Video - Phormium vs Cordyline, can you tell these plants apart?

 

Doug explains how to differentiate between a Phormium and Cordyline, two closely related plants, during this 2 Minute Gardener episode. Both are New Zealand native plants, and excellent drought tolerant plants for your garden. Learn the subtle differences between the flax plant and cordyline plant. What is the difference between Phormiums & Cordylines? Phormiums (also known at New Zealand Flax) and Cordylines are similar tropical plants that are also drought tolerant. In this video I will show you the differences along with some varieties. Like what you see? Here are some links to buy some; New Zealand Flax – Jack Sprat https://amzn.to/3cm2lRo Cordyline – Red Star https://amzn.to/3DqHI2j Ti Plant – Red Sister https://amzn.to/3chDdLN Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - 7 Easy Tips to Plant a Slope Like a Pro

 

This week's episode shares some essential gardening tips for planting on a slope in Southern California. Learn about landscape planting and the best time to get your plants in the ground. These gardening tips ensure a thriving hillside landscaping! Southern California is filled with rolling slopes. Here is how to fill that slope with beautiful plants. Here are some of the products and plants from the video that can help with your slope; SOIL AMEMNDMENTS https://amzn.to/3zokKGt https://amzn.to/3ArUufs https://amzn.to/3zssZ4a https://amzn.to/3hKAsG0 JUTE NETTING https://amzn.to/3hPKNjX PLANTS https://amzn.to/3zzHzap https://amzn.to/3CtgEPm https://amzn.to/3EqS7vU Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - How We Built a Terraced Garden on a Steep Hill

 

This week's episode showcases how to terrace a hillside, focusing on the different methods of landscape design. The video highlights the transformation of the slope into a beautiful garden, including backyard landscaping ideas. Learn about retaining wall construction and materials used. Thank you to Unique Landscaping for their assistance in making this video. Do you have a slope in your yard that you want to turn into a terraced landscape? Here's a quick overview video on the basics of how to do it. This video was shot in San Diego, California. Here are some books to give you more ideas on patios and walls. 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 Bird Bath Cleaning Trick You Need to Try

 

Time for a little clean with me session, as I show you how to keep your bird fountain sparkling! I love attracting garden birds to my yard, and a clean bird bath is key. Vinegar is a natural and effective way to keep the algae away! Bird baths and bird feeders are great ways to encourage birds to stay in your garden. These great bug hunters are a terrific form of organic insect control. Here are some links to bird feeders; https://amzn.to/4kp5Qaq https://amzn.to/4khEHWJ https://amzn.to/4lhKNb4 Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design For more information about my San Diego based landscape design services please email me at kalal5@sbcglobal.net.

Video - Easy Steps to a Perfect Semplice Retaining Wall!

 

Doug explains what a simple keystone wall is, and how it differs from a country manor style, for garden design. He shows various stages of construction, providing a how to guide to building keystone retaining walls. The video covers landscape design and finishing touches. 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. Thank you to Unique Landscaping for the great work on this landscape project. Here is more info on the wall product https://www.rcpblock.com/ 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 - Top 10 Palm Trees for Southern California Gardens!

 

Doug shares his top 10 favorite palm trees perfect for Southern California gardens, especially in zones 8, 9, and 10. Learn about different palm varieties and why they flourish in places like San Diego and Los Angeles with this guide to tropical landscaping. He covers everything from pygmy date palms to the majestic queen palm! Here are my favorite palm trees. There is a list below of these beauties. Here are some good books on palm trees; https://amzn.to/325vKgN https://amzn.to/3wXZZll https://amzn.to/3ClwvPv 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 - Why Do Butterflies Love This Tree So Much?

 

Doug introduces the Chaste Tree, also known as Vitex Agnus Castus, highlighting its appeal to butterflies. This flowering tree has amazing summer blooms and is perfect for attracting butterflies in the garden. Learn how this tree can be grown as a large shrub or small tree and is great for gardening. 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's the link to buy this wonderful tree. Vitex Tree aka Chaste Tree https://amzn.to/4dyxyze Video by Doug Kalal, Great Gardens Landscape Design

Video - Easy Backyard Privacy Tricks You Need to See!

 

Doug showcases a backyard privacy solution to combat that nosey neighbor by using plants. This privacy landscaping creates a beautiful and functional outdoor living space. Consider adding fast growing shrubs to create a beautiful privacy hedges. Do you have an ugly neighbor that you can't stand to look at? Hide them with Long Leaf Podocarpus! This is a great shrub for privacy. Here are some other plants for privacy. Check the plant info before ordering to make sure it can be shipped to your area and will grow well there. https://amzn.to/41O8gsx https://amzn.to/41PsiTx https://amzn.to/3JjALIq https://amzn.to/4mMRoKY You can also try the fake plant way to privacy. https://amzn.to/47kK3hp https://amzn.to/3UTzqe1 https://amzn.to/3Uv1zI5 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 - How I Made a Stepping Pad in 10 Minutes for $40!

 

Doug shows you how to install a stepping pad in your garden in minutes, creating a stable walkway. This simple solution replaces old, unstable stones and enhances your garden decor. This quick and affordable home improvement project adds both safety and aesthetic appeal to your yard. 10 minutes is all you will need to install this lovely Belgard stepping pad. The total cost of all the materials in this video was $40.00. Thank you to Juan Montano of Unique Landscaping for demonstrating how to install this. MATERIALS; 10 - pounds of road base 10 - pounds of leveling sand 3 - Belgard Trailway Stepping Stones (12" x 24") Lowes item #4143785 $7 each 2 - 10 pound bars of decorative river rock Lowes item#672934 TOOLS; 1 shovel 1 three foot level 1 garden trowel 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