Sunday, December 31, 2023

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

Friday, December 29, 2023

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

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

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

Thursday, December 21, 2023

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

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

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

 

Thursday, December 14, 2023

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

Saturday, December 9, 2023

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

Thursday, December 7, 2023

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

Sunday, December 3, 2023

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