Secrets From the Master Gardener
Hey, folks! Thrilled that giveaway entry day has finally arrived? We have another treat for you today: Super Fan chats with the HGTV Dream Home master gardener Linda King. She shares some great gardening tips for shady spaces and talks more about those adorable raised-bed gardens in the backyard.
I had the opportunity to meet Linda during my visit to the HGTV Dream Home in early November and had the best time touring the yard with her. One of the coolest plants I saw that day? A semi-evergreen shrub called a “princess flower.” Linda explained that the tropical plant blooms from late summer through the first frost.
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Because it loves warm weather, Linda hopes to babysit the delicate shrub through the winter and wrap Christmas lights around the branches to keep the plant warm on cool Sonoma nights until the root system takes hold. Here’s a picture of the pretty plant (I just love those bright-purple blooms … and the fact that each professional involved in the design and build of this home puts so much love and attention to detail into his or her work).
To the lovely Gina, who lives in Brazil – unfortunately, you cannot enter/win the contest if you are not a legal resident of the United States; at least, that is what it says on the Rules page.
It is a lovely house, though I agree with many that there were others superior to this one. I would be happy to win the contest, but could never afford to keep it. I said before, as Bill has said, that the first thing the winner should do is to consult a financial advisor, and figure out the best way for your personal situation to pay the taxes, including social security and medicare, that will be owed on the prize amount.
My goodness, Mary, such an explosion of “waiting to be posted” commentary. I’m struggling to catch up with the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Ah yes, Marie, cognizant of the reverse mortgage—I’m not surprised; it takes strength of mind, willpower, and believe it or not folks, a plan of action, to achieve your dreams, whatever they may be. In that regard, some of the comments recently posted are a combination of fact and fallacy, including some points regarding reverse mortgages. They can easily be set up for initial lump-sum payouts, along with ongoing installment payments, sums that are dependent on a formula that takes into account the owner’s age(s) (62 or older) and the lender’s valuation of the property. But sell or hold, the end result is a significant capital gain when all is said and done. Every entrant in the sweepstakes will have their own “end run” game in mind, however strong one’s own personal feelings may be.
Mais oui, Bonnie et Marie, mois aussi, je suis d’accord avec vous, et beaucoup d’autres reveurs. (and for Katydid: “but yes, Bonnie and Marie, me too, I am in agreement with you, and many other dreamers”)
I was wondering if anyone knows how much the taxes would end up being for this prize. I’ve seen several comments on how one would have to be rich to afford to win this…
Sorry guys but this DH is still to die for. Its like know other home that the dream team has ever built. I would claim it in a heartbeat.
My 8 year old just watched the tour with me and proclaimed that was his and his brother’s room. He even chose his bed. That yard looks beautiful and i think the garden is exciting. Thank you for the chance to win!
Hello!! It blows my mind that people could have negative things to say about this house, it is quite spectacular, especially in the eyes of many middle class families sitting (contently) in tiny homes! Why complain about what it’s lacking, instead appreciate this opportunity to even envision yourself living like this, that in itself makes me giddy. I know we probably won’t win, but you can bet I’ll be entering everyday just to have a chance. Sonoma is amazing, my husband and I go there on special occasions and love eating at Cafe Le Haye, it’s phenomenal. The town is so quaint and lovely for young families, I would just be head over heels living there. Anyhow, people who don’t like it won’t clog up the sweepstakes, so that’s fine by me. Man, coming from where we are, this would be like a mansion….no complaints here. Not so sure about my teacher salary and taxes that could be tricky…but you know, I’ll just keep dreaming a little longer anyhow, it’s more fun that way. Wow, I just can’t get this place out of my head, it’s just that exciting to my little family, it would be such a blessing. Good luck all! Sweet dreams.
Perhaps I err—yet I feel compelled to share my overwhelming sense that, as maybe one of the less principled among us Dream Home aspirants, we must admire the strength of character in those who stand firmly by their convictions and refuse to enter the HGTV Dream Home sweepstakes because they sincerely, without forethought or an ounce of malice, may dislike any or all aspects of the Sonoma Dream Home.
As for me, by my own admission, I am weak, for though I would have added a soft gray window trim to the 2009 Dream Home (sorry HGTV) I am never-the-less irresistibly drawn to enter for the $2 million dollar Dream Home prize each and every day of the fifty day entry period. Go figure!
As always, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Thankfully, each one of us perceives beauty in our own unique way. For my part, I will continue to dream a little dream, plan carefully, and take appropriate actions to achieve them. One foot in reality, the other believing in my dreams, and firmly balanced by a driving tenacity to succeed.
Have you had YOUR HGTV excitement yet today?
Everyone with tax concerns should go to the myunclestan website. It gives you a realistic view of what to expect if you win and an opportunity to do something about it. A very resourceful website if anything.
DBCoop – So well said! Great point about those that stand by their convictions. All the comments keep the blog lively and real. Regarding the window trim, the dark purple hue reminds me of a Burgundian or Bordeaux style red wine. MM!
Of course, it is more interesting to uncover common ground among bloggers. Julia – for example, I share your excitement. It sounds like we have somewhat parallel lives — I have a small family, also live in a tiny home in CA, and Sonoma is very special to us as well. Like you, I would do just about anything to make it work. Not only do I appreciate the opportunity to envision residing in the HGTV home, I LOVE it as well. Cheers to us dreamers!
I was trying to copy the different outdoor table settings for my wife to reproduce at home for the up and coming summer. She really liked the different themes. There are no photos of them, just the video. I cannot figure out how to get a picture of each one. The video does not allow you to do so. Help!!!
I share in the sentiment of Julia. I have been viewing the progress on the website. For my family, this truely would be a “Dream Come True!”
I especially loved viewing the vision that the developer shared. This would be an amazing place and community to be part of.
I love this home, the area is so inviting… and to those who disliked the homes across the street, I think they are apart of the Historic Overlay Zone that has restrictive zoning to preserve the traditional Sonoma style, (you don’t have to worry about someone building a Mega Mansion that change the appearance of the neighborhood) it happened in my old neighborhood, the house was ugly, and out of place! check out this site for more info http://www.frontdoor.com/city-guide/sonoma-ca-usa/5-great-neighborhoods-in-sonoma/p2
I have a question for Gail. I think the landscaping is beautiful! I'm wondering though, will HGTV supply the new owner with a plan showing the varieties and how to care for them? Any chance they will post that info on the site? The lucky winner will need to know how to care for all those beautiful plantings.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a mortgage expert.
You folks who mentioned getting a reverse mortgage (HECMs)need to do some research. There are age and $ amount limits.
I live in TX, am 62 and would not qualify for an HECM for enough money to pay half the taxes due on 1.8 million.
Wow!!!!! I can’t believe all the negative post!!!
Why didn’t they build a greenhouse for us gardeners….why is the house not bulit from cement instead of wood…..where are the solar panes….
Too funny!!
And the downstairs half bath IS shown in the floor plans..right next to the stairs, http://img.hgtvpro.com/HPRO/2008/07/30/DH09_FloorPlan1_w609.jpg
And in the 90 second video, as well as the TV tour they show you the halfbath.
http://www.hgtv.com/dream-home/index.html
Can’t understand why so many people are missing it.
It’s OK if it is not your style or taste, but no need to actully bash the home. Many of us think it is the BEST!!!!!!
Yes, there are TAXES which most of us can’t afford. But you still WIN even if you have to sell the house.
It’s all about the DREAM!
Relax, have fun, DREAM BIGGGGGG!!
Hello PAT STELLA, it is Gina from Brazil here! You probably didn’t see my previous message posted on Jan 3 @ 3:49 pm (go back and see), I’m “originally” from Brazil but I’ve been leaving in San Francisco for the past 20 years, I’m an American Citizen and I’m well qualified to win this house! And like I said before, I’m not concern about the pros and cons of winning this Dream Home. What matters is the fact that I will win and I’ll make the best of it! (THANKS MARIE MILLER for agreeing with me on that!). For the ones that are still LOST about the layout of the house, the powder room, the pantry, etc… go to HGTVPRO.COM bottom of the page in the middle (Recent Highlights) click on Building the 2009 HGTV Dream Home, scroll down the page and click on 2009 Dream Home Floor Plans, click on the link and you can see and print the floor plans! You will see that there IS a powder room between the family room and the study and there ARE 2 (two) pantries one in each side of the door way going to the dining room! I saw all that on the first tour of the house on TV and also on the pictures on line! Just pay more attention people! God Bless America! Here is the link if works:phttp://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/dream_home/article/0,3140,HPRO_28936_5913851,00.html
My clothes are packed and I’m ready to move in. What a great house!!!! My dream has always been to move to Sonoma or Napa and retire there. My home would never be empty with family and friends visiting! This is a great place for the hostess with the mostess!!!!!
I am surprise to see how many people are picking away at the house. They must view life with the glass half empty. Oh my god, the house is beautiful and I would be the happiest person in the world to win, I am sure!!
To all the wieners out there, to solve your problem, do not enter to win! It will increase the odds for those of us who truly love to make this house as their home.
The HGTV Dream Home blog: free entertainment at its best!
Speaking of, I recently discovered another HGTV web area (accessed from Dream Home Central/Main) that’s fun to check out: http://my.hgtv.com/my-dream-designs/multigallery.esi
Viewers are able to post photos of their dream destinations, vacation homes, etc, and you can even register to rate your favorites. Since, as Marie and Bonnie (among others) well know, I love Thai food, I found the Thai Island dream destination ULTRA dreamy.
And thank you, Kevin, your brief comments were right on the mark. I believe dreaming is protected under the Constitution.
Propertry Tax would approx. cost $2,500 per month at $2 million dollars
Hello lovelies! Not sure on that spelling…I am afraid I have been sucked in! I should be grading papers for my amazing 8th graders right now, but NO, the house calls me back….aahhh…procrastination and daydreaming, a bad combination. Back to the entry page for today’s finger exercise
And hello Bonnie, my parallel-lifer…could you be a teacher by chance? That would be funny. I agree, I think I would sell all my belongings or whatever it took to pay the mortgage…I would love the house, even if it was empty! The furnishings are just a bonus. And Sonoma, oh man, it doesn’t get much better for me. I could actually keep my job and my husband wouldn’t commute nearly as far…oh so perfect….which is why it probably is just TOO perfect to be true. But I’ll be home waiting with sweaty palms on the reveal day just in case. 
Hi All! Yep – DBCoop said it, it is just too entertaining to miss any of these posts! Speaking of…Lovelykitty – you are making me laugh now with your candor again.
To Julia – I am not a teacher, but I have a great job that I could move with…as does my husband. We are not too far away…just need that catalyst. It would be a DREAM, and an easy decision to make, huh? Let’s keep dreaming!
Thanks, DBCoop for pointing out the Dream Destinations link. I admit I am tunnel-visioned with this DH. Thanks for the quick “departure.” I just viewed that beautiful beachside pool. Thailand is definitely top of my list as well for travel destinations!
Main Sponsor reserves the right to conduct a background check on any potential Grand Prize Winner and reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any person based on such background check if Main Sponsor determines in its sole discretion that awarding the prize to such potential Grand Prize Winner might reflect negatively on Main Sponsor or any of the Participating Product Sponsors.
OK, what does this mean exactly? Am I too fat to fit in to the Main Sponsors idea of someone to make the winner look good? Does my income level reflect negatively? Why the vague rules? If you want the perfect family to win, why not just come right out and state you want typical family “X” to win! This takes awy from this being a random draw. It’s random but if the Main Sponsor doesn’t think you fit the bill, the random winner is out the window! I think it’s a cheap cop out rule and HGTV has their noses up in the air. It’s like then saying, “This RANDOM winner isn’t good enough to represent us” Random, my but!
Way to go TAMMY! Way to go! I Love your comment! That is right! The rest should just leave for “US” that know how to dream a DREAM and make it happen! I’ve already dreamed so many dreams and believe me; I’ve accomplished them all! This will be just another one! A BIG ONE: THE AMERICAN DREAM!
OMG!! The house is so beautiful! Love the colors so fresh and fun. The yard and the garage is also awsome!!=) The kids room is so cute. I can see my 2 boys in that room.
The kitchen is Amazing with 2 subzeros!!
The bookcases and the white furniture in the bedrooms are so clean and french looking!!
The HGTV Dream home is always is crazy cool.
This house is in a great area with lots of sun which we don’t see much of in Seattle.
I would love to live there!!! Good luck to everyone……Please GOD let me Win!!! =)
I know that no one is going to loan me $700,000 to pay the taxes. So, I joined the myunclestan.com network. Heck, it seems like the only good chance we have to keep the dream house.
Once again, Dream Home has created a wonderful, elaborate, dream-filled home full of fresh ideas. Have always been a sunrise coast person, but always welcome the Dream Home showcase as a “Hot Rod Home” that I will remember.
To Laura Harrison regarding “Main Sponsor reserves the right to conduct a background check on any potential Grand Prize Winner and reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any person based on such background check ” etc. The sponsors have to legally protect themselves upfront in the case that an “undesirable” individual would win and possibly be a spokesperson for their organizations. I can think of several examples, probably none of which would apply to anyone blogging here. How about a high-profile murderer, or porn movie star, or Bernie Madoff?
A LOT OF STUFF THAT PEOPLE IS SAYING THAT’S NOT IN THE HOUSE,IT IS!!!! YOUR NOT LOOKING HARD ENOUGH, MY HUSBAND AND I WATCH THE VIDEO ON THE INTERNET ALL THE TIME AND WE NOTICE EVERY THING AND IF YOU LOOK AT THE FOOL PLAN, YOU CAN SEE ALL THE ROOM IN THE HOUSE EVEN THE ONES THEY DONT SHOW ON THE SHOW AND INTERNET. I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE ARE BAD TALKING MY DREAM HOME. I THINK HGTV DID A GREAT JOB, THIS HOUSE IS FOR A PERSON THAT NEED A NEW START IN LIFE AND SOME ONE THAT IS GOING TO WORK THEIR BUTTS OFF TO KEEP IT AND FOR LAST, SOME ONE THAT NEED IT, LIKE MY FAMILY. I DONT HAVE ANY THING BAD TO SAY ABOUT MY HOUSE. YES I AGREE WITH Julia.
YES I AGREE WITH TAMMY, IF YOU DONT WANT THE HOUSE PLEASE DONT APPLY. GIVE US MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES A CHANCE TO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The home is so very lovely. I have spent time in that area and really fell in love with all it has to offer.
When we move into the Dream Home, we will have a great party, inviting the Dream Home staff. And yes, we will be living in the home, not selling it.
What more could you ask for!!Beautiful.Hope to win this year It would be a dream come true.Good luck everyone!!!
Coop…do you have a French background? Do we have that in common?
Thank you for the warnings regarding a “Reverse Mortgage!” I’m sure I do not know all the “ins” and “outs” regarding such an animal, however, I will try anything to hold on to the “Dream House!!” I don’t want to sell it when I win it…I want to live in it!!!! This is what I find in the “Wikipedia!!” A reverse mortgage (or lifetime mortgage) is a loan available to seniors, and is used to release the home equity in the property as one lump sum or multiple payments. The homeowner’s obligation to repay the loan is deferred until the owner dies, the home is sold, or the owner leaves (e.g., into aged care). A reverse mortgage is analogous to an annuity where the principal and interest are paid with homeowner’s equity.
In a conventional mortgage the homeowner makes a monthly amortized payment to the lender; after each payment the equity increases within his or her property, and typically after the end of the term (e.g., 30 years) the mortgage has been paid in full and the property is released from the lender. In a reverse mortgage, the home owner makes no payments and all interest is added to the lien on the property. If the owner receives monthly payments, or a bulk payment of the available equity percentage for their age, then the debt on the property increases each month.
If a property has increased in value after a reverse mortgage is taken out, it is possible to acquire a second (or third) reverse mortgage over the increased equity in the home. But in certain countries (including the United States), a reverse mortgage must be the only mortgage on the property.
HELP!!!!
A time to dream… I ready to pack my bags and enjoy my wonderful new dream home… Dreams do come true don’t they? Well I’m ready for it. My hat is off to all that were a part of this great home. You all out did yourselves.
I love this home.
This Dream Home is one of my least favorites, if not the least, for several reasons:
1) Too many bold colors, and in almost every single room!. The house looks like it’s a showcase for bold color palette…too many BRIGHT orange, green, red..It’s OK to use bold color but on most of the rooms in the house, including some hallways??? This is too much! Way too much.
2) The master bedroom color is horrible. My favorite color is actually green, but to have this very very bright bold green color in the bedroom??? Who’s able to get any sleep? The master bedroom should be a resting retreat, and not some play room. If Linda likes green so much, she should have painted a different shade of green, whatever it takes to give the room a more calming effect.
3) The kids bedroom is the WORST kids room I have ever seen. For one, you should not make an assumption that the room is for boys-only (red, cars, etc). And two, even if it was a boys bedroom, not all boys like cars! Lastly, I had 11 girls watching this show that day, and they all hated it. Girls like red color and cars? Oh please…I also have 2 boys, my own, and they hate it.
Please do not do motif or theme rooms just because you “think” all children will like it (that’s what Kim said).
4) The nicest bedroom is the guest room, but there is one problem. Checkered floor for guest room? You have the 2 carpets mixed up. If you liked checked carpet so much, you should have put that in the kids bedroom, and the kids bedroom carpet in the guest room.
5) Way too many white curtains on the first floor, to close off the rooms. While this is a lovely idea, they make the rooms look too busy? No other way to separate the rooms? Only curtains?
6) There is no bathroom on the first floor (even a small half-bath)????!!!! All I hear is how this is place is designed for entertaining, and yet no bathroom for guests???
7) There is no curb appeal.
8) Some past dream homes have some outside designs for porches/balcony. No chairs/benches for the front porch? Plants, or anything?
9) One chair in the study? There is already a wine storage in the kitchen, another one in the study?
10) for a “Dream Home” – no crown moldings?
A few things that I like: the small vineyard, double-island in the kitchen (great idea!), the porch, and yes, the location (I mean in California). I am glad that finally a Dream Home is built in California (and I do love Napa Valley)! This is the best part about this Dream Home. That said, whoever wins this Dream Home will be doing a lot of interior re-design: repainting most of the house and give softer hues for the interior to give it a more relaxing environment, add a half-bath, redesign the kids room (pretty much take everything out to make it more neutral).
I am quite surprise with the design of this Dream Home, from the architectural point and also interior design point. Kudos to the location!
My favorite memories are trips to the wine country in Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino. I fell in love with Sonoma. As an artist and wine lover, this would be the ideal place for me and my husband to retire. I have always had a secret dream to own a vineyard; a mini vineyard is perfect. We have friends that live close by. How great this dream would be for us.
Mais oui, Marie, I DO have a French (and English) background, with many relatives scattered about the French countryside, as well as England, and I’m lucky to have the opportunity to travel extensively and visit them all. I just spoke with French relatives by phone this morning asking me to return soon for a visit—but I have other travels to pursue before I get back to France once again.
As for reverse mortgages, I’m hardly the resident expert on them, but I’m told that the minimum age to secure one is 62. As I understand it, the formula used to project how much you can receive, both in a lump sum and monthly payments, is based on life-span expectantcies, current home value and equity. Obviously, the older you are when taking out a reverse mortgage, and the higher the home value/equity ratio, the greater is the sum which you can request. Whether at any point in that equation you could receive the full amount as a lump sum prepayment to pay the taxes on the Dream Home in full, I do not know. As I say, it varies, and there would be limits on the maximum lump sum payout. You’d have to consult with an expert for your individual situation—after you pick yourself up off the floor when the Dream Home Team shows up at your door to film the winner’s reveal.
Happy Dreaming to All.
Wow. I can not understand how people can complain about the design of the house, it’s beautiful!! Hope I win!!!
I’d like to thank lovelykitty for mentioning the ON DEMAND availability of the DH special. Since I fell asleep on New Year’s Day before it was over, I was so happy to see the complete special … over and over again.
For some reason, I do not have Flash capability on my computer (bought secondhand), so I’ve never taken the ’360 degree’ tour. Before I saw the Special and the still photos, I vaguely remember that I was also puzzled as to where the first floor bathroom was. However, if you scruinize the photo gallery, you will notice many details that have never been mentioned in these posts. It is a lovely home, no question about it, and the area is magnificently beautiful, but I guess some people are just trying to be realistic about the whole thing … which can be good, and bad. I must admit, reading these blogs about the taxes due has rained on my parade somewhat. I have few things to dream about in life, and dreaming ‘big’ about this Sonoma Victorian farmhouse gave me joy, temporarily . Of course, I’m not crazy enough not to think about how I could possibly keep it if I won, being single and turning 61 … but still, I am voting everyday and hoping … and imagining myself (and my brother, my daughter and my cat and dog) living there. I’ve never owned my own home… it would be like going to heaven before actually going there. Yes, as I said in a much earlier post, there are probably a few things I would like to change, a few things I don’t quite ooh and ahh over, but the gift of a new house? with furnishings to boot?!! Please, this could only happen in America. We are so, so blessed to live here, and have what we have. yes, I live in an old, small house (L.A. area) that I pay more than half my salary for, but it is a lot more than many people have, both here and around the world. As a people, we need to learn to be more grateful and appreciative of what we have, not what we don’t have. Ok, I’m stepping down from my soap box now. I just want to retire in a peaceful, beautiful place like Sonoma and write, and walk my dog … if only in my dreams. God bless one and all.
Dolo
YUMMY! Fresh Fruits and Vegetables…Right outside the Back door??How awesome is that?? Looks as if the kids and I would be having Fruit salad…yummy…yummy!! And of Course MANY vegetable salads as well!
Wow…would that be awesome!!We can’t grow anything here in Pennsylvania!Only a few things in the summer months.Which isn’t long enough!!
If I lived somewhere where it was nice year round.I think I would become a vegetarian.I would just love the fresh herbs,veggies and fruits!!Like the Strawberries and Grapes!
And definately Tomatoes!!
I can just imagine my daughters outside picking and eating fresh fruits and veggies as if it were candy…lol! Of course So much healthier than candy..though! Now I am So hungry for a salad!!Too bad there’s no fresh fruits or veggies here right now..Well I guess it’s time to make a trip to Wal*Mart (Ugh)!Would much rather get it from my backyard!!!So much fresher and tastier!! Btw, AWESOME job MASTER Gardner and Hgtv!!!xoxox
Thanks yet again Hgtv & Master Gardner!
You know it has to be absolutely incredible…to have all of us fantasizing and California Dreaming!!
Even way over here on the freezing east coast! Where it is below zero here for the third day in a row now!Brrrrr!Oh what I wouldn’t give for some Cali SunShine! xox
I LOVE love LOVE the new HGTV home!! I’m a gardener myself, so I was so impressed with the garden in back of the house but the great “showy” flower garden in the front yard is so wonderful too. Sonoma is probably such a fertile location too! I have 30+ rose bushes and perennials in my yard and can not wait for May/June here in the Denver, Colorado area to get my hands in that dirt! The HGTV house is just fabulous this year! I would be so proud and excited to win…and I will show that too, if I do!
When I am the winner of HGTV Dream Home, I would love to invite Paul James over for dinner!
Does anyone know the acreage of the lot? It must be quite a bit, considering it’s on a corner, has the huge backyard and garden, the garage, etc. If anyone knows, I’d love to know as well!
I love everything about the gardening around the house. The house I live in right now is also on a corner lot and has a “football” flower garden. I was about to get rid of it the other day but now that I’ve watched the video with the master gardener I actually want to keep it and just change the flowers and plants that I currently have in it. All the changes I’ve been making to my house are ideas that either I or my wife have gotten from HGTV.com or from watching it on tv. Thank you.
I love to garden and I am glad that the dream house has one. I can’t wait to plant veggies and drive my new car.