or irritated. You SHOW us how to labor, and even the fruits of your labor. It’s an honor to receive your information, sir, and I hope you have the greatest birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike!
You deserve a good one! Just wanted to say thank you for the encouragement that you have given me, I haven’t come far yet with this but your enthusiasm has given me hope that I can one day leave my job and grow my hobby until it becomes my job. Thank you, enjoy your day.
Happy Birthday!
Mike reminds me of my Grandpa who loved growing plants… especially roses… and would have a fresh cut rose for my Grandma from his garden almost every day.
Mike takes the time to show and explain (like my Grandpa used to do with me — I miss him).
I’m inspired by Mike to try things with plants I never thought I was smart enough to do. But I’m having success!
I’ve learned a lot and I’m grateful.
Success isn’t measured by how much money one makes but in the “dent” we make here on earth by impacting the lives of others.
Mike is patient to teach… as a teacher, myself, I know and appreciate what an investment that requires.
May Yahweh bless you and your family this year with a double portion!!
Blessings!
You will never know how much I enjoy the information you share. I save all your messages and refer back to them. I am past the age to start a business but really enjoy trying things just for my own enjoyment. I am a Master Gardner and do volunteer work helping others. Thank so much!
I love the little gardening tips that you send me. I am especially fond of the one on how to get ride of poison ivy. It helped me to identify it and gave me ideas on how to get rid of it.
Happy Birthday you youngster.
Best wishes for many healthy and happy more.
Happy B-day Mike and thanks for 15 yrs serving your fellow man. I am an avid follower of yours and am so grateful and pleased to be one of your students in the national classroom.
I am excited to put your expertise into action. I have enjoyed the videos and the practical outlook on what you do. Many Blessings for the future, Mike! Happy birthday.
Happy Birthday. Love reading your blogs and watching the videos as well. I learned that we don’t have to worry so much as to when to prune but to pick up the plant and shape it anytime you see a need. And by pruning it will help bush out a plant for a more beautiful specimen. Mike you just have a knack for what you do and seem so at home with it all – a real down to “earth” fellow. So have a blessed day and enjoy! Happy Happy Birthday!!!
Mike a great person to know he help me thur some hard times still want to send chow chow ive. Not forgotten yet
I like Mike. First off, Happy Birthday. Now why I like Mike . . . because you are a down to “earth” type of guy. Love all the interesting topics you come up with and your willingness to explain to the everyday person such as myself. I learned so much and really just about every time I check out your e-mails. I especially learned that pruning a plant in the winter is ok for shaping it on the spot and you don’t have to worry so much about it. l
Mike,
I just want you to know how much I have enjoyed your videos and your knowledge about plants and tree’s.Just the fact that Amber has enjoyed working with you and your patience and understanding say’s a lot about your character.I feel like a Sponge ,whenever I want to know how to plant or trim something or whatever I need to do ,I just go to my computer and go right to your site amd I always find what iam looking for ..Mike,I had a stroke about 7 years ago and I cannot takecare of my flowers and yard the way I used to ,I would Love to buy your system ,but I know that I couldn’t do it ,My husband does a lot for me and I use to do for him.It affected my balance and I fall down a lot,I am not feeling sorry for myself,I just miss being the caretaker of the flower’s and yard..I have sung your praises about trimming.and such over and over .Your the best. Happy 58thBirthday and Congrad’s to a terrific Guy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Barb
Mike, I subscribed several years ago and have read everything that you send. While I don’t have a yard with good soil and enough room to start a business, I have gained invaluable information that I use with my plants, trees, etc. I have learned so much more about pruning – and mostly that I need not worry – I won’t kill that plant! I plan to have “grow boxes” this Spring and fill them with herbs. Thank you for all you do and the information you share. You are a good ole boy – and I love to learn from you! Your videos are so helpful – and you have introduced me to some wonderful new plants. Happy 58th Birthday. I’m a little past you – 67 this year – and loving my retirement! Thanks again – and keep the info coming!
I am grateful for your free newsletter.It’s wonderful of you to do it Thanks
Happy Birthday to you,Happy Birthday to you,Happy Birthday Dear Mike,Happy Birthday to you,and many more till 100,000 andd 4
You have helped me in so many ways especially with Hydrangea’s and roses
I hope you have a GREAT day and I hope it is a great surprise for you
Hi Mike,
And happy birthday! Congratulations for your 15 years of equipping and sharing with all of us your plethora of knowledge in gardening (to say the least). I look forward each week to what you have to say next and have used your advise many times in my own “adventures” in gardening…with great success I might add! Keep up the good work, Mike and thanks again for all you do. God bless.
Wendy
This is my “Happy Birthday to You, Mike” Message: You are one super guy, looking out for us ‘Would-be Plant Growers and Flower Lovers’. I feel changed from a mud-stirring plant mover- arounder to someone given a lot of knowledge by a great guy that knows what it is all about.
Mike I can only wish you more great years than you can imagine. Keep up the good work. and
thank you, thank you, thank you for all you do for us out here in the boonies. You’re the Best!!
And So’s your Book. Happy Birthday to you, and many, many more. Jim Addison
Reading Mijke’s blog, his books, –anything he does, is like a worn letter from home. I grew up in Ohio with many farm family members, although ours was not a farm. I run a greenhouse for assisted living and find lots of projects that we can do…rooting, cutting, etc. I was able to refer a friend who had been laid off and was raising chickens, in FLORIDA no less. It seemed like a good compliment to what he was already doing to have Profit from Plants. Mike does have a gift for getting his instructions across. He has good humor, knows people, and always has new “tidbits” to share. He is ready to answer questions -god bless him. And of course, it’s like a visit to the farm to hear about the donkeys. all the words about hard work, perserverance, serving others, sure ring true to me. He is an entrepreneur with vision, finding the reach of the internet a source of sharing his wisdom with many people. Happy birthday and Happy Anniversary
Mike
Happy Birthday! I always look forward to reading your hints about gardening. They are so do-able and your instructions are perfect. i have my husband hooked on your emails too and now he emails me with your hints about various projects we might want to do.
Hope you have a very enjoyable birthday and many more to come!
Nancy
Happy Birthday Mike. Thank you so much for teaching in a way that is so down to earth ( Pun intended) and easy to understand. You do a wonderful job of teaching things every gardener needs to know. Keep inspiring us. Drusilla Beiler NC
Happy 58th!!! You are an inspiring person. It is a good thing to be able to make a business out of something one loves doing. Best wishes and many more!
Happy Birthday Mike! I enjoy getting your emails about plants and about you! I think it is wonderful that you share your knowledge and your history! You are quite an inspiration! Happy Day and many more!
Happy 15th Anniversary, and Happy Birthday to you Mike!
I wanted to express a heartfelt Thank you to you! When I came across your Website or newsletter it was during a very difficult time in my life, I had lost my husband of 18 yrs.and he was the knowledgeable one in regards to planting trees, gardening, pruning etc. During our young son’s yrs growing up, he had taken down 26 black walnut trees, yrs later replacing them with fruit and nut trees, his goal was to someday teach his boys about all of it, and to teach them about making their own money at an early age. With a fruit and nut stand. We enjoyed Ruby Red Raspberries the size of my thumb, we often caught the boys out in the rows eating them. We had family times gathering Black Raspberries, Red Raspberries, making jam for giving or placing in Christmas baskets for our friends. He taught me how to can jams and jellie, he set up bee hives for our own honey and to pollinate his fruit trees. While I I was often busy with the three boys, he would grow a huge garden and maintained it. He would take his huge tiller, he called it a “man beater” and would plow others gardens. This all while working as a Critical Care Specialist RN.
Since his passing at the early age of 48, I am now raising our three young boys (at his passing the boys were only 7,9,11) they are now 13,14,17. I’ve been lost on how to engage and continue on his legacy and wishes for the boys in regards to gardening, pruning etc. His wish was for them to learn so much, to know what he knew, he like you, loved to teach others, to help others.
This is where you come into the story. Our old home 1860 was torn down, and a new one was put in place, along with new landscaping etc. I lost most of what he had done, except for his fruit trees. With your knowledge, and help I’ve been given another source of information I can pass on to my boys. I have unfortunately lost a few fruit trees, have two plum trees, with I believe black rot, and tho I still have questions, I know I can just tap into, the resources you offer, to help me. I hope someday to have raspberries again, to do my best to provide my boys the knowledge their dad had for them threw you. The first yr after his passing we had an incredible crop of plums, I have pictures of the boys with their first fruit stand set up selling Plums, the sign said ” Fresh Homegrown Plums from our Dad’s Trees” they were so happy, and proud, they made 35.00. My hope now since they are older is to learn what I can learn from you and teach them, this is a bit of a challenge being a single parents, yet I see how much they want to be like him in their eyes.
So again I want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my Heart! I look forward in continuing my growth and knowledge in what you have to teach and show others. You are a God Send.
Sincerely, Arlene K. Nickless RMA
Thank you so very, very much, Mike, for any and all the answers you have given me for my questions. I appreciate that no question is too small for you to take the time to write to me. I like your straight forward, down on my level, way of providing information. Have a great birthday. You are so Special!
Happy Birthday Mike! I’ve been reading your blog for five or six years and since moving to a sea abd riverside home you have helped me many times. First I had poison ivy to deal with (unfortunately my wife was accidentally involved also), then I had invasive weeds to contend with in the marsh. Recently my wife Elaine was cutting back and ready to dispose of some geranium legs and limbs and i convinced her to follow what I had learned from you about starting new plants from cuttings – they are growing splendidly so Thank You for passing on your knowledge: it is the most important trait in a teacher.
Live long and Happy,
Jim
I found Mike’s website though another website he was using for marketing. Had a question but because the Internet is what it is I had tongue in cheek when I contacted him. I had a reply back by return verifying he was very real and for real. Since that time I have forwarded many of his newsletters to some of my family and friends having issues with this or that in their garden. Thank you for your work ethic and knowledge you have been so willing to share.
Many happy returns Mike.
Happy Birthday Mike!
I came across your website about four years ago and appreciate every email you send my way!!
I love flowers and gardening, while live amongst shade and mature trees. Your letters have helped tremendously!
My husband enjoys caring for his concord grapes and making grape jam. Again your letters have been a joy and a help along the way!
Many thanks and happy happy birthday!!
Yes I agreenI jhopeyou carry on the big successor your fatherlegecy thank you is to late for me yo dream imwish I hope ican do best of luck
Yeen
I have gained inspiration to start a backyard garden. I have been working on getting it started for about a year now. I have a few things I need to get done to get started, but intend to have the nursery started by the end of February. It is great to get encouragement all the time.
Hope you enjoy your birthday and have another successful year in your business.
Sylvia
Mike,
I have been reading your blogs and watching your videos for a few years now. I have passed on your information to many others and used much of it myself. I’ve never met anyone online that gives so much and asked for nothing in return. What a great guy you are. Always stay and true as your are today and know that you have made a change in many people’s day to day lives. Many people strive for that, not many can say they have accomplished it!
Happy Birthday!
Love your advice and you! What’s the best part of birthdays after 50?
To keep having them! Right?!
You are the man! XOXOXO Jama
Mike..been following your website, e-mails for years now ! Probably learned more ‘darn, I did that ! That’s why it didn’t work’.. from you more than anyone ! Happy Birthday Sir..and Many More ! Age is just ‘mind over matter’.. If you ‘Don’t Mind..it Don’t Matter’ !
Many More for You..and keep the ‘Info Coming’ ! Great Family you have for doing this.. ‘Dustin, Amber..’Mom’..and the ‘lil Donkey’s’.. I passed along a few pics of the lil guys to a friend..and he went out and bought a couple himself ! He Loves them !
i am a person that can not drive a nail,,,,,,,,,,,, so when i read Mikes articles i am amazed by his hands on knowledge that he has and how he shares / presents it,,,,,,,,,,,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE,,,,,,,,,,,,, HAVE A GREAT DAY
Happy Birthday Mike! I have learned so much from your posts! I even started 35 more blueberry plants from my old patch. Thanks to you there are berries galore around here! Hope you have a great year!
I came to Mike’s website by accident, and stayed with him because he inspired me. I could do more with my little plot of land in the middle of the city. My house came with a little green house, I expanded it, and now start all my own veggies and flowers in it. Mike gave me confidence to nurture my green thumbs, by explaining how to’s and the why’s. My japanese little maple was sick I asked the “experts” at my local nursery how to save it. Their advice didn’t work, then a few days later Mike was showing his little maples and explaining how to care for them and to prune them. My little tree is thriving now! I have now completely re- landscaped my yard, and I get allot of compliments from my neighbors and passer-by’s . When asked about how I learned things about plants and the like, I tell anyone who will listen about this website. Happy Birthday Mike! and thank you so very much for your hard work and dedication to wake up the little farmer in all of us! and thank you Duston for giving me an opportunity to express my gratitude to your dad.
Mike I stumbled across your info almost 10 years ago and my life took a huge turn. I am very grateful for all your help and advice. It’s more then I’ve ever received about plants then the four colleges I’ve attended.
Over the past 10 years I’ve moved 5 times and each time I’ve started all over again building my nursery except this last time when I moved to a new state and had to sell my business. It’s just a matter of time when I start all over again. In the mean time I’m very grateful to stay connected and keep learning. Your passion and enthusiasm for plants is contagious and I love your down to earth attitude. You encourage me, make me laugh and inspire me to keep going. You even taught me how to make fudge! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and passion. I hope you have an awesome birthday and congrats on your 15yr anniversary!
Happy birthday Mike! I do truly appreciate the gifts you give to the world! I to have been tested by life’s fire and have found strength in your story. Your work, your down to earth manner, shines a light that goes far beyond the nursery business. I see in you the dedication and resourcefulness that has made this country what it is ! You are to me an example our American Eagle!
God bless you and your enterprise. Once again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY,
Bruce Kiefer
Dear Mike…..I recently moved to Florida (I got washed out on the Jersey shore from Sandy) and have had to learn gardening all over again. I was so lucky in NJ because I just had to stick something in the ground and it prospered. Plentiful tomatoes and corn etc.. I was having disastrous
results with veges and flowers (everything!) until I discovered your website. Thank you so much!
Thank you for all you do! Happy Birthday, Mike, and many more.
Happy birthday Mike! I have enjoyed the knowledge you’ve given me everyday! I cannot thank you enough!!! You inspired me to start composting. It’s only my 2nd year but its coming along great!
Thanks, Duston, for opportunity to wish my gardening friend Happy Birthday….I always enjoy his “visits “:-)
Mr McGroarty: I have not purchased anything from you, but have so appreciated your videos on tips and hints on gardening. I love to garden, but don’t always put enough time to make it as perfect as I want it to be. I feel like I am a comrade of yours because you approach life and gardening as I would. Happy 58th birthday! Vicki Dryden
I just want to say “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU”. I hope you have a great celebration with family and friends. I also want you to know how much I have learned from you – LOTS!!! You are so great to answer my questions when I write you. I have always loved gardening since I was a child. You have taught me some great tips on rooting, propagation, pruning and more. I did a full container garden last spring, with some being self watering (due to the fact that I have no land and live in an apartment). My neighbors would come by and stare at the garden and then bring their friends by too. I even had some of my neighbors ask me for tips and plants. I plan on expanding to more self watering containers this year. I look forward to your videos and email. I love learning new tricks. Keep up the good work.
Happy Happy Birthday Mike,,I have follored your site and read all the emils I get from you, I love to garden and work in the yard, but I injured my back 12 yrs ago and I cant do the things i use to do..Im thinking of having back surgury this year, so praying I will be able to get back in the garden, We have 8 acers so I have a lot of room to plant ,sometimes its overwheming.but when I open your emails I get the ureg to get out there and do something, I want to get your system, hoping this year,, keep up the good work and the emails, thanks for all you do…Deb
Happy Birthday, Mike! You have helped a lot of people! May God Bless!
I so do appreciate this newsletter. Mike is so down to earth.
Thank you MIke, for all that you have exposed me to in the line
of very helpful advice for my tiny garden. I grow mostly flowers.
Helen.
I read every blog even if I think its not something I’m interested in but I always learn something
We all have learned so much from you HAPPY BIRTHDAY and keep up the good work
Happy Birthday Mike and many more. I am thankful for your site, it keeps me busy during retirement. I do not make a lot of money, however the money I do make I donate to relay for life, you are helping a lot of people celebrate more birthdays.
Thank you again
Bill Doty
Barnegat NJ
I enjoy Mikes article because he explains in a way even a dummy like me can understand it.
“Happy Birthday” Mike!
I’ve always had reservations about wearing bib overalls, but seeing you in your “bibs” gave me confidence to wear mine also. You cut a handsome jib for one of us who are considered to be “Jumbo Petit”! All kidding aside I have enjoyed your articles about, just about everything Gardening. You are a wealth of information and a great guy.
Many happy returns.
Ed
Happy Birthday Mike and many, many more. I came across your web site about a year ago. After reading many of your articles and viewing some of the videos. I’m please to say your doing a great job. Thanks and keep up the good work…
Mike, You are a wealth of information, and your willingness to take the time to share it is wonderful!
Thank you! I enjoy reading every e-mail I receive from you. I have always loved gardening and “playing” in the dirt, and the information I learn from you, makes it all more enjoyable as I learn so much. I hope some day to be able to visit your nursery on one of our trips. Have a great 58th birthday!, and a wonderful, healthy year to follow!
A fan in Madison, WI
My dad had bad eyesight and could not go into the service during wwII but, he was in the Conservation Corp (started by Roosevelt). He learned much during this time and was close to the dirt. He tried to teach me but, I was young and wanted to date and go to dances, etc. He passed in 1994 and I am sorry I did not pay more attention to him. He was very excited when he grew a crop of sugar snap peas.
Now I have you and I will pay attention — a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY and many more – thank you and GOD BLESS.
Sharon
I love the fact that I have learned how to propagate just about anything!
When I see a plant, flower or tree I like, I ask if I can have a cutting, usually it is yes, and Viola! I get one of those for my house!
I keep looking for different Japanese Maples! You have stirred my interest and it is never quenched! I keep looking for different versions to get a cutting and try to grow it!
Thanks for the ongoing inspiration!
Martha
Mike, your enthusiasm for life and living is contagious, I have so enjoyed your column while I am recovering from a serious chemical injury in an “assisted living” situation. I have been many things in life, a farmer with a day care business and many farm animals for the kids, both to play with and for milk and eggs, etc., we had a truck farm to produce vegetables too. The energy of that little farm was wonderful! And I see you guys doing much the same thing, only later in life, and I have hope for getting back in the saddle, so to speak, with a house, chickens, a milk goat, a wood stove, a garden and lots of love to give! I’m working out at the YMCA gym 2 1/2 hours a day 3 days a week and making progress, slow as it is. I’m 70, BTW, and life just keeps on getting better each day.
May your life be blessed and God keep you well always is my prayer for you. You didn’t think of yourself as a minister, but your love of people and life sure ministers to others! Thanks so much!
love to y’all,
Pennie
Happy Birthday Mike and Many more.
Your cuttings boxes were very helpful for me .
I’m retired and getting slower but I still like gardening.
So Happy Birthday and we be thinking about you.
Yours trully Cornelis
Happy Birthday Mike!
May God Bless You & Your Family.
Hi Mike,
Just want you to know that I look so forward to your emails and I try to do what you say. I love to watch things grow. Thank you so much for all that you have taught me.
The best to you, Keep those finger nails dirty. I do !!
Jane
Happy, Happy Birthday and may it be your best one ever. Thanks for your e-mails as I am a garden club president an can share all your information. You are the best and keep up the e-mails. Thanks again and enjoy your Birthday. Barb
Thanks Mike for doing what you do! You’ve created a kind of hope in a package for people to grab hold of, and taken the mystery out of starting a nursery in one’s backyard! You’ve also created a community of people who would never have known each other. And it’s all pretty affordable considering the great value. Hope you have a wonderful and blessed birthday!
Christiane
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE !!! You did my heart good by giving me something to look forward to and get excited about. I am almost 67 and was losing interest in life until I seen you and how easy (I am still learning how to) to grow plants.Some day I will get it figured out , just hoping you have a nice B-day. friends forever from upstate N.Y.
Mike,
I would like to Wish You a Happy Birthday and also Happy 15th Business Anniversary. May your flowers bloom and your buds always blossom. Thanks for all of the info you have given to all of us.
Jerry the Bus Driver
Jacksonville, Alabama
I am not sure who sent me your link several years back, but I have been a fan ever since. I am working on being able to spend more time as you “are” full of knowledge that I can truly understand and relate too. Thanks to you, I will be hitting it full force this summer and you “will” be hearing a lot from me!!! Congratulations, Happy Birthday, and Happy Gardening!!!!
Happy Birthday from Oxdrift Ontario Canada. -27C here today and waiting for summer to try some of your info. Thanks for it!
Happy Birthday Mike!
You have been an inspiration to me in ways that you could never know. I am so thankful to have found you at freeplants.com, although it took me awhile to sign up, I have never regretted a thing. If I only had one word to describe what you have done for me, the word would be “Driven”! Thanks for everything you do!
Hi Mike and happy birthday!!!! My b-day is Jan. 30 and I will be 59. I have read your emails and watched your videos for years. I am a single lady who works fulltime as a pastry chef, but a want-to be gardener. I own 13.5 acres of good soil and “think” and/or maybe belief that I could make a better living growing plants rather than baking pies. Thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge with those us who are struggling to make our mortgage payments. If you are ever in the Kansa City area please come see me at Lucille’s Diner for a wonderful home cooked meal followed by one of my, made with love original pies. Please keep doing what you are doing and keeping us inspired.
Sincerely,
Deby
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary, Mike! Here’s wishing you many more happy, healthy and productive years! God bless you for all you do!
Happy Birthday Mike!
Over five years ago I started the garden in the back yard. Your emails and later the videos have helped me select the right plants for a partly shaded yard and how to take care of shrubs year round. Thank you so very much.
I look forward to all you ideas and emails
Happy Birthday Mike
You’ve taught me much about watering on a small scale (misting small plants for 10 seconds etc) but speaking of watering on a big scale did you know how much water has went over Niagra Falls since you were born 58 years ago?
One quadrillion, three hundred seventy one trillion eight hundred and sixteen billion gallons or in numbers
1,371,816,000,000,000
That a lot of mist even for 58 year old !!!
I appreciate your wide variety of topics covered and your patience. I love the fact that you are still Mike, like always. Hope you have a great Happy Birthday.
Thanks for all the good information. Just look at all the friends you have and most you have never met. You do a great job.
Happy. Happy ,Happy Birthday and enjoy life.
Don’t think you’ll probably take much time to celebrate your birthday but hopefully you will find the day to be special.Those of us who read your e-mails, watch your videos and have used your manual are indebted to you for your sharing your knowledge. I know you work hard but I also know the Lord has blessed you in a mighty way. I give Him thanks for your Christian attitude that is indicated by your desire to share. May our Lord continue to bless and keep you. Happy Birthday
Well Happy Birthday Mike and Happy 15th Anniversary of a successful business of assisting and encouraging people to pursue their dreams of becoming accomplished gardeners. Best Wishes to you!
Sincerely,
Debbie Toft
Happy Birthday Mr. Mike! Thanks for all you do helping others! Congrats on 15 years of backyard nursery!
I have always loved to garden but did it by trial and a lot of error. After I started watching Mike’s videos I started having many more successes. My garden is beautiful and I owe a lot of the credit to Mike. You taught me that I can prune my trees and shrubs at any time of the year. I used to wait until the “proper time” but now I consider that as a “best time” but if I see that something has grown too tall and leggy I pull out my pruners (that always seem to be in hand) and just chop it off. As a result my yard and plants look much healthier. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, have a wonderful birthday and I pray that you will continue to have many, many more happy years. Thank you for sharing. Linda Hess (McDonough, GA)
I have read a lot what you have done and it helped me, wished I had started earlier. Age had got a hold of me, I miss working in my yard and it will never be like yours. Stress is terrible but in my astress working some of your good advice relieves all that stress, Thank you for all you have done.Congratulation on your success and Happy Birthday.
Hey Mike,
I first read about you in The Mother Earth News too long ago to say (Don’t want to date myself,Ha Ha). I couldn’t wait for the day I could afford to buy your system. I am still working on it and someday I will send pics. But for now Thank You very much for all the wisdom you have imparted to us all and I look forward to much, much more.
Thanks again
I have been following Mikes blog and freeplants.com site for years and just never did anything about what I had seen written. I just thought it was another “fly by night” site that gets you to sign up for something and then never deliver.
One day last spring I ordered Mikes Backyard Nursery “Small Plants, Bug Profits from home”. After reading the entire book and reviewing the DVD I received, I’ve never looked back. The knowledge and support I have received not to mention the quality rooted cuttings and liners I’ve received to start my business has been immeasurable. I look forward to the day when I can come out to Ohio to meet the McGroarty’s and the great business you started and have shared with so many. Until then, Happy Birthday Mike ~ many blessings and birthdays to you for many years to come,
I have never met Mike,but I feel like he is a good,good friend. I had to retire early in 2007,my husband had passed away and I had a heart attack, I didn’t know what I was going to do without a full income.I was limited as to what I could do or so I thought until a friend sent me Mike’s gardening letters,selling plants etc. I have always loved gardening, digging in dirt and I thought I knew a lot until I started receiving the e-mails with all the wonderful information that you shared. So, I started planting extra vegetable and flower plants for a donation. I now have my grandchilren doing the same in the summer .
I could go on and on but I am sure that you have hundreds of Birthday wishes to read . So, having said that HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU.
S.Williams, St Louis, MO
Hi Mike,
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you some much for all the valuable information and interesting ideas that you have shared with all of us and to wish you a very Happy Birthday.
Your friend
Cheryl
Dear Mike
“HAPPY 58TH BIRTHDAY” MIKE,
Want to thank you for all the e-mails you have sent me over the years regarding
gardening. There have been many articles that I have printed out and keep them in a file folder to refer to when I need the information. God has given you a great gift and you are so knowledgeable regarding nature and how to care for our beautiful trees ,flowers, and vegetables etc. Keep up the good work and wishing
you many more Happy Birthdays, and many thanks again for your e-mails .
Happy Birthday, and many more!
Mike,
I am new to this but have learned a lot from your website. Your site great and always answering questions with lots of information. If not for your site and information I am sure I would do everything wrong. Thanks for giving your time and knowledge to help others.
Happy birthday and looking forward to more years of your experience.
Debbie
Just want to say Happy Birthday Mike and let you know that I read your posts all the time. You inspired me to invest in my own little green house and start growing all my own plants for my gardens. I love all the tips and I read them even if it is not what I am growing or want to grow. I just find them interesting and I love learning something new, you never know when someone else might need that little piece of information. I wish you have many more wonderful years to teach us!!! Thanks again!!!
Mike,
First and foremost HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Second, about 10 years ago or so I came across your website. I was looking for a cheap source to buy a LOT of boxwoods. When I read your website, my life changed in an instant. I had no idea you could grow plants, like boxwoods from cuttings. I read your entire site, and bought your growing system. We are military so we have moved a lot in the past 10 years. I can tell you this, at every house I move out of, I leave behind a plant paradise and a lot of that has to do with you and what you created. I am so happy for you and your family. Happy Birthday. Know that you changed my life for the better 10 years ago and through me you also have made so many people smile that have moved into all of those houses I have moved out of. Happy Birthday Mike.
Happy Birthday Mike!
You’re old enough to be my son but I learn just as much from my kids as I do from you. Our Garden Club meeting is tonight and that seems appropriate.
For Christmas my daughter gave me a Gardener’s Version of Scrabble but everyone refuses to pay with me.
Glad that you’re an Ohioan and I read you all the time. Have many more birthdays and keep the green thoughts coming.
Bev Smith
Olmsted Falls. Ohio
I don’t remember where I first learned about Mike and his plant propagation techniques but I bought the book and I absolutely love watching his videos and reading his blog. If I never go into the nursery business or plant any plants I still love watching him and the donkeys. This year I do plan on doing some cuttings but in the meantime I look forward to reading and watching.
Congrats on your 15 and 58 years.
Don’t ever stop!!
I’ve enjoyed the information you have made available and youradviceis very helpful. I had a few packasandra plants gradually making theirway from the lot behind my house facing the next street over, I guessthe plants liked the look of my property and they started expanded. But with Mike’s advice I now have beautiful patches of Packasandra and there must be thousands of individual plants. Growing in some of the patches are small Blue Spruce trees, (very blue) which are rooted cuttings. All I had to do was to follow Mike’s expert advice. I had 100% success with the blue spruce, but not with Red Japanaese maples. I have four nice Red Japanese maples, but I have been unable to root any cuttings. I’ll try again this spring. I was able to get a couple hundred Red Japanese maples to germinate from seed and was doing well with them, but then the rabbits found them and treated them like candy, Last fall I planted another bunch of them, but this time tdhey are in grow boxes with quarter inch fabric protecting them. I knew they didn’t germinate into exact copies of the parent seed, but I found it really fascinating to see the diversity of the seedlings that I got. That’s a lot more interesting than just making cuttings that are all the same. I’m enjoying having contact with the good earth. I’m a geezer, 82 Grand Rapids, MI
Happy Birthday, Mike.
I’m glad I have a chance to thank you for teaching and inspiring. I love plants and am considering propagation as the gateway to my next career. Thanks again and happy birthday..
Mike’s training videos have been a God-Send to me! I have learned more about how to handle my plants, shrubs, etc from Mike than anyone else! I have shared his videos with my friends when they need instruction. I have most of the emails with videos saved on my computer for future reference.
I no longer think I will kill my plants and shrubs…I am sure I can help them.
Best Wishes to you, Mike, on your #58!
Sincerely, Jill Aldridge
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIKE! THANKS FOR ALL THE TIPS!
Happy Birthday Mike! And many more too come.
I am 75 and in the lawn service for 40 yrs, but trying to slow down. Then I sent for your material. And thing on doing something like what you are doing. Thank you Mike. Keep up the good work. Just don’ sit still to long Or you will be part of the Plants. Bill.
Happy Birthday Mike,
Thanks for being you! Your blogs have answered many problems I have had over the years. Thanks to you we have beautiful gardens and our lawns look GREAT!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday Mike! And congratulations too!!!
You are such a “down to earth” kind of guy, right on down to your bibs with the shoulder strap hanging off on one arm some times! At first I was wondering if you were going to loose your pants. But I guess you did that already financially once huh, which is why you have this success story with all of us a beneficiaries. You are so “real” and I love your tips and advice, they are simple and down to earth. Keep it up. I got your link a few years ago from my wife’s cousin who was an engineer on the space shuttle program. He told me you were a “down to earth” guy and that I could learn a lot from you. Wow, was he right.
Tony (from MN)
Mike. I have learn so much from you, my children are proud of me, my garden is the best in my neighborhood ,thanks for sheering you knowledge.
P.S I save all you Emails :
Hi Mike,
1956 was a good year. You, my wife and I share that age and set of experiences dubbed “the end of the baby boomer generation”. Just as many people will thank you for sharing your vast knowledge, I want to thank you for that, but that is not the most valuable gift you have given me.
In 2009 I was without hope. Chewed up and spit out by corporate America, I listened to the accuser’s message. I believed there was no hope left. Without sharing the gory details, in my darkest moment, an angle touched my life and started the healing. That journey of healing included more angels, men of God, a criminal trial, prison and ultimately the time and opportunity to appreciate what I have and who I am.
James 1:5 reads “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Somehow, God uses men for good. I know it is no accident that you were put in my path. It is no accident you share your knowledge and wisdom freely.
So, on your Birthday, thank you for sharing your wisdom so freely. Thank you for giving all of your mentees wisdom and with that wisdom – hope, the most precious gift of all.
Sincerely,
Rod
Happy Birthday! Thank you for all the information and time you share. I have learned so much just reading your blog posts.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY , Mr. Mike! TKY for ALL you do. I so enjoy reading and receiving your emails. It’s great how you are sharing your knowledge. Keep up your GREAT hard work and all you do. May you have a Special Day today. Why if I lived close to y’all I’d made you a Mudd Cake, miss Suz
Thank you Mike! I really do enjoy your direct truthful style. Wish everyone had the courage to be themselves, admit mistakes, share their joys, and forgive everyone else! Thank you!
Blessings,
faith o’toole
HAPPY BIRTHDAY and many more
May God Bless you and keep you. Thank you for all of the wise thoughts. I will be 80yrs, young in June. What a life. Hugs Marie
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike!!
Your newsletter has been a source of knowledge and inspiration for me for many years now, and I want to thank you for that! Your enthusiasm and desire to help and teach others makes you one of those rare people who actually make a difference in strangers lives. Although I have not started your system, I know that I will be successful thanks to your advice and experience. I look forward to putting into practice everything you have taught me. Thank you Mike, and may your life be filled with happiness and blessings!
Monica
Happy Birthday Mike and thank you for all you have done for so many of us. When I first read about you and then ordered my first plants I was so excited. My boss and best friend has what use to be a horse farm and 20 years ago we converted her barn into our glass engraving business. Her husband does not like to do outside work so she offered me a place to live and I take care of all the mowing etc. which I love to do. Anyway, I ordered many plants and had my system all set up and all was going well and one day I go out to check on things and her husband had turned off my water and I lost almost everything. I will stop there because many years later it still aggravates the life out of me!! This 11 acres is pretty overwhelming but I still have the dream of plants one day. Donna and I drove to Tennessee and spent part of a day with Jennifer and she was so helpful and so inspiring and she is a testament to the fact that your plan works. I just had a milestone birthday (65) and we are beginning to talk about what to do with the glass business so we can do things we like to do and not be so tied down to inside work – we want to get our hands back in the soil ! We have some beautiful foxgloves here which I was able to save and they have multiplied through the years and I thank you for planting a seed and a dream in me…
Best wishes on your birthday from a friend in West Virginia!
Martha Buchanan
Happy Birthday Mike!!
I am an amateur gardener. (By the way, do you know the derivation of the word “amateur”? It comes from the Latin ‘amor” to love, so an amateur is someone who does something for love, as opposed to for profit.)
I LOVE to garden and your website has taught me how to propagate my own plants to increase my landscaping. At 72 I have yet to retire from my ‘real’ job, but I squeeze gardening into my spare time. Watching my little twigs become bushes is so satisfying.
I am so excited for you that you have persevered through hard times, never gave up but had faith that you could succeed to make a good life for yourself by your own hard work.
My husband and I have been knocked for a loop by outside forces, but picked ourselves up and kept going. Yours is a story that needs to be told in these days of ‘hand-outs’ instead of ‘hand-ups’. You have given hope to so many with your help. That’s the American way: roll up your sleeves and get out there and work!
-Anne
Mike just wanted to thank-you for all the information on gardening you have given to so many people. The information last for years and I refer to it constantly. Thanks for being YOU! Happy Anniversary and a great Happy Birthday.
Sandi
Dear Mike,
Just wanted to wish you a happy birthday and anniversary! We have enjoyed reading your articles and watching your videos. Have printed out a number of them for my gardening notebook. Have also purchased the special hoe and weasel you demonstrated on your videos. Keep up the good work and happy gardening! Sincerely, Ann and Chuck
Mike…your enthusiasm for all things in nature inspires me every day! I love reading your blog & appreciate the helpful advice. Happy Birthday and many, many more to come. –Lou
Happy Birthday Mike!! I just love all of your tips on gardening and I especially love that you actually show us how to plant a tree or a shrub!Enjoy yr day!!
Happy Birthday Mike !!
I just turned 62 yesterday and live about 100 miles WNW of ya’ll, NW of Detroit.
I’ve been reading your posts for a couple of years now, but I have only been gardening for the mere joy of it. Sort of frozen still in my gardening efforts right now. I am trying to overwinter some of the more tender things from the yard in my basement. But I’ll be back in the garden as soon as I can get a shovel into the ground.
Happy Birthday! Your son is very thoughtful… for thinking of you on your special day and anniversary ! Love reading your blog… Congrats!
Thanks Mike for all the good information ! Thanks to you I’ve been encouraged to start growing plants on a shoestring budget and hope to start making serious money this year . ( I already bought your system )
I have only dealt with Mike through his ‘blog’, but have learned he is honest, and that he really has in interest in helping others succeed. He is patient with those that are unsure [about trying], and more than willing to answer any question, no matter how silly I thought it [the question] was.
Mike is ‘good people’ as my grandma used to say.
Happy birthday, Mike, you’re only 6 years behind [just turned 64 last, month], come on up, and thank you for all you do.
And happy anniversary, 15 years, congratulations. Keep doing what you’re doing the way you do it, and I wouldn’t be surprised it lasted a long, long time [maybe a hundred more].
Happy Birthday Mike!
I read all your emails and view all your videos. You have taught me a lot.
I have been following you a number of years now ( bought original book and VCR films) one of these days I will get to a place where I can start them. You have been a part of my life in more ways than you can imagine. Have a happy birthday
Bob Keil
Happy Birthday! What an incredible guy with an awesome name…..you have “Grow” & “Art” both in your’s!
Your stories and website have inspired me to build a small greenhouse and begin pruning my landscape plants for starting cuttings, and for making bushy, healthy plants. *(I pruned in the Winter, better than never pruning at all!)
Recently, I’ve gotten into Hypertufa, and your concept of “this small investment, led to this profit” applies to my wholesale planters too! Soon, very soon….I will offer plants and planters, individually and in combinations. I’m all about maximizing profit and using the resources that exist at little or no charge to me.
I’ve got a child on the way, and a house of four already. Soon, we’ll se if our 13 year old is interested in making spending money by helping out with hypertufa and all other work associated.
Thank you so much for being a family man, business man! Your book, Easy Plant Propagation, is so exciting to read!
Thank You Thank You THANK YOU! for SHININ’! HAPPY 58TH BIRTHDAY MY FRIEND!
Happy Birthday, Mike! I have learned an incredible amount from your videos about all kinds of things, and they are so interesting and fun to see and hear! You definitely do inspire me! I love how you break things down into simple-to -understand concepts, and how free you are with your knowledge. Thank you for giving me the hope that I can have my own small plant business and work from home doing something I love!
Mike…Happy Birthday # 58! This is absolutely the best opportunity on the web! Thank you for the tools, the information, and the inspiration. Happy growing!
I stumbled across Mike’s gardening videos by accident in 2013. I was looking for information on how to prune some plants in my yard. They were overgrown and I didn’t want to hurt them, but I had no idea who to believe on the internet. There was a lot of conflicting information out there. After watching a couple of the videos and hearing exactly why I needed to trim in a certain manner, learned the appropriate time to do it and the proper technique, I was hooked! I immediately subscribed to the videos! My plants and shrubs are no longer overgrown and too tightly placed together. It was a wonderful feeling of success that I could go out sand properly care for my yard just like Mike, the Pro!
I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR EMAILS, THEY ALWAYS MAKE ME SMILE. IT HAS BECOME LIKE A VISIT FROM FRIENDS, MEETING THE FAMILY AND THOSE FUN, SILLY ANIMALS (YOU ALMOST MAKE ME WANT A DONKEY!) THE BONUS IS THAT I HAVE LEARNED SO MANY HELPFUL THINGS. HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY!
Yours is an email I truly look forward to. It’s like getting a letter from an old friend. Your knowledge is vast but the way you teach it is so entertaining and you make people want, and believe they can, do it. Thank you so much and have a truly wonderful birthday.
A tree is known by it’s fruits;
A man by his deeds.
A good deed is never lost;
He who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and who plants kindness gathers love.
Happy 15th Anniversary and 58th Birthday.
Look forward to the emails and always helpful advice. Happy Birthday Mike
Happy Birthday Mike, and Happy Anniversary! I love reading your posts to my e-mail. Especially, last year, was very difficult for me to get out into the garden, but I would read your posts and realize there was always something I could do. And so, the season ended w/ some great veggies, my ornamentals got trimmed and flowers were everywhere. Thank you! My regards for a bountiful new year.
Jen
Mike – Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and helping me find my passion. I’ll be going into ‘retirement’ next year knowing I won’t be bored. – Dave
mike you have been very helpful thank you happy birthday,keep up the good work
looking forward to your next article
Happy birthday Mike. I have started my backyard nursery business. I have always been a plant lover. I am a business woman. After receiving your emails I said why not do what Mike says utilize that dirt space in your backyard and turn it into profit. So by using my yard and doing what I love to do I have my 2nd business of growing succulents. Happy birthday Mike. Thanks for the good advise.
Happy Birthday Mike! Thanks for all the great info that you have shared over the years. I wish you the very best.
Jody
Mike,
You never leave me hanging!! Love reading your emails full of great info…and you do give all the information we need and you are a great teacher. I have bought your system because I don’t want to just know more and I too have dreams, but I alsoI wanted to support what you are doing. Thanks Mike and have a great birthday and congratulations on 15 years.
Hey Mike,
just want to wish you a Happy Number 58.
I value all you letters and notes you have sent out over the years to keep fellow gardners educated and inspired.
Love your site – keep up the great work
Greg
Dear Mike, I wish you a very happy birthday and congratulations on your 15th anniversary all the way from Trinidad in the sunny Caribbean. I have been a subscriber to your site for many years now and I love your site.. I am retired now and am putting my energy into my plants – on a small scale for now, but your advice in so many different areas has been proving invaluable. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your generosity in sharing your knowledge and making me feel part of your family. Bless you and your family and have a wonderful birthday.
Jan
Thanks for all you have shared with the world and your vast knowledge!! You are greatly appreciated. Happy birthday and Happy Anniversary 🙂
I was three years old when my next door neighbor helped me grow my first carrot. I’m 61 now. Let’s see … that was 58 years ago. Good year for gardening and gardeners to be. Happy Birthday, Mike!
You have totally inspired me to live my dreams! Your first-hand knowledge is priceless!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and anniversary….wishing you continued success 🙂
Hoping you have a blessed birthday!! You are my favorite e-mail 🙂
My wife is in a home that leaves me alone. You have given me something to do every day and has made life and my yard great! Thanks
Mike, Thank-you for all the great advice. You make the world a better place.
Happy birthday Mike! I have been reading your blog and viewing your video since I retired in 2007. Not knowing much, I gained through you r personal instruction as if I was right there having a conversation. You are a great and humble teacher. Thanks for all you do.
I ran across one of your videos on YouTube several months ago while I was researching Japanese maples, and I was hooked! I have just started getting serious about gardening, and I am so happy to be doing it under your guidance. Thank you!
Happy Birthay!
Mike,
Mike, I have been following you for a wee while.
I can always count on you to give it as it is. Life is like plants some good and some bad. I have had to cut the bad out of my life. You taught me how. ‘From the ‘How to make a frame to how you make your fudge.’ There are life lessons. You will never know how much I looked forward to your blogs. Along the way I even learnt about gardening.
Keep on the green side, MIke.
Happy Birthday!! with many more to come….
Happy Birthday Mike!!! It has truly been an inspiring journey since that day I stumbled across your YouTube advertisement for Freeplants.com!
You have given me the strength and courage to not only do what I love doing, but also the knowledge and understanding that, “if I want something, I have to make sure I go after it and obtain…period!!!
Hopefully, one day I’ll have the opportunity to meet you Mike and thank you in person for being so selfless and your willingness to help so many! Keep up the great work and may God bless you with many more years!
#GardeningIsLife
Happy Birthday Mike,
I love your pointers and plans my yard is filled with plants that you made possible, showing me how to make cuttings from ones that are already established or from taking cuttings from friends and familiy’s plants , Great advice, I wish I had the room to take a bigger step and follow your full advice , Anyway it works have a wonderful Birthday and keep sending great tips
A few years ago I came across your Blog while fishing the Web.I took
a great interest in what you had to say. Your knowledge of back yard gardening was so inspiring that I decided to send for your book on plant propagation. the best decision I ever made. I always was and still am a very keen Gardener. As I am now retired and less money coming in, the cost of replacement stock was going through the roof so I decided to take your advice and grow my own. At the moment my back yard is full to capacity. My Glass house 20 X !0 feet is also full. I hope to start selling this Spring. I have over one acre of landscape . Shrubs. Trees. Roses. Flowers. Rockeries. Fruit section. Vegetable Plot. Water Features. also several walkways. Not to mention the extra acre for the Pony. Family pet. Your Book inspired me to propagate my own requirements and more. Very little to buy now. My back yard is completely covered with new stock. the glasshouse is also packed to capacity 20 X 10 Feet. I hope to start selling properly this Spring. Without your help and advise this would not have been possible for which I Thank you sincerely.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ” MICK ” and CONGRATULATIONS ” on your 15 years in business. As you say keep inspired.
Yours sincerely,
Seamus.
Seamus Given. Lifford. Co. Donegal. Thanks again.
Happy Birthday Mike….I love reading your blog and seeing all the information about gardening, but I really like seeing the pictures of your family. It’s like seeing a garden grow, planting a family and watching the fruits of your labor mature. There is so much love and that makes me smile. Thank you for your good advise and sharing your wonderful family with us.
Happy Birthday Mike !
To honor your birthday I ran my hands through a bucket of soil today to remind us that the Arctic winter will pass and God once again will Bless us with abundant Life. Although we are just starting out, it’s nice to know you are there to help guide us.
Steve and Penny Thompson
Canmer, Kentucky
Happy Birthday Mike!
Love your videos and your practical tips for gardening. Stay warm!
Happy Birthday Mike!
I remember when I first stumbled over your website, I thought this can’t be real. Never the less I signed up for your emails. It’s been several years now and your emails are the only ones I read anymore. I bought your system last year but due to job I haven’t had the time or energy to get anything going. I’m going to be 55 in September and I need make a change in my life. Hopefully,
this season I get off my butt and jump in.
Thank you Mike for all you do. Enjoy your day and God bless you. Lynda from Macomb, MI
Thank you Mile for all your wonderful tips on cuttings and all the rest!!! Happy Birthday!!!!
Happy Birthday Mike! I can’t express my thanks enough for all your shared information over the years. I doubt that you realize all the people you have helped and given hope with your information. But you have…I’m one of them. Many thanks and enjoy yourself on this special day. Respectfully, K Morris
Too many great tips to list them…..although we have different seasons ”down under” here in Australia ….I just file the tips till the seasons come around again…Thank you for teaching myself and so many people around the world.
Happy Birthday
Have a Fabulous Year
Happy Birthday ! ! !
Happy Birthday, Mike!! You truly are an inspiration & a great teacher!! I’ve learned SO much from you!! The world needs lots more Mike McGroartys!!
Dustin, congratulations for having the perfect dad. The purpose of a father is to stay in the lives of his family,and teach his children how to grow. I’ve been off n on here. But Anytime I have , I always see some kind of improvement. Your dad would answer every question I asked,when I first started. I would’ve loved to have him as my dad. God bless you always mike!!! Happy birthday and happy anniversary!!! You are a true example of a MAN!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU………..MAY ALL YOUR DAYS BE FILLED WITH LOVEAND GOOD HEALTH……..ALWAYS. LOVE YOUR ARTICLES.
Happy Birthday Mike
Thanks for everything you teach. You are my secret mentor. Whenever I feel challenged in trying to learn more about plants I revert back to your videos. Continue to be you. Life is grand and then you garden!
Well!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. McGroarty!!!! You are a blessed man for sure!
I have been a lover of plants & landscape design since the 6th grade, back in 1969. When my sons were younger, my husband would watch them while I attended horticulture studies in Omaha, Nebraska in the late 1990’s. I fell in love with plant propagation and have always been focused on edible landscaping. I also took on a study in Holistic Nutrition / Herbology Studies. Now that we have our acreage, I am striving to put in plants that are beneficial for food & nutrition as well as learn about those that grow wild around us. Because of your YouTube Videos, I learned how to expand my grape production as well as practice propagation techniques. It is my focus to specialize on the nutritional and medicinal plants, growing for our own use, selling to others and teaching & encouraging others on doing the same. I am also focusing on growing medicinal nutrition for our animals and offering plants for sale that others can plant for their own animals use. You Sir, are an inspiring person and I share your videos with others so they can learn as well. Thank you for sharing your passion with all of us!
I truly enjoy your articles or emails. I’m 77 & have a bad back & had back surgery that I’m recovering from, so I won’t be doing a lot of what you’re doing, but I do love to dig & plant & I learned about grafting & other useful lessons that even a great-grandmother can do just for fun! I enjoy the emails even though the lessons are not something that I will ever do. They are written in such helpful & neighborly fashion that I feel like you are my neighbor or friend. I enjoy the videos & have learned from them. The lessons are always very helpful & enjoyable.
Thank you, & have a well-deserved happy birthday & a blessed year ahead.
It has probably been @ 6 years since I stumbled on your blog and Mike I have been hooked ever since. You are so informative in your weekly e-mails. I believe Mike that you make it look so easy,
people don’t realize just how hard you work on your blog.
Happy Birthday Mike and Thank you to you and your family. May God bless you with many more birthdays.
Dear Sir,
Dear Mike,
Only a couple of days ago I have known your website. What you are doing is fantastic !
I enjoyed your work from the first moment.
Here in Belgium we have a kind sea climate, up to now we had no frost but lots of rain.
My congratulations with your BIRTHDAY !
From Belgium my best regards,
Willy Mestdag
happy birthday Mike from Rob in New Zealand – love getting your emails
I wish you a wonderful Birthday and many more. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and inspiring us.
Mike, thank you so much for your inspiration. I am new to gardening and have found your information to be exceptional. Your propagating tips and advice has been really great. You, sir, are a rare find in this time where most want to take, rather than give. I turned 58 just a couple of months ago and wish you a very happy birthday and prosperous 2014.
Gatom
Dear Mike,
I have been receiving your tips for years, and I am a better gardener because of you. I feel like I am one of your many friends that you have never met in person. I appreciate all of your advice.
Happy 58th Birthday and 15 Anniversary, friend.
Jean Skinner
Happy 58th Birthday, Mike!
I feel like an old friend since I have been reading your tips for years. I am a much better gardener because of you. Thank you so much.
Happy 15th anniversary.
With appreciation,
Jean Skinner
Happy Birthday, Mike!
I have been receiving your folksy, great tips for years. I am a snowbird, and have not been in one place long enough to do much planting and reaping. But someday I will, and all that I have learned from you will make me a great gardener. I feel like a friend. Bless you.
Jean Skinner
Mike, my first encounter with you was serendipity. I ordered some of your recordings and slowly rekindled my plans to be a ‘real’ gardener. Your down-to-earth language and approach made things seem possible. It took several years, but when I stopped working with numbers and retired I finally enrolled in Oregon State University’s Master Gardener program. I’m working to help others learn how to garden by using research-based knowledge and integrated pest management programs. I have regrown my shriveled memories of landscape design in California. My hands are happily dirty in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Thanks, MIke, and happy birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!
I have been a subscriber for a long time, however, due to unemployment, an injury and a string of illnesses and losing everything, I have not been able to follow my dream of selling saplings…BUT,
Every time I receive a newsletter I beam and read it because I know it is full of hope and good news!
You continue to inspire me and I am on the mend and getting ready to put in at least a garden here in southern California!
I am also turning 58 (on Feb 3rd) and I am glad to hear YOUR STILL KICKIN’ AND INSPIRING!
Your newsletter gives me that grounded feeling and hope. THANK YOU!~Nancy Rothrock
Warm Birthday wishes from “Down Under”! I’ve just found your site so I don’t have a success story to share YET! but I love reading your posts every day and your wonderful practical advice. Hope you celebrate a great birthday with your friends and family!
Hi Mike, I had to look back in my files and found your first email to me in January 2005. I too have enjoyed all of your posts, pictures, and videos like everyone else writing to your here. Your wealth of knowledge and teaching ability is immense and greatly appreciated. I now have many of the same plants you have in your front yard, except for your beautiful willow. Thank you for sharing your life with us. It means so much to so many. I feel a little connected to my past through you as my great, great, grandfather Keller (on Mom’s side) immigrated to Ohio from Switzerland in the Walbridge area, and his oldest son moved on to central Kansas years later. My Kansas Swedish father was a farmer, thus I’m a farmer’s daughter and love playing in the dirt to this day, and producing flowers and food. It’s so rewarding to share with friends and neighbors. If they have questions, I generally send them your website address. 🙂
Congratulations on your first 15 years of success through hard work and determination and best wishes for continued success. Happy Birthday, youngster!! Wishing a great day and celebration!! Looking forward to a new growing season with Mike!!
Carol in Kansas City
I cant say thank you enough. You are truly a blessing.
I now don’t look at no plant the same. Heck, even retirement looks different and better.
Happy Birthday Mike.
Happy Birthday Mike & Congratulations on 15 Years of Business!
Happy birthday from a home gardner. I like many of your tips and the best is the composting one… Thanks. God bless you on your birthday…Jo ann
Your dad managed to turn me from a total non-gardner, what is this green thing? to somebody who can grow things – not well but when I fail I almost always find that I have not followed the principles carefully enough. I wish your dad well and hope that he keeps writing for a long time – he is certainly an inspiration to me.
Many thanks for a lot of inspiration.
Pete Sneddon
Scotland
United Kingdom
Happy Birthday Mike Thanks for all the great information and the hard work you have done to help us all succeed in the gardening dept Have a great day!
Hey Mike,
Thank you so much for all you have taught me about being a better gardener.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!
Jason G.
Happy Birthday Mike.
Thank you for all the valuable information you have given on your web site. I can’t tell you how many questions I have answered with data from you.
Many Happy Returnes.
Bless You.
Bill
In this world there are many con men more than willing to help you spend your money. What a wonderful change to find someone who actually helps you to make some.
Happy birthday Mike and here’s to many more!
Happy birthday Mike and many returns. I read all your news letters and on most of them I learn something new. I grew-up on a small dirt farm in Eastern Canada and some of the comments that you make on your news letters bring back a lot of memories, things that I had forgotten but as soon as I read your comments , be it about how to plant a shrub or seed a potato everything comes back to mind. I still live in Canada, British Columbia to be exact, so I am quite restricted about purchasing plants from you. Please keep-up your good work Mike, I know that you help a lot of people through your news letters , books and videos. I don’t think that there is a more(down to earth person) than you.
Mike,
I too signed up for your emails, but never implemented any of your advice. I have saved every single one of them though and when I can finally retire and move someplace with a little longer growing season I promise to read every one of them again and take advantage of your sage advice. Thanks for all you do.
I hope you have a wonderful birthday and may you have many, many more. I see you have lots of friends here, you are blessed.
Live long and prosper
Hi Mike,
I love getting your emails! They have totally changed how I view my love of gardening and growing. You have really inspired me to keep working at what I enjoy doing, plants! Whenever I run into a problem, I search your site and my “Mike’s Emails” folder! Thank you for sharing all your knowledge with us, it has changed my life!!! It is amazing what you have done with your program, and like your son said above… it certainly wasn’t by luck! I hope you have a very happy birthday. I plan to read many more posts from Mike’s Backyard Nursery!
Happy Birthday Mike and happy 15th anniversary of your wonderful business. More power and blessing to come. God bless you. from the Philippines…..
You have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike and enjoy all the nice things everyone has wrote to you!
Oh and THANKS for all the info.
Happy birthday! Great advise on hydrangea plants! And acidity! Thanks so much! Dee
Happy Birthday, Mike! Thank you so much for all the free advice and inspiration. I hope to use it someday. Homeschooling 8 kids has been my calling, and I haven’t quite made a place for the nursery business. But I have really enjoyed reading your emails, and every time you offer your growing system, I’m tempted, but just not ready, yet. Hope you have many more years of blessings. You have been a blessing to others.
Happy Birthday, Mike and thank you for all the wonderful advice. Your thoughts and advice have made my year a whole lot better than it would ever look. And it is great to do what you like. I have enjoyed your emails and posts for several years. Can’t remember how I found you or how I signed up, but am so glad I did. Thank you for your “inspired” advice. Here is to many more years of hearing from you and getting “great plant advice.”
Martha
Happy Birthday!!! Happy Anniversary!!! I love the unique way you have presented your knowledge to us! Just good ole down home information that we can all understand and apply. Bet your Mom would be so proud.! I am a former country girl born to a sharecropper in Arkansas way back in 1932. Too old to do much outside but love all your tips and just plain common sense. Enjoy your success and have a fabulous Special Day. May God continue to Bless and keep you .
This will take a small amount of time. At my last birthday I started my 89th year on this earth. I love
growing small japanese maples.I depended for you too show me what needs to be done. Well, you came threw. I don’t know anyone who knows more about what can be grown and how to make them beautiful.
This is taking to much time for an old guy I need to get to sleep.. I suspect that someone is monitoring what I’m writting to ensure I don’t write bad words. Good nite Mike and Happy birthday
and have a lot more
Alex
Happy Birthday Mike!! I hope this finds you well, and feeling much appreciated. As a follower from the beginning, I’d like to say Thank You. The information you have given has been welcome and priceless. Your emails are like getting a note from an old friend (not that you’re old, you understand) Your passion and enthusiasm are contagious! I have learned so much, and use this information in my home garden. You have such a big heart! you have shared your family, home, business…recipe’s!! And I consider you part of my extended family. So, in closing I’d like to say Thank You to Duston for opening up this opportunity to give back to someone who has inspired so many.We don’t often enough celebrate those who have touched us. And to you, may you have a wonderful Birthday surrounded by friends and family and may you continue in good health and happiness to pursue your love gardening 🙂 HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
HBD – you’re a young’un, but it was nice to know that I’m supposed to dip the cuttings in rooting medium before putting them ‘to bed’. I just wished you could tell me how to make a lawn in Tucson, Arizona. About 20′ by 30′. Teeny. But hey, this is really about you, and you help me almost everywhere. Thanks and have a great day, year and onward!
Your advice and techniques in planting, pruning, growing and selling plants are of great help to me. Thank you so much Mike. I love everything you write in the email. Keep up the good work and Happy Blessed Birthday!
When I stumbled upon this website, it has changed so much for me. Besides your (Mike’s) knowledge and the networking with so many other plant nuts like me, it has made it possible for me to pursue my passion and expand my knowledge, not to mention putting together a small “Backyard nursery” of my own .
Growers and people that like to get their hands dirty seem to be such a great group of people that make me feel part of an elite family. I have even been able to visit other backyard growers in my local area. I owe it all to Mike. HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!! And thanks for the opportunities you have given me!
Happy Birthday Mike, wishing you the best, and many more with your family and friends!
Well, I turn 62 on Feb.21st, so I have a right to call you kid. Happy Birthday kid. It took me over 20 years to finally listen to you. I guess my problem, like most young men, I was too busy making a living, instead of having a life and I’m sorry I didn’t pay attention then. This Spring will be my first season, and for my first project I’m looking to put together whole lot of Petunia Hanging Baskets too pull the people into my driveway, maybe even create a job or two out there with street vendors. Holy, listen to me…..me me me! This is suppose to be about you! ANYway Mike, you have taught me plenty and I want to thank you and wish you the best birthday a man can have. You have a wonderful family behind you. Every time I get an email from you, it automatically brings a smile to my face cuz I know the contents are going to teach and benefit me somehow. I hope I’m lucky enough to meet you someday at one of your shindigs! Again, Happy Birthday Kid 🙂
Hi Duston,
Tell Mike I read his emails, and can say they are very interesting. At this time I’m unable use the Backyard growing system, but maybe in the future I can. My home has a hidden drive and no one would stop to make a purchase. After my wife retires we plan on buying another home, and hopefully people will be able to stop in. You guys keep up the good work.
Your friend,
Virg
Mike, I ran into you a few years ago and signed on. I’m still working full time and haven’t had time to do the propagation as a business yet. BUT I PLAN TO. I always enjoy your newsletter and your videos- lots of great info and encouragement. Happy Birthday and many more, Holt
Hi Mike,
I just wanted to say that in 15 years you have helped so many people . Some come and go ,as I have seen in just the few years I have been with you. But I am positive, they leave well educated. I am older than you by a lot but young at heart and love plants. Love my irises and roses and just all plants!! And I have played in the dirt for may years, but being here on your site, I have learned so much more . I never knew anything about propagating things. And now I am going to learn how to use a misting system. And with your help, I will master that too.
Keep on being you ,in your bib jeans! I have a pair of them also!! And I have bibs that are shorts too!! My husband bought them for me for Christmas last year. He knows that plants make me happy.
Then I make people happy by giving them a nice plant, at a nice price, to plant and beautify their place
So this is what you do and so it goes on. A beautiful person, doing beautiful things to help more people grow beautiful plants.
So My motto is for my nursery— ” Get those hands dirty and plants something beautiful and beautify your place!”
God Bless you Mike , your crew and your family. You are all the best!
Happy Birthday Mike!!!! And Happy 15 years with FreePlants.com. I have no idea what I’d be doing today if I hadn’t stumbled on to your website over 7 years ago. I was dubbed as “the one that could kill dirt”! My family and friends thought I was crazy when I started playing in the dirt. Look at me now!! I’m going into my fourth year with my “open year round”, 2 acre retail nursery. I’m working harder than I’ve ever worked before, and I love every minute of it! Thank you Mike for making it all possible.
Mike – you inspired me to pursue my own backyard nursery. Which I am still doing. If it weren’t for your positive video I stumbled upon one day while researching seedlings and transplanting. I don’t think I would have stayed interested or bought the backyard business DVDs and book. I continue to be inspired by your daily teaching and commonsensical talks. I love them. I am Your student of gardening (my therapy) my background is Information Tevhnology (IT). And I wish you a very happy birthday and many more to come my friend across the divides. Keep up the Great work and God bless you and yours!,
Dana Arnett of Silverton Oregon.
Happy Birthday Mike! You’re an inspiration to us all! The information you send in each and every
email is a lesson waiting to be learned. Thank you for all you do, and the time you take to share your valuable information for free! I’ve learned so much about pruning, starting cuttings, business
information and so much more. May you have many more happy years ahead!
After consistently killing all of my houseplants for 40+ years, I stumbled onto Mr. McGroarty’s emails giving
plant advice. That was Septemer, 2011. I learn something new with EVERY email newsletter I open. Every
single one has been saved, and I reference them often. Mr. McGroarty, with your help, advice and sense
of humor, I have slowly stopped killing my houseplants; One by one, as I bring them home, they’ve lived!!
(Mostly)
But besides that library of information I have collected (and I do thank you for that!), you taught me a
something that has filtered into all aspects of my life, not just plants. The lesson: “Keep it Simple”. Very
elegant lesson, this one is.
Thank You so sincerely, Mr. McGroarty — I really do carry it every where, every day. And the Happiest of
Birthdays to you!! Nise5280
I haven’t been a subscriber long, but certain have learned a lot in a very short period of time about plants and even more so about moving forward in life by Mike’s example of just saying how it is straightforward. Mike shows you not only how to Grow your own nursery but how to Grow your life as well. He helps others to live a dream while he is living and sharing his dream making the world a more beautiful place to be in not only for his subscribers but for the those who buy the plants and plant them and their family and those who will never know where the plants began. Happy Birthday!!!
Happy Birthday Mike!
Birthdays are good things. I know and speak from experience because I’ve had 84 of them. Sounds as though you are catching up.
I take this opportunity to also express my personal appreciation for your services, Although I’m a newby to the plant business, you get all the credit for my motivation to do this as my 3rd career. I eagerly look forward to your blogs. I especially appreciate your approach to teaching.
So, take care of yourself and enjoy the next 58 years. I am looking forward to meeting you at one of your next “shindigs”
Ed
Mike,
Thank you so much for so unselfishly sharing your gardening secrets with everybody. I learn a lot from you.
Lily
Thank you Mike! Happy Birthday & Congratulations on 15 Years
Happy Late Birthday.
We have enjoyed reading your comments over the years.
May the Lord’s choicest blessings be yours in the years to come.
Thank you. Ed and Cherry Wolf
hApPy biRtHdAy Mike,
Thanks for all your you tube videos, they are GREAT. I have really enjoyed all the info that you have shared. I look forward to your emails and open them right away, some mail from others never gets opened. So your on the TOP of my list.
Have a GREAT day.
Thanks,
Pat Marks
Hi Amber
Lovely to hear someone talk so highly about her boss. May I correct you ( in good faith ) on one little thing in your testimony, about those who can. I believe the original quote was by George Bernard Shaw and it went; ” Those who can, do – those who can’t, teach. I don’t know what it says about my 51 year music teaching career!
Keep up the great work , and forget about George Bernard Shaw
Bill Griffith
Yikes! I really killed that quote. (If you think was bad, you should hear me try to sing Rocket Man!)
At any rate, I’m glad Mike can, and does…and still finds time to teach.
Mike, I bought your system some years ago and made payments. I’ve only visited the forums a few times, and I’ve not bought anything through there, but.
58 ain’t bad. Young at heart equals young yet, despite what that big fat liar the mirror says.
I’m in drool on your Kubota, I got the little brother of that one (or my hubby did, but he lets me drive it once in awhile, BK2200)
Love your donkeys and all the rest.
Big thing is you gave me incentive; I was pretty ugly sick when I bought in. I’m still not well, but. Y’all keep me inspired. I have experimented with and built greenhouses, working for the ultimate (I can afford to heat it, get a 12 month growing season, and big enough to serve my needs) THEN work on knocking some socks off with space to growNsell.
[I can say, I’ve determined a good working width green house without the Kubota in there is 12′, gives a 4′ center aisle and 4′ to the wall then, length is at least 16′ still being determined]
I’ve sent you info about my competition growing and Amber’s talked to me on emails a few times; in the quest for the ultimate big tomato 🙂
You’ve earned it, dude. Kick back, enjoy, it’s just a number. Thanks and keep doing what you’re doing. Some day I might make it all the way up there, and shake your hand. In the meantime, hope you have many more. I started gardening in 1966 so that makes me olderNdirt; hope you can join me in passing that golden anniversary some year. Keep growin!
I’m too old to start a business now and just lost my husband so don’t have much incentive anymore. I have gardened over 46 years and I still learn from Mike. I have thoroughly enjoyed his blog and emails. If one is not afraid of work and likes to dig in the dirt, Mikes system could make them a fortune. I don’t celebrate birthdays but I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all the knowledge that he gives so freely to everyone that is willing to listen and learn. He is a true gardener at heart. Thank you Mike for all your kindness and all the work that you do. Gardening comes from the heart and you sir have a big heart. Veleria Langbehn/Ocala, Florida
Happy B’Day Mike,
You have made a difference in many folks lives, sharing your knowledge & videos with anybody who would listen. In 2010 I studied your Grape Vine Propagation video and many a vine was adopted by others 15 months later. Then the similar 2014 version popped up and I have passed hundreds of cuttings on with links for both your videos with the explicid instructions & encouragement you provided!
Keep up the GOOD WORK!
Wishing Mike a Happy Birthday !!
Enjoying reading your emails and loves plant, your
teaching on how to get plants off to good start from rooting sticks,grape vines is
amazing. I love plants and your advice makes growing them more enjoyable.
Keep doing what you love and make money at.
Again wishing many more birthdays to come.
Mike,
Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge . I have learned a lot from you, I have not bought your program yet. I have an acquired brain injury and am trying to get to be able to go outside in the sun again without it affecting me. I used to love gardening and just being outside, hopefully one day I will be able to really do what you have taught me so far. I want to wish you a very Happy Birthday and a great year !!
Thank you again
Patty
i have learned alot from you , if theres is something i need to know i go to your sight. HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Happy birthday! I just want to thank you for all you do! You taught me how to make softwood cuttings. You have shown beautiful landscaping and unique varieties of shrubs, plants and trees. I always look forward to reading your emails.
I have followed you for many of those 15 years and have learned so much from you, the most important things are your perseverance and creativity. You never give up even when the economy went bad and you always seem to come up with yet another way to spark interest in plants and the plant business. It is an honor to know you and be apart of Backyard Gardening.
Many Happy Returns of the Day Mike…God Bless
I have read your FREE newsletters for years and have learned so much information on gardening. HAPPY BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY!! t
THANK YOU!
Mike,
First we would like to take this opportunity to tell you Happy Birthday. We hope your day is wonderful! We pray for the year ahead to be your best one yet! We would like to say thank you for keeping it real! By that, I truly mean being a down home honest all American man with a great work ethic. I admire your convictions of hard work pays off. You do not sugar coat the business like it is a lay on the couch, eat bons bons while watching the soaps & get rich quick kind of bull junk. You tell folks how to make a decent living the right way. If we had a man like you in the White house we would not be in the mess we are in.We would have a beautiful lawn folks could still pray on.
I am starting a business using your methods. I fully expect it will be successful.
Thank you very much !!!
Rose Eskridge & family
Wishing You a day as Special as You are…HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Hi, I just want to thank-you for sharing your knowledge, you are an inspiration!! Hope you have a very happy Birthday and Anniversary !!
Since I found your site, you’ve helped me save so many plants and make my roses look great!
Keep up the great work Mike.
As I say to my grand kids
HAPPY BIRFDAY!
I usually have a goofy face doing it. 😉
Happy Birthday! Happy Anniversary! Thank you for all the practical info you have shared! I am so blessed to have found your website! I think of you every time I prune a bush & now I hope to do something creative with my grapevine! May God bless you & keep you! May this be your best year ever!
I thoroughly enjoy your informative blog. I am too old to try the back yard growing system but I love the gardening information you give. May you have many more years of successful plant growing and teaching.
Happy birthday Mike !!!
I’m a beginner gardener, love flowers and playing with dirt and I have learned so much reading your emails and looking at your videos. Thank you for the help I found in your site and for all the time you spend helping others.
Have a wonderful day!
P.S. Love your donkeys.
I don’t remember how I found your site, but I have appreciated all the good advice you have put out there for those who have a lot to learn about gardening/ marketing plants.
I never tried any of the suggestions nor put any into use, because I am too old to garden, but I’ve put some of your ideas and suggestions out there for family and friends.
thanks
Hi Mike! Happy Birthday and Anniversary! I love reading your emails and find that you always come out with articles at just the right time when the info is needed most. Thanks for all you do I personally just love you and all you do! Hope you have a great birthday.
I stumbled across you trying to learn how to grow blueberries which I did very well at. You have supplied a wealth of useful info for me over the years and I get a kick out of your sense of humor, makes my day a little brighter
Happy birthday Mike
Thanks for all the great tips
Happy Birthday Mike – –
You are an expert at what you do as well as how you explain it. At 81 I’m about to retire and do something different such as a lot of “sticking”! You have inspired me and I plan on staying that way.
Have a great Inspired Birthday.
Thanks Mike! I’ll not be hauling my leaves to the curb this fall, thanks to your advice. As a new devotee, I’m looking forward to more instruction by you.
Happy Birthday. Keep up the good work – enjoy every message. Dan
Thanks Mike for all you have shared. Thanks also for creating a family that takes care of your interests. Happy birthday.
Happy Birthday, Mike. Just wanted to let you know how much I have learned from your emails. I have been a gardener for many years and am always looking for more education. Your site is the best down to earth advice, anywhere.
When I was young my mother baked pies and cookies, never cakes or candies. I have always loved fudge and every 4 -5 years I would go on a quest to make good fudge. It NEVER came out good. A distant family member gives me fudge every year, but now she’s gone. I have been a full year without fudge! I read Mike’s recipe for dirt farmer fudge and he had so many hints in it that I had never seen before so I gave it a try.
For the first thing, it made way too much fudge. I had a hard time finding containers for it all. But that wasn’t too much of a problem after all, cause the fudge disappeared long before I had time to worry about it.
My children, my grandchildren, and my neighbors all insist that it is the best fudge they have ever eaten!
I love you, Mike, and I love your fudge!
Linda Kleem
HAPPY ANNIVERSITY AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY. What a blessing. Yes, your blog is helpful, informative, challenging at times, and always with easy to understand directions. Thank you. Many ideas through the years have been successfully implemented in my yard. Keep the good new circulating!!
Happy Birthday……
In the beginning of meeting you online-I knew I could learn everything I needed to start my own business! I knew I could never work again and this business was definitely something I was able to do only because of you! Watching you, listening to you and seeing you succeed will eventually make me a better person!
I had started my own Concord grape vines and didn’t have a clue how to do Grape cuttings and timing couldn’t have been better! I Went to my email and wallllaaahhhh…on Jan 11, 2014 you shared “How To Root Grape Cuttings.” I even saved them to reference later as needed! This my friend was the straw the broke the camels back-When I knew I had to have your BackYard Growers system. After reviewing it and seeing just how easy it was and after everything you’ve taught me I went to work and started about 50 of them.
My composting techniques have improved all by watching you! I value every lesson you have taught me Mike! I absolutely Love your style of teaching…and how you say…keep it simple! Oh the Clam shell propagators was such awesome video. I Love how everyone involves themselves with questions and solutions in every lesson you teach us.
Lessons you have taught so many in such a short time are amazing! I’ve learned more by reading your emails and website then I ever thought I’d learn. You “Mike” are an Outstanding person with incredible patients and most sensible person that’s down to earth and Absolutely Love the humor in you as well and some day I hope my husband and I can meet you in person. It would be a great honor! You make me feel like there is nothing I can’t accomplish! Absolutely Love how you take something that seems complicated and explain it in simple terms so we all learn from you. And by the time your birthday comes and you see what you’ve really built here-all the money, time and lessons you’ve taught us all will be worth it! Cause now you’ve got the biggest family and fans most will never have.
Wow I was truly amazed how time flies, I looked up your 1st email to me and it was, ‘Mike McGroarty’s Gardening Newsletter July 23, 2010” just amazes me 4 years have come and gone and I’m finally joining the Backyard family.
Thank you Mike! Happy Birthday & Congratulations on 15 Years of Business!
Surely I hope you do something special and let us all know how you spent such as special day for such a special person! May God Bless you and keep digging and teaching for we are here because of you! We All Love you…Sincerely Laura Whitcomb, Vermont
Thanks for being there. gardening was birth into me,but I knew no one who shared that love.you inspire me thanks. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!! DIANE
Mike,
I look forward to each and every one of your notes and videos. It is great to see a man with your passion that is willing to share so much with others. Wishing you a great birthday from sunny central NY.
Happy Birthday! and congrats on 15 yrs in business. I bought BY growers book yrs ago, and read it cover to cover and am hoping to start propagating plants soon and starting my journey in self employment!
Mike you are a great guy, a genuine person, and have given so much of yourself and lots of free information. I can see you’re a caring person and a hard worker! Keep up the good work.
Wishing you continued success and good health.
Thanks for everything!
Kim
Thanks Mike for sparking my interst in the plant bussiness, I’ll be retiring in about 2 years and plan to jump on board then, meanwhile I will be trying to learn all I can and use it when I get started. . So happy birthdayand thanks again
Happy Birthday Mike ! Thanks for the emails .I’ve learned a lot from your teachings.
Happy Birthday Mike, You have inspired me so many times with your informational newsletters.
Hope you have a wonderful day.
Happy Birthday Mike !!!!
I love that you explain exactly how to do something ( pruning, planting, ) and show pictures of different plants and trees. I want to get a maple tree whose leaves turn a brilliant red in the fall.
I also like your videos, and most of all, I really love that you are an honestly sincere, down to earth guy. Stay the way your are.
Happy Birthday Mike .By the time you read this you will be 59
Thank YOU !!
Jim
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE AND HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AND THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO
Mike,
Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday! I wanted to let you know that your ability to transfer your knowledge of growing plants and selling plants has changed Kathy and my life forever. I appreciate the many ways you support us in this business. It was great meeting you in person in August and was something we were looking forward to for two years. You are a mentor to many and a blessing to all. God bless you in the coming years. They say that the greatest honor for a teacher is when the student succeeds. You are honored!
Mike,I have gotten your news letters for a few years and always enjoy them they are full of info!
Happy Birthday!!! And keep up the good work !!
Mike is a great example of working hard without complaining….just doing what it takes to get the job done….and sharing the knowledge with all of us. What a great gift!
your matter of fact presentation of valuable nursery and gardening information along with a can do attitude has been an inspiration to accenting my interest in running a small nursery and ushering in a greenhouse enterprise on our farm in central Missouri.
the farm is still a future project. our Experimental station is in the back yard of the home we own next door. raised beds, hydroponics, Kratky method veggies, cold frames and cuttings beginning in 2014. Hardwood cuttings from the shrubs and plants we enjoy here every day. fine examples of how the plants grow and look here!
thank you again for inspiring! I hope to visit with you further.
MTS
Happy Birthday Mike. I am 4 years behind you. Thanks for your passion. You have inspired me to start my lawn and landscaping business and I want to start a back yard nursery this year. I thought I was to old to be out working like a 20 yr old(in our time) but they can’t keep up with us now days.
Mike, the happiest birthday to you! Please know that it was through your help that I’ve become a better gardener who is enthusiastic about the art of digging the earth. I don’t remember what I was looking for when I found your blog, but I think it was the Lavender Twist Redbud info that sealed it. Your advice led me to my lovely little twisted tree, my total re-do of my side garden, and that action hoe – man, that has made my life easier.
All the best to you, my Ohio friend –
Thank you,
Carmie
I love your emails, your blogs, and your tips for growing things. I love reading about your story and how you achieved financial peace through just plain hard work. Happy Birthday and congrats on a life that is a blessing to many.
Evelyn Lee
Four years ago I retired from the Sheriff’s dept. and the Chillicothe Municipal Court. I had law enforcement running through
my veins from 30 years of service. Out of nowhere, a promo and video showed up on my computer screen from Mike. I thought
who is this guy. It didn’t take long for him to filter through all the law enforcement scramble and reach the real Joe Diehl. I have
always had a fifth sense about real or false people and very quickly I felt very secure and inviting to what this man had to say,
and absolutely wanting to hear more. Don’t take this wrong from a very dedicated Christian man but I believe that Mike has a
very magnetic personality, with all his knowledge and wisdom on plants, nurserys and his kindness to want to share it with
a common fellow like me. I better bring this to a close. Many months back, I signed up for your program, thinking I’ll
try it, but being retired with limited funds, I got scared out. What if this would not work for me and I spent money for nothing..
Allow me to tell you that a number of years ago a felon from prison slipped up and held a gun to my head. and I told myself.
this is certainly not working out in my favor, God gave me another chance at life. Here was Mike again showing up on my
computer wanting to help me. Now Mike shows up, almost
God like, giving me another opportunity to be a part of this great gardening family. When the gun was held to my head, I knew
I was going to succeed and go forward. I feel the same way now, that with Mike, his family, the members and God, that I will
succeed to the level that I desire. Happy birthday Mike. God’s been good to me, I pray he continues to bless you and your
family.
Mike, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I look forward to reading your email every day and have learned so much from your books. Keep up the good work. I’m a Master Gardener in Alabama and so much of your teaching has reinforced what I learned in class. I can’t wait to get outside and starting my gardening again! God Bless!
Mike, Happy Birthday! Dang, 58 is just a youngster. If I was that young I’d start a business. Being an octogenarian it is a little late for me.
I do appreciate all that I have learned from you and your enthusiasm for gardening and growing lovely plants. I don’t remember exactly when or where I came accross your website but what impressed me was your comment “its the most fun a guy can have with his Bibs on”.
Reading the emails you have sent me, I can’t think of anyone who has more enjoyment doing what you do than you. Keep Going!!
Yours truly, John Quackenbush
Hi Mike,
I’m impressed that your son and Amber have given us the opportunity to thank you for all your hard work these past 15 years and all the years of work that led you to being able to share what you learned with us. Amber is a bit off when she attempted to quote an old saying , “Those who can’t do, teach. Those who can’t teach, administrate.” That made me smile so, she is forgiven, of course. I especially liked the “composting” advice you linked us to recently, he was instructive and funny, the mark of a good teacher.
Thanks again for your help.
Haley
Oops! Pardon my misquotes. I have the tendency to speak like Yogi Berra. “You can observe a lot by watching.”
Happy Birthday Mike!!
HappyAnniversary also!!
I have enjoyed reading y our newsletters. They have inspired me. I love your enthusiasm and your wisdom. May the next fifteen years be even better for you.
Happy Birthday Mike I look forward to reading every one of your emails. Thank You for sharing your knowledge of gardening to so many, it sure is an inspiration to to all of us.
Hello Mike and Family,
For years I have read all of your writings. I am a graduate of the Penn State Agriculture/Landscape Contracting program and have my own VERY small business in southern NJ. Your words are inspiring to say the least, and I feel that is what the world lacks the most right now. Hope for future endeveurs is critical to problem solving and you have given that to so many people. I had been hoping to get your system for years and finally last year my mother got it for me. As I run this business I am SSSOOOO busy I have not started your system but I am studying whenever I can and I do feel it will be a very valuable part of my future. I will enact it at some point. I love the idea of designing gardens with the plants I grow-the ones I really like!! I could go on and on about you, but I want to say Thank You and whatever happens to my future in growing plants and my income, it will be DIRECTLY due to you. Again-Thank YOU! ooohhhh, and Happy Bithday!
I love gardening,and when I needed advice on planting a balled Christmas tree,I happened upon Mike’s site.
He gives the best and most reliable information on planting and growing,and I look forward to his emails and always read them.I bought his books and system,and while I don’t sell plants as yet,my personal garden is 100% better with Mike’s help!
And his fudge recipe is awesome-I made it with my kids and they ate all of it!
Happy birthday Mike,and keep on growin’!
And by the way HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary Mike!!! I just started gardening when I first found you 3 yrs. ago and I’m glad I did. You have taught me so much about gardening. My mother loves to bring her friends to my home and show them my garden. She is so proud of my gardening skills and I owe it all to you. Mike thanks for keeping things simple enough that even a young new gardner such as myself can understand your instructions and I love your videos. I learn best by seeing what your doing. Have an awesome year.
Mike you have been a great help getting me off my bu.. and going out to my yard and working on my dream, and for that I say Thank you
Happy Birthday!!!! I used to garden when I had a home/yard. I always learned useful ideas from your e-mails. I don’t garden right now, but I keep reading your e-mails, because they make me feel happy , put a smile on my face and make me laugh, I enjoy what you write. Thanks for all the fun over the years. I have duplicated many plants thanks to you and sure thought about selling what I had. Happy Birthday Mike and Thanks for the joy you share. Sue Tucker
Happy Birthday Mike.
I’ve learned so much from you. On several occasions I opened one of your emails or newsletters only to find the answer I’ve been looking for. Once I was doing some research on buying a greenhouse but something made me stop and open the latest email from you and there in black & white you were telling me ” you do not need a greenhouse!” Whew…that was close. Thanks Mike for being so generous with all your knowledge and sharing it in such a down to earth, easy to follow way. And thanks for talking me out of that greenhouse, lol. Happy Birthday & many, many more………:)
Hi Mike,
Getting back into the swing of things just in time to say, Happy 58th Birthday and Congratulations on your 15th Anniversary.
You have given so much to so many of us, I absolutely love all of your advise, stories, emails (read each one), suggestions, how to guides, the why & why not and much more and all of the folks that I’ve meet and spoken with over the phone. A great bunch of people you’ve connected, very helpful and full of stories, love it!
Much continued success and blessings to you Mike, you truly deserve it. Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary to you and your family!
Kimberly
Mike thank you forgiving me motivation to work in my garden. I will be spending less time in front of the tv and more saving my yard! A very happy birthday to you. All the very best. Congrats on having such a supportive family.
Happy Birthday Mike!!
Here’s wishing a great guy a great birthday!!!
I thoroughly enjoy your news letters and videos and look forward to seeing them in my “in” box 🙂
God Bless you all
=^..^=
Happy Birthday Mike,
Thanks for all of the great info you definitely know your way around the landscape 🙂
Mark
Mike, you have taught me so much I do not know where to begin! I am so happy the good Lord led you to my emails and I wish you the very best birthday and year you’ve ever had! BTW, my youngest now shares my love for all things growing and I am so excited to see where God will lead him. He is very interested in buying his own land and living off the land using “permaculture” along with landscaping techniques. I hope at some time you will teach more about this. He is strong (like bull) and smart (like fox) and has a great future ahead of him, too. Again, happy birthday!
Dear Mike,
Happy Birthday and Anniversary!!!!
Although, I have not quite taken the leap to venture fully in the selling of plants, I must admit that your site and videos have been very helpful to grow a passion for growing and nurturing things in my gardens. Along with this are all of the analogies that go with gardening and how these things apply to life in general. I must admit that gardening has been a hobby that has helped me pull through some tough times the last set of years and your constant emails and updates have been a big push to stay positive and believe that you can make it if you set your mind and spirit to do so.
I wish you God’s blessings and thank you for your generous words of wisdom, especially when you share your personal insights and humor.
Ana Schafer
Mike, you’re an inspiration to get out there and just do the projects and landscape work we see you actually doing in your videos. It’s one thing to tell someone how to do it, but you show us as well, and you make it look so easy and fun! Happy birthday from someone who never wrote you before, but I need to let you know how much we appreciate all you do!
Happy birthday to Mike and thanks to Dutson.
Mike is hardworking and his gardening tips and knowldge has inspired me to engage in some creative and rewarding job after my retirement.Thanks for asking our views and comments.
Mahfuz
Happy Birthday Mike! 58 years young and going strong! I appreciate all the advice you have given me in the last few months. I am pretty new at this, but have successfully propagated over 100 plants and turned my spare room into a makeshift greenhouse. My husband even bought me a grow light for my birthday. He has finally come to terms with my plant cutting hobby. I am an elementary school teacher and have shared my love of plants and propagating with my students, I appreciate all your knowledge and I will continue to look to you and your site for advice. It is so nice to know that there are people out there that share in the same obsession as I do. Hope you have a very happy birthday. Take care. 🙂
Happy Birthday Mike.
The best thing you have taught me is to have fun. It’s no longer work caring for my yards and gardens. Up here in the cold north, Montreal that it, the summer is too short to spend it ‘working’ in the yard. Every season I plan a little, work a little, play a lot. I try to help nature along, rather than control her. And season by season my garden grows. Thank you and have a great birthday!
Message for Mike:
Happy Birthday Mike! We wish you many many Happy Returns of this Day! Thank you for being a part of our life!
How I met Mike!
Mike came in to my life in early 2008! At a time when we desperately needed help! We had just lost everything and was wondering where life was going to take us!
It was Mike’s encouragement and the support that helped us survive this economy and helped this novice to build up a successful nursery from scratch!
I admire Mike for his passion and the hard work he puts in constantly to help hundreds and thousands of people every year !
We haven’t met yet-but I consider Mike a part of our family,
Thank you Mike, for giving a direction to my life!
Happy birthday, Mike!!!! I hope someday to take advantage of your e-mail offers I get. Keep up the good work. I enjoy learning from you.
Mike, thanks for all you do for so many. You inspired me with your start-up story. I’ve got my little fledgling nursery. I’m waiting to see what affect this frigid weather has on my little plants, as I don’t have a green/hot house. I’ve always had a little green in me (major in Environmental Studies and minor in biology, emphasis in botany). Being disabled it has taken me more time than the normal person to do things. Even if I never take it to the business level, I’ll improve my yard and share my knowledge and plants with others. Thanks!!!! Happy birthday and Happy Anniversary!! Dustin and Amber, I think (and I know your dad will think) this is the greatest you could have given your dad. Dustin, you are pretty great son!.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY MIKE!
Thanks for being such a genuine, down to earth guy. That is what sold me on your business. You don’t try to sugar coat anything and like Amber said, you explain why you do things which makes it so much easier to understand. I was so bless by meeting you this last fall and could see that you are very devoted to your followers. I look forward to every email and newletter you send. Thanks, Mike for all you do. I only hope I can be a tenth as good as you in my own plant business.
Sincerely,
Melanie Rowlinson
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
THANKS RON R.
Mike,
It’s hard to put into words just what you have meant to me and so many others. You have created such a family of like minded, caring people through your generosity in sharing your knowledge, experiences, ideas, in a down to earth, non intimidating way. You inspire everyone who listens and give hope to those who need hope. Your true passion is teaching others how to succeed and enjoy making money. I am nearly sixty-nine and hope this will be the year I can retire from home building and enjoy my passion growing plants and other gardening interest.
Happy Birthday and keep looking ahead!
Growing in His grace,
John Dill
Reply
Happy Birthday Mike:
I am very glad I stumbled onto your website 5 years ago. Although I am not in a place in my life where I can start a backyard business. I am very grateful for all the valuable information and teaching videos you have so generously given to me for free. You have shared more fun and entertainment with me than Netflix, and I enjoy my garden so much more with all the information and great advice I hear on Free Plants.com. Mike I just know you and your family are awesome.
Thanks and Happy Anniversary Too
Paula W.
Pocatello, Idaho
Happy birthday Mike. I am forever astonished at how generous you are with your knowledge
and information. Like the video on composting. I learned a lot from it! 76 years old and learning
things every day from your postings. I thank you kind Sir. You feel like one of my circle of friends
who I have had for years. May 2014 be very good to you and your family.
Mike: Have the most wonderful birthday ever. You have given me confidence in my abilitiy to grow beautiful things. I read your emails faithfully each day and each day I learn something new. My yard now contains an abundance of beautiful plants, grape vines and ornamental trees. The world needs a lot more Mikes!
Hope you have a great
Birthday and many many more
after reading MIKES article about growing plants from cuttings I started to grow plants from cuttings and selling on EBAY and made part time income plus the goodness you get about growing plants.
Thanks Mike for your help
Thanks for helping a senior citizen
Thanks for turning me into a small FARMER.
Happy Birthday to you Mike!
I Love having all the email from Mike. It’s like you said “he is knowledgeable “,
I don’t have a plant nursery like Mike does, but I piddle around a little with the plants and try with seeds. i did better with the seeds than the starting of plants.
I Love reading all the things he has to say, and enjoy the donkeys.
Have a wonderful day Mike, as we say in Hawaii, Hauoli la Hanau (Happy Birthday) & Hauoli P’iha makahiki, la ho’omana’o, (Happy Anniversary).
Signing out with a big ALOHA .
Mike,
It’s hard to put into words just what you have meant to me and so many others. You have created such a family of like minded, caring people through your generosity in sharing your knowledge, experiences, ideas, in a down to earth, non intimidating way. You inspire everyone who listens and give hope to those who need hope. Your true passion is teaching others how to succeed and enjoy making money. I am nearly sixty-nine and hope this will be the year I can retire from home building and enjoy my passion growing plants and other gardening interest.
Happy Birthday and keep looking ahead!
Growing in His grace,
John Dill
I have learned many things from your newsletter. I have read most of them all the way through. I appreciate all the time you put into helping other people make happy gardens. Thank you and your family! Happy birthday!
Happy Anniversary AND Happy Birthday, Mike. I have been a fan for a very long time.
I really enjoy the videos on YouTube, they are NOT scripted and you tell us in your own words the ins and outs of gardening, cuttings, planting and pruning.
Thanks, Mike.
I hope you will take the time to read all the well wishes and congratulations coming your way. : )
I first learned of Mike when I did a Google search last year for how to burlap a tree’s rootball. It took me to a Youtube of Mike’s showing exactly what I was wondering about. Since buying his kit, I’ve tried rooting some things, which has opened a whole new door of gardening to me. I was amazed when I posted a question on his blog and found that he had answered it within the hour of my posting it. Thanks, Mike, for offering some inspiration into enjoying gardening in new ways. Congratulations on your 58th birthday. What a great son you have!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!! MAY GOD GIVE YOU MANY MORE..I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELPFUL INFORMATION ON THIS SITE . THERE ARE MANY THINGS YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME , I WOULD HAVE NEV ER EVEN THOUGHT IT WAS POSSIBLE, LIKE PUTTING A STICK IN THE DIRT AND GROWING IT INTO A PLANT…YOUR WONDERFUL AND HANDY TO HAVE AROUND…. LOL!! THANKS FOR ALL YOUR ADVICE AND YOUR MANY HOURS PUTTING THIS WEBSITE TOGETHER.. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY..
Thank you Mike for the time you have invested in us- total strangers to you and yet you have poured yourself out. I know you spend long hours and shared with us information that you could have just as easily kept to yourself. I love working with the plants and have learned a great deal from you. Happy, happy Birthday!
Mike you’ve inspired me in so many ways. I’ve always wanted to buy your kit and I’m going to do it now. I love your posts on composting and I have a worm bin. It always amazes me how those little critters can take garbage and make something wonderful from it. I live in the cold north west but so much of what you say helps me. Thanks so much! I read somewhere that a business is a great business when it truly wants to serve others. I think that’s why yours is so successful. Thanks again. Coleen
You have given me such excitement in starting my plants. I read every post you make. If I put more effort into getting really serious, I would be great! “Thank you, Thank you Mike!”
I have not been with you all that long but I cherish each and every email you send as I’m moving to a new place with gardens that need attention and you always seem to have a message that pertains to something around the place. Thank you and have a very Happy Birthday and Anniversary.
Happy Birthday Mike!
Thanks for all the help you have given us .I just received an email from the Brigham City Temple where I noticed they sent one of your articles in it! I thought “What’s he doing here”? Seems you’re everywhere aren’t you? But I was happy to know this Horticulturist knew about you.
Do you know the best tip you taught me was to use my little Mantis to shred up our compost pile. That worked so well, what was I doing trying to use a fork to turn that stuff?!!It was slicker than a whistle! Have a good Birthday with many many more to follow.
God Bless You Jill, I’ll be praying for you also. C.H.
Hi Mike!
Happy birthday and Happy Anniversary. Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge in a fun, common sense and powerful way. I get inspired by your passion for growing things and have learned so much from you!
You are a great guy and apparently you have raised a terrific son who thinks the world of you by giving you this surprise. Keep it coming, we love ya’.
Hey Mike! I hope this new year is better than you can ever imagine! I’ll always remember you waving to a neighbor on your video. I think it was the first one I watched. Love your way. Keep keeping it real.
God bless,
Gina P
I’m a little bit older than Mike and have been gardening a little bit longer but I always learn something new from Mike’s newsletter.
All best wishes, Pru
I have been priviledged to receive Mike’s mesages for many years now. It is always an inspiraation to read his e mails or view his videos. I am a graduate agronomist but I have lerned alot about horticulture from Mike. Thank you Mike
HAPPY BIRTH DAY
I feel blessed to be a part of your teachings. I have not started growing plants to sell but I had no landscaping around my house when I started reading your emails and watching your videos. I can’t afford to buy your books or pay for landscaping so I have taken what I have learned from you and snipped off small bits of plants from my mothers yard, my sisters yard, my friends yard, plants on the side of the road….. You get the idea! I also compost now, A LOT!!!! I have learned so much from you and my yard looks a little better every year. THANK YOU!!!! And Happy Birthday!!! Keep sending those emails.
Happy 58th Birthday Mike and also Happy 15th Anniversary! We all enjoy the down-home, Midwestern sensibility and humor you bring to your blog and emails. You have educated so many of us with the most logical, simplest ways to achieve our gardening goals as well as helping some of us put a few extra bucks in our pockets! The passion you have for helping others thru gardening is evident with every email and blog entry. Here is wishing you many more years of happy gardening and blogging! Thanks so very much.
Happy Birthday Mike!
Happy Birthday to someone who makes a difference in other people’s lives. Enjoy reading your emails in Ft Worth, TX.
Barbara
Mike,
You are so blessed. Treasure it, be grateful.
Lisa
Mike, Like I did, everyone who has adopted your ideas should make a simple sign and hang it over their work table. It should read:
IF IT’S TO BE, IT’S UP TO ME.
This message was woven into every presentation from you that I listened to.
Thank you and my best to you, Terry
Thanks to you my joy of gardening has returned. This brings a little story about gardening woes. I started a small garden 3 years ago. Things went pretty good, so I expanded it the next year. This was the year of the dreaded chickens. They hopped the fence and rooted through that garden til hardly a seed, bulb or root was left. The cats thought my berry plants were great sleeping dens, and the sheep got the rest. So last year I put electric wire around the top of the fence thinking I had ’em fooled. Should have known better. One chicken found the one hole in my fortress and was happily teaching her chicks how to beat the human. So of course the rest followed along. And then Mother Nature decided we needed a summer of rain, so things didn’t go well. Still, we did get to enjoy some nice fresh veggies and I’ll be back again this spring for another go of Farmer vs The Farm Beasties. Wish me luck. Anyway, Happy Birthday. Hope it’s a good one, and will be waiting for your newsletters again this year.
You are an inspiration to all of us who appreciate the stress relief that gardening can bring and I especially thank you for the solutions to so many of the problems I have experienced as an inexperienced gardener. I work full time, have a very stressful job, and unwind when I play in my garden. Between running a 300-acre horse breeding ranch and writing technical papers, I don’t have much time, and your hints have helped me accomplish as much as possible in a short period of time. Thank you.
with regards, Nancy Woods
Happy Birthday!!!! Thanks for all the years of shared knowledge!
Almost forgot! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO YOU AND YOURS!
Love Mike’s emails. When I decide to do something in the garden or propagate roses, or plant a horrendous Rhodie, I get into the Garden folder, where Mike’s messages have a home. I love his sense of humor.
Thank you for all you do.
Betty
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike!! Greetings from Southside Virginia. I wish you a great day, You deserve a great day, I hope it is full of everything you’d like. I would like to thank you for your time and direction via your videos. I feel as if I know you as a neighbor! I’ve learned alot and have started many olive and pomegrate trees with your help. You take the mystery out of propogation. You give financial help to others Keep up the good work. I’m a member of your fan club!!
Blessings to you and your family.
Happy Birthday!!
Debra
Happy Birthday, Mike! And I pray you have many, many more.
Thank you for introducing me to the exciting world of plants and rooting cuttings. Love it! And, thank you for all the videos. You just can’t imagine how much I’ve been able to soak in from them. Plants have changed my life for the good, because I am a diabetic and I have high blood pressure, and since I got into learning how to root cuttings and watching those little cuttings grow into wonderful clones of the parent plants, My sugar has improved, and my blood pressure has lowered. Thanks, Mike, and don’t ever retire, at least for another fifteen! . God bless and keep you! Sharon
Mike, I’m still working as an elementary teacher, but planning to retire in a few years, and now all I want to think about is plants and growing things! I grew up on a rural farm in Missouri, but I decided on teaching as the focus for most of my life…no regrets…love those kids! Helping ‘grow’ those kids has been a true blessing. I have decided when I retire I want to grow beautiful plants and share the knowledge of how to do that with anyone that wants to learn. Happy Birthday, Mike! Thanks for all you do!
Mike made me take a long hard look at my retirement, turned it into opportunity and I have never looked back. Well, maybe I do look back some days and wonder why I ever decided to start a business when I was retired, but not very often. My plants have always been something necessary in my life, now they are even more. I live, breath and even dream plants, cuttings, trimming, cultivating, potting, mulching, and even more mulching; then there is composting and more planting! I even took a class and became an Atlantic County Master Gardener through the Rutgers University program. Mike, have a wonderful Happy Birthday and keep on planting, etc. Best wishes to all.
I’m going to retire in a couple of years and knew that I wanted to garden in retirement. I really don’t know much about it and wanted to learn .. I’ve learned a lot from reading your posts on line. I’m not quite sure how I found you, but I’m glad that I did. Thanks and Happy Birthday.
I have enjoyed reading your emails. I have learned a lot. Thanks for all the info you have given all of us…and Happy Birthday!
For Christmas, I asked for Mike’s book one year and my husband ordered it. It has been so helpful. Mike’s emails, blogs etc are very informative and I love his downhome style! I even think it would be fun to come to Ohio to meet him and the family.
I am passionate about gardening. I live in urban Ft. Worth on a small lot but do have a flower garden. I really enjoy Mike’s comments and share them with friends. I also grow and make little starts to give away as gifts.
I would do it for sales if my lot wasn’t so small and have an extremely nosey and controlling neighbor! haha
Here is a quote I thought was worthy to pass on.
‘Old gardeners never die, they just spade away.’
Hi Mike,I want to wish you a very happy birthday.I want you to know how much I appreciate your wonderful newsletter and all the effort you put into nature.I have reaped a lot of great information from your great works.Thank you and hope you have a wonder full day and many more birthdays to follow.
Cheers Eva
Happy Birthday Mike!
At age 75, thanks to your urging, I have joined your system. It started a new direction for me. Education does not come cheap now days, however I now wish I had started years ago. The private forum has tons of information on it. It has started me down the road of a Master Gardner, there is so much to learn about Horticulture and thanks to all your experienced members I have access to them and their knowledge that they are so willing to share. My new Microscope also helps me to identify those microscopic bugs in Miracle Gro!
Thank you Mike for your down to earth education, “Where the dirt Meets the Levi’s”.
Thank’s Mike for all You do for all of us out here with all the great info.
A BIG BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU AND
MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH MANY MORE BIRTHDAY”S.
Happy Birthday Mike.
Enjoy all you share… Here’s to many more Happy Days ahead!
Happy Birthday Mike ! Thank you for all the information for backyard nurserie and better life skills . I allways look foward to see your videos .I do love the donkys too .Your Brother in durt Dana Johnson.
Happy Birthday, Mike!! I have enjoyed gardening for years, but always read you emails to see if there are any helpful new tips. There is so much out there to learn. Wishing you many more happy years.
Mike I woukd like you to know that I am really glad I found your backyard gardening knowhow. You’re just chalk full of wonderful things. You’re simply amazing!!
“HAPPY 58th BIRTHDAY MIKE!!!”
And may many more come knockin on your door!
Mike, I receive so many unwanted emails every day, but the ones from YOU I JUST LOVE to open and read. I have had an avid interest in gardening since I was a child. At this point, I live on a property that used to be a pig farm and is mostly clay soil at the opposite end of Ohio from you. I don’t garden as much as I would like , but hope that will change when I can retire. Meanwhile, I have quite a file of info from you, and some ideas I’ve already employed. I just love your videos. I love how you share what interests you. Please keep it coming. It is SO APPRECIATED. Wishing you a superbly HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Mike I woukd like you to know that I am really glad I found your backyard gardening knowhow. You’re just chalk full of wonderful things. You’re amazing!!
“HAPPY 58th BIRTHDAY MIKE!!!”
And may many more come knockin on your door!
Happy Birthday Mike
And may you have lots more
I almost feel like I know You Mike all the news letters ad everything I read about and Yes You have made a difference in my Life (income) I can do anything now.. You even helped me when I lost My Husband in our house fire in 2008 in Souhern Illinois
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE
BUT SORRY YOU WILL NEVER CATCH UP EITH ME I AM 71 BUT FEEL LIKE I AM ONLY 58 MOST OF THE TIME..that what playing in the dirt does to you
HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY AND MANY MORE Years of planting TO COME YOUR THE GREASTEST
Beverly Youngblood
Live Oak FL
Mike, Happy Birthday. I have enjoyed your articles over the past five years and thanks to you I am able to venture into my back yard once again. I am very allergic to poison ivy and had stopped gardening in my back yard because of a fear of coming in contact with this nasty plant. Thanks to your articles on poison ivy I now can recognize it during the four seasons and have been able to fight it and stay out of its way. Thanks and Happy Anniversary too.
I have a beautiful red rose bush that I wrongly planted in a not-so -sunny location, Now it is slowing down and is not producing as many roses as before. I followed Mike’s instructions on the best way to root rose cuttings. Now I have three seedlings(already rooted) that I will plant in a better location and enjoy again my beautiful red rose. Thank you Mike for that and thank you for making gardening look so basic and simple- you have my utmost respect.
Have a great Birthday between your plants, donkeys and loved ones!
Hi mike happy birthday/anniversary thank you for inspiring me to take my gardening skills to the next level. I have been disabled for the last 6 years
and can’t afford your system yet. But I read everything that you put online and do/will utilize the information to promote my garden business here in va.. again thank you and have a great celebration of you. Blessed be.
Hi mike happy birthday/anniversary thank you for inspiring me to take my gardening skills to the next level. I have been disabled for the last 6 years
and can’t afford your system yet. But I read everything that you put online and do/will utilize the information to promote my garden business here in va.. again thank you and have a great celebration of you. Blessed be.
Thank you for the wonderful information on growing and starting plants. It speaks to my heart. I have always been interested in plants and gardening. I haven’t really gotten going on my nursery yet but I have the materials. Partly because of my interest in your site, and the good information it contains, my 19 year old son is interested in having a nursery and I believe we are going to go into business together.
I have no doubt that we will do well following your example.
Have a happy birthday! God bless you through the coming year.
Happy birthday Mike! I love getting your emails, and appreciate all the knowledge and passion you share through your blog.
Mike Happy Birthday!! I have been reading your emails for many years now, I would say about 8, I have learned so much from you it is amazing. I love my yard and you have inspired me to try different things that I didn’t would go here or there but they do!! I don’t have your backyard growing system but I have made cuttings and rooted them to give to others as gifts and that makes me very happy, so thank you for all you do
HAPPY BIRTHDAY and may you have many more years of beautiful plants to share with the world 🙂
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! AND HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
I enjoy your advice and knowledge! My parents and grandparents are deceased, and you’re the next best thing for getting my answers. Thanks so much! Again, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!
Alex F.
Happy Birthday, Mike. I just recently joined your site, I’m looking forward to getting my own nursery up and running, and look forward to your years of wisdom and advice. May you have many many more!!!
Peace, Sherri
Mike,
You’re a crazy old coot, and your e-mails always make me happy! Thanks for having the best sense of humor, and for your infinite love of nature and plants.
Thank you for teaching me so much!!! Happy birthday old man!!!!
Best,
Daphne
Mike,
You are a wealth of knowledge and a power of example!
Wishing you the best on the 58th Anniversary of your birth.
Thank you for who you are.
Blessings,
Gail
Mike,
Happy Birthday and thank you for taking all of the mystery out of plain old gardening. Your basic and down to earth teachings are greatly appreciated. I save almost if not all of your videos to a file so I can access them when time permits.
Thank you so much for downloading so much knowledge.
Bob
Hey Mike
Happy birthday and have many more. I an retired and have raised Blue Berries for years. I was have trouble rooting bushes and was needing some help. I don’t plan on ever selling a plant but will give some away via. family since I have started using some of your systems…Thanks again Mike
Happy Birthday Mike! I thought I was the best gardner in the world until I started tinkering with trees and bushes. Mike I never though I would retire and start growing trees. I love it and now I know I am not the best gardner but number two. Mike you are number one!!!
Happy Birthday Mike! I really have enjoyed all you talk about and love your videos! Thank’s for making it as simple as possible! I hope the very best for you in Health Wealth and Happiness for as long as you set foot on this green earth, and then we shall meet in heaven for sure! Thanks for todays video about composting. I have been sucking up leaves all day. LOL
What a breath of fresh air you are ! Bib overalls and all. May God continue to bless you ! Happy Birthday Mike !!!
Happy Birthday! And congratulations on 15 years in your business!! I have to say that I love your emails – every one of them – even if I am not able to use some of the information – I love to read and learn from you and your wisdom. The thing that I love the best is the impression that I get from what your son and assistant has written about you. You seem to be the kind of person that everyone would love to have as a friend. God has blessed you and I pray that He continues to bless you and your family. Happy Birthday Lori
I so much enjoy the postings and all that I learn . Every year I become a better gardener and more in love with the blessings my plants get from Mikes wisdom h and down to earth presentation.
Happy Birthday Mike, and many more to come!
Mike, I got married and we moved into our 1st home 5 years ago. I knew I wanted to have a large vegetable garden, as my mom and dad had one when I was growing up and I always enjoyed picking beans, etc. Now that I’m an adult, I’ve had to learn how to garden and landscape. I came across your site one day and started reading and learning. I learned that plants need good soil – soil is the first thing you need to tend to. So I took your teachings to heart and now have numerous plants in my yard, thriving. I put in a perennial garden all by myself (took out part of our front yard grass). Amended the soil, and it’s beautiful. My vegetable garden is wonderful every year. Thanks to you for teaching folks the basics and sharing your videos and adding a personal touch to everything. Oh yeah, I love your donkeys!!! Happy Birthday!!
Jill in Wisconsin
Happy Birthday Mike, and Happy Anneversary. Thanks for all your all your blogs, I never fail to open your mails and enjoy every one.
Mike,
I look forward to reading your emails everyday. It,s quite obvious that you really
care about what you do and heart is in 100%. I,ve learned a tremendous amount about
the nursery bussiness from you. Thanks so much and have a happy birthday.
Happy Birthday, sharing knowledge is why we are here to help others. You are the best. I have learned a lot from you, I help others Have a day of good. Woody
thanks for being the true person you are………..no fluff just honest-everyday helpful hints, tips and valuable lessons on ;how to plant, prune, do cuttings to root…………………….thanks for being a super-star without all the showy entertainment…………..always looking forward to your videos as they make a lasting impression………….stay happy and healthy…………..you have a wonderful loving family…………….you are one lucky man but you deserve all you have………………………………
Happy Birthday, Mike. I always enoy reading your material. Stay healthy and have many more great birthdays.
Happy birthday, Mike! Thanks for showing us how to replant the world, and replenish the beauty! You’re a great teacher!
Mike, your emails are always so informative plus you have a sense of humor. Hope you have a great birthday!
HAPPY, HAPPY Birthday, Mike!!! I wish you health, wealth & happiness always! I love reading/watching you, it’s all terrific stuff–so much knowledge–keep on bringing it!!! When my situation changes I will be doing more & more of what you’re teaching (sometimes the timing’s off). I look forward to your emails, you’re a down-to-earth person who’s a great teacher! THANK YOU!!!
Happy 58th wonderful birthday, Mike! You have been so incredibly helpful to me. I just happened upon your website one day several years ago when I was looking up how to prune something. I was so impressed with your method of teaching. People don’t need a lot of gobbledy-gook. They just need simple, clear instructions. I also appreciate your “I’m just a dumb dirt farmer” sort of disclaimer. Yeah, dumb like a fox! It’s endearing and humble, but also a very effective marketing tool in itself. We like people who don’t make us feel ignorant.
That said, I appreciate the wealth of hard earned knowledge that you share with us so freely. Your videos are invaluable, and I love to see the “folksy” touches like your family, dog, the donkeys, etc. I especially loved the video with Amber and the others playing hooky while you were gone. It was great. I can tell how much they love working for you.
I bought your gardening system and it is great. There is so much information packed in there. I’ll be 60 next month and I have been gardening “by the seat of my pants” for most of my life, but I read a lot. I knew most of the propagation stuff by experience, but your marketing information has been very helpful to me. I garden for a living so that I can have the flexibility I need to care for my son who has special needs. I have been starting to build my “retirement account” of plants as you suggested. I would love to have more space, but I also found the idea of a virtual nursery intriguing. I’m sure that would be great for some people. However, I’m a dirt addict. I get antsy if I can’t get my hands in the dirt. I even keep a couple of buckets in the garage so they don’t freeze during the winter so I can mess around with my plants when it’s too cold outside! I live in Fort Wayne, Indiana, so we have about the same weather as you do, but don’t think I wasn’t outside between snow storms checking out all the little greenery that’s peeking out.
Back to your systems – I don’t usually buy things online, and I’m very frugal, but I finally justified buying your system by saying that I would just sell a few more plants to make up the price. WOW! It was worth every penny (and really many more). I’m not offended by the upsell. It may not be what everyone needs, but for those who do, it is a treasure trove. At this point there isn’t enough of me to go around, but I will use more of your methods as I get older. I just love to garden for others too much right now to rest on my laurels yet. You are 100% right about how much time and money it would take to learn/purchase what you have assembled for us right in one spot. You do wonderful work, and I’m happy that Duston is such a great help to you. He sounds like a wonderful son.
Just in closing, I have to say that when I first found your website, I was always telling my brother, “Mike McGroarty says this, and Mike says that…” He started asking me what my “boyfriend” Mike said lately!! Too funny. You ARE a likeable guy, and Pam is lucky to have such a dedicated person as her husband. God bless your whole family, and keep up the good work. We all depend on you! Happy Birthday again, and congratulations on growing those pop bottles into such a great business. You keep me inspired!
give and it shall be given back …… more than even your lap can hold happy birthday mike
Thank you so much for all the information you have given us over all these years and so hard to believe that it is free. Not many people would be that kind and considerate. I have kept a book (folder) of all the articles that are pertinent to me and resort to them when needed. I want to wish you a “Happy Birthday” and many, many more. and remind you of what an inspiration you are for all of us “common folks” and gardeners. Thank you so very much again.
Happy Birthday Mike, As a retiree here in Florida I’m trying to grow some of my own food
and your articles have inspired me to keep trying because gardening in Florida is a
completely new game. I especially have enjoyed your videos on propagation. You certainly
have my admiration & respect. Gardening is good for the soul and healthy food is wonderful
for our bodies. May you have many more happy birthdays. Gary
A true example of how perserverance pays off and how important it is to find a job you love, then it’s not a job anymore. I’m from Canada and would love to spend some time with Mike in his gardens or attending a workshop sometime. We need more “Mike” in this world. Haooy Birthday.
Happy, happy birthday.
I read each of your emails, watch the video and have learned so much about gardening. Thank you very much.
Dear Mr. McGroarty,
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise with all of us. I have learned so much, from how to propogage grapes to what wheelbarrow is the best kind to buy. If I didn’t already have a home business going, I would be a farmer and buy your system!
Happy Birthday Mike! Even though I have just recently read small plants big profits, I have been following you online for a couple years. You have turned my love for plants and gardening into a true passion. Seeing the success of such a genuine, humble guy, is very inspiring. Thank you!
Happy Birthday, Mike!
Your advice is easy to understand and very helpful. As the horticultural chairperson of the Lincoln Garden Club, I have often passed along your gardening tips to the members.
Thank you and keep on teaching us.
Connie
Thank you for the balance! Happy B day! You have been there for over a decade with your insights. Your knowledge has helped me improve my landscaping skills and life skills. By the way I am older. Keep up the good Mike and god bless!
Happy Birthday Mike! Our fondest memories are the Shindig of 2012 and all the educational tours and seminars you put together for us. Thanks for sharing your knowedge and helping to make it fun!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!
You have been so kind and informative , selflessly sharing your success and tips. We are proud to have you here in OH! Blesings for a great Birthday with your family……and the donkeys!
Mike,
Happy Birthday to you. Wishing the best for you and hope you continue what you do for many years to come.
I want to tell you how much I appreciate what you do. I am starting a nursery/landscaping business like you did. I went a couple years on what I knew but hit a wall. I started watching you on YouTube a few months ago and could relate to what you were saying. I watched more and more and now I have joined your network of growers.
I am usually to poor to pay attention but you have re-inspired me to do what I know I can do.
Our stories are somewhat similar in being involved with plants and finding other things to pay bills for a good part of our lives.
I am over 50 and last September made a decision to get more into plants. It was great until winter hit and I hit a wall. Then I found you and feel like there is support , that I am doing what I should and I will make it.
Thanks so much Mike and please keep inspiring and teaching,
Scott
Happy Birthday Mike, and I wish you many,many more. When I found you during my web browsing I have to say I became an instant fan of yours and still look foward to your e-mails. I love gardening and you have been so helpful to me words can not say enough about you. I live in the North Ga. mountains and it is not easy growing things here with this Ga red clay. Your exspert advice and tips have made me so much better that I have won 2 garden of the month awards from our county garden club and that is not an easy task with these people. I guess what I am saying Mike Is that I thank God and you for making me a town stand out and will continue to listen and learn what Mike McGroarty has to say. Believe me when I say that , I am an old southern man and we mean what we speak. Thank you ever so much Mike, and may God Bless you and your Family and always remember at the end of each day “WE ARE ONE DAY CLOSER TO JESUS”
I get your emails and enjoy everyone of them. Was alittle surprises with the first one because you are so down to earth and easy to like. Not to mentioned the overalls. Love what you do and all the knowledge you share with us. HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!
MIke, I always enjoy reading what you have to say to garden and plant enthusiasts. You are always my ‘go-to’ source for new plant ideas, composting and what are the best methods for just basic perennial plant care. You are such a wonderful source of information. Your videos are also helpful. I look forward to many more years of growing in my knowledge regarding plants and gardening. I have been gardening for over 30 years and now get my own children to be excited about growing their own produce. Keep it ‘come-in’!!! Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday and Happy 15th Anniversary, Mike! Thanks for all your down-to-earth advice. I think of you every time I make my wheelbarrow “pop a wheelie” and sit in it to rest like I saw you do on your site. Wish you many more years!
You have given me such great advice about hard wood and soft wood cuttings. It is so much easier now that I know a few basic ideas. Thank you so much!
Hope you have a wonderful birthday with family and friends. Even the friends that you haven’t met, like me…so I’ll celebrate your birthday with you from far away!
Sincerely,
Brenda Theriault-Brinton
Hi Mike,
My husband and I love your emails. Since he’s been retired, he enjoys and follows some of your advice. He loves working outside in the summer just like you.
Happy Birthday and thank you.
Happy birthday Mike,
Thanks for a great website that is both informative and entertaining.
Hope you have a lot more birthdays and great success ahead.
Pat
Happy Birthday Mike!
Thank you for your wonderful fudge recipe and for all your wonderful advice in my garden!
Best,
Toni
P.S. my hands are so cold – I can hardly type
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!!!!
Thanks for all your help with my favorite hobby……PLANTS N GARDENING
Barbara
Mike ~ I’ve been getting your newsletters for about 12 years, and really look forward to them. Thank you so much for all the info you’ve shared! You’ve taught me so much about gardening, and that makes my hobby so much more enjoyable. I hope you have your best birthday ever!
Happy Birthday Mike and congratulations. Mike has given me hope for a new start and extra income to help supplement my retirement income.. For too long I have been looking on the internet for ways to make money only to find that most websites for making money schemes are dead end opportunities. Accidently running across Mike’s Backyard growing system has given me a new direction and rekindled a life long interest in plants and propagation there of. Thank you Mike.
HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS MIKE!
LOVE READING YOUR NEWSLETTERS AND HAVE LEARNED , AMONG MANY THINGS, THAT THE MAGIC PRICE HAS TO END IN “97” !
TAKE CARE AND MAY YOU HAVE MANY MORE !!!!
Irene 😉 <3
Hi Mike, even though I lived on Lookout Mountain for 21 years, somehow I didn’t find your website till I moved to Montgomery. And I’m glad I did. You are a wonderful resource for plants, seeds, information and encouragement. Thank you and Happy Birthday!
Barbara Hoover
I started receiving your e-mails when I lived in a house and did some flower gardening. I have now moved to a condo, and don’t have room for many flowers. BUT I look forward to your messages just as much as ever. I don’t have occasion to use all them, but I just enjoy reading them.
Faithful senior reader
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!!
Just wanted to say thanks for what you do. Your system has inspired me to work towards independence from the 9-5 world of working for the “man”.
Never grow old never grow old in a land where we never grow old. Mike, I hope we both get there but for now you’re doing a great job here Mr.McGroarty,,Happy Birthday,be well and blessed,and thank you Mr. Dustin and Ms. Amber .Fred Kornegay.
Well Happy Happy Birthday Mike!!! I purchased Free Plants in 2006. By the next summer, I had 300 plants! Unfortunately, the downturn in the economy forced me to go to work full time and I let my dream go. But, praise God, I am planning on starting up again this year! You showed me I could do it! Thank you so very much for being such an inspiration and teacher. God Bless You!
Happy Birthday Mike. Your hard work and dedication to family has also grown with excellent fruitful results. Dustin’s words of you are of a passing generation where success takes hard work, dedication and perseverance. Your 58 years of sharing your knowledge and wisdom had paid off. Best wishes and great health for many years to come. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with your extended family of the web. I am 60 years young and appreciate your expertise. God Bless.
~ Larry T
Mike, Happy Birthday to you! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us. When I bought my home, my yard was a gravel pit and concrete, Not a flower or bush on it, The only thing that was growing were some weeds. digging up the gravel and removing loads of concrete, bringing in loads of dirt. Everything I was planting kept dyeing, until I found your site a few years ago…You explain everything on just how to do it, That I can even do this, who does not have a green thumb as the saying goes. Its still a work in progress, but I have flowers and bushs growing and my yard is looking so much better, because of your kind heart of sharing. Thank you.
I wish you a Blessed Birthday and A New Year.. Vicki in Sandusky,Ohio
Happy Birthday and keep up the GREAT Work!
Happy 58th Birthday Mike! Thank you for all the years for helping us realize that anything is possible. Your guidance and teaching has helped my husband and I know we can grow anything and be self sufficient for personal needs and for financial increase….and we are given the knowledge to teach others. The passion and love in what you do certainly is making such a difference in this world! 🙂
I enjoy the newsletter, have learned much from it. I want to build the potting bench project, it would be so much better than potting out of my wheelbarrow!. Mikes recipe for compost is great and i never thought to use a roto tiller to mix it! Problems with my back and knees were preventing me from working in my garden. Mike’s lesson on how to edge beds with a shovel and mattock was a real pain reliever! (time saver too!) I will be 58 myself this year. It’s good to get advice from someone my own age who has learned to work “smarter” instead of just “harder” Happy Birthday Mike!
I am a brash beginner at everything: Gardening, Landscaping, Advertising, Business, Website, etc.
For a number of years now, I have wanted to start and run a small market garden that includes a generous amount of both fresh and long-storage fruits and vegetables to be donated to the local Food Bank each year.
I am starting small, and starting this year, with the goal of personal fruit and vegetables as well as a beginning amount for the Food Bank.
Mike’s tutorials and advice have helped me shape my goals, figure out how to go about achieving those goals, and how to handle the business end of things.
Then we get to the FUN! Again, the knowledge he shares, and the way he explains things, have given me the encouragement and confidence I need to GET GROWING. Literally! This year, I will be growing targeted Food Bank requests, my own produce, and a little bit to break into the 3 community Farmers Markets in our area!
Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you, Mike! You are a joy to listen and learn from;
and you make such a HUGE impact and difference in peoples’ lives!
Congratulations! And Happy, Happy Birthday! I will always look forward to your next segments!
Sincerely,
Colleen Belsey
I learned how to do soft and hard wood cuttings. I’ve read other instructions but you explained it best and in a way I could understand. Thanks, Mike, and happy birthday!
Happy birthday Mike and happy anniversary to you and all your family and employees too!! I love to get your emails with help and great videos that help me and I’m sure many more with gardening and all outdoors!! Enjoy your day and thanks for all you do.
Congratulations Mike on your hard work and your determination and inspiring the rest of us to do something that we thought maybe couldn’t be done.
I appreciate your hard work not only in the nursery but also in the newsletters getting information out to us and I love reading the newsletters With the tips and information that you provide to us.Also love to read about the donkeys and the family. I consider it a letter from a friend, so thank you.
I would like to wish you a very very Happy Birthday!!!!!
I want to say Happy Birthday and congratulations to you. I live by the advice I get from your gardening tips. I started composting because of you. I live in Ohio also, so a lot of your advice is right on time for me. Thanks you very much. Keep up the good work!!!
Happy Birthday, Mike and Happy Anniversary, too. I just want to thank you so much for all of the amazing advice you have shared with us. I have only found you a yr or so ago and have learned very much.
May God bless you as you continue to teach those of us who need ”the real deal” when learning new skills. Also,
Kudos to you for losing all the weight! Wow, you are quite impressive on many levels it seems.
With Gratitude for all of your hard work and super attitude,
sandra
Happy Birthday Mike. I have enjoyed your newsletter. I have watched all of your videos(some, more than once). I wish your operation were in north GA. I might then have a chance to learn from you firsthand. I have no interest in making extra money because I spend all my time gardening for enjoyment. If I had another go at life I would spend my time in the nursery business.
I am impressed with your zest for life. You are always ready to share your wealth of knowledge with others. HAPPY BIRTHDAY (I do not have a website)
Happy Birthday and thank you for teaching me to start my own plants . I only start them for my self and family and friends. I’m 82 and it gives me something to do that I enjoy Thank You
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary!!
I have enjoyed your emails for many years. I have saved every one of them. I will be 57 years old in a few weeks. I hope to retire in 5 years, and start a business using all of your knowledge you have shared over the years.
Doug
Congratulations mike,
thank you for showing me that any thing is possible if you don’t give up. the wealth of information that you give us almost everyday is more than i ever expected when i joined this group. Happy birthday and many, many blessings from God.
thank you
terri
Happy Birthday, Mike and congratulations on 15 yrs of sharing your knowledge! I am a 62 yr old disabled widow. I tried so many different “plans” and spent money I didn’t really have…just to have them fail. Mike, your program is hands down…the best around! You are always there to guide us and make suggestions. You answer our questions, calm our apprehensions, let us know it’s ok to ask questions that “we” think are stupid or silly, encourage us with your positive nature, and make invaluable suggestions. You have not only taught us about about gardening, you have taught us lessons in perseverance, believing in yourself, sharing what you learned good or bad. You taught us that if you fail at something, don’t give up! Try it again and just try a different approach…eventually you will find one that works. Those are just a few of the many things you teach us. One of the biggest things I have learned about myself because of you is that….when it’s all said and done at the end of the day, when I am bone tired and want to quit….I look around me and see all my baby plants that I helped give life to……and I feel a sense of accomplishment and a pride in myself that I thought I had all but lost. Thank you, Mike. It’s not just gardening lessons……it’s Life lessons. God Bless You and again, Happy Birthday & Anniversary.
Happy Birthday Mike! After you answered a question fo me years ago, I started reading your tutorials and becoming more successful as a private gardner. Now that the last kid is leaving the nest, I know that one of my
goals is to put your business ideas to use! Thankyou for your easy instructions and for giving us backyard hobbiests the courage to grow big!
Mike,
Congratulations on your 58th Birthday and 15th Anniversary of your avocation. You have inspired many. May your efforts continue to be blessed for years to come.
Happy Birthday Mike…
I can’t remember how many years ago I started reading/studying your system but wanted to ‘Thank you’ for all you do for all of us.
I pray you have many happy more birthdays and this is a prosperous new year for you and your family.
Kind Regards,
Jan
Happy birthday and congradulation on your accomplishment. Keep look beyond the horizon, there are more to see.
Dear Mike,
I want to wish you a happy birthday, and give you some thanks for your emails about gardening. Although I’m comfortably retired, I learn something with every newsletter that improves my organic gardening, and seed-collecting. More than information, your backyard growing ideas give me hope, and I pass the information along to my under-employed friends. Soon I will be encouraging my grand kids to use your methods to earn some spending money.
Best wishes to you on your special day!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE. Thank you for all your wonderful tips and good advice. I am a better gardener because of you. Based on your guidance, I am doing so much better with my composting and soil making. May you be blessed with all that you want, and more than you expected. Be blessed and stay well.
Barbara
Dear Mike,
I been receiving your newsletter for a while now. I look forward to every letter. I have a folder in my email that has your name on it and that where I keep all the articles. I want to thank you for all the knowledge you share. Your work is not in vein. I trust you have a wonderful Birthday and Anniversary.
You have given me confidence that I can landscape my yard “almost” as pretty as yours. Thank you for all you do!
Happy birthday Mike and congrats on 15 years of business.
The material you’ve permitted me to download FREE is immensely valuable. And I’m sure it will be of real benefit when I begin a small backyard garden business.
I’m a bit disappointed that the US nurseries do not ship abroad. Even if they did I think the Australian authorities are very, very strict about importing plants.
Anyway, thanks a million for what you’ve given me and I wish you even more success. Best regards. William
I,m older then dirt, but have learned so much from your website this past 7 years enjoy the everyday talk. About getting down right dirty seeing what can grow with TLC, I love hearing about your donkeys too. Keep sending the e-mails. Thanks for taking the time for us to learn. Sharon
Happy Birthday, Mike. I feel like a know you personally because of your emails. I haven’t ordered your system yet, but am seriously thinking of getting it for retirement.
I truly do appreciate your great helps. I’ve only started gardening with vegs. recently. I have done flowers for a long time for my own enjoyment.
May you have many more birthdays.
Hi Mike. Congrats on 15 years in business and Happy 58th. Mike I came across your website completely by accident when I searching for info on the harry lauders walking stick. I watched your video on them and learned lot then I started watching other videos. Mike you make all of this so easy to understand, hell I even learned a thing or two about a wheel barrel . I have started buying a few plants and planning future things to do in my own yard. Thanks mike. I look forward to what you might teach me this year.
I found your web page on you tube. I have been disabled due to a back injury and not able to work but needed a little extra income. after watching your videos I have started selling plants and cuttings from fruit trees I have in my yard. now I am getting able to buy better plants and do more thank you for your help and wisdom you have inspired me to get back outside instead of feeling sorry for my self. thank you Mike…….
Congratulations on your 15 years with the plants and a very Happy Birthday too.
While I’ve never been able to start growing plants to sell I enjoy your blogs and have learned a lot from them about mulching and pruning and other good general tips. I’m always glad to see your name in my in box.
Keep up the good work and don’t let the donkeys get to you.
Happy Birthday Mike. I really enjoy your videos and have learned a great deal from you. Hope you have a fantastic day!!
I fell in love with your videos on youtube! As a novice I was searching youtube for advice on how to garden and, as you know, there are a TON of gardening videos out there. What set yours apart is 1. You get right down to business. No long intro or unnecessary words at the beginning. 2. You work in the gardening business and have lots of real-life experience. 3. You give advice on what tools to use based on the fact that you use them and they work. That’s how I found out about the action hoe! 4. Your guidance is easy to follow, you give all the necessary steps and show us those steps. You don’t leave anything out! Thanks for doing what you do!
happy birthday from Vancouver island.
from my farm to yours.
why not try the island on your next vacation?
Happy birthday, and 15th anniversary Mike.
I have read so many books and internet sites about gardening getting things to grow that
I almost just gave up when last years garden was such an embarrassment, then I found your
site and it seems like everything started falling in place. This year is going to be better than
last year and I just want to say Thanks Mike, you have made a difference when most all the others
seem a little fragmented or shy on information.
Thank You for all the great information that you share with us. It has really helped me with my garden.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Debbie Smith
Happy Birthday, Mike! — I have enjoyed getting all your plant growing and business tips that carry your very wonderful personal touch. — It isn’t really practical for me to have a plant business as I have space and sunlight limitations, but I take all of your practical advise to make my own garden better. — I am very now very aware of the work entailed for those who have backyard plant businesses so I give all my empty pots to plant sellers at the local Farmers’ Market. I also give them “baby” sprouts from plants I do not have space to accommodate as well as plants that don’t thrive that would have a chance in their more capable hands and help their bottom lines. My city tree planting foundation has benefitted from the skills I acquired from my “online guru” (you) which has given me the joy of helping blanket our City of Trees with more and more saplings.
I am so grateful for all that I have learned from you and for all the grins and giggles I’ve gotten from reading many of your posts. — Have the best birthday and the most amazing year!
All the Best!
Christy in Woodland, CA
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY & HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! ! ! ! !
You and your wife are really a great pair, working together to make your dream come true.
I love having the chance to be associated with you and your business. I have learned a lot
from you and hope to learn more in the future.
Keep up the great work………………..we all love you guys.
Sincerely, Brenda Steigerwald—————Woodstock Landscape, Design & Nursery
Mike, You are Inspiring and sharing your knowledge to all of us is special.
I love my plants , especially veggies. I container garden & have a small compost drum on my rented apartment patio. Senior living complex!!
I love animals also .Thank You for taking care of and sharing your furry friends !! Happy Birthday & Best to You and your crew! Great Job !! 🙂
Happy birthday Mike! I’ll be 59 in a couple more weeks so you probably use the same story I do; I’m not old, just older. Even though I know the recipe by heart after 3 years I still watch the “dirt farmer fudge” video each year when I make it for the holidays. I only put my bibs on the first time and it still turns out but I still tell others that wearing bibs is required. If my painting business ever slows enough, or I get much older, I will probably give your system a try. As it is I barely keep up with my veg. garden and chickens. I look forward to reading your blog; and have a very wonderful birthday. Hope you’re around longer than I am!!
Happy Birthday to a very special person who has so much talent and knowledge to take something that God has created and showed us how to improve it. Keeping our earth and life beautiful is a god given talent. Thank you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE from another winter-child.
Although I haven’t grown a lot of new plants recently the knowledge Mike passed forward helps me understand the needs of plant-life and how to make sure my plants are healthy. I’ve gone pretty veggie this past year due to my concerns over GMOs, pesticides and the inhumane treatment of animals. So I am planning a vegetable garden this year and will go into your archives to revisit your priceless wisdom of growing plants for beauty and health. Thanks Mike ad Happy Birthday!
I have learned so much from Mike over the last several years about working WITH nature and building my soil up to produce better plants of all kinds. Its much easier to boot!!! Thanks Mike for all the hard work and devotion to share all this stuff with everyone.
I’ve had plenty of laughs along the way
Rebecca Wilson
I was reading your emails and looking at your photos, loved that you took good pictures of what you do. Happy Birthday, I like the videos even more than the early emails your sense of humor and down-to-earth way of showing how to do things, and keep going inspiring us to garden.
Sincerely Margo
Mike I hope you have a wonderful birthday. Your story is inspiring proving that if one has the get up and go there is no need to be unemployed and broke. God has blessed you and it sure seems that your spirit has blessed the lives of many people who like you love working with plants. Thank you for your contribution to everyone even those of us who haven’t bought your system. If a mans level of success is determined by the friends he makes then you sir are a success in this life. God bless you and keep sending out your emails with that great advice on gardening.
Domenick Rivera
Blue Bonsai Nursery
Hey Mike! Just want to say thanks for all the good advice from cuttings to planting to wheelbarrows. I used your information & recommendation about the wheelbarrow & got the farm I work on to buy one! I love your ideas & can always find time to watch your videos. Wishing you many many more birthdays so you can keep up the good work!
To Mike, a member of the younger generation. from a nonagenarian ((92 arriving soon). Happy birthday wishes, indeed. No longer do “real” gardening, just trimming and weeding here and there, but I greatly enjoy reading your interesting e mails. Best wishes to you for many more years of writing and recommendations about the joys to be found in Nature. AB
Happy Birthday Mike from over here in England.
I have allways looked forward to your weekly emails that have never failed to impress me with all the absolutely superb hints and tips that have inspired me to think a little deeper about how to care for the plants in my tiny garden here in Lincoln.
You deserve a medal.
Best Regards. Warreni
Hi Mike, I have been receiving your gardening news letters for sometime now and check your website often. I am so grateful for them. I love gardening, I wasn’t ever really any good at it until I started following your tips,advice and instructions. I was so happy to get the tips on rooting roses. You are a blessing to any of us that need guidance, Happy Birthday! Congratulations on fifteen years!
Happy Birthday!
I just enjoy your adorable personality. You make me laugh all the way to the garden.
Many blessings.
Mimi
Happy Birthday Mike – from one obsessed gardener to another! I appreciate all you do online for all of us with the sickness. 🙂 Keep up the good work – we love your uninhibited/ genuine way of sharing your experience with us!
Happy birthday mike!
I want to thank you for sharing your energy and enthusiasm and knowledge with us. Your story about the irs audit hit home with me as i was brutaly raked over the coals about four years ago. Your story has lifted my spirits and as i follow your videos and blog i hope to recover from my own nightmare with the beast.
Thank you again mike!
Happy birthday
Tommy cowett
Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday Mike! You have impacted my life in a more passive way. I had to retire form my career as a golf professional in Florida to become a caregiver for my mother. She has ALZ and is in PA. My husband and I have 5 acres in zone 9, NC FL. And this is where you have been inspiring me…in my next life I am going to live on that little piece of Florida and grow plants, herbs or something! I would love to plant now and get it started so in 2 years it will be ready to rock and roll! I look forward to any emails you send out. I bought your system and joined rural for life for awhile. But for right now I am just The Armchair Gardner! At least I have something to dream about. Thanks!
Hi Mike,
You newsy notes with your tips (and of course your fudge recipe) are always a welcome sight in the email box. Love to read all the stories about the donkeys and see the videos of how to do things that work. It is so wonderful to realize that the good old American Spirit is alive and healthy in Ohio in the person of Mike and the others he inspires. Keep going–at 58 you are still a kid. All best wishes to you and yours……
Melissa and the gang at Puddle Out
Happy Birthday Mike. Enjoy your day to get ready for another 586,920,000 mile trip around the sun.
Thank you for being so honest in your endeavors while teaching us about plants. You’ve given me quite a few really good ideas to work with in the coming years and I really do appreciate it.
God Bless!!!
Happy birthday to youuuuuu! I love your gardening columns and tutorials. I have learned so much and shared a lot too. Thanks for all you do. I, for one, really appreciate it. May you have many more happy, healthy years blessed with love and gardening!
Mike, allow my husband, Danny, and I to extend our sincere best wishes on your 58th birthday. At 61 and 66 years of age, we have just about reached the end of the road we are to travel. However, we are not quite ready to sit down and wait to die yet! Danny came across your blog and became the most excited I have seen him in years. Allow me to share with you that he is a Vietnam era veteran who is considered permanently and totally disabled due to complications arising from Agent Orange exposure. Health issues forced his early retirement five years ago, and he has resorted to puttering around on our farm as a means of occupying himself. When he came across your blog, he realized quickly just how many plants, shrubs, trees, etc. we have either in our own yard or in the woods and fields surrounding us that could be propagated and marketed to supplement our retirement income. He has experimented with grafting apple trees the past three years and was able to successfully graft 112 trees this past year, losing only 5 or 6. He is excited, and more hopeful than I have seen him in years. Keep the newsletters coming and know your audience is more appreciative than you could ever imagine. Happy Birthday, and may you be blessed with many, many more.
Glenda Lowe
Hey Mike,
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary. Thanks so much for all the knowledge you share with us. You are truly an inspiration. Here’s to many more healthy years of gardening. Gayle
Mike, thank you so very much for all you have done for me. I love all the teaching about plants.
Happy birthday!!!!!
My birthday is today I am 63
Thank you for your gardening tips. I love them. Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Mike!
I want to thank you for all of your knowledge that you have shared to many over the years. You have inspired me to become a pretty good gardener and I can’t wait until Spring . Have a great day.
Wanda M.
Cincinnati, OH
I do not have any property any more all I have is some 5gal buckets outside my store, but I read all the stuff you send me on my email, &it makes me fell good about the little I have and want to keep on going for that I thank you and PS happy birthday Richie
I have always loved Japanese Maples but afraid to grow them here in Southern California because of the heat. They are expensive and surely I thought the hot summers would kill them. Mike’s videos on how to grow them gave me the confidence I needed to get one and not be afraid of them. His pruning techniques are awesome! I now have 2 and they are growing very nicely. I am so proud of them. I have now moved on to making my own compost ala Mike! He is truly an inspiration and his methods are so simple that I thought it would be a tedious task, not so. He is full of great techniques and makes my garden looks like faires came in the night and worked their magic.
Thank you, Mike, for all the great advice. Happy Birthday and 15 years of doing what you do best! You are dear to my heart and the knowledge you share with us is truly priceless!
Happy Birthday Mike. Thank you so much for starting your website. I have learned so much
valuable information from your knowledge.
Have a beautiful day.
Judy
Happy Birthday dear Mike happy Birthday to UUUU.
Mike u have been an inspiration for long now I feel as if I know U personally.
I have joined a garden club where I live . We sell Our plants once a year, to bring in money for charities and scholarships in the State Of Indiana. These plants all come from our own personal spaces. And a lot of us read your emails and watch your videos.
Thank U from the bottom of my heart for being who u are 🙂
Carol Clark Columbus IN
Happy Birthday and Anniversary Mike!
I look forward to your emails stuffed full of great advice. We are all very lucky you are so generous with your time and knowledge. You are an inspiration to us all to be just as generous to those we meet in the gardening world.
Hi Mike – I was born in September of 1956 so Happy Birthday to a stellar contemporary!
Thanks for all your great info! Always look forward to your emails and loved all the good stuff you’ve provided in your packages. Have gotten lots of ideas from you on how to be a better/more efficient gardener. You make everything look so easy! Which I know is possible only because you’ve had so much experience in doing what you do.
Many happy returns of the day – and may you enjoy many more years of gardening!
Kind Regards, Jody
Thanks for sharing your vast knowledge with us. Hope you have a splendid Birthday and many more.
I’ve learned so much about growing plants from Mike! But I’ve also learned something else. I’m disabled but with what I’ve learned, I know that there is hope and that I can do things to make money to support my household. Just knowing that I can do things and that there is hope is just such a great feeling. You can’t put a price on that! Thank you so much!
I found Mike’s site a few years ago when I was looking for information on how to prune trees. I read all his emails, and am always surprised when the email pertains to some gardening problem I was just thinking about – and there it is – the answer I was looking for.
Mike, wishing you a healthy, happy and blessed birthday !!!!
Happy Birthday Mike!
Thanks for all your tips, especially with pruning and pest control, my garden is looking much better because of your site.
Happy Birthday Mike! Wishing you a blessed year!
In all honesty, I have been quite busy with taking care of my two Grandsons so I haven’t really had the time to read the book and put the knowledge to use yet but I do read the emails and have learned a thing or two. I LOVE the Dirt Farmers Fudge!
I am a retired secretary, a city girl from Brooklyn, NY and always wanted to be a country girl – you know the kind – grow your own veggies, plant beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees and not have to buy everything but make cuttings and grow twice (at least) as many as you could afford to buy. Well my husband passed away at a young age of 49 (I was also) and it was always his dream as well that we would someday retire to Pennsylvania. I planned on carry out that dream and I did. When I was 55 I took early retirement and had my home built on 1/2 acre – at first I bought trees, flowers, shrubs and had them all planted by a nursery. When I saw how expensive it was getting to be, I knew I had to do something else. I started receiving your emails, because I was always going on gardening websites and signed onto yours. You taught me through your emails how to propragate (spelling???) plants and everything. I made so many cuttings and started even hard wood plants. Mine and my husband’s dream came true because of you. You gave me the knowledge and confidence that I could do it all myself. Thank you so much for all that you have done for me and God only knows hundreds of others. Wishing you the happiest of Birthdays and may you have many, many more – we need you and your expertise to keep us going!!! .
Happy Birthday Mike. I own a small mom and pop nursery/garden center. The 2008 economic crash was really depressing. I found you on the internet during that low time and your blog really picked me up. Thanks so much for your down to earth videos, tips, and advice.
Charlie Bunton
Mike has taught me a lot, while always being entertaining. Today I will use some of what I’ve learned from him while planting an apricot tree in my front yard.
At my age I don’t do any gardening. However I LOVE reading Mike’s posting. Why I don’t know.
Happy Birthday Mike
P.S. It just “hit” ME. Living so far from my two daughters (my only family) I am lonely, so when I read his blog it makes me think I am a part of his family, even a very distant part is good.
I’ve never met your Dad other than via his ‘newsletter’ but I get the warmest feeling about him. I can tell that he is a very special person – caring, smart and just a really decent human being. You are so lucky to have him for a father. Best wishes and happy birthday to your Dad. Linda
Happy Birthday Young Yin.
I have been in the horticultural trade for over 50 years and have learned a wee bit over that time. Once I started listening to you Mike I have learned easier ways to grow plants and loads of other things..
Thanks so much far all your info and help.
A friendly man, a helpful man and I love the overalls.
Slange var
Ewan
Hey Mike,
Happy birtrhday!! I really enjoy reading your work, and watching the videos in your periodic newesletters. I haven’t rooted any plants lately, or sold any either. I pruned my plants all wrong, and nothing flowered last year. My soil in July is hard as cement in January. BUT…your fudge recipe has changed my life, and I want to thank you for it. Keep up the good work, and have a healthy and happy year.
HPPY BIRTHDAY MJKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I enjoy your emails very much, I purchased some online books from you about 4 years ago. I enjoyed those very much and then my computer crashed.
You are an awesome teacher and I love gardening and anything to do with agriculture,
Hope your day is wonderful!!!!
When I found Mike’s website I thought, “Ahah, a success story!” It is always inspiring to learn how an individual had an idea and made it grow into a world of information and an avenue of pursuit for many. Mike has the gumption to pursue his dreams and is a man who learns from his mistakes and keeps on “growing” Ha! Happy birthday Mike and Be Well>
Thanks Mike for everything you have shared. Also HAPPY BIRTHDAY> Since starting with you I have grown and done real well with my nursery. It is always something to do.
I don’t have time to sell on the BYG forum because I am so busy with retail.
Again Thanks
Hey Mike.. I wanna wish you a VERY Happy Birthday (and Anniversary) I’ll be 51 at the end of January… I thought I knew a lot about plants.. and life.. But, I have found that from all of your newsletters, emails and videos… I knew NOTHING !!
I actually found one of your videos on You Tube, I was looking for information on Bonsai gardening… I went to your website and signed up for your free stuff… You have sent me more information in the past 6 months… Than I have ever learned about plants, my entire life !! Some times I see your emails and get excited, other times I see them and think.. What else have I been doing wrong .. !!
I thought my brain stopped taking in information.. But you proved me wrong.. This old dog can learn new tricks !! You have made learning easy..I love the way you explain everything.. It make sense.. I can’t Thank You enough for just being you !!
I am on SSI, had double spine fusion about 10 years ago, had my rotator cuff repaired after tearing the tendons, have a Pacemaker because of a low ejection fraction and I’ve been intubated more times than I can count, since I was diagnosed with COPD in 2008, when I had a heart attack.. The past 2 months have been nursing pneumonia, which I’d never had my entire life, that is until I got a pneumonia shot !!
Even with all of my ailments.. you can still find me, in my bib overalls.. Taking care of my plants… and my ponds !!
Please enjoy your Special Day and have a VERY>>> VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!
I will look forward to any and all emails you send my way… I hope by springtime, I will be able to purchase your system and make some extra $$… Continue to do what you do… but only as long as you enjoy what you do !!! You bring a little bit of sunshine to my computer, every time you send something my way !!
Thank you Dustin and Amber for letting us in on Mike’s special day (‘s) !!
Thank you Mike… Loads of love… HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND HAPPY ANNIVERSARY !!!!
Kathy Doyle
Hope your Birthdays keep coming just like the notes you send to me. At times I feel you looking over my shoulder. Can’t say what your saying. Happy Birthday
I have enjoyed receiving emails filled with comments and suggestions from your father. I have tried many things that he has suggested and think of him while I am gardening. Happy Birthday Mike!
What i like about Mike is that he always explains everything so anybody, no matter how dumb or smart they are, can understand exactly what he is saying. Happy birthday Mike. You are great. Keep up the hard and great work.
Happy birthday Mike-I was raised on a truck farm in north GA-I majored in biology in college-After retiring from teaching in 2001, I started working and my yard and corner lot have become my garden of trees, flowers, and vegetables-I am not interested in making any extra money-If I had another life, I would want it to be in the nursery business.
YOUR news letter is excellent-Gardeners are always barrowing ideas from everyone-I have learned from your newsletter-I have watched all of your videos-I wish your operation was in north GA-It would be great to learn from you first hand-Thank you and again HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
Hey Mike
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary!! You have inspired all my growing habits so much since I subscribed to your News letter. We bought here in Arkansas in 2005 and retired to the country life.We previously lived in the cities (Phoenix, New York and Houston). Trying to raise a garden on a small city lot was quite a challenge, so moving here has opened up a whole new life for us. We appreciate all the helpful tips you give us and we try to apply them to our own situation. We have lots of fruit trees and a 40′ x 60′ garden space. Due to back surgery this past year, we have let it go dormant, but hoping to get back with it this year. Keep all the good tips coming and please, please have a Great Birthday! If you work hard enough, you can catch up those Anniversaries to mine and Gary’s—we celebrated 55 years on December 7.
I love reading your words of wisdom and watching your videos on various pruning gardening topics. Thanks for all the wonderful tips. Happy Birthday.
Hello Mike,
Happy 58th Birthday! and 15th Anniversary!
I just wanted to thank you for sharing your gardening/planting tips with everyone out in the internet world…..you made the world of gardening much more rewarding for us.
You are a good man my friend, with a big heart and I don’t say that lightly.
I wish there were millions more in the world like Mr. Mike McGroarty!!!!! The world would be a better place for sure!
Thank you for your generosity in sharing your green thumb expertise with all of us.
Wishing you a healthy and prosperous year!
All the Best,
Bill McCarthy
Happy Birthday Mike! Duston, you scared me. I thought something happened to Mike lol. I really enjoy reading the newsletters and watching the videos, it inspires me. Although, I have not gotten very far, I have the sand and I have about 10 jars of cuttings sitting in water ready to stick in the sand! Thank you for being such an inspiration! 🙂
when I moved to the country there were rows (about 22 actually) of overgrown unusable grapes that had been neglected for many, many years…..I followed your instructions and made new cuttings (5)….hopefully in a few years they will start to produce someday when I get to retire, you have inspired me to at least grown more flowering plants around my house…..keep up the good job mike…happy birthday and many more
DEAR MIKE, JUST WANTED TO THROW A “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” YOUR WAY. I’D LIKE TO BE 58 AGAIN…. I JUST ORDERED YOUR PROGRAM AND WITH CHRISTMAS AND ALL I HAVEN’T DUG INTO IT. THE SUN IS ALREADY GETTING WARM OUT HERE IN ARIZONA. YOU HAVE MOTIVATED ME TO GET OFF MY DUFF AND I HAVE BEEN OUT DIGGING THE WEEDS OUT OF MY RAISED BEDS. I DOUBT I WILL START A BUSINESS BUT I AM TRYING OUT SOME OF YOUR IDEAS. THANKS FOR ALL THE FREE INFO IN YOUR BLOG. I ORDERED YOUR PROGRAM JUST BECAUSE I THOUGHT YOU DESERVED MY MONEY. MOST PEOPLE ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN THEMSELVES BUT YOU ARE TRULY INSTERED IN HELPING OTHERS TOO…….THANKS FOR BEING THE NICE GUY YOU ARE…………
Happy Birthday Mike
I have truly enjoyed web site and all the wisdom you have shared, I feel as if I have know you and your lovely for years and always happy to read what you are doing next. I pray that you have a blessed and wonderful time with your family and friends. Keep the good work you are doing. I don’t have many friends so I really look forward to your news letters.
I just appreciate your generosity of spirit in sharing what you know. I delight in your joy over your discoveries, work, knowledge…… and the fun you have with the little donkeys. Your zest for life is contagious. I wish for you that this year ahead will be the most wonderful one yet.
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday Mike. I look forward to your regular emails with all their helpful information. I have learned a lot that has been a great help. Your work and the information you provide has been a real blessing to me. Thank you for all you do!. Your book “Small Plants Big Profits from Home” is a great service to everyone.
Best to you
Again I wish you a very happy birthday with many more to come.
Happy Birthday Mike,
Thanks for all the good gardening information and the best part is that it is all FREE!!
Mike I have so enjoyed all the news letters from you.Thank you for your time and efforts in sending them out to us!!!
I want to wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY…………..and a very special anniversary!!!!
I’m 70 & was about to give up on gardening but from all the interesting items Mike has shared in his newsletter has revived me to keep on trucking here. He has shared so much that has helped me.
Mike, first, Happy Birthday and second thanks for sharine all the good info I have read over the years. Hope you have many more good years.
Hey Mike,
Just wanted to say:
YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!!
Thanks for all you do. Hope you have a great birthday. Happy Anniversary !
Thank you for the emails – I look forward to each and every one. I have learns a great deal from you in the short time that I’ve been following you. Have a Happy, Healthy and Wonderful 58th birthday.
Best wishes for a great year,
Fran
I have been a subscriber for only a short time, but I have so enjoyed all the newsletters from you! I have learned so much…especially about pruning 🙂 Thank you for all your time and efforts in doing this for us! Happy 58TH Birthday and wishing ya’ll a GREAT anniversary!!!!!
You should have a very happy birthday Mike, with a satisfied feeling that you have produced much good doing what you’re “supposed to be doing.” To have produced a son who admires his Dad as Dustin does is no small feat in itself. I’m 87 now and am so concerned that my move from NJ to SC will short circuit my love of gardening. Your imput has given me hope in many ways. My indoor plants are my pets, and will make my apartment feel more like home. If my daughter and her husband tolerate my efforts at their new home, I wil pass along to 3 of my 7 great-grandchildren (their grandchildren) a love for gardening. I have recommended you to many people who appreciate you too. Thank you so much!
Mike,
In appreciation for sharing your no-pressure, incentive-inducing, pure & simple, logical advice, support, and show-me guidance from tried-and-true experience, talent, & hard work … a BIG Happy 15th Anniversary and Best Wishes on your birthday.
Even through trial and error gardening is therapy; you should expect many more happy returns!!
As someone who also includes an explaination as to why when answering or instructing (which seems to drive everyone nuts-no one has patience anymore), I know that is why I look forward to reading your posts; you speak directly to me and inform as to the reason why and for including videos, which is a must for us visual learners! So many now-a-days still don’t understand why some can’t just read something and comprehend it fully.
Thank you so much for “growing it forward!”
You have been a blessing to many and in doing so I do believe that God continues to bless you, May you continue to share your gift with the world and be an inspiration to us all. Have a wonderful birthday.
Happy Birthday, Mike and many more happy returns of the day!
Thanks so much for continuing to be my source of information and wisdom on all things green and growing. I love being a part of your group of growers, sellers and buyers. I look forward to your blogs and e-mails: they always contain wonderful information and guidance on plants and planting and have continually inspired me to learn more and do more!
Warmest birthday wishes,
Lin Howitt
Mike,
Happy Birthday and Congratulations on 15 years of FreePlants.com! You’ve done something very special by bringing together so many plant-lovers and by helping so many people turn their passion into a business, whether full or part-time. The information you provide on growing plants and growing a business is invaluable. But I think the most important message I’ve heard from you is that we can get anything we want out of life, if we just go for it with drive and dedication. I know you must be very proud of what you’ve accomplished how you’ve had such a positive impact on so many people.
I retired over twenty year ago as a County Parks Commissioner . As you can imagine, we were involved in the maintenance of all kinds of facilities, from Ice rinks and swimming pools to athletic fields, golf courses and arboretums. As a hobby I also played around with making cuttings of most all of the plants in my yard but was limited as to how much I could do because of the lack of space. After a time, I found that I could sell some of them but the lack of space limited that also. Since I retired and moved to North Carolina to play golf and travel, I had not touched another cutting until I met you on the internet. You again sparked my interest to get dirt under my nails. I had forgotten about the joy and satisfaction one gets from mother nature.
Thank You for bringing that part of my life back
Sincerely,
Frank Piscetelli
my sister started sending your videos to me and I want to thank you for how its blessed me in so many ways I love your plain explanations of planting and all related to farming I want to thank you for all you helped me change my life I hope for the better thank you thank you and thank you…….. may God bless you and your family
First I want to say Happy Birthday Mike! Secondly I want to thank you for all your knowledge, time and hard work you put into keeping all of us on the right track. You constantly offer more great advise and you always make it easy to follow. I keep hearing your voice in my head saying “keep it simple, stay inspired, and think bigger numbers when it comes to cuttings” You are an amazing business man and very well respected. Thank you for all you do!!!
Dear Mike . You don’t know me , but am an avid reader of your wonderful letters posted on e-mail.
Just wanted to wish you a very ,very happy birthday and hope you enjoy good health, happiness & success in the coming 12 months.
Thought you might like to know you bring much happiness to an old man of 94 with your pictures and writing, for although the amount of actual gardening I do now is vey little I read your emails and dream of what I could do if I was physically able. THANKS
All the best Bill Turner.
Hi Mike,
“Congratulations” on 15 years of sharing super gardening techniques and Happy 58th Birthday!! You are some special guy!!
Thanks for continuing to send emails my way it helps keep me working in the garden with all kinds of ideas, exercise and great results. You, your family and the donkeys are a Blessing!!
Greatly anticipating Spring.
Christine MacKinnon, St. Thomas, Ontario.
How about a blank ledger? Gardeners always need one and you can ask him to write down all the advice about …. for the grand kids….then make sure that there are a few pictures in there with the grand kids and granddad as well as the gardens….
Mike, Happyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Birthday and Anniversary to you. You are he best. I have asked a few questions in the past for me, and was surprised to her the answer from you directly (even know it was through the computer). I can’t tell you how much that meant to me.
This world has evolved so much that when you call someone, you get a automated recording. That blows my mind even when the cell is in everyone’s pocket, you still get recordings.
I appreciate your truth of know how’s and why’s. Never stop being true to yourself. This world is a better place with you in it. Keep it up.
LOL,
Suz Curry
P.S.
Mike McGroarty for president 2016
.
HAPPY B DAY MIKE I just want to wish you A HAPPY 58 , GOD BLESS with many more to come happilly and healthilly ; Bela
Mike McGroarty, is an inspiration to the old school American, whose values are are rare in today’s world. His love of nature, plant life and fellow man are evident. He shares horticulture that has almost become lost to this generation. I love to learn from his knowledge and experience. Thanks Mike, Happy Birthday.
Louis Gaddis, in Georgia
I came across Mike’s site accidentally just about six months ago and after reading some of your news letters and advice I was happy to send for your information which I have found to be priceless. I love animals and I find it great that you Mike has donkeys and dogs around and you are obviously very comfortable having them about you – they are obviously members of your family.
I love the way you take your cuttings in masses, treat them to hormone rooting medium the same way and then plunge them into beds wholesale. My previous efforts have been in small numbers. I am getting geared up to follow your advice this year.
I have been a Master Gardener for six years and run the local group. I have been gardening since I was eight years old – a very long time ago now, but I find it exciting that I can still find new things to know and I thank you Mike for showing me the way. A very happy birthday to you and long may you prosper.
Gordon
Happy Birthday, Mike!
I’m not really a gardener, but I love your emails. They make me smile to think about doing the things you give instruction on. I recommended your program to my sister – who is a gardener – and she ordered and loves it.
So even though I don’t have a great yard – thinking about it makes me want to! Who knows someday maybe my life will slow down enough to let me try the things you have taught me.
Have a great year!
Mary
I am in the infant stages of my dream. Plants and flowers have always been a love of mine. Mike, you have given me the tool to make my dream happen. You are an Angel. I hope your birthday is the best ever. Happy Birthday and God bless you.
I am not where I would like to be, yet,but thanks Mike for all the encouragement and knowledge . You really may never know how many lives you have helped change. Thanks for keeping it simple and fun! Happy Birthday to you!
Dear Mike,
Being a mother of 5 grown children who love the Lord, 13 fantastic grankids and 1 (soon to be 2) great-grandsons, I appreciate what your son, Duston (have a 16 yr. old grandson, Dustin!!), is doing for you! Shows you and your wife raised him well!! I wish I could tell you that your wonderful writings and fun-to-watch videos inspired me to get into the plant business and that I am rolling in dough because of it. Nope! I’m sorry, but I have enjoyed having small veggie and flower gardens. This past summer I decided to call it quits. I am having a birthday soon, too! Will be 80 in Feb., but in the past 31/2 yrs. my health has deteriorated to the place where I have had to give it up. With A-Fib and spinal stenosis, iI have a lot of pain. {:-(, but your e-mails inspired me enough to forward them to our family so they can learn from you! I love seeing your family and the donkeys (I am an animal-lover!!) This old lady has truly enjoyed your e-mails and videos! I feel like I know you and your family!! Blessings……… and my song to you is “Happy Birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! May the Lord bless and keep you another year through”!! MANY happy returns of the day!!
Happy Birthday
I read you,, follow your advice . You made me love gardening and watching my garden grow.. I sure enjoy the fresh vegetables and fresh fruits.
Young man, may God Bless you and your family.
mbd
Love the donkeys! You’re not too bad yourself!
Happy birthday! Your videos always make me smile!
Happy Birthday! Thanks for all the help you have given us budding garden enthusiast. Thanks to you, I have dared to plant a small 20 by 30 foot garden and work with the neighborhood children to plant a raise something they can eat too. I save all your newsletters. With you helpful hints, I have rooted some blue berry bushes and hope to have fruit soon. This is year three for some of my first cuttings. Your instructions are simple and easy to follow and keep me fired up to just get out there and play in the dirt. I’m trying my hand at composting and hate to see leaves on the street waiting for the trash truck to come at neighbor’s houses. Thanks, Mike. I do love watching things grow. Teresa
Happy Birthday Mike. I enjoy all your e-mails.
Happy Birthday Mike, and thanks for all the inspiration you have provided to me over the years! I’ve only been able to root a few plants, as work and life have been in the way, but someday I’d like to be able to join the BYG and branch out. This year we are going to have to move away from our family farm, though, so I don’t know where we’ll be after that, but I’m ever hopeful and inspired to find a way!
Hi MIke!!
Happy Birthday!
I just want to say thank you for letting me know that I can be a woman and still start my own plant business!! Thankyou for letting me know it’s NOT impossible to make my own cold frame, green house or raised plant bed. I was just sitting around the house feeling like life was over (after retiring from a demanding job!) and there wasn’t much more for me to do. Believe me, if you ever retire and truly quit your job, you’ll know what I’m talking about!! There’s a void that has to be filled, and you definitely gave me the inspiration to fill it!!
I’m so grateful for your honest narrative about your humble beginnings….you write about things that almost all of us have experienced! I love the fact that at 58 you’re branching out (buying sweet little donkeys) instead of sitting in your rocking chair and letting experiences pass you by!
What more can I say that hasn’t already been said by other people? I just feel so happy and grateful whenever your positive comments come to my email in-box! I hope that you have many more wonderful birthdays ahead of you and that you and your family will continue to be blessed!
Happy Birthday, Mike!!
I love to read Mike’s growing advice. I don’t sell plants but I love them, and I love knowing the how’s and why’s of how to get the best growth, how cuttings, graftings, and propagating etc is done. I just love to read his information because you can just feel how much he genuinely loves nature, and being able to share his knowledge. Thanks Mike! Have a super happy day!
I appreciate Mike’s homegrown style and easy manner. I love his videos and have garnered so much info from them. Thank you, Mike , for sharing and caring.
I have been truly blessed in getting to be in his information world. Happy
birthday mike an May God bless you for many more…..
Happy Birthday!
Every year my husband and I have the ” hydrangea pruning fight “. I pull all your news letters out of my saved mail file and get to say, “I TOLD YOU SO ”
He won’t believe ME but if YOU say it then it must be correct. Thank you for all the advice. And the great fudge recipe.
I want to wish you a happy birthday, and thank you for all the help you have given me in the past.May you have many more years of success . I look forward to reading all your advice you give. I’ve had luck in my vegetable and flower garden and was able to sell lots at the farmers market. Thanks again.
Frances
The main thing that has impressed me is that Mike has never changed. He is the same person today that he was over 12 years ago when I discovered his website and his growing methods. Mike is a very unique person I appreciate the fact that he never puts anyone down – he is more likely to lift them up while helping them.
Happy birthday Mike. May you have many more to come.
Alice
Whoo hoo !!!! Happy Birthday Mike
The information you have provided over the last few years has been awesome.
I enjoy all the emails and information you provide. I have learned a lot about growing plants and and starting new ones. Have a wonderful year.
I have been receiving emails for about 5-6 years now and finally bought your system a few months ago. What I realized during this time is that this was not a fly by night online business that takes $$ and then disappears. Your enthusiasm, advice, knowledge, and genuine nature have endured this test of time. You are the honest goods, my friend. Have a wonderful Birthday and congrats on all of your success. I’d also like to say how blessed you are having such a caring Son! Much love. Xx
Happy Happy B-Day Mike!!! I have learned SOOOOO MUCH about container gardening…Just can’t thank you enough!!! Have a wonderful birthday& you have a VERY handsome & caring son that loves you VERY MUCH!!!!
Thanks to you, Mike, I now know how to spend my retirement time. You are the very best and I am so happy I joined your group.
Corinne
St Petersburg, FL
Happy Birthday Mike!
Your books and manuals on how to grow and sell your own plants was worth every penny of investment to me.
The plant sales help more than you will ever know during the time I was laid off from work,
Thank You Mike and the best to you always!
Wayne Underwood
Happy Birthday!
Have gleaned lots of useful information from your blog. The one that comes to mind right now is the one on plant propagation by making softwood cuttings.
Mike, you were greatly inspirational in my taking on a 300 yr old farm that had been let go, am now trying to follow your lessons adding in permaculture techniques where I can to try to make everything self sufficient and recreate the pioneer spirit and species that will ensure the lands’ and animals interaction and health in a totally sustainable way, while using your ideas to learn and to help pay for the long involved process, even hope to be able to grow crops like rice year round here in Massachusetts outdoors using composting heating techniques. Happy Birthday To A Great Friend , Very Inspired , Ed Mroz / Burns Farm ( Rosenhaven ) and our 145 Ducks who are assisting me with this project much more than most would think!
Hello Mike !, Have a very Happy Birthday wishing you all the best
Mike, Happy Birthday and congratulations to 15 years of making baby plants! I have a BD coming next month as well, and will be 49, but wish I would have stumbled onto your program a lot earlier than I did. I’ve been gardening for as long as I can remember, helping my dad back when I was just a young boy. When I was in my early 20’s, I bought book after book on companion planting and composting and have been interested ever since. In the winter of 2011 / 2012 I tore down and rebuilt a greenhouse from my neighbors yard to mine, just wanting it to extend my growing season. Since I’ve found you and your wonderful program and way of life, I have a new hope and inspiration for growing all kinds of things. I usually spend winters like this one in the house, but when it’s at least 30* outside, I go to the greenhouse and plant hardwood cuttings. I’ve planted at least 1000 so far and am still going at it. One day I hope I can leave the job I’ve done for the last 30 years and have my own nursery. Thanks so much for all of your teachings and knowledge, it has helped so many, many people grow baby plants! I congratulate Justin and Amber for giving you this gift for your birthday, of knowing how many lives you have touched and inspired throughout the years. Happy Birthday Mike and many, many more!
Happy Birthday to a great and knowledgeable gardener. I have been getting E-mails from you for years, and I don’t even know how it happened. My husband enjoys your articles too, and we both think your donkeys are cute.
You are like the guy, we all wished, lived next door to us. I love the fact that you worked hard to get where you are today, and that you succeeded. Keep up the good work….love those bib overhauls.
Best Wishes,
Peter and Judy
Thanks for the valuable info you have emailed us the past few years. I have learned a lot and always look forward to something else I will have knowledge in that I didn’t before…..Thanks and have a happy Birthday….
Mike,
I am glad I discovered your newsletter; I have learned a lot from it and love the videos. Your videos are very educational as the information is presented in easy to follow steps. I can say I am better at gardening because of your great advise. Thank you, Mike.
I hope you continue to share your knowledge and passion for gardening. Happy birthday. May you have many years of health, prosperity and the love of those around you.
Mike,
Have a million smiles today
Let your heart be filled with love
Chase all your cares away
Have a little fun
Dance to your favorite music
Sing your favorite tune
Laugh with all your heart,
Share a silly joke or two
Have a Happy Happy Birthday
No matter what you do!
Thank you for ALL you DO!
TANK U Mike have given a 75 year young , Ret. UASF, a new out look on life. I have had this interest for a while. I am now acting on it because of U> I am finding a very big pleasure because of U. THANK YOU AGAIN.
Happy Birthday Mike! Thank you for being a true giver….
Happy birthday. Thank you for the information you share. I love the videos and how you take the time to explain things. I have learned so much and look forward to more. You have a wonderful family and I pray each day brings you all the best of good health and the joys of life.
Hi Mike, I ran onto your “free plants” by accident on one of my trips on the net, & was so excited that I might make money doing somthing I loved, I went for it. thank you SO much!!! Angie.
Hi Mike Happy Birthday When I first started with you 8 years ago I was and everyday gardener ,I could put a seed in the ground and make it grow, prune a tree and rake the leaves. But since I have been involved with your program I have become a Master gardener of St. Clair county started a small business and hope that this will take me well into retirement.I love some of your off the wall humor .Thanks again Glenn Sieracki Yale Mi HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE
Happy Birthday Mike,I have never met you or personally talked to you, but I know that you are a very good honest man. You have helped me in a lot of ways that doesn’t even pertain to plants (and a lot of ways that do) you keep me “Inspired” Thank -you! hope you have a wonderful Birthday! Frank
Happy Birthday Mike:
I have been getting your e-mail for the last 3 to 4 years, and I truly love and appreciate your
knowledge of so many things that have helped me in our gardening. My wife loves flowers
and landscaping. we save all of your e-mails for future reference. I also forward then to others
for them to enjoy. God has blessed you with a wonderful family and much joy.
May God Bless
Jim
I happened this page my mistake.I believe that your Dad has done alot for you. You are lucky
I can never thank you for all the hard work you put into your news letters. I read them all and just gives me more want to do than ever had before. My roses bushes are my passion and your tips are spot on for them as well as all the rest of the things you share. Thanks and happy birthday young man!
Happy Birthday, MIke! I’m sure you’re humble about it (after all, your MOM did all the work), but I’m glad you’ve continued to survive. I think you’ve survived mainly because you give. GIVE. I haven’t purchased anything from you, yet, but you give to me. You give me a little smile with every e-mail. You give examples of optimism. You give an attitude of fearlessness, to try something, anything. You give hope over failure. I could go on (no, that’s enough). I think you give because you’re passionate about what you do and seem to absolutely need to share, to give to others.
Thank you my friend! Now call your Mother and thank her.
Brad
What can I say…You are my Hero! Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday!
Hi Mike,
Happy Anniversary and a very Happy B-Day. Hope you have a Great Day !!
“Thank you for all that YOU do”
Best Wishes, Marty
Just wanted to wish you “A HAPPY BIRTHDAY” I love to read all your information and believe me there’s a lot there to read and UNDERSTAND. You have worked hard and enjoyed it,but you still don’t quite have time to RELAX ,not just yet. Enjoy your day and many more to come. wilma
Happy Birthday Mike Thanks for all the advise its really helped a lot of people.
Betty
Happy Birthday, Mike. I have certainly enjoyed your newsletters and videos for several years. It’s wonderful that you have shared so much knowledge with all of us.
Dear Friend Mike, “HAPPY 58” and congratulations on a great 15 years of growing and sharing!! I was SO VERY HAPPY to know that I was not the only gardener that was CRAZY IN LOVE WITH GROWING THINGS! I wish you another 15 years of healthy and happy growing and sharing. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ALL WHO HAVE GOTTEN TO KNOW YOU THROUGH YOUR WONDERFUL NEWS LETTERS. Please continue to educate the masses of gardeners who love you. ALL MY BEST TO YOU & YOUR LOVING FAMILY, LINDA J.
Happy Birthday and Anniversary Mike and many,many more in your life time. You have been so generous in all your knowledge in doing root cutting gardening as well as other things you have taught us . Some how Thank you just doesn’t seem to be enough but THANK-YOU for being who you are. Also, and having great kids to do what they are asking us to do for you. Take yourself a great day off for a change you have earned it !!!!
Happy Birthday from Canada Mike!! Both me and my husband really enjoy planting and growing new things in our yard. We bought our home 3+ years ago and having around an acre of hardly any flowers or trees set up, we’ve been able to create our vision. We’ve spent hours watching your video clips, reading your book and emails….have learned soooo much from you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion. Have a fabulous day!!
Happy Birthday Mike!
I hope you have a great day and really enjoy yourself. I must also thank you for inspiring me to get off my butt and jump head first into my nursery and vegetable growing business. Without your words of wisdom and your down to earth attitude and tips I doubt that I would be doing something that I love to do.
Leigh Gordon
Bendigo Australia
Mike you are an inspiration to all of us.For the short time I have been reading your mails I find awesome fulfillment.
Happy birthday Mike, may God grant you extra 100 years so that the world may learn much more from you.
Happy Birthday Mike!
Thanks for all the great gardening advice. I have a huge file full of your gardening tips. Don’t forget, 58 is the new 42!!
Happy Birthday Mike. I too have just turned 58. It’s a great time to be us. Just a good note to say thanks for the help and advice you’ve given me (and your readers too) over the years. I’ve been a subscriber since around 2001 or 2002. I was told back in 2001, after undergoing cardiac bypass surgery, to find a new hobby (other than than smoking), so I turned to gardening.
Your emails (and YouTube videos) really motivated me to “plow” ahead (pun intended) and learn all about gardening. I have stayed off the cigarettes and am completing a gardening book on cannas, (aka canna lilies) due out this Spring. Thanks again Mike for your good works and for awakening the inner gardener in me. This is way more fun than cigarettes. You are an inspiration to both myself and those fortunate enough to be receiving your newsletter.
Happy 58th Birthday and God Bless,
Ken Greenlaw
Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Although I am not in the plant business, I may be some day. You have inspired me beyond telling. I have joined the Master Gardeners and get to share there also. My son has purchased a large farm and of course I have my eyes on a little spot for me. I have already planted an Arkansas Apple tree and look forward to planting more.
I look forward to hearing from you often and pass them along. I hope you have a “Happy Birthday” and many more along with continued luck with your business.
Happy Birthday Mike!
Thank you for all you do. Your passion and pure love for what you do is over flowing. And we are the beneficiaries of the excess.
I have learned a lot from your posts and have tried new plants as a result of what I have seen on your blogs and emails. I have watched videos of you on other gardening websites and have seen your name all over the internet. I really feel like a part of your family and know that you are a wonderful self giving man. I truly look forward to all the emails that you send and look up your videos for advice.
I hope you have a wonderful birthday, and thank you so much for all you do.
I came upon your Dad while surfing for something, I don’t remember what now, but something caught my eye because it had to do with gardening. So I subscribed to his newsletter. I found answers to several questions and found a gentle person i could relate to who knew a whole lot about gardening. I haven’t purchased anything because I am home bound and have limited resources and strength. But maybe I will in the spring.
Happy Birthday Mike. Have a great Birthday.
First I want to wish you a happy birthday and thank you son for this opportunity to thank you for all the news letters that I have receive from you.
My cousin Lowell Tilley introduced me to your website several years ago. I still have a copy of every news letter you have sent to since that time, (hundreds of them). I have
I have always had a “Green Thumb” but I have gathered a tremendous amount of knowledge from your messages, especially about rooting cuttings. Thank you so much and again, Happy Birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE
♡
Happy Birthday Mike!!!!!
I think gardening is more work than fun for someone like myself, who is not sure what she’s doing as far as pruning and planting roses and hydrangea .You answered all my questions on what I’ve been doing wrong. Thank you for that.
I have flowers growing that I didn’t plant, thanks to the birds, and they spread like wild fire. I live in the city, and people passing my home see some of my plants, like my clome, and I give them the seeds. I pull these plants out of the roots every year, and they grow twice as much the next year. Why is this? I try to pinch the plant before it goes to seed, but there are just to many to keep what.
You’re not only growing great plants, but you seem to have grown a great Son to want to make your Birthday special, by taking time to contact your e-mail friends.
Thank you for your being in such wonderful community with us. You have given so much in advice and expertise and wish you all the best and a Happy Birthday. Thank you for your generosity and commitment in tending “God’s Bigger Garden”. Greg Rowe from Michigan.
Happy Birthday & Anniversary Mike, Thanking you for all the Tips & information you have gave to us budding gardeners over the years Hoping you have a great day for your 58 birthday all the best
Regards
Barry Hill Unit 12/37 Boyd Crescent Heidelberg West Victoria Australia
Happy Birthday Mike!
I savor your emails so full of helpful information about so many gardening tips and even how to get a miniature donkey! BTW, I looked into purchasing one.
I am an avid gardener in SoCal and I really have come along way in starting my own plants due to your enthusiastic encouragement. I will say that after planting 20 Japanese Maples and having them all die, I don’t think they do very well out here. Of course, when you plant them in larger sizes they do so much better than the one gallon pot size ones. Hey, at least I try, right?
Keep doing what you’re doing and I promise I’ll keep reading! Have a great birthday celebration and a successful year!
THANK YOU!
Mike has shown me that it can be done, you CAN start a backyard nursery! All you have to do is start and keep going. He has such a wealth of knowledge and know-how and I have learnt a lot from his free material alone!! I bought his dvd on grafting japanese maples and haven’t looked back, I now have 625 japanese maples growing in my backyard!
Thanks Mike for all the time and effort you put in to helping everyone and for all that education!
Warren Marten, Northern Ireland
Oh and happy birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I bought your ‘Free Plants’ book back when it was still a paperback and not an ebook, and your publications when they came in the green binders! All the info is still as useful now as it was then and your emails have added to my knowledge on a weekly basis. I started my own gardening business 8 years ago using your method of advertising – postcards addressed to ‘to the nice people at…’ Thanks for staying the ‘down to earth grassroots’ guy you are! Happy Birthday young pup! ( I can say that because I have a few years on you.)
Not sure how I started getting Mike’s letters but I read and keep every one. Being retired, I started getting slugish. After seeing how to start a backyard nursery, I think I’ll get things ready and start a little something at our township Farmers Market this spring. Looking forward to meeting and greeting folks who also like to dig in the dirt. I live in Michigan (GO STATE) so our winters are rough. Mikes communication gives me something to look forward to for the spring. There is no way I would even be thinking this way without all of his encouragement.
WAY TO GO MIKE!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!
I really enjoy reading your emails and have learned so many common sense things about gardening. Really enjoy your videos, also. Thanks for the good information and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mike.
Joyce
Hi Mike, HAPPY BIRTHDAY and 15th anniversary. It has been a pleasure doing business with you and I have been inspired by you. You have taught me so much about plants and business that I know if I put in the work and follow your business plan I will be a success. Thank you so much for letting your light shine for others to see.
Mike has been a great source of inspiration to me. He just seems so real. So down-home. I hate all those “shocking” and “secret” and other hype words that so many use to try to sell their product. Makes me suspicious! Mike just seems genuine, intelligent, sharing and caring and country! I have a small plant propagation business and when the birds scratch the dirt and plants out of my pots because the soil is so good and there are so many earthworms, and the deer eat up my plants and CA has a drought, or whatever happens, I can always go read some of Mikes encouragement. Happy Birthday Mike!
Happy Birthday! Thanks for all the great information you’ve been providing. I love your no nonsense approach to any issue. Keep up the good work and enjoy an day off to celebrate!!
Happy Birthday & Happy Anniversary!
I tried the Fudge… that was an experience…
I followed your pruning directions with much better results.
Thanks for all!!
Mike, I really get alot of information from your web site, and I can’t you how helpful your tips are to me. have a very happy birthday and thanks again
Mike, weird may this be, I had a dream I came out to your farm last night and watched a sale in progress. I woke up early this morning thinking about my plant sales coming up this spring and I have been transplanting seedlings today. I believe God brought you into my life to show me how to grow and sell plants and I’m loving it. I have been a member of the backyard business center for over a year now and am soaking it all in. Hard work does pay off and I want to thank you for your hard work and patience in teaching. May God grant you many more years of success!
Happy Birthday Mike! My husband and I enjoy your articles and wish you all the best for many, many more birthdays. One bit of advice to you sent with the best of intent: you help so many people enjoy the fruits of gardening, don’t forget to take time to “smell” the roses.
Happy Birthday!!!!!! I look forward to all your emails..I knew nothing about gardening and landscaping until I first YouTube composting and found you.. I can’t wait to put your shared knowledge to use this spring…Thank you for your dedication to your passion..
Mike is the only person I know of who is more excited about plants and planting than I am. Naturally, he is much more knowledgable than I ever will be, but he is so generous with his time and knowledge that I am sure there is a place in Heaven for him! Bless you, Mike!
Hi Mike, I look forward to reading all your emails and seeing the videos.Thank you so much for all the good information you give us on plants etc. Congratulations on your 15 years of doing this and I wish you a most Happy Birthday with many more to come. Next month I will be 81 and I still love playing in the dirt !!
I originally got on your dad’s email distribution list during my first deployment to the Middle East back in 2005. Admittingly, I was one of those guys who loved plants and the outdoors, but couldn’t keep a weed alive to save my life. But in spite of my past track record with greenery, I have since become a much more knowledgeable and successful gardener. So much so that my wife and I have recently started a small scale farm based agricultural business growing vegetables and herbs. Much of our encouragement and inspiration have come from Mike. Thank you Mike! And here’s wishing you a blessed and memorable birthday!
Here’s to you Mike from a thankful UK recipient of your newsletters – your help and advice have helped me improve how I garden generally and all those simple approaches have made a difference to me (and my plants!).
Keep’em comin’ please!
Warmest regards
Paul
Happy Birthday Mike!!
I ordered plans for the outhouse potting shed & built it for my wife.
It is a welcome addition to our property, the wife loves how handy it is, & it was & is a conversation piece in our back yard.
Thanks Mike
After reading and using many of your helpful hints for plants all these years, I think possibly your best advice might come from your achievement in growing wonderful children.
Thanks for being human and for giving
Have a happy one Mike. Plz stay tuned
To the real world
1st,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike !!, I hope you have many,many more.
I love you articles, and the way you can inspire us to do more. To be more. You have inspired me, and that is a difficult thing to do. You have been a wealth of information to me, and I’m sure everyone else who has ever known you. I hope someday to get to meet you. Till then though,
Keep inspiring us all,
Good luck, God Bless, and live long,
Mike Kell
PS I haven’t purchased your growing system, but I will when I can.
Mike — thank for youe willingness to share — I enjoy tinkering around with the plants outside — I ppreciate your advice and wisdom — hopefully one day – after rtiremebt can put more time into applying your teaching . thank you Mickey Golden
Mike,
Congratulations & Happy Birthday!
Thanks for the inspiration, humor and encouragement – one day I hope to be able to launch into everything… I keep reading your mails hoping this will be the year for me.
Thx 🙂
Happy Birthday, Mike! I feel blue in the winter and late fall as my Texas growing season comes to a close, but your emails keep me inspired! Really! I get your emails and begin to dream about what seeds I’ll start, or how I’ll more efficiently build another compost pile, or which kind of plant will grow in that shady area of the flower bed. Then I start planning and realize that winter may not be enough time to prepare for all the fun I’ll be having in the Spring!! Thanks for reminding me of the sunshine and flowers! May you recognize the Lord’s hand in your day and be blessed by His goodness to you!!!
Sincerely,
Bonnie White
Happy Birthday Mike!! You have been a wonderful mentor for me…even in the first few minutes of seeing a couple of your YouTube videos. I was so inspired, that I went out in the freezing cold with my 5 year old grandson and we took cuttings of seven or eight shrubs, grape vines, blueberries and a few other things. I love to garden, and keep good records of the true names of the plants I put in the ground. We prepared them and stuck them in just a short time. The little guy caught on right away and was doing the cutting for me, just as you instructed. Another gardener just budding himself! I have just begun a long a fruitful friendship with you and hope to talk to you soon.
Have a wonderful birthday.
Julie
Happy Birthday
I have two greenhouses ,boer goats and sheep.
I have started propigating .I wanted to try something new.Thanks for all the information. I Had the misting system in the greenhouse. I want to set it up outside in the spring. How much shade do I need for soft wood cuttings?
I turned 76 in october. I dont plan on slowing down as long as my health is good.
Thanks again
Bob
Happy Birthday fellow Aquarian! I enjoy seeing what you do and wish I could put all of your great ideas to work here!
Keep up the good work, Mike. And many many more healthy and Happy Birthdays to YOU!!
Mike, I discovered you about 7 years ago when I was just trying to figure out how to landscape the home we bought. I found a website by googling “free plants”. What a great name for a website! I was quickly drawn in by the common sense, experience-garnered knowledge and the easy, likable humor I saw, plus the fact that I could see you had been through the school of hard knocks like so many of the rest of us. I bought your book about plant propagation and also your backyard nursery system, though my nursery is just my own personal one. You have shared so much of your life with us and I have personally learned so much more than just about plants. (I love those donkeys, too). Thank you and may God bless you on your birthday/anniversary. Thanks also, to Pam and Dustin and Amber–all of you have been an inspiration!
Happy Birthday Mike!
Thank you to sharing your optimism!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE.
I really like your gardening knowledge. Last year I had three raised beds 16 ‘ X 4’ and I am a steady reader of your site and read a lot of books etc to gain knowledge of gardening. You have been a great inspiration to me. I find the fresh air is great for my 78 years too and fresh vegetables for a healthy life. I also do a lot of flower gardening too.
Can you tell me why vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli are not as large heads as the ones you buy in a store. I grow complete organically.
Happy Birthday Mike! I have always loved gardening. 9 years ago I was injured at work and have since been disabled. That joy of gardening vanished with the depression that came about after my injury when I was told, “you will probably be in a wheel chair someday, but until then deal with it the best you can and we will try to help relieve the pain.” I was devastated, I wasn’t ready to give up and I would try to do the things I loved to do only to get frustrated and cry with pain. In my search to find things on the internet to replace my sadness in not being able to physically do what I once loved, On the internet I gravitated toward the things I love by being able to see what others do with gardening in pictures and videos on the internet. I came across you Mike. You have such passion for what you do, it radiates thru your emails and videos. I look forward to getting your emails, reading your blog and learning so many things from you. I have hopes of trying a raised bed garden this spring, with the help of my grand-kids I think I can do it. Thank you Mike, for all the hard work and I’m sure long hours you put in, writing the emails and blog and making videos, for giving me hope, for letting me live my love of gardening thru you and your passion. I wish you Love, Peace and Joy, and many more years of happy gardening on your birthday and every day there-after.
you are doing a great job.You spread your valuable knowledge allover the world .It’s a great thing for a beginners like us.Wish you avery happy time with good health and wealth.May God be with you.
Dear Mike,
Hope you have a Great Birthday! :*) Thanks for all the gardening tips threw the years.
Congratulation on 15 years of doing what you love!
Thanks,
Mary Anne
Well Mike, although I am 30 years older than you (Maybe better looking LOL)
I can still appreciate the great help and information that you give to all, and Gary and I.
Have a great Birthday and many many more.to come.
For all who read this: Age is not a handicap
You always learn no matter how old you get!
Kudos Mike.
Dear Mike and Justin:
At the moment of reading Justin’s email, I am printing out both a newsletter from the late Copywriter Gary Halbert and the results from my second Copywriting assignment from MediaBistro.com. I read your book and got more interested in the Copywriting than the plants. I want to thank-you for showing me about Copywriting. I am determined to get my first e-lance job in it by August 2014. Thank-you for the idea and the inspiration.
Sincerely
Terry
Happy birthday, Mike. Although we have never met, I have been getting your gardening newsletter via email for many years. I really appreciate how you are so free to share what you know (and you are a specialist par excellence) with common ordinary people like me. I have used so much of what I’ve learn and I don’t know how many times I say, “Well Mike McGroarty says…” You have become THE word of authority and knowledge around our house. Thank you so for giving so much.
Mike,
Happy Birthday and thank you for all you do for us all.
Bernie Kuras
Happy Birthday & Anniversary Mike. Love your great gardening advice. Keep up the good work!
Happy birthday, Mike. Although we have never met, I have been getting your gardening newsletter via email for many years. I really appreciate how you are so free to share what you know (and you are a specialist par excellence) with common ordinary people like me. I have used so much of what I’ve learn and I don’t know how many times I say, “Well Mike McGroarty says…” You have become THE word of authority and knowledge around our house. Thanks you so for giving so much.
thanks for all you do! I’ve really enjoyed your comments about gardening
First and foremost HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! I always look forward to whatever you have to say on the latest topic. You are definitely a hands on kind of guy, and I like that. You are an inspiration. God Bless you and yours. You are obviously loved by your family and that goes a long way in my book. Not only do you grow plants and stuff well but you have grown your family well too. That’s not the norm these days. Well done my fine sir, well done!!!!
I like the site, because Mr McGroarty’s comments are done in a straightforward, easy to understand way. He doesn’t talk down to ppl, but also realizes not everyone majored in horticulture.I also appreciate being told WHY or WHY NOT to do something a certain way.
Happy Birthday Mike! Watching your videos and reading everything you have wrote, has given life to my ideas. Thank You for taking the time to help us all succeed.
Happy Birthday to YOU, Mike and Congratulations on the 15th Anniversary of your business…I truly have been BLESSED to be on your email list which you send out and give us so much valuable information about Growing Plants, Flowers, and all the other things you talk about…Appreciate YOU and all YOU do for Others!!!!…
Happy Birthday Mike! I hope you have a wonderful day. You deserve it! I am not even going to claim to have read all of your emails. I have not even tried a fraction of the things that I have learned from you. I am disabled and not able to be out in the sun, or sit for long at a computer. I have read some things that I have shared with my husband and he is going to try them…if it ever warms up! My husband does our yard work and trims our plants and trees. When I showed him some of your videos, he was amazed at how he could use the plants and trees that we have in our yard, and make more by following your plan, and finally be able to fill up our three acre yard! And, at a price we can afford! FREE Thanks to you. Have a Happy Birthday Mike!
Since I work full-time outside the home, I am only able to concentrate on my garden on weekends and two months during the summer. I really enjoy getting concise and accurate information from emails, on the website and, especially enjoy the how-to videos. My garden club has programs, but they are not always as informative and usable as Mike’s. When I retire shortly, I hope to be able to utilize the information that I’ve downloaded and printed these past few years even more. Thank you, Mike, and I hope you can keep it up. You are a blessing to us all.
I was so inspired when I read your story Mike. From a few pop bottles to a business! I can’t hardly wait until I get my income tax return this year so I can order your materials. I feel like you have thrown me a lifeline, and soon I will be able to grab it!
I wish you every wonderful thing. May peace be the journey!
Happy Birthday Mike!
I cant even remember how I got onto your site in the first place, and have thus far made limited use of the gardening advice you offer [though I aspire to when I get more time!] but the reason I love getting your emails is the enthusiasm and energy you manage to convey – its contagious. I always smile after an update and thats something I cant buy. Have a great day, thank you to you and your family, and your advice on Acers is gonna reap rewards this Summer!
Best wishes
“Happy Birthday” – from Littleton, Colorado!
I still havent used any of your ideas! – hahaha. . .that’s because I still live in a condo.
I do grow a lot of things here, and look forward to purchasing my house this year (2014); so I can sell my little plants from my OWN driveway. I can’t wait!!!
Hope you have an awesome day.
It’s great to get e-mails from you regularly knowing I will always learn SOMETHING new every time! Thanks for sharing your experiences with us! Happy Birthday and congrats on your 15 th Anniversary! Here’s to many more
I am not much of a gardener and that’s why I love Mike’s website. I get so much great and useful information there. Whenever I have had a question for Mike, I always get an answer. One that answers my question and that I can understand. Thanks, Mike and Happy Birthday.
Mike…only guy that ever made any sense when it comes to digging in the dirt!
Thanks!!!
Dear Mike,
Happy Birthday. I keep all of your letters in a folder for future reference. My friend and I landscaped his yard using information from your files, and his yard is beautiful.
Your daughter-in-law says nice things about you, and yours sounds like a close-knit family. And she commented that you conduct your business ethically. These are two commodities (family and honesty) that are in short supply among business people today and I commend you for the reputation I feel you have displayed to all your readers. I enjoy your letters very much and refer back to them often. I do have one question, however. Do you have anything in your back pocket regarding cannas in region 6? Just kidding.
Congratulations on 15 years of success and on your 58th birthday. May God bless you, as you have been a blessing to me.
Punkin, Oak Ridge, TN
“Happy Birthday, Mike”
I still havent used any of your ideas!
I save everything you send in a folder. I still havent bought a house to start anything. . .I currently live in a condo here in Littleton, Colorado.
This year (2014) I will be purchasing a house and look forward to using many of the ideas you suggested and also; am going to sell small plants from my driveway.
Can’t wait!!! – Thanks for all you do.
Happy Birthday and Anniversary Mike!
Happy Birthday Mike, I joined your group several years ago thinking I would get into the Backyard Nursery business but so far I’m still working my home inspection business and growing plants for my family. You have taught me a lot. Plus I have met some great people since starting the gardening. Please keep up your videos and newsletters. Here in South Carolina we h ave to adjust for summer heat and humidity but it’s fun. Once again Happy Birthday from one dirt digger to another.
Mike,
Hope you have the most blessed day of your life. Thanks to you, for the first time in my life, I have the hope of one day retiring from the “job” and going full-time into something I actually enjoy. I never would have dreamed that I could or would ever have a business of my own, especially with plants. Your constant encouragement, advice, tips, and even admonishments always leave me believing “I can do this”! You, your staff, and your program have been an untold blessing to me and many others. Happy Birthday, and MANY MORE!!
Mike:
Happy Birthday!
You are Mr. Plant & Garden to me.
You have been, by far, the most inspirational garden writer there is.
You manage to teach, inspire and amuse all at the same time.
May God bless you for these great treasures you share with us all.
Hello Mike my name is Candie and I would first like to wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. “29” and HOLDING right? I First started looking at your program in “2010” and finally ordered it in “2013”. I was first interested in growing plants when I was about 13 when I was growing up in the country and lived with my parents and would grow 1 acre gardens. I had to get out there with the tractor and disk it up and make rows and plant seeds. We had livestock so we had built in manure. The ground back then had good top soil and bad bad gophers. Where I live now the land was used for farming a long time ago so the land is pretty void of great top soil so growing in raised beds or using the intermittent system looks like the best way to go so I am learning all over again with a better system and I can’t wait to be doing as well as you are Mike. I still have to go through all the material but it will be fun and pay off big. I do hope to be moving this year to a better soil area and ALOT less wind. Thank you for all you do and all the great information…..Candie
I love to get emails from mike about the business and all the information that I hope to someday use when I plan and make my backyard a beautiful place to be in and relax. Happy birthday!! Keep up the good things that you do!!!
Hi Mike:
Happy Birthday to you and many many more!!!
Keep up the good work offering plants to your valuable customers. I haven’t used it a lot yet because of expenses and time for my mom’s Alzheimer Care, but is still nice to know that you are there when people need your valuable services!!!
Best wishes,
Your gardening friend, Bill Hamlin
Happy Birthday, may you have many more. I have enjoyed reading your articles, they are knowledgeable, helpful and at times very heartfelt. I love your site, my plants and I have benefited from it greatly. Bless you for sharing your life experience, knowledge and your love for the earth.
Wolfy
Dear Mike McGroarty,
I will first start off by wish you a very magical Happy Birthday, and hoping that you get to have many, many, more.
And I thank God, for allowing me to stumble across your website, I have learned more from you, than I have ever learned from sitting in a classroom. This was all done by long distance , from your forum, to your videos, and from an extended family I have acquired just by joining your site. Even thou, we have never met in person, I have never felt unwelcomed, or out of place. You have nurtured a site for learning and growing a business that is true today as it will be tomorrow. You have given me a model for business that I will always keep with me and follow,”You should keep it simple.”
Mike (Green) McGroarty, You have allowed me to acquire the skill needed to open a nursery anywhere I plant my feet. So thank you, you have inspired me, you have taught me a great skill. You are the Yoda, to my Skywalker, and the force is strong within me, because of you. I am currently taking farm courses through the Cornell University extension project to start my very own farm. Thanks Mike for allowing me not only to grow plants, you allowed me to grow my passion too.
Happy Birthday Mike!!
Happy Birthday Mike!!
Thank you so much for sharing your plant/garden/business/everything/hands on know how. I read the material and I am inspired to start a backyard garden business once my husband retires from the military. Currently I am doing a bit of gardening for myself. The more you learn the more you can DO! You have given me a ton of gardening skills. I can’t wait for the day I can call a place HOME so I can begin my gardening journey. THANK YOU Mike for all you do, it is much appreciated.
For a few years now, I have been receiving your emails containing a wealth of information. I wait each week for new ideas from you to make gardening even more enjoyable. Now, I look forward to spending all summer outside playing in the dirt, thank you. I got your book, Easy Plant Propagation, and am grateful for the information that you share. I will be working on a rose garden this year as I was able to propagate rose bushes. I’m also working on a blueberry hill. At this time there are 20 bushes with 10 new propagated plants to add. Can’t wait to get started this spring! It is very rewarding.
Keep up the great work you and your staff do. It is much appreciated.
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary!
Helen
Happy Birthday from Romania !!!
I wish you long life and a healthy one more than anything , so you post more video on YouTube for as to learn from you !!!!!!
thank you and have a great day with your family !!!!!!!!
Mile,
Happy birthday!!!!!!!!
I have never bought any thing from you
Because I have very little land. Very little. However I really enjoy your messages.
Thank You,
Jim
Happy birthday again.
Happy Birthday, Mike..
You are a joy to be connected with.. Really enjoy your articles.. They have taught me things I never knew about how plants work.. You are very supportive and knowledgeable, from the soil to the market.. That’s some stretch.. Can’t thank you enough for Sharing..
Hopes for a fantastic Birthday and Wonderful Year.
Sam
Happy Birthday Mike!!! I wanted to thank you for not only researching what is possible and taking the time to learn but also sharing that information freely. Many in this world never share what Paul Harvey called the rest of the story, but you do and it makes a world of ddifference. I have tried some of your techniques, will be trying more, even thinking about doing more than just my own cuttings etc.
Mike, you are the real deal. While I have not yet quit my full time job, I spend my spare time making cuttings, preparing beds, supplementing my income, learning as I go, so that eventually PLANTS will be my full time job. I learned that from you. Thanks so much for sharing. May you have many more years to share your knowledge and encouragement.
Happy Birthday Mike!!
Our family loves your website and emails, and have learned an amazing amount about gardening from you! Keep up the great work! We’re wishing you all the best!
Meant to say gotten a couple of the tools, not couldn’t.
Happy Birthday Mike!
Your site and you knowledge is priceless!
all the Best!!
Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday Mike! Enjoy your e-mail with so much good information. Also love the donkeys. The pictures of you, Pam and the donkeys was so cute. The reason I have been getting your e-mails for several years now is that you are so down to earth and real. Keep up the good work. Diana
mike…
thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge! i ran across your site while searching how to take cuttings from the silver leaf maple that my late mother and i planted together 20 years ago in case it should ever fall i would continue to have its, and mama’s, love and nurturing near. beneath that tree it is the only place i’ve ever found peace since her passing and i’m happy to report that the cuttings i took the past fall are doing well, thanks to you and your family!
many happy wishes to you for your birthday and anniversary, mike, and thank you so very much once again for your straightforward teaching, kind words and inspiration! i’m happy to be on the planet at the same time you are!
lots of love and friendship,
kimberly
I like to get the newsletter. Not something I can use each time but now and then there is.
Love the tools. We have couldn’t a couple of them, Makes gardening so much easier.
Thanks, keep it up
Hi Mike! I’m new to your website, but already have enjoyed your information and especially your videos. I really appreciate your enthusiasm and humor. Keep up the excellent work you so graciously share. Most of all, enjoy your birthday. May you have many, many more in perfect health and enjoy your gardens. HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU !!!! Magda
Mike explains things clearly and concisely. He comes across as sincere and honest. He really wants to empower people to take up or to expand their gardening. When you read his story, you begin to believe that you, too, can make some extra money by growing plants. Money back quarantee? How can you lose? Happy Birthday from another January birthday.
I enjoy reading all of Mike’s emails, having been an Ag student years ago and then running a landscaping business for years I always come across either something I’ve long forgotten about or a technique new to me. Thank you so much for all the time you put into your emails..Happy birthday Mike..keep writing 🙂
Mike you are the coolest. I read/save all your e-mails as soon as they arrive. I’m a wanna-be gardener inspired by my depression era mother but motivated by your down-to-earth simple explanations of everything I’ve ever wanted to know (and more) about plants. Grew my first organic vegetable garden this past year. Will just call it my first pancake. Hoping this year will be better.
I pay close attention to your organic gardening tips and garden in this manner.I am a reformed RoundUp user. I fear for our generation and the next few generations that corporation farming using chemicals and GMO seeds will cause much unnecessary suffering. May your enthusiasm and energy continue so you will be able motivate many more natural growers. Happy birthday to you with many more to come. –Linda
” Happy Birthday Mike”
Mike is the only person I know that can teach you about gardening and landscaping and at the same time teach you how to make a wonderful “Dirt Farmers Fudge.” I read the blog all the time and love to get the emails from him. I always look for to the updates.
You are a great person, may you have many more birthdays.Thanks for helping up become better gardeners!
Keep it simple is the best advice mike has given me and he has given me lots of great advice, but that is the most used advice and happy birthday
Happy birthday!
I have enjoyed and learned so much from you. Yea for your knowledge, wisdom, but most of all for your huge loving heart. I wish u the best health and happy you r surrounded by a loving family and friends!
Big hug
Yolanda
Happy Birthday Mike!! Many more!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike,
Thanks for setting up this wonderful website, club, and sharing your years of experience with us. Thanks to you and the members of BYG I have been able to eliminate “going to a job” on a daily basis and now have a nice backyard plant business. In my case I have started a honeybee plant business and am selling my bee plants at the Farmers Market and the local bee clubs. The plants have turned out so beautiful, and the cost so low that I have been invited to speak at the county bee organization. I am looking forward to developing my website and growing my business.
Happy birthday,
Hows she cutting? Hope she cutting grand 🙂
mike I have really liked and learned from your videos on youtube and freeplants.com
I enjoyed your reading your testimonie too..wish I live closer to Ohio just to get to meet you, too far
from ontario ,Or …I wish you a great happy birthday .
HI MIKE, FIRST OF ALL HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND CONGRATULATIONS ON 15 YEARS. I’VE BEEN READING YOUR NEWSLETTERS FOR YEARS. THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE. TAKE CARE , SHELIA
Hi Mike,
Even though I have never begun the venture of growing selling my own plants (or cuttings, etc.), I read your blog EVERY time I receive it and love the videos you make showing how to do something. I have learned about trimming bushes and rooting plants and fertilizing and…well, the list goes on and on. I sooo appreciate your humor, down-homeness and simple, clear directions. and I love that you wear bib-overalls! Thank you for sharing your knowledge of all things plants and garden-related. I look forward to your name in my inbox.
Trisha Shuman
Thank you Mike for being a down to earth guy and sharing all that you have learned about the backyard nursery. I appreciate every email, video, etc that you have done. Happy Birthday and happy Anniversary also!
Happy, Happy birthday Mike!
I just discovered you at the end of last year. I wish it had been sooner. To tell the truth, when I ran across your video that got me hooked, it was the donkey that did it! Obviously,, the donkey was very fond of you the way he insisted in being in the video. I thought, anybody who can teach me more about gardening AND loves donkeys is my kind of teacher. I have a miniature donkey too, his name is Hank (AKA “Hank the Tank”, he’s on the chubby side), and I would not trade him for the world. I got him to replace a mare I lost. My horse PT was desolate. Now he won’t go anywhere without “his” donkey.
Back to gardening, I am most happy when I am playing in the dirt and watching things grow. Your mentorship I hope will provide me with a means of additional financial support if I can ever retire. I am a nurse, and trust me, it’s rewarding, but exhausting work. Id rather exhausted from gardening. After 20 years of longing, I was just able to buy a Kubota B tractor, so I can save my back. Some girls want diamonds, I lusted after tractors!
Obviously I haven’t followed you long, but your enthusiasm and love for growing plants have made me an instant fan. May you have many, many more birthdays to come- healthy ones! God Bless,
You helped me with understanding how you can get out of debts with patience and that if you could do it anyone can have patience and do it also.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE MCG
THANKS FOR ALL THE INFO YOU HAVE BEEN PASSING ON TO US FELLOW
GARDENERS .EVERY TIME I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT PLANTS .TREES OR WHATEVER…YOU JUST HAPPEN TO PRINT AN ARTICLE ABOUT MY PARTICULAR QUESTION ….I GUESS DEDICATED GARDENERS ALL THINK ALIKE
THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO FOR US, YOU ARE THE BEST !!!!!!
SZ
Happy birthday your guide is used daily
Thanks for having all the knowledge I need, right here at my fingertips!
Hope you have a Happy Birthday and many more !
You don’t just tell how to do things, you show us.
Thank you. Mike.
Happy lifetime.
Happy Birthday Mike!!!!!!! Enjoy your special day!!!!!!
Happy Birthday Mike!!! Just wanted to thank you for your videos and your emails. They have given me an interesting in a whole new gardening experience. Since watching your videos and reading your emails I have actually tried some new things and one day I may even grow to a bigger level!! Thank you for your knowledge and have an incredibly HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Lisa
If I hadn’t had Mike to keep my mind busy after the death of my husband I really don’t know how I could have made it. Thank you Mike and Happy Birthday, you are special and I really am so proud to be associated with someone like you.
Mary Kirkwood
I’m new but have really appreciated your guidance thus far. I look forward to many more years of growing our relationship and businesses and sincerely thank you for your dedication to the craft. Have a wonderfull and blessed birthday.
Happy Birthday and Anniversary-
While I have not bought your book (yet) have always planned on doing so: I have read and saved your free newsletters and videos. I use these as my go to ‘library’ when I am planning a project or looking for answers. I am 72 yrs. (young), have an 86 acre farm with horses to take care of and love to grow vegetables and plants. I have taken your idea of carrying nippers with me so I can cut off stray arms or legs on my plants when I’m out and about doing my chores. You have been a great inspiration to me and to many others, I am sure. I hope you have a truly great day!
Jinnie
I too turned 58 this year [Jan 9th]. Just wanted to say thanks for the info you’ve shared just for my subscribibg to your emails. Haven’t bought your book, but have learned LOTS over the last 2-3 yrs reading the stuff you provide links to, Just this summer I tried rooting my first cuttings [azaleas and euonymous]. I can’t describe the utter joy and happiness I experienced when I went to the sand pile and pulled the cuttings to put in some pots. They had incredible roots! Just like the ones you’ve shown in your pictures and videos. Looking forward to this growing season to try the same with some other types of plants and maybe some trees.
Happy Birthday, Mike! 🙂
I have been getting your emails for a few years now and have learned so much from you and your videos. I just signed up to take a Master Gardener course. I think your enthusiasm has inspired me to do so.
Wishing you the best birtday ever!
~Vicki…aka…plant-a-holic
I enjoy all that put on here about growing stuff. Keep up the great work. Happy Birthday to you Mike. Have many more..
I look forward to recieving the e-mails. Learning more stuff, finding out about new stuff, etc. Hope #58 is the best year ever and keep us informed!
Happy Birthday Mike! I’d like to say how much I have enjoyed over the years of reading and watching you. You see I’m disabled, but I’ve always love the thought of gardening. My Grandparents had a few acres with Fruits, Veggies & Flowers, he would take his produce up to the foot hills in California and made a good living. My Grandpa also win a lot of awards producing new varieties of onions & tomatoes. My Grandma had beautiful flowers around her house and around the little goldfish pond, my favorite spot! My Grandpa even grow a Cherry tree for me, he didn’t care to have it but because I love cherries he had one! He had a lot of apple, oranges, peaches, apricots, pecans, walnuts, olives, Oh, he made the best olives! My Grandma made the best strawberry short cakes & strawberry wine! As you can see I loved going to see them and there garden, it was a great childhood memory for me! So you see it brings back memories watching you and I’ve learned a lot from you, like why I have little black spots on my garage! Thanks for the entertainment & teaching. You have a great 58th Birthday and thanks for the memories!
With my Love,
Kathryn Gebczyk
PS: May your next 15 years be as delightful!
There isn’t much else I can say that Amber hasn’t already said about you Mike, except THANK YOU and here’s to you, one of the greatest men I have ever known – you are such a kind and caring man. I really don’t know what I would have done when I retired if it had not been for you and the Backyard Nursery. You have given me a second life that brings me joy everyday. I have always loved plants and the dirt – but with the knowledge you share with us each and everyday, your gracious guidance, and especially your patience with all of us here on the Board, you have made it possible for me to have a better life. You are a blessing to everyone who knows you. Wishing you all the happiness and joy you deserve on your special day. HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
My best wishes for your birthday, Mike. And my gratitude for…well, for encouragement. For free information to this hopeful one-day gardener. For sharing your candid good heart with a stranger. For giving me the certainty that if I can but begin and then persevere that I will achieve an acceptable measure of success…and not just in gardening. And, in the meantime, for the vicarious pleasure of watching you do the things with plant and flower and dirt and sunshine that I’ve always longed to do. Have a blessed day…on your birthday this year and every day after.
Happy Birthday Mike!!
As a life long gardener, I look forward to and enjoy your newsletters and posts on Facebook!
I became disabled in 2005 and couldn’t garden until this past year! Now, we have a brand new contained garden (30×40′) FILLED with barnyard dirt!
I can’t wait to try your teachings and fill my new garden with lush, productive plants! I also have huge flower beds around the house to fill.
So, give your family and the donkey’s some hugs, celebrate like there is no tomorrow, and then get those hands dirty, cause spring is on it’s way!!
Thanks for teaching me so many new things!
Jeannie
Happy Birthday, Mike! I came to know you by watching your Christmas Fudge video 2 years ago…I chuckled though it and tried it – and yes, it’s wonderful (but my penuche is better…;)) I stayed with you and have since sprouted tea roses, killed pests with milk, and have put together steps for the day when I can graduate from being a porch gardener at my apartment to having a real cultivatable back patch of yard. And best of all, I keep smiling while I’m learning -and that, my friend, is as good to me as money. Keep it up, and as we say in Polish, “Sto lat niech zjye nam!”
Krysia
Dear Mike,
I don’t have to check my email every day, because there is never much on it! But I always look for something from you! You are such an unusual teacher! I wish all my teachers had been as wonderful, and I mean that, sincerely. I did buy your book, but have not even read half of it, because other things seem to take over at present. But, I have learned so much just from reading and enjoying all your lessons on the computer! Eventually, things may settle down so I can concentrate. Living in Texas, having no topsoil at all, being way out in the country, etc., etc. and being 79 yrs old might have something to do with that! But, I also teach — but I teach quilting to the young people in my church congregation. They are all home schooled, and wonderful to work with. My husband and I (he’s a patent agent and engineer) are the oldest couple in the bunch, but even now, we both have something to pass on. Our family is scattered all over the states, so we have what I call “substitute grandchildren” and it helps cut the missing of the grandchildren who are so far away! I teach like you do — explaining the “why” about everything and since I have plenty of time, we have a wonderful lot of fun. Sometimes, if sewing gets boring, we bake bread, or make cookie houses — whatever. I love passing on what I have learned over all these years! So does my husband — he will teach the boys anything, car mechanics, welding, anything, just to satisfy that precious curiosity! So HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mike, and since you are so young, I will say, God Bless you for your generous spirit and many, many more!!!!!
You have taught me so much from your writings and videos, love the videos. Can’t tell you how much I thought I knew but didn’t know till I found you. If you were my next door neighbor, I would be your biggest pest, never mind the bugs in the garden, I would be the biggest bug you would need to contend with because I want to know all that you know.
Thank you for your guidance and wisdom.
Florence
I just really enjoy your gardening tips and practical advice on everything from vegetables, shrubs, trees, annuals, weed control, lawn tips etc. You really give a lot of good info on a lot of things. This week I am going to try your advice on propagating some muscadine, scuppernong, and concord grapevines. Thanks.( My son says the fudge was great too.)
Happy birthday. (Just celebrated my 67th b’day on the 11th of January)
Happy Birthday Mike,
I want to wish you the best for this birthday. Since I subscribed to your web site I have follow some advices you post. Having a garden in Mexico City (a City with more than 8.5 million people) is luxurious, but with your web site, your book, and your emails have helping me a lot to have some success in my first garden.
Persons like you are needed to share their knowledge to make this world much better.
Feliz cumpleaños
Federico
Happy Birthday Mike! You have helped me with my landscaping and maintainece over the last 10 years. When I have a problem or question I go to your web site and there is always a solution. Thank you and please
Don’t stop.
John Schreiber
Happy Birthday Mike! Thanks for all your hard work!
I have learned a lot about plants from reading your website. And have even asked a few questions I had about plant care. As others have said, everything is explained in simple terms. Thanks for the videos and enjoy your special 58th birthday!!
Rita Feather
Dear Mike,
I love reading your emails. My Dad loved plants and did a degree in horticulture then ran a chain of garden centres. As a child he taught me to love plants and we spent many, many happy days growing cuttings, discussing different propagation methods and hanging out together in the garden. He died nearly 7.5 years ago and I still miss him like crazy. When I read your emails it reminds me of my Dad teaching me and his love of acquiring knowledge. I know he’d be so pleased that I’m still learning. Thank you for your generosity of spirit. Happy birthday from Julia, London, UK.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Mike McGroarty, and all good wishes to you for a wonderful year to follow!
I love receiving your E-mails with such a wealth of information in them. You willingly and generously share with anyone who subscribes to your site. So far I have not ordered the instructions to begin a backyard business, but who knows, one day I will decide that now is the time! I have shared your great site with my granddaughter who works in a greenhouse in Denver, CO. She would love to have a small tract of land and then hopefully she will order your backyard business information to start her own business. She has helped a friend build their greenhouse so she already knows how to do that plus working in plants and landscaping.
It is very easy to see from your videos that everything you do and share truly comes from your heart! Love the donkeys and they have a wonderful and happy home with you to care for them.
Best wishes to a wonderful man on your special day today and for all the years to come!
Happy Birthday Mike! Congratulations on 15 years of teaching and helping others through your program. I owned a garden center for almost a decade and have been interested in the production end of the industry ever since. Your web site and newsletters are certainly insightful and encouraging and you set a good example. I don’t have access to any yard or property but if I did I know I would not be able to stop myself from giving the backyard nursery a shot. Maybe this is the year to look into it more seriously. THANKS MIKE!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIKE! You’re AWESOME!
Thank you so much for all the valuable information you so willingly teach us… from what, where, why and when. You’re the best!
Enjoy your day!
Happy Birthday Mike
Thank you for all your advice on gardening. I really love gardening and relay on your advice. and congratulations on 15 years of business.
Gardening Friend Beverly Snider
a great teacher, and he asks only for your improvement, being under 60 he is a spring chicken
Dustin a idea for a birthday gift. I’m into aquaphonics so mutch fun you can build for very little and it will be a life long gift. Iff you decide to do this project I’m willing to help with your build been lic, fish farmer for 4 years now. tell your dad happy birthday and keep it growing. Larry
I have belonged to Mikes newsletter for a long time. and I would like to widh Mike a very happy Birthday and many more:0) I have learn a great deal from Mike and he never charges for his newsletters. Many thanks. I am 70 years old and am finding garden a bit harder every year:0( How Mike keeps me inspired and I am still garden! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE
Carol b.
Happy Birthday Mike…I thoroughly enjoy reading your Backyard Growing Articles and me at 73 is living proof YOU, Mike, can teach an Old Dog new tricks…Have a Great Birthday Day !
Happy Birthday from Craig County Virginia!
Happy Birthday, Mike! I’ve been gardening since I was a kid (some 50+ years now) but you have taught me so much more. Even with the health challenges I am facing, you’ve taught me things that I’ve been able to do a little at a time. You’re a terrific teacher, and I say this as a teacher myself. I wish you many, many more years of dirt under your fingernails and joy in your heart. -Lynn
New to the newsletter and look forward to each tidbit – love the demonsration pictures and videos (as they say a picture is worth a 1000 words). But your words are very clear and teaching as well. Best Wishes and Best of Health to you on your Birthday
I would like to thank the Professor of this great university (Internet) who teaches for free. Thank you for the understandable information that changed our work, hobby, life.
I wish you many happy returns.
Well, I don’t personally know Mike McGroarty, but after reading his articles, newsletters, and watching his videos, I feel like he is one of my best friends and I have known him forever. Like so many others here I eventually learned that my favorite thing in life is to plant things, help them develop strong roots, and watch them flourish whether it is plants, kids, ideas, homesteads, or dreams of a better life. Then I stumbled upon the magnificent effort of this man to help others along this pathway of life. It didn’t take long to realize there was a whole lot going on here. I am just getting started with using some of the many ideas and tips Mike has advanced and my main effort is not commercial but to affordably landscape my six acre homestead with my favorite trees and plants. My first growing beds are nearing completion. Thanks Mike.
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary Mike.
I have been following you and your precious advice for over 12 years.
Your news letters and videos have indeed “kept me inspired: through
bad times and good. You always have something to say that I need to hear.
I’m pleased that you have come so far and your family obviously loves and respects you
and what you do.
So.. from British Columbia Canada
I wish you were my neighbour
Best wishes
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Mr. McGroarthy,(in my Marilyn voice)hehe..Happy Birthday to you…I juust want to say you have given me so many great ideas and shared so much of your growing experience and knowledge over the years with me i can’t say thank you enough. My family recently moved to our new forever home and we are going to be using ALOT of your helpful tips and ideas to plant our garden and our flower beds. I used to get all my expert advice from my grandpa (he was a farmer) but he has passed and now i happily get my advice from you. Please keep sharing all your helpful tips with us i look forward to getting my emails from you..again I hope you have an amazing birthday. Mine is the 27th i will be thinking of you…
I love reading your emails. Even though we live in Northwest Florida a lot of your information applies to people in this area as well as in the colder parts of the U.S. I have learned a lot from your emails in the last (approximately) ten years since I have been getting them. We also have two mini donkeys. Love them so much. But they can be a piain too. For some reason they love to tear up and eat and tear up carboard boxes. UPS and other mail delivery services deliver boxes to our barn and if they are out they will open them for us. Their names are Apple Jack and Jenny Sue. I know how much you love them. Happy Birthday and Congratulations on 15 years in business.
Happy happy birthday!!!! 🙂
Mike!!!! I enjoy all the info you provide on growing and careing for plants. Keep up the good work.
Happy Birthday, Austin
Happy Birthday Mike and many more to come!! Thanks for all the info you’ve shared with us for making plants grow, and really thank you for the “Dirt Farmers Fudge”.
All the tidbits and hands on turtorials have made me believe in myself! Thank you so much and may you have a very Happy Birthday with another 50 yrs to allow your expertise to continue to make people believe “that they can!”
The thing that means the most to me is that email coming faithfully. I was sick for a while so I couldn’t get outside to do much gardening but I felt like I was still in touch with the outdoors every day through that email. I looked forward to it. What an inspiration and generous soul your Dad is. Tell him to consider hisself hugged. : )
I just want to thank you for all the free information you have put out for the every day gardener who is trying to eat right and is on a fixed income. I want you to know that I appreciate the free info. I do not mind anyone making money for their knowledge but some of us do not have the ability to pay for information that will enhance a persons life.
Happy Birthday! I hope your day is a great Blessed day. I believe God has his hand on you. God bless you and your Family.
T.J. Willingham
Dear Mike,
Happy Birthday!!! Thanks for all your information about understanding plants. It’s too bad more people don’t have some of your knowledge. We might be able to reverse global warming!!!
Bruce
I really like your newsletter, that I receive regularly from the time I find your website. There are useful informations, also for me, living in southern Italy in a different climate than Ohio and so your messages can reach out of your country and still be valuable. Thank you and a happy birthday, Giovanni Santelli
✫ ✫HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!♥ (✿◠‿◠)
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Happy Birthday to you ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Happy Birthday to you ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday… ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Happy Birthday to you ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪
No, not the movie star!!! Didn’t want you to get too excited. I’ve just recently “found” Mike and have thoroughly enjoyed everything I have read or watched. Most specifically, the video on composting was the most informative ever. Worms to eat garbage and just leaves to compost for the garden. Happy Birthday.
I love Mike’s videos. He’s entertaining and educational at the same time. I have learned many gardening tips from him. Big Happy Birthday, Mike! Keep up the great work!
Ted.
I have been reading your tips for groing plants, I love to garden and really will like to have a vegetable garden some day.I’m 66 years old and by the grace of God still arround enjoing my plants.I had a liver transplant 7 years ago and can do much of the out doors, but I apply your tips as much as Possible as I can . I have African Violets Groing all over my house and what a blessing, Some times I just gift them to my friends on special occasions. I love to read all your updates. Thank you for your frienly and encoureging advise. !!!HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Big Happy Birthday. Here’s to many more years of life in the garden and helping those like me who need it!!!!
Happy Birthday Mike! I have been reading your gardening advice for several years now and I just have to say thank you for all of the valuable information you share and also for the many, many giggles! You are not only knowledgeable but believe it or not, very entertaining too! Enjoy your birthday. I pray that you continue to have a long, safe and most importantly a healthy life!
Happy Birthday Mike
Mike, I am always delighted to read what you write for us. Your message is always accessible, encouraging, warm, and informative. The way you explain things is helpful and effective, really down to earth (pardon the accidental pun). I am not a great gardener. I dabble at it. The way you explain things is inspiring and makes me want to grow plants all day long. Maybe when I retire I can grow a lot of plants and start a business. Right now I read your emails for information on trees (I plant a lot of them), the joy of what you share with us in everything you write about doing, and your enthusiasm. I have that for my work and it is great to hear it from you for yours. Thank you!!
And Happy Birthday! I learned today that we are almost the same age (I am ahead of you by a few months). Have many more!!
~Paula
Mike has given me not only the information but also the confidence I need to look to a home nursery as a means to augment my retirement income. I have followed his teaching for several years but only last fall did I get a backyard built–I live on a Kentucky hillside! So now that I have a backyard, I know how to get started. Thanks, Mike, and Happy Birthday.
Hi Mike, I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you personally, but I feel like I know you. I have read your articles and watched many of your videos and you have taught me a lot. I know I hardly ever actually communicate with you, but I am learning from you all the time. Thank you so much for all you’ve shared with us, not just about growing, but about life and good attitudes and values.
Enjoy your special day!!! and God bless you in this coming year!
Pat
Happy Birthday Mike. Congrats on 15 years too.
Thank you for all your time and effort you have shared with do many of us.
We Gardeners love to learn; and you do a wondful job teaching.
Keep it coming.
Sincerely, Berdie Crook
Hello Mr. Mike,
Many happy returns of the day. I hope you know that you are having tremendous impact on people like me everyday. I always wait for your email to arrive to discover new gem from the garden. I wish you the best.
thank you for all your advice, pics, videos and suggestions.
thank you for all the work that you put into it.
thank you, happy birthday!
reader, gardener
Happy Birthday, Mike! Thanks for teaching us how to propagate plants, shrubs, and trees! I love what you do, and enjoy getting your emails and watching your videos. Especially love your overalls and the miniature donkeys! 🙂 Keep up the good work, and have a great day!
Mike,
Approx 8 years ago, I purchased your backyard nursery course. I have to say that you provided me an opportunity that has enabled me to become financially independent. I am not rich but have built my nursery over the years to the point that I can rely on the income each year. We have not met but I look forward to thanking you personally for your work and sharing your knowledge of how to grow and market nursery plants. Your course was a godsend to me, and I thank you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Mark Day
Happy Birthday Mike! Hope you have a great day! I really enjoy your newsletters and videos! Keep up the good work that you do. Best Regards, Sandy Grossich
Happy Birthday Mike!
I stumbled across your system years ago, perused a LOT of your web site, purchased a few of your product ideas. I have learned so much about gardening and growing and cutting and planing from you. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and for making it available to people. What you share is priceless.
Many more years of success to you!
Dear Mike,
From cold Iceland I´m sending you warm wishes for a happy birthday and happy 15th anniversary of your Free Plants.com. I stumbled upon your website through Google when I was looking for some cuttings tutorial. I love your newsletters and all your tutorials. I bought your Backyards growing system tutorials. I propagate lots of shrubs and trees from cuttings, but have not as yet started a business. Most of my propagated plants I plant in my 5 hectares in the country or give to friends.
The climate up here in Iceland is very different from yours, mostly in that our summers are short and cool so many of the plants you talk about would not live here, but I´m always very excited to try something that is not supposed to live in my climate.
When I see a new post from you in my inbox I always read it first. I keep all your newsletters and many of them I have read more that once and more than twice.
So Mike thanks you from the bottom of my heart for all the informative and lively tutorials and posts. May your business prosper for you and your family for a long long time. God bless.
Magga (Margret)
Mike. You are trully an amazing teacher as well as a gardner. I love your ease in teaching us how to plant this and dig up that. You are an assest to the gardening community. Happy Happy birthday and congrats on 15 wondetful years. Here’s to many more.
To have such a loyal family and employees says a lot and means lot
Folks are even more important than plants (most times)
Congragulations!!!!!
To have such a loyal family and employees says a lot and means lot
Folks are even more important than plants (most times)
Congragulations!!!!!
I am unable to grow plants for profit. etc…HOWEVER – I have subscribed to the list for over five years — and I can find clear, simple answers to any gardening question I ever have. Additionally, I love the inside peeks of personal life with wife, family, and yep -donkeys. Thanks so much!
Happy Birthday hope it is a good one. Thank you for sharing your garden knowledge with us, I’am unable to get out and in my yard, but have had others do things for me using some of your ideas. look forward to your news letters keep them coming. Sincerely, Cathy Shepard
Hi Mike, i just wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY! and gardening, i so enjoy all the advice that you have given me on how to grow plants,i dont have a green thumb, and i’m still not great at it , but i’m on my way. without your help i’d just have given up.Thanks again and have a great birthday, and please keep the advice comming. love to you and pam and the family. Brenda Weatherly
Happy Birthday! And thank you so much for sharing your volumes of “plant wisdom” with us!
I love all your videos Mike and you inspire me to try things I never thought I could do! Thanks, and happy day!
I pray that the Lord will bless you with many more years oh health and happiness. Thank you, for just being you.
Hello Mike, Just wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday. You have been such a great help. I look forward to all you e mail information and send them unto my friends. I have learned so much. I really enjoyed finding out to start new plants from grafting. Thank You Again!! Janet
HI MIKE. HAPPY B DAY MIKE HOPE YOU HAVE MANY. MORE TO COME I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT EMAILS AND BOOKS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE FROM BENG A CITY DWELLER TO A COUNTRY BOY HAVE A HAPPY. BIRTH DAY. TOMM
Made me look with new eyes at plants…..enjoy the day
Have a great day, appreciate all the info you’ve put out over the years.
You have given me the courage to beleive in myself. I was born in Cincinnatti Ohio and spent very little time there. But 50 years later I went back for a visit and the only thing I really wanted to do was touch the land. Thank you Mike ., I do not have to fight the world at the age of 61 any more. Now I have you to show the world it can and always has been able to work and still be home with your family making new friends. Christianity from a far distance brought us to know of each other. You go forth Mike and conqure your dreams. I HOPE YOU HAVE A WOUNDERFUL BIRTHDAY WITH YOUR FAMILY and know that your friends out here wish you the very BEST!!!!!
Happy Birthday to someone who I respect as a great teacher! I don’t comment often, but you have taught me many valuable things about gardening over the years and you have made it a blast!
Thanks Mike for all of the great info you pass along to us. Look forward to your email for interesting tips you send. Kathy
Hi Mike, Happy Birthday, and Happy Anniversary! Gee time goes by, dont we all see that happen.
Its truly amazing the endurance, frustrations, motivation, inspirations, and fortitude you have in your life to give and share with us your students all your knowledge that you so learned and are passing on to all of us. I have read each and every email you have ever sent me, and even reserve time to devote what it takes to consume its vast information. I have saved to my favorites many of your projects over time, hoping some time to attempt building them. Learned must in the tools and type of tools used in every day gardening, how to trim, cut back, and it just goes on.
We do learn from you Mike, we do LOVE you, and PLEASE dont stop! Best Wishes Art
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mike….. its a pleasure to wish you a happy 58th. Your notes and all the good advice you have sent over the years are really appreciated. Thank you and have a wonderful Birthday….. !!!!!!
Frankie M.
Happy Birthday Mike !
I hope you have a wonderful day! I just wanted to send a BIG THANK YOU for all of your inspiring e-mails showing tips, ideas and hands-on videos. I wish you the best of health, and look forward to your future e-mails and newsletters.
Marie
Eastlake, Oh.
Happy Birthday, and May God Bless You Always. I love working in my yard, and I look to you for a lot of advise. I have not been able to have the back yard business, but I do have a family garden. I also have a yard man who helps me tremendously, as I have been diagnosed with DVT, and cannot do a lot of standing. Your help has been so great. I also love your down to earth communication. That is my kind of living. Keep up the good work, and may God’s Richest Blessing Come Your Way.
Sincerely,
Another Person who loves to pull Weeds,
Myrna Hughes
You have given me the courage to beleive in myself. I was born in Cincinnatti Ohio and spent very little time there. But 50 years later I went back for a visit and the only thing I really wanted to do was touch the land. I have always dreamed of your concept but so many thought I was crazy. I go around planting gardens but not following my dream, your concept. I got your program 2 years ago and the landlord told me no. My son sense bought a house and he has built for me and the grandkids a planter box about 4 ft by 3 ft. We have started the compost pile and put in fresh dirt. I will finish getting the rest of the dirt this spring. Then He wants vegetable but I get a 12 inch by 12 inch square for my idea. I plan on following my dream on a small scale and teaching my grand children. You can do anything you put your mind to. So many nice doors have opened for me because of you and your encouragement. Such as I can not draw and always wanted to paint …. I now can do that have will continue tto paint and garden. I rasied 3 kids with the square foot garden and now I will start a very small business on a 1 foot square as my son states if he can see positive income he will then build me my very won planter box for my business. I know I can do it just need the box. Thank you Mike ., I do not have to fight the world at the age of 61 any more. Now I have you to show the world it can and always has been able to work and still be home with your family making new friends. Christianity from a far distance brought us to know of each other. You go forth Mike and conqure your dreams. I HOPE YOU HAVE A WOUNDERFUL BIRTHDAY WITH YOUR FAMILY and know that your friends out here wish you the very BEST!!!!!
Keep up the good work Mike. You have made my husband and I look like we know what we’re doing with our trees and flowers!!! We go by what you tell us more than any Nursery person we talk to. Your a very good teacher so keep us the the good work!!! Happy birthday, to 58 years young. We up here in Superior, Mt. wish you a Happy, Happy, Birthday, Mike!! : )
Your videos and words of wisdom have been a great help to me in my garden experience and I am sure they will in the future also.
Happy Birthday!!!
I read every email I get! My favorite is the fudge video. It is the best fudge on the planet! Oh, and I learned to not be afraid of pruning.
Happy Birthday, Mike!
Happy Birthday and congratulation on fifteen years in business. I am ten years older than you but I just decided to start your program. I have a great backyard about 50 X 60 feet, plenty of growing room. The first thing I need to do is put in a fence because most every night I have visitors, deer, rabbits ect. Because of your teaching I am confident I can make a go of producing beautiful plant for others to enjoy.
Sincerely,
Chester
Mike, I am 91 years old, have been into gardening since I was twelve. My days are numbered but I want you to know that I relive my past thru everything you write. They bring back happy memories which are priceless. You fill my day with joy.
So, in short, I wish you a very happy, healthy birthday as well as much good luck.
Bob
Thanks Mike, for the enthusiasm that you have spread through your regular emails. I have never met anyone who does so much for garden plants. Good luck and God bless.
John
Dorsetshire in UK.
Happy Birthday Mike.
Mike has given me the ability to start small (really small) and build a business. Most plans need heaps of money and that is something I do not have. His tips and ideas are worth their weight in gold also.
Now I wish he could help more to get something going for Canada. lol
Anyway, Happy Birthday. Hope it is a great day and year.
Colleen
Congratulations Mike you have made my day many times over. Happy Birthday and 15th Anniversary as you are so special to me and have taught me to do allot of gardening techniques I would have never done. I even sell a few starter plants here in this lil sleepy garden and cold town of Aurora, Minnesota. Even tonight down to about -25 again not counting the windchill temps, thank God we have about 38 inches of snow down to isolate my gardens and holding beds.
I have been searching the internet how to compost and that’s how I found Mike on youtube. I am so impressed how he does thing the way he does and I am very inspired by him and would really love to have him help educated the people in my country, especially in my home village in Burma. I am so passionate about reforestation and composting and if only there is away I could go back, of course Mike comes along with me, and help educate my people would be a dream come true. I started composting kitchen scraps and hoping to get some gold out of it by next summer. Still reading, watching and researching many things about composting and currently I have worm composting and many times use the worm tea for my flowers and garden and totally love it.
I want to wish Mike a very happy many returns of the day. God bless you with great health and many more years to help educate many people like me and also be a channel of blessings to others around you and through the web.
Happy birthday!
God bless.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE and many more to ya!!! I always enjoy your emails-THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THEM!! I just have my yard full of plants and love them all…..KEEP ON KEEPING ON!! GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS…..AGAIN–HAPPY BIRTHDAY–OH AND CONGRATS ON 15 YRS!!
Congratulations! May God keeps you happy and smiling and more important; gardening and having fun! I just ordered your system and even when my family and fiends always say that I “don’t have a green thumb, but a green hand” for my abilities with plants, I feel I don’t have any clue how to make a business out of it. However, you have brought hope to my life at a moment when hope was nowhere to be found. God bless you! May your birthday is your best one ever! Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge so freely; you are an amazing human being!
Happy birthday & happy anniversity…much success to you.
Happy Birthday, Mike. 58 is great! You’re gonna’ love it. Thanks for all the gardening advice. You’ve made me smile many a time.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE AND HAPPY 15 YEARS OF SUCCESFUL HARD WORK! ALTHOUGH I’M STILL IN THE LEARNING STAGES OF YOUR TEACHINGS I AM THANKFUL EACH DAY I CAN PUTTER IN MY PLANTS AND HOPE FOR THE DAY I CAN SAY THIS HAS BEEN HARD WORK BUT WORTH EVERY MINUTE OF IT!! THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO AND YOUR ADVICE ALONG THIS JOURNEY OF LIFE!! ANITA LOW
Mike, have a Wonderful Birthday! You’ve done so much over the years to instruct & mentor us backyard gardeners and I can’t Thank You enough! Enjoy your Special Day and Bless You for the Good Man you are!
Jan from Ridgely Md.
(formerly of Buckingham, Va)
Mike –
You have given away more information than most people sell for BIG money. I look forward to each and every email some are for me and some not but I save them all. Thanks for all you do to help everyone enjoy some of the greatest gifts from GOD – dirt and plants.
When you think you can’t go any further, the sun comes out and it’s time to put the problems and aches away and think about the fun you can have in the yard and garden.
Your dedication to teaching and helping others is truly a blessing.
Thanks is not enough –
I love to garden and you motivate me evry time I get an Email from you. I garden with out chemicals for a family and I love it. Hope to see more of you in the future. Thank u. Wendy
Happy birthday mike. I am so glad I am part of this board and this plant family. I have learned so much from all plant family. Mike the good lord has blessed you and your family. And you have made it possible for so many of us to have the opportunity to be able to have plants and have a board to ask questions and get advise from you and others. We all appreciate being part of this and you sharing you knowledge with us. May god continue to bless you and yours. And you have many more years . Happy birthday and happy anniversary to you and your wife. Connie
mike let me start out by wishing you a happy birthday , mike I cannot began to tell you how much I have enjoyed all I have learned from your book about back yard garden have been unable to get out an work in the dirt but I have thoroughly- enjoyed learning what I have learned from reading your book an reading your articles on the net but I d’ont guess I will be in shape , being 87 years young but mike I want to ‘praise you for what you have done for people with your book an the internet . keep hanging in there with a lot more
birthdays, may god bless you an yours. clyde holmes
MIKE, HAVE A WONDERFUL AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY WITH YOUR FAMILY AND LOVED ONES. THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN MY GOLDEN YEARS.
Happy Birthday Mike !!! May you live a long and prosperous life!! You are an authentic teacher and example to follow. Thanx for all you do !!!
I have always loved gardening and had even tried different methods of propagation before ever coming across Mike. I first found Mike by some random internet searches about plants that led me to FreePlants.com. It’s funny to me that my first thought was ” Wow! Someone is giving away plants; I’ll see what they offer and maybe get some”. What I found was way better than a few free plants. Mike’s e-mails and the information on his website set my brain spinning. It took a few years for me to be able to financially get on board with the BYG’ers, but boy am I glad I did. I now have the makings of a newbie nursery that would not have been possible without Mike and some of the professionals he has mentored, who now, through the BYG Board, collectively help him mentor those, like myself, who are trying to get a footing in the industry. It all points back to Mike and his vision, ethics, personality, and a quality I call “realness”. I’m looking forward to the day when I will be privileged to meet Mike in person and shake his hand.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE AND CONGRATULATIONS ON 15 YEARS OF BUSINESS!!!
Mike does not “know” me, but when I share his teachings with others, I always refer to him as “my gardening friend, Mike says…” Thanks, Mike!
Happy Birthday Mike! I hope you spend your day, doing exactly what you’d like to do. Thank you for all your emails, I smile every time I receive one. I know that, they will lead me off to some beneficial facts that will be life enriching. Also, thank you for being such an amazing teacher. Some people like me can’t absorb the details without also knowing the hows & whys that, you provide with your explanations. I consider you, one of my blessings from God, for sharing with us, from the goodness of your heart. You’ve made a difference for so many people. Thank you !!!
Hi Mike, Happy Birthday. i have been reading your articles for quite some time and have learned a lot from them I have saved them on my computer so that I can refer back to them if I I can’t remember what the correct way to do things. I plan to retire later this year and one of my plans is to sell plants. I have tried to grow plants from seed with limited success. During my retirement I hope to have more success. I have some magnolia seeds ready for February planting. I made a small garden for starting slips from yew trees and actually had one grow! I have since purchased a yew, and some other trees to start with this summer. I will do my best to be a successful student, and hopefully supplement my income.
Thanks Mike
Lindy B
Happy Birthday Mr. Mike, I just recently retired after 56 years of laboring to help pay for those that don’t. I am just getting started and Loving every Minute of it, especially your videos and instructions, I LOve IT. Thanks and again HAPPY 58th : )
Mike, Happy Birthday!!!! I have followed your emails since 2006, I have not started a business mainly because I have had to have several back surgery’s since then. This year I am hoping to get out there in the garden and get it going. I have learned so much from you. You have a way of making everything so understandable. Thank you for all that you have done, you are amazing!!!
Thanks Mike you bed saved me a lot of time and money. I like your integrity and frankness. I’ve learned a lot more practical stuff from you than I got in a college course. Keep up the good work and take care of your health.
Happy Birthday Kiddo,
You are still a baby if you compare your age with mine. (I’m not telling my age)
I LOVE GARDENING and I really enjoy reading your gardening tips.
Each year I think of new ways to landscape and plant veggies and fight off the deer with things they DO not like to eat. Some of your articles have really helped me. I love working outside and working in the earth and watching my “babies” grow, I think that is what makes me feel so good and gives me a healthier outlook on life.
SOOO — you should be great into the 100’s with your attitude.
Again, Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday Mike,
I am a newcomer last year. I have listened and read everything You have to offer. I finally bit the bullet and went for it. My husband (Mike and I) will hopefully see the fruits of our labor this spring and beyond. I must say I have never experienced someone who was so willing to go beyond what is the norm in teaching basic 101 in plants. I have learned so much in such a short amount of time. Thank you Mike for inspiring us to think outside the box and motivate us to play in the dirt! The best is yet to come…
Best Wishes
Sandi & Mike
Happy Birthday Mike!
Thank you for sharing your life with us.
It was a happy day for me when I first came across one of Mike’s videos on YouTube. In the past I had tried unsuccessfully several times to propagate fruit trees and plants and through the videos I could see what I had been doing wrong. Namely using too much peat and keeping the cuttings much too wet. I will soon be 74 and find winters long and boring but I am excited about something new that is going to happen this spring as a result of Mike’s help. I intend to propagate many varieties of blueberries and grapes for friends and neighbors. Thank you Mike I only wish we could have connected a long time ago.
Blessings for you and for your family and associates
Dale Reedy
Brookville, IN
I have got a lot of information from Mike. I think anyone could find about anything about plants an so much more from his knowledge, and knowing him only from the e-mails I see him as a top notch guy. Willing to help anyone, and glad to. HAPPY 15.
Happy Birthday Mike & Happy 15th Anniversary too! I read & love all your e-mails & have learned more about gardening from you. Both my Grandparents & my Mom loved gardening & I do too. Unfortunately, they have all passed away, so getting tips from you is always awesome. I have not ordered my kit from you yet, but hope to some day! That’s my goal!!!
Thanks for all your great tips! Enjoy your day!!!
Happy birthday Mike & also have blessed anniversary. Thank fot the many free tips and facts on gardening
Your wisdom and knowledge are highly appreciated. God bless you and may you have many more years with us all. Thank you again
Happy Birthday Mike, may it be a wonderful one and many more to you. I cannot begin to tell you how much I depend on your advice and HUMOR!! I feel like a have friend that I can turn to for all my gardening needs even tho you live n the icey north and I live in the S.E.
Happy Birthday my gardening friend
Mike, I am a 71 yoa disabled veteran on crutches and scooter so I don’t do much gardening any more. However, I love reading, watching your video’s, and dreaming about yesteryear’s and how it could have been. Your video’s are especially uplifting so please keep up the good work and don’t quit until you must.
God bless and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Kermit
Hello: Mike
Happy Birthday!!!!
I love viewing your tapes. I bought your system a while back looking for extra income to try and earn some extra money. I am studying it and hopefully plan on doing some of it this year. I have been pricing pots. etc. Keep up the good work. A fan of yours Bob Lester
Happy Birthday & Congratulations on 15 Years of Business. I absolutely love all of your information about plants. They are my passion as well as yours. I can’t wait for spring to really get involved in the plant business, now that I have a permanent home. Keep up the awesome job that you provide for all of your readers. Cynthia
Happy Birthday Mike. Thanks for the information shared through your emails and even though some of them are not related to my region the information has been stored for future reference. Just last week, in a matter of seconds, I had a problem of locating wholesale plant pots solved by your assistant. This was very much appreciated. May the Good Lord bless and keep you.
Hello Mike,
Although I never signed up to be a “club member” I always receive your emails that I enjoy reading… since they are always ALWAYS full of good advices. And I save them for future readings again and again.
So thank you !
Can’t believe you are younger than me 🙂
Are you really ? well, yes you are ! not a lot but you are.
There is a new plant coming out this spring, have you heard about it ?
It’s called “Jealousy ” ! 🙂
Happy birthday to you !
Nicole in SC
Mike
Wishing you a Happy Birthday and Anniversary.
Thank you for all the helpful advice you have shared over the years.
Enjoy your day……………………..Brenda
Happy 58th Birthday to you Mike!! ;also; Happy 15th year of being in business!! I live in Wayne, Mi. I also love to garden and am in the Wayne Garden Club. I have learned so much about gardening etc. from the newsletters that you send ,I am always waiting for the next one to be sent from you !! Its better than any garden magazine that I have subscribed to ,Thanks for all the hard work and knowledge that you share with all of us!! I also love the donkeys and videos too!! Sincerely, Diana Mach
Happy Happy birthday & anniversity.
Hi Mike,
Happy Happy Birthday. I know this is a really special day for you, and I wish you so many more happy birthdays in the future. I have to admit, I have been disabled for the past four years. and have been at war with myself. I love gardening of all types. I have downloaded your ebook, and look forward to reading it. I do subscribe to your newletter, and everything you have put in it is invaluable. You are an inspiration to me, and for that it gives me hope. I wish I was close enough to you that I could just work with you at the nursery to learn everything that I can. You are truly an inspiration to many others, and what makes you stand out is that you do it to help people, and not for money, as Amber said. That what makes you so special. and having a family that is just as loving and special as you. I thank you for everything and all the inspiration you have given me. It is very appreciated, and wish you the happiest birthday ever.
]Sincerely’
Valerie Prather
Well another year of playing in the dirt has made me a few bucks richer but more important it makes me very happy and it all started with you. Happy Birthday Mike!!!
Happy Birthday Mike and congrats on the 15 years in the nursery business and thanks for the many videos and tips on various growing subjects. Don C
Happy Happy and a big cake!! I’m 80 this year and if I were 50 years younger I’d be out there grubbing in the soil…but..can’t change that. I think you have found the way for your life and I’m sure guided many others to theirs. That sure can’t be said for a lot of folks!!Well done!! Good on you!! Diane
Thank you, Mike, for your practical, informative, inspirational, and exuberant, upbeat messages. Congratulation on your accomplishments. Keep the good stuff coming!!
After I ordered his book I received a phone call from him to thank me (and I missed it!). I could not believe that he would phone me to thank me. That was impressive. I just love that he sends us mail to tell us more about plants, what to do now and also about his personal life. He is such a down-to-earth guy and I love that. I always had a passion for plants but never knew how to “make baby plants”. I am excited every day to go out and care for them and seeing them grow.
I wish you a wonderful birthday Mike! Keep on doing what you are doing.
You are a beautiful person. Happy Birthday now and always. Thank you for your service.
Mike dear; have a very happy birthday. My two cents worth.” your simplicity in teaching creates a never ending inspiration .even for old bones..
Happy Birthday Mike! I love your emails they have taught me a lot and as soon as I move I’m going to buy your program. I look forward to your emails showing up in my mail list. I love your videos and I even tried your fudge it was awesome. Well I’m glad your kids did this for you and I wish you a very Happy Birthday and hope you have a great year!!!
Thanks Mike for your down-to-earth explanations of everything you do and teach. I appreciate your consistency in announcing the things you are going to do and then showing it step by step. I enjoy reading about the experiences of other readers. When I wrote a piece for a writing contest, I used your site for research for the term snow-drops. God’s blessing on you for your continuing interest in your clients and your readers. A great big HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
You have been an inspiration to my family, thank you. I really enjoy reading your stories and especially your tips. Thank you again.
Hope you have a wonderful birthday!
I grew up in the nursery business. My dad’s parents owned a greenhouse and Dad was a landscaper. Now I have a small landscaping business and I can tell you from a lifetime of experience that it’s the best job in the world but you work your tail off and get paid very little for it. I’ve been through the financial struggles that Mike speaks of so I can very much relate.
I came across Mike’s good-natured pearls of wisdom a year or two ago and have been enjoying his blog very much, and after a lot of thought have decided to take the Backyard Growing System plunge this spring. Thank you, Mike, for your generosity in sharing your knowledge and giving folks a way to add to their income in challenging times.
May you have the happiest of birthdays! And you’re still a spring chicken – I turn 60 in a couple of weeks.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Dear Mike
Just want to send you my hope and Blessings for a great birthday. You are someone who came into my life when it was at a very low point. I thank you. You mean more to me than you know. When I had nothing, you provided a way for me to see God again, and you did this for nothing. Thank youl
Happy Birthday
Mildred Mahoney
First of all, Happy Birthday Mike! I wanted to share a few moments of time with you, as a special way of saying Thank YOU, for all of the informational videos, emails, website, and knowledge you provide to so many. I am more appreciative than words – without finding you on YouTube, I’d never have gained the knowledge to begin our own backyard growing business. Your inspiration and compassion for growing and caring for plants is so very welcomed into our life, there’s no way we’d be where we are today if we hadn’t found you online. I hope we have many more years together, so make this a special day just for you! You deserve it!
Happy Birthday! You are one year older than me! 😀 I will be 57 in a few days. I cannot remember when I tripped over your site but I am glad I did. What I learned is invaluable plus the resources provided enabled me to find trees that I couldn’t find elsewhere!
Have a great day and enjoy it!
As a lover of landscaping, Mike has given me the tools to improve my yard! He has an immense amount of plant knowledge! It has been a pleasure reading his articles over the past years!
Mike- May you truly enjoy your special day and keep up the great work! Happy Birthday!!!!!!
Hi Mike! For more than 3 years now I’ve been reading your emails…in fact, I know its been 3 years because I saved most of them and recently went back to check when I received the first one. I finally decided to purchase the course, which I recently received in the mail and online. Thanks very much. I have begun studying it and look forward to implementing the things I am learning. I am not new to gardening. In fact, I have been doing it pretty heavily the last ten years or so. Your ideas have given me a new perspective on working with plants…which i really enjoy doing! Thanks for continuing to send me the newsletter and all the great information found in it. May God’s blessings continue with you. Keep up the good work.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY,
Danny Sukut
p.s. By the way, I am 2 years older than you and still learning about gardening, plants, and life.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND HAPPY ANNIVERSARY. JUST TO LET YOU KNOW THAT YOU HAVE BEEN A BLESSING TO SO MANY WITH YOUR WORDS OF WISDOM CONCERNING GARDENING INFORMATION. MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU AS YOU CONTINUE TO WORK THE EARTH HE MADE.
Happy Birthday Mike. Hope you have a fantastic day. I just want to thank you for all the wonderful and helpful information you have provided through the years. I have kept all of them so I can refer back to them when in doubt. You are an inspiration to all of us gardeners. =)
Happy Birthday Mike,
I am new to the group but I can see from your writing and comments your genuine desire to help people succeed in the backyard nursery business. Also, it is apparent how much time and work you put into your publications, videos, and supervision of the BYG board. I am grateful to you for putting your whole self into doing something that not only earns you a good living but improves the lives of other people.
May God bless you with a long life of helping others.
I discovered you on YouTube looking for directions on getting cuttings to propagate on a bush that I wasn’t having success with. Your simple method worked great! I’ve been following your emails ever since. Thanks and have a wonderful birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A GREAT CHEERLEADER FOR PLANTS AND PEOPLE! HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY AND KEEP ON BLOOMING. LEA NADING,HTR , HORTICULTURAL THERAPIST, WINSTON-SALEM, NC
Mike,I don’t even remember how I found your website in the first place. It was years ago. I marked it as a “favorite” because I loved the way you loved plants and growing them, and you were so humble and honest (and fun). I have learned a lot from you over the years.
I spent 15 years of my life being a full-time Mom. Don’t regret it for a minute! But the retirement benefits are not too good. I’m getting to the point now that I’m thinking a lot about the future and it looked pretty bleak. Then I listened to you and decided to try making money doing what I love – growing plants. I bought your backyard growing system. I have studied your books and your pointers and I have a real hope now that I can make some extra income and afford to retire someday. You’ve encouraged those of us who share your love of plants, and showed us how if we take care of them, they can take care of us. The Good Lord willing, I’m going to have a backyard nursery business.
Thanks Mike.
Happy Birthday Mike, and congratulations on 15 years…wow it really has gone fast,I have been a member of your sight since the beginning. You are awesome, I love the fact that you talk in laymans terms,and I do not have to pull out my dictionary to understand what you are saying. Keep up the exalent work. I look foward to your e mails all the time. Wendy
I love getting your tips..began gardening again last summer after being encouraged by your enthusiasm n knowledge great tips n videos HAPPY BIRTHDAY keep sharing your love we love everything u do thanks thanks thanks
,Mike, I have so enjoyed your web site, just happened upon it about a year ago, even though I am 76 & not able to do much gardening, just recently you gave tips on starting new grape vines, with help I intend to take your advise, so many things I have copied, will miss your tips&. Videos, but want to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY & HAPPY FUTURE!!! Gwen Dick
The tips and tricks are amazing!!!! Gardening and just growing things is how I decompress and he’s made it that much more fun!!!!! (not to mention a little profitable!!!!!!!)
Happy Birthday Mike! Thanks for giving all of us such great advice and sharing your knowledge with us about plants, gardening and everything else you know about. One of these days I hope to purchase your system and can make a little extra money selling plants. Here’s hoping you have a great birthday and at least another 15 years in the plant business.
Mike inspired me to never give up
Hey, Mike, happy birthday! And thanks for exposing me to plants I never knew existed! Ground nuts!
Have a fabulous day,
Linda
Mike – I’ve dabbled with gardening since I was old enough to hold a trowel, but your newsletter has taught me so much practical knowledge I can’t thank you enough. You are so open and willing to listen too. I really enjoy the discussions – so many people, so many ideas; folks don’t always agree – but what an incredible way to dig deeper and learn.
Thank you again, and a very, very happy birthday!
Happy Birthday Mike! I so enjoy reading your from your knowledge…I always learn something new…
Mike, the warmest of wishes for your 58th birthday and may you have many, many more. Your work is such an inspiration and I have learned so much.
It truly was the best day for all of us that receive your newsletters when you decided to start FreePlants.com as what you have taught us and shared with us is incredible.
I am not a person with a lot of words, unfortunately, but do want you to know that you are so appreciated and please do not stop; your work is so important to all of us.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart and again, may your birthday be filled with all the joy and happiness imaginable.
Again, thank you so much,
Linda
I love reading your words of wisdom. I’ve learned a lot from you.
Happy Birthday! As they used to say in my generation (I’m 62) “Keep on truckin’!” LOL! Have a great birthday…and many more. -Mary
Mike I wanted to let you know how much you have helped create a dream, gave me the courage to build on it, and soon it will be a living breathing thing. I got the program a few years ago because i thought it would be a great way to learn about plants and bring joy and color into my yard and life. Since that day I have been planning. I had rather extensive injuries in an accident at work which left me disabled. At that point I really thought my life as I had known it was over . Reading, listening, watching you , has given me the assurance that I CAN do this, and after nearly 5 years of planning, thinking, reevaluating changing, and being physically rehabilitated, but most of all GROWING, intomyself, I am actually ready to START this venture. You have given me a dream, and the courage to make that dream come true, a reason to look forward to life, and something to be excited about. I think it’s because of being given back the will and a reason to BE excited again, that I have met the one I have searched for my whole life, and who will be my partner in this next stage of life. Thank you, Bless you, for MUCH more than the Backyard Growers System !! Happy Birthday !!!!
.
Mike, I’m not one of your customers. I just clicked into your website one time some years ago–almost by accident –to ask some question or other about our flowers or our little garden (tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash) here in Kermit, West Virginia. Whatever the question was, I got my answer (maybe it was about pruning a bush in our front yard),and I came back again and again to your website, just because I liked the tone of it–earthy, genuine, the common touch of a real person, not a big company. Thank you for being such a real, genuine person–loving family, friends, and flowers. Keep on sharing that spirit with the host of friends you have made. Happy birthday, and congratulations! Sister Brendan
Happy birthday, Mike!
Tho I’m eight years your senior, in many ways your sharing the secrets of your gardening ventures reminds me so much of my dad in his garden (even down to the bib overhalls)
Thanks for the sharing and for the joy and remembrances you bring back to me.
Keep blooming where you’re planred.
I haven’t been on your web site,(wish I had). I have such a love for flower gardening, and have so enjoyed your tips. Since I am older & can’t do very little gardening, but still loved your site, just recently I saw where you tlod how to start new grape vines So enjoyed all your videos, I will miss your weekly emails, so looked forward to them, Have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Gwe
Hi Mike,
I have The Magic Garden in Homosassa, Florida, Central Florida. I started about 4 years ago when I joined your group. You are an inspiration!
Thanks, Jean
Mike .
Happy Birthday from a new member, so happy to have found your site Counting the day’s till spring to get going. Nice surprise Dustin
HELLO MIKE A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!! YOU ENJOY YOUR DAY AND ALWAYS YOU HAVE ENLIGHTENED ME ON SOOOO MUCH KNOWLEDGE ABOUT PLANTS.
Happy Birthday Mike
I just love your emails on gardening and etc. your knowledge has helped me tremendously. I was disappointed when they stopped coming for a while. So I hope you have a wonderful birthday. What a kind gesture from Duston and Amber to surprise you with responses from all across the USA. I live in NC.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE !!!!!!!!
hey there yes I truly believe that success doesn’t happen over night and Mike’s life epitomizes that. Although i have come to know in just a short while via his you tube videos i must say he is an inspiration for a young and aspiring horticulturist like my self. I Just want to wish him all the best and pray that he will be around for many more years .Happy birthday when it comes God bless you man. As we say in Jamaica One Love
Mike Happy Happy Birthday!!!
Thank you so much for your down to earth solutions and for sharing all of the “best” secrets with us to make the most success we can with you leading as a true example. You have given me hope and for that I am able to look forward to the coming years knowing that I won’t have to stay in Corporate America forever. Hope you have the greatest birthday ever.
Best Wishes,
Debbie
Happy Birthday Mike ! And thank you for all the great information you share with us on your web site. Always look forward to seeing what you new information and helpful hints you have for us.
Mike, You are truly an inspiration to ALL!
HAPPY BIRTHAY!
Happy Birthday Mike!!!!
We moved into our house almost 10 years ago with very basic landscaping – most didn’t bloom and two trees. We now have landscaping all around our house and trees in the right spots. I learned to plant baby plants for the size that they will grow up to be. My babies looked small and overwhelmed in the bed and now fill the spot just right. When we retire, we will not be spending a lot of time trimming our landscaping because we’ve bought plants that fit, thanks to you. We learned how to make the beds just right. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Mike. I came across your site about a year ago. I am now ready to start my own small business thanks to you. You are so down to earth and knowledgable, I have been inspired to move forward. Thanks for your wisdom and friendship to us all. ” Many Happy returns” on your special day.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE….I love reading all your newsletters full of fabulous tips and advice, your a real inspiration to a lot of people
thank you so much for including me in your plant life.I haven’t sold any plants but I have grown them for my pleasure and enjoyment.l
Hi there and a very Happy Birthday to you Mike!!! I have to tell you that I have been in a garden since I was knee high to a grasshopper but since my sister purchased your book, I have learned so much more than I ever dreamed about. Your site/newsletters have been a true inspiration to me. Although I could not afford your last program you offered, I still have made money on some plants by using your suggestions and information. I truly wish you the best Birthday ever and hope you enjoy every minute of it!!!!
Barb, from Oklahoma
Happy Birthday, Mike! It takes one to know one, and, as a teacher myself, I can tell you that you, Mike McGroarty, are a superlative teacher! Your Back Yard Gardeners program is brilliant! Like, probably, everyone else who signed up for this program, I told myself that I could always get a refund if it was all hype. I signed up, quietly, expecting a lot of verbiage for the money, but I thought, “Well, I’m pretty good at this already. If I learn one good thing from this program, it will be worth $47!” Well, that was only last September, and I will tell you that I now spend hours everyday reading the posts, looking up all of the plants that are discussed and soaking up the incredibly valuable experiences. You are not only a magnificent teacher, you are a communicator. When I read your posts, your newsletters, your books and when I watch your videos, I feel like you are speaking directly to me! You are fully accessible and always willing to share your vast experience and your hard-earned wisdom. I dream of the day that I am able to attend one of the ‘shindigs’ at your nursery. I want to shake your hand and thank you for an education that has done far more to get my nursery started than any book, master gardener program or any horticultural course. I salute you, Mike! You are a grand teacher and a real human being, and I am proud to be a member of your flock!
Dear Mike,
I have not started my business yet – but I never skip a message from you Mike. Your timing is perfect and your knowledge is grand. I love the humor and the pictures and hope you know how special you are to me. Happy Birthday Mike. Here’s to you and a great 58th year.
Mary
Happy Birthday! Thanks for all the information you share with us. I especially want to thank you for the tips on starting Japanese Maples. I have a tray of them out under the ‘Momma’ Tree right now and look forward to seeing them pop up their little heads this summer 🙂
Thanks again!
Diane
Happy Birthday! Now you are as old as me 🙂 I love your emails, I have learned a lot from them. In fact, if I move to Florida from horribly cold Ohio (as is being planned), I am thinking of growing some of those plants for profit – I love to play in the dirt. Happy Birthday again! Hope it’s a good one.
Mike, from one Aquarian to another, I turned 58 on Tuesday, first of all Happy Birthday! I just wanted to thank you for all the plant suggestions you’ve given. I’m so happy to have found your Facebook page. I’m so anxious to get going with some new ideas and preserve some traditional ones. Thanks so much!
Oh yes, thinking too much about gardening and Birthdays. Happy Anniversary!!
Happy Birthday and congrats on your business of giving all the tons of gardening tips. You’ve inspired more readers to garden in practical and sound methods. Keep up the good work.
Mike we came to you seeking knowledge and you gave it. We came to you trying to find a way out of the pain and struggle of job loss and you gave us hope for the future. You open your life up to your customers, you share your knowledge, humor, personality and much of it is free. We’ve not only gained the knowledge that you gave, but a new friend. Thank you for blessing the lives of others. Thank you for inspiring people to step forward in what they CAN do and to not be trapped by what they can’t! You are a blessing to us and all those you touch!
Jon and Staci Schwarz
Sir you have to be an awful proud man for bringing up your son that way. I know who he takes after for sure. Happy Birthday MIKE and many more to come
I ALSO WANTED TO SAY HAPPY ANN. HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME ON YOUR BIRTHDAY
Happy Birthday and Anniversary, Mike. All I can say is you are the real deal. I hope you’ll be as proud as you are humbled by all the heartfelt comments sent your way in honor of your 58th birthday and 15th anniversary. You deserve to celebrate. Thank you for all the information you impart.
Karen
Thank you Mike for all the information you freely give.
I always look forward to seeing what you come up with next.
Your honesty and your love for plants show in all your videos.
I would love to try this someday…like my Dad would say: “If you want to make money, put it in the ground”.
That is exactly what you have done:)
I wish you much success and many more planting days ahead!!!
Gail
mike im 84 yr dont get out in the yard any more but i like to read & look at the vidoes you have.
so happy 58th birthday
coy
I’ve belonged to Mikes gardening site for many years. Mike has encouraged all of us to get in touch with mother nature and plants. He emails and notes are always a welcome sight in my overflowing inbox. This year might be the year where I get licensed for selling plants. If it happens it truly is all because of Mike’s dedication to sharing good information. Thank You, Happy Happy Birthday. You have many friends you don’t even know about! You bring peace and joy to many.
Hi Mike, Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary. Thank You for all the free gardening advice. I hope you are blessed with many more happy, healthy years.
Happy Birthday Mike! Thank you so much for what you do.
I will be retireing this year, guess what i;m going to do?
Yep! after 4/5 years reading your emails it’s time for me to get on board.
and play in the dirt.
Thank you again
Paul
Mike you’ve done more for me than I could ever imagine. Buying your system is one of the best choices I’ve made in a long time. I have to be honest, when I first saw it I thought it was another gimmick, but I bought it anyway and I’m so glad I did! You’ve taught me so much about plants, advertising, fertilizing, running a business and so much more! I finally have high hopes for my future and I owe it all to you. Happy birthday Mike and many, many more!
Thanks for all you do, Mike, in helping us novice gardeners. I’ve been a subscriber for a few years. Appreciate all your helpful hints.
I watched my Uncle many years ago splice one avocado variety into another (on a limb) to create a more cold hardy variety. That peaked my interest, but I never followed through…being a kid at the time. Now that I’m retired and turning 70 in April, I’ve renewed my interest in hydroponics and am planning a greenhouse in my yard to supply veggies for family and friends. I stumbled across your YouTube videos and am enjoying them very much. You have a knack for making growing simple and more fun. The knees and back are going faster that expected so I am having to elevate my growing beds. Your teaching and methods lend well to that. Keep up the excellent teaching. Happy Birthday and happy 15th anniversary. Thanks, Mike!!! Leon
Happy Birthday Mike! Thanks for introducing me to the interesting world of plant growing. I’m making my preparations for the spring gardening season and I’ve been pruning and making hardwood cuttings during the winter….All things I wouldn’t have learned without the great knowledge that you choose to share. Thanks again! and best of luck for another 15 years of your great business!
Happy Birthday Mike! Remember, it just keeps getting better, especially when you have a great family working with you!
Your knowledge and aid are the key tools I have to grow my business in small plants as we get closer to retiring in a year or two!
Blesses birthday Mike, hope you are given many more. Thank you for your e-mails I really enjoy the information on them. I find you are very easy to follow. Happy anniversary on your 15 years also, in the troubled times coming to our country I know we will be able to use the information. I have downloaded several things, great info.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE, AND THANK YOU FOR MAKING ME LOVE TO GARDEN AGAIN.
Mike, I wrote you probably 5-6 years ago and told you I was still working as a judge and it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to sell things. I asked if i could stay on your list of subscribers even though I wouldn’t be buying your system until I retired. Instead of ignoring me you sent a very nice email saying I was welcome to receive all the mail I wanted to and not to worry about buying anything. Well I did buy your books on propagation and have enjoyed the wealth of usable information you send. Your decent and kind nature comes out everytime I read your emails or watch your videos. May God continue to bless you and your family and have a great birthday!! Marco
He just has a very unique-but nice way of keeping me inspired to keep on going with my nursery/hobby.
Dear Mike,
Happy Birthday and congratulations for your 15th Business Anniversary.
I love plants and have a business making herbal spa products. So one day I ran into your site. Hmm – nursery? Not much to do with my business, but I subscribed to your blog anyway. So I have been reading – not faithfully – and have enjoyed your down-to-earth approach to growing plants and growing your business. Living in the Arizona desert would “sticking plants in the ground” and having someone else come by to dig them up some time later AND pay you would probably not work, but I doubt that it has been that simple for you. I appreciate how you teach important business principles without harping on them: ingenuity, determination, attention to detail and patience. Thank you for those lessons; they fit into any nursery (business).
Best wishes,
Uli Boecker
OLREKA, LLC
Mike. I like hearing about your techniques for making more plants out of one.Always interesting.Keep articles coming.Happy Birthday!
Thank you for your wealth and knowledge of live, businesses, and down to earth real love of family. I pray god will keep blessing you , your family, friendships, and businesses.
Blessings prayers and love
SueLynn
Happy BIRTHDAY Mike and Congratulations on 15 YEARS
My wife and I also have Jill Meadows in our Prayers an Pray that Jesus Christ will HEAL Her body.
Mike I to feel you are a God sent to so many of us. I’m VERY much looking forward to learning
how to use the members board to it’s FULLEST.
I introduced our Pastor to Mikes Emails , now He to is very excited.
Mike, My Wife and I learned resently our well is going dry , a very common
occurance here in Southeastern Arizona. Now we to will have to haul water.
Lord willing this adventure will help out tremendously.
Once again the VERY BEST to You Mike
Curt
I forget how I came across Mikes Backyard Nursery a few years back, but so many things you say and do remind me exactly of my dad. My father would have been 81 last September, but unfortunately, he passed away suddenly in 2006 (although I danced with him at my wedding, he wasn’t there for my and my husband’s first anniversary). Someone once asked me if I miss my dad and I replied “every time I look into my back yard”. My hubby and I moved in with my mom in 2008 to help her out (although I think she helps us out more!) and I tried to keep up with all the work my father did in our yard, including taking care of our 4,000 gallon Koi pond. Since I don’t have my own dad to give me advice and pointers, I love turning to your website for ideas – it’s almost like having my own dad is out there to help me! Thank you for all your informative slides and videos – they are teaching me little by little how to take the torch from my dad and keep his yard looking great! Have a WONDERFUL and Happy Birthday – and many many more!!! Enjoy your day
Happy Birthday, Mike!
Thank you for all you share. I wish I had the opportunity that Amber had. I just recently moved from a large city to a small town, and I am very intrigue with learning all I can about growing and sharing things.
You have been an inspiration, Mike!
Thank you!
Happy Birthday and congratulations on your 15 years in business! Thanks to you I have a home grown business that I love doing. You have made a difference in so many lives. I pray you have many more years. May God Bless you and Keep you .
Happy Birthday! That’s a bunch for all the knowledge you share with us! God bless you!
I always enjoy reading all the pages you have sent to me. Someday I hope to get to your “garden” in Ohio.
Thank you for being you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Mike thank you so much for all the help you’ve been to me. I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts and knowledge. By the way, Happy Birthday!!!!!! Jonnie
Christmas wouldn’t be right without Dirt Farmer Fudge! Don’t believe me? Just ask my two grandsons. The six year old arrived at my door early Christmas morning, after a two hour opening gift session with other grandparents. I asked what he was looking forward to. “The fudge!” he squeeled. Thanks for helping me make good memories for my beloveds. My Japanese Red Maple thanks you, too, because it looks a lot better since you taught me how to trim it.
Thanks, Mike.
Happy Birthday!!!!!
Happy Birthday! I look forward to your weekly e-mails and all of your garden hints – just because you are a year older doesn’t mean you can slow down! Have a wonderful birthday!
Hello Mike! Hope you have a very Happy Birthday ! I love getting your emails,i read them all and have learned a lot from you. I bought your plan once but chickened out and sent it back to you.I am almost 72 yrs old and thought I was to old to start a nursery. Have a very good day Mike. Dee
I appreciate the articles , and the lessons you try to give to me and others, so patience, and thanks again for all you do….God bless you Happy Birthday!!!!!.
HAPPY BIRITHDAY MIKE! You are one of favourite people on youtube…
I really enjoy your website because it takes back to my childhood and to good old fahioned common sense approach to gardening. I love to garden and it never occurred to me to maybe earn some extra money selling my veggies and plants but this year I am going to try it, so thank you Mike for that inspiration.
I also enjoy your family values… I am an Irish immigrant myself and I enoyed reading about your hard working parents and united family. I wish you and family a healthy and happy 2014.
Mike, your practical tips on growing plants has increased my joy of gardening since the first day I found you on the internet. (I don’t have a clue how I found you.) One of my favorite things to do is make more plants from the one I bought or was given to me. I have a 2000 gallon water garden that’s increasingly surrounded by plants and your tips are always in my mind when I prune and transplant. Thanks so much! Oh, yes, Happy Birthday!
I have got his email for few years now, and already looking for what he has for me to try. I just have a big yard and trim and cut on all my trees and flowers as he show. Happy Birthday and many more . From Julia In Starkville, Mississippi.
Happy Birthday, Mike!
You have given us hope that our love for the Earth and for growing things can also help us have fulfilling, independent and abundant lives. Your simple explanations, good humor and never-ending belief in us is inspiring and encouraging. In you, we both feel that we not only have a mentor, but a friend. We are most grateful for all you do.
Blessings,
Kris
HELLO
DUSTON YOUR A VERY LUCKY MAN TO HAVE FATHER LIKE MIKE, I GREW UP WITHOUT A FATHER , I HAVE NO REGRETS I HAVE HAD A GOOD LIFE , I M 52 , I LIVE IN LONDON UK,
THIS MAY SOUND A LITTLE CRAZY , I HAVE READ YOUR DADS PAST HISTORY HE STRUGGLED A LOT,
GO OUT AND BUY HIM A GOOD QUALITY RADIO CONTROL CAR, I M SURE HELL ENJOY IT ,THAT MIGHT WORK ,
BEST WISHES AND MANY MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY :):)
Thank you Mike! Happy Birthday & Congratulations on 15 Years of Business!
You have given this 83 year old widower something to look forward too every day reading and enjoying the website–many more birthdays Mike and keep up the good work–Friend Ron in NW Iowa
Happy Birthday to you and Happy Anniversary to you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, expertise, and common sense approach to gardening. Love the videos!!
Thanks for the inspiration and the information Mike! I picked up a copy of your earliest book a long time ago and that has fueled some of my playing with plants and plant hybridizing with modern daylilies. Happy Anniversary to all of you too.
Hi Mike!
I stumbled on your website 4 years ago. I have enjoyed the newsletters, videos, your program and above all, the Backyard Nursery Growers Board. It’s perfect for those wanting to be successful in this business. You put so much of yourself into it that I feel like you’re with me every step of the way! So much support and information! My nursery is small right now as I work full-time but eventually my backyard nursery will replace that and I will finally be able to make money doing something I am passionate about and enjoy. I look forward to the day I can actually meet you!
So kudos to you Mike for changing so many people’s lives for the better. You are truly an inspiration. Happy Birthday and congratuations on your 15th Anniversary!
Lisa
Hi Mike!
Happy Birthday you young fella!!
I love that your son and Amber so appreciate and value who you are… & want us to chime in.
For myself– I love gardening and never get enough of it. I love reading your stuff cuz it makes me feel like I am in the yard…. Though I never used your ideas to make bucks…. I can see possibilities there and until I do– I just love the pieces you do. Also appreciate your obvious love of gardening.
When I see your stuff in my email box, it kinda feels like some nice sit down time with a friend, who will expose me to new ideas or ways of doing my plants. That is a very good feeling!! Kinda like a smile!
Thank you for your ideas and sharing Mike… Love your kinda “real ness” and want to encourage your sharing & wok/play outside– or in that barn garage of yours — for another 20 years!
Smiling at you till next time!
Thank you again and Happy Birthday Mike! ( in Polish, we say “Sto lat” which means 100 years! )
Congrats on your — Birthday and 15 years of providing useful and easy to understand plant tips. I have just started to enjoy the flower beds, never had time due to work nor the interest. But now I see the beauty and the relaxation of flowers and plants. Your down to earth way of life makes it fun and interesting.
As I sit here today in temps of -9 / -20 F wind chill I am dreaming of spring. Here in Canada the season is short so we have to make the best of it.
Wishing you all the best and look forward to your down to earth updates.
Lorraine
I had always regretted not paying more attention to my great grandmother’s gardening tips ( I was the master of nod and smile). She was an amazing and gifted gardener. When I found your site and newsletter, it was like coming home to her, again. The tips you use are the tips she taught me. I’ve been able to fill in the spots I didn’t remember from her teachings with your advice. Because of her, and your videos and articles, my gardening is finally starting to take off. I’ve even managed to get my husband to try it and now he loves it. Please keep doing exactly what you’re doing.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mike!!!! Always love hearing from you. Congratulations on all you’ve done for yourself and thank you for all you’ve done for us. Many, many more!!!
With all of the advice and messages that you have sent me I truly believe that I have become a better gardener and caretaker of our yard. Thank you and Happy Birthday.
Happy Birthday Mike. And congratulations on your 15 year anniversary. We have truly enjoyed reading your emails as well as using your advice in our gardens. Your advice on pruning has been extremely helpful too. Here’s hoping you have many more birthdays to come as well as good health to enjoy your gardens. Please thank your kids and wife for helping us, your readers, participate in wishing you happiness and success in the coming years.
HEY MIKE,
THANKS FOR ALL THE HELPFUL ADVICE. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! OO MARK TAYLOR PS: IN MY FAMILY OO MEANS HUG-HUG SOOOO, CONSIDER YOURSELF HUGGED TWICE !!
Happy Birthday Mike. I enjoy getting your emails and videos.
Happy Birthday! I want to thank you for having the courage to bring this into the world. I’ve read many stories about people who’ve supplemented or replaced their incomes using your system and I hope to join their ranks this spring. Regardless of that outcome, you’ve given me hope that I can get paid to do something I love to do. I loved the package so much, I bought one for my brother. And to watch someone talk about something they are passionate about is so incredibly inspiring! I celebrate that you were born. Thank you again, and may all of life come to you with ease, joy and glory!
My Dad loved gardening but as a young girl, I didn’t share or understand his passion for it. I preferred learning to cook and sew…inside the house. But many years later, with my father now in heaven, the garden called to me. I was ashamed to let anyone know how little I knew, since my Dad had been well-known for his expertise in this area. So I made attempts, on my own, and with very limited success. Then I accidently discovered your newsletters and subscribed to them. You’ve been the “voice” for my Dad, teaching me all those little things I might have learned from him if I’d paid attention back then. Thank you sooo much! I will probably never be a “great” gardener, but I enjoy my efforts and the fruits of it, too! My back yard would make my Dad smile, today. It makes me smile every time I go out there! I’ve learned so much and continue to learn from you! Happy Birthday, Mike!! Wishing you many, many more!
Mike,
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary! You are an encouragement and inspiration to me in my gardening endeavors. I have learned a lot from you and I share it with others in our urban community garden here in St. Louis. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with others and not placing yourself on a pedestal. I feel that you are the real deal and I thank God for crossing our paths! I wish you well in blowing out all those birthday candles!
Don
Happy 58!!! Have a wonderful day and thanks for all the information Ihave learned from you.
Thanks to Mike I became interested in plants, I used to think they were just in the way while mowing now I see how enjoyable they are, One day I hope to be able to join the Backyard growers network.
Happy Birthday And Thanks for everything
Happy Birthday Mike! A special thank you for sharing all of your knowledge. I have used a bunch of it with our own gardens, veggie and floral. Thanks for being willing to educate others. A gift many don’t do, Share. Have a great day for your birthday!! Blessings and have a healthy year ahead.
Mike,
Hope you have a wonderful Birthday and great year!!
You have “touched” so many people with your newsletters and
BYG system and I am very thankful for all the information.
I started knock out roses from stem cuttings after watching your video!
Plan to do more this year.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us.
Gwen
Happy Birthday Mike ! ! ! I have been reading your blog for over a year now, and your words of wisdom and breadth of knowledge, regarding earth’s flora, have been extremely helpful for me. May you be blessed in all that you do ! ! !
Mike is the one that opened my eyes to learn how to follow my dreams with my plants and because of him today I’m so happy with my plants…so here’s to you Mr Mike I wish that all you dreams come true for you & yours and may this be a new start of your life and may all the blessing of God be upon you today and always
A long time ago…maybe 10 years or more?…I bought Mike’s ebooks, downloadables, and CD’s…on how to start a backyard nursery. Ever since I have received Mike’s regular emails and each one lifts my spirits when I see it in my in-box. I have learned so much and continue to do so even this morning with the compost video. (I didn’t know before that table scrapes did not make compost like the ground leaves do, and that we should give them to the worms!)
I have not yet been able to start my backyard nursery, and even though I am 78 years old, I have not given up doing it…I am trusting I can get my children and grandchildren to help me do it when the time is right. Our life has been filled with so many other people’s needs, that I chose to help the others first and then get to mine. We started a non-profit training institute to help the hungry, (SIFAT: Servants in Faith andTecnology) 35 years ago and now have graduated church and community leaders from 89 countries in appropriate technologies and community development. These people come from some of the hardest places of our world…refugee camps, isolated villages high in the Andes, tropical, jungle river valleys…We are teaching how to purify water, how to grow more food, micro-enterprise for survival…basic human needs. … The needs are so great in our world, that I am still involved in SIFAT, but when I can really retire, I still plan to use Mike’s backyard system in my backyard! Each year I add a little more to my garden there.
Meanwhile, during the last 10 or 12 years since I bought your material, Mike, I have learned many things from you. And I have passed on your teachings to the leaders of poor communities in Haiti, Bolivia, Ecuador, and from 89 countries total in Asia, Africa and Latin America. I have used many things I learned from you in my classes for these humble, dedicated, and oftentimes very brilliant people who then took it back to their countries. Even though I haven’t had time to make my backyard system yet, buying your materials was one of the best investiments I ever made. I continue to read and study and teach your principles.That $80 and has paid off hundreds of times as our students returned to their countries and taught their villages.
Even though you don’t know SIFAT, you have had a profound influence through SIFAT on helping many hungry, destitute people, all over the world now be able to grow more food and propogate plants to support themselves.
Thank you for what you have taught me. I pray that you will have a wonderful birthday and many years ahead to keep teaching us…and may your students spread your teachings to others….so that more needy people will have the ability to provide food and income support for themselves.
God bless you! You have really blessed the world!
Sarah Corson
Now that’s awesome!!
Happy Birthday Mike…what a wonderful tribute from Amber and your son!!…Right there is your greatest success!
I’m on the west coast of Canada on an island called ‘Vancouver Island’ and I love your posts and inspiration…have been reading for a couple of years now…your yard is beautiful and I love how you are a ‘down to earth’ type of man…remind me of my Grandfather who also was a wonderful gardener in such an understated way but a wonderful teacher…PERFECT!!
Have a Wonderful Year!
A most happy Birthday and all the best in the coming year. I have read your valuable lessons for years and have benefitted from your expertise. After reading the comments from your son, Duston, I believe that the most precious thing you have accomplished is rearing a son who has taken your values and has become the wonderful person he is. As parents, our children are the part of us that we leave behind and they are a testament to the love and values that we instilled in them, a reflection of us. Congratulations on a job superbly done. Oh, and credit to your wife too, of course!
Happy Birthday. So glad I finally checked into your program. I do not put in the hours and have the physical abilities of the younger gardeners, but the program keeps me as busy as I care to be. In the present day economic situation, I have an alternative income source if it becomes necessary. Thank you much.
Happy birthday big guy!! Thank you for all the informative tid bits that help brighten up my day!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE. I feel like we are friends and look forward to your videos. I have learned so much from you: rooting roses and other plants, when to transplant, fertilize, composting, etc. I live in FL. in a restrictive community on a 50 x 120 lot (the house takes up most of the lot). So I can not raise and sell plants, although I would like to. I have my compost hidden. Although, not everything applies to my area, I love your videos and take your advise very seriously. You put a smile on peoples’ faces that you don’t even know. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I know you are a wonderful, caring person. I like the donkeys too and enjoy seeing them.
I appreciated the info from Mike about how to root plants My grandmother (from Sheridan, N.Y.) was an avid gardner, so when she passed my aunt sent me one of her rosebushes (Circus, which changes color
3 times as it opens up. Afraid that it would eventually expire after all the years she had it, I was able to root a few “baby bushes” with the e-mail instructions from Mike, and rooting hormones he suggested. He is
very informative through his e-mails. Thanks, Mike !
Happy Birthday, Mike!!!
I found your site approximately 10 years ago when I was going through back surgery, then an emergency appendectomy, then another back surgery’ and I thought that no matter how things turned out I could dip and stick whether my legs worked or not. It turned out that they did, eventually, but I still haven’t gotten to the point of dippin’ n stickin’. (Still in a condo) However, I have never missed reading an email or a book. Learning something new helped me to focus on the future instead of feeling sorry for myself. I still plan on making the jump into selling baby plants. The goal gets closer all the time.
Thank you for being so real. Thanks for the bloopers! I’m sure there were times when you wondered if this internet thing was worth it, so let me just say, for those of us on the other side of the screen, that it absolutely has been for us. I wish we could give as much back to you.
Happy Birthday!! …and many blessings for your family too.
Happy Birthday Mike
Your advice on the fungus that grows on the garden mulch saved me !!!
My wife accused me of drinking to much and vomiting in the flower bed.
Your story verified that I didn’t vomit but I am still having a tough time about drinking to much.
Bob
Happy Birthday Mike!
Appreciate all you have done for us over the years.
Happy Anniversary also!
You have made a huge difference in a lot of peoples lives.
Love ya.
Mike, you really have changed my life. I couldnt have done ANY of this without you. Even if I tried, it wouldnt be successful. Youve steered us in the right direction every time, and made my dreams a possibility. Heck, you GAVE me the dream! Thank you for being alive, and just being you!!!
Happy Birthday Mike! I enjoy your information on e-mail and I look forward to reading more from you.
Thanks
I’m a couple of years older than you and I’ve loved growing plants all my life.
I have not been able to grow plants for a living, although I’d love to. Yet getting your blogs/emails and the knowledge you’ve imparted has made me a better gardener. Thanks for everything and have a very Happy Birthday. May there be many,many more.
Just wishing you a very Happy Birthday Mike, I hope that it will be shared with family and close friends, I hope they make this a very special day for you. With your videos and notes, I feel I have a good friend that’s along side me helping. I’ve shared your site with my friends and hope they subscribed to your emails, love ’em!!!! I have your book and love the info you share with us. Again, happy happy birthday Mike!!!!
hugs to ya
Robin
dear Mike,
I am endebted to you for your course on growing plants. I can’t believe all the information
you provided. It would take many years and going to many sites on the internet to ever
accumulate the knowledge realized from your course. you are so down to earth, I feel like
you are a father figure to me. I am 75 years old, I spent last Summer doing nothing but propagating
plants. Love it, Many rooted and as of this spring i will have around 350 plants to sell. from zero.
I told my wife, i don’t care if i never sell a thing. what this man has done for me has kept me from
going insane. ha. It has given me a new lease on life. something to live for. I love it.
so in closing i just want to let you know that i hope you have a wonderful birtdday and have
many, many more into the future. Kiss the donkeys for me.
your friend and student, John Wheat
Happy Birthday Mike!!
I have been getting your emails for a few years now and love everything I have learned. I am excited that “finally” this spring I will be able to put a garden in for the first time in over 7 years. I hope to build my potting bench and raised beds as soon as it warms up here a bit. GMO free seed book is on its way as well, so I can get those seedlings started.
I hope hope hope I’ll have a little extra money this spring to get some trees from you to finally get a little tree business started as well.
I look forward to putting all the things I’ve learned from you to good use this spring and summer. I wish you the Happiest Birthday Ever and as you say, “Stay Inspired!”
Your faithful student from N.Carolina,
Ms. Kriss
Happy Birthday & Anniversary! I’m a newbie here of only about 6 months or so. I was desperately looking for a website to get my questions answered in terms that I could understand (not all that fancy stuff!) I was looking for information on how to plant Japanese Red Maples from the seeds that I get off my trees and stumbled across your video. Well let’s just say I felt as though I was talking to my dad again! You see I lost my go to man 3 1/2 years ago (my dad) I miss him every day he would have loved you!!! Well needless to say I signed up for everything I could at the time and I’m just soaking it all up! It’s amazing to just sit and read all the wonderful comments on how you have changed people’s lifes. That being said I will leave with this, thanks so much for everything you do and all the inspiration you give to us all!!! Have a wonderful day!
Sincerely,
Debbie Propeck
Happy Birthday, Mike McGroarty!
Receiving one of your emails is like getting news from an old friend.
But let’s not put the emphasis on OLD. I’m 64, a retired gardener, and I have really learned a lot from you, young brother, about gardening and goodhearted living.
Thank you for your loving Spirit
Many Happy Returns -Kitty Lee Meekins
I love all the emails that I get from You how , you love what you do and that your are a great teacher. I love plants I keep looking at my land and saying I will grow maples trees some day I am a hospice nurse and share plants with my patiens and they do as well. I tell them about your site ,because you are true . My wife is telling it will be spring soon dont buy things you dont plant. that is what I do. But my goal is to get your system soon. and start doing it right I have many irons in the fire and get stress has we all do but reading your emails and seeing your videos, makes my day. I now have a, I phone now and share them at work, and with my patients. I liked plants at a early age so did my brotheres and grandfathers . so we did not get from the ladies in our family but they love to see us with a hobby that is at home. Please keep up the great work and if I get to your necks of woods I will look you up Thanks David and family from Hayden Alabama O Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m always amazed at the simple things you post in emails, videos or blogs. That’s for all the “down-to-earth” advice!
Mike,
I just got started last spring and your simple instructions to complex growing techniques has made my experience very easy. Most of the problems I have had is me getting in the way of myself instead of listening to you. But when things go wrong, I simply go back and re-read your book (which I have numerous notes in) or I re-watch one of your videos. Thank you for continuing to make more videos as you go and not charging us any more. I am very appreciative of that. You are a great teacher and a good person. Keep it up and happy birthday!
Dan
Mike,
I love your recipe for fudge and the way you presented it to us on your video..what you see is what you get and it was gotten GOOD!!!!
thank you for sharing your dreams with all of us! congrats on your birthday and may all your wishes come true as you blow out those candles,
Cathy Shirai
Happy birthday Mike! I truly am excited every time I open my email and there’s one from you. I’ll never forget how much I learned about trees, nature, people, and the heart of God one summer as I worked outside in the hot Kansas sun on a landscape nursery. It created a love for plants an growing that I still have. I thoroughly enjoy your insight and teachings, they have spurned a new desire to get my hands in the ground!
Happy Birthday Mike! I have been following you for about 4 years now and I find your advice extremely valuable. I totally agree with Amber – love how your advice not only tells us how to do things but why to do them. I am only a hobby gardener / landscaper now but your blog inspires me regularly with fresh ideas. I have enjoyed getting to know you and your family too. They are lucky to have you! Please don’t stop doing what you do. Here’s to a wonderful birthday and I hope this is your best year yet!
Happy 58th Brithday Mike.
Thank you so much for all the advice and teaching you have sent me over the years. I have
found my passion in working with nature and plants and how to make more plants. What
an awesome gift to receive from someone as nice and caring as you.
Thank you.
Happy 58th Birthday, Mike; may you enjoy another 50. I have enjoyed all the knowledge you have shared regarding propagation and pruning of plants. Thank you so much; I have learned a lot from your newsletters.
Hi Mike and a very Happy Birthday-
I have been following you for some years now and enjoy the useful information. You are a “one of a kind” that we could use more of in this country. We have never met but I would guess you would be just as friendly in person as you project on your videos.
God bless
Mike…Happy birthday from Nashville. Hope we get to meet again sometime. You have inspired me throughout all these years! I appreciate that.
Dave
Hello Mike and Happy Birthday! Happy Anniversary as well!
You’ve kept me inspired for several years now even though I haven’t been in a position yet to get started in the backyard. I am chomping at the bit, so to speak, and can’t wait to actually get my hands dirty! Keep up the good work and I’m looking forward to building a future with what you teach me and many others with your ‘heart of a teacher’. I hope I have 1/2 as much fun as you appear to have out there in the garden 🙂
Best wishes and many happy returns!
God bless you!
Anita
Happy Birthday Mike
You give soooo much more than you know. Your spirit is beautiful. God sent you on a mission 58 years ago… It might look like a plant mission but it is more than that … Bless U
Happy Birthday, Mike! I’ve been reading and learning from your emails, videos, and sage advice for over five years now. I always find easier ways to do things and new things to try. Thanks for your efforts, you make a lot of people happy.
Many Happy Returns
1
In this life there are few people truly worth listening to you are among the few.
“Pen blwydd hapus i chi”.
From across the pond
I enjoy every email I receive from you they are so informative. My health won’t let me get out and do like I used to. Wish I had known about you and your methods 15 years ago. Keep up the good work.
Dear Mike,
you share with us all your knowledge like a real friend.
Thank you so much.
I wish you a very Happy Birthday full of awesome good things.
Elena (from Lima-Perú)
Mike, you are one of a kind and we could use more of your kind but since you’re the one we have, I just wanted to say thank you so much for what you’ve done to empower the backyard grower. You made a difference to my life, and while I’m here — Happy Birthday !
from one old soul to another,
Raun
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIKE!!!!!!
Thank you for all the wonderful information, tips, and encouragement you have given me in the past years. I have used your suggestions many times. You make everything seem so simple and easy to do. What a wonderful teacher you are!!!!
God bless,
Madeline
Thanks, Mike, for sharing your ideas so generously with others. Happy Birthday to you and may we continue to benefit from your rich knowledge for decades to come. Who knows what a blog will look like in 20+ years? Maybe we’ll see a hologram of Mike smack in the middle of our gardens!
I have been gardening all my life.my husband nick named me dirt dobber. I loved working with plants .i have learned a lot from you mike. Thank you so much. Happy birthday
You always keep me inspired!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
My son introduced me to Mike. Later I bought into his programs. I have saved all his emails and videos(you never know when you can use them) and keep going back to them for information. Have not started my own nursery, mostly just want the information he send to all of us. This last fall he showed how to make new grape plants. Cut up lots of them. We will see how they made the winter. I have a horse pasture with wood fence no longer being used and plan on having the grape plants planted there in another year. Roses, used the system he had one of his people show us how to make new ones. Last year even with a small percentage surviving, I now have over 170 rose plants I am planning to put in a hill landscape that my husband and started last summer. Should be nice. Thanks again.
Rita
Dear Mike,
Thanks so very much for your e-mails and videos. I have learned so much. I even brought the special hoe ( I forget the name) that you showcased in one of your videos and I love it. Thanks again for all that you do!
Hey Mike, Happy birthday.
been reading your emails and all for serveral years and can’t say just how much you have helped me but I am sure it was a bunch. I am 71 and have bad health so I don’t go to extreams with my plants anymore and every0 year I say I am going to quit even groiwing my own vegatable plants and then I would read one of your e-mails and it would lite that fire in mme again. This year I was not even gioing to buy ready made plants from Wai-mart or Home Depote, but when I read your e-mail last week I started looking for some help so I could grow some veggies at least. (free help Ha Ha) except I would share the harvest with them. There is nothing better than fresh vegggies out of your own back yard. They are of a very gooid quality and you know what has been out on them. I try not to use pesticides unless it realy gets out of hand. I plant extra to accomadate the pest and varmites that might want to shre in my harvest.
Again Happy Birthday and MTGLBAKY
I enjoy all your posts and information. BTW,,, Happy Birthday
A very happy birthday to you, Mike! Thank you for all your help, I have a folder of all your postings and greatly appreciate the info. Right now I am patching up my arborvites with duck tape. It works great for small breaks because it falls off about the time the branch is healed, but you probably already knew that! Hope your day is special!
I appreciate Mike’s no nonsense rationale for gardening and non-gardening stuff alike. He’s not the “PC” or “feel good” type. He’s the practical American way to make stuff happen and live the American dream type. Thanks for all the spot-on gardening advice too! You’ve been an immense help and help make gardening fun and easy. I swear your suggestion to get the weeder tool alone (several years ago) is worth it’s weight in gold every Spring.
I just happened upon Mike’s website looking for suggestions for my garden and have enjoyed ever since! I have used several of his ideas with great results! Thank you Mike for the laughs and the know how!!!! Happy Birthday and many, many, more!!!! 🙂
HAPPY B-DAY, MIKE…Good Month for Birthdays…My mother and husband celebrate on the 26th. Thank you Mike for your e-mails. It is so nice to be conveniently connected to a wealth of gardening knowledge from the Gardening Master! I hope to implement more of the gardening knowledge you have so skillfully shared. Thank you again and have a really nice birthday.
Dear Mike,
I have so enjoyed your letters and though I am 85 and not doing a lot of gardening anymore I am really tempted to start some plants in a placemat size container just to see if I can. Your enthusiasm is contagious. I am having a tree cut down that shades my whole back yard and is dangerously close to my house so maybe I can have some sun right there now. I am having it cut flush about 4′ high so I would not even have to get on my knees.
Have a great birthday and keep up the good work, we all learn so much and enjoy your great videos and expert words.
Sincerely,
Rita
Happy Birthday, Mike. I’m an older geezer, but continue to learn from you. You are very much like my Grandfather Norris, who was wise, never had an easy life, worked hard, and raised a fine family with my Grandmother. He and I were very close, and I remember advice he gave me, such as: plain talk is easily understood, by everyone, and also, common sense is uncommon in many people. I learned from him the value of hard work, a love of gardening, and the outdoors. I wish you one hundred more happy birthdays, good health, and good times.
Bill,
Mike, I hope your birthday is full of joy! Since I subscribed to your blog I have propogated hundreds of plants and given them to family, friends, and neighbors, just because I can. I haven’t spent any money for the pleasure of what I’ve learned from you, and I haven’t asked for any money for the plants I produce. The reward for me is walking down the street and seeing my plants thriving in my neighbors’ yards. You probably will never make any money from my plant play time, so I can only offer my heartfelt gratitude for your generosity as you share your knowledge for free. I also promise to pay it forward and continue to give away my little starts. In honor of your birthday I pledge 58 starts…one for each of your years, like birthday candles… of my sedum collection to give away to my neighbors this spring. I suspect that you are the kind of person who will appreciate that! Happy Birthday to you.
Hi Mike! ♪♫♪♫ Happy Birthday To You ♪♫♫♪
I wanted to let you know that almost 15 years ago, you took the time to personally answer an email I wrote to you. Your words were encouraging, supportive, and most of all, from someone who genuinely cared about what I was going through because you had been there yourself.
You have been an inspiration to me from that time forward. I read all your news letters and blog posts. I check out the web page on a regular basis to see what is new.
I thank you for what you have done for me….and so many others…..but especially for me because sometimes it is only my love of propagation (that I learned from you) that gets me through the rough spots!
Thank you!
Julie
Mike,
I’ve been reading your emails for years now and recently bought the system. I have not started it yet, but will be this year, a little at a time. Your story has been so inspiring for me. You and I are close to the same age and we have experienced similar things. I love how you write and how encouraging you are in every new email. Have a great birthday, Mike, and keep up the great work you do. (Would love to see more of the donkeys, they’re adorable!)
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Mike
Happy Birthday to you
May the dear Lord continue to bless you
May the dear Lord continue to bless you
May the dear Lord continue to bless Mike
May the dear Lord continue to bless you!
Remember Mike, your closer to God in the garden than anywhere else on earth!
Enjoy your day!
Mike has always lifted my spirits,n helped me enjoy my gardening more.
Mike is just very helpful. May you have a great Birthday, Celebration well deserved. Happy Happy Birthday. Dorothy
Mike……
Thank you so much for the information that you so freely share with all of us. I’m 62 and looking at retirement in a couple of years… (I teach school and have great kids so it’s going to be a little difficult for me to leave).
My family has always done part time farming while Dad and Mom worked at Public Work while tobacco farming and keeping the family fed from Dad’s planting the garden and Mom Canning and freezings………plants have been a big part of our lives…
With loosing Dad 4 years ago I’ve taken it upon myself to keep many things on the farm going… Like some Apple Trees that were older trees when I was a child….Our orchard was starting to get bare until I saw some of your video’s (when I do my planting this Sunday…January 26th… I plant trees on days that mean something to us so I can keep an account of when they were planted) But as of 1/26/14 all the spots in the orchard will be again filled and many of them from cuttings grown with your assistance and air layering’s that are a direct result of your videos…
I did a syndicated radio program many years ago and was talking to some folks up in Cordova Alaska who were corresponding with some folks in Burlington Vermont who all had listened to a show where I did an interview with Bill Monroe and one of the guys told me that I was touching the lives of people I’d never meet….. I can pass those words along to you too my firend…… Don’t know if we ever meet eyeball to eyeball, but you have sure touched an orchard in Spencer Virginia….
And I thank you so much for it….
Doug Hutchens
I learned a lot about pruning and transplanting from Mike and have used a lot of info and passed along a lot of it. Thank you Mike.
HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS. I HOPE I CAN LEARN ENOUGH TO START GROWING A FEW THINGS ON MY ON. MY HUSBAND BEGAN TURNING WOOD A FEW YEARS AGO. WE DO A LOT OF ART SHOWS, AND HIS BIGGEST SELLERS ARE THE BEAUTIFUL WOOD-TURNED IKEBANA VASES HE MAKES. WE USE A LOT OF FRESH FLOWERS IN OUR BOOTH. SINCE THE COST OF FRESH-CUT FLOWERS IS HIGH, I AM HOPING TO GROW SOME OF MY ON TO CUT DOWN ON FUTURE COSTS.
HAPPY 15TH ANNIVERSARY!
As a 56 year old, single father of nine children… with 7 of my children still at home with me full time… who once had 2 incredibly successful businesses… before losing just about everything I worked my entire life for (including those businesses)… and having lived far below the poverty level for the past 7 years… yet I still have been able to hang onto my 11-acre farm just a quarter mile from my home… and… I am just SO INCREDIBLY EXCITED about all the possibilities of what all Mike’s incredible teaching & ideas can do for me and my family… I feel like the sun is just about to begin shining on me and my family once again… and that THIS YEAR is going to be the beginning of turning our lives back around financially… doing something I have always loved to do anyway… working hard outside & growing things… all because of MIKE… so… THANKS MIKE… and… HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
My 9 kids and I have been through a financial nightmare… and with MIKE’S help… we are really getting busy and ready to make 2014 the year we pulled ourselves out of that nightmare… HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!!
I really enjoy Mike’s honest opinion on his why’s and what for’s on planting and garden tools, which by the way, I bought( the action hoe the other day). Even though it is 3 degrees in Upstate New York today, it does not stop me from Winter gardening, thanks to Mike.
Mike, you have given me the courage to grow plants and not be afraid of killing them, because they are resilient; and if the soil is right, the plants will grow!!! Oh yes….and landscaping too, which I didn’t know what you know about it, it really helped me to do some on my yard!! Which, by the way looks great! I am the flower lady of the neighborhood. (of course I grow veggies and fruit,and herbs too)!
Happy Birthday, hope your day is grand!
Bonnie
Happy birthday Mike. May God continue blessing you with knowledge of gardening because you share your blessings to others. Have a wonderful day. Gwen A
Happy Birthday and Anniversary Mike. A big kudos to you. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. I look forward to your emails which are inspiring. I especially love your emails including the donkeys. I enjoy working in my garden, and reading your emails which has been most helpful.
Again, a big kudos to you for all your hard work, dedication and perserverance, just as your son said.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Your dad has been an inspiration to me because he and I think alike. I am not a business owner. But, I am a simple homemaker, cook and gardener. I have always been of the mind that paying for what one can grow themselves is ridiculous! I mean, why pay at least .69 for a can of beans, when you can grow a year’s worth of beans from a $1 packet of seeds??? And, from that point, save some beans to plant next year. It’s perpetual free food!!
I know that isn’t about trees. But, I used to think I was the only one who felt the way I do. You have the power to control your own life! But, your dad (Yes! YOU, MIKE!) inspire me to continue in my belief. My husband is so pleased with the money we save (that’s MAKING money to me!). And, he loves the food I grow and cook.
Thank you so much for letting others know that we aren’t crazy! Taking control of what we do, whether it’s growing and propagating trees in your own back yard, or feeding your family for free in your own back yard. It’s the same concept, really. At least, it is to me.
I love reading your newsletters. sharing your success and your stories is something I always look forward to. And, they keep me believing in what I do as well.
Thank you for sharing all that with us! And, Duston, thank you for giving us this opportunity to give our thanks and feedback.
And, last but by no means least…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mrs. Corey Hansen
Hi, Mike! I am probably one of your freeloaders! I have enjoyed your newsletter for a long time. I love your down to earth approach, the practical advice, and the fact that you don’t take yourself too seriously, and use humor generously!
I respect and appreciate you as a businessman, also, being fair and dealing with people with integrity. I purchased your program at one point and was excitedly reading all the material when my world seemed to come unglued, dealing with a sick husband, stressful job, and a mom showing severe signs of dementia. I realized it was not a good time to start a business, finances were tight, and I was too stressed. I called, and was given a refund and all that was said was “take care and maybe sometime you can try again. Just let us know.”
My Mom is now living with us which makes her care easier and my husband is facing some additional health issues but things are settling down. Although I don’t have 2 acres to “play” on any more, I still hope to get your program and do something with plants someday!
Love your overalls, and your Fudge video! (Hope to try it soon — the fudge not the overalls!)
Congratulations on this birthday and anniversary of starting your business. So glad I found your newsletter which I have passed on to other gardening enthusiasts. GOD BLESS YOU!
Faith
Happy birthday Mike. May God continue blessing you with knowledge of gardening because you share your blessings to others. Have a wonderful day.
This is sent along to you with great admiration. I learned how to do a few things with plants that I had no idea would help me in the future. I hope that your 58th birthday is blessed with much happiness and joy. And that you will see many more in the future.
Thank you for your knowledge and inspiration!
I live where we have REAL wind, rain, drought, temperature fluctuations, and bugs so gardening is always a challenge but your advice is “real” world and doesn’t assume we all have walled gardens in ideal climates. Thank you so much for your very down to the “real” earth information. You are appreciated! Hope you have a fabulous birthday!
Happy Bday Mike!! and thank you so much for all the tips you shared with us.
I love to read your e-mails and I’m looking for it… most of the times you
are answering what I need to know at the moment,
God bless you and hope to hear from you for many many years more,
Berta
Mike you have change my life on how I look at things on my farm for the better. I think you are a very special person and hope you keep on doing the good you do for all. I learn a lot from you that I can never repay you back . Thanks NATURES WAY FARM JerryBaker
Mike, I’m not sure how many years I’ve enjoyed your email, or even how I found you. I only know that I enjoy what you have to say and have picked up many great tips from you. Recently my husband got started reading your emails too. In fact, just this week he read what you had to say about propagating grapes and was so happy he did. We have a volunteer grape vine that came up in our back yard from our neighbor’s grapes. He was working on getting that grape staked off the ground, and found out that he had been preparing to do it wrong. Since he’s hoping to get a good crop of grapes growing in our yard, he was quite happy to have read your information in time.
I love playing with plants, and in the dirt. Your advice has given me so much encouragement. At this point, I’m propagating plants for my own use, but hope to expand that to the point where I can have a few to sell and/or give to friends.
My latest ‘experiment’ is with tomatoes. We purchased some of the tomatoes on a vine for eating several months ago, but found that three of those were full of sprouted seeds. I planted them in a couple of pots and as the little plants appeared, separated them into individual pots. Not all of them survived, but I now have 17 plants that look pretty healthy. I’m hoping to have an early, bumper crop of tomatoes from those plants.
Thanks for being there for us. Happy birthday and Happy anniversary!
I read every single newsletter I get from you, Mike. You can’t even imagine how much I enjoy not only the plant helps and pictures, but also your spirit of never giving up, and making me feel I can be a better person than I thought I could be.
Happy Happy Birthday, and I hope you have many more to go.
Claude
I appreciate all the cool info Mike sends out and I have tried many of them some worked for me and some not. I keep most all of his messages and refer back to them when I have a failure and usually find I didn’t pay close enough attention to what he said and that is why I failed. I appreciate that he has left a message in the past to me when I had a question about the time to plant something. Happy birthday Mike and I hope you have many more.
Happy Birthday young man. Thanks for brightening my days with good advice and a chance to see the donkeys!
Mike’s humor, intelligence and forthright honesty come through in everything he says and does. What a treasure he is to all. It is an honor to know him even if only through the internet. If our nation and our world was full of Mike’s kind of people, the world would be w whole lot better place.
Mike’s humor, intelligence and forthright honesty come through in everything he says and does. What a treasure he is to all. It is an honor to know him even if only through the internet. If our nation and our world was full of Mike’s kind of people, the world would be a whole lot better place.
Happy Birthday, Mike
I can not Thank You enough for teaching me and my family your system, keeping the system simple. Simple enough that children understand and grow into adults that understand simple business practice. My wish for you Birthday is to relax and enjoy you celebration with your family. Hugs The Hedwig’s
Your website, blog and email letter are
a GREAT Source for me to expand my
plant and gardening knowledge.
Thanks for your effort !!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, Mike, for all the time you’ve given to educate us. Because of you, I have become a better and more enthusiastic gardener! Someday, I hope to meet you in person. Have a Happy Birthday!
I bought the book and information about a year ago. I have about 1,000 Crepe Myrtle, Forsythia, and Rhododendron sleeping well right now in my propagation bed just waiting to be put into pots for the upcoming season. It was exciting watching these little sticks root and become individual plants.
I want to wish you a very Happy Birthday Mike! I want you to know the information I get from your email posts has been awesome and I really appreciate someone who is willing to share their knowledge and explain things in such a way as anyone can understand.
There is so much that can be said about the work that Mike does, it is a vocation and relationship with nature, more so than a job and I think Mike would be the first to agree. His passion is evident and his love for mother nature and the amazing things that she produces speaks volumes about the person he is, a true green thumb teacher. I read Mike’s blog more than any other on-line informational communication because he makes it so easy to do…he invites the reader to his kitchen table and speaks frankly about the knowledge he’s gained over a lifetime of learning; the sincerity with which he speaks draws the reader into a world full of opportunity. Thank you Mike for the overwhelming amount of information you provide and the unique and honest way you impart your wisdom onto others. All the best for many years to come!
happy birthday, young man!
when i think of people whose live had ‘made a difference’ in the lives of others, you come to mind. you have given people bootstraps, and told them where to grab, and how hard to pull, and when. thank you for all you have done to put success within reach of effort – not an easy thing, but worth everything.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE.
Thank U 4 sharing yourself, your life and your talents with us.
Thank you fro giving us an OPPORTUNITY to make some money doing something we love doing and something that CONTRIBUTES to Life itself and to the beauty of Nature.
Love you.
Happy Birthday
Hugs, love & blessings,
Geri
My family has been able to grow hundreds of plants and begin an orchard all because of you, Mike. Thank you for encouraging us. We made enough selling our plants to buy the ones we couldn’t get started ourselves. Our home is going to have a lovely fruit and flower garden and it is all thanks to you. Thank you. Thank you very much.
Mike Happy 58th Birthday and also to say Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me. It has really helped me. I have gain so much information from you over the years, and helped my church and friends with in their gardening. God Bless You with a long healthy life.
Mike, I have lurked and read for many years and finally signed up and received your system. I can see in my mind what I want to do on our 9.5 acres. Thank you so much for all your information.
Happy Birthday!!
Well Happy Birthday Mr. Mike! My birthday is tomorrow, the 23rd. I knew I liked you for some reason 🙂 No seriously, I look forward to your emails. You are an inspiring gardner that loves what he does. Your ideas are great and I share those ideas with co-workers! Have a great day, God Bless You!
Hi Mike,
I hear it’s your birthday, Happy Birthday.
I would like to thank you for all the emails I receive from you, they have been nourishing to my not so good green thumb. One of your emails you sent out about propagating new plants from existing plants. I never thought that was possible for gardenia bushes. I cut them off at the tips about 6 to 8 inches long, put them in some compost, covered with saran wrap and they are now about a foot high. If they produce flowers I will be ecstatic. I have learned so much from you, keep the emails coming.
HAVE AN AWESOME BIRTHDAY
Happy Birthday Mike !!
I really enjoy all the articles you share and your great wisdom. Just wish I had more time to play in the dirt. Maybe in a few more years I will find time.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us through your emails. I especially like watching your videos.
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday, Mike!
You’ve given me countless ideas and advice on things I didn’t know I needed! I really appreciate the effort you put into sharing with all of us!
Happy birthday. You have inspired me to grow trees. I will be moving to Oregon soon where I will continue my venture. My 7yr old granddaughter saves every seed from her apples and we love to watch them grow. Thanks for all ur advice!
My love of playing in the dirt comes from my parents, especially my dad. When I was growing up in New Jersey he grew lettuce and celery on the mucklands (black dirt from prehistoric dinosaur days) for the markets in Pennsylvania. I was thrilled when he allowed me to have my own garden space (I was about 10 at the time) alongside his garden in our backyard. When I would have a question, he’d explain the why and how. .
Mike, you remind me of my dad. He taught me a lot and you continue to do that. Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday, Mike! I love reading your blog and have gotten tons of great gardening information! Have a great year!
I bought your system and I’ve met new people and bought some baby plants. In the future I hope to be able to put the system to work on a small scale and raise baby plants, rootlings, etc. I am SO THANKFUL that Mike thought to put this program out there. An inspiration to us all, and I’m a 1956 kid, too……..Happy Happy Mike!
Dear Mike,
Thank you for all that you have taught me about plants, dirt, flowers, etc., since I began building my garden in 2006 (‘Miss Theresa’s Gardan’ named to remember my beautiful mom, who passed away in 1999.) Without your help, I could not have made it the beautiful oasis that it is today. Every Spring I eagerly await the buds to pop up from the ground. My friends and I have the best time in my outdoor entertainment space and again, I want to thank you for your keen sense of gardening and for teaching me the art of ‘playing in the dirt!’.
Happy Birthday, Mike and God’s Blessings to you and your family for many, many years to come.
V
I too read every article and look forward to using his knowledge
In my gardens. Happy Birthday!
Gail Lloyd
Lloyd Family Farms
I love Mike’s videos and can’t wait to get them in my inbox. He makes it so simple to garden, takes all the mumbo-jumbo out of it and makes it doable, which I love! I started cuttings because of Mike, using his instructional video. I also trimmed by bushes “pony-tail style” with the easiest pruning instructions I ever saw. I like how he doesn’t dress up for the videos, but is just himself, making me feel like even I can do it! Now, I’m going to make grape cuttings like he demonstrated. I always pass on his videos to others…he is the best gardener instruction I’ve ever found!
Thanks Mike and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
From Diane in Utah
Happy Birthday Mike, I love it when a landscaping/plant discussion comes up and I can share your tips…and end with Mike said so!
Here’s to 15 more years.
Happy Birthday Mike,
Thanks so much for all the information that you have made available and for your inspiring words which encourage us to do even better than we think we can. It has been a very nice journey with you these past few years.
Bob
Mike, when I first started reading your posts and watching your videos, I quickly decided this is what I want to do when I retire (just over 3 years away). I’ve always loved gardening, though I’ve not always been successful at it. Now, you’ve given me the encouragement, knowledge, and inspiration to be able to confidently say “I can do this!” May you have many, many more great years “playing” in the dirt, Mike. Happy, Happy Birthday!
Diane from Dallas, TX
Happy Birthday, Mike. I know you have another 50 good ones left in you.
I found you when I was ready to give up and go back to working for somebody again. I spent 13 years building my own business, was enjoying moderate success and digital came along and made it worthless practically overnight. I hung on for three more years trying to find a way to make it work again. Stupid.
I was discouraged and depressed, not to mention broke and 58 years old. I came home and put in my spring garden and looked at want ads for a job. I found you. I think God or providence sent you. You gave me a tiny bit of hope but I didn’t really “see” for 4 more years. I did start growing vegetables and selling them at Farmers Market and experimenting with plants. Every year I do more and make more.
You are the inspiration and gave me the courage to do what I love, growing things, instead of sitting in an office for the rest of my life.
Happy Birthday Mike,
I always look forward and enjoy reading your tips and advice on gardening. Keep up the great job you are gifted with and may you have many more Birthdays to come. And Happy Anniversary!!!
Happy Birthday, Mike.
You’ve been such an inspiration to me. I have a file that I made to put your e-mails in. I go back to them OFTEN.
I’ve been gardening my WHOLE life &, still, I’ve learned so much from you.
You are truly a blessing. Here’s to another 15+ years.
May you be truly blessed in every area of your life.
Sincerely, Connie D (Fox, Arkansas)
Hey, Mike!
In October 2012 I bought my first house in 18 years. My house has a beautiful garden with many species of trees, bushes and plants, and I didn’t know the first thing about taking care of them. I googled “how to cut back a hydrangea bush” and found your website. When I was oh, so scared of how to correctly care for all the trees and bushes and plants, you taught me how to do a little gardening while having a sense of humor about taking care of my garden, Now, fifteen months later, I still do a little gardening and a professional landscaping company does the “heavy lifting”. By the end of 2014 I hope to do a little more gardening myself with the help of a garden coach and your wise blog.
I wish you a Happy Birthday and many more Healthy Years! Congratulations on 15 Years of a Successful Business that really helps your customers. I look forward to reading every one of your emails and blog posts as I learn to take care of my garden.
Thank you!
Norma M.
Happy Birthday Mike…
Remember age is just a set of numbers…I retired 12 years ago at 62…not a bit sorry either for it allows me to work in my yard with plants and seed starting etc. Have learned a lot from you and I appreciate every E-mail of information(which I save) that your willing to share. You’ve made it easy for all of us…couldn’t have done it without you…Have a GREAT DAY…Eat apiece of cake for me…And again Thank You…
Regards,
Sonny
I a m so glad to have the info that Mr. Mcgroarty passes on to us. He didn’t have to forward
his knowledge of planting etc, but, I”M SURE GLAD HE DID. He is just cranking up I am 68 years young and would love to be able to work with him. I have a small farm and I have tried and still trying to get a “helper ” but, I sure enjoy playing in the dirt and watching things grow and flourish. It is not work when you enjoy what you do. Happy B-Day Mike and several more of continued happiness and growing info.
I had just learned of his website. I have been receiving his email letters for just shy of a month. I constantly check my emails to see what he has to say. Mike is exactly what his son has described him to be… I am seriously jealous of there relationship, as father and son. My wife and I have not had that feeling from our son. You are sincerely an awesome person… Thank you very much for your love for plants and family…
I have enjoyed reading your emails over the last five years. I have learned a lot! It seems like when I have a question about something, it shows up in your regular emails within a few days. I love your videos that show how to do something. Last Valentine’s Day my husband gave me a special tool. He said Mike MsGroarty said this is the best tool and he couldn’t live without it. So my husband bought it for me. I love how you are so down to earth about everything. I feel like I am part of the family. Some day I hope to grow and sale a few plants, but Right now i am afraid to. I’d like to come out and visit your place and talk to you in person. Thanks for sharing everything! Happy Birthdate, Mike:-)
Thanks for all your information on plants. You are an inpiration to us all. I have just joined the Master Gardeners class in my area. I hope to be ordering soon from you.
Happy Birthday and many more!
Barbara
Happy Birthday Mike! !
Not only have I enjoyed your gardening helps and hints over the years but share them with members of my family. Always good reminders of things I may have heard but forgotten over the years. I retired many years ago and find gardening to be my life line to peaceful existence in this troubled world. The beauty of growing plants and having neighbors stop to say how much they appreciate seeing the changing colors throughout the season is in part due to all your helpful suggestions.
Many more birthdays.
Connie W.
Well I always appreciate a gardeners viewpoint and sure welcome Mikes instructions he sends. I enjoying being an Advnaced Master Gardener and get a review and encouragement each time I read one. Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary to you and keep up your good work there and to all of us. Johere
I enjoy reading the blog and have gotten a lot of good info from it. I’ve always gardened and have done most of it right, but learned I still don’t know everything I need to know to make my garden perfect. Thanks for taking so much of your time and spending so much effort to bring this info to us.
HAPPY 58TH. BIRTHDAY, FROM A 77 YEAR OLD OL’ LADY
Happy Birthday Mike ! I would just like to say that you are a very un-selfish person who actually seems to enjoy sharing ideas for helping people with your buisness and gardening genius. You make us laugh with your humor and share your love of gardening and yes , Donkeys with those of us who are not the most informed but nevertheless curious . You are blessed with a wonderful family and probably more friends than you can imagine. I wish you the best of everything on this happy day and thank you for your encouraging words in all of your emails . Kiss the Donkeys for me and Happy Gardening !
Happy Birthday Mike;
You have been a God send to gardeners like myself, and I am forever hooked on your posts.
I have been following you for 6 years now and you have educated me in so many great ways.
May you have continued sucess and May God Bless you and your wonderful family.
with blessing and graditude.
Happy Birthday Mike ! Thanks for all the great tips over the years. Have enjoyed your videos & e-mails and think I am a better yard man ( I won’t say gardener) than was before. Rick
Happy birthday Mike! I am, by nature, a skeptic. When I first read your ad 2+ years ago, I was captivated at once. I was never skeptical, because your ads do not stink of scheming. They are about real work and real results. Your comments and posts inspire me because they ring true. You are a great cheerleader. You easily convince me I CAN do this. You give great examples and have so much information to back up what you say. Even though I have not yet seen black, I KNOW I will be successful. THANK YOU so much for your caring. I only wish that some day I can either make it out to meet you in person, or maybe some day you will come out to meet with us West coast BYGers.
Hi Mike,
What I notice most about you, is your “determination” to be successful.
Happy Birthday!
… james
Happy Birthday Mike!! I can only say I wish I had found your website 15 years ago. (That is the year I became a Master Gardener.) I read all of the material you post and in fact have a file where I keep them and can refer back. I have learned so much “well, why didn’t I know that”. Often times we get caught in the forest and just can’t see the trees!. Anyhow, thanks for your posts and sharing your knowledge. Because of you I have become a more effective Master Gardener.
HappyBirthday!
Thank you for all that you do.I’ve learned so much from you taking the time to to share your information I Love My Maple Tree 🙂
Enjoy your Birthday!
Thanks Mike for all you do to help us stumbling gardeners. I enjoy getting your message in my mail.
Wow Happy birthday to you Mike
I hope that you and your family are happy and well.
I’ve learned way too much from mike….but the thing that I’ve learned most recently is that I’ve been going nuts for no reason and putting way too much effort into composting until I saw the lasted video link about the guy who said stop using kitching scraps for composting…leaves and coffee grounds are all you need.
So thanks for at least that!
And have a blessed Happy Birthday.
Mike:
Your blog is actually the only blog I take time to read! I started reading it several years ago to get tips to pass onto my 4-Hers who take 4-H projects in gardening. I have learned so much from you. We moved back to the family farm last year and I use you as a guide before I go out and do anything to our trees or plants. Thanks for all your help! You have had an impact on others in our local area. We decided last year to buy plants and trees from a friend that was starting his own business. He told me I probably didn’t know the guy, but he started based on Your business plan! I told him I read your blog all the time. Thanks for everything you do! I LOVE your blog! Happy 58th birthday! Hope you have a wonderful day!!!
Happy Birthday Mike. I hope you have many more I worked hard all my life and had many great experiences in the world of management and business. When I retired at 65, I decided to do something I never had the chance to do as a business woman and that was to try to grow a garden of flowers and bushes. I live on a 4th acre of land and don’t have much room for trees. I have learned a lot about the world of gardening thanks to you and I am doing something I love to do and that is to make the world a beautiful place to live. Thanks to you and your web-site I can call myself a gardener at last. I feel like you are my next door neighbor and a life long friend and I can ask you anything and get an answer back without any pressure to buy something. Companies need to get advice from you on how to run a business the right way. Thanks for making me a gardener. By ;the way, you’re still very young in my world. I began gardening with you about 6 years ago and at 73 yrs of age I’m doing fine. I wish you many more birthdays and I know you will make the best of those years to come. God Bless.
Jonetta
Happy Birthday and Congratulatios on your 15th Anniversary !
I stumbled across your website while browsing plant websites several years ago.I was always interested in gardening but lacked the courage to plant more than a veggie garden.
I ordered trees from you long ago and they’re doing great thanks to you and your wonderful newsletters. I thoroughly enjoy your videos and feel so much more confident. I’ve planted so many new plants because of the boost in confidence and I lean on your videos to trouble shoot and to get inspired each and every spring. Thank you so much for all you do and I look forward to many more years of your guidence and encouragement. You’ve taken the fear away and have made gardening so much fun for me.
Donna Duda/NE Pa.
Have a Happy Birthday and Anniversary. Enjoy all the good info you put out.
Thank you,
Dave
Mike,
Happy birthday.
I learn a lot of from your web.
Thank you very much!
I enjoy reading Mikes emails because he explains everything from start to finish and is so clear when it comes to instructions. You aren’t left wondering about this or that. I would love to see pictures of his nursery, it has to be impressive. I wish Mike all the best and a very Happy 58th Birthday. For a birthday present I would suggest a professional web page where we can follow him on Pinterest with pictures and instructions. Everyone should have an opportunity to learn from Mike.
Just recently started getting your emails. My lifelong dream is to open my nursery – your site is very encouraging and full of wonderful information. Happy Birthday to an inspiration!
“This is your birthday song it isn’t very long” “Hey”! THANKS for your wealth of knowlege. I appreciate it. Have a blessed day and many more warm and joyful ones ahead!
Happy Birthday, Mike! I appreciate you and thank you for what I’ve learned from you over the years I’ve been reading your stuff.
Blessings on you and your family!
Dear Mike-
Congratulations, both, on turning 58 and also on the 15th Anniversary of your wonderful business.
Although I am not yet a home-grower, I always look forward to your regular mails and am always
so inspired by your messages, tips and videos.
You are an inspiration for so many people who are possibly stuck in a rut or struggling to make ends meet.
I have Rheumatoid Artheritis and have periods in my life when I am feeling, just a little bit “off” and
lacking in energy or motivation, but then, your wonderful mails arrive and I immediately feel so up-lifted
and inspired to go out into the garden with re-newed energy and inspiration.
Thank you so very much for being such a great role-model and example of how to ” get up and go when
things get rough “.
Have a wonderful celebration and I continue to look forward to hearing from you. May health, happiness and prosperity be your constant companion throughout the year –
God Bless
Bernadette Graham
Happy Birthday Mike! I always enjoy getting your Emails. THere is always some great information and I like to keep up on what your up to.
Bob Grassi
It’s great that your family cares so much about you!
Bob Grassi
I have been getting your letters since 2008.I have learned so much about plant life and how to take care of them because of this.It’s given me so much joy recreating plants from cuttings.I have been able to share so many plants with friends,making me even more happy.I wish you a very Happy Birthday and many more.God bless you .
I only read personal emails EXCEPT ones from you. I believe what you say. I am being motivated to apply what you share. Yours is a wonderful life. Happiest of happy birthdays!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE
THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO. WE HAVE BEEN LEARNING FROM YOU FOR MANY YEARS AND APPRECIATE IT.
HAVE A GREAT DAY
JOHN AND FRAN
Mike is a man who takes advantage of even limited resourses and creates an honest living that satisfies his family and his clients. That is rare these days.
Thanks to you I have taken the plunge to volunteer as coordinator of my neighborhood association’s community garden. We donate the majority of our produce to a food pantry nearby. We have had our struggles but we are moving into our second season & hope to solve many problems we encountered last year. I regularly go to your past emails & eagerly look forward to your next one. Thanks again & Happy Birthday. By the way, you’re still a spring chicken, I’ll be 73 in Feb.
.
“Happy 58th Birthday”
“Thank’s for all the information about plants etc”. You have a very interesting program that I have learned so much from it. “Keep up the good work” and wishing you many, many more Happy Birthdays to come.
Sincerely, Shirley
WOW! 15 years! I was one of your first members back when the board was much different. I was Kathy Patterson then and my ex-husband found you via an internet search. Now I am on my 3rd greenhouse – sold the first one and moved to new location and new life but still backyard gardening! The board has morphed into a wonderful tool for me. Knowledge, a place to sell and buy and people who feel like friends. Happy Birthday Mike and wishes for continued success and good health!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!!! i just want to say thank you for all of your imformative emails on plants, trees, mulching and even the Japanese Maples. I have learned so much from you and the videos. You remind me of my dad (who passed away many years ago). I miss him everyday. Thanks for taking the time to put all your knowledge and wisdom together and passing it along. Have a great birthday!!!!
Mike, it was a pleasure meeting you and your wife years ago. I had a great nursery going and got hurt bad on a paint job. My nursery made my truck payment several times. Now I am starting over again with a better game plan I just want to say happy birthday and thanks. You and I are only weeks apart in age.
Happy birthday and have lots of happy days in you work. Thank you . Jeanette.
Your books and website makes me want to get in the garden and I look forward to it. Thank you so much for all your help
Thanks Mike for all the information that you send out, your advice has helped a lot. Growing plants was a battle for me but not any more. Thanks again and Happy Birthday. Celebrate and enjoy your day!
Happy Birthday, Mike!!! What an honor to be a part of your fantastic business opportunity. You are old enough to be–my brother! You care for your business partners as family members; of which, we are most appreciative.
Have a great 58th and know that you have changed many lives through your willingness to share. May you have many more birthdays and years of gardening success while continuing to change the lives of those who are willing to work and apply your principles to their business.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY and blessings to you,
Patricia
Dear Mike, I come from a long line of plants people and I’ve been playing in the dirt for more years than you have ( I’m 65). However, you come up with some of the best teaching/training films I’ve seen. For instance, your explanation on how to prune a Japanese Maple was a real eye opener. I find myself walking through the neighborhood and looking at the ones planted in people’s yards and mentally judge the pruning jobs they have had…most badly. Keep up your wonderful outreach. You are a born teacher and we are better garden ears for it. Happy Birthday! Julie Weatherington-Rice, PhD, CPG, CPSS
I just enjoy WATCHING your excitement as you teach the lesson of the day. You are unassuming, believable – the man-next-door type. I don’t want a business, don’t have a huge backyard or garden, but have gotten many good tips on enriching the soil. My neighbor composts, and I have been contributing to her pile – but I am going to AMP UP the coffee grinds.
Have a suprising birthday celebration – Tributes from your son and Amber SAY VOLUMES about your character. May God bless you with many years of health and prosperity.
Pat
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!!
Just want you to know, even though, I haven’t been able to afford a lot of things, you have kept me inspired and taught me a great deal! I keep slowly building up supplies, plants and seeds and making plans for when I can get my business going. I am almost there!!! I think I have just about every bit of information that you have put out, I enjoy every email received and hope to one day be ready to join your bulliten board.
Bless you and your family for doing what you do and for being the good people that you are!!! Bless you for sharing your knowledge and for all of your help and inspiration! It is all greatly appreciated!!!
May all of your Birthday wishes come true! Say Hi to your donkeys for me, please!
Happy Birthday!!!
Mike, you have made pruning, propagation and plant maintenance more fun for me! I think of you when I am outside with my clippers taking care of business. I’ve learned a lot from you and I look forward to more of your wonderful videos. Very informative and the overalls ROCK!!! Happy Birthday!!
Becoming a BYG member was the best decision I ever made! I always had a hard time rooting cuttings but I don’t have that problem anymore thanks to Mike. Thanks for all your hard work and knowledge you have giving me and all the others out there!. Happy Birthday and Anniversary Mike! 🙂
Happy Birthday Mike,
I have learned so much from you over the last few years, it’s unbelievable.
I still keep the magazine “Mother Earth” where you had such an interesting
spread with the pictures and the writing. I remember I was really impressed
by you.
Have a super day for your 58th birthday!
Maria
Happy birthday Mike.
Thanks for all the valuable information you have passed on to so many including myself. You take the time to explain things thoroughly and with such passion. Have a great day and keep the information coming.
Mike has the most down to earth (literally!) presentation with the most knowledge of plants, equipment, and general planting, landscaping that he shares freely. He is the best teacher and has inspired me to create videos From Grammy’s Kitchen! I wear my apron as proudly as he wears his bib overalls! Thanks, Mike, and Happy Birthday! You are a Treasure to Gardeners everywhere!
Thanks Duston and Amber for being such great helpers! Cheers to Mike’s wife and the donkeys! Super Team!
I’ve been reading Mike’s blog for about 2 years now. I have learned so much that I feel guilty I haven’t purchased the Backyard System! I learned how to start hydrangeas and just appreciate all that he talks about when it comes to plants. Even more than that, he explains everything in easy to understand language and I love the personal side of him as he discusses his family, how he got into the business and his love of donkeys!
He just exudes happiness that he is doing exactly what he wants yo do in his life. Happy Birthday, Mike!
I have learned what I needed about growing certain plants and pruning.
Thank you for doing this for us without asking remuneration
.
Have a great birthday from a 86 yr. old lady.!
Mike, for years I have watched, read, and learned while all around me say, “No”. I am taking your knowledge, zeal, and “can do” spirit and I Am starting this Spring to be able to make money for myself working with plants as I love to do. Thanks for spearheading and sharing so I can make it possible when everything else says to give up when it comes to keeping my head above water! You are the man!
Happy Birthday Mike!
I am just starting out with my own nursery and I am really exited by all the great stuff I can find on your site. I bought your system and am in the process of setting up the misting system for the spring. You have really inspired me and I am finally getting my act together to pull out of this long slump I have been in.
Thank You!
I just discovered Mike at the end of Fall 2013. I love reading his how to’s. I want to start clippings from some of my roses and will try this Spring. I am ready to divide the hostas and daylillies. I feel that Mike knows so much about plants and he is excellent at sharing that knowledge. Mike, thank you so much.
Happy Birthday and keep up the good work!!
Thanks Mike for all your comments, help and advice, you have been a great help. HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary!!
Great job with the news letter’s, I think Amber hit it all! I very much enjoy gardening and reading his articles! Continue the great job!
Well well well, look at this happy man, Happy Birthday Mike. Thanks for your videos and in-formation and your spontaneity. I am looking forward to see you in this cool year.
Dear Mr. Mike. I so look forward to your newsletter because it brings me joy. Why? Because you are such a great person, sharing your knowledge with all of us out here in “cyberland” for free, and you do it in such a personable way that I feel you are talking just to me, instead of the hundreds of thousands of subscribers. Our Bible tells us to be a vessel…..all the knowledge and gifts we receive from our Lord is to be passed on with love to others. You, my friend, are a son of God who obviously not only follows his teachings, but honors His land as well. God bless you and grand you many many more years ahead.
I just want to say I hope this is the HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY EVER! I always look forward to receiving your emails. I have saved each and every one! I refer back to them often. I have always like to “play in the dirt”, after I found you I LOVE IT! I can’t wait to get back in my garden. I think your videos are most helpful. I am a hands on type person. So watching you do something on your videos helps me and inspires me to try different things. Thank you so much for being you and sharing with all of us followers! Oh and “Happy 15th Anniversary” on your business and “Freeplants.com” I LOVE IT! THANK YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MIKE!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAVE A GREAT DAY!
Happy Birthday Mike
I always enjoy your blog and have learned so much not to mention had a good few laughs over it – the poison ivy clip in particular. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with we fledgling gardeners!
First off, Happy Birthday and anniversary to you, Mike.
Always looking forward to the e-mails I receive from Mike M. Always something interesting to read about, and usually a “How-to” attached. I love sitting in the garden, working on making my yard look better than it did the previous year. There are so many interesting ideas Mike shares with his many fans.
He makes gardening seem so easy and quick. Love how he thinks nothing of snipping a plant off almost right down to the ground, and he assures you it will come back the next season full force. And….it does.
Thanks, Mike, for making gardening more fun and more productive than ever.
Here’s to many, many more cheery e-mails and tips and more years of gardening for us all.
Hi!
Antes de mais nada, quero dizer que faço este comentário em português por ser minha língua natal, se o fizesse em inglês acho que não conseguiria transmitir meu pensamento direito, espero que vocês possam traduzi-lo.
Mike é uma inspiração para mim, sua humildade é algo comovente, o conhecimento que ele me passou não tem preço, o amor que ele sente pelas plantas o faz uma pessoa muito especial para mim, percebe-se que ele não realiza o trabalho, não só pelo dinheiro que ganha com isso, mas muito mais pelo amor que sente por esses seres tão majestosos e tão frágeis ao mesmo tempo, pois ficam ali paradas, alguém pode vir e danificar ou acabar com elas e não têm como se defender. Precisamos amar a natureza, pois sem ela não existimos, Mike é um desses caras que tentam fazer deste mundo, um mundo melhor para todos!
Thanks Mike!
Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday Mike!
Hello just wanted to wish u happy birthday! N many more! U have taught me many new n exciriting ways to work n my garden n flower beds. I ttruly appreciate ur news letters. Keep up the news letters. U have inspired many people
Ty so much
Debbie
Happy Birthday Mike!!
Thanks for the over the top ad you shared recently. I have intentions of tweaking it a bit, but think it will really be a plus for me. Thanks for your website, knowledge and information you shre. A wealth of information. Thanks again and have a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
If you would be happy all your life plant a garden. Ancient Chinese Proverb
Mike, I think the best thing for me in your emails is that you offer keys to self sufficiency and that is quite a gift – and you offer means and support for that self sufficiency. Congratulations for a life well lived so Happy Birthday – and many more! Judith
Happy 58th Birthday and Anniversary Mike!!!! I have enjoyed watching all of your videos and reading your emails! You are such an inspiration full of knowledge and I can’t wait to start sticking baby plants this year! You make the teaching videos so fun to watch. I like how down to earth you are and how genuine you really are about helping others with this business. Keep making the videos! Keep gardening for that makes us young. May God bless you with many blessings on your Day!
Your friend,
Melissa H.
MY WISHES FOR A HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE !! AND MANY MORE– I read all your advice on gardening with great pleasure , I finally found a great gardener for the easiest and best way to do the right planting technique’s—may you prosper & KEEP GARDENING !! PEACE BE WITH YOU ! !
Happy Birthday Mike.
You have been. Huge help to me getting a littke backyard plant business going. J knew absolutely nothing until i came accross your website. The knowledge that you share is invaluable, and immeasureable…. Thank you so much.
Happy birthday Mike. I had my grandson propergate some plantsthat you told me how to do it. When I told him how much he could make in 1 square foot of ground he was excited. You could see the dolar signes roling. He realy liked the viedo of the table and the 1 square foot of cloth and how much he could make. Mike birthdays are only 1 per year so enjoy. Have a GREAT day Joe Higgins
Mike is an outstanding example of a person who makes things happen. He is the honest bootstrap businessman, who has taken the small resourses in his posession and created a way that brings satisfaction and profit to his family, and to his clients. That is rare in these times. Thank you Mike.
Hi Mike. Happy birthday and happy anniversary! Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for awakening the little dream within and making it real. To be able to take all of my plant and propagation knowledge and turn it into my own business has been a forever dream. So many times it has seemed completely unreachable, unattainable. You changed all of that. Your emails are constantly entertaining and inspiring. You are truly one of a kind. Through all the toils and tribulations that have shaped your life you’ve made your own dreams come true and given the ultimate gift by paying it forward to all the rest of us. Keep it up, and here’s to many many many more wonderful birthdays!
Happy Birthday and Congratulations on 15 years. I’ve learned much from your free advice. My dear husband hears me frequently say, “well, Mike McGroaty, says …” Thanks, again.
Happy Birthday, Mike, and congratulations on 15 years of success! We emailed a bit long ago and I remember you being so heartfelt and real, and your straightforwardness struck me as so rare and fresh in this virtual world. I would love to know you personally, but I am happy to get your emails and see what a happy life you have – they remind me that we can all make our own happiness too!
Thanks Mike for all that you do, I havebeen gardening, propagating for 55 years and still learn from you, Have a great birthday.
Harold Keown
Happy birthday Mike.
I love how Mike doesn’t come across as a professional know-it-all, he is just so normal every day people!! Makes it a joy to read and watch his posts!
Happy Birthday! Keep the information coming – I LOVE your emails. Best gardening tips around : ) Thanks for all you do. p.s. Hugs to the donkeys, too. They’re adorable!
Mike Happy Birthday Your information is very inspiring our the past years. I live in St. Louis Mo. and my kids say I have some kind of farmer in me. Thanks to you I can put some of the things you teach us to good use. Keep it up your making me younger. Thanks
Happy birthday, mike! I don’t always have time to read your blog – but do whenever the topic seems relevant to me. I have learned some very helpful info, as a result. Thank you! From a former Ohioan, now living in MA.
Happy Birthday Mike, thanks for your help.. You have helped me in the pruning of trees and some bushes. Living in Iowa in the winter is no fun with all the snow and cold this year. I just wish I could get rid of the crabgrass in my flower garden/backyard. Thanks again for all your help
Marilyn
Happy Birthday Mike! Congratulations on 15 years in business. That is an accomplishment. Thank you for teaching me more then I ever thought I needed to know about gardening. While I have not taken the plunge to start a business, I am always fascinated to read every newsletter and glean just a wee bit more gardening information.
Happy birthday Mike!
I am a long-time follower of your advice. In fact, I look for your emails first thing in my day ’cause I know there will always be a message to cheer me, make me smile and start my day off right.
Congratulations to you, your family and Amber!
Mike: Hope you have a happy day. I’ve enjoyed recieving your newsletters over the past 10 years. I work with adults with disabilities using horticulture therapy to enhance their lives. Your tips have come in handy throughout the years. Last year I used your potting bench plans to make an item for our garden auction. It was a big hit and our clients enjoyed working on the project. A real confidence builder. I grew up in the horticulture business and understand the emense amount of blood, sweat and tears it takes to make a successful business. But as you know the rewards are worth the work. Congratulations and best wishes.
B. McCord
Happy birthday, Mike. Have enjoyed your newsletter over the past 10 years. We used your potting bench plans last year to create a project for our clients. We have an auction each year to suppliment our horticulture therapy program for adults with disabilities. It was a big hit. Keep up the good work and congratulations. B. McCord
Happy Birthday! You make learning enjoyable, Thank you!
happy birthday mike
Dear Mike,
You’re the greatest! We love receiving your inspirational messages. Happy birthday, and remember that organic is the way to go. Our precious Mother Earth needs every hand to help heal her, and you’re doing your part to bring people to realize their fundamental connection with and dependency upon her.
Gratefully,
S.
I live way out in the Everglades an hour from any store. I also have a child with autism so it’s not easy just to go in the stores to look around for the things I need. I thank you for your online garden supplies. My child loves going outside to help. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Mike – You’re terrific! I take my breaks and read your email. Thank you for all the help you give so freely – my husband and I use so many of your teachings. Bless you for being the teacher that you are meant to be. It’s folks like you that change our world — for the good! Keep up the great job! There are those of us who truly appreciate you – and Pam – and Dustin – and Amber – and the donkeys! And by the way,—– HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Sharon in Kansas
Over the pass 3 years I have received valuable plant information from your blog and have shared it w/family, friends and neighbors – thank you for sharing. Happy Birthday.
Happy birthday Mike! i have been reading your blogs for a few years, time flies by so I don’t really know how many, as you may already know! I enjoy the common sense info and the plants you show. I work in a park Dept. so I have a lot of plant experience as well as growing bonsai for fun and sometimes profit. Thanks again for showcasing what we can do with plants. John
Happy Birthday Mike. I enjoy your emails and great information that you p[ass along. Hope you have a great day.
Mike your information is priceless. I love seeing your emails and watching your videos. Most of all Happy Birthday Mike!
Mike,
I have always wanted a job like Ambers, lucky girl. I am so grateful for your blog and your advise. In four weeks I am loosing my job to down sizing. The writing has been on the wall where I work for a couple of years so I have been looking with no luck. And I just turned 60. A year ago I decided to keep looking but start thinking about Plan B. That’s when I sat down and looked at what I love to do. I love to garden, I love to do art, and I love to make things. So that is what I am going to do. Thank you so much for your help and inspiration.
Mike,
Just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday and to congratulate you on being in the nursery business for 15 years. I also wanted to thank you for all the help that you have given me since I first knew you. You have helped me more than I can say. Thanks a million for sharing your vast amount of knowledge with me .
Mike, Happy Birthday and many more. You truly inspired me to take the ball and run. I took your information and showed my green tumb wife. This is a business you can do!
Then I remember what you said about retirement. Yeah, I would love to have
$250000 planted. In the back yard. Yes, we can do this together. We are the students and yes Mike, your the teacher. Thanks for a new lease on our lives…
Mike
I wish you a wonderful birthday. It looks like there are a few people who think you are really really special. You are truly blessed .
From all of us who love to dig in the dirt in Abilene Texas …HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Rebecca
HEY Mike — you dig, boy!
Thanks for being YOU!
Mike, happy birthday. I’m pretty much an amateur at gardening but every spring I’m ready to try again, in part, because, you, Mike, are always so enthusiastic about growing flowers and vegetables. Keep up the good work by encouraging us to get out in the back yard and get some dirt under our fingernails. R. Huss
I’ve read your newsletter for years and have just recently purchased your “Small Plants Big Profits From Home. I can’t WAIT to get started. Your detailed instructions and personal insights are invaluable to someone who would not even have CONSIDERED them. Thank you for that. Being able to do something with living things on my time frame, under my supervision when I retire means everything to me. Happy Anniversary. You are a lucky blessed man and your family loves you very much.
Happy birthday!
happy birthday and happy anniversary.
Thanks so much for all kinds of great info I’ve read and watched from your site. You saved my Japanese Maple when I watched how to correctly prune them and then went out and did damage control. Looking much better now. Your enthusiasm for gardening affects so many of us
I do enjoy your email, ideas and suggestions. I am over 80 and do not feel I can do many of those things, but I have always enjoyed plants and flowers. Thank you for all you do and the help you give to so many people. Congratulations on your 15 years in business and have a great birthday.
LaDonna Fay
Happy Birthday Mike. I was living in suburb when I first found you so not really able to do the trees. I am now living at my grandfathers old home. Its mine now and I have plenty of room to grow. I will have to wait till house is done( we had to basically gut and redo after last renters) before I can start. I have learned a lot from your newsletters and free info though. Thank You so much. Robin
I read all your posts!! Thank you for all the information you pass on yo us!! Happy Birthday
Melissa
Mike,
I use you as an example to my kids. Its not the latest device which makes you smart and successful. It’s common sense and self respect coupled with hard work and a sense of community service. I’m glad there are still people like you out there and willing to show the way instead of the over hyped media driven mainstream messages that get sent. its a lifelong hobby and passion and a life lesson all in one.
Happy Birthday
nab
Happy Birthday Mike, Love your website and all of the help you offer. Your knowledge is amazing. Keep up the great work.
George
Happy Birthday, Mike.
Thank you so much for all the information that you have given over the years. Always helpful and always interesting. I always look forward to getting the news letter from you because I know there will be something interesting to read. I have learned so much from your newsletters and videos. Love the videos
Also I was successful in making the dirt farmers fudge (which I had never been able to do before watching your video). It was delicious
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!!!!!!!!!!.
Happy Birthday Mike!
I want to think you for being so down to earth, approachable and easy to understand. You have helped me to believe in my little backyard growing business and to see that something I love can help me to grow and be happy just like my plants! In these hard economic times You have given a ray of hope and a hands-on solution to so many. Thank you for being you!
Laura Grolla
Hi Mike,
Happy Birthday! I’ve been reading your blogs and watching your videos and absorbing your wonderful advice on gardening for about 5 years now. I always look forward to your emails and learn something every time! Thanks for sharing all your wisdom and making what at first seems hard very easy instead! Many Happy Returns!
Happy birthday. I read all of your emails and I have learned a lot.
Happy Birthday to You and hope you have MANY more! I enjoy reading and learning from your emails and want to thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world! It’s amazing how you know how to do so much and very impressive. Nice to have your info at our finger tips to read and learn! God has given you a tremendous talent and it’s so wonderful you are also getting to do something that you love! Toni in Omaha, NE
I absolutely do NOT have a green thumb and I hated digging in the dirt only to have everything I planted wilt and die so I depended on you , Mike, to guide me. I never thought this would happen but I LOVE working in my flower garden now because of what you have shown me, it flourishes and I get many compliments on my landscaping. I’m proud to say I give others advice on gardening (your advice). Thank you so much for making me appreciate the beauty of God’s gift of nature. Happy Birthday to you and many, many more years of giving.
Happy Birthday and Happy 15th Mike,
I sure appreciate what a blessing you are and read and follow your blogs for a happy healthy business.
Hi Mike! I’m in on wishing you a “Happy Birthday” and “Business Anniversary.” I found your site by searching for tips on pruning! That little search has taught me a lot about gardening!! I immediately subscribed to your email. I read each one, click on the links, and learn. Thank you for sharing your wealth of information and your hard work pays off attitude. May this year be a fabulous one! Happy Birthday!!
I have been reading(and saving) all emails from mikesbackyardnursery for years. I am so pleased with many of the tips sent to me that I then forward them to my three grown children if I think they will find the particulars helpful. I especially like the videos of Mike doing the work and teaching so clearly.
Thanks for being such a cuddly, warm and down to earth guy Mr. McGroarty!
Happy Birthday from the Lloyd families in WI, Ca. and London, GB.
Happy Birthday Mike!!!! I have saved many of your e-mails. I only wish I had heard about you sooner in my life. Thank you for all you have done for me, I have learned how to make new roses from old, transplanted trees properly, learned some about bee keeping. Thank you for all you do!!! Linda
You’ve made me realize that there is a market for plants. Even to those neighbors that say they aren’t into gardening. You make it doable.
I found your site because I wanted to get more blueberry varieties growing on our North Carolina farm. I have been an avid gardener all my life, but just never took on a larger project like this. With your instructions, I feel that anyone could succeed. You did a marvelous job, both with the free content on the site, and the info you shared otherwise. I read each one of your newsletters. I realize the work that it takes. Thank you for your generosity!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! And many more…..
Rebecca
thanks for what you have given us during these first 58 years, mike. i can’t begin to imagine what you will do with the next 58 years!
Hello Mr. Mike,
Over the years, starting many years ago with the “Wall” where posting questions and the readers posted answers for all to see, I have followed your enormous amount of information on how to select, grow, and sell plants. That information I have filtered down to my family, and has made a profound effect on them. I won’t go into details, but all of us admire and respect you and everything you have done and shared with everyone.
We especially love the donkeys!! They inject humor into your life, and to ours, also.
May God continue to bless your efforts.
Mac
I am very glad to have a person like Mike McGroarty to refer to when ever I have a question or a problem with any type of gardening problem rather it be with a garden rodent or a plant problem. I have asked him question and he gives me answers and also explains to me in detail how to remedy the situation, and for that I am very thankful. I also look forward to his MUD FUDGE recipe every year as well, it is very tasty. He is a very gifted man when it comes to the nursery work and I will always trust his word for advise. Thank You very much Mike for all you have done and helped me with over the years. Sincerely, Michael Smith
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!!!!
Mike, the first I learned of you…was through a video you had sent around of the beauty of pollination. I watched it over and over again. I forwarded it to several people who wrote back thanking me. I finally said, I have to check out the guy who sent this. That’s when I “met” you. I have subscribed ever since, and love reading your FREE advice on how to care for plants. Each one seems to be written just when I needed to have those questions answered. Now, to be honest, I don’t read enough of them — and have been hurt by not doing so. I just inherited a non-working farm, with 100 trees (every species…including pomegranate, peach, fig, black walnut, grape vines, etc.) I barely get to what needs to be done and I am so new to all of this. YOU have made it easier. Please keep up the good work. And have a wonderful birthday — you so deserve it and have a beautiful son with such a good idea for your Birthday!
Thanks again for being YOU.
Renee DLP
Happy Birthday Mike,
I think you should run for president in the next election! Our country needs to get their hands back in the dirt.And if you told them they would listen.
Darold Gingerich
Happy Birthday, Mike!! I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the wonderful tips and advice you’ve given through the years. They make enjoyable reading and even more enjoyable practicing.
Have a great day!
Congratulations Mike!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
First of all for your birthday, just had my 61st yesterday myself. And second, for 15 years of your wonderful business…I love reading your posts. I don’t have time to do a lot of the selling, but do learn so much about propagating for myself…I love it!!!!!!!!!!!! I have 5 acres and love making myself more plants so I never have to buy any…thank you so much for sharing your wonderful knowledge…you have saved me thousands of dollars. At some point when I am done with my OTHER business, I will start selling plants myself here on my 5 acres. Can’t wait! Keep up the good work, and please take care of you!!! THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy birthday, Mike! I appreciate all your helpful tips, especially that you taught me how to root cuttings of shrubs. I have a large bank that I am trying to
shrub, and your methods make it possible on a retired person’s paycheck.
Dear Mike,
Thank you for your willingness to share your knowledge. Through words and videos I have learned so much. I also like the fact that you share other people’s knowledge with all your students; sending us to websites for additional info or a special video.
I don’t always agree with your pruning style; I don’t want my Japanese Maples to look like umbrellas, but I so enjoy listening to you and watching you work – no matter what the subject is. Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher.
I am looking forward to many more years with you as a mentor!
Happy Happy Birthday!
Terry
Happy Birthday Mike!
I have designed my landscaping from your landscaping ideas. I have use so many of your words of wisdom! I prune when I am suppose to know. I plant in groups like you do. I read all of your newsletters and have probably watched all of your videos. I have only been following a few years, but have enjoyed all you have taught me! I hope you enjoy your Birthday!
Keep on sending newsletters and making videos!
Hello Mike,
Happy Birthday! I enjoy your emails and have learned so much from them.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and providing it to us in simple, easy to understand, yet great details.
Hope your day is a special one, full of happiness and sunshine!
Nicole
I enjoy reading what you put on. …….I love the donkeys too. And the people who don’t like them, that’s too bad. They are yours, and it is your life. Just keep on, keeping on!!! Just be you!
Hi Mike and Happy 58th birthday!
I just want to tell you that as an amateur gardener I have very much appreciated your emails and your website.
I have a yard that is just under 1/3 of an acre and many times your words of instruction have been a huge help in managing it all. I am 62 years old and a retired school teacher. My husband encourages me in my endeavors, but I am the main one doing the yard work. From pruning hydrangeas to managing the weeds, you have been a BIG help. I share your love of gardening and playing in the dirt. Keep up the instructional videos! I love them!
Gratefully,
A gardening friend in Norfolk, Virginia
Hi Mike, Happy 58th Birthday! Funny but I’m about the same age, running a business, helping others keep their bookkeeping up-to-date with simple spreadsheets, keeping up a blog and newsletter is very difficult. I know because I’m doing it too. One day I will take your advise and start growing things in my backyard to sell. That sounds so much easier than programming Excel spreadsheets.
I remember one spring when we had that frost that came right after a long warm spell. I believe it was you that gave me some peace knowing my Japanese Maple will make it and not die from the frost. You were right. Thanks for all you do! May God bless you and your family. Michelle
Happy birthday . Keep up the good work!
First off, happy birthday Mike. I would like to thank you for showing me how little I knew about plants. I thought I knew a lot about growing and rooting plants, but come to find out, I didn’t know as much as I thought I knew. Thank you for showing and teaching me so much.
Dear Mike,
You are my “Go To” online Guy for everything garden related.
I love your how to videos and down to Earth way about you. ( even the overalls) 😉
I can honestly say my yard has survived by learning from you… I even dug holes and planted several trees, learned how and when to prune, my compost pile thrives, and even have pretty annuals to paint paintings of.
So Thank You and Hope you have the Happiest Birthday Ever!!
Renee B
Maryland
Hi Mike
Thank you for all the information that you so freely share. I have learned so much from you and in turn have shared the information and your website with others. I have grown red raspberries for 3 years and enjoyed the berries every summer, however I am delighted to have learned that the red raspberry leaves can be used for tea, so cool..
Last year I became a certified natural grower and I have began to propagate red raspberry bushes to sell. Thank you so cool…
Mike, your wealth of knowledge on all things gardening is priceless, and it’s enjoyable to read, since you clearly love what you do. Happy Birthday, and may your garden always be beautiful!
Happy Birthday, Mike. You have taught me I can do things I never dreamed of. Thank you for all of your hard work, planting tips, and encouragement. Be blessed, my friend.
I have been a member of the back yard growers for going on two years. Mike you started a wonderful team and proved that you are about more than plants. You and your team helped me any my family when we had only what I could fit in my little car. Thank you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST GARDENER EVER- BAR NONE!
I HAVE BEEN GARDENING FOR YEARS AND YOUR INFORMATION FILLS IN THE GAPS I
HAVE ABOUT WHAT TO DO BEFORE PLANTING, WHAT TO DO AFTER PLANTING, AND
QUESTIONS I DID NOT KNOW I HAD! YOUR ENTHUSIASM AND SHARED KNOWLEDGE
IS INSIGHTFUL AND USEFUL AND I T THANK YOU FOR YOUR SHARING SO MUCH AND INSPIRING MY GARDEN ENDEAVORS–WAITING FOR SPRING NOW SO I CAN SEPARATE SEVERAL CLUMPS – WELL MANY CLUMPS – OF DAY LILIES AND PRUNE SHRUBS AND DO AN EVEN BETTER JOB WITH ALL OF THE GARDENS, THANKS TO YOU! R.P.D….
Hi Mike ,
I teach inmates Horticulture at a Correctional facility in Wilmington, NC. You are the only individual I follow for news on the industry and guidance growing/buying/selling plants. I always share your story and teachings with the guys in every new class. Happy Birthday!!! Look forward to new postings.
James Dixon
Happy Birthday Mike! You truly make the world a better place. I’ve been tempted for years to take the plunge away from my day to day corporate job. I want to do something that actually makes difference in the world, maybe by making it more beautiful. You are my inspiration and I am not going to let this opportunity pass me by. Thanks for all that you do.
Mike, I’ve been a follower of you since the get-go. I was born in Canton, OH and lived there for the first decade of my life until our family moved to Maryland. I was fortunate to have many relatives in Ohio who shared their love and knowledge of gardening with me and that’s where I became addicted to it. It’s always uplifting when I log onto my computer and find your latest posting with knowledge from the Buckeye State. Happy, Happy Birthday!
Happy 58th Birthday! Thank You Mike for all of your marvelous gardening tips. Gardening is my fun time and each Minnesota spring I revel in the new growth. My yard is a small city yard with a lot of shade. There are some challenges as we look out on a sea of snow today and try to remember the beauty of last spring, summer, and fall. Always looking forward, Mike
Hi Mike, It has been more years than I can remember and I have grown to consider you and your family great friends. I love seeing your name in my e-mail. I learn so much and I always come away feeling better in mind and spirit after reading your messages.
Often I will call my husband to hear your latest e-mail and he leans over my shoulder as we read your message together. Then we are off to prune a Japanese Maple or plant a flower confident with the knowledge you have given us.
We thank you so much and send our love and God’s best blessings for your
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Jeanne and Jim :))
Happy Birthday and Anniversary to you Mike for all the wonderful and informative posts on gardening. We have orchids, Christmas cactus, stag horn ferns and red and green Japanese maple trees. Love your cheerful attitude and unending patience. Thank you to your staff and your lovely wife too because you can tell your family is important to you.
This is a great idea for your dad. Well your dad kinda saved my husbands life. Paul retired 4 years ago. He is a Vietnam vet that has been hit with PTSD really hard. The memories made him feel like he shouldn’t live any longer. He was ready to give up on life. We did get him help through the VA. But getting something to keep him mind busy, this is where your dad comes in. With his help Paul loves to garden and loves to pass along Mikes info to the neighbors. Now to figure out what to do in the winter. Thank you all. May God bless.
Happy Birthday…
I enjoy all the things you share with us…my garden has grown since I use the little tricks and advice…
this year we are expanding it again…
Thank you
and Happy Birthday again…and many more
Happy Birthday Mike! You have given us many no nonsense ways to work and enjoy our garden and landscape attempts.
Your honesty is absolutely true. Thank you very much.
Bernard and Pauline
The word ‘thankyou’ doesn’t say enough for all the information that you put in the emails. I had never done any gardening and now that I am home and with your excellent advice, I spend 2-3 hours in the garden and I love it. Thank you so much and may the Almighty give you a long life and prosperity so that you keep posting this advise. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday.
Thanks, Mike, for the example, thanks for the tools, and thanks for your encouragement to build a business that I can run on my schedule as long as my schedule meets the needs of the plants.
Happy Birthday, Mike. As many are doing, I want to tell you how much I enjoying receiving your emails and your website. You are a huge help in understanding why we do what we do in the garden. You are so generous in your knowledge and we appreciate it so much. Thank you Duston and Amber for allowing us to express our appreciation and in wishing your Dad a Happy 58th Birthday.
Louise
wishing you a happy birthday and a long life full of joy and happiness
Paul
Thank you Mike!! for showing me why I lost my Meyer Lemon that I had planted incorrectly in my adobe soil. I won’t make that mistake again!! You make a difference! Happy Birthday!
Sandie
Happy Birthday Mike! I came across your videos on YouTube a couple of years ago. I bought your system. I want you to know that you are really doing so much more than teaching gardening. You are a bright ray of hope and are like a friend to all of us who have found you. My husband had bone cancer and I just lost him 2 months ago. But over the last 2 years, while i was his caregiver 24/7, your videos cheered me up, gave me inspiration and knowledge. Please don’t stop what your doing, your a great friend to us all.
Sincerely Brenda
It has been great to have such knowledge at hand and I have really appreciated it.
Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday. I have learned a tremendous amount of valuable information from you. I am glad I found you. On day I will be able to afford your Backyard Yard Nursery. Still saving. Thanks to Dustin and Amber you are great to do this for your father.
Happy Birthday, Mike! I’m a fan of yours, a nature enthusiast, and enjoy documenting in photographs the changes my plants undergo throughout the seasons. The air propagation system you demonstrated encouraged me to purchase this product and give it a try. As a result, there is now a beautiful air propagated double pink Rose of Sharon in my front yard that I love. I’m pruning it to grow in tree form instead of a bush. I really appreciate the booklets and information you provided when I signed up for your newsletter. You are a bright spot in my day and I love receiving your tips on gardening, propagation, cuttings, etc. I think the world needs more people like you who give so much joy to others! Thank you for all that you do. .
For years, now I have learned so much from Mike. Not much on using the computer but I have full benefit of his knowledge. I won a pair of pruners
once, as I was on line when the msg. came in and I was first to respond.
Mike you have given the world of your knowledge on growing, pruning, transplanting, fertilizing etc. I am the widow of a WWII Vet and your knowledge has helped pull me tremendously through some tough times. I am grateful for it all. You are amazing.
Thank you for everything you have inspired in me. Didn’t know I had it until YOU popped into my computer on Sept. 21st 2006.
Congratulations on your success. Much happiness to you and family. Happy Birthday and Anniversary. You are simply put, ” D’BEST”
Regards,
Jennie Wells
Powhatan, VA.
Thank you Mike for all of your great advice. Happy Birthday! Happy Anniversary! We own a small farm in a very expensive area to live. With the high non-farm taxes, we were definitely worried on how we were going to be able to keep it in retirement. Your ideas have given us a doable way to make the extra money as well as qualify for agricultural tax savings to keep us “down on the farm” for years to come.
I am an avid gardener and discovered Mike a few years ago. The tips and knowledge keep me coming back for more. One thing sticks in my mind and that was the video he did on his home landscaping and sharing the “rules/how-to” was mind opening for me. Absolutely love it. Thanks Mike!
Hey Mike, Happy Birthday. Just wanted to you to know how much you have helped me to maintain flowers and a garden. I’m just an old “Ham-N-Egger” but you always seem to make everything really simple. I have also saved some of your emails as a reference to know what mistakes not to make again for the next years. I always look forward to your emails and I hope they will always keep coming. Happy Birthday Mike and I hope for you many more.
Reasoned opinion with information trumps all.
That is Mike in five dynamic words.
THANK YOU SIR!
Mike, I bought your book a while back. But I didn’t buy it to make money selling plants. I bought it to learn how to grow cuttings of my favorite plants so I could share them with family and friends. Thanks to you I have been able to spread a lot of joy (and plants) in the world. Happy Birthday.
Happy Birthday and Mike and good luck to another 15 years.
Thank you for all the helpful and timely gardening information you’ve been sharing with us. I learned more from your column than from the websites I’ve gone thru to find the advice I needed. You’re so down-to-earth you make my gardening chores easier and more enjoyable.. Happy Birthday Mike and Happy Anniversary !!!
Happy birthday
I love all the hints and tips
looking forward to more when we start our big garden in our new house this spring severn, md I love watching your visoe ideas
Happy Birthday Mike–
I read everything you send my way. The tips you provide have saved me much time and have made my playing in the dirt easier and a lot more productive!
Hey Mike,
Slap another wrinkle on your birthday suit.
Love reading all of your articles, pics of the donkeys, and sharing you with my fellow garden club members. You ARE an inspiration to all of the “dirty girls”.
May you have many more wrinkles….
Happy birthday Mike.
It has been a pleasure reading and following your blog.
Hope you have a WONDERFUL birthday!
Sincerely,
david
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE,
Hope you have MANY more! Even though being a Master Gardener for 12 years, I have learned more from your e-mail instructions, than from all the classes that I have attended in that time. You make most of your instructions look so easy.
So proud of your healthy weight loss, because we and your precious “Donkey’s” want to keep you around for many more years.
Congratulations on your 15th Anniversary as well!! Great work. God Bless.
I just would like to say Happy Birthday! I have enjoyed reading what you post on your sites! I can identify with you your love of the land, nature and plants. I have picked up hints from you and have been looking for something to do in my near retirement years because I still have a 14 year old that needs to go to college. I have kept a lot of your thoughts and advice in my mind. I have not bought any books are other things. Hesitate doing it on line for safety reasons. Thought about just sending a check through the mail and possible ordering something to help me start a business at home. I love the land and nature and enjoy hearing the things that you have shared !!
Happy Birthday Mike … I think this is a super fun idea that Duston and Amber came up with … happening across your blog and your “weekly” emails helped me believe that I could have a go in the garden and experiment myself. Not that I am super good, but now I have the confidence that I can propogate new plants, grow from the parent plant’s seed, take cuttings, do aerial rootings and more. Basically propogate new plants myself. I’m proud looking at my garden’s offspring as they grow bigger and stronger each year. Happy happy birthday and thank you … Mary
Dear Mike, Happy Birthday, 58 comes pretty quick doesn’t it. I love the work that you do and I look forward to having you as my teacher for many years to come! Have a really great birthday, stay healthy and happy. Jeanette
Wanting to wish you a happy birthday! Learn so much from reading you articles and emails and get such good information from you. Love your newsletters too. Thanks!
Mike!!! Your impact on my life is ( Almost) UNBELIEVABLE!! You are an inspiration, a phenomenal mentor, a teacher beyond compare, and I would Also classify you A FRIEND!!
Over the last couple three years, you have answered hundreds of questions, provided us with a world of “like-minded” “family” given us a place to get more answers, great prices on cuttings and supplies, and even, occassionally, put us “back on track” ( smile) if we wandered off task.
What a GREAT PERSON you are, and I count myself very privileged to have “met you” ( maybe someday in person!) and look forward to working with you for years!!!!
SUPER HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and MANY MANY More!!
Phyllis
HaPpy BiRthDaY, Mike! When I was Given different circumstances in Life, your e-book came along and has definitely been a part of helping me to “bloom where I’m planted.” Just yesterday, the mini-lecture on composting was a revelation! Out here on the west coast, looks like I’ll also need to be learning about efficient water use this year…
THANK YOU for ALL you do to help us take better care of God’s gifts …for God’s glory!
I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting Mike “personally” but I value our friendship beyond words. The day doesn’t really start until I read the blog, compare it to my own knowledge, smile and realize, “Doggone, he did it again, taught me something I didn’t know and I was raised by a father whom I figured knew “everything” about gardening and I’ll be 70 next May.
Thanks Mike, happy birthday and keep on keeping on.
Well what else can I say other then his hard work paid off and if he has the spirit and rhere is a demand for his products and services then keep on trucking.
Kenneth C Young
Mike, We wish you a very happy 58th birthday… We moved to a small place so not allot of space for gardening but I enjoy your blogs an pass on some of the information I have learned from you… Love your donkeys… Have a great day…
Dianne an Mike
Happy Birthday Mike, and thanks for your dedication!
Happy Birthday Mike,
Thank you for all your tips they sure have made my gardening much easier. You have taught me a lot and I have shared your advise with others. I watch you videos and read all your e-mails.
Keep on keeping on. Looking forward to a good 2014 of gardening fun with you.
Thank you for all your help.
Patsy from Dallas, TX
Mike, I don’t have a plant business, but I do have plants and lots of land to fill up with plants! When I first stumbled on your website I ordered your plant propagation book. It has been a great help to me, but I also love gleaning tidbits from you in your videos. I have come to think of you as a generous friend who is willing to share his valuable knowledge. Thanks!
Happy Birthday and God Bless you!
Happy, happy birthday, Mike! You are the “go to” guy for all information on plants! I don’t know what we would have done without your excellent information and knowledge!!! Don’t EVER disappear from our lives.
Well mike happy birthday from Ireland
stay inspired
Mike; One idea that sounded crazy at first (but it works GREAT!), here in the south we love our okra. It’s slow to germinate in early spring and if it’s a wet cool spring some times the seeds will rot or get damping off and die.
The trick is bleach. Yep Clorox! Pour (full strength) over your okra seeds and wait 30 minutes. You’ll be planting okra sprouts not okra seeds! You can rinse them off if you like but if you water them after planting there’s really no need.
If it’s warm enough you’ll see the sprouts pop out several days earlier than untreated seeds reducing the chances of seeds rotting in the ground.
Try it!
Hugh
HAPPY BIRTHDAY , Mr. Mike! TKY for ALL you do. I so enjoy reading and receiving your emails. It’s great how you are sharing your knowledge. Keep up your GREAT hard work and all you do. May you have a Special Day today. Why if I lived close to y’all I’d made you a Mudd Cake, miss Suz
Happy Birthday Mike! Thanks for offering all of the free advice. I enjoy the explanations! You are a great teacher.
Enjoy,
Debbie
Mike you have been an inspiration to me .I’m almost 72 and enjoy my small greenhouse here in Covington ,Tn I enjoy growing trees from seed and giving them away.Thanks for being a gardening friend.
Wishing you a wonderful birthday. Thanks for all your posts over the years. I love reading them and enjoy experimenting in the garden. Greatly appreciate all you do!!!
Have never gotten so much for so little. Aside from all the valued info, I have gained a wonderful next-door neighbor. Makes no difference that you live a thousand miles away.
Have a wonderful Birthday!
A very Happy Birthday, Mike!
Your newsletters and information over the past years have improved, and changed, my life…and I thank you! I just turned 75, and i December of 2002 I suffered a stroke, leading to selling my newspaper business and making many changes in my life. A while after that and two years of working hard to gain mobility, etc., I ‘discovered’ Mike!
Selling my business was necessary and very difficult for me, but for the first time, I discovered gardening and Mike!
There are many things I am unable to do, but your newsletters, humor and information have meant so much you me! I look forward to them so much!
I am looking forward to Spring and being able to do a ‘Mike’ something this year!
So, thank you so much and have a Happy Birthday!
My best to your family….
Elaine in Hendersonville, NC
Hi Mike,
Just wanted to wish you a very HAPPY 58TH BIRTHDAY. I look forward to all of your gardening tips. Thank you for all that you do.
Hey Mike! We very much enjoy your stuff and with any success will be able to triple the amount of fruit trees we have this year from the cuttings. At this point we haven’t attempted to make any money but we will eventually.
Thanks for making something that seems complicated, simple.
Leanne Koren
Happy Birthday, I am a new subscriber and look forward to the many things I am going to learn! Congratulations on being a successful business owner, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication!
Happy Birthday!
I greatly you videos and words of wisdom.
I am just getting started but have already learned so much from you. I hope you have a wonderful Birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!
I hope you receive many wonderful Birthday wishes & praise for all you’ve done to help others!
I Appreciate your willingness to share your information with others so they may earn an income or just have fun in the dirt growing new plants. Your information is priceless and the way you explain things and show others exactly how to do things is even more priceless. Seeing can be so much more helpful than just reading! Have a wonderful Birthday!! Many Blessings to you for a Wonderful New Year – enjoy 58!!!
Happy Birthday 🙂 I am so bless to have able to get such wonderful information and uplifting comments over the past couple years. It gives me hope for the future, to be able to support my family doing something that I truly love. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and experiences. You have made such an impact on our lives.
Mike,
I found you by accident while searching YouTube for video help to prune my lanky, ugly forsythias. I subscribed immediately and watched every video I could find. You were and continue to be a blessing!
You call yourself an Ol’ Dirt Farmer, but to your loyal readers you are so much more. You make everything sound possible, simple, and doable. You are my gardening Go-To-Guy and Guru. Many thanks for 15 years of honesty and inspiration.
All the best on your birthday and always. May you receive a bounty of blessings greater than those that you share with others.
-JD McCue
Happy Birthday Mike,
I am 74 and have been gardening since I was a child, but never for financial profit. I was one of those people that would grow only things that I could eat. Through your e-mails I have become interested in different plants. As a single retiree, what I have learned has helped my social life as well as beautified my yard by trading info and plants with neighborhood ladies. Through plants, life can be wonderful for the people you meet as well as profitable if one so desires.
Thanks and again, Happy Birthday
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 58 IS GREAT! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
Thanks for all of the wonderful inspiration that you share with us all.
Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge about plants, trees and other stuff with us so we can be better gardeners! Many more Happy Days to you.
Blessings, Laura
Congrats on the birthday!!!
I have followed your post for several years and have learned a lot!
Again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Francis Taylor
PS I have thirty two of them on you….
Mike has tought me how to start my own grape plants . Really works great and am starting new plants now.
Thanks ,Mike and happy birthday and keep up the good teaching .
Bill Strickland ,Levellamd ,TX
I ALWAYS read Mike’s posts. There is always something to be learned or gained from his communications. I am a hobbyist backyard gardener, mainly shrubs and plants. While I haven’t yet made the jump to his Backyard Growing System, I will at some future time. For me, it isn’t about the money, although I believe you can profit from his approach. It’s about loving being out there, using his advice and tips, and seeing the garden and planting beds improve. My favorite “Mikeism” is about the best time to prune shrubs…whenever you have the shears in your hand. Simple, effective, beautiful.
Thanks, Mike, for being out there and doing what you do. Happy Birthday and here’s to another 15 years of being a uniquely helpful resource!
HB Mike !
I have compulsively pushed sticks into the ground for years– as you NEVER KNOW — what might come up .
So now, when I get your emails, I HAVE AN EXCUSE to push more sticks !
Has anyone ever called you an ENABLER on your birthday ?
HB Mike !
Geno Centofanti,
Columbus,Ohio
Thanks for helping me get a rejuvenation back to plants.
I have learned a lot from your system and newsletter.
Its making me approach the upcoming forced retirement with a new attitude.
Thanks again and Happy birthday!!!!.
Hope you have a Happy Birthday, Mike!!! I have learned a lot from your website, thanks. Paula
You are such an inspiration to me. I know how much work is put into plants, gardening, flowers and trees and every time I ready his e-mail I just want to get up and go. PS I hate winter and need to get outside and dig some dirt… so I’m transplanting all my house plants. Hope this gets me through the next month or so. HOpe to have a greenhouse up soon and I can try to me “More like Mike” in the future. Here’s to many more years. Thank you so much for all you do..
Happy Birthday Mike- look forward to reading your e-mails-they have given me a lot of good information to use in my flower/vegetable gardens & yard. Looking forward to 15 more years of you sharing your passion with us. Thanks!
Happy Birthday Mike!!! I really enjoy your e-mails and videos. Keep up the good work, Jerry
Thanks Mike for sharing all the information that you so freely hand out. I enjoy the blogs and the interaction of people with the same mindset. I have found if you want something in life you have to actively pursue that dream, otherwise it remains a dream. You say the same thing in many different ways as a constant reminder for all concerned. Instead of “I wish I had” we need to think in terms of “I am going to get”. A person can put all their wishes in one hand and there’s still room for a shovel handle. I love your posts and I wish you many more years of doing what you love. Happy Birthday from an avid fan! Jim
Happy Birthday, Mike! I have been following you for 8 years now, and I want to tell you that I have learned *so* much from you. From starting a mulch pile, to an easy way to edge my yard, to taking cuttings. Waaay too much to list here. You’ve been a blessing to this 66 year old. Happy birthday again and I wish you and your family the best life has to offer. Picture confetti falling from the skies! 🙂
Happy Birthday! Thank you for so much valuable advice, encouragement and enthusiasm through your website and e-mails — they definitely get the gardening bug in me just a hoppin’ and waiting for Spring! (I don’t wait that long though, and start my seeds indoors EARLY and often so I can play in the dirt even though there is snow on the ground!) I wish you many more years of happy Gardening and a Happy Birthday!!
Hi Mike, Happy Birthday to you. You are a huge inspiration to me and my gardening. I love your videos, – informative and kind of funny, especially the fudge one. I hope you stay inspired too!
Hello Mike and Happy Birthday! You have never met me but I feel like I know you. You always send me emails and information and I have ordered your book and DVDs. I even wrote a letter asking for your advice. I have poured over your notes and emails and watched the videos you put out for us at no charge. You are one of the most giving and down to earth people I have ever “known” but not known. Meeting you and visiting your home and greenhouse and seeing all of the work you have in process would make me feel so much more confident about growing and selling those cuttings myself. It is actually one of the things on my bucket list. You have inspired me so much. And you continue to do so everytime you send an email or show me how to use a tiller or compost or trim or root or just plain walk me around your yard. The world is a better place with you in it and I wish you continued success with all of my heart!! Have an excellent birthday Mike and many blessings. Denise from North Carolina.
Happy Birthday Mike! I hope your day is as wonderful as you. Just a little note to tell you how much you are appreciated, I feel like I know you from reading your blog these past few years. You are my inspiration whenever I get outside and play in the dirt! So many of my gardening questions have been answered by reading your blog and the advice has the bonus of sounding like a friend talking not an instructor. Heres to you Mike!!
Whenever I need help or information on how to do something in my garden, I always go to your website. I have watched many or your videos too & they are always full of great information. Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday. I was still working when I found you and your website. I love my flowers and plants and gardens. I thank you so much for your wealth of knowledge e-mails.Now that I am retired I use so many of your tips and ideas to make my garden flourish. I love that you are so willing to share your detailed, yet easy to follow instructions to make working with plants so enjoyable. Bless you and know that you are very appreciated not just by me but also by the people I share your ideas with. I am always glad to highly recommend your website to my family and friends. It’s wonderful to see in action that you sharing how you make your gardens grow makes many, many more gardens grow.
Happy Birthday Mike! Congratulations on 15 years!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm with all of us minions out here! 🙂
My recent career change to “stay-at-home” Mommy has allowed me to reach back to my roots (pun intended) of helping things grow!
You have proven you CAN “Do” AND “Teach” successfully!
May you have many, many more years of helping to create a greater good!
Happy Happy Birthday Mike! Thank you for all you give back to nature! Blessings to you on your special day!
Mike, learning from some one like you, means in my case, I will retaiin it and use it. What ever it might be I know you have done it and lived it. I can honestly believe and trust in what you say, demonstrate, and explain. I know this because I use and do what you say and things turn out just as you have said they would. Thank you Mike, HAPPY BIRTHDAY and ANNIVERSARY.
Happy BD Mike
I just had a BD too, Mike, on Jan 21st. I am now 64, got an new hip joint installed last Sept, and looking to retire from being a 7th grade science teacher. I have been following you for the last several years, and am seriously thinking about going into the plant growing business based on your business model and guidance. With the summer break from school fast approaching, I need to get my ritty, ditty in gear, if I intend to make a go of it.
Thanks for what I have learned so far and I wish you a very Happy Birthday!!!!!
Mike………
Happy Birthday to you! Thanks for the volumes of information that you share……Your experience is valuable and muchly appreciated……..absolutely love the videos…..and your blog……
I am inspired and look forward to each post……… thank you for taking time to share your personal experiences and knowledge with others……….looking forward to this spring to get back in the gardens! Thank you and again, Happy Birthday! [and Happy 15th Anniversary]
Mike I have learned more about the nursery business from your videos than from all the books I have on the subject combined! There’s something about watching someone who knows what he’s doing .. it sinks in! I could thank you twelve times and it wouldn’t be enough! Happy birthday! I was 58 once myself.
Thank you for your blog. You have helped and inspired me to be a better gardener.
God bless you and happy birthday!
Happy Birthday, Mike! Just want you to know you have been an inspiration to me. Thanks for everything!
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday and I think I have been reading all your comments for 15 years. I was googling and found your site. You are the common man’s gardener. You use your head and share with others anyone can garden either on a small scale or like you turn it into an enjoyable business. I enjoy what you post. I too am a born digger and love to make things grow. I love the emails keep it up. You are still so young you have many years to go. Happy Happy Happy Birthday I appreciate what you do.
I just wanted to say Happy Birthday and thank you for all the wonderful advice you have given people like me out here over the years. Know that you are appreciated and that people are reading your information regularly, even when we don’t take the time to say so.
Mike,you are the real deal. The world needs more people like you. Happy birthday and many, many more!
Happy Birthday Mike!!!!!!
Thank you for all the information I have received in your newsletters as well as any questions I have submitted via email. The promptness of reply has always amazed me.
I have really just begun-meaning, I have about 1400 plants started-well, I know all won’t survive, by the grace of God, I am expecting a wonderful surprise come spring. I have used various methods you have been teaching and will go forth with the method that works best for me.
Thank you for your wonderful teaching abilities and I actually see humor in you as well. It’s fun to get our hands in the dirt and you make it exciting as well.
Have a blessed and wonderful birthday!
<*((()))< ?
Happy birthday Mike…
Thanks for your years of service and information. Learning from you over the years
has been such an inspiration and so much FUN.
From another MC….
Tina McLelan Schraier
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE! Thanks for sharing with us your profound knowledge on growing and selling plants. Your natural passion for this business comes across loud and clear in all your posts and videos. THANKS AGAIN and have a GREAT DAY!
Happy Birthday, Mike! Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge with the world. May God continue to bless you, your family, and your business.
happy BIRTHDAY IKE,i enjoy your e-mails a big help to me in the past. Sorry this is late I am not feeling well and I am late.
Carl
Thank you for sharing all the gardening information through the web.best wishes for many more birthdays.
Sincerely,
Barbara
Happy Birthday Mike. Thanks for your great inspiration, my garden thanks you too. All the best to you and your family.
Happy Birthday Mike! Just started watching your videos after purchasing a piece of property. We plan on purchasing your DVD’s over the next few weeks. Although we are just getting set up, I just know you are the man to listen to and I am convinced your work will be a great asset to us. Much appreciation for what you are doing. You are making a difference! The Lord God Bless you in this coming year greatly!
Mike,
Happy Birthday and many more! You have made me appreciate gardening and landscaping so much more than I ever thought possible. After years of reading all the complicated ways to do simple things, you brought the fun back to maintaining my property. Thanks so much.
Mike, thanks for all your good intentions, and right actions.
I look forward to your newsletter. Your advise is common sense and takes me back to my grandfather’s good gardening practices. Imagine-he knew enough to compost! Way back in the 40’s.
You’ve got an admirable life and family-how successful you are!
Happy Birthday.
Happy Birthday, Mike and Happy Anniversary. The Lord has truly blessed you with the know of plants and how to take care of them. Because of your teaching, I have been able to start many new plants for the original plant, like my knock out roses, burning bushes etc. My flower beds look great from spring until fall, and the burning bush hedge that I’m starting is beautiful year round. Thanks for sharing your knowledge……….Thanks for being YOU.
Love you and your website! Happy Birthday, Mike!
Well, it seems Mike not only grows great plants, but he grows great kids and great friends and associates. I’m a subscriber to the newsletter and look forward to each and every one of them. I’m not a big commenter, but I do read the newsletters and watch the videos. Thank you, Mike, for taking the time to pass on the information you do through your newsletter and videos free of charge. I’ve learned lots of tidbits of information from you over the years that I’ve employed in my little urban garden. Happy Birthday!!! and please keep doing what you’re doing.
Cheryl
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mike!!!!! LOVE your helpful hints – keep ‘um coming!!!
Mike, thank you for your sharing heart… and remember, birthdays are good for you, the more you have the longer you live! Happy Birthday – Happy Anniversary.
BTW, you have a good son!
I have been receiving Mike’s little messages for about 3 years now. I keep thinking…boy I can’t wait to get this little plant thing started. I am looking forward to retiring next year so that I can put my fingers in the dirt and get a little plant business going. I love his articles and advice. I have tried all kinds of tricks from his tips in my yard and he is a miracle worker. We love you Mike…I need to take more time to read up and get started this year ahead of time. Happy Birthday and God Bless you and your beautiful family…and the donkey. Keep up the great work!
Jo
I have been receiving Mike’s little messages for about 3 years now. I keep thinking…boy I can’t wait to get this little plant thing started. I am looking forward to retiring next year so that I can put my fingers in the dirt and get a little plant business going. Keep up the great work and Happy Birthday!
I enjoy your e-mails even though I am not a real gardener. I have some flower gardens around the house and hate to admit that I just don’t seem to have enough hours in my days to commit to them as I know I should. Its very cold up here in Maine today and the gardens around the house are pretty bare – waiting for more snow.
Hope you have a wonderful 58th birthday with your family and friends and wish I was your age!!!
Congrats from Maine and enjoy your day,
Monique
Love playing with plants
Happy Birthday Mike
Mike – when i first found your Free Plants program 8 years ago! It energized me to see that we have more control over our lives (financial and otherwise) than what we might typically think. I grew up on a farm but left after High School and never returned to farming. As I was getting older i felt the urge to get back into the dirt and your course offered me hope and a way to do that even in a suburban environment. Although I’ve never sold 1 plant ( i’ve never tried) I’ve gotten back in the dirt for many years now and grow a lot of our own food and planted countless shrubs and flowers. Thank you for being you and sharing your gifts with the world. God Bless. Kelly
Happy Birthday Mike,
Thank you for teaching and sharing all of us! I love to read your post and hope to one day ne as successful as you are. Have a wonderful day and a prosperous year!
Hi Mike Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary! I just want to say thank you! For several years (and through a few computers that haven’t lasted as long as you I might add) I have poured over your emails. I even save them to reference later as needed! You taught me how to clone my fruit trees, which saved me a lot of money, and now I am ready to begin selling plants and produce on a small scale. Who know? With hard work and dedication maybe my little business will support me like your dedication has done for you! I couldn’t put into words the gratitude I feel, so thank you from the bottom of my heart will have to suffice for now. I wish you many more years of success and joy in what you do. You truly have a teacher’s spirit.
Happy Birthday, Thank You for being you, for helping people grow with their plants. If everyone who had knowledge to help someone, would take in someone to mentor, there wouldn’t be all these people without skills and no way to get a job. Not everyone is meant to go to college. I just retired and bought six acres in the country, I can’t wait to get moved, so I can put into practice all the things I have been reading about gardening from you. Again thank you for being you.
Happy Birthday Thank you for your generous sharing of tips and educational information. Its a welcome surprise to have someone with the intention of helping us become better gardeners and better people. Many more birthdays and much success
I thoroughly enjoy each and every newsletter you send out. Learned a lot about gardening, plant species and tricks of the trade that you just can’t find in most resources. As a past Ohio resident, I also enjoy watching how you capture the seasons with your articles. Thanks for being a part of our lives. Best wishes on this upcoming Birthday.
I follow each e-mail and pick up pointers that are very helpful. Have a very enjoyable birthday!
Happy Birthday & Congratulations on 15 years in business!!! I just wanted to say that I look forward to all the advice videos you send out. I’ve downloaded your book and have sent the link to many of my friends. It’s nice knowing someone out there actually cares about people he doesn’t even know!!! My garden and flower beds thank you too, because I was doing things wrong when I came upon your videos one day. So have a great day and I look forward to more videos from you. Again “Happy Birthday”!!!
“If I could give you one thing in life, I would give you the ability to see yourself through my eyes. Only then would you realize how special you are.”
(My son’s 6th grade teacher)
No truer words have been spoken, Mike you have given me more than anyone else in life, you believe in me and that is worth more than I can say.
Julie
Hi Mike! Happy birthday to you! Hope you have the best birthday so far with many happy and healthy returns.
I cannot remember how I found you, but it’s been fun read about growing and taking care of all the plants, trees and shrubs. I joined your club because I am opening up my gift/GARDEN/gourmet shop a bit later this year in Florida and wanted to know more about plants.
Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with all of us!
Melissa Curran 🙂
Happy Birthday Mike and congratulations on 15 years in your inspiring business. I love to read your emails and have been inspired to try new things in my garden. I appreciate your down to earth instruction. Keep on making the earth a more beautiful place!
Happy 58th Birthday Mike. I’ll turn 58 this year myself (June 27). What an inspiration you have been. I started “lurking” on your site 5 years ago and a couple years back finally took the plunge. I plan on retiring when I turn 60 so I’m been concentrating on building stock. Made a few sales but really haven’t advertised yet. I know the sales will come if we follow your advice and “stay inspired”. Thanks again!!!
Wow, how can you say how much effect he has had on my life in a few short words? encouragement, patience, perseverance, knowledge you can’t get anywhere else with such a diverse group of people. Feeling of extended family. Guess it would be more fitting to just say “THANK YOU” for introducing me to this way of life.
Thank you Mike..for all your witty comments and wonderful advice.
Happy Anniversary and Happy Happy Birfday!! 🙂
Cindi
Dear Mike, I’ve been following you for a couple of years and I have your book. I started when I was working on a Landscape Architecture degree. While I’m not practicing, I still love watching yourd videos (and the donkeys especially) and reading your blog. I’ve learned a lot about plants and even though I have a very small space, you’ve inspired me to propagate some plants. I don’t do it for money — just for the joy of watching the miracle. Thank you and Happy Birthday!
Laurie
I love everything that Mike posts about! The one thing in particular ,that really stands out is the video about poisin ivy. It was so funny! Also, my composting techniques have improved by listening to Mike.
Have a Very Happy Birthday and keep up the excellent work!!
Congrats. on your 15 years!!
I have always waned to be able to plant shoots for a tree or plant and have them take root. I would buy all the stuff they sell at the big box stores to aid one in doing that, with no success. However your simple plan worked wonders. I planted 8 fig tree cuttings from an old tree and 7 of the 8 took root. I was hoping for1 – or maybe if I am lucky 2. But as it is with 7 rooted shoots, I was able to give friends small fig trees to grow on their own.
I am looking forward to do the same thing this spring with Confederate Rose trees or bushes – also known as cotton roses. I moved and want to plant a few bushes to make shade to cover the West side of my new home.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and talent. You have no idea how many people you have helped. And Happy Birthday to you !!!!
Rick P.
Happy Birthday Mike, and many, many more.. I Appreciate all the good advice and look forward to the next emai. Be blessed, Sharon.
Happy Birthday Mike! You are wise and generous with your knowledge, an unbeatable combination. Whenever someone tells me this little plant business cannot be done, I just log back into your site for encouragement and information to get me back on track. You are changing lives – what an amazing legacy. Hope your day is extra special! Thanks for all you do!
Not everything you post applies to me but I read every posting. Those that do apply are welcomed information and very helpful.
Thanks and Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Mike- Wish I could see 58 again 🙂 Best advise, the one I keep in my head at all times is that there will be a million naysayers on what you do-keep your nose to the grindstone and dreams will come true.
Thanks for all you do, and have a Great Day!
Bob
Happy Birthday Mike. I would like to take a moment to thank you for all you do. I only recently came across your website and receiving your emails. But I have to tell you I have learned so much and I continue to learn. You stir the desire of gardening in me. I now am no longer happy with my back yard. Due to HOA regulations I am limited however I now am looking for a bigger property so I can put a lot of your ideas, tips, etc. to good use. I have a deer issue and whether it was your intent or not you helped with that. This next season I have no doubt those deer will be leaving my roses alone. Thank you for your time in sharing what I beleive to be your passion with all of us. May God continue to bless you and your family. Again I wish you a very blessed HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy Birthday and may you have many more!! Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us. I don’t have a green thumb and your suggestions do help. And I have learned a lot from reading your posts. Have a great day.
Hi Mike: I’m 78 years young and would like to thank you for keeping me limber. Bending over to watch and help the little plants grow and blossom keeps the joints moving and gives the fading eyes something to look at and get joy from (some women do the same, but not that often). Keep up the good work and advice. Dear Abby doesn’t have anything on you.
Hi, this is John Reed here to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Sounds like one of your intro’s, huh? Seriously, I wish you a great day. I hope you can take some time during the day for a bit of a celebration. I have 10 years on you Mike, so you have plenty of living to do. Continue to take care of your health and yourself. We need you here. You bring so much knowledge about plants and their care that I couldn’t find elsewhere or even know what to ask. I appreciate your detail. Have a great day and thanks!
Happy birthday from a french men that appreciate so much ALL the info that you provided on a regular basis, in order to make my garden / flower bed look better and healthier
Norbert b
or M B
Have a Happy Birthday
I’ve never been able to go “whole hog” into this business, both in money and stamina. But you’ve been kind enough to give many pointers without obligation. Thank you so much.
I look forward to your newsletter. You have helped me save plants that were almost beyond help. You have helped with getting rid of pests, rooting cuttings, prune trees and just plain add interest to life. Thank you so much for taking time for us . I hope you have a wonderful birthday . I pray God gives you the strength and knowledge you need to continue. All our best wishes, Happy Birthday! Kathy PS Three cheers for a wife and family that supports you!
Hi Mike!
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary! You are SO full of great knowledge about so many plant-a-rific things! I have learned a great deal from you about big things and lots of little things regarding plants and how-to’s and why-to’s that I could fill a book. Thanks you for all you’ve taught me and shown me and given me the opportunity to do things myself. You’re a wonderful fella and I wish you every happiness.
Thanks again and again and again,
Linda
♪♪ Happy Birthday 2 U ♪♪
I’ve truly enjoyed reading your blog over the years. I’ve been able to use some of what you teach around the new home we had built here in Maine for our retirement over the past year and a half. We look forward to expanding our plantings using your methods in the next growing season.
Thanks very much…
Happy birthday! I look forward to your emails and have learned a lot from your articles. Keep writing and planting!!!
What a magnificent, caring and compassionate person you have been throughout these years. You have demonstrated the highest eithical and Christian values and Jesus shines through you. You have given us such wonderful tools to make our lives better. You are truly a beautiful gift to all of us. May this day celebrate the gift you are and may all of His blessings be yours and your family.
Happy Birthday!
And anniversary!
Many more years!
Enjoy all your info!
Inspires my garden!
Thank-you so much!
Happy Birthday Mike,
Thank you for sharing your knowledge in tips on gardening. As a new gardner your expertise has help me in ways I have not heard of in my gardning searches for help.
Thank you Mike! Thank you for keeping me company at work, for giving me positive reinforcement in believing I can create my own horticulture business, for being positive, for your tips and tricks. I can continue to list the many ways but, allow me to just say- Thank you!
Geoffrey
James Island, SC
Happy Birthday Mike. I have learned a lot from you. I learned that plants are pretty resilient and that don’t mind being messed with. I really go at pruning now which I never did. My plants are full and beautiful now. I look forward to the emails with your words of wisdom and enjoy the photos. I love the donkeys.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
I don’t have my own home anymore or much of a garden where I live now, but after deleting many contacts and removing myself from blogs, I just can’t seem to let go if you. I see your emails and they make me smile! It’s all positive, good natured stuff! In the fast pace of life in the city (L.A), I see your email and think “Yay, Mike is still going at it!” So, thanks again, your appreciated and WOW, is your son handsome!!! Happy birthday Mike! ; )
It has really been wonderful to enjoy all the gardening tips Mike has
offered through the years. My Mom is gone and I have no one to
ask and he seems to know just what is needed. Thanks so much
Mike and HAVE A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
VerJean
I’m so glad I subscribed to the email list, it keeps me excited about gardening and I’ve learned so many wonderful things! Thank you so much, Mike, I hope you have a happy birthday. 🙂
Happy Birthday, Mike! I’ve been reading your emails for a number of years, while at my desk at work. This spring I’m retiring and will be free to do what I want from Friday through Monday every week! I am SO looking forward to some intense gardening and have been saving up lots of your advice to get me started. 🙂 Stay happy and out in the garden!!
Just wanted to say Happy Birthday and also to say Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me. It has really helped me. I have gain so much information from you over the years, it is just priceless!!! I hope your birthday is a wonderful one and all your hopes and dreams come true!!!
Have really enjoyed Mike’s videos – no frills – just a real person showing me real information. How refreshing! Mike has savvy marketing skills, even though he may not be aware of all of them. His posts and style have inspired me and as a result, I started my own small daily farm email which has resulted in unexpected and surprising results. Thank you Mike! Here’s to another productive 58 years for you!
Happy Birthday, Mike! I haven’t had much time to garden in the past few years, but still, I avidly read and view most of your e-mails because I WANT to garden. I also do this because I know your videos and e-mails are much more likely to inspire me to garden than any “to do” list I might write for myself. (I even had a friend help me build a propogation box a couple years that I hope to use THIS year!) There is so much more I could say about your blog, etc., but there isn’t time in this short e-mail. I just want you to know that I think you are a great inspiration to all! THANK YOU and Happy Birthday.
Happy Birthday Mike, its really a pleasure to know you. I’ve learned a lot from you and will continue learning. Thank you…. Best Wishes for you for the day and always… 🙂
I joined BYG about 2 years ago. I am still a newbie, but the advice and plant suppliers the site provides is invaluable as I begin this journey. Thanks Mike for making all of our dream nurseries possible as you live your dream. I will turn 53 this year and think this is the best time of my life. Happy 58th Birthday as you continue your journey!!
Awhile back I purchased “Make $ from Home Growing Plants” for my husband’s birthday.
My husband and I have enjoyed your emails for a couple of years now. What we have learned from you goes Beyond words.
Thank you for sharing your valuable tips and Happy, Happy Birthday.
Bev Storer,
Bigfork, Montana
Happy Birthday and Anniversary, Mike. You are the one source I can always depend on. Thank you!
Mike’s gift to me has been HOPE. Because I can see throughout everything he shares that it is possible, with the right information and the application of effort, for my dreams to come true.
Taking the time to you Mike a very blessed HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Your tips on gardening have made me a very nice piece where people stop and look and say how beautiful everything is in my gardens.
Enjoy this day and look forward to another year of your experience that you share with us your readers.
Happy Birthday Mike! Thank you for all that you do. I hope your birthday is spent surrounded by all those you love most and that love you most. And hopefully that is the same group of people. You are an inspiration and a great example of what a business with passion looks like. Thanks again.
Hope you have a well-deserved happy birthday! Thanks for helping up become better gardeners!
Have a Happy Birthday Mike! And thanks for all the great information over the years.
Mike — I soooo enjoy checking my computer each day to see what pictures/ideas, suggestions, and general plant knowledge you post. I plan to come visit you when the weather gets better. This freezing weather has got to leave us soon.
Happy Birthday from one Mike to another! I just started to garden two years ago and have made great progress thanks to all your shared wealth and knowledge. So thanks to you, I’m doing well. So thank you and hope you have a very Happy Birthday!
~ Michael – NY/PA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!! Many blessings, The Deys’
Happy Birthday Mike, I too will turn “58” this year (February). You have given me so much information over the years, Congratulation on 15 years of Business and praying for many more years to come.
Thanks so much for introducing me to this incredible website
Happy Birthday,
Mike smith
Happy Birthday Mike
Enjoy your videos and tips for back yard nursery.
I have started to implement many of the ideas you present and I am looking forward to expanding them this spring .
May this be your best year yet and may all your followers stay inspired.
Happy Birthday! Have enjoyed the knowledge and tips you have shared through the years. I hope your birthday is a great one, and hope you enjoy many more! Lisa
Growing up, I remember an elderly neighbor who would break off a twig and tell me to stick it in the ground. At the time, it didn’t seem like a big deal. Today, I have quite a few trees, shrubs, and vines, thanks to her. Unfortunately, she passed, and as an adult I’ve often wondered how she did it.
After finding your site, I discovered that you and she share the same secret. Timing is everything! Now, thanks to you, I have over one hundred plants growing from cuttings taken on my property. I’ve enjoyed your tips over the years and look forward to many more.
Happy Birthday from a fan in Virginia!
Happy Birthday Mike, thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, I personally have learned so much from you and you have been a great source of inspiration. Keep up the great work.
we live, we die. and inbetween we garden. you are a good ol boy. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE.
Congratulations Mike,
I can’t beleive it has taken me 15 years to find you! I have been scouring the internet and trying so many things to maybe make a little income when I retired. This is the first thing that has really given me hope. I grew up on a farm and have worked in nurseries and landscape businesses, but I’ve learned more from you in 21 days than I did in years in the industry. I found out why my cuttings mostly failed, (And why my mother’s didn’t) and so much more.
I already have about 1000 cuttings stuck and I am getting the system ready for spring. In the beginning I wondered how you could give away so much information and still expect to sell anything……Well I bought the complete package and don’t regret it. It think it might have been Zig Zigler or someone like him that said, “Help others get what they want and you will get what you want.” You are a great example of this and I hope to pay it forward. Thank you Mike!
I can’t leave out Dustin and Amber either. Amber was very helpful in getting my profile set up and I see the results of a lot of Dustin’s efforts.
Again HAPPY BIRTHDAT AND HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
Have A Happy Birthday and a great year….Can’t wait for spring to start planting…
Mike,
Thank you for the wealth of FREE information you have GIVEN to us over the years! I signed up for your newsletters probably 6 years ago and and told myself this is something I can do. Last year on January 20, I decided it was, (past), time for me to get started. I bought your BYG program and have learned so much from you and the members board. I appreciate all that you, Pam Dustin, Amber and the rest of your staff do to bring us the videos, newsletters and the Members Board.
I have in the neighborhood of 1000+ plants potted and 3000+ that are in various stages of being rooted. Let’t see, that’s 4000 X $4.97 = $19,880 worth of FREE plants?!?! Can that be right??? WOW!!! Why haven’t I done 10 or even 100 times that. I’ve just been “playing” with plants and enjoying being outside!
Mike, Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary and thank you VERY MUCH!
Bill T
Mike, I stumbled upon your website a few years ago, read it enthusiastically, and bought your system. All that just to say I haven’t implemented the first iota of advise you given because of health reasons. I’m 68 and had an aortic dissection in 2006 so I can’t bend over, stand for more than a few minutes at a time, or walk more than a few feet at a time. Last week i was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. incredible for a lifelong NON-smoker! But I continue to read, absorb, and follow your every bit of advise. Just that gives me JOY! Joy is hard to come by at this point in my life, but between my grandchildren and you, I’ve got joy! Thanks for what you give! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY & HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOO! Love, Jill Meadows
Praying for you, Jill….. Geno
God Bless you Jill.
God Bless you Jill.
Some things in life ARE this good and this true. They show up expectantly, and bring you things you never thought possible,….Just like Mike !! Happy Birthday Mike !! Love you for all that you do and your wonderful willingness to share it with those around you !! You truly are a huge inspirational in many, many ways !! Blessings to you and your family ( it looks like you passed down more than just a love of plants to your kids,…what could be more awesome than THAT?!!?) Thanks again, Sheri
To have joy is a wonderful example for all of us. I too will add you to my prayers. May God always give you joy and peace on this journey.
Jill , I too have gone thru medical issues including being dead three times in an hour and brought back to life. Prayers going out to you and keep the faith as high as you can, Modern medicine (before Obama got involved) can fix lots of med issues, God fixes the rest. Here’s a prayer for you for a longer life.
alan
Prayers for you, Jill.
My prayers going out to God for you Jill…
God Bless and Keep the Faith that Jesus has the power to heal us, miracles do happen and that God loves us all and wishes none of his children to suffer or be in pain!!!
God Bless,
Dana~
I especially like your email signature – “and by all means, stay Inspired!”
Happy Happy Birthday!!
I would like to thank you Mike. you gave my retired husband some thing to do.
It keeps him out of the house and off the computer games. so I can get on the
computer! So far we have not made a lot of money but I have hope for this year. If our plants make it thru the cold weather we have had here in Indiana.
I have also developed a love for plants. thank you Athena
I read your Dads emails every one! And learned a lot about gardening pruning, but the best advice He gave to Me was how to choose the correct wheel barrel . Happy Birthday Mike! Thank You!
That was good advice! Doing what you love shouldn’t hurt.
Hope you have the best “B” day ever. I look forward to all your e_mails. I live in Texas and it is easy to say it is too HOT or Too cold to garden, but you live where ti is cold and the plants go to sleep here they just take a short nap. Your tips have helped trans form my piece or the desert into an oasis.
Thanks again Thomas
HAVE A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY! You have helped so many people. and I always look forward to your advice and encouragement. Many, many thanks.
Val
Happy Birthday….read your stuff all the time, very impressed…70 yr old dude here….keep it up…and lose some weight….luv ya ……………Mike