Video - The California Poppy

 

Every March and April, the California Poppy bursts forth all of the Southwest. This annual is the official state flower of California. This poppy does well in USDA zones 6-10 and provides some easy color year after year because it reseed easily. Here are some links to buy California Poppy seeds; https://amzn.to/3y3F195 https://amzn.to/3UxzXTp https://amzn.to/3xQtrhD Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Terraced Patio

 

The terraced patio was created with Country Manor Keystone

and features Stone Top Pavers.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Taken at a client's residence in La Jolla, California

 

Video - What's New at Costco April 2024

Spring is already turning into Summer at Costco. Here's what's new at Costco. Here are links to some of the items in this video; https://www.costco.com/ https://amzn.to/49rI7RW https://amzn.to/4976c0t https://amzn.to/49sC7Iq https://amzn.to/3UwDMII Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Raised Wooden Vegetable Box

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Taken at a client's garden in Rancho Bernardo

 

Photos - Artificial Turf

 

Photos by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Video - 40 Wall Ideas for your Landscape Remodel

 

Wall come in all sizes, materials and purposes. This video will look at 40 different walls that fill a wide range of landscape needs. From retaining walls to seating walls to perimeter walls, we will look as everything from keystone walls to CMU block walls to metal walls. Here are some links to the materials in this video; 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 https://www.rcpblock.com/ https://www.belgard.com/products/retaining-walls/highland-stone 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 - Bareroot Fruit Tree Shopping and Planting Tips

 

Spring is finally here! How about some tip for buying and planting a new fruit tree. Fruit trees are great for back yards because they can serve multiple uses. Fruit trees can be serve as screening plants, focal points and of course a fun source of food. Here are some links to buy bare root fruit trees. Please note that some states do not allow the import of bare root fruit trees; https://amzn.to/4anJ66A https://amzn.to/3PV3HGZ https://amzn.to/4apk5b7 https://amzn.to/3vJJ5uw https://amzn.to/43SYDZI Here are some links to buy planting amendments; https://amzn.to/49tVWi8 https://amzn.to/3lOtRiF https://amzn.to/3lNFWVe https://amzn.to/3PUBbW6 Here's the nursery in San Diego where I filmed this video. https://www.walterandersen.com/ Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - How to Install a Paver Walkway

 

Here are all the steps to remove an old concrete walkway and replace it with a beautiful new paver pathway. Looking for more pathway ideas check out these books; https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk Here are some links to the products in this video; https://www.belgard.com/ https://www.angeluspavingstones.com/ https://www.orco.com/ https://www.krcrock.com/ https://www.olsenpavingstone.com/ Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Butterfly on Butterfly Bush

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Taken in a client's garden in San Diego

 

Video - 40 Shade Structure Ideas for Your Backyard Remodel

 

Enjoying your back yard is tough if you are sweltering in the sun. Here are 40 shade structure ideas for your backyard remodel. This video was shot in San Diego, California. This video covers the following types of shade structures; Solid Top Wood, Open Slat Wood, Shade Sail, Fabric Top Kits, Large Umbrellas, Solid Top Synthetic, Open Slat Synthetic. Here are the links to the kits in the video; 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

Photo -- Flagstone Pathway

 

This pathway shows that flagstone can be used for a curving pathway.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Taken at a client's residence in San Diego

 

Video - 15 More Water Fountain Ideas

 

Here are 15 more water fountain ideas for your garden. This video was shot at Backyard X-Scapes in San Diego, California. Here are links to some of the fountains in the video; https://amzn.to/48CIdVZ https://amzn.to/3uWNJF3 https://amzn.to/3wKjcL6 https://amzn.to/3V1tFvJ https://amzn.to/3cJOch6 https://amzn.to/3FLK9gD https://amzn.to/30QQDf9 https://amzn.to/3nMcAVV https://amzn.to/30SEJ4D https://amzn.to/3xjxKxF https://amzn.to/3cIjCok https://amzn.to/30S4u54 https://www.backyardxscapes.com/ Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Just a little hummingbird taking a bath

 

I was with a client, shopping for a water fountain when I came upon this delightful scene of a hummingbird taking a bath. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Knife Acacia, a good little tree for drought tolerant gardens

 

The Knife Acacia (Acacia cultriformis) is a nice little multi trunk tree that will reach 10-15 feet in height and width. This little tree is great for drought tolerant gardens, bee gardens and is also deer resistant. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Garden Swing

 

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Taken at a client's garden in San Diego

 
 

Video - 40 Front Yard Remodel Ideas

 

Are you thinking about remodeling your front yard? Here are 40 different remodel ideas. This videos were shot in San Diego, California. This video has examples of; 10 - front yard pathways 9 - front yard stairs 9 - front yard walls 5 - driveways, both pavers and concrete 4 - front yard patios 2 - interior pathways and front yard lighting Looking for more patio ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk

Here is a great book on low voltage lighting. https://amzn.to/3ltOSfU Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - 50 Patio Remodel Ideas

Are you thinking about remodeling your back yard? Here are 50 different patios covering a wide range of materials and costs. This video has; 13 - Concrete Patios 14 - Paver Patios 7 - Flagstone Patios 3 - Wood or Synthetic Decks 9 - Tile Patios and 4 - Decomposed Granite Patios 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

Video - How a rose called Love inspired out marriage of 27 years (and counting)

 

Here is our love story, inspired by a rose called 'Love'. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Landscape Makeover A Little Kid's Dream Backyard

 

Time for another edition of Landscape Makeover. This backyard was a crazy mix of huge tree roots, weeds, drainage issues and lack of play space for the toddlers. We transformed the back yard into a little kid's dream play area with artificial grass, a giant play structure and lovely patio for the parents to watch the play unfold. Thank you to Del Mar Landscaping for their assistance in making this video. https://delmarlandscapes.com/ Looking for more landscape makeover 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

Video - What's New at Costco in 2024

For some the appearance of the groundhog on Feb 2nd signals the beginning of spring. For me, it's when Costco sets up all their outdoor furniture and accessories. Here's what's new at Costco. Here are links to some of the items in this video; https://amzn.to/49rI7RW https://amzn.to/4976c0t https://amzn.to/49sC7Iq https://amzn.to/3UwDMII https://www.costco.com/ Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Decomposed Granite Tree Ring

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Taken at a client's garden in Escondido, California

 

Video - 25 Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

 

Looking for some inspiration for your outdoor remodel? Here are 25 outdoor kitchen ideas. This video will look at everything from L shaped vs U shaped layouts, concrete top vs. tile top, CMU block construction vs. metal modular unit build. This video was shot in San Diego, California. Here are some of the grills and accessories featured in this video; https://amzn.to/31FjIL6 https://amzn.to/31yofiE https://amzn.to/3xZEn8C https://amzn.to/3Ise0gf https://amzn.to/3GoMM8q https://amzn.to/3pRoygP https://amzn.to/3EyILOv https://amzn.to/338DdfJ https://amzn.to/3InyyH3 https://amzn.to/3dwSybG 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

Photo - Artificial Turf Putting Green

 

Notice the 3 different types of grass in this artificial grass putting green

as well as the slight elevation change.  Those are some of the features that make

for a realistic backyard golfing experience.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Taken at a client's residence in San Diego

 

Video - How to prune a butterfly bush

 

Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) is a great hummingbird and butterfly plant that just needs a simple pruning in January or February, depending on where you live. With assistance from my client's dog, Callie, I will show you how to prune your Butterfly Bush to get those big blooms again. Try it out! Here's the link to buy some; https://amzn.to/495edDm https://amzn.to/42omTlu https://amzn.to/3HKkEPW https://amzn.to/39xAI6p https://amzn.to/47Gi7lk Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - This Week in Landscape Construction #12 Bamboo Shade Structure, Paver P...

 

The construction tour continues as I check on 6 projects I designed. This week the crews install a paver patio, bamboo shade structure, cable railing, outdoor bridge, outdoor kitchen, retaining wall and large tree planting Looking for more patio ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/4aTzaSU https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk https://amzn.to/3lwOmxK Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Forest Pansy Redbud Tree (Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy')

 

This wonderful little tree is perfect for small gardens.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Taken at a client's garden in Escondido, Calif

 

Video - Japanese Water Features

 

The Japanese Friendship Garden in San Diego's Balboa Park is a beautiful place to spend a couple of hours. In this video, I focus on the water features. Here's the webpage for the garden. https://www.niwa.org/ Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - How to tell if a tree is dead or dormant

 

As winter gives way to spring, you might be wondering if your tree is still alive. Here is a simple test to determine the answer. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Bearded Iris 'Dracula's Kiss'

This is one of my favorite bearded iris's.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Video - A New Concrete Driveway in 2 Minutes

 

Here is how a standard concrete driveway in done from start to finish. We used a Top Cast finish and a colored concrete from Davis Colors called Mesa Buff. Thank you to Unique Landscaping and Cabrera Concrete for their help in this video. 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 - Baby, it's cold outside

Sometimes my dogs will say "Nope! It's too cold!" Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Patio with outdoor fireplace

 

This new patio features an outdoor fireplace and kitchen.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

taken at a client's residence in San Diego

 

Video - How to convert a lawn into a hummingbird garden

 

Turn a front lawn into a hummingbird habitat, which also will save you water and maintenance. Hummingbirds bring a lot of fun into the garden. Included in this video are 12 great hummingbird plants. All the plants in this video are listed below. Want some of these plants in your garden? Here are the links. Butterfly Bush https://amzn.to/3SpduqC Orange Cuphea https://amzn.to/3S3Enit California Fuchsia https://amzn.to/427iuTW Hot Lips Sage https://amzn.to/3Spb0sg Mexican Bush Sage https://amzn.to/3S8T4kd Kangaroo Paw https://amzn.to/3Hqln8Q https://amzn.to/424mGDX Indigo Spires Sage https://amzn.to/3U847gg Cape Honeysuckle https://amzn.to/3HrjPLL Pineapple Sage https://amzn.to/3HsTHjC Lion's Tail https://amzn.to/3SaYcUO Foxglove https://amzn.to/4927465 Chiapas Sage https://amzn.to/3tSpG9X Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Fun Plants for Hummingbird & Butterfly Gardens

Hummingbirds & butterflies bring a lot of fun into the garden. Here are some fun plants to attract them. All the plants in this video are listed below. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Solid top wooden shade structure

 

Photos by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

taken at a client's residence in San Diego

 

Video - Path Lights vs Up Lights

 

Low voltage landscape lighting is a great way to add value to your home while increasing safety. Path lights and up lights are the two most common types of landscape lighting and here is the difference. Here are the links to some of the products in this video; https://amzn.to/3nuqXyh https://amzn.to/3Ca0U3u https://amzn.to/3EelgdT https://www.fxl.com/ https://www.kichler.com/ Here is a great book on low voltage lighting. https://amzn.to/3ltOSfU Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - How to Plant Wildflowers on a Slope

 

Spice up your slope with some wildflowers. I live in Southern California, USDA zone 9, and scattered these seeds in December 2022. By March of 2023 I had my first blooms. Here are some links to order these wildflower seed mixes; https://amzn.to/3RXZ92W https://amzn.to/4aYV6w0 https://amzn.to/3SkeBrB https://amzn.to/3tIOjWA https://amzn.to/3vIiFZC Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - This Week in Landscape Construction #11 Concrete Driveway, Paver Patio...

 

The construction tour continues as I check on 6 projects I designed. This week the crews install a paver patio, concrete driveway, dry stream bed, outdoor kitchen with a counter countertop, outdoor fireplace, and low voltage lighting. Looking for more patio & lighting ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/4aTzaSU https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk https://amzn.to/3lwOmxK Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - 5 Backyard Makeover Ideas

 

Here are 5 backyard makeovers that cover a wide range of different situations from a new pool to terracing a hillside. 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 Here's the link for the smart cafe lights in the video; https://amzn.to/48uARo9 Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Concrete stairs with block wall sides

This was a tricky slope that required large block retaining walls to support the stairs.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Taken at a client's residence in San Diego

 

 

Video - How to prune roses in the winter

The holidays are over and now it's time to prune the roses. This short video shows you how including GroMulch and BestPaks. Want some of these roses in your garden? Here are the links. Double Delight hybrid tea rose https://amzn.to/2ZI6yMl Mr. Lincoln hybrid tea rose https://amzn.to/2XX2Eyc Gold Medal hybrid tea rose https://amzn.to/3md8Bzo Firefighter hybrid tea rose https://amzn.to/3m3uLE8 Rock N Roll grandiflora rose https://amzn.to/3v0yZ3I Dick Clark grandiflora rose https://amzn.to/2XDvlR0 Memorial Day hybrid tea rose https://amzn.to/3m7Vyzf Don Juan climbing rose https://amzn.to/3oiZHTH Double Knockout floribunda rose https://amzn.to/3F0lXYt Scentimental floribunda rose https://amzn.to/3F3DLSA Burgundy Iceberg floribunda rose https://amzn.to/2Ya2DaE https://amzn.to/2XnWDdD Perfume Delight hybrid tea rose https://amzn.to/3CvPirT Frida Kahlo floribunda rose https://amzn.to/3lAv35n Iceberg floribunda rose https://amzn.to/2XwhZ8R Here are some links to clippers and tools to fix your clippers; Garden clipper repair items https://amzn.to/350JRWd https://amzn.to/3AhrmZb https://amzn.to/3KviaoH Clippers https://amzn.to/3jOfWZ2 https://amzn.to/3XiNGM4 Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - A weird little spider

 

I wonder what this little spider is.  Any ideas?

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Taken at a client's garden in Rancho Santa Fe

 

Video - How to Propagate Salvias

 

I love salvias. This hummingbird friendly group of plants comes in a wide range of colors and shapes. Here is how to propagate some great ones. I used Salvia neurepia (Delta Leaf Sage) for this video. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design