lunes, 23 de diciembre de 2019

The Only New Year’s Resolution You Need Amazing tips

The only New Year's resolution you really need is effortless and costs nothing: Find beauty. In her newly released Sacred Elements Guidebook, author/photographer Karina Aldredge shows how momentary joys add up, creating a happier, more grounded you. What better way to start a new decade?

The Nature Diet

Karina explains that finding beauty in easily-overlooked aspects of nature benefits mind, spirit and body. "Soon it becomes a craving, and everywhere you look, you'll see more," she says. "It feeds you. It's the Nature Diet!"

The Sacred Elements Guidebook

Karina Aldredge's book is a guide to noticing and finding joy in simple, everyday things.

Karina draws us into delight by making the mundane transcendent, and she does it step-by-step. As in the excerpt below, she tells how to use all your senses to internalize natural beauty. This is more than "taking time to smell the roses." Finding beauty makes you so immediately in-the-moment that all you know is joy. Yes, you've already experienced this, but I suspect it hasn't been often or nearly enough.

Ice crystals on Euphorbia rigida

This photo of frozen drops (on Euphorbia rigida in Karina's Zone 8b garden) is from her Instagram feed.

I first met Karina via Instagram, admired her photos, and when she was in the San Diego area---she lives in Portland, OR---she visited my garden (top photo).

Sunlit Gasteria bicolor

Karina shot me showing the beauty of a backlit Gasteria bicolor. 

Sacred Elements Guidebook, Excerpt

"You wake to a gray winter morning
"The weight of the season makes it difficult to escape your warm bed. Turn and look out the window and observe air blanketed in a grayish white mist. Now glance up to notice a dense fog clinging to the inky treetops. They are pillars of strength, majestic giants. Let their energy pull you up and out of bed. Go to your window or door and open it for just a moment to allow the mist to float inside. Open your mouth and slowly inhale the thick, wet air. Let it linger on your tongue. Taste the mist. The flavor it holds inside those microscopic droplets carries a distinct essence. Feel the way it dissolves and enters your body, empowering you. You are one with the air and water elements. Let them energize your next few steps as you welcome the day ahead." 
...

This sample merely hints at what Karina offers. Like its lovely author, the book is slender but powerful. It's joy distilled: a healing balm for the overwhelmed mind.

Agave in snow

Accompanying the book's "gray winter morning" exercise is a photo that I liked so much, when Karina initially posted it on Instagram, I asked if I could paint it. It became the December page of my 2019 Succulent Watercolor Calendar.

...

FYI, Karina's soul-nourishing practice is not a religion, but I can attest it has enriched and deepened my own faith. 

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miércoles, 18 de diciembre de 2019

Ten Tips for Establishing a Succulent Garden Amazing tips

These ten tips for establishing a succulent garden are from "Celebrating the Joy of Succulents" newsletter subscriber George Tabora of Riverside, CA (between Los Angeles and Palm Springs). His tips are hard-won, based on trial and error. Happily, after three years, George's garden is humming along.

Riverside's climate is similar to my own in the foothills NE of San Diego: dry, hot summers in the high-90s, and light frosts in winter. Rainfall averages 10-15 inches annually. Soil is shallow---3 to 4 inches deep---with granite underneath.

George, a former CPA who responded to my invitation to newsletter subscribers to share their succulent gardens, says his is "about 70 percent done," and covers a third of an acre. "The nice thing about being retired," George adds, "is there are no deadlines. You work until you get tired."

George Tabora's succulent garden, west slope

George Tabora's succulent garden, west slope

Want to see more of George's succulent garden? He created this video as a 2019 holiday greeting for family and friends. He (and I) would be glad to respond to comments you'd like to leave at the end of this post, and answer any questions you may have. Enjoy!

George's Ten Tips for Establishing a Succulent Garden

Having contended with less-than-ideal conditions while establishing his garden, George offers these tips:

  1. He installed an irrigation system but doesn't use it, preferring to hose-water. "I water infrequently, and drench the plants, then go back and drench them again," George says. He waits "seven to ten days, even in summer" before watering them again.
  2. Rain isn't a problem if soil drains well. "People worry their succulents will be overwatered after days of rain, but the plants love it."
  3. Gravel is a good topdressing, but---as George learned the hard way---"dark rocks get too hot in summer and can burn the plants."
  4. Start with small succulents. "They grow fast and they're easier to plant."
  5. Plan to buy plants at first, then use cuttings to fill in. You should have plenty after a year or two.
  6. It's better to root cuttings before planting them. Start them in 4-inch nursery pots you keep in bright shade.
  7. Design your garden with mounded planting areas supported by rocks you gather on-site.
  8. In summer, he gardens in the early morning and late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
  9. Plant in 60% bagged soil and 40% pumice. "I used to buy Miracle Gro brand soil, but Ace Hardware's is cheaper and just as good," George says. And if you're in the area, "Orange County Farm Supply in Orange has 50-lb. bags of pumice for $10/bag."
  10. If you've put something in the wrong spot, "dig it out and replant it rather than waiting until it's too big and too late."
George Tabora's Succulent Garden, north side

George Tabora's succulent garden, north

Colorful Succulent Garden (c) Debra Lee Baldwin

Succulent Garden Design Essentials

Succulent Garden Design Essentials How to design and plant your succulent garden. To ensure your success and help you avoid mistakes, here are a dozen succulent garden design essentials to keep in mind. Many thanks to homeowner Nancy Dalton, whose award-winning succulent garden in San Diego is an example of smart landscaping for Southern California. …

Succulent Basics, Must-Do’s, FAQs, and Essentials for Success

Below are succulent basics, must-do’s and answers to FAQs—the essentials for growing succulents successfully. If all this is new to you, you’ll want to refer to this page often. And even if you’re experienced, you’ll find it a great resource!

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jueves, 12 de diciembre de 2019

Succulent Podcast with a British Nurseryman Amazing tips

Recently I did a succulent podcast with British nurseryman Alan Lodge of Newlands Nursery. We were on opposite sides of the planet, but we chatted as though in the same room. Alan hosts weekly podcasts with international gardening experts. He proudly told me that Newlands participates in Royal Horticultural Society shows at Hampton Court and Tatton Park. "We've won numerous medals including Silver Gilts and Golds."

The Brits Love Houseleeks

Clearly the British have a challenging climate for succulents---all that rain---but we found common ground in sempervivums. Could there be a plant with a more Harry Potterish name than "houseleek?" These perky little succulents grow on cottage roofs throughout Northern Europe.

Houseleeks (Sempervivum sp., hens-and-chicks) have been known since Roman times for improving the longevity of roofs. Intriguingly, they're used today as green-roof plants in cities across the US, including Portland, OR and Washington, DC.

Alan asked how the succulent craze started, so I explained that back when I was researching my first book, Designing with Succulents (Timber Press, 2007), "Southern Californians didn't want jade or other succulents. They were using roses and Mediterranean perennials to create the look of English gardens. But then the drought came along..."

The beauty of podcasting is you're able to share an intimate conversation with people worldwide

If you're curious, do have a listen. Podcasts are great for when you're doing something fairly mindless, like folding laundry, peeling apples, or sitting in traffic. This one is 53 minutes, and it goes fast.

I'd love to know what you think of my British succulent podcast. Please leave your comments below. Thanks, and enjoy!

 

Cold Hardy Succulents: Details, Photos and Varieties

Cold-Hardy Succulents: Details, Photos & Varieties Looking for succulents that go below freezing? You’re in the right place! About cold-hardy succulents The common cold-hardy succulents shown here can handle northern winters, snow, rainstorms (if given excellent drainage) and summer dry spells. Most cold-hardy succulents are in the genera Sedum and Sempervivum. Sedum (stonecrop) Trailing varieties are lovely as…

50 Cold-Hardy Succulents for Northern Climates

The popular and readily available varieties shown here can handle northern winters, snow, rainstorms (if given excellent drainage) and summer dry spells. There are two main genera: Sedum and Sempervivum. Lesser known are Rosularia, Delosperma, and Orostachys. Notably, certain species of Agave and cacti don’t freeze in all but the coldest climates.

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lunes, 25 de noviembre de 2019

My Top Three Succulent Holiday Projects Amazing tips

It's time to deck the halls with your favorite chubby plants. You'll love my top three succulent holiday projects. When you make them, do take photos of the results for your season's greetings. And if you post them on social media, kindly tag yours truly!

A great source of cuttings and small plants for these projects is Mountain Crest Gardens, a succulent mail-order nursery (of which I'm proud to be affiliated).

Succulent holiday project: topiary tree

Above: Two of my own succulent holiday topiary trees. Left: I used cuttings from my garden and from Altman Plants. Right: Sempervivums from Mountain Crest Gardens create a traditional-looking, textural tree. I used Senecio rowleyanus (string of pearls) for the garlands.

Favorite Holiday Project #1: CREATE A SUCCULENT TREE 

Succulent topiary trees need less care than floral arrangements and last much longer—several months or more. When the weather warms in the spring, pull them apart and plant the cuttings. Care requirements are similar to those of succulent wreaths…[Read More]

Shop for cuttings.

See my video: How to Make a Succulent Topiary Christmas Tree, DIY (8:28)

Succulent holiday project: Aeonium snowflakes

Above: These succulent snowflakes are in vases on my coffee table. So simple! The pup is Lucky, a chihuahua mix.

Favorite Holiday Project #2: AEONIUM SNOWFLAKES

The easiest of my top three succulent holiday projects is great to do with kids. Cut simple snowflakes from soft, pliable foam paper (available at any craft store), or use 4-inch plastic snowflakes with the centers snipped out. Use to frame small, stemmed succulent rosettes.

I use aeoniums because they're abundant in my garden, but any geometric rosette succulent with several inches of stem will do. If kept in water or moist floral foam, they'll last well past New Year's. Use them to...

  • Combine in a bouquet as a hostess gift
  • Add to a floral centerpiece for a holiday look
  • Place in slender vases as a tabletop display
  • Present to guests as party favors
  • Create a corsage, boutonnière or hair ornament

Be sure to watch my one-min. YouTube DIY video.

Succulent Holiday Project: Aeonium snowflakes

Floral centerpiece with aeonium snowflakes. I get white plastic snowflakes at Amazon (affiliate link).

Succulent Snowflake template

This is my template for cutting foam-paper snowflakes. Cut an X in the center to hold the stem in place.

Obtain aeoniums online. 

Succulent holiday wreath

Before you hang a newly made succulent wreath, use it for a photo that frames your lovely self.

Favorite Holiday Project #3 MAKE A SUCCULENT WREATH

Follow my simple instructions to make a succulent wreath, and you’ll see why such decorations have been popular for decades. I make a soil-less succulent wreath because...Read More

Make a succulent wreath step-by-step

Above: One of many I've made. A succulent wreath lasts for years with proper care.

Watch my YouTube video: How to Make a Succulent Wreath, DIY (3:58)

Shop online for cuttings.

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

I invite you to enjoy this half-minute video of my family at Thanksgiving. May your own be blessed!

Baldwin Thanksgiving tradition: singing grace

Jim and James sing grace (God Bless America) before passing the turkey.

Succulent Topiary Tree Holiday Centerpiece

My DIY succulent topiary tree holiday centerpiece needs less care than a floral arrangement and lasts much longer—several months or more. Its requirements are similar to those of a succulent wreath: bright but not intense light (rotate occasionally for even exposure), weekly watering (from the top, to evenly moisten the moss), and pinching back if…

Make a Succulent Wreath, Step-By-Step

Make a Succulent Wreath, Step-by-Step Succulent wreaths have been popular for decades. Follow these simple instructions to make a succulent wreath, and you’ll find out why. No soil needed! I recommend making a soil-less succulent wreath because soil is messy, heavy, dries out quickly, and—surprisingly—isn’t needed. Cuttings readily root into a moss-filled form. I also…

Succulent Wreath Tips and Ideas

Do you like the succulent wreath that my friend Denise made during a wreath party at my home? To create a similar one, you’ll need about 100 cuttings, a wire wreath form, 24-gauge florist’s wire, a chopstick, and a bag of sphagnum moss. The form, moss and wire are available at any craft store. Cuttings will root right…

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sábado, 23 de noviembre de 2019

Shop Online at Succulent Chic Amazing tips

When you shop at Succulent Chic, my online Zazzle store, you'll find hundreds of gift and decorative items based on my very best succulent photos and paintings. In addition to my 2020 calendar, my Succulent Chic shop offers succulent throw pillows, mugs, greeting cards, coasters, and stretched canvas prints. New this year are gift and decor collections that feature echeverias, cactus and spiral succulents. Do check it out -- I'm eager to know what you think!*

Be sure to enter Zazzle's daily discount code at time of purchase. One of the best days to shop is Black Friday, when items may be discounted as much as 60%. Granted, that significantly reduces my royalty (I earn 10% of the sales price), but what's most important is that YOU get the best deal. 

New Items and Top Sellers

I'm amazed at how Zazzle continually comes up with new items that artists can customize. What started out with keychains, notecards and posters, is now...well, have a look!

Gift Items at Succulent Chic

New items and best sellers at Succulent Chic, my online shop

 

Succulents 2020 Calendar from Shop Succulent Chic

Succulents 2020 Calendar, cover and pages, from Succulent Chic

Why Succulent Chic?

The idea originated 15 years ago when I was getting requests from people who wanted to use my images for notecards, posters, T-shirts and more. I preferred to create and sell my own. A friend was using Zazzle, an online fulfillment company that enables people to upload their own photos or artwork, create custom products, and open a store on the site.

Zazzle makes each item to order, so there's no overhead for the artist. The calendar came about when I decided to improve my skill at watercolor painting and discovered that succulents were perfect subjects.

*Do you have requests, questions or suggestions? Please let me know in the comments below! Thanks, Debra

White ceramic pots for succulents

The Succulent Lovers’ Wish List

I’m confident any succulent lover would be pleased with the wish-list suggestions below. I found some while shopping online. Others are from my own Zazzle store. 

Gifts for succulent lovers

Great Gifts for Succulent Lovers

Much of what follows is my own wish list, but these items would likely make great gifts for you and other succulent lovers as well. Some I already own and figured you’d want them too. If you’re the giftee, consider forwarding this to the gifter. Note: Some links go to Amazon, where I’m an associate, so…

2020 Succulent Calendar

My Succulents 2020 Calendar

Every year I create a calendar so I have to do a dozen watercolors. Painting is a cherished hobby, but—maybe you can relate?—I need a deadline to do it. In August, I hadn’t picked up a brush for nearly a year and had lots to relearn.

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Holiday Decorating with Succulents Amazing tips

Update your traditional holiday decorating items, and make them even more special with succulents. Here you'll find a Thanksgiving cornucopia, a topiary-cone Christmas tree, wreaths, and eye-catching outdoor decor. All are great fun to design, create and assemble with friends and family.

SUCCULENT TOPIARY TREE HOLIDAY CENTERPIECE

My DIY succulent topiary tree holiday centerpiece needs less care than a floral arrangement and lasts much longer—several months or more. Its requirements are similar to those of a succulent wreath: bright but not intense light (rotate occasionally for even exposure), weekly watering (from the top, to evenly moisten the moss), and pinching back if…[Read More]

MAKE A SUCCULENT WREATH, STEP-BY-STEP

Follow these simple instructions to make a succulent wreath, and you’ll see why such wreaths have been popular for decades. I make a soil-less succulent wreath because soil is messy, heavy, dries out quickly, and—surprisingly—isn’t needed. Cuttings readily root into a moss-filled form. I also…Read More

Watch my YouTube video: How to Make a Succulent Wreath, DIY (3:58)

MAKE A SUCCULENT CORNUCOPIA

A succulent cornucopia serves as a refreshing update on the traditional Thanksgiving centerpiece, and then after the holiday, you can remove the plants and pot them...[Read More]

Watch my YouTube video: How to Make a Succulent Cornucopia, DIY (3:58)

Cactus decorated with lights

DECORATE A CACTUS WITH HOLIDAY LIGHTS, STEP-BY-STEP

These DIY step-by-step instructions correspond to my YouTube video: Decorate a Cactus with Holiday Lights. Inspired by my friend Sabine Hildebrand's holiday succulent garden, I decided to light up a succulent of my own. The resulting potted ferocactus is the holiday centerpiece for a patio table visible from my kitchen and dining room. The plant’s translucent…[Read More]

Watch my YouTube video: How to Decorate a Cactus with Holiday Lights (3:03)

Also see  Decorate Your Succulent Garden With Lights (1:16) Sabine's succulent garden looks magical decorated with holiday lights. You'll love her fresh way of showcasing popular varieties. Easy, too!

Cactus Christmas tree

JIM SUDAL’S CACTUS PAD HOLIDAY TREE

Jim Sudal‘s cactus pad holiday tree is a clever reinterpretation of the traditional fir tree, and perfect for the dry, hot Southwest. Like Jim, many residents of Phoenix (and well beyond) have stands of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica). The juicy-leaved succulent is iconic to the region. “Last year I built a garland around my gallery…Read More

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miércoles, 20 de noviembre de 2019

The Succulent Lovers’ Wish List Amazing tips

Modesty aside, I'd like to think that my Succulents 2020 Calendar is on every succulent lover's wish list. But I know it's not. "Your watercolors are lovely," a newsletter subscriber wrote, "but I'd really rather have a photo calendar." Well, creating one wouldn't induce me to paint 12 watercolors a year, would it? Even with hobbies, I need a deadline.

Such slightly skewed reasoning doesn't apply to the other wish-list suggestions below. I'm confident these would please any succulent lover. I found some of them while shopping online for gifts and special tools. Others are from my own Zazzle storeNote: A few links are affiliate, meaning I get a small percentage when you click-and-purchase. This costs you nothing extra and helps to support my efforts.

Succulent Plants and Accessories

Succulent sampler gift box

Succulent sampler gift box

Succulent Sampler Gift Box -- Nine perfectly packaged succulents arrive ready to go into individual pots or combine in a floral-style arrangement. $28 (18% off with code BN18 in Nov.) from Mountain Crest Gardens.

Check out Mountain Crest's selection of Unusual Succulent Varieties too!

White ceramic pots for succulents

White ceramic pots for succulents

Set of six white ceramic pots -- Each 3.15-in. diameter. These have drain holes and come with bamboo trays to protect windowsills and countertops. $16.

Horticultural Pumice

Horticultural pumice

Horticultural pumice -- A nice gift to accompany plants and/or pots, pumice serves as top-dressing to give containers a finished look, and when added to soil enhances aeration and absorbs excess moisture. 2 dry quarts, $14.

A book plate makes a book a signed copy.

A book plate creates a signed copy

My books make great gifts too, and the best one for beginners is Succulents Simplified. Want to give a signed copy? Order a book plate for $2.50/ea. (free to newsletter subscribers who send me an SASE).

Succulent back pack

Succulent back pack

Succulent Fashions by Dyana Hesson -- I'm over the moon about Dyana's paintings, and happy that some of her work is now on scarves, tote bags and more. (If she were to do a succulent calendar, I'd go whimpering into a corner.) I'm asking Santa for this "impromptu travel pack." ($60)

Cactus weeder

Cactus weeder

Cactus Weeder -- This inexpensive tool---actually a fish-hook extractor---makes a great stocking stuffer and thoughtful gift. $8 on Amazon.

Cactus gloves

Cactus gloves

Thorn Armor Gloves -- With three layers of exceptionally tough, durable fabric, it's no wonder Arizona artist Jim Sudal wears these when creating a 7-foot holiday tree out of cactus pads. 

From my Zazzle Store

Succulent Chic, my online shop, offers gift and decorative items inspired by my favorite succulent photos and paintings. In addition to my 2020 calendar, you'll find succulent pillows, mugs, greeting cards, and stretched canvas prints. New this year are Echeveria, Cactus and Spiral Succulents collections. Note: Zazzle has great sales, so at check-out, be sure to enter the daily discount code. 

Succulents 2020 Calendar

Succulents 2020 Calendar

 

Succulent pillows

Succulent pillows

 

Cactus snowflake card

This cactus snowflake card is one of 65 in my Greeting Cards collection. 

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miércoles, 13 de noviembre de 2019

Winter Care for Frost-Tender Succulents Amazing tips

Depending on where you live, here's how to get frost-tender South African succulents---like crassulas (jades), euphorbias, senecios and aloes---through a North American winter.

Coastal CA from the Bay Area south

Your climate is more similar to South Africa's than anywhere in North America. You banana-belters don't get frost, and winter humidity and rainfall are low, so simply make sure your succulents get good drainage during storms.

California, inland

Welcome to my own imperfect climate! At 1,500 feet in the foothills NE of San Diego, frosty nights follow rain. When temps are predicted to drop below 32 degrees F, I drape succulents with bed sheets, frost cloth, or floating row covers. 
On YouTube, watch how I protect my own garden.

In a light frost, leaf tips may show some damage (frost burn). In a hard frost, temps stay below freezing for hours, and frost-tender plants collapse.
Learn more in my article: Frost and Succulents: What You Need to Know.

Northwest, Northeast, Midwest

Generally, the higher the elevation and/or latitude, the colder it gets. You'll need to overwinter all but hardy succulents indoors---perhaps in your basement---or within a climate-controlled shelter.

Here on my site, find:

Desert Southwest

Your climate is challenging for South African succulents due to intense summer sun, heat, and monsoon-like storms; and winter's frosty nights. Grow your favorites on a covered patio, and embrace (well, not literally) native succulents such as cacti, agaves, dasylirions and yuccas.

Southeast

Plants from arid regions don't like damp, humid climates, and certain desirable succulents (notably echeverias and aeoniums) can't handle summer rain. This excerpt from Designing with Succulents (2nd ed.) gives succulents suitable for moist, tropical areas.

Winter Care for Frost-Tender Succulents

USDA Hardiness Zone map

Above: The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a good basic guideline when it comes to temperature lows. But it's not much help when determining winter care for frost-tender succulents. It doesn't take into account rainfall and humidity, which even in milder zones make growing succulents challenging.

Overwintering

Overwintering Succulents How to keep succulents happy during the cold winter months Where you live makes a big difference when it comes to the well-being of your succulents in winter. Most varieties go dormant in winter and are frost-tender, meaning they can’t handle temps below 32 degrees F. Winter Conditions That Damage Succulents These common…

Cold Hardy Succulents: Details, Photos and Varieties

Cold-Hardy Succulents: Details, Photos & Varieties Looking for succulents that go below freezing? You’re in the right place! About cold-hardy succulents The common cold-hardy succulents shown here can handle northern winters, snow, rainstorms (if given excellent drainage) and summer dry spells. Most cold-hardy succulents are in the genera Sedum and Sempervivum. Sedum (stonecrop) Trailing varieties are lovely as…

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martes, 5 de noviembre de 2019

Wheelchair Accessible Succulent Garden Amazing tips

When I saw the photos that "Celebrating the Joy of Succulents" newsletter subscriber Pat Armanino emailed me of her garden, I knew I wanted to share them. Pat's use of galvanized water troughs as succulent containers is clever and eye-catching. But her main reason for using troughs, she told me, is that they make gardening in a wheelchair possible.

Wheelchair accessible garden, troughs

Pat originally used wire to attach ceramic suns to steel troughs. She now simply Gorilla-glues magnets to the backs of decorative items.

"I've grown succulents for 17 years, 13 in a chair," Pat says, "and five with water troughs." Conventional raised beds weren't a good option, because stone, brick or wood surfaces are too wide to lean over comfortably, and are rough-textured. "I'd have to wear long sleeves to not scrape my arms."

Trough rims are narrow and smooth; their sides, thin and strong. The 2-foot-high troughs came from a feed store, but are also available on Amazon. They come with plugged holes, Pat notes, "but we added drain holes, too."

Wheelchair accessible succulent garden2

Pat's wheelchair-accessible succulent garden is where a lawn once was. Water drains through the tanks into sand-filled gaps between pavers.

Troughs are filled with layers of rock and garden soil, "topped off with eight inches of potting soil," Pat says. She installed the troughs "after I retired five years ago, and nothing so far has rusted or gone wrong." They're on drip irrigation installed beneath pavers and threaded through drain holes.

The climate of San Mateo, CA, where Pat and her husband have lived for 46 years, is Zone 9, with rainy winters often followed by frost. She covers her succulents "with frost blankets" as needed.

Echeverias in San Mateo garden

Echeverias, aloes and other succulents thrive in Pat Armanino's garden

Also five years ago, Pat and a friend went on a road trip to obtain succulents "only sold in Southern California," she recalls. Many---including ruffled echeverias---are still going strong. She estimates the total number of succulents in her garden to be around 500.

Pat takes cuttings, pots them up and uses them to fill gaps or give away. Every May, just before Mother's Day, she hosts a charity fundraiser "planting party," now in its 7th year. Guests bring their own pots, "and if they see a plant they like, they take cuttings and plant them," she says.

Succulent garden in containers

On a deck outside her dining room, Pat cultivates dozens of colorful succulents in pots large and small. 

Pat finds pots at garage sales for an ever-growing collection that includes senecios, haworthias, crassulas and more. "I'm always looking for something I don't have," she says. "Tall pots in back aren't easy to access, but if it takes me all day to get to something, that's OK," she says. "This is my hobby."

Wheelchair accessible garden, propagation area

Agaves predominate an area of the garden that includes Aloe plicatilis left of center, a spiral aloe (Aloe polyphylla) at right, and aeoniums in back.

Pat's plants---plus her grandchildren's---have earned dozens of blue ribbons at the San Mateo County Fair. "But it's not about me," she says. "It's all about showing people what they can do with succulents."

Wheelchair accessible garden, owner

Pat Armanino tends her water-trough succulent garden.

Water trough succulent garden

Pat's Plants. Can you help ID the stunning pink echeveria on the right?

Your comments are welcome! Scroll down to let everyone know what you liked about Pat's garden. Do ask questions and share suggestions!

Succulent Container Garden (c) Debra Lee Baldwin

Succulent Container Design

Succulent Container Design Design ideas and must-dos for beautiful, easy-care potted succulents Here you’ll find info on succulent container design in articles and videos. Scroll down to see what interests you and meets your needs. Also enjoy and find inspiration in my gallery of 150+ floral-style arrangements! Succulent Container Gardens, How-To Learn About My Online…

Free Succulent Resource

Debra's 7 best succulents

In this free PDF exclusively for subscribers to my "Celebrating the Joy of Succulents" newsletter, you'll learn the 7 best easy-care succulents that thrive in pots and landscapes. Whether you're new to growing succulents or an experienced succulent "parent", you'll love these 7 beautiful plants!

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