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How to DO What You Don’t Know How to DO

October 27, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan Leave a Comment

While I’ve worked with a fabulous group of professionals and volunteers to do 2 sizable charity projects to date, I’m still just learning how to make these magnificent projects up, then pull them off when we say we will. I’m sharing this with you in this week’s blog post because it’s chock full of wonderful information that might just help you understand how we formulate, create and pull these projects off.

Step 1. Have the inspiration. True inspiration is more than a thought or idea. It’s an emotional gnawing at your core that’s pest like and won’t go away. That thing that you just know has to happen.

Step 2. Is getting clear with the “why it matters.” This is a necessary qualifying of whatever it is. I’ve done this twice before with regards to these charity projects involving outdoor Living makeovers. These spaces are more than just a pretty outdoor space. They are landscapes and gardens that need to be done in order to impact the health and wellness of the folks they were designed for. There’s gotta be the reason that your goal, be it landscaping or otherwise, is worthy of your time, energy and fortitude.

Step 3. Make a decision around timing. Be realistic with yourself. When I say realistic, I do not mean that you can wrap your head around the “how.” I mean that the timing resonates with your intuitive self that says “Yes, We can pull this off by then.” You have to be able to visualize it happening within your time frame. If you don’t believe it. You will not achieve it.

Step 4. Co-conspire with others. This means to network, consult, attract and inspire. Stay clear of the nay sayers. Heed their warnings, but keep on building. Your mission is to stay focused on where you’re going. Ideally you might encourage them to help you in some way. Otherwise, thank them for their input and head on out!

Step 5. Continue to get and stay organized, and do something daily to move towards your goal. Focus on the vision. and address what you think is of the highest priority. You might be wrong but just do your best.

Step 6. Hold the vision front and center always! It’s like your torch that must stay lit. In spite of whatever you’ve committed to, make this happen.

This is actually where I am right now with #Astergardens.

Our design is on their website. They are excited about the project!

We’re in the midst of creating this awesome space for Inter Faith Community Services. We’ve already begun raising money to assist with the creation of the space. My hope is that anyone reading this week’s blog will feel generous and big hearted enough to give and assist my team of Sustainable Heroes (#sustainableheroes) as we take on the physical, mental and financial challenge of doing this actual makeover, construction and landscape work. Donations are fully tax deductible and can be made by simply clicking (Donate) and selecting for your monetary gift to go towards the Aster Street Garden Project.

These funds will primarily go towards, travel expenses, lodging and meals for myself and my team that travels from near and far. With the last 2 projects we solicited sponsors that could assist, if they were willing. Most often they say yes. It’s the Green Industry and we’re a bunch of loving people. If they say no, we simply have to ask again or ask another. Our goal must always be the project coming to fruition. Any challenges, doubt, no’s or other adversity simply isn’t acceptable. We’re on a mission that’s bigger than ourselves.

The commitment to accomplish and reach our goals is bigger than any single person’s vision or the lack thereof. We expect to face adversity but do not seek it out. We believe that who ever recognizes the problem or challenge, is the one that gets to start fixing and dealing with meeting that challenge. We subscribe to the philosophy of “By any means necessary. Get it done!

We also have to remember to spend our time, energy and other precious resources for good. This means no in fighting. No taking others inventory. No complaining about what somebody else is or isn’t doing. Instead, we must each dig deep and determine what we can do to be loving, encouraging and effective within our group or as a solo artist.

Today my responsibility is to begin reaching out to a list of sponsors and potential sponsors in order to get them once and for all committed for what’s needed in order to get the work done. My friend, and fellow sustainable hero, Tracy “Tylee” Sewell went to the GIE-EXPO and single handedly solicited every company on our list.

Friend and cohort Tracey Sewell on the Cover of Lawn and Landscape

She has already secured commitments from Stihl, Fire Gear Outdoors, Tufx, and Pavestone. Those are just a few of the 26 companies on my list that are aware of what we have going on, thanks to Tylee. I am not sure what they will do, but I am sure I can get them to help with something! All of her hard work has made this day full for me. And the beat goes on! Thanks for reading, sharing and caring.

If you’re in the San Diego or Los Angeles area and would like to volunteer and work with us November 21st and 22nd please register here. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Also, if you have any way of helping with the project please contact us at astergardensca@gmail.com.

Want more updates? Follow Ahmed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest!

#TeamAhmedTV #GoGreenWithAhmed #AsterGardens

What Just Happened

April 17, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 39 Comments

It’s Tuesday April 14th and I’d be lying if I didn’t acknowledge the surreal feelings I still have.
I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you all that what just transpired and took place in the little city of Miami Springs, Florida was likely the most ostentatious event I’ve ever had the pleasure of being a part of, and also, responsible for making happen.

Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan often calls himself the big mouth landscaper

When I’m crashing a yard, I can be a bit vocal!

Hi, My name is Ahmad Hassan. Most people know me as “Ahmed Hassan” the original host and inspiration for DIY Network and HGTV’s Yard Crashers. I am a professional landscaper, fundraising guru, fast talking, smack talking, motivational speaker, and professional flirt. I love babies and children. I love men and women; black, white, Latin, Asian and every other ethnicity. I love Christians and Muslims; Jews, Buddhists, and Atheists. I love the under dog.

I grew up watching TV shows, believing in superheroes. Those larger than life characters that come from humble beginnings and develop amazing talents. Those that learn to utilize their powers for the good of humankind. As a kid, I saw my dad as a superhero. He was absolutely a character that inspired and amazed me with what he knew, what he could do, and what he’d been through.

I lost him to a modern days form of kryptonite (heroine). I was changed forever. My eyes we’re opened and my awareness shifted from being a kid. I began to see, understand, and live my life as an adult.
It took years to process my pain and my sadness. I believed then, and continue to believe, that life is merely a journey where we get to “show up and show off”, as the awesome super heroes of our own choosing. Please understand that because we are all merely natural human beings, we can only develop our natural human powers.

Silvia and Daniella sharing a moment

This is to say that our powers must always be kept in the realm of human possibility. Humans don’t fly, so the cape isn’t necessary. On a day like any other, I received a tweet from Mrs Silvia Vanni of Mystic Force Foundation. The tweet included a picture of Silvia and a young, bald, and beautiful Daniella Collazo. Mrs. Vanni is easy on the eyes and Daniella, well… now this little angel is as precious and beautiful as they come.

The request was for Ahmed, the Original host of Yard Crashers to come and “crash” aka create, remodel, accentuate, spruce up and horticulturally enhance, Daniella Collazo’s backyard. This request was nothing new for Ahmed but it came from someone different than the folks that typically reach out and ask for assistance with their oudoor living space. The first reply from Hassan was to please provide more information. Vanni did just that. She shared the pain of losing her own son, Salvatore, to Neuroblastoma. This was the same type of cancer that Daniella was diagnosed with, only Salvatore was diagnosed at stage 4 while Daniella was diagnosed at stage 3.

This is what saying Yes looks like!

My saying yes to Silvia Vanni and the Mystic Force Foundation was my opportunity to be big. It was my opportunity to be heroic; my opportunity to step out in faith. It was my chance to prove to myself, Mrs Vanni, Daniella, and anyone else who gave a damn; about the power of intention, love, and being a BADASS as I call it, for good.

Good intentions, good measure, a partnership and movement with other good people that are inclined to join in and “represent” for the cause; this is the kind of stuff my heroes are made of. The kind of stuff that Ghandi, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King and others were known for. These men and another master teacher named Jesus Christ were also known for it. It’s all about helping those that cannot, or do not know how to, help themselves.
Because I’m just one person, I’m just one piece of the puzzle. I only have particular human powers. I happen to be a pretty damn good landscaper (And yes, I know it!). I began to reach out to others like myself that are awesome at what they do. I look for gifted and talented individuals that really know their craft. Their confidence level is something that needs to already be in place so that my job is merely one of buttering them up and convincing them to partner with me. Yes it’s manipulative, but in no way malicious.

I understand enough human psychology to understand that people need to feel big, they need to feel proud, and they need to feel loved, in order to rise up and be their best self. My job, my task, and my mission, was to solicit all of who I felt was needed in order to create the space and make Daniella’s Wish a reality. I did this in a modern grass roots way, utilizing social media and personal conversations. I also asked others to reach out in order to exploit and further network for this worthy and heartfelt cause. I played no games, I told no lies. I did what was necessary, and because I love The Green Industry, fans and friends; I kept everyone informed to the best of my ability, posting and sharing regularly as we built momentum and moved towards our goal.

A total outdoor play space transformation

The most unique thing about this whole experience was that it was completely non-profit. As a result, we needed to raise funds for what I thought would be a $50-$70K yard. In actuality, it evolved into a project totaling more than $100K. So in that regard, the learning curve on this project was something that I also said yes to. I’ve done so many things in my life where I hadn’t a clue as to what I was doing, or how I was suppose to get it done.

And yet I set a date anyway, having a conviction in my mind, heart, and the rest of me. Then I worked tirelessly with all of my human powers of communication, visualization, anticipation, discipline, collaboration and finally, fortified the entire thing with LOVE. Love for Silvia Vanni who loved her son Sal, love for little Daniella, who has a real life threatening disease. Love for all of my comrades; the ones that I know and truly respect as well as those that I’ve not met yet. Things magically tend to come together when you maintain your intention to love.

The seed was planted, I said yes, and because of so many others, Daniella’s Wish and Silvia Vanni’s request have been fulfilled. If I had Super Human Powers to take away Childhood and all other forms of cancer I would. But because I don’t I’ll simply and humanly continue to utilize my natural human powers and prove to my family, friends, fans, and absolute strangers; just how beautiful we women and men can be.

Thank you to the Mayor and all of the sponsors who helped make this wish come true!

Thank you to everyone that helped and assisted in making Daniella’s Wish come true. I appreciate each and every dollar that was donated, spent, and shared to make it all happen. I appreciate the men, women, and children that showed up and exhausted all of who they were to help with the heavy burden. I appreciate the list of National and local sponsors, businesses and the wonderfully loving city Of Miami Springs, Florida.” You all really made a difference this past weekend. Here is a fantastic video of what we accomplished courtesy of Seda Custom Design!

Follow Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest! You can also JOIN ME THIS MAY in PALM SPRINGS at the Alive Again Positive Living Conference! #GoGreenWithAhmed #TeamAhmed #DoitforDaniella #DiditforDaniella #DaniellasWish

More Than a Landscaper

April 2, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 2 Comments

Folks, my title of Landscaper is actually a bit deceptive. It’s a label which society has given to me and I wear it proudly, but as the saying goes, “don’t box me in” because I’m so much more. As I’ve expressed before, I am a multi-dimensional being, just as you are, and I seek to continue developing the different dimensions of me as time progresses forward.
If you must label me then consider philosopher, author, teacher, motivational speaker or charitable cause badass. Based on these titles alone, you can see that I really am More Than a Landscaper and it’s due to this fact that I am currently working on a book of the same name for release next year. My co-author, Marie Blackstock and I, began working on the content last year; however writing a book is a highly personal and creative process so it’s important to respect the organic flow of such a project. In other words, you can’t force things.
As this will be my memoir, the content is being created with each new daily experience that I live through. Marie and I recently met in person to wrap things up and one of the first things she said to me was, “This book isn’t happening right now because it isn’t the book we are supposed to be writing.” I surprising didn’t protest as I knew she was absolutely correct.
My life has been transforming in major ways over the past few years and I continue to learn from the multitude of experiences coming my way. I’m positive that this growth pattern will continue throughout my lifetime. Many of these recent growth spurts have been huge so that the book we began writing in August is far from the same story I wish to share with you folks today.

Both books will be available May 29th!

We did decide to create two books that will be ready for purchase by the end of May and neither are about landscaping in the least. They are tentatively titled, Philosophical Rants & Analogies for Life and LOVE.
You might be wondering where you can get an autographed copy when they come out, right?
I’m happy to announce that I’ll be making a special guest appearance at the Alive Again Positive Living LIVE EVENT in Palm Desert, California on May 30th. This weekend will be filled with dynamic presentations on love, light, joy, success, health and wellness so I encourage you to invest in yourself and buy a ticket to join us. I have the honor of covering the topic of LOVE and you’ll be able to purchase copies of both books onsite. There will be opportunities to have them personally autographed by both myself and Marie too. So are you still wondering why a landscaper is writing and talking about love? Well, as I stated above, I’m far from just a landscaper and LOVE is likely the most misunderstood yet commonly used word in the English vernacular. I spend much of my life teaching and helping people with their landscaping and gardening woes and while landscaping is important and critical in terms of agriculture and the planet, love is something that’s even more critical to our existence here on earth.

I will be signing both copies in Palm Springs

The next few weeks will be focused on combining my big, badass landscaping talents with loving compassion in order to see the #DoItForDaniella campaign through to fruition. Daniella, and all of these precious children living and dying of cancer, inspire me to work harder than I’ve ever worked before. I’m completely coming from a place of love and a state of love expressed outwardly towards others. This love is keeping me in the frame of mind that I need to be in, so that I can stay positive, even when things aren’t necessarily feeling good or going my way. The love I have for self and this project have radiated out to others who are sharing their love by donating their time and products to the project.

Thank you to Southwest Airlines, My Splash Pad, Cascade Outdoor Design, Deck King Corp. and Genovations decking, Tremron pavers, Forever Lawn, Valley Crest Tree, Vista Pro landscape lighting is being donated and installed by Magic Irrigation’s Michal Wilk, Todd Chambers of TC Masonry, Mayor Zavier and the City of Miami Springs, Leah and Mike owners of Cascade Outdoor Design, electrician Ken Morningstar and Joe of Plumbtech, Miami Dade College horticulture department, The Fresh and fantastic EB Hotel, Corona brand gardening tools, Hunter Industries and recently committed Costa Farms plus the list continues to grow. Beautiful people everywhere continue to step up, step in and donate time, materials, products and services.
My own fans, friends and loved ones have raised an amazing $10k in cash through our Crowdfunding and all of our efforts are impacting the Collazo family and the Childhood Cancer community at large. Lead Designer and fellow badass, Duane Draughon of VizX Design; and I really had no concept of how awesome and powerful love was until we started this journey. I continue to give thanks and am in awe.
So, next time you hear The Beatles sing, “All ya need is love,” remember that there really are no truer words ever spoken.

Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter! #MoreThanALandscaper #DoItForDaniella #AliveAgainPositiveLiving

Evolution

February 24, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 1 Comment

It’s not a conspiracy theory, it’s merely our reality and evolution. Humankind’s impact on the planet is largely responsible for the climatic changes we’re experiencing back east and out west. Flooding and drought conditions are just a few of the causes and effects that we have going on in our ecosystem. This is nothing to be alarmed about or freaked out about. I mean really…

AHLS at your service

When has your freaking out ever helped bring about sustainable solutions for change? As for me, I choose to take responsibility into my own hands. As a professional landscaper, former TV host, and Celebrity Landscaper, I travel the country spreading knowledge, goodwill, and what I know to be good horticultural practices. Locally, around the greater Sacramento, California area, I continue to offer landscaping services via my small business… Ahmad Hassan Landscape Services (AHLS). I love what I do and plan on doing it for a long, long time.

My own prediction is that for the next decade or more, I will continue to be solicited, and encourage best management practices while assisting folks with creating drought tolerant/friendly, and ecologically friendly landscapes, at home and abroad. Take a look at these two examples to give you an idea of what I mean. Here is a before and after of my client Annie Tran’s Yard

Ahmed Hassan Trans Home Before and After

Drought tolerant plants make for easy maintenance

And another example… the Hughes’ Lawn Before and After Transformation

Hughes Project by AHLS Ahmad Hassan Landscaping Services

Here we transformed the lawn into a dry creek bed

In order to keep the cost down in both instances we used lots of small plant material. Most folks have more time than money. As the plants grow, the boulders and rock work will diminish, as the garden and greenery take center stage. At the end of the day, my goal was to be ecologically sustainable, as well as create something for both of them that presents well aesthetically. This is my obligation to the planet, and a commitment I make to myself and the human race. I get a real kick out of being a role model for change.

Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan loves being a role model for change.

This guy wants to be a role model for change

I intentionally plan to leave my mark on the planet with my life and impact the world in my own small way.

Ahmed Hassanpresenting at a home and garden conference

Educating people on sustainability

Television allowed me to grow my popularity, and because of this, I am committed to returning to TV in order to become the next Anthony Bourdain of the environmental industry. Bourdain is best known for his ability to communicate and share folks experiences around food, wine, and culture. He loves what he does and it definitely shows through in the programming. This is why he has been so successful.

My interests lie more within our local and global environment. I seek to give people an expanded awareness of what’s going on in both their own backyards, and the local community, and beyond. I enjoy creating these outdoor living spaces and giving my clients and fans the tools that they need in order to make a positive impact during our evolutionary period. It’s all about educating and then putting that education to use if we’re going to make a difference. I believe most people will do whatever is necessary to live in a sustainable manner if they just knew what to do. My job is to teach them those very things.

Watch out… big mouth landscaper coming through!

I don’t claim to be an expert in all things environmental, but I do understand soil, plants, water management, and how water is utilized by plants. I also understand our need for plants as a part of our human diet and overall nutritional health. I’m a nerd in case you haven’t noticed… A garden nerd who gets by with the title of “Gardener”. I’m ok with that. I often introduce myself to people and call myself the “big mouth landscaper” because it’s true!

It’s this big mouth that let’s me bring about awareness within the Green Industry and affect sustainability. It also helps me affect positive change. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease because the squeaky wheel gets things done. Last week I had the opportunity to meet with the director of sustainability at Ewing Irrigation to discuss having me join their team of speakers and teachers on that subject.

Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan at Ewing Irrigation in Phoenix, Arizona

Partnering with Ewing Irrigation to make a difference!

A little later this year you’ll have an opportunity to learn even more about what I’ve been doing over the past year with another irrigation manufacturer, Hunter Industries. I feel like all of us humans, landscapers, gardeners or not, need to take responsibility for ourselves and this planet. We don’t have another planet to move to and if we did, we’d likely throw that one out of balance as well. Learning what we need to, in order to improve and make living conditions better, is a real trial and error process. It took us many years to get to where we’re at. I only hope that we can expedite our learning curve so we can enjoy the years we have left and create something sustainable for our children, and their children, to enjoy.

Thank you for reading and sharing and caring.

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#GoGreenWithAhmed #TeamAhmedTV

Green it Up This Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 1 Comment

ROSES are red…

VIOLETS are blue…

Boy do I have a GREEN Valentine’s Day idea for you!

Go green with your love this year

It’s that time of year again, not only is Valentine’s day a reminder of the official day to start your annual rose pruning stateside, but it’s also the prickly cash crop’s largest harvest of the year. The interesting thing is, roses aren’t even blooming in February, unless of course they’re grown in green houses or shipped from South America.

Have you ever thought to consider just how many folks will head out this holiday, and buy roses, or some other fresh cut flowers this Valentine’s day? And have you ever considered that cut flowers could be anything other than “Green”or eco friendly.

You might be surprised to find the stats from last year as to how many folks had the same idea you did and decided to buy their significant other some fresh cut flowers on February 14th. Going green and not being all party pooperish is still fairly easy to accomplish. Because I love both the planet and the human race I’ve decided to make it my duty to spread a lil love and some creative and affordable ideas for you this Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day Love from your favorite Celebrity Landscaper!

Cut flowers, foliage, branches and berries all make attractive bouquet ingredients. Dry flowers and even seed pods can all be assembled in some fashionable arrangement to where your significant love interest is bound to feel special on the day of love. There really aren’t any hard and fast rules with regards to what Valentine’s day brings. The pagan holiday started way back when, while it’s significance on several levels is somewhat warped and wrapped up in our history. The only reason I even celebrate the day is because the essence of what I understand is that it’s a day to recognize our loved ones.

The day before V day I ended up flying out of town to a skate party in Arizona. I did however leave a few early Valentine’s day gifts for both Tiffanie and the kids. The kids merely got aloe vera gummy bears and a personalized, loving note from Dad. Tiffanie got a little more substantial gift and I hope she knows that in spite of us spending time separately this weekend, I love her dearly.

Ahmed Hassan- Tiffanie Hassan Power Partner

Me and My Valentine

Upon my arrival to AZ, I drove by the Arizona Flower Market and couldn’t help but say hi to my fellow Petal Pushing friend Brad Denham. Brad owns 3 businesses that will provide you with local or imported fresh flowers, foliage, and accoutrements for making your own DIY floral arrangements in the greater Phoenix metro area.

Me and fellow petal pusher Brad Denham

Behind the scenes at Arizona Family Florist:

Brad spices his arrangements up with accent greenery

More greenery used for making your flowers look spectacular!

Brad’s “canvas” that he uses to create his artwork!

Here you might be a bit more limited within your own garden space or desire an extra bit of floral color. Brad also operates 3 other businesses all designed to assist you with gifts and floral or plant decor in AZ. All of his pricing is quite reasonable since he’s wholesale to the public, and family owned and operated. They sell floral supplies, arrangements, floral services for weddings and special occasions, and delicious, edible, decorative fruit bouquets!

One of many delicious fruit bouquets Brad offers!

Follow Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

#TeamAhmedTV #GoGreenWithAhmed

Shifting Towards Sustainability

January 29, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 1 Comment

Sustainability involves death. You might be thinking that is a bit counter intuitive. When we hear the word sustainability we most often think about something lasting. However, that is just one aspect; true sustainability involves so much more. Nature teaches us that nothing truly can last forever in a single form.

Consider how things change…

We have 4 seasons each year.
The weather continues to shift and change as it pleases.
The water and waves wash onto the shore only to be swept back into the sea.
The sun rises in the east each morning then sets along the western skyline.

About the only thing that is truly permanent is change and the cycles of life! I’ve never had a “new” anything that kept it’s “newness”. I’ve never visited any place that didn’t look different with the passing of time each time I returned.

So what does it really mean to be, and live, sustainably?

In my opinion it takes an understanding that the earth is alive. It takes respecting the fact that products and inventions are created, and they (just like nature), will deteriorate and return to the earth. It is not something that MIGHT happen, it is something that WILL happen.

I tell people this…

“The only thing live plants need in order to survive is the decomposition of dead plants,

aka organic matter or compost. “

In the beginning there was nothing and everything. Mankind figured out how to build and create. Stone, then straw and wood. Being a Landscaper was not my initial goal. As a kid I remember wanting to be a carpenter. I wanted to build and create. Landscaping was what I settled into because I learned from my dad how to work outside. I discovered how to improve the aesthetics around my home and yard. I digress; let me get back to the issue of sustainability.

Wood, as dimensional lumber, is still hugely popular as a building material and I assume that it will be for some time to come. It is sustainable. We grow trees for harvesting. Once harvested, the wood is milled and utilized for a multitude of purposes. Those uses have evolved over the years as sustainability practices have improved.

First we have pressure treated wood. This evolved from our desire to slow the natural deterioration process. The chemicals used are harmful to the so called “pests” that feed on the wood. This makes the wood last longer and slows the need for harvesting more natural resources.

Some is used for composite decking. This was developed as a means to give a bit of permanence to wood. Much of today’s composite decking is actually made from recycled plastic bags and a blend of recycled wood pulp. It assists us with not having the need to develop, grow and or exploit new raw materials and other goods. It is sustainable!

There are also several other inventions like PVC decking, bamboo decking and unique products like Nyloboard. These boards are made from recycled carpet fibers. Pretty neat stuff!

From carpet to concrete, we have been loving our floors for a long time!

When I was a kid growing up here in the states, everyone had carpet in their homes. Wall to wall carpet was the norm. These days many folks are more interested in hardwood floors, or laminate, if not concrete and tile.

My point in all of this is to say that there is no ultimate evil when it comes to manufacturing. As mankind evolves we are merely seeking to develop and create sustainable products that will both suffice for whatever the intended purpose is as well as generate the capital needed to maintain and build businesses, while also supporting the global economy.

Ahmed Hassan Celebrity Landscaper- Dollar Signs

Our innovation creates capital for global sustainability.

In the United States we’ve become accustom to recycling, reusing, and manufacturing our new products with formerly used products (our waste). Our sustainability, and global health, require us to do this. We must continue to seek out better ways to create a greener environment, and do less damage in the process. My hope is that every person reading this blog will begin using the word “sustainability” in your regular vocabulary.

Then put that word to use by taking action on the following questions:

1. How can I personally assist nature and be a part of the natural solution?

2. How can I relate to others and build relationships that are sustainable?

3. How do the products that I buy and use support our local, regional and global sustainability?

You will begin to notice your life moving in cycles is you do this. Recycling bottles, Reusing shopping bags at the grocery store, saving scraps for your compost pile, etc. That is completely normal. Remember that things come and go, it is what we do at the end of their life cycle that contributes to sustainability. After all, to quote myself…

“The thought of any product living and existing forever is scary and in no way sustainable.”

-Ahmed Hassan Celebrity Landscaper

For more info, and a LOT of landscaping ideas, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

#GoGreenWithAhmed #TeamAhmedTV

I Too Have a Dream, Actually, I Have Many!

January 21, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 1 Comment

Dreams are what life is made of. Good dreams, bad dreams, insignificant dreams, and great big, “OMG that would be awesome if we ever got there dreams!”

When I look back over the landscape of my life, I notice how all of my dreams have either come true, lost their direction and focus, or simply evolved into something new and different. Dreams by definition are something that you think about, envision, or imagine. They are something that has yet to be fulfilled.

Ahmed Hassan Celebrity Landscaper Go Green Event

How many do you have?

Once they are, we simply call it life. Dreams are those things we FOCUS and meditate on. This is referred to by many as prayer. The difference with praying and dreaming is the “wanting” or “petitioning” aspect. When we pray, we often ask God or the Universe for what we desire. A dream has nothing to do with God, necessarily, but everything to do with our belief system.

This is why we believe what’s happening around us, or to us, is real when we are in a dream state. For example, I had a dream the other night that I was boxing with rats. I was punching them. Large kitty-cat sized rats. Apparently in my sleep I actually lunged out. It scared the heck out of Tiffanie, who was lying next to me.

Contrast that dream with this one. When I was 19yrs old, I had a dream that I’d own a landscaping business complete with trucks, trailers, tools and equipment. I have all of that now, its called Ahmad Hassan Landscape Services! I also had a dream I’d be a TV host, done! I had a dream I’d be a dad and I am. The span of my life, just like your life, has been filled with dreams. It’s been filled with prayer.

So I ask you just like I ask myself.

What are your DREAMS?
Beyond that… What are you DOING in order to make your DREAMS come true?

Most of us have heard that all things are possible to those that believe. I’ll tell you that belief starts with what we envision. It begins with what we dream up, what we agree and say yes to. I let go of the dream where I woke up swinging at rats. I merely cast it off and said “It was just a dream.” In this sense, I allowed myself to detach from that altered state of reality.

Your dream could make the next big difference.

We can all do this. Reality is merely a choice by which we confirm what is true and real versus what doesn’t really exist. Time is the greatest teacher of this truth. Time will tell us what is real and what was just a farce or a dream. For instance, I could say that I live in Timbuktu, but over TIME I would begin to realize other indicators that point closer to Sacramento. An elementary example, but you get the point. If there’s something that you truly want, something that you truly believe in, then keep on dreaming. Hold fast to that dream. Give it time.

However, If you wake up to the reality that you’re swinging in your sleep at rats…you might wanna change your thinking and let go of whatever it is that’s causing you strife. Oh, and if your dream happens to involves other people, I should warn you. Those other people have dreams of their own and in no way are your dreams more powerful, nor do they take precedent over their dreams. We must respect, work with, and acknowledge other people in what they want to accomplish. We must collaborate with, rather than fight with one another. We must possess a certain amount of respect for other beings and subscribe to the fact that we’re all dreamers.

We all have the same capacity and birthright as I’ve said before, to say “Yes, no, maybe so, and I’ve changed my mind”. We all have the power to shape and mold our dreams into our a unique picture of reality. Little by little (time), life, and nature continue to show us what’s real. Give thanks for the life you’ve created thus far. If you’re not enjoying where things are at and would like to see or experience a change, then start dreaming a new dream!

Modify your thinking and your perspective, believe a new thought, take hold of a new idea. Start a new dream. It’s your life and your reality. Turn life’s lemons into lemonade by being responsible in this… acknowledging you are a dreamer. Yes, you too have a dream!

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Energy, Intention, and Faith for the New Year!

January 6, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 5 Comments

The 3 ingredients in the title are needed to accomplish anything.

I sometimes lie in bed in the morning and begin to think about what I want, or need to do, on a given day. At some point I’m finally inspired to get up and get things going. I’m either INSPIRED or MOTIVATED with fear. I don’t wanna miss out or be late!

My ENERGY and intentions have me living the life that I do and chasing after those dreams that inspire me. I take full advantage of my Celebrity status wherever I can and yet I’m fully aware that I’m the same kid that dropped out of High school in the 11th grade because I was simply more interested in smoking weed and hanging out than I was in academia. Today I intentionally live my life in a way that pleases and inspires me. It seems foolish to do anything but this! Being clean and sober was the best choice I could make 22 years ago.

My ENERGY and INTENTION are the fuels that keep me going. My FAITH, coupled with the conscious action I put towards making my dreams come true, helps me execute my wants around my business, and the whole of my life.

The concept of ENERGY is used everywhere around us, but what is energy?

The dictionary definition of the word states as such:

: The ability to be active
: The physical or mental strength that allows you to do things
: Natural enthusiasm and effort
: Usable power that comes from heat, electricity, etc.

So it seems that energy is any number of things, but they all come from the state of being alive, able, and capable… which is what we all are.

When you’re dead. You’ll lack any energy or capability.

Now let’s consider the word INTENTION. It means:

: That thing you plan to do or achieve
: An aim or purpose

Bear with me for a moment and assume that you’re just like me; a regular person that lives, breathes, and goes about your day doing things that you either need, want, or have to do. Have you ever noticed how different tasks during your day affect you emotionally?

This is true for EVERYONE.

I have things that I’m inspired to do that come from something I might have imagined, or something that someone else has collaborated with me around and we’ve decided we’re going to make it happen. My energy and intention around this event might range from, “I’m super excited and can’t wait to get started with things!” OR “I know that things need to get done but I lack the urgency or desire to get them going right now”. I choose to focus daily on staying inspired.

Ahmed Hassan - Celebrity Landscape - Energy

Here’s to a beautiful day!

I’m best known for my television work on HGTV and DIY Networks Yard Crashers. This is a show that came into existence because of my passion and love for landscaping. The show was developed by me, a few producers at a very small production company, and Scripps Networks. We developed a show that was based around me, playing myself, on television. At the time of the shows creation, I was merely a landscape gardener. I wasn’t yet a licensed contractor. I became one because the network wanted to feature me as such, and I had already intended on becoming one because I wanted to grow my vision for Ahmad Hassan Landscape Services. However, I lacked the money and was already over booked with local work through my word of mouth network.

DIY paid for the cost involved with me obtaining my license. I took the classes, passed the contractors exam, and to date, I am still a licensed, bonded and insured C-27 (California Landscape Contractor). Sacramento never had it so good! I have been learning and working in landscaping most of my life. My bio says since the age of 10 because that’s when I recall having the drive and ambition.

While landscaping isn’t all that I do, it’s what I call my occupation and what people mostly know me for. I was featured on HGTV’s “Landscape Smart” shows dating back to 1999. I didn’t start hosting until 2007 for DIY Network. As a kid I always imagined myself as someone that would be in the limelight. I sang choir and did a little acting in junior high and always enjoyed entertaining, teaching and leading.

As a host for a landscape and gardening show I believe I’m unparalleled due to the energy and excitement I have around the Green Industry. When you’re interested in something, it’s amazing how much you’ll commit to learning, exploring, and becoming the best at it. When Yard Crashers first came out it was a dynamic television show. My energy mixed with my creative team of professionals, artists, and contractors; our real world approach to making Outdoor Living spaces,it was all something that hadn’t yet been featured on television. Not like this at least.

As each season was produced, I evolved. As a professional, I became interested in making more of an impact with what I taught and the messages I sent out to folks. I eventually out grew it and became bored with the format of my own show. Folks began recognizing me everywhere and that too changed the dynamic of the show.

Oh yeah, another word to define! “Dynamic” Means:

: always active or changing
: having or showing a lot of energy
: of or relating to energy, motion, or physical force

Ahmed Hassan - Celebrity Landscape - Action

Whatever you do in this life remember… results require action!

As a result of my becoming complacent with producing the same formatted show again and again for television; many of my fans are beginning to see why the man that they first became interested in on TV is no longer there. I get bored easily and have to switch things up here and there. While TV evolves as an industry, a particular show doesn’t typically allow for evolution to happen within a formatted program. Yard Crashers had awesome appeal and was real when it began. What it evolved into was a tightly formatted television program that no longer held my interest.

In 2015 I intend to return to television. That is to say that my Energy, Intention and my entire life’s work will be focused on bringing this idea, and plan, into existence.

When you have dynamic energy like I have you’ve gotta simply support your thoughts and ideas with one key ingredient in order to make life happen. You’ve gotta take ACTION. Even if you don’t know how or know where to start.

All of us started life in the same way. We had no clue or idea. We grew up and we acquired all of what we needed to get us right here. If we want to go further, we must focus on what it is that we want. We must set our intention; focus, manage, and maintain our energy and momentum; and apply the action that’s required on a daily basis to bring our life’s desire into reality. Sure it’ll be a challenge. All of life is!

Religious people say just pray on it. Others say to meditate. Then there are those that subscribe to the law of attraction and understand that it’s merely your energy, intention, and action bringing all of what you focus on into reality. You decide which concept works best for you but at some point you’ve got to DO. Take action and make things happen. As you believe, so shall you receive.

I have faith in you. 2015 is a new year. I know that if I can do it, so can you!

#GoGreenWithAhmed #TeamAhmedTV

Follow Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan on Twitter and Facebook. If you are brave and really want to have your mind blown, check him out on Pinterest!

DIY Crossfit at Home

November 12, 2014 By Ahmed Hassan Leave a Comment

Fall is officially upon us and you are no doubt getting your house ready for the holiday season. At least I know that’s the case here in the greater Sacramento area. This is an awesome time of year for getting your exercise regiment on as well. Some of you may be aware of a relatively new type of work out known as “Crossfit”. If not, this video explains it.

Today’s post is an opportunity for you to understand Crossfit and create your own regiment at home using your surroundings, particularly your landscape and garden. You had to see that coming right? Let’s take a look at a few things you can do to incorporate Crossfit at home.

1. Watering Your Plants
If this sounds familiar it’s probably because I made a whole post on caring for indoor plants. We all know that plants need water to thrive. Well why not benefit from that watering yourself. Here’s how.

Find yourself 2 equal sized containers, fill with water, and get to watering all of those plants. Start indoors and keep your containers full as you scoot around the house. Then begin with things outside. Always remember proper body mechanics and to focus on exhaling (N’amaste y’all). The human body will always automatically inhale. I’m not saying that you have to get dressed up in your work out gear but, proper, comfortable shoes and being mindful of what’s comfortable physically will make your home grown workout more productive.

If you don’t have 2 matching watering cans, simply use 2 matching jars or cups. Remember the more cardio involved with your back and forth, the more of a work out you’ll receive.

Celebrity Lanscaper Ahmed Hassan - Two Watering Cans

Fill these up and carry both while watering your plants for a great cardio workout!

2. Spread Mulch?
Fall is always a great time of year to replace old mulch with new. Much does a couple of things for your landscape. It serves as a natural weed control through suppression. The less light that reaches the soil the less likely you are to have weeds. Mulch also keeps your plant roots warm during the winter. Your plants will fair better from impending frost damage, and your yard will look beautiful too. Makes sure you have an adequate amount of mulch put down this season. 3-4 inches is ideal, but be careful and use sparingly right close to the stems of your plants. Too much near the stems will cause an excessive amount of moisture there and rot the plants. Think of the roots and cover the plants shoulders, but don’t strangle the neck/stem.

A simple way to incorporate Crossfit is to use bags of mulch. This will cost you more than buying it bulk, but you will get a work out at the store, loading the bags in and out of your ride. Then, at your home, the workout continues as you walk and disperse it through out your garden.

A variation would be to use 5 gallon buckets with handles (you can also use recycled plant buckets). Any 2 of the same sized containers will work. They keep your weight of material balanced and assist you with not over working or straining yourself too much.
Finally, don’t forget about gravel. Gravel is considered to be an inorganic mulch. It’s generally a lot cheaper then paving stones or brick, and it bumps up the weight a bit for your Crossfit workout.

3. Windows and Wash Down
Clean windows speak volumes about your home. Make sure that the window cleaning products you use are the least toxic for both yourself and the environment. Find natural cleaning solutions online or simply use a mix of vinegar and water if you like. It is all natural and makes a great cleaning agent. Then use some recycled newspaper or some clean paper towels and your ready to get your Mr. Myagi on. Wax on and wax off!

Home improvement centers offer great environmentally friendly products that attach to your garden hose, making application easy and quick. This could even turn into washing the outside of your home. Removing spider webs, and getting things cleaned up before or after the holidays always sounds good to me. Of course this all depends on your available time for these household chores, er-I mean Crossfit! Remember, stay focused on what’s truly doable and save the rest for your next work out.

Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan - Fall Leaves

Raking leaves makes for great exercise!

4. Rake it out!
Raking leaves is not only a popular task for the month of November in California. I’ve been told that leaves fall from other trees around the country as well. Having a good flexible rake is the perfect DIY Crossfit tool! The flex rake is a great dual purpose rake for everyday clean-up outside, and the Larger lightweight leaf rake from Fiskars is ideal for large leafed trees and The Celebrity Landscapers Crossfit get down.
When your’e done with your raking, I suggest you break out the blower and dust things off a bit.

Beyond these suggestions, there are probably an endless list of things you can do to create your own DIY crossfit routine. A couple of weekends of elbow grease will go a long way toward making your landscape and home look beautiful, while you reap the benefit of feeling better.

I’m Ahmed Hassan and I practice what I preach.

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Water Bottles, Water Bottles, and Recycled Water Bottles

October 21, 2014 By Ahmed Hassan

Recycle, Reuse, Repeat
We Americans are particularly blessed with abundance. We live and exist in a land where items are given away and discarded with leisure. We don’t think twice about throwing something away. In fact, we tend to believe we are doing the right thing. I think this has a lot to do with how we were brought up. Remember those “anti-litter” campaigns that various states did when we were younger? They were prolific for a while.

They made quite an impact too. Texas particularly, did a good job with their campaign and had quite noticeable results. It seems like we got control of our litter problem as a nation. Now we live in the age of Recycle and Reuse. For a few years, those terms turned into buzzwords that were hijacked by companies and politicians. This may or may not have cheapened the movement as a whole, but recycling and reusing is nothing new. Our grandparents recycled and reused. They were either poor, or perhaps children (possibly even grandchildren), of the Great Depression.

Yet I think now we live in a different time and place. We understand the importance of recycling and reusing so our landfills are not overburdened and our waste does not destroy the environment. If you distill the concepts down to a single phrase, they become quite simple. When it comes to recycling and reusing, it’s merely a case of being conscientious and not wasting.

I will say/write that again because it bears repeating. When it comes to recycling and reusing, it’s merely a case of being conscientious and not wasting.

When we respect nature by only taking and using what’s needed, we not only lessen our carbon footprint; but stand to save time, money, and energy as well. You see, it is my opinion that we have a duty to be mindful of our natural resources. By resources I simply mean the local resources we rely on and have become accustomed to having as a part of our daily lives.

To that end, Seasonally, I’ll share certain blog topics that will give simple and useful directions on how we can live in harmony with nature. Think of these as idea think tanks. Draw on them for creativity then, turn them into action.

Conscious Conservation
So let’s talk a bit about recycling and conservation by revisiting a blurb from my Facebook and Twitter post last week. In touching on the drought in my home state of California, I mentioned harvesting rain water as a means to water your plants at home; thereby saving drinking water.

Seems like a great idea right? That’s because it is! Rain water is much more beneficial to your plants in terms of nutrients and purity. Some states, particularly Oklahoma and Texas, encourage rainwater harvesting. They view this as an assistance to drought prevention and good citizenship overall. Here is the ironic thing though, some states have outlawed it altogether. That’s right! Utah, Washington, and Colorado make the claim that the rain actually belongs to someone else. Rain that would normally run off into their very valuable streams and rivers is essentially “hijacked” by people using rain barrels.

Now it is not my place to offer an opinion on those state laws, but I do feel it is my duty to keep you informed. Remember what I said earlier about being conscientious and not wasting? Checking up on your local recycling and/or rainwater harvesting laws certainly falls into the “conscientious” part. The last thing you want to do is go off on a recycling kick and end up with a hefty fine! Yet, with a little research, you can come up with ways to conserve resources in your area that are legal, and in some cases actually encouraged with various tax benefits. I really believe we can move the needle on conservation if we all just do our own small part every day.

Recycling Begins with Awareness
If necessity is the mother of invention, then recycling is the mother of conscientiousness. Can you tell that recycling is another thing I am quite passionate about? The truth is, I reuse as often as I can. Take for instance my flight this past weekend. The flight attendant gave me a small white insulated coffee cup, as well as two small white napkins. They give away napkins every time they give you anything when you’re flying. Despite her asking me twice if I would like to have them thrown away I kept them and look forward to reusing them during my weekend travel. It’s a small thing, but I do make sure that I either use, or recycle them, because I genuinely believe it makes a difference.

In fact, every thing I can do makes a difference. In 2014 I established the “Hassan Household Bottled Water Ban”. Quite simply, I made the decision to stop purchasing bottled water. Our family of five was going through at least one case of bottled water per week. That is a lot of empty plastic bottles being made, shipped, and sold to either clog up a landfill or recycling center. We have since switched to reusable glass jars , formerly sold to us filled with spaghetti sauce (yes, I recycle everything I can at home), as well as canteens, or water bottles like the one pictured below.

Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan- Reusable Water Bottle

My Reusable Water Bottle

It really is not hard to refill a water bottle, and we all rest easier at night knowing that 1,248 plastic bottles are not going to a landfill, or causing me or the garbage man to drive across town and recycle them for pennies on the dollar at the recycling plant. Again, it’s all about doing your part to make society more sustainable or “green”.

Just look around and you will see many other people already involved in the Green Movement. Conversation is where it’s at! The folks who made my little insulated coffee cup on that flight are doing their part to create a sustainable environment. A quick survey of our modern and savvy society will show you that many of us are making a difference. For example, did you know that Walmart now sells organic produce? This is because people like you and me demanded it and then, supported it. Walmart didn’t want stores like Whole Foods to be the only spot in town and so… you get the point. The more of these types of things we do, the more sustainable our society will become. The Green Movement will turn into a societal norm. You have to understand this is not just about preserving the world for our children and grandchildren. This is about paying it forward for generations we will never meet.

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