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