Thursday, December 30, 2021

Video - How to make a succulent arrangement

  

Succulents are great plants for patio pots because they require little water and maintenance. Here's how to make an arrangement.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Video - Reading in the Rain

  

What do you do when the rain turns the ping pong table into a bird bath....add some garden statues. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Monday, December 27, 2021

Video - 20 Great Roses you can buy right now

 
It's bare root rose season. Here are my 20 favorite roses that I have either grown myself or put them in clients' garden.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Combination BBQ and Firepit


I designed this compact outdoor area.  Notice the arc in the tile.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design
taken at a client's residence in Rancho Bernardo

 

Sunday, December 26, 2021

Video - Training Wheels for Trees or How to Stake a Tree

   
Your young tree needs to be properly staked to grow up big and strong. Here's the 2 minute video on how to stake your tree. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Saturday, December 25, 2021

Video - The Hounds of the Holidays

  

Merry Christmas from my dogs, Peanut and Ginger! Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Video - How to Use Pavers in Your Landscape Part 3 Paver Colors

  

Pre-cast concrete pavers are an incredibly colorful way to spice up your landscape. This 3 part series will cover applications, style and colors. Today's episode looks at different paver colors. Looking for more paver 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

Sunday, December 19, 2021

Video - How to Use Pavers in Your Landscape Part 2 Paver Styles


Pre-cast concrete pavers are an incredibly colorful way to spice up your landscape. This 3 part series will cover applications, style and colors. Today's episode looks at all the different types and styles of pavers available in Southern California. Looking for more paver 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

Saturday, December 18, 2021

Video - How to Use Pavers in Your Landscape Part 1 Different Paver Applicat...

 

Pre-cast concrete pavers are an incredibly colorful way to spice up your landscape. This 3 part series will cover applications, style and colors. Today's episode looks at all the different ways to use pavers; from patios to driveways

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Video - The big storm knocks over my childhood tree


47 years ago my parents and I planted this Redwood tree in our front yard. This week, the big storm knocked it over. Here is that story. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Sunday, December 12, 2021

Video - Landscape Makeover Modern Monochromatic Magic

  

This backyard was in need of a lot of professional help. The client was searching for a some modern, monochromatic magic set in a large entertaining area. Here is the entire project from start to finish. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Video - The Snow Bush

 

The Snow Bush (Breynia disticha) is a colorful tropical shrub that can light any partly shady spot in the garden with its multi color foliage. Rated for USDA Zones 10-11, this plant will reach 4 tall by 3 feet wide.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Video - Are Poinsettias dangerous to dogs and cats

  

It's time for Christmas decorations. But what about Poinsettias, are they safe for dogs and cats? Doug answers that question in this short video starring Peanut and Ginger. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Monday, December 6, 2021

Video - Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas Part 4 Accessories

  

Creating an outdoor kitchen gives you lots of opportunities for design choices. This week will feature a series of videos of different aspects of an outdoor kitchen. Today's video will look at different grill sizes and other accessories. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Sunday, December 5, 2021

Video - Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas Part 3 Layouts

  

Creating an outdoor kitchen gives you lots of opportunities for design choices. This week will feature a series of videos of different aspects of an outdoor kitchen. Today's video will look at different types of layouts. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Monday, November 29, 2021

Video - Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas Part 2 Facade Choices

  

Creating an outdoor kitchen gives you lots of opportunities for design choices. This week will feature a series of videos of different aspects of an outdoor kitchen. Today's video will look at facades: Wood, Stucco, Stone Facade Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Saturday, November 27, 2021

Video - Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas Part 1 Countertop Choices

  

Creating an outdoor kitchen gives you lots of opportunities for design choices. This week will feature a series of videos of different aspects of an outdoor kitchen. Today's video will look at countertops. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Video - 50 Water Fountain ideas for your garden


Do you need some inspiration for water fountains? Here are a whole bunch of them. 50 in all.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens landscape Design

Sunday, November 21, 2021

Video - How concrete gets pumped to a backyard

  

Have you ever wondered how construction crews get new concrete to a backyard? Here's my video on concrete pumping. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Video - Doug's Top 10 Palm Trees

  
Are you looking for some tropical plant ideas? Here are my favorite palm trees. There is a list in the video description of these beauties. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Photo - Lion's Tail (Leonotis leonurus)


Lion's tail is an excellent drought tolerant plant that also attracts hummingbirds.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Monday, November 15, 2021

Video - 15 dangerous plants to have around dogs and cats

  

Do you have dogs or cats and love to garden? Then make sure to avoid these plants. The flower in the title card is Foxglove, which is the most dangerous plant in this video. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Video - 30 Great Orange Flowering Plants for Your Garden

  

Orange is everywhere in Autumn. Here are some great plants for bringing Orange into your garden. Orange is also a great color for attracting bees, hummingbird and butterflies to your garden.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Monday, November 8, 2021

Photo - Pindo Palm (Butia capitata)

  

The Pindo Palm (also known as the Jelly Palm) is a slow growing and beautiful palm that will eventually reach 20 feet tall.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Video - Mowing made easy with a mow strip

  

Mowing a lawn is much easier with a mow strip to separate the grass from a planter bed. Here's how they are made plus some paver ideas for mow strips as well. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Video - The Dance of the Hummingbirds

  

The hummingbirds are crazy around these feeders. Here's the link to the feeder in the video they love the most. 4 Station Hummingbird Feeder https://amzn.to/3pZ1qOO

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Sunday, October 31, 2021

Video - A New Type of Modern Shade Structure

  

Here is a new type of modular shade structure kit. This is the Toja Grid Pergola Kit and it comes in a wide range of sizes. Go to TojaGrid.com to see all the possible sizes. https://tojagrid.com/ Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Photo - Hummingbird and Red Yucca

This little hummingbird was enjoying a Red Yucca flower.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Video - 10 Great Hummingbird Plants You Can Buy Right Now


Hummingbirds are the most enchanting birds in the garden and here are 10 great plants (plus some extras) you can buy right now via the links in the video description.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Video - The Marvelous Mystery Mulch

  
Meet the marvelous mystery mulch that looks like wood but never breaks down. This mulch defies fire and water with equal skill. It's Barkwood Crushed Stone. Check out the links in the video description for where to order this wonderful product. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Sunday, October 24, 2021

Video - Eastern Redbud Starts its Fall Foliage Show

  

The Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is an amazing tree. Pink flowers in March and April. Purple Foliage (in the Forest Pansy and Oklahoma varieties) in May and June. Green foliage in the summer and classic fall colors starting in October. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Video - How a colored concrete driveway is created

  

Why settle for gray concrete when you can have some color! In this video, I discuss how concrete gets it's color. I also show you how control joints are made. 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

Monday, October 18, 2021

Video - How to Save the Bees with Rosemary

  
The human race can't survive without the bees. Here is a easy way to help save them them with Rosemary. Rosemary is also drought tolerant, great for cooking and rabbit resistant. Want to buy some? Here are some links; https://amzn.to/3DWJOXx https://amzn.to/2YZKegX https://amzn.to/3vnsrwe Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design  

Saturday, October 16, 2021

Video - Pink Muhly Pops in the Fall

  
This ornamental grass explodes with pink seed heads in the fall. Pink Mulhy (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is especially pretty with the sun behind it in the afternoon. Here are some links to order this ornamental grass. https://amzn.to/3FSC8re https://amzn.to/3vlolo4 Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design #ornamentalgrass #pinkmuhly #droughttolerantplant #waterwiseplants #droughtolerantlandscaping #rabbitresistantplants

Video - 10 Ways to Use Dry Stream Beds in Your Landscape

    

Dry stream beds are versatile ways to spice up a landscape. Here are 10 ways to use them in yours. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design #drystreambeds #drystreambedlandscaping #drystreambed #rainwaterchannel #landscapingwithrocks

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Video - Mexican Bush Sage after the rain

  

After a rain, sage gives off a glorious scent. My favorite sage is Mexican Bush Sage because it is also a great hummingbird plant. Want to buy this plant? Here is the link; https://amzn.to/3avlmA7 https://amzn.to/2YMfL60 Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design  

Monday, October 11, 2021

Video - Monday Mail Call Terracing Wall Costs, Rose Naming, Tree Planting Ti...

   

Time for more viewer mail. This week I talk about the cost of terracing walls, how roses get named, the effect of low voltage lighting on wildlife, and tree planting tips. Here are some links to order the products seen in this video; https://amzn.to/3v0yZ3I https://amzn.to/3lwOmxK https://amzn.to/3ltOSfU Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design  

Saturday, October 9, 2021

Video - How to relocate a rattlesnake

  

Here in Southern California, rattlesnakes are a way of life. If you come across one on your property you don't have to kill it. Here is how to relocate it. Warning: if you are unsure of yourself, call a professional. Here is the link for the shovel; https://amzn.to/3apoFc0 Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design #rattlesnakes #rattlesnakeremoval #SouthernCaliforniarattlesnake #WesternDaimondbackRattlesnake #snakes #relocateasnake

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Video - How to Install a Paver Pathway

  

Here are all the steps to remove an old concrete walkway and replace it with a beautiful new paver pathway. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Sunday, October 3, 2021

Video - How to Harvest Pomegranate Seeds

  

It's pomegranate season! Here's how to turn that gorgeous fruit into yummy seeds. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Thursday, September 30, 2021

2 Million Views!!

  

10 years ago I started the 2 Minute Gardner as an online resource for my clients.  This month I reached the 2 million view level!  Thank you to all my loyal viewers!  Here is a video of bees enjoying various flowers.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Video - 10 Great Roses you can buy right now

   
Are you looking for some great roses to add to your garden but don't want to wait for bare root rose season? These 10 roses are available right now via the links in the video description.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Monday, September 27, 2021

Video - Monday Mail Call Feeding Roses, Pool Coping, Talavera Tile and more

  
Time for more viewer mail. This week I talk about feeding roses, Talavera Tile, Concrete Patio, and the difference between a Hybrid Tea rose and a Floribunda rose. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Sunday, September 26, 2021

Video - Hummingbird on Red Yucca

  
Hummingbirds love Red Yuccas (Hesperaloe parviflora). This plant is very drought tolerant and blooms in the spring and summer. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Video - How to use circles to design a swimming pool

  

Tired of kidney bean shaped pools? Here's how to use circles in pool design. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Photo - Travertine Tile Stepping Stone Walkway

 

This pathway was done with Travertine tile set on concrete pads.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Sunday, September 19, 2021

Video - How to plant a slope

  
Southern California is filled with rolling slopes. Here is how to fill that slope with beautiful plants.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design
 

Saturday, September 18, 2021

Photo - Foxtail Agave (Agave attenuata)


This is one of the toughest succulents out there.
Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Friday, September 17, 2021

Video - Hummingbird on Hot Lips Sage

  

For this landscape construction project we are converting a dead lawn into a beautiful hummingbird garden. We are not even done and hummingbirds have arrived. This little fellow loved the Hot Lips Sage (Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips'). Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Video - 1,000 Subscribers and Lots of Landscape Ideas

  

Thank you viewers! This week I reached the 1,000 subscriber milestone. To celebrate here is a rapid fire series of Landscape Ideas. From roses to hummingbirds, ponds to patios, here are some great ideas to get you started on you dream garden. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Monday, September 13, 2021

Video - Monday Mail Call Redbud Disease, Fragrant Roses and more

  

The 2 Minute Gardener answers your mail in this weekly session. This week I talk about sick Redbuds, fragrant roses, terracing the hillside, and growing roses in Canada. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Sunday, September 12, 2021

Video - How to perk up your plants with Epsom Salts

  
Are your roses struggling with smaller leaves and blooms? Is your fruit tree not producing? Feed the roots with some Epsom Salts. This great source of Magnesium will help the roots absorbs more nitrogen and phosphorus. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Boxelder Bug

  

These are Boxelder Bugs.  They are not harmful but just a nuisance.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design 

 

Friday, September 10, 2021

Video - How to Make a Stepping Stone Pathway

  

Stepping stones can make and excellent pathway material. Here are some examples and a step by step method for making it. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Thursday, September 9, 2021

Monday, September 6, 2021

Video - Monday Mail Call Poisonous Plants, Root Damage and more

 

The 2 Minute Gardener answers your mail in this weekly session. This week I talk about sick Ceanothus, poisonous plants, Jacaranda root damage, landscape timber stairs and gladiolus. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Sunday, September 5, 2021

Video - Landscape Construction Update New Paver Patio

   

Lately I have been checking on the construction progress of all the jobs I designed. Here's the latest from the Tierrasanta job site. Watch a new Belgard paver patio get installed. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Saturday, September 4, 2021

Video - A Daring Dog Rescue

  

Here's the story of how I risked my life to save a little dog.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Friday, September 3, 2021

Photo - Fruit from the Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo)


Here the fruit that gives the Strawberry Tree its name.  
This large shrub / small tree produces edible fruit (but its tastes terrible). 
 However, birds love it!

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Thursday, September 2, 2021

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Video - San Diego Pond and Garden

 

I recently discovered one of the hidden gems of San Diego County when it comes to everything for the backyard pond, San Diego Pond and Garden. Located in Poway, this one stop shop carries everything from fish to equipment. They also offer construction and maintenance for your pond needs. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Sunday, August 29, 2021

Video - Bleached Dragonfly


I saw this little beauty in a client's garden this week. It is a Bleached Skimmer Dragonfly (Libellua composita). Dragonflies are beneficial insects that prey on other insects.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Saturday, August 28, 2021

Video - Landscape Construction Update El Cajon Job Site



Lately I have been checking on the construction progress of all the jobs I designed. Here's the latest from the El Cajon job site. Previously, we watched the concrete get poured and the jacuzzi installed.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Friday, August 27, 2021

Video - Doug's Top 10 Small Trees for Small Spaces



Just because you have a small space doesn't mean you can't have a tree. Here are my top 10 favorite small trees for small spaces. This is also my 20th video! I started this channel less than a year ago and in 356 days I have cranked out 200 videos! Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Video - Plants for Repelling Insects


Here's are some plants that can be used for repelling mosquitoes, yellow jackets, wasps and other bugs that drive you buggy. Most of these plants are also great for cooking. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Monday, August 23, 2021

Video - Big Koi Swimming


Big Koi are like graceful dancers with their slow movements. These beauties are among the many wonderful fish available at San Diego Pond and Garden. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Sunday, August 22, 2021

Video - How to light up your backyard Part 8 Solar Lights


Good lighting can really make a landscape pop. Solar lights are an inexpensive way to bring lighting into a landscape. This video will cover the costs as well as the benefits and drawbacks of going with solar.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Video - Water Nymph Fountain


I found this beauty outside of San Diego Pond and Garden in Poway. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Sunday, August 15, 2021

Video - How to light up your backyard Part 7 Architectural Lighting


Good lighting can really make a landscape pop. In this series I will cover all the design elements, from path lights to building lights that really make your back yard dazzle at night.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Saturday, August 14, 2021

Friday, August 13, 2021

Video - The flowers of Big Bear, California


Big Bear is a great resort town for all seasons. Located an hour north of Los Angeles, we love to come up to Big Bear in the summer for kayaking, hiking and this year ziplining. I also love to walk around and see what flowers are growing on the streets. Here are 3 of my favorites. Fernleaf Yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), a great butterfly plant. that grows in a wide variety of conditions. Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum) are perennials that wait for the snow to melt before bursting out of the ground. They are hardy in zones 5-9. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) flourishes at higher elevations where the soil is better draining than lower California. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Thursday, August 12, 2021

Video - Russian Sage


Here's another beautiful plant growing everywhere here in Big Bear, California. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) flourishes at higher elevations where the soil is better draining than lower California. Once the snow melts, this perennial bursts from the ground and puts on a summer flower show for the tourists. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Monday, August 9, 2021

Video - Chainsaw Sculptures in Wood


My vacation in Big Bear, California continues with a tour of these delightful wooden sculptures carved with a chainsaw. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design  

Sunday, August 8, 2021

Video - Cabbage White Butterfly on a Shasta Daisy


During my vacation in Big Bear, California I came across these Shasta Daisies with a Cabbage White Butterfly. These daisies are perennials that wait for the snow to melt before bursting out of the ground. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Thursday, August 5, 2021

Video - The Vanishing Beach

The ongoing drought has taken its toll on Big Bear Lake. Ski Beach, a popular destination for tourists and locals, is gone, wiped out by the falling water levels of Big Bear Lake. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Fernleaf Yarrow

 

I am up here in Big Bear on vacation. One of the fun parts of going someplace new are the different plants. Here's a perennial I found growing like a weed in this tough environment (heavy snow in the winter, 80 degrees in the summer). This is Fernleaf Yarrow (Achillea filipendulina).

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Video - How a Jacuzzi gets installed


Have you ever wondered how a Jacuzzi gets installed? Here's how it's done, including power requirements and average jacuzzi costs. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Monday, August 2, 2021

Video - Semplice Keystone Wall


Keystone walls are a superb method of landscape wall construction. These interlocking blocks can be used to build walls from 1 foot to 6 feet. Semplice Keystone block walls can be used when you need a wall up to 3 feet high. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Saturday, July 31, 2021

Video - Calandrinia the little succulent that rocks


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

Sunday, July 25, 2021

Video - The Amazing Agapanthus


Here is the toughest blue (or white) flower around. Agapanthus hybridus, also known as The Lily of the Nile, is a great perennial for tough growing conditions. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Thursday, July 22, 2021

Photo - Rose Scented Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)


Rose Scented Geraniums are fragrant, drought tolerant and rabbit resistant.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Video - How to Propagate Rose Scented Geraniums


Rose Scented Geraniums are fragrant, drought tolerant and rabbit resistant. Let's make some! Here's how to propagate this easy to grow plant. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Video - What's new at Costco


When I'm not buying 10 pound bags of hamburgers I love looking at the garden stuff. Here's what's new at Costco in July 2021 Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Video - 50 year old palm tree is cut down


There is a growing threat to the majestic Canary Island Date Palm Tree here in San Diego. The South American Palm Weevil was first discovered in San Diego County in 2015. Mild winters have allowed the weevil to flourish and it is killing Canary Island Date Palms though out the county. Because mature date palms weigh several tons, they must be cut down once the infestation reaches a critical point. Climate change will allow this pest to keep moving north, towards Orange County and Los Angeles. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Sunday, July 18, 2021

Video - How to get more blooms from your Mexican Bush Sage


It's summer so that means it's time to whack the Mexican Bush Sage to get more blooms. Here's how to deadhead the plant. Plus meet my new dog! Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Saturday, July 17, 2021

Video - How to make a new pool dog friendly


Are you thinking about building a new pool but are worried about dog safety and fun? Here's the video for you! Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Monday, July 12, 2021

Video - How to build a concrete patio


From design to finishing, here is how to build a concrete patio. This patio, barn ramp and mow strip totaled 1,500 square feet in new concrete. Because of the shade structure footings, extra thickness for the hot tub and outdoor kitchen, this total concrete pour required 24 cubic yards. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Sunday, July 11, 2021

Video - How to light up your backyard Part 6 Lighting Water


Good lighting can really make a landscape pop. In this series I will cover all the design elements, from path lights to building lights that really make your back yard dazzle at night.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Video - How to light up your backyard Part 4 Step Lights


Good lighting can really make a landscape pop. In this series I will cover all the design elements, from path lights to building lights that really make your back yard dazzle at night.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Monday, July 5, 2021

Video - How to light up your backyard Part 3 Up Lights

    

Good lighting can really make a landscape pop. In this series I will cover all the design elements, from path lights to building lights that really make your back yard dazzle at night. Today is Part 3 - Up Lights. In addition to up lights I will be discussing low voltage beam spread and LED bulbs.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Sunday, July 4, 2021

Video - How to light up your backyard Part 2 Path Lights


Good lighting can really make a landscape pop. In this series I will cover all the design elements, from path lights to building lights that really make your back yard dazzle at night. Today is Part 2 - Path Lights. In addition to path lights I will be discussing low voltage wiring, LED bulbs and different types of fixtures.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Garden Landscape Design

Saturday, July 3, 2021

Video - How to light up your backyard Part 1


Good lighting can really make a landscape pop. In this series I will cover all the design elements, from path lights to building lights that really make your back yard dazzle at night. Today is Part 1 - Introduction.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Video - Doug's Top 10 Salvias for your garden


Here are my favorite plants. I love Salvias for all their easy color and the way they attract hummingbirds. Also known as sages, these are my favorite 10.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Monday, June 28, 2021

Photo - Architectural Lighting

 

I took this photo at Balboa Park.  Notice the use of lighting to highlight the architecture. Wall washes, up lights and spotlights are all in use here.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Sunday, June 27, 2021

Video - Star Jasmine


Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is a wonderful drought tolerant vine that is great for fences and ground cover. Start Jasmine is covered with fragrant flowers every spring. This native from Asia is hardy to zone 8 (about 10 degrees F). It does best in full sun but can hard part shade. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Friday, June 25, 2021

Video - Sunset on the Beach


I took a break from gardening to take my wife and our dogs to the beach in search of the elusive Green Flash. See the video description for more information on the Green Flash Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Sunday, June 20, 2021

Video - How to grow Gladiolus


I love to mix Gladiolus in with my roses because they seem to bloom when the roses are in between their blooms. In this video I show you some of the the basics on growing this great cut flower. See the video description for more information and where to buy Gladiolus. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Saturday, June 19, 2021

Photo - Dark Star Ceanothus


This California native shrub is very drought tolerant and great for slopes.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Friday, June 18, 2021

Video - More Hybrid Tea Roses vs Floribunda Roses


Time for more roses! Here's the follow up to my most popular video from 2020. This video has 20 of my favorite hybrid tea roses as well as 20 wonderful floribunda roses. There is a list of all the roses below and where to buy them in the video description.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Photo - Bee on Pink Hawthorn


 Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Doug's Top 10 Plants for Slopes


Here are my top 10 plants for slopes. These are the non succulents that I love to use to spice up a slope. They run the range from California natives to simple ground covers.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Monday, June 14, 2021

Photo - Summer squash flower with a bee


Kudos to the hardworking bees that pollinate the flowers that lead to our food.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design 

 

Video - How to roast Summer Squash


Summer Squash is easy to grow from seed, even in containers. We used 21 inch cheap pots and 3 months later we had these beauties. My wife, Lisa, shows you how to roast the squash. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Sunday, June 13, 2021

Video - Doug's Top 10 Materials for Outdoor Patios


Are you looking for ideas for a new outdoor patio? Here are my top 10 favorite materials. From Pavers to tile to decking. This video shows examples of them all plus rough costs of these materials. See the video description for links to even more information on these materials.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Friday, June 11, 2021

Video - Wild Mustard

Wild Mustard (Sinapis arvensis) is the weed that won over the world. This annual has been found from Texas to the North Pole. From China to California, Wild Mustard has been used for food and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Here in San Diego, California, Wild Mustard is a critical source of food for bees and the seeds are eaten by a wide range of wildlife.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Photo - Redbud flowers

This is one of my favorite small trees, the Forest Pansy Redbud.  Each spring the tree is full of these dainty pink flowers.  The tree will reach about 15 feet and wide in average conditions.  About 20 feet tall in ideal conditions.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Thursday, June 10, 2021

Video - Doug's Top 10 Succulents for Slopes

Succulents are a great plant to use on slopes because they are drought tolerant, fire resistant and very low maintenance. These succulents will work for zones 9-11. There is a list below of the plants from this video. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Video - The Cape Chestnut Tree


This African beauty is tough to find but gorgeous to behold. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Video - The Jacaranda Tree

Here is one of the most spectacular flowering trees in the Southern United States (and Europe). The native of South America puts on an incredible show every spring.
Jacaranda trees do best in zones 9 - 11.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Photo - The Bottle Tree


The Bottle Tree (Brachychiton populneus) is a drought tolerant native of Australia. This evergreen tree can reach 50 feet in height with a spread of 40 feet. Small white flowers cover this tree in the spring, providing a valuable source of food for birds and bees.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - The Bottle Tree

The Bottle Tree (Brachychiton populneus) is a drought tolerant native of Australia. This evergreen tree can reach 50 feet in height with a spread of 40 feet. Small white flowers cover this tree in the spring, providing a valuable source of food for birds and bees.


Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Monday, May 31, 2021

Video - How to build a 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. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Saturday, May 29, 2021

Video - A simple water fountain

Here's a simple water fountain, surrounded by lavenders and sages. A peaceful setting on a calm day.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Video - Doug's Top 10 Big Shrubs to Hide Ugly Neighbors

Do you live next to an ugly RV, or an ugly house or just some ugly neighbors? Well here is the sequel to last year's video on big shrubs to hide those ugly neighbors.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Monday, May 24, 2021

Video - Hummingbird on Mexican Bush Sage

Just a little video about a hummingbird and my favorite plant,
the Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha).

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Sunday, May 23, 2021

Photo - Gladiolus


Gladiolus are an easy to grow bulb that are great cut flowers.

Photo by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

 

Video - How to stake gladiolus

Here's a quick 2 minute video on how to stake gladiolus, plus a sneak peak at my garden.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Video - Fall in love with these Hot Lips

Are you looking for a new plant to fall in love with? Meet Hot Lips Sage (Salvia greggii 'Hot Lips'). This hummingbird magnet has a long bloom time and is drought tolerant. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Monday, May 17, 2021

Video - How to use the Big Red Hose to design a landscape

I love using a big red hose to layout different landscape elements for clients. Here is how I used the big red hose to layout a concrete patio and a Dymondia pathway.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Saturday, May 15, 2021

Video - Why does my shrub look sick?

Video - Bob's Rose Garden


Once this was a slope covered with ivy.  
I designed a terraced garden and now it's roses are admired by many.

Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design
Shot at a client's garden in Point Loma

Friday, May 14, 2021

Video - Mourning Cloak Butterfly feeding

This morning an usual butterfly was feeding on my butterfly plants. The species is call the Mourning Cloak butterfly and it loves my Butterfly Bush and Milkweed. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design