eco-friendly

Abundance vs. Too Much

September 30, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan Leave a Comment

I’ve published several blogs on the topic of abundance but this one’s a bit different. The issue of abundance can easily cross over into the realm of what’s just plain ol’ “too much” and too much of anything is typically just that. “Too much”. Overwhelming, is actually what I experienced when I originally was inspired to write this week’s blog post. Because I’m very literal in my choice of words, I often back up the words that I choose and share their definition as a way of gaining a more in depth understanding of the fact that too much of a good thing is sometimes just plain ol’ “too much”.

I feel like this often.

While recently working in a friend’s garden, I found myself inundated with a particular ground cover and another flowering perennial. It took me a minute to identify Glechoma Hedera aka Creeping Charlie. This wonderful little ground cover is considered like so many others, a weed. It’s prolific growth, and will to live, could easily be seen as “too much” of a good thing.

My friend, and fan, Tommy, and son Ryan aka Big Boobies!

Plants are like that.

1. Exotics. There are exotic plants, meaning they’re non-native and require special consideration in order to be grown, maintained and sustained in their non-native environments.

2. Native Plants. These are plants that are specific their region. They are accustomed to the area and thrive as a result. They receive just the perfect amount of sun and shade exposure.

3. Naturalized Plants. These are plants that were either taken, or moved from their location to a new location. They receive the ideal soil and moisture conditions, and boom! They explode! When this explosion happens in a non-native environment the plant is considered a noxious weed. Noxious, because it stands to threaten, harm and deter other native species from thriving. It is a rambunctious case of “too much”. Yet, this isn’t just isolated to the plant world.

Too much of anything is considered a problem. Balance in nature is essential to our sustainability and overall health. Balance in all things is what I’m currently focused on in my own personal life; whether it be my diet, my work life, my fun and my responsibilities. The key to life and landscaping is striking a balance, and having an appreciation for and everything in moderation.

Thank you for following my blogs on life, love and landscaping. My books are soon to follow towards the end of this year and beginning next year. It’s been a process in organic timing and tons of learning. I’m appreciative of your caring and sharing.

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Happy Birthday to Me

September 22, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 3 Comments

In my 42 years of life I’ve learned plenty about what works and what doesn’t. I consider myself someone who pays attention to life’s lessons. Here is a simple list of 42 things I’ve learned while riding this rock through space.

1. I’ve learned that we don’t truly own anything. Rather, we get the privilege, and opportunity if we’re lucky enough, to share time, space and experiences with people, places and things.

2. I’ve learned that the earth, in spite of our ignorance, is adaptive and will always prevail.

3. I’ve learned that we receive according to and as we believe, and that my belief system is an ever evolving platform. Thankfully!

4. I’ve learned that the world is getting better every day so long as I’m getting better everyday.

5. I’ve learned that time is a wonderful healer.

6. I’ve learned that possession and love are not synonymous.

7. I’ve learned to plan, visualize and expect. Then remain flexible and enjoy what comes.

8. I’ve learned that everything in moderation is almost always a sure and safe choice.

9. I’ve learned that giving thanks is most often the most mature and appropriate response.

10. I’ve learned that a person’s skin color, diet and sexual preference, or orientation, is deceiving and tells very little about the person.

11. I’ve learned that life is continually teaching us all that we need to know. Sometimes we’re paying attention, sometimes we’re not.

12. I’ve learned that choice is our birthright, our super power and our burden.

13. I’ve learned that natural is best, and it is becoming more elusive in this ever evolving world.

14. I’ve learned that we adults are those same children we once were. A lil older, changed by the passing of time, and weathered by life’s experiences; but at our core, the essence of the children we once were remains. Nurturing this inner child is an act of kindness and necessary selfish kind of love.

15. I’ve learned that it’s always best to be honest and discern between what’s your personal business versus others’ business.

16. I’ve learned that labels are limiting and that people are limitless.

17. I’ve learned that the cameras lens can do no justice to what the photographer witnesses.

18. I’ve learned to start with inspiration, then figure out the rest.

How can you not be inspired when you look at this?

19. I’ve learned that old dogs can, in fact, learn new tricks if they desire and are inspired to do so.

20. I’ve learned that weeds are essential and expected in a garden. They’re a sign of abundance.

21. I’ve learned to recognize a call and cry for love, in spite of how it sounds.

22. I’ve learned to love them while they’re still here, and not wait until they’re gone.

23. I’ve experienced the power that lies within my thoughts, my words and my actions. This power is sometimes frightening and must be harnessed within my own moral integrity.

24. I’ve learned that I’m not my thoughts.

25. I’ve learned that whatever I look for in others, I’ll find.

26. I’ve learned to trust in organic timing.

27. I’ve learned that procrastination is the pregnant mother of disappointment.

28. I’ve learned that what you put in, is basically a variation of what you’ll get out.

29. I’ve learned to listen to my intuition.

30. I’ve learned that ending with a sincere “I’m sorry” is the best way to apologize.

31. I’ve learned that asking “Would you be willing…” is the best way to ask another person for what’s wanted.

32. I’ve learned that loving and accepting myself, allows me to love and accept others.

33. I’ve learned to recycle and reuse.

34. I’ve learned to be specific with what I wish, want and pray for.

35. I’ve learned to switch and replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

36. I’ve learned that eating and drinking should be separated.

37. I’ve learned that saying excuse me doesn’t make the smell go away.

38. I’ve learned that unconditional love does not mean unconditional like.

39. I’ve learned that most women would rather be referred to as “woman. Not chic, ma’am or girl.”

40. I’ve learned that good and honest communication requires courage.

41. I’ve learned that nothing lasts forever. If it did, we’d be backed up and have even more problems.

42. I’ve learned that the Universe is my source, always!

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The Problem Posing a Reality

July 30, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan Leave a Comment

This blog post requires you to go a little deeper and think critically.

You might find it hard to read or even boring. That might be a problem for you. You might also begin to understand that problems are merely opportunities for us to grow, learn and develop a greater sense of awareness.

Problems are necessary. Here’s one for you to chew on.

The “problem posing reality” is a term that I first heard while taking an English class several years ago. It was an essay written by Paulo Friere, titled “The Banking Concepts on Education.”

So I’m no Friere, but I am working on my own version of a “Problem Posing a Reality” which will be out before you know it!

Essentially, the essay is a call to a new way of understanding education and its processes. It denounces traditional “banking” where the students are looked at as empty “banks” and the teachers are “bankers” who merely pour, or deposit knowledge, into those banks. In Friere’s opinion, this kind of teaching dehumanizes people as it strips away their individuality.

His method of teaching involved utilizing a concept known as “dialogics.” The basic idea behind dialogics is that nothing exists in a vacuum. Every word that is spoken is in response to what has already been said, and in anticipation of what is still yet to be said. This creates a “problem posing reality” because of the fluidity factor. Since nothing is ever stagnant, today’s solution may create a problem that will need to be solved by tomorrow’s new way of thinking.

It’s deep stuff I know, but stay with me if you want a full understanding of how sustainability works. You might also enjoy reading the book. This kind of thinking was very popular during the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. In fact, it was passed around to those in opposition to the movement as a sort of underground way of showing solidarity, and also speaking out against the horrible things the government was doing at that time. So what does this all mean and what does it have to do with sustainability, landscaping and/or gardening???

A makeover during my Yard Crashers days. Notice the sustainable design element present in the rocks, shrubs and ornamentals used in the landscape.

I live my life teaching others about horticulture and landscape construction. I’ve built a career doing this through television shows like Yard Crashers, on The DIY Network and HGTV. In the early days, DIY was actually about teaching folks and empowering do-it-yourselfers. Of course, things have changed, and now Yard Crashers is more of what I call a non-fictional-makeover-show with a pretty cool residential landscape.

So back to this “problem posing reality” issue. I’m of the opinion that today’s evolving society is still very much interested in living sustainably, while also enjoying an eco-friendly lifestyle. The issue is we largely do not fully understand how to go about this. TV shows like Naked and Afraid, Alaska The Last Frontier and Ice Road Truckers all seek to show the challenges of everyday living situations for certain folk living “way over there.”

Yet, all of these shows have managed to work themselves into the fabric of mainstream culture because of our human connectedness, and the deep seated desire for us all to live harmoniously on this planet. We all want to feel good about our impact on the planet, so we do our own part to effect change in our own small way.

Doomsday preppers are fashionably recognized, along with off the grid communities. There’s also a growing population of alternative gardening and farming techniques; all because we maintain dialogue with concepts from the past and recognize the value of understanding different ways of doing things. Even if you’re like me, and you tune in to these shows primarily because the cast is half naked and you’re merely interested in seeing how it all goes down due to intrigue, you and I both will stay tuned. Hopefully, we’ll also learn a little too!

Understanding anything about nature is pretty cool if you ask me. My own interests range from aquaponics, hydroponics and aeroponics, to people living in tiny houses only possessing what they need. I am also intrigued with permaculture and the sustainable solutions they put forth. Sustainable landscape design that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing, is something I love because I’m sold on the fact that it actually makes a difference. A lot of our problems can be solved if we just take the time to understand how we got here and where we are going… which brings us full circle again to Friere’s writing, as this was one of his foundational principles.

Ahmed_Hassan_problem_posing_reality_permaculture

Here is a great example of a permaculture landscape design I recently did for some clients. Simple, clean, and sustainable.

In short, we will solve problems. We will create new ones when we solve existing ones. We will also solve those, and so the cycle continues. Sounds like sustainable problem solving might be another thing I am in to as well. Who knew, right? If you just chuckled, you know me well. Thanks for reading, caring and sharing.

Want to stay in the loop with Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan regarding his latest sustainable projects and landscape designs? Follow him on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter!

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To Be Continued

June 9, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 1 Comment

Where to get started is often the question that many of us have when it comes to designing our outdoor living space or yard. These days there are inspiration sites like Pinterest and Houzz to provide images and ideas. It’s just enough to get us excited so we can begin to at least start the process of designing and developing our dream garden.

Last week I met Chelle Henderson. She’s working on her second garden. In the last year she’s inherited her mom’s small yard and home in Natomas, California. She told me that it was a tiny space, and that it would probably be the smallest backyard I’d ever done. While she was wrong, it was a small space, and it has been a while since I’ve dreamt up something that would not only be limited and beautiful in size, but also be done with a very limited budget. This means Ahmad Hassan Landscape Services would need to be creative.

Creativity runs through my veins. I love the process of making and creating amazing outdoor spaces.

I actually pride myself in being creative, whether it be upcycling, or choosing an awesome plant palette that is most conducive to the space, exposure and what’s ultimately wanted from my homeowner.

Today’s blog post could have gone many different directions. I had a few different ideas last night as to what I might write about. After a careful and conscientious overview of what I’d most like to share with my fans and friends, I’ve decided to take you on a journey and let you all see just how I do what I do…

I’ve shared more than once on the fact that I do not offer free estimates. While Chelle’s yard was no different, I did decide to give her a cost break. First, because she was recommended by a friend/contractor of mine, and second, because I simply felt she was serious about working together. I decided to have one of my designers and drafts persons join me for the initial meeting at her home so that we could expedite the process and get to a design asap.

Here are a few pics of Chelles yard.

This is what I am going to transform!

It is small, but it will look amazing!

The pics were sent by Chelle at two different times of the day. This will help me determine the most appropriate plant palette according to the sun shade exposure at the hottest time of the year, since we’re in the summer season, and now’s the time that Chelle is ready to see some changes. Of course I’ve already had the budget conversation with Chelle and she started with wanting to spend no more than $2K. I convinced and educated her that a more realistic budget of approximately $4K was more realistic. When she finally said yes, I knew that this was the number I’d still have to utilize in order to base my design, and eventual installation, off of. Chelle’s time frame was asap. With an agreeable doubled budget than what she was first thinking, I had my marching papers so to speak, and was on my way!

Designer Adrienne pulled measurements and sent me over the base plan so that I could draw. This process is both fun and creative, but also challenging, since what I want to do is simply create. What I have to do is be mindful and conscientious of the allowable budget. more on this as it unfolds. That’s why I titled it, “To Be Continued”…

Thanks for sharing and caring.

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Manifesting and Organic Timing

May 29, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan Leave a Comment

Anyone who knows me knows that I talk a lot. More than that, I dream a lot. However, my dreams at night are almost non-existent. I work long hours and often do physical work so when I do finally go to sleep, I sleep hard and sound. I have no problem whatsoever sleeping.

I do most of my dreaming with my eyes wide open. That’s to say that I visualize, and can easily be called, a visionary. I visualize landscaped spaces and outdoor living as my full time career. I also visualize relationships that I want to have or create with people. I so love the Green Industry and enjoy working with others, just like I did while hosting Yard Crashers.

In the real world (outside of TV) I still do this. I have friends all over the country, due to my television work, and while I’m no longer hosting YC; I am very much that same dude out there, dreaming up spaces and making magic happen wherever and whenever I can. You see, in order to create anything, one must have a vision, a design, an idea of what you want. You don’t have to have a plan per se, but there does have to be something you can hold in your minds eye.

When contracting for local work, I typically start with my consultation agreement. This is a pre-qualifier sent to the homeowner stating what I charge to consult, discuss, and start working on sharing our collaborative vision. I charge a flat rate of $375 for this which covers approx 2-3 hrs on site taking notes, listening, imagining and doing my initial visual observation. This fee also largely covers my travel to and fro as well as any initial communication with my various pros, partners, contractors and subs that will likely join me on the project.

I’ve gotta wrap my head around what’s wanted, needed and expected, so that I can ultimately deliver with my design and final installation. I did this same thing when I consulted with Daniella Collazo’s backyard makeover, #Daniellaswish, back towards the beginning of April.

Then I did it again in Glassboro, New Jersey last month when we created an entire organic edible school garden for Bullock Elementary.

I enjoy doing these large and small scale projects all the time. I’m actually addicted to what I call manifesting. I make my dreams come true, my clients dreams come true, and recently, have been making other’s dreams come true around the country, through what I call manifesting.

If you haven’t already figured out, I subscribe to religious science and what’s now known as Science of Mind. This philosophy was articulated and written about by Ernest Holmes. It was also the same philosophy of most all of the Master Teachers. Matthew 18:20 states, “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”

I’m of the belief that we all are manifesting all the time. The words we speak (prayer), the thoughts we have (meditation), and the acts we carry out (works). All of life is our opportunity to create according to our own free will. This is nothing new. This has been going on since the beginning of time and will continue. The human mind is a magical thing and we all have a deep seated desire to realize our dreams. Whether they are good or bad is merely a judgment. Right or wrong is also a judgment.
It just is!

Organic timing, on the other hand, is what I consider to be the “natural process” of things to develop. Organic is the opposite of synthetic. Synthetic is man made, while organic respects the natural process, order, and timing of nature. Synthetic chemicals, man made lighting, warmth and/or temperature control, are all a synthetic form of producing, and speeding up, the process of gardening and farming.

While the word organic is continually evolving, and the government is adapting and creating their own definitions of “organic”, I see it as the natural and realistic time frame in which things will happen. I can’t speed up the growth and ripening of a watermelon. When it’s ready it’ll be ready. Trying to pick and eat a watermelon before it’s fully ripened, will simply waste the enjoyment of that sweet and fleshy fruit.

So In life I suggest you chill. I suggest you stay focused on your vision. Stay focused and inspired on the want, but also stay open to organic timing and trust that all is conspiring together for good. Thanks for reading and sharing. My philosophy is no different than the philosophy of another. I’m just that gardening guy that explains it in my own unique way.

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Making Some GREEN in the Green Industry

May 5, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 1 Comment

From Lawn jockey to Ahmed Hassan Celebrity Landscaper. Persistence in business and following your dreams is where your success will come from. Trust me. I’m speaking from 23 years of experience.

As a kid I was more of a lawn jockey than a landscape professional. These days, the thing that sets me apart most from other folks, that might be deemed my competitors, is the fact that I portray and see myself as an expert. When I started working, hosting shows for DIY Network, they asked me what my title was. I told them I was a gardener. That wasn’t a good enough title in the Network’s opinion. In a world of titles, degrees, sophisticated salesmen, and bullshitters, gardener wasn’t even in the realm of earning respect, much less capturing the attention and respect of television viewers.

Being a business owner in the Green Industry takes that little something extra in order to demand a reasonable, and what I call sustainable, wage. Being able to articulate one’s value, in the world of what others see as mundane weed pulling, is an art that I’ve been working on for over 23 years. The business of gardening, landscaping, and what’s now termed “Outdoor Living,” requires a few basic principles. I feel that it’s both my responsibility and obligation to share what I’ve learned with others; so they might begin to better understand the ways in which they’ll need to manage their own “green industry” businesses, and actually make a little green, while going green.

I married my office manager. Tiffanie Hassan allows me to actually run a business. She schedules work, emails clients, handles invoicing and contracting and just about everything else that’s necessary in owning and operating our landscape services business. Behind every celebrity landscaper or small business owner there’s likely a silent partner that’s the glue to keeping things together.Teamwork, makes the dream work!

1. Learn To Teach. All of life is an opportunity for us to learn. If you’re interested in a particular subject, you’ll put in the time and research galore. I started my continued education at San Francisco’s City College. Then I spent about a decade taking several horticulture and landscape construction classes at Merritt College in Oakland California. I signed up for classes that most appealed to me. I looked over the list of Horticulture classes offered at the time and signed up for the ones that most appealed to me. There was of course a pre-requisite course titled “Intro to Horticulture”, which was a basics class about tools and practices. Earning a degree is less important than knowing how to talk the talk and walk the walk. It’s just a certificate.

2. Network with others in your industry. Classrooms are an awesome place to network with like-minded and like-interested folks. Seeing how others do what they do and love, while also generating income, will allow you to emulate your peers, and eventually, your career role models.

3. Begin freelancing and taking on small projects for the experience, rather than the money.
This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t charge, but consider yourself a student and real life experiences are your opportunity to learn and expand what you’re learning and building your confidence in.

An original business card isn’t essential until you’re really ready to manage the workload. Put all pertinent info on your business card. If you’re wanting a little help with professional design, branding, and printing; contact my cousin and graphic designer, Seda Bryant, by clicking the image above.

4. When charging for your services, the rule of thumb is to charge as much as you can and feel comfortable with. Since you, after all, are the one who will have to negotiate your fee, schedule work and payments with clients, then collect what you ultimately charge. Since you, after all, are ultimately the one who will have to negotiate your fee schedule with clients and collect. Just remember to be fair and transparent with your clients, and they’ll likely be fair with you.

5. An hourly rate is safe since you’ll always get paid for your time. Bidding on projects as a whole requires a solid and expanded awareness of the scope of work and what could and most likely will go wrong and/or require your time. Do your best to be responsible and accountable, but a reasonable hourly rate is always gonna be the safest bet. Your clients will absolutely watch you and determine whether they feel your rate is comparable to what you charge. Know this.

6. Always charge for your time. A professional charges for their time because they understand and respect their own value. So many contractors offer free estimates. I stopped doing these years ago. There are plenty of folks out there that believe that if they don’t give away their info, time, and energy trying to get a job, they’ll go broke. News Flash! If you’re giving away free estimates, you’ll definitely go broke!

7. Learn to charge for an initial consultation. The agreement you see below is my pre-qualifying form to help me get rid of the tire kickers and window shoppers. My time is valuable. Maybe you can’t charge what I do. You might offer a different kind of service, but please, for yourself, your family, your self-esteem and our industry; consult and trade your valuable time for a sustainable rate.

You have to charge for your services if you want to get paid and have yourself be respected as someone valuable.

Both of these pics are from page one of my consulting agreement. Page two simply has a space for clients to input contact information; and of course a signature line to seal the deal.

8. Give yourself ample time to walk, talk, listen, and take copious amounts of notes. I typically walk and talk with my clients for 1 or 2 hours, depending on the size of their property and how much we like to talk. Once we’re done, I’ll walk the property again to write down my notes, thoughts, suggestions, and things I’ll need to research and address. (My consultation is a flat rate. Once I’m familiar with what’s wanted and needed I can discuss hourly charges or a flat rate or bid.

Trucks and fuel cost money. Wear and tear is real. Even your wheel barrow is valuable. Business is business. You’ve gotta charge for your services and tools

9. Lastly remember that phone calls are free but house calls will cost you. Gas costs money and leaving your family and home to go help someone else at their home is worthy of a fee. This isn’t a hobby, and if it is, you’ll still have to charge in order to make your gardening and home improvement hobby a sustainable and enjoyable one. Thanks for reading, caring, and sharing.

Follow Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest! #GoGreenWithAhmed #TeamAhmedTV #MakeGreenBeingGreen

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.

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Making Orange Juice Outta Oranges

March 17, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 1 Comment

Today’s blog post is stimulated by yesterday’s visit to one of my client’s yards. Victoria Kidman is both my client and friend. In 2013 under my small business, Ahmad Hassan Landscape Services, we both designed and installed a beautiful new front and backyard at Victoria’s newly remodeled East Sac property. One of the first things I learned while working there was that this particular area suffers from very poor drainage. The soil is a clay loam, meaning it’s predominately clay in texture, and is very slow to percolate.

Could you eat ten grocery bags filled with oranges?

Because of this we ended up installing 2 sump pumps on the property in order to move and assist drainage efforts from the backyard, and underneath the house itself. It was helpful to perform the landscape renovations in the fall, which also happens to be the best time of year for landscaping in Northern California. The only plant growing in the backyard when we started was a beautiful mature orange tree with some of the tastiest and juicy oranges I’ve ever had. When I find a wonderful fruit tree such as this, I feel as excited as a miner striking gold. Vicky would bag up the oranges and share them with as many people as she could. This after all is what growing fruit trees and a garden is all about. It’s almost impossible to harness and utilize all of the fruit from a full size tree yourself. A single family would have to squeeze a whole lotta juice, and nearly make themselves sick with oranges in order to consume all 10 bags of oranges their tree produces each season. Whenever I begin a landscape renovation, the first thing I do is assess the space and determine what in my professional opinion is healthy, has vigor, and is worthy of maintaining and integrating into the new landscape.

The beautiful, healthy, orange tree in Vicky’s yard that served as my inspiration for her space!

This tree was it! There we’re a few other camellias that we’re recently planted by the contractor that remodeled the house, so these were shifted around, since it was fall, and a great time for transplanting. When we finished the yard we did what most folks here in Northern California do; we mulched all of the garden beds with a decorative 1/4″ fir bark. I say decorative because these days most folks merely choose a bark mulch based primarily on it’s aesthetic value or cost. What they may or may not realize is that different types of mulch do make a difference.

While I won’t get into the specifics during this post I will tell you that what is recommended for soil that is dense, tight, and clay based is a loose, very porous mulch. When the soil is sandy and fast draining, a shredded and/or finely ground tight knit mulch should be applied. In this way the mulch can assist the soil by helping to regulate temperature in both situations, and assist the soils in either draining and drying out, or retaining moisture; whichever is needed.

In almost all situations some type of mulch should be applied. The benefits of mulch can be found right here.
Because we’re in Northern California we employed the use of drip irrigation for the newly remodeled garden beds. Hunter Industry’s MP Rotators we’re used on the lawn spaces and all was well. That is, right up until Ahmad got busy and left the garden maintenance to other people. For a few years Vicky would seek out good and affordable help with maintaining her yard. Someone to manage the “mow and blow” weekly, as well as occasional pruning and other seasonal chores that arise. She found a local gardener from Angie’s List. While this site is a great resource for locating contract professionals in your area, it is still up to you, the homeowner, to thoroughly vet the contractor before they begin work. So Vicky hired this gardener to fix a supposed irrigation issue; and because the fir bark that I installed was thin in areas, he suggested reapplying a “better, longer lasting mulch”.

3 inches of mulch is recommended for most applications

Yet he failed to consider that when you’re applying mulch, you typically want to create about a 3″ mulch layer in order to reap the 3 main benefits of mulch. They are:
1. Soil Water Retention
2. Soil Erosion Protection
3. Weed Suppression.

This gardener actually had the nerve to bad mouth Ahmed Hassan, The Celebrity Landscaper and saying that I installed the wrong mulch, because it was fast to break down. In his opinion I was trying to simply make more money with by needing to reapply mulch on a frequent basis. Yeah buddy! There I am, The con artist landscaper, deep in thought on how I can juice my clients for more money when it comes to their yards. Wow!

While Mike assesses the situation, I contemplate “plan B”.

It truly saddens me that folks are simply uneducated in proper, solid horticultural practices. Yet here I am, doing all that I can to beautify and educate the masses on how to have better success with their outdoor spaces.
At this point the only thing I can do with the dead Citrus tree that’s sitting in my client’s yard is make lemonade outta lemons. Okay so orange juice outta oranges.

So here’s my list of 10 optimistic thoughts that come out of this whole experience for me.
1. Always and in everything give thanks!
2. Myself and so many others got to enjoy the wonderful fruit from the orange tree.
3. Myself and a few others got to enjoy the beauty of this lovely structural plant in nature.
4. I’ll chop up all of the dead branches and turn them into mulch and compost.
5. I’ll chop all of the larger wood into firewood size pieces so that it can be burned and used for heat.
6. This same location will be planted again, using the existing soil. It will be elevated on a small mound to aid drainage for the new fruit tree. This time… a Peach!
7. Both myself and this other gardener made money while working on site.
8. My client Vicky was likely tired of picking all those damn oranges.
9. The orange tree was a free gift that came with the house. Someone else planted it, and plenty of us got to benefit and enjoy it’s fruit.
10. Give thanks that we have an abundant earth and that she alone nurtures, feeds, and provides for us.

It lived a good life, now a peach tree will grow in it’s place.

Nothing lasts forever, except change.

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Chickenshititis

March 10, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 4 Comments

Chickenshititis, that condition that, from time to time, I’ve gotta believe we all suffer from. Even the most courageous and well intentioned of us, manage to find ourselves not quite living up to our standards for personal integrity and/or doing as we said we would. The topic, and word chickenshit, is very much a term that most Americans can relate to. I know this because I can Google the word “Chickenshit” and Merriam’s got a definition right there for me to read:

chickenshit

adjective chick-en-shit \chi-ken-shit\

Definition of Chickenshit

1. usually vulgar: petty, insignificant

2. usually vulgar: lacking courage, manliness, or effectiveness

My reasoning behind using this offensive word was due to the fact that I experience being chickenshit; and I also tend to recognize when others seemingly fall into this rut as well. Hey, it happens! It’s okay, it’s natural and normal. Yet, it’s also something, that with clarity and awareness, we can rise above in order to improve our lives and the way we relate with others.

So I recently had an experience where a male client and I consulted. I visited his property and we discussed various options and ideas for making improvements. Mind you he’d already had another contractor over to do this same thing too, though the other contractor focused primarily on what his specific trade was. None the less, both of us contractors had different opinions as to the process and direction we’d have my client go. This became a mental conflict for him. As a result, he somehow fabricated in his mind that I would be disappointed and he didn’t want to disappoint me. So what’d he do… nothing!

No call, no text, no NOTHING! He was experiencing what I call Chickenshititis, also known as fear. Fear is a huge factor in so many of our lives. It hinders our creativity, and causes us to live lives where we unknowingly limit ourselves and cause more drama than we ever imagined. Rather than continue to succumb to this condition that I’ve just defined and pointed out, I’d like to share just a few ways in which you might over come and cure yourself of chickenshititis. Living life courageously is how we overcome Chickenshititis.

Operating from the standpoint of love keeps you smiling.

1. First you might wanna consider that there are really only 2 emotions that exist, Love and Fear. All other emotions stem from these 2 cerebral sides of our brain. While fear is a good and legitimate emotion that ‘s necessary for our safety and survival, it’s also something made from our memory; and we often confuse this made up reality with what’s real. The solution is to ask yourself,

“Am I thinking and acting out of FEAR or LOVE?”

The more often you can choose love, the better your results and outcome will be. A great resource for this is one I touched on in last week’s blog post. Dr. Jerry Jampolsky’s book, Love is Letting Go of Fear, is a must read. Check it out.

Invest in People

2. Let your intention be your guide. That is, of course, when your intention is loving, rather than fear filled. Our intentions are the back up documents and rationale for what we do. They are the “WHY”. I am in no way saying that your intentions will be understood by others. That is never a guarantee. But I will say that when your intentions are loving, and you allow these loving intentions to guide and direct your actions, you’re bound to experience a more pleasant response from, and with, others. That link will take you to an interview with Brother Ishmael Tetteh. His book “The Way Forward” is an awesome read.

Go for it!

3. Be willing to act immediately. Whether it’s as simple as making a phone call to inform someone you’re going to be late, or delivering what you know and anticipate someone might take as unwanted or bad news. Be willing to honestly, share immediately, and deliver this information. The longer you sit and flip flop this unwanted news in your head, the larger, and more seemingly dreadful, it becomes. So be courageous, don’t allow the chickenshit mindset to consume you. Act NOW and act expeditiously. In time you’ll get even better at doing this.

My reasoning behind sharing as I do is because I love humankind. I live and learn, then seek to teach what I have learned in life. My hope is that we will evolve in such a way that our lives, our relationships with others, and ourselves grow even deeper in love, and prosperous development.
Thanks for reading and sharing.

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Say Yes

March 3, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 3 Comments

The awesome power that comes from saying yes. I do, I will, I can, and yes! All action words. Each willing to step out and live or stand, rather than crawl or stay put. Last week I was asked, “why Ahmed?” Why are you helping this little girl, Daniella Collazo? Why her? Of all the people, and through all of the years that I’ve been known as a TV host, I’ve now been asked why did I say yes?

So here’s what I said….

“I chose to simply say yes!” was Ahmed Hassan’s response to his agreeing and assisting Mystic Force Foundation’s request for Daniella Collazo’s backyard play space.

Ahmed did, admittedly, have some internal doubts after his initial reaction passed and “how” was the biggest query of all. Once the initial angst went away, he recalled the role models he grew up wanting to emulate; the regular everyday heroes in society. He intuitively knew he must follow what was in his heart, the right thing. Against all odds.

“It’s just time and money. Daniella doesn’t have any time and I do. She can’t help herself, but I can. I needed to grasp a hold of my courage to help her. This project is a gift from myself, and others like me, that are grateful to live lives where we stand and sometimes step into “bad ass” mode when we need to. In this instance, I must be a bad ass for sweet Daniella who cannot be one for herself.” We all have this power and there’s nothing we can’t do if we simply believe and act on that belief.”

There’s an incredible power that comes from saying yes. It’s the power that comes when we decide to go for it!
It’s the power that comes from being willing to act in spite of the fear; to run towards our fears and conquer them.

This is a REAL BIG DEAL!

There are people that say no all the time, and it’s not because they’re incapable. It’s because they’re afraid. There is no love in fear. In fact, according to Dr. Jerry Lee Jampolsky, love is letting go of fear. Indeed Dr. Jampolsky wrote a book titled the same. I read this book many years ago and I’m still practicing, still walking thru my fears. I spend a lot of my life’s time acknowledging, and discovering my fears. In the last several years I’ve been actively pursuing getting over them, and learning to simply say yes to living life.

Consider this…

The sunrise says yes.

The sun rises each and everyday; nature is NOT afraid.

The tree doesn’t up root itself at the threat of a storm. It merely weathers it and continues growing, branches bending, developing even more roots in order that it might fair even better for the next storm.

Nature says YES and persists.

Spiritually, I work daily on saying YES to that spirit within me that causes life’s growth and expansion, NO MATTER the fear.

Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed hassan with his daughter

I say Yes to being an influence for my kids

My dad was my HERO. I only hope and aspire to be the same for my children.
Not only for my youngest here depicted with me, Camille Hassan, but also for others like Daniella Collazo.

Pema Chodron wrote another book that I’m reading called “The Places That Scare You, A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times”. If you ask me, life is filled with difficult times. It is filled with all sorts of daily opportunities to stay put, to stay inside, to stay small and small-minded.

Yes You Can!

But I’ll tell you my philosphy. I say, we only live once. When we die, there’s no more. No more saying yes, no more having a choice. No more can we say, “I wish I’d done this or that”. So instead, do it now! Whatever it is that you think you can’t, prove to yourself like the little engine that could. Say, I THINK I CAN, then go one step further with, I know I can. Then do like Michael Jordan and Malcolm X put together… Just do It. By any means necessary.
Say yes!

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