Video - Happy New Year from a Hungry Little Caterpillar

 

Happy New Year! When I went to prune my roses I discovered this little Monarch caterpillar munching on some Milkweed (Asclepias). Here are some links to buy Milkweed; https://amzn.to/3YSV56e https://amzn.to/3xP2lnW Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Glass Fence vs Cable Railing

   

Do you have a view but need a safety railing? Here are 2 option for preserving the view; a glass fence or a safety railing. This 2 minute view reviews the pros and cons of both plus the costs. Looking for more patio ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk https://amzn.to/3lwOmxK Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - New Zealand Flax in a shallow pot

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Video - Bees on a Leopard Plant

 

The Leopard Plant (Farfugium japonicum) is a wonderful plant for warm weather shade gardens or even a house plant for cold regions. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Lemon Grass, The Sweet Grass That Bugs Hate

 

Lemongrass (Cymbopogen citratus) is a wonderful ornamental grass that actually repels mosquitos. The leaves contain citronella, a natural bug repellant. Lemongrass is popular in Thai cuisine as well. Here are some links to buy some for your garden. https://amzn.to/3NCcTyY https://amzn.to/3Rwx6Ht https://amzn.to/3RPQIYD https://amzn.to/3tYaBPO Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - This Week in Landscape Construction #10 Concrete Driveway

 

The construction tour continues as I check on 6 projects I designed. This week the crews install a paver patio, concrete driveway, keystone retaining wall, hummingbird drought tolerant garden, succulent containers and a pool deck. Looking for more patio ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk https://amzn.to/3lwOmxK Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Black Widow Spider

This was a nasty surprise in the garden.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Video - Aloes vs Agaves, What are the Differences

 

Are you looking for some easy to grow, low water plants for your garden? But which is better, Agave or Aloe? There is something here for every garden. These plants are also great for hummingbirds and bees.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Hybrid Tea Rose 'St. Patrick'

 

 

This big, beautiful hybrid tea rose brings a lucky feel to your garden.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Rock Mulch vs. Wood Mulch

Mulch is an important final element of a healthy garden. 3 inches of mulch will help stop weeds, retain moisture and keep the soil insulated. 1 cubic yard of mulch will cover 120 square feet about 2-3 inches deep. Wood mulch will cost about $50 to $90 per cubic yard. Rock mulch will cost anywhere from $90 - $400 per ton (and will cover about 100 sq ft) but never need replacing whereas wood mulch will need replacing every 2-4 years. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - How to Prune Mexican Bush Sage in December

 

Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha) is a great hummingbird plant that just needs a simple pruning in December. With assistance from my dog Ginger, I will show you how to prune your Mexican Bush Sage to get those big blooms again. It's easy to grow. Try it out! Here's the link to buy some; https://amzn.to/47Hxj1l https://amzn.to/39xAI6p https://amzn.to/47Gi7lk Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - San Diego Botanic Garden Holiday Lights Spectacular

 

Every year the San Diego Botanic Garden puts on an amazing holiday lights display. This year the display is called Lightscape San Diego. Here is the Garden's webpage for more information. https://sdbg.org/ https://sdbg.org/lightscape/ Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Wild Blue Yonder Rose

This grandiflora rose is disease resistant and produces bright beautiful flowers.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Video - My 10 Favorite Rosemary Varieties

 

Rosemary is one of the most versatile plants in a garden. Here are my 10 Rosemary varieties. Want some Rosemary for your garden? Click on the links below for some different types; https://amzn.to/3SxizO9 https://amzn.to/3FQOSzH https://amzn.to/47g7gxD https://amzn.to/472OLgz https://amzn.to/3tZljcF Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - How to build a pool

Here are the basics in how to build a pool. Thank you to Premier Pools and Unique Landscaping. They did a great job on this project. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Another Happy Little Hummingbird

 

Are you looking for some hummingbird garden ideas. Here's a cute little hummer dancing around Red Yucca, Black & Blue Salvia, Coral Aloe and Hot Lips Sage.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - This Week in Landscape Construction #9 Artificial Turf, Kids Play ...

 

The construction tour continues as I check on 6 projects I designed. This week the crews install artificial turf, kids play structure, outdoor kitchen & chimney, paver patio, wall facade & iron fence. Looking for more patio ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk https://amzn.to/3lwOmxK Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Shade Sail

Shade sails are inexpensive ways to add shade to a patio.  

A well made shade sail should last 5-7 years.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Taken in San Diego

 

Video - Which Rosemary is Best for Hiding Things

It's Rosemary Week! Rosemary is one of the most versatile plants in a garden. This 5 part series will look at the best Rosemary for a wide variety of uses. Today's video will look at the best Rosemary for hiding things like fences, air conditioner units and other ugly items in your garden Want some Rosemary for your garden? Click on the links below for some different types; https://amzn.to/3SxizO9 https://amzn.to/3FQOSzH https://amzn.to/47g7gxD https://amzn.to/472OLgz https://amzn.to/3tZljcF Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Which Rosemary is Best for Containers

 

it's Rosemary Week! Rosemary is one of the most versatile plants in a garden. This 5 part series will look at the best Rosemary for a wide variety of uses. Today's video will look at the best Rosemary for containers. Want some Rosemary for your garden? Click on the links below for some different types; https://amzn.to/3SxizO9 https://amzn.to/3FQOSzH https://amzn.to/47g7gxD https://amzn.to/472OLgz https://amzn.to/3tZljcF Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Which Rosemary is Best for Slopes

 

it's Rosemary Week! Rosemary is one of the most versatile plants in a garden. This 5 part series will look at the best Rosemary for a wide variety of uses. Today's video will look at the best Rosemary for slopes. Want some Rosemary for your garden? Click on the links below for some different types; https://amzn.to/3SxizO9 https://amzn.to/3FQOSzH https://amzn.to/47g7gxD https://amzn.to/472OLgz https://amzn.to/3tZljcF Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Which Rosemary is Best for Cooking

 

It's Rosemary Week! Rosemary is one of the most versatile plants in a garden. This 5 part series will look at the best Rosemary for a wide variety of uses. Today's video will look at the best Rosemary for cooking. Want some Rosemary for your garden? Click on the links below for some different types; https://amzn.to/3SxizO9 https://amzn.to/3FQOSzH https://amzn.to/47g7gxD https://amzn.to/472OLgz Here is my wife's recipe for her Rosemary Chicken. ROSEMARY CHICKEN Prep time 5 minutes Cooking time 20-25 minutes Ingredients 3-5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken 2 cups rosemary sprigs washed 4 cloves garlic 1 cup cooking sage (or a tbsp of Mrs. Dash) 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp black pepper After rinsing the chicken, place it in a medium sized frying pan and drizzle with olive oil. Put the rosemary and other spices on top of the chicken. Cook on low heat, turning every 3-5 minutes. The chicken should be done in about 20 minutes. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - 'Blue Girl' Hybrid Tea Rose

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Video - How to get concrete to a backyard

Do you want a new concrete patio but are not sure how to get the concrete to your backyard? Here's how a concrete pumper works. Looking for more pathway and driveway ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - How to Eat a Prickly Pear Cactus

 

Baloo the Bear from the Jungle Book was right, Prickly Pear cacti are yummy. Here's how to enjoy these delectable but spikey fruit. Thank you to Juan from Unique Landscaping for his assistance in making this video. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - This Week in Landscape Construction #8 Flagstone Patio, Water feature, ...

 

The construction tour continues as I check on 6 projects I designed. This week the crews install a flagstone pathway, outdoor kitchen, water feature, paver patio, decomposed granite path, wall facade, iron fence & lighting Looking for more patio ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk https://amzn.to/3lwOmxK Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Jester Leucadendron

 

 

This beautiful foliage plant is drought tolerant and will reach 6 to 8 feet tall.

Photos by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - How to Plant a Big Tree

 

A 36 inch box tree can weigh between 400 and 800 pounds. This video covers how big to make the hole, how to amend the soil, how to stake the tree and other valuable tips for getting a big tree in the ground. Thank you to Juan Montano of Unique Landscaping for demonstrating how to do this. Here's are links to buy some of the supplies in the video; Tree straps https://amzn.to/3lOWts9 https://amzn.to/3FuFekM https://amzn.to/3sBSKPW https://amzn.to/3EuJCij Slow release tree fertilizer https://amzn.to/3lOtRiF https://amzn.to/3lNFWVe Tree care books https://amzn.to/3YJrvQs https://amzn.to/3XC39a4 Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Pete, the praying mantis is on the prowl

 

Pete, the praying mantis is on the prowl for the bad bugs that chew up my plants. Praying mantis are indicators of a healthy, pesticide free garden. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Remembering Maui

 

5 years ago I took my wife to Maui for our anniversary. I was remembering those wonderful memories when I saw that wildfires destroyed the town of Lahaina, where we stayed back in 2018. Here are some of those memories. Below are some links to help Maui rebuild; https://lahainatown.com/ https://www.mauinuistrong.info https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong https://www.redcross.org/local/hawaii/get-help/hawaii-wildfires-response-.html

Photo - Snow Bush (Breynia disticha)

 

This colorful shrub is great for Southern California coastal gardens.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Taken in Coronado

 

Video - Pink Floss Silk Tree (Ceiba speciosa)

 

Here is a popular tree in Southern California. The Floss Silk Tree (Ceiba speciosa) comes in pink and white. This native of South America can reach 70 feet tall and 40 feet wide. The beautiful fall flowers become seed pods fill a fibrous silky material that birds love for building nest in the spring. This tree can have aggressive roots so a root barrier is recommended when planting this tree. Also, here are the links to buy a root barrier. https://amzn.to/3krPvcd https://amzn.to/3xVydaz https://www.ndspro.com/shop/root-barriers/root-barrier-sheet-material.html Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - How to Install a Tile Patio or Walkway

 

Tile is a great material for outdoor walkways and patios. Travertine, Quartzite or Porcelain are all good choices. Here's how it gets installed. Thank you to Unique Landscaping for their assistance in making this video. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - This Week in Landscape Construction #7 Flagstone Patio, Driveway, Wall ...

 

The construction tour continues as I check on 6 projects I designed. This week the crews install a concrete driveway, stem wall, artificial turf, a flagstone pool deck, fix clay soil for planting and renovate an old wall. Looking for more patio ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk https://amzn.to/3lwOmxK Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photos - Fig trees and its fruit

 

This drought tolerant tree produces tasty fruit

 

Video - How to Divide Amaryllis Bulbs

 

Every 2 to 3 years it is a good idea to dig up and divide Amaryllis bulbs. Here's how to do it. Also, here are some links to buy the bulbs now for a beautiful spring garden. https://amzn.to/3LkOtJh (this is the one in the video) https://amzn.to/3sYlunZ https://amzn.to/3ECzkPK Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Praying Mantis

You know you are doing organic gardening right when you have one of these sneaking 

around in the in the plants.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Taken in my own garden.

 

Video - Why do Snails Bunch up Like This?

 

Have you ever wondered why snails bunch up like this. Here is the answer. It's summer hibernation. Hate snail? Here are some organic snail killers; https://amzn.to/44I9DrE https://amzn.to/3PcCbDS https://amzn.to/44I9ODk Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - How a Monster Concrete Driveway Gets Poured Part 2

 

This project involves a giant 4,000 square foot concrete driveway. Here is day 2 of the big pour. 6 trucks were used today in pouring half of this colored concrete driveway. This is a colored concrete from Davis Colors called Palomino. Looking for more pathway and driveway ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - This Week in Landscape Construction #6

 

 

The construction tour continues as I check on 5 projects I designed. Looking for more patio ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk https://amzn.to/3lwOmxK Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)

 

The Panda Plant is also known as the Chocolate Soldier and is great for pots.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Taken at a client's garden in San Diego 

 

Video - Some Peaceful Koi

 

Here are 2 peaceful minutes of slow swimming koi fish. Enjoy! Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - 25 Fun Things to do in Catalina, California

I'm back from my vacation at Catalina Island. This island paradise is only 20 miles off the shore of Los Angeles. Here are 25 fun things to do in Catalina. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha)

 

This is an easy to grow, hummingbird friendly plant.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Video - How a Monster Concrete Driveway is Poured Part 1

 

This project involves a giant 4,000 square foot concrete driveway. Here is day 1 of the big pour. 7 trucks were used today in pouring this colored concrete driveway. Looking for more pathway and driveway ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - 20 Great Succulents for a Container Garden

Are you looking for some good small succulents for a container garden? Here are my 20 favorite ones and links to buy them. HERE ARE MY 20 FAVORITE SUCCULENTS; Mauna Loa Echeveria Black Rose Aeonium Blue Curls Echeveria After Glow Echeveria Variegated Paddle Plant After Glow Echeveria Crinkly Echeveria Sunburst Aeonium Blue Sky Echeveria Lipstick Echeveria Mint Saucer Aeonium Campfire Crassula Perle Von Nurnberg Echeveria Garnet Aeonium String of Buttons Crassula Blue Atoll Echeveria Burro's Tail Sedum Topsy Turvey Echeveria Panda Plant Crassula Hens & Chicks Echeveria Pork n Beans Sedum White Echeveria Here are links to some of the succulents in this video; Blue Elf Echeveria https://amzn.to/31op7WL Blue Sky Echeveria https://amzn.to/3nPueGX Colorata Echeveria https://amzn.to/3BBqcH7 Dusty Rose Echeveria https://amzn.to/3mAySt3 Lipstick Echeveria https://amzn.to/3nNAI9e Lola Echeveria https://amzn.to/3Cy9XMa Peacock Echeveria https://amzn.to/3BCJoV1 Perle von Nurnberg Echeveria https://amzn.to/3bxmQdz Black Rose Aeonium https://amzn.to/3XRppyn Kiwi Aeonium https://amzn.to/43qTC8G Sunburst Aeonium https://amzn.to/3pMGihi A 16 pack of Echeverias and Aeoniums https://amzn.to/46CAyqO Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Indigo Spires Sage

 

Here's a lovely Salvia that has been around for 40 years but only recently has gained in popularity. Indigo Spires Sage (Salvia sp' 'Indigo Spires') is a frost sensitive perennial that is used as an annual in colder climates. Hummingbirds and bees love this showy plant. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - This Week in Landscape Construction #5 Pool Deck, Flagstone Patio, Out...

The construction tour continues as I check on 6 projects I designed. Looking for more patio ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk https://amzn.to/3lwOmxK Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Belladonna Lily

 

This beauty is a great cut flower.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 
 

Video - How to grow herbs and vegetables in a raised bed

 

Do you love growing your own herbs and vegetables but your soil is terrible? A raised bed is your answer. This video will look at wooden garden kits, custom made keystone bed and simple pots. Here are some links to raised vegetable garden kits; https://amzn.to/3QveGrP https://amzn.to/3rXMEuR https://amzn.to/3OqILGj https://amzn.to/3Kv6HHs https://amzn.to/3Kv6CDE https://amzn.to/3KrzMni Here are some links to herb and vegetable garden markers; https://amzn.to/3qd0GbG https://amzn.to/43YIvUO https://amzn.to/3ql4nfg Slow release fertilizer; https://amzn.to/3lOtRiF https://amzn.to/3lNFWVe Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Swallowtail Butterflies Dancing for Their Dinner

 

Swallowtail butterflies are among the largest seen in Southern California. This morning I discovered two different varieties on the same plant. One was a Western Tiger Swallowtail, the other was an Anise Swallowtail. Bother butterflies were enjoying the sweet flowers of my Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus castus). Here are some more books to help identify your local butterfly; https://amzn.to/443hD5T https://amzn.to/45byqW9 https://amzn.to/43SS9bn Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Landscape Makeover What Happened Here?!?

 

Time for another edition of Landscape Makeover. This backyard was a crazy mix of huge tree roots, collapsing retaining walls and broken concrete. We tamed the chaos with a mix of new concrete and well built retaining walls. Thank you to Unique Landscaping for their assistance in making this video. Looking for more patio ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/3mYIFfv https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk https://amzn.to/3lwOmxK Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Nodding Pincushion Plant (Leucospermum cordifolium)

The Pincushion plant is an excellent cut flower, drought tolerant shrub.

Photos by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Video - Comic Con 2023

 

me to take a break from the landscape business and go to Comic Con! If you have never been to the legendary event, here is what is looks like. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - This Week in Landscape Construction #4 Paver Patio, Pool Utilities, Pat...

 

The best part of being a landscape designer is watching my designs get built. Here is a typical week in the spring of 2023 as I check on 4 projects in construction. Looking for more patio ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk https://amzn.to/3lwOmxK Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - The Life Cycle of a Monarch Butterfly

 

The Monarch Butterfly is one of the most treasured insects in the Western United States. Here is the complete life cycle of this pretty little visitor. From egg to butterfly, the Monarch takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete the transformation. See below for a list of butterfly plants and where to buy them. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - This Week in Landscape Construction #3 Wall façade, Outdoor Kitchen, P...

 

The best part of being a landscape designer is watching my designs get built. Here is a typical week in the spring of 2023 as I check on 6 projects in construction. Looking for more patio ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk https://amzn.to/3lwOmxK Here's the link for more info on Eldorado Stone; https://www.eldoradostone.com/ Here's more info on Techniseal Paver Care Products; https://techniseal.com/pro_en_us/all/paver-care Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Floribunda Rose 'Intrigue'

 

This beautiful little rose has a nice fragrance.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Video - How to Grow Cucumbers Vertically

 

Some vegetables are perfect for containers and vertical gardening. Cucumbers are great for both. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Small Succulent Slope Ideas

 

Are you looking for drought tolerant, low maintenance, slope planting ideas? Here are 4 simple yet sturdy succulents that look great on a small slope. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - White Grub and Grub Damage

 

This beetle larvae is the scourge of gardeners across America.  

Here is what it can do to a lawn.

Photos  by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Video - This Week in Landscape Construction #2

 

The best part of being a landscape designer is watching my designs get built. Here is a typical week in the spring of 2023 as I check on 5 projects in construction. Here are the links to the shade structure kit; https://www.try-tech.com/ https://amzn.to/441aq72 Looking for more patio ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk https://amzn.to/3lwOmxK Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Landscape Makeover Conquering the Slope

 

It's time for another edition of Landscape Makeover. This time we conquer a steep slope with a series of retaining walls. This backyard also involves pavers and a BBQ. Thank you to Unique Landscaping for their assistance in making this video. For more info on Keystone products and wall ideas check out the webpages below. Looking for more wall ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/3mYIFfv https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk https://amzn.to/3lwOmxK HERE ARE SOME VEDORS FOR THESE WALL PRODUCTS; https://www.belgard.com/products/retaining-walls/highland-stone https://www.belgard.com/ https://www.keystonewalls.com/ https://www.keystonewalls.com/products/structural-retaining-walls/keystone-country-manor-wall https://www.rcpblock.com/walls.html https://www.rcpblock.com/walls-countrymanor.html Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Happy 4th of July from Dog Beach!

 

Happy 4th of July from Dog Beach in San Diego! San Diego is a fabulous beach town! Here are 2 of the best dog beaches anywhere, Fiesta Island and Ocean Beach. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Concrete vs Pavers for your patio

 

Concrete or Pavers for your new patio? This is the most common question I get as a landscape designer. Here are the pluses and minuses of both. Looking for more patio ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Artificial Turf Lawn at Night

 

Video - This Week in Landscape Construction #1

 

The best part of being a landscape designer is watching my designs get built. Here is a typical week in the spring of 2023 as I check on 4 projects in construction. Looking for more patio ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk https://amzn.to/3lwOmxK Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Curving Outdoor Kitchen with gas firepit

 

Video - How to Grow Dahlias in Tight Spaces

 

Dahlias are great summer blooming, cut flowers but they can sprawl all over a garden. Here's how to grow dahlias in tight spaces. Also, here are some links to order the dahlias in the video; Dahlias https://amzn.to/3r93Wog Checkers, the one in the cage https://amzn.to/3XAc9yc https://amzn.to/44iZbab https://amzn.to/43YgzkE https://amzn.to/446DWsn Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Modern Light from FXL

 

FXL lights come in a wide range of styles and finishes.

Photos by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Video - Decomposed Granite Ideas for your landscape

 

Decomposed Granite (DG) is a wonderful, permeable material for pathways, patios and much more as you will see in this video. DG is about half the cost of concrete and comes in many color (listed below). There is also a brief description in this video on how to install DG. Here's a link to order some for your home; https://amzn.to/3lFoSwX Here are some books to give you more ideas on patios and driveways. https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk https://amzn.to/3lwOmxK Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Burgundy Iceberg Rose

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Photo - Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri)

 

 This tough little native of Texas is also drought tolerant.

Photos by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Rock Purslane, the tough little succulent that is big on color

 

Rock Purslane (Calandrinia grandiflora) is the little succulent that rocks! This groundcover plant is covered with delightful pink flowers in the spring and summer. USDA zones 9 - 11. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Synthetic vs Wooden Shade Structure Kits

 

Shade structure kits are half the cost of a custom shade structure. Here is a comparison of synthetic vs. wooden kits. Here are the links to these kits; SYNTHETIC https://www.try-tech.com/ https://amzn.to/441aq72 WOODEN https://yardistrystructures.com/ https://tojagrid.com/collections/single-pergola-kits https://amzn.to/3oZ4nRE Looking for more patio ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk https://amzn.to/3lwOmxK Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - 5 Easy to Grow Climbing Roses

 

Climbing roses are great for covering walls & fences. Here are 5 easy to grow climbers that will give you tons of color in the spring and summer. Make sure to plant your roses in well draining soil with plenty of sunshine, food and water. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Iceberg Floribunda Roses

 

Iceberg Roses are among the toughest of all the floribunda roses.

Photos by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Video - How to Build a Medium Dry Stream Bed

 

Dry Stream Beds are great for serving as a focal point and for diverting rain water when needed. This video will show you several examples and how one is built. Here are some of the cool rocks you see in the video; https://amzn.to/3ATAHFc https://amzn.to/3aMCgKE https://amzn.to/3n65kCD https://amzn.to/3BSM5T1 Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design http://2minutegardener.blogspot.com/ For 100 square feet of dry creek bed you need the following; 1/2 ton 12" - 24" diameter boulders 2 tons 1" - 3" rocks 1/2 ton 1" accent rocks 1 ton 1/2" - 3/4" fill cobble 100 sq ft of landscape fabric.

Video - How a Custom Outdoor Kitchen is Built

 

Outdoor kitchens are great backyard focal points. Drinking and eating outdoors are a wonderful way to build long lasting friendships. There are many different ways to build an outdoor kitchen. Here is how a CMU block with concrete counter top one is built. The Davis concrete color in this video is Palomino.

Here are some books to give you more ideas on patios. https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk https://amzn.to/3lwOmxK Thank you to Unique Landscaping and Cabrera Concrete for their assistance in this video. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Matilija Poppies The Wonderful Weed of the Wild, Wild West

 

Every May these Matilija Poppies explode with big white blooms all over Southern California. These natives are very drought tolerant, butterfly friendly and rabbit resistant. Here are some links to buy some; Matilija poppy https://amzn.to/3SmBOrz https://amzn.to/3osnxyK https://amzn.to/3okmDo5 Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - How to Grind a Tree Stump

 

Have you ever wondered how to remove a small tree stump (under 24" in diameter). This video shows a tree stump grinder in action along with some important safety tips. Here are some links to the grinder in the video along with others as well. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Wood Rail

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Taken at a client's garden in San Diego

 

Video - My Rose Garden May 2023

  

Spring is finally in full bloom. Here is what my rose garden looks like.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Here are links to buy some of the flowers in this video;

ROSES Firefighter hybrid tea rose https://amzn.to/3m3uLE8 Scentimental floribunda rose https://amzn.to/3F3DLSA Burgundy Iceberg floribunda rose https://amzn.to/2Ya2DaE https://amzn.to/2XnWDdD Perfume Delight hybrid tea rose Blue Girl hybrid tea rose https://amzn.to/42XxQK1 Sexy Rexy floribunda rose https://www.heirloomroses.com/sexy-rexyr.html Molineux David Austin rose https://www.davidaustinroses.com/products/molineux Tuscan Sun floribunda rose https://www.jacksonandperkins.com/tuscan-sun-floribunda-rose/p/31854/ Marmalade Skies floribunda rose https://www.heirloomroses.com/marmalade-skiestm.html Gladiolus https://amzn.to/3EDsLLn https://amzn.to/2XRAvJ4 Delphinium https://amzn.to/42yvpOd Belladonna Lily Bulb https://amzn.to/3W3e65b Bearded Iris https://amzn.to/44W8myo Dutch Iris https://amzn.to/42z1xRA