sustainability

No Easier, Softer Way

January 6, 2016 By Ahmed Hassan 4 Comments

It’s what we all want. Yes I, like you, wish there was a can of “Easier Softer Way” sold at my local hardware store. This way I could just buy it and spray a lil of it on those tougher than ever jobs that always seem to crop up in my
life. Talk about a popular item for retail sales everywhere!

I first heard “No easier softer way” from my dad.

I first heard this term spoken by my dad. Dad was one of the first persons in our family to go through and experience a 12 step program. He was one of the first to start reading daily affirmations, and he was also one of the first family members I know of to commit suicide. While his death was legally deemed “accidental” by the coroner, he and I were best friends and I knew intimately what he was going through.

The anniversary of my dads death is December 14th 1994. As the years go by, I continually learn to accept his death, primarily because he taught and gave me so much while he was here. Even in his passing, I’ve been educated on what works, and what doesn’t, in life. I decided to do a word search on “No Easier Softer Way,” just to see what comes up. I’m not surprised that it’s a quote that stems from AA.

Twelve step programs are a rigorous step by step process for reprogramming ones life, learning to be honest and ideally improve personal health, well being and relationships. Whether you’re seeking to do that, or your merely someone who appreciates doing interpersonal work on yourself, you’ll at some point find that there’s really no easier softer way when it comes to truly making something right.
This is true when it comes to washing dirty dishes, fixing something mechanical or designing your outdoor living.

The way to have the qualitative, sustainable and long lasting results you’re no doubt looking for, is to do the quality work you know to do. That, or hire a professional like myself to consult, design and work with you. Most entrepreneurs, artists and small business owners know this and are constantly torn between their exquisite craft and being able to sell their services and make an honest living. It’s limiting for me to be the guy that’s sometimes out there working in the trenches trying to physically make things happen the right way, and balance out the other side as the flamboyant Ahmed Hassan Celebrity Landscaper.

No easier way means planning and working through a design with clients.

It’s still kinda cute when I come across an employee or client of mine looking for an easier softer way to handle a situation. There they are, trying real hard to get out of doing something or spending the right amount of time and money to make something truly nice because they’re looking for that quick and simple path to cheap and easy. The path of least resistance, in my opinion, is typically downhill. Either that, or it’s when we’re coasting on the momentum we’ve already worked hard for and created.

When we’re building and striving for our biggest and best dreams, life is going to be challenging. When it’s time to cultivate, plow the fields and start a whole new crop, this is where the work and struggle takes place. I don’t care how philosophical you wanna be, landscaping, gardening, and construction all take work and lot’s of it.

The beauty of gardening, though, is that we’re working with nature and her magnificent power of growth. All we’ve gotta do is get things started and do the initial work well. We don’t have to grow the tree. We’ve just gotta plant it in the right location and offer it the essential elements and minimal maintenance it requires.

No shortcuts means taking the necessary time to do the hard work and do it right.

Ideally we select the appropriate species for the particular climate zone and we provide for it’s water, soil and exposure needs accordingly. If as a young tree its branches and trunk are developed correctly, a central leader is established and maintained, we’ll be successful with a tree that can withstand quite a bit, year after year. We will have one that will provide ample benefits to our home and family, as well as our landscape and garden areas.

The moral to the story is that learning what works and what doesn’t is what life affords us all. We have ample opportunities to try and try again, until we get it right. In everything we do we get to choose. We can spend copious amounts of time looking for the easier or softer way out, or we can just settle on the fact that most things in life are simply going to take plenty of time and work, to give us the kind of results that we want. So whatever it is that you’re trying to rush, force and label as simple…

I challenge you to consider, what kind of end results you actually want. Then use this vision to direct and determine how you move forward.

Thank you for caring and sharing.

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The Awesome Power of NO

December 15, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 2 Comments

Last week I walked by a table out in front of someone’s home where they were giving away old Christmas decorations. There was a big sign that said “Free Stuff Merry Christmas.” Nothing on this table was truly appealing to me except for some gold 8” letters that spelled out NOEL. I took the free letters and promptly threw away the E and the L.

I smiled at the word NO. I thought about what a wonderful word NO was and for the past few days I’ve been ruminating over today’s blog post. The Awesome Power Of NO is life changing in itself. Growing up in a society where so many, including myself subscribe to ascension and positivity, the word no is truly a path altering word.

I first heard about Codependency and Co Dependence Anonymous when I was nineteen years old. Codependence Anonymous or CODA is another 12 step group for people like myself and so many others that suffer from a behavioral issue acquired through child development and into adulthood. Simply stated, we are people pleasers. Our value and worth come from outside of ourselves and from others, hence the word “Co”.

We are depending on others to love us and make us feel worthy. Others to accept us and make us feel part of. We’ve taken something so simple as love and respect and learned to get this from outside of ourselves, rather than create it from our own internal source and capabilities. Codependency behavioral traits are very similar to what we commonly refer to as compassion. This means that many human beings will relate to several of the behavioral traits of being codependent, because human beings (at least in my opinion) are compassionate by nature.

Nonetheless, the Power of NO.

No is both powerful and necessary.

At 42 years old, I’ve learned to utilize NO with others in order for me to say YES to myself in other areas and aspects of my life.

NO- I will not leave my house this weekend. (I have things that I want and need to do at home that are important to me.)

NO- I will not buy fast food. (I have more respect and concern for my health and have prepared by bringing fresh fruit and healthier snacks when I leave for work.)

NO- I will not continue to buy plastic bottled water because I understand the implications and detriment on a global level.)

NO- I will not except a person talking to me in an utterly disrespectful tone or utilizing harsh words in communicating with me. (Meaning I will find my center and articulate when necessary so that the energy between myself and others does not escalate in such ways.)

The word NO is a word like NO other word. It ceases whatever momentum that might have been developing and stops it in its tracks. NO on the one hand allows a YES on the other hand. In order to advance in any one direction we must cease movement in another direction. NO allows us to do just this. The awesome power of NO is a power that each of us needs to learn and become proficient in exercising in our lives.

NO is how we take care of our individual selves. NO is how we stand up for ourselves and NO is what we must learn in order to say YES, ABSOLUTELY and I AGREE to what we truly desire. I’m of the opinion that our intuition, our gut and what many refer to as “GOD” directs us. We often know what works for us and what doesn’t.

We often have that gnawing feeling on the inside that directs us and assures us with all that we need in order to be happy whole and complete. What we’ve gotta do is simply get clear and courageous with both our YES and our NO. Both are equally beneficial and often a NO to you is how I say YES to loving and taking care of me. So practice this holiday season. Practice saying NO to what you simply do not choose, in order to say YES to what you do.

Thanks for sharing and caring. If you’re interested in learning more about Codependency, find a CODA meeting near you.
Pia Mellody is a leading author of several books on Codependency and healthy relationships. Check her out when you have some time.

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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.

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The Aster Street Garden Project

October 13, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 4 Comments

Hello… Is there anybody out there? Is there anyone that cares that I’ve fallen? Is there anyone for me to gather sympathy from? Anyone I can tell my sad, poor me stories to?

Hello! I’m complaining! I’m friggin’ scared. I’m anxious and the panic is starting to kick in. I don’t have my mortgage this month. Yet! I screwed up on the last few jobs and essentially lost my ass!

Hello! In spite of whatever might be wrong or right. In spite of what I’ve seemingly got myself into, and in spite of what anyone else thinks is good, bad, right or wrong, I already know that this too will pass. Sitting with whatever pain, anxiety and feeling of lack there is can only serve as a means of me hitting the bottom and begin working my way back up.

No matter how sad and pathetic our lives are, there are many more out there more f’d up, banged up, bruised up and severely hurting much more than we are. There is someone out there doing so much worse, and likely, so much more afraid and in need than you or I.

We are getting ready for something big!

I’ve learned that helping others is a large part of how I must live my life. It’s the way my parents raised me. They were always helping someone in need. Many times, we ourselves were the ones in need. I’ve experienced homelessness and living in motels with vouchers from AFDC. I know what it’s like to be excited because the food stamps showed up, even though I was embarrassed to actually have to use them.

My dad used to walk home from Safeway with a basket of day old breads, cakes and other baked goods so that we could eat, and while I didn’t want my friends to see him pushing the shopping cart down Concord Blvd, I was happy to eat those brownies and bread. Our lives are filled with problems and challenges. These are often the necessary tribulations we must experience in order to recognize what works and what doesn’t.

Dealing with life on life’s terms is what I’ve been committed to for several years. Clean and sober since 1992 (except for that fat joint I smoked 9 years into my sobriety), I’ve made a commitment to better my life and be a generational catalyst for change. That which doesn’t kill and obliterate me, serves to strengthen me, and give me even more audacity to kick ass and take names. Through all of the pain, all the adversity and challenges in my life, I’ve had to dig deep and become my own cheerleader, counselor, bodyguard and friend. I typically seclude myself a bit and focus on whatever I can do to strategically rise up and dominate whatever situation I’m battling with.

Am I afraid, Hell yes! Am I filled with Faith that everything will work out in the end??? How can I not be?! My life on the outside looks like I’ve got so much together. I live in a big house on top of the hill. I drive a great big shiny truck, and my home is filled with more furniture than I currently have room for.

I am by many social standards “successful” or so it seems. The truth is that I come from people that had nothing, and had to work really hard for whatever they did have. The truth is, I come from several generations of talented people that were clever, witty, compassionate and committed. They were drug addicts, criminals, ran brothels, and skeet skirted around the law wherever they needed to in order to make ends meet. I am a multitude and magnificent blend of these people that have gone before me, and if there’s one thing I know for sure it’s that we, my folks, my family and my ancestors are compassionate people that have always helped others to help themselves.

Consulting on our new charity project, Aster Street Garden

This is why I continue to say yes to projects like #Daniellaswish and #Bullockgarden I have a special compassion for women and children. I also have a real soft spot and different affinity for men. These charity projects gave me an opportunity to give to others that have less than I did. They allow me to get out of my own way and focus on helping folks that want the help, need the help and are truly worthy of some assistance in their lives.

This Thanksgiving we’re doing our 3rd charity project, cyber tagged #Astergarden. There’s no link for this project yet because we haven’t done the work. So much of my life looks like this. It’s not here yet. Faith is the essence, the power and the hope for things not here and yet to come. That is my paraphrase of Hebrews 11:1. My faith is probably like your own. Something that waivers and waffles. Sometimes we’re big, and sometimes we’re small, but one thing that’s consistent is that we’re always able to help somebody somewhere.

It looks like a blank canvas right now.

The capacity to pay it forward is probably one of our greatest human talents! So that’s what I’m doing today. That’s what I’m committed to doing from here on out. You’ll continue to see me use hash tags like #PHP(People Helping People) and #BA4GC (Badasses For Good Causes) and #Sustainableheroes.

Each and every opportunity is my potential to help others. To give back and stop being self centered.
This most current project is one that will take place on November 21st and 22nd of 2015. One week before Thanksgiving, you, me and a whole bunch of other awesome, large minded and large-hearted people will all converge on the scene in Escondido, CA. We will create a landscape makeover like you’ve never seen before.

Why? Because it’s necessary, and because the best way to help yourself in life is by helping others. I believe this and because I do, it’s absolutely true for me. If any one reading this blog is both willing and able, please donate to the Aster Gardens Project. Plan to join us as we build and create this amazing Outdoor Living and congregating space. We need all the help we can get.

There are families, women, children, seniors and vets that are so much worse off than you or I. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I invite you and encourage you to step outside of your own small world of “woe is me”, and show up in Escondido to be a part of the magic and love. There is a law that exists in the Universe. It’s often referred to as Karma. This Karma will take you further than you could ever take yourself. Do for others and watch how this energy, circles back and takes care of your every need. I thank you and look forward to meeting you all this November.

This is an idea of what what it will look like when we are finished!

Ahmad “Ahmed” Hassan aka The Celebrity Landscaper, The baddest damn landscaper you’ve ever seen! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!

#TeamAhmed #GoGreenWithAhmed #AsterGardens #BA4GC #SustainableHeroes #PHP #DaniellasWish

That Which Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger

September 8, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan Leave a Comment

“That which doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.” This phrase first coined by German philosopher Freidrich Nietzsche in and around the late 1800s is one of those iconic phrases that has stood the test of time, and is as true today as it was then. I love using analogies. It’s something I got from my father. Analogies allow me to teach and use various examples to tell a story, rather than simply conveying the facts of a particular event. “It’s kinda like this, or kinda like that.”

In nature it’s very easy to see that what doesn’t kill a tree can actually make it stronger. Hurricanes, wind, drought and flood are all challenges to a tree’s development. These challenges have the capacity to over take a fragile tree and do it in. But these same challenges also stand to challenge, or harden off, the tree and then develop its physiological character, as well as it’s ability to withstand these same challenges even better, the next time around.

Trees, need to sway in the wind. The swaying actually lifts up their roots and causes them to grow more, allowing the tree to improve upon its foundation. Without this natural, or what we call biological, challenge, the species would never be able to endure a more severe hurricane or gust of wind. If you’ve ever enjoyed looking at the structure and branch development of a large old oak tree, you are likely seeing and appreciating the challenges that tree has met, head on.

angel-oak-ahmed-hassan-make-you-stronger

South Carolina’s “Angel Oak Tree” has stood on St. John’s Island for more than 400 years, weathering more than its fair share of hurricanes.

That’s right, trees and plants don’t get an opportunity to back down. They don’t get to say, “Hey I’m afraid, I don’t think that I can handle this.” Instead they must deal, and when they do; again and again, they have the capacity to do and deal with even more. This is the absolute truth! Nature is such a wonderful teacher.

Intuitively I know that you and I are very similar to the tree. In our lives we need challenges in order for us to build our muscles (grow an expansive root system). We’ve always been like this. Since we were young, life has thrown us hurricanes, and heartache, and yet, we’re still here. There were times when we didn’t think we’d make it, and in those times, we got grounded, we learned to dig deep and set more roots.

We are all destined for struggle. It is this process that helps us mature into something amazing.

Adversity and life’s trials and tribulations are essential. They’re natural and necessary in fact. The Christians say to pray. The Buddhist say to meditate. The arborist will tell you to stake up your tree, but be sure not to stake it too tight because the tree needs to sway a bit. Boundaries and parameters are a good way of looking at it. It’s okay to safeguard, and see that total obliteration doesn’t happen; but whatever you do, don’t expect that life shouldn’t be challenging. And remember, that which doesn’t kill you is actually serving you quite well. It is making you stronger, more aware and showing you just what you’re really made of.

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Ignorance is Bliss

September 1, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 1 Comment

As a public figure and student of horticulture, one of the most challenging things I often deal with is folks wanting and expecting me to give simplistic answers, tips and solutions to things, that aren’t nearly as simple as one might think.” The state of not knowing is far more simple than having all of the information and deciding what’s best. While I love variety, I often find myself having to simplify in order to calm my anxiety and still make progress.

For instance, Ive got this new way of ordering food. I scan the menu and hone in on the first thing that inspires me. “Ooh that sounds deelish!” I stop right there, no matter how long the menu is. Why continue to look and give myself the challenges that come with other options? If I like something, I should just go for it!

Looked good to me!

I know what you’re thinking! “But what if there’s something better, more nutritious, more appealing, or simply more delicious for me to choose?” The truth is there’s likely always something that we might like better; always something that will bump that initial “ooh I want that” with an “Oh no I want that instead”. The trick to maintaining that state of bliss is to simply decide. Ignorance is the opposite of Intelligence. Intelligence is just a fancy word for knowing, it is the capacity of understanding truths. But remember, we’re talking about ignorance being blissful, not intelligence.

It’s been said on more than one occasion that gardening is calming and therapeutic, and while I completely agree with this, I’ll also have you know that what I specialize in is blitz style landscape makeovers. I’m a horticulturally trained landscape contractor that takes gardening, shoots it up on steroids and slams outdoor living makeovers in such a way that anyone observing is blown away at just how fast and how aesthetically pleasing this intensely laborious work can be executed. The only thing that’s blissful about what I do is seeing the final end product.

Landscaping for someone like myself is both fun, challenging and highly conscientious work. I’m charged with the responsibility of managing what already exists on each property and how I will modify, recycle and re-use what’s there to cost effectively create a space that’s lovely, serene and will weather well. There’s a lot more to this than just picking pretty plants or deciding on the right fabrics to give that perfect pop of color. It’s not all bliss! I won’t bore you and go into all of what’s involved in regards to determining proper exposure, and/or workability of amended soil. I won’t bore you with the technical conversations involved with horticultural yard manifestation (landscaping).

You know, conversations like the one I had with my brother yesterday where we talked about whether or not the process of scoring the rootball on new plants was necessary or helpful. We spent at least 10 minutes on the phone, and had barely scratched the surface with whether or not this action, that I was taught in 1995, was truly helpful to the establishment and overall health of a new plant. I know I’m wrong for not inquiring about your own thoughts on this topic, but there is only so much time I have on any given day. Besides, if ignorance is bliss, why should I ruin your day?

Proper Rootball Care is Not All Bliss

I can tell you this though. Roots only know what they are exposed to. Genetically, they only do a few things. Primarily, they elongate through the soil, taking up water and nutrients. Ripping, or scoring them, doesn’t actually facilitate that process. Watering, and preparing their new living environment in such a way that the soil around the roots is properly loosened up and ideally improved (what we call amended) can help.

There are so many other factors involved to see that your plants establish a healthy, hearty root zone that scoring the rootball isn’t necessary, in my opinion. It’s likely more damaging. Here is what you should do instead. If your container plant is not rootbound and generally healthy, simply squeeze the container, pop it out, and put it in the ground. Always be sure to dig a nice wide hole, almost twice the size of the rootball hole, and amend this hole with 40-50% organic compost when possible.

Amending soil is so important for overall rootball health.

Mixing and amending soil is important. Digging a hole, dumping compost into it and sticking your new plant inside, is not going to net you positive results. You want to mix your native soil with compost so that what you end up with is an almost equal blend of this improved loosened soil. It is more closely related to the potting soil that your plant is already accustomed too. The additional spacing around the soil (because you dug your hole nice and wide) ensures that drainage is slowed and soil water will puddle allowing plant roots the opportunity to lengthen and absorb the moisture and nutrients.

Trees are different though. DO NOT AMEND THE HOLE WHEN PLANTING TREES AS THEY NEED A STURDY FOUNDATION AND ROOT SYSTEM AND SHOULD BE GROWN IN WELL LOOSENED, FRACTURED NATIVE SOIL.You should instead top dress your trees with soil amendment AFTER planting. Water and other micro organisms will leach the nutrients down into the root zone of the tree.

Back to Bliss

I’m going to stop there because I could go on and on with other details around other issues affecting the healthy establishment of plant roots, but I’m beginning to feel that blissful feeling start to fade. The more you know, you can’t act like you don’t know, and this my friends, is what being intelligent is all about. Thanks!

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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.

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To Be Continued… The Finale

July 7, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 1 Comment

If I did just one job at a time, Chelle’s yard would’ve easily been done in the epic 2 days that I’ve built a reputation around, slinging for folks on Yard Crashers.

Everyone meet Chelle. I just crashed her yard!

I tend to, instead, run 3 or 4 jobs at any given time. As a contractor this is somewhat normal. There are, of course, those out there that focus on doing one project at a time. But in this economy and society where everybody wants everything and they all want it asap… Most of us contractors realize the value of staying in several projects all simultaneous and concurrent with one another, then strike a balance with shuffling material, supplies and personnel from site, to site, to site.

I enjoyed my fourth of July up at Clear Lake, aka California’s largest lake, yet it is anything but clear these days due to a phenomenal case of Algae bloom. That being said, I decided that I’d better finally wrap up this final blog with Chelle Henderson’s yard being completed by showing off this tiny, approximately 15 ft by 26 ft, space. For those of you that remember, Chelle sent me the following inspiration pics.

Remember these? Chelle sent me these pics to give me an idea as to what she had in mind for her yard.

Of course, her budget was less than what it would cost, but to her credit she did have the back side of her house painted, as well as the fenced in area of her yard. I added just a couple of edible plants to her 2 ft by 25 ft long veggie garden and reset her 12″x 12″ red concrete steppers. Chelle’s $4k budget was spent on plants, local boulders, mulch, irrigation, 40 sq ft of turf and a few recycled cast concrete pavers, recycled from a previous project by Yard Crashers own “Clean Cut Landscape.”

Repurposing and upcycling helped create this water feature!

Thanks to Tiffanie Hassan, here’s my actual breakdown and expenditure with how I did this awesome little space….

Compost $60

Irrigation/Plants/Fountain $1252

Stepping Stones/Sand $100

Sod $57

Because a person’s bottom line is what finally determines what’s doable. I chose to purchase and upcycle a few items from Under The Arbor, and build my own small water feature from an old metal table that matched a green ceramic bowl I already possessed. I purchased a galvanized pitcher and weathered utility pail as my shear decent spout and seasonal container, with color for decorative purposes.

Another way I saved money was that I used Native Cameron Park granite boulders (from my yard), rather than buying stone from the landscape supply center. I have a joke where I say, “I live in Cameron Park, we grow rocks here.” Something about the local granite in these Northern California foothills. I, of course, felt it was necessary and beneficial to keep a patch of turf for Chelle’s beagle and reduced her previous 100sq ft of turf with a smaller, healthier 40 sq ft. Dogs simply love to relieve themselves on grass. Giving them a spot to do just this is almost essential to meeting their backyard needs.

Finally, her plant palette. Chelle has a ton of plant material in a very small space. I like to cram a yard full of interesting ornamental and edible plants whenever I can.

In the final hour of completing this tiny space, there were 4 of us busy going back and forth through the gate and I remember feeling crowded and a bit like things were unmanageable. That’s right around the time that I cut Anthony and Saul loose for the day.
This way Mike and I could finish the details, and by 7 pm I was snapping my afters pics for today’s blog. take a look at the transformation below..

The Whole Enchilada “before”

A few comparison before and afters…

Oh what a difference some paint and landscaping can make!

The final transformation…

Another yard crashed!

The money shot… or what I call magazine-cover-photo-worthy!

All of the elements chosen for Chelle’s yard create a seamless flow. The design is aesthetically pleasing and sustainable. Another yard crashed!

In closing, I’ll say that I’m still very much in love with creating outdoor spaces. Big projects take a lot more time than this yard and require all kinds of planning and coordination with subcontractors and laborers, but the net result of any collaborative space that I manage brings me so much joy when it finally comes together. A few special thanks to my Draft and co-designer Adrienne Landsittel, Kirin and my badass concrete stain and sealing pro, Ben Christian of “Just Stain It”. It’s one thing to love what you do for a living. Another thing to love and appreciate the many talented folks that continue to work with me, believe in me and show up to play their part in everything that I do. You know who you are.

Coming soon to your yard!

Until then, watch your back. I may show up to crash your yard. In fact, the truth is I would love to. Give my company a call and see what Ahmad Hassan Landscape Services can do for you! Thanks for reading and sharing.

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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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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.

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