Video - How to Perk Up Your Winter Garden with Colorful Camellias 🌺

Bring life and color back to your garden this winter with beautiful camellias! 🌸 In this video, Doug shares how to choose, plant, and care for camellias to keep your landscape vibrant during the cold months. Whether your garden feels dull or you’re just looking for winter color, these tips will help your yard bloom beautifully all season long.

Here are links to some of my favorite camellias: Yuletide Camellia https://amzn.to/3HAEBaq https://amzn.to/3ovG4qK https://amzn.to/3zVxfQa Other Camellias https://amzn.to/3YmD5kz https://amzn.to/40J4eQ2 https://amzn.to/3U70dmW https://amzn.to/3U5L45a https://amzn.to/3Yppb3D https://amzn.to/3A1tmJp https://amzn.to/401Q4vs Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Landscape Makeover From Brick Mess to Backyard Paradise!

 

Welcome to another edition of Landscape Makeover! In this episode, we take on a backyard that was trapped in a maze of bricks, pillars, walls, and fences — and completely transform it into a luxurious outdoor space made for entertaining. This backyard remodel features: 🌿 A modern outdoor kitchen perfect for gatherings 💦 A sparkling pool and relaxing hot tub 🐾 A large dog-friendly yard 📺 An outdoor TV room for year-round enjoyment Watch as this cluttered space becomes an elegant backyard retreat that blends comfort, function, and beauty. Whether you’re dreaming of adding a pool, upgrading your patio, or creating a dog-friendly outdoor area, this transformation is full of ideas and inspiration.. This video was shot in San Diego, California. Looking for more patio ideas? Check out these books; https://amzn.to/3ixeAhM https://amzn.to/3DepGjk https://amzn.to/3lwOmxK 👉Here are some more videos from my channel to help you with your landscape: https://youtu.be/Ynp3RPCrSEc?si=RMjlGRL1aC0TgAnT https://youtu.be/a0VF5dBchZU?si=M4kii7hEiU4RD9Si https://youtu.be/7JwLggNZ03Q?si=u29pTu9tqA1u-ywc https://youtu.be/VkTavKdZ3tw?si=WaGeRFT18gAjpqu7 https://youtu.be/Nq6fo0Oe3C8?si=I2t5LChzDibTRC-n https://youtu.be/Essh0jb2yVc?si=v_TOnI7cY_ImdXVL Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - How We Built This Awesome Curved Outdoor Kitchen!

 

Doug shows the process of creating a curving backyard kitchen, perfect for outdoor entertaining. This backyard renovation transforms the space into a party-ready area with great garden ideas. The client wanted a wonderful social space, and the landscape design delivers! Check out this small backyard remodel, perfect for outdoor entertaining with a curving kitchen and artificial turf! This backyard makeover transforms a segmented space into a party-ready area. The client wanted a wonderful social space, and this design delivers with great backyard ideas! Halfway through construction we were surprised when the client decided to host a wedding, ceremony and reception, in the backyard. See how we pulled it off! Do you have a small backyard that needs a remodel? This series will show you a dozen different ideas of what to do with a small backyard. This one features a new backyard entertaining area with a large outdoor kitchen and an artificial turf area for their dog. 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 For more information about my San Diego based landscape design services, please contact me at Kalal5@sbcglobal.net

Video - Dog-Friendly Backyard Makeover You Have to See!

 

Doug tackles a backyard remodel for a couple with a small dog, resolving drainage solutions and privacy concerns. By incorporating artificial turf grass and strategic landscaping, the space is made more functional and visually appealing. This project shows how effective landscape design can improve a yard. Doug also shows the step by step installation of an artificial turf, perfect for small dogs. 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 For more information about my San Diego based landscape design services, please contact me at Kalal5@sbcglobal.net

Video - See 6 Backyard Makeovers in Just 3 Minutes!

 

Doug showcases a rapid tour of landscape construction sites, highlighting a pool build in progress. He also shares insights on shade structures, backyard renovation, and flagstone patio design. This fast-paced video offers a glimpse into hardscaping and various stages of landscape design. The construction tour continues as I check on 6 projects I designed. This video was shot in San Diego, California. 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 For more information about my San Diego based landscape design services, please contact me at Kalal5@sbcglobal.net

Video - Easy Iris Plant Trick Every Gardener Should Know

 

Doug demonstrates the process of dividing iris plants in a California garden to boost bloom production, a simple gardening tip for maintaining healthy plants. This plant division method helps improve plant reproduction and ensures a beautiful flower garden. Learn more about growing irises and other gardening ideas in this video! Bearded iris rhizomes should be divided every 3-5 years to boost bloom production. Here's a video with Ginger the dog showing you how to do it. By the way, the bearded iris in this video is called Dracula's Kiss. Here are some links to order Iris bulbs for your garden; https://amzn.to/4eQsRAH https://amzn.to/4eETngU https://amzn.to/3BBjgiP https://amzn.to/3ZTeirO Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - 15 tips for traveling with your dogs to Zion National Park

 

Time for an epic road trip with my wife and 2 dogs, Peanut & Ginger. First up is Zion National Park. This video covers 15 tips for taking your dogs on an awesome road trip. Here are some dog accessories that we found helpful on our trip; Light weight dog water bowl https://amzn.to/43z3SOs Dog hammock for car seats https://amzn.to/4k5bzTo Dog harness https://amzn.to/3SZERGZ https://amzn.to/4jn6sNo Dog Parka (for the cold weather stops on our trip) https://amzn.to/3SZFnop Best Dog Hikes in Utah guide book (I loved this book) https://amzn.to/43ypEBI Fun dog tshirt for you https://amzn.to/4mPZrHV https://amzn.to/3SUPGds https://amzn.to/4dJkNSX National Park Annual Pass https://www.rei.com/product/249853/america-the-beautiful-pass-20252026 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 4 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/3E9VhZy 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 - Who let the Christmas Dogs Out

The holidays are here, time to let the Christmas Dogs out!! Here are some links to fun holiday light decorations for your home https://amzn.to/4i7NRVQ https://amzn.to/495gqz8 https://amzn.to/3Zojtzw (I have this one and I love it) https://amzn.to/412VJ5a Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - What's fun to do in Los Angeles with your dogs

 

Do you like to travel with your dogs? Here are 3 Los Angeles hikes that are great to do with your dogs, along with restaurant and hotel tips. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - 20 low maintenance, tough perennials and shrubs

Do you need some tough plants? Plants that are low maintenance? Here are my 20 favorite perennials and shrubs to meet those needs. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Here are some links to order these plants; Agapanthus https://amzn.to/3W3edhS Amaryllis bulbs https://amzn.to/3LoL23H https://amzn.to/4cIqwHg Iceberg Roses https://amzn.to/3Wn5fNx https://amzn.to/3Wr4aEM Rosemary https://amzn.to/3DWJOXx https://amzn.to/2YZKegX https://amzn.to/3vnsrwe Daylily https://amzn.to/4f5CJrm https://amzn.to/4fi6oh9 Mexican Bush Sage https://amzn.to/3avlmA7 https://amzn.to/2YMfL60 https://amzn.to/39qk0pB https://amzn.to/39xAI6p French Lavender https://amzn.to/3S9pQlU Watsonia Lily https://amzn.to/4bMuaif Clivia https://amzn.to/3xXJJWp

Video - How to install artificial turf

 

Are you tired of that old weed infested lawn? Between all the water and maintenance, an artificial turf lawn will pay for itself in about 5 years. Here's how to install an artificial turf lawn. The turf seen in this video is Turf Pro 84.

HERE ARE THE STEPS 1) Remove the old turf 2) Excavated to 4" below final grade 3) Lay 2" of sub base like class 2 road base and compact it 4) Lay 1/2" of base like leveling sand and broom it flat 5) Roll out the artificial turf 6) Do a rough cut of the perimeter, make sure to leave an excess of 4 to 5 inches. 7) Start at one corner and using nails and a turf grabber, begin securing the turf. Install 5 inch nails every 8 - 12 inches on the perimeter (4 - 6 inches on the seam). Continue using the turf grabber as you nail to remove wrinkles in the turf. 8) When you reach the opposite side, do your final cut, stretch with the turf grabber and nail. 9) Hand toss the infill (use a pet odor infill if you have a dog). 1 - 2 pounds per square foot of turf. 10) Use a Power Broom (a cool toy) to drive the infill into the turf. Note, this will also scatter some of the infill everywhere so keep small children and pets inside. Wear a mask when working with this material. 11) Use a power blower to blow the dust off the turf and drive the infill deep into the turf. 12) Hose down the turf to settle the dust and wash infill deep into the turf. 13) Sweep up any excess infill that is laying around. 14) RELEASE THE DOGS (AND KIDS)!!

Video - A Tale of 2 Rescue Dogs

 

For my 500th video here's the story of my 2 rescue dogs. The first one came to us via a rescue agency, California Labs and More. The 2nd dog I rescued off of the freeway after she escaped abandonment in a rattlesnake infested canyon. If you are thinking about getting a dog, please consider a local rescue agency. Make sure to talk to them about which dog is right for you and your life style. Go for the best fit, not just the cutest dog. You will be glad you did. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - How to secure your yard against rabbits, gophers and snakes

 

Sometimes the wildlife around us can really wreck our garden. Rabbits, gophers and rats can slip through the smallest of cracks in fences. This video shows you how to install 1/2" opening galvanized metal hardware cloth as a defense on the perimeter against those pests as well as the snakes that follow them. Here is a great link for more info on what to do if you find a snake. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-about-snakes#:~:text=In%20many%20places%2C%20you%20can,are%20critical%20to%20their%20survival. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - It's Snake Season

 

Across American, snakes are everywhere. Thanks to Harry Potter, snakes have become even more vilified. But snakes serve a valuable part of our ecosystem because they control the rat population. This video discusses what do if you find a snake. Here are links to the tools in the video; Warning: if you are unsure of yourself, call a professional. Here is the link for the shovel; https://amzn.to/3apoFc0 This is a good grabber for snake handling; https://amzn.to/4bvG4Oh Here is a great link for more info on what to do if you find a snake. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-about-snakes#:~:text=In%20many%20places%2C%20you%20can,are%20critical%20to%20their%20survival. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - San Clemente Beach Trail Day trip with my dogs

 

I am always on the hunt for fun day trips to do with my wife and dogs. Here is a recent gem. The San Clemente Beach trail. This 2.1 trail (from North Beach to South Beach) is a flat and easy trail right on the coast. With plenty of bathrooms and trash cans, the beach trail is perfect for dogs. Also, check out Asada Restaurant at the San Clemente Outlet Center, only a mile away from North Beach. This Mexican restaurant has great food and a dog patio. Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

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 - Baby, it's cold outside

Sometimes my dogs will say "Nope! It's too cold!" 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

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