How Succulents Combat Global Warming

Portulacaria afra in ground (c) Debra Lee Baldwin

When you grow succulents in your garden, you’re helping combat global warming.  The plants are especially efficient at scrubbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.  It has to do with

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My Succulent Podcast with a British Nurseryman

Sempervivum tectorum on roof

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.

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Where do YOU shop for succulents?

Mail order succulents

Find out what to do if the succulents you want aren’t available near you. See others’ favorite succulent sources, mail-order and walk-in, and share yours in the comments below. Please tell us your city or region, what you’ve purchased, and anything else that might be helpful.  

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Testing Mangaves in My Garden

I’m testing more than 30 Mangave cultivars in my Zone 9b Southern CA garden. This is a report on the first batch of 14 that arrived two years ago from Hans Hansen of Walters Gardens, a wholesale perennial grower in Zeeland, MI. Hans is the world’s leading breeder of mangaves, and the first to reproduce them via…

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Ten Top Trends for Succulent Plants, Gardens and Design

Apr. 24, 2018 ~ If it seems that succulents are moving at warp speed in the world of gardens, nurseries and designers, they are. And as a journalist, I’m ON it. My predictions for succulent plants, gardens and design will help you stay on top of trends and maybe even make money from the plants you love. Btw, I wrote this before…

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Ten Predictions for the Succulent Decor Marketplace

April 13, 2018 ~ At the 2016 Succulent Celebration, I told my audience, “You heard it here first: Textiles and decorative items themed with succulents would soon be commonplace.” Back then there were a few T-shirts, socks, pillows and posters, but not much from major retailers except fake succulents. (Gotta love the irony: Succulents already are the closest thing to plastic in…

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Seven Ways to Make Money with Succulents

Dec., 2017 Whenever I’m asked how to find certain succulents or services that are in short supply, I wonder why so few offer them. After all, there’s clearly money to be made! If you or others who might make these happen are merely unaware, hang on, I’m about to remedy that.  Btw, I’m happy to help get the word out about anyone who offers the…

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Succulents at the Spring Home/Garden Show

Greenhouse for succulents in display garden

I zipped around San Diego’s Spring Home/Garden show right before the judging, cell in hand. (When in a hurry, I use my phone to take photos in dim light instead of my fancy-schmancy Canon.) I was delighted with what I saw. No question I’m biased, but the display garden (above) showcasing plants from Desert Theater nursery, and designed by Steve McDearmon of…

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Why Grow Succulents?

Why are succulents so popular

There are numerous reasons why succulents have become so popular. Many more people are growing succulents nowadays because the plants… Are a good lawn alternative for regions with water shortages. Are fire-resistant plants for backcountry gardens prone to wildfire. Are easy to cultivate and propagate. Need minimal maintenance. Range in size from ground covers to trees. Have pleasing…

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How Not To Kill Succulents

How to Kill Succulents

What IS it with New Yorkers? Whatever we’re cheerfully crazy about on the West Coast is dismissed by somber-clothed subway sprinters as idiotic. Or at least that’s the vibe I got from a reporter with New York Magazine, who disguised her weather envy with a lot of polite questions. Evidently what she really wanted was yet more reasons…

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