I’m in Architectural Digest! Sadly…
I'm in Architectural Digest! Sadly, they didn't interview me about design...which is a little disappointing because I wrote Designing with Succulents and was a regular contributor to Better Homes & Gardens and Sunset. That said, being in AD is a huge honor. Plus they used my photos (example above).
The topic: How to propagate succulents
In the article I explain how to start succulents from cuttings, pups, offsets and leaves. Does that sort of thing interest you? You'll find plenty of good info here on my site and on my YouTube channel. And of course, if you like, you can read the AD article.
Btw, I gave those links to the writer and also explained how to start succulents from cuttings, pups, offsets and leaves. We talked for over an hour with email follow-ups. Even so, the article has several misconceptions and at least one egregious error. If you spot them, kudos to you! Do share them (or if you think I'm overreacting) in the Comments below.
I was in The New Yorker recently, too.
That article also is not about design, but nevertheless is an honor (many thanks to Jeanne and Barry Meadow for bringing it to my attention). It references a book I wrote pre-succulents: Taco Titan, The Glen Bell Story.
What? You never heard of it?
Well, after I profiled Mr. Bell for the San Diego Union-Tribune, Bell Enterprises and Taco Bell Corp. wanted me to do his biography. I'm proud of the book; it's a good read. After it came out, KFC asked, but I declined doing one about The Colonel. If I hadn't, what do you suppose I'd be doing today? Speculations welcome in the comments below.
Related Info:
How to Propagate Succulents
How to Propagate Succulents Learn the many ways to make more succulents from existing plants Recognize growth-producing tissue Most succulents can be propagated vegetatively—via stem cuttings, pulling apart offsets, or rooting leaves. The key is to locate the growth tissue that grows roots. This meristematic tissue is at… bands on stems where leaves once were attached the base…
TV, Radio and Media
TV, Radio and Media Features, interviews and articles Here you’ll find excerpts and links to a few of many media articles and interviews in which Debra Lee Baldwin is featured and quoted as an expert on succulents and their design uses. Included are book reviews, radio, podcasts, TV news, Wall St. Journal, Washington Post, KPBS,…
Congratulations, even though they missed they mark. I will pick up a copy. Your emails are great. I have learned so much. Many thanks for sharing your knowledge with this novice.i have all your books
That’s so nice of you, Dawn! Thank you for a lovely comment.
AD definitely missed an opportunity. The article provides mostly good info for a beginner, but the article is a bit choppy and simplistic and it strays very far from AD’s design roots. Worst of all, it takes your knowledge —honed over many years — without recognizing your design and craftsmanship. I can see why you’re disappointed.
This reminds me of a time when I asked a local paper to feature my carpenter uncle and his 1800s stagecoach, which he built by hand over many years. The craftsmanship was beautiful and the coach was stunning. It was painted bright red and yellow and it resembled the type of coach shown in the Wells Fargo commercials. The reporter, however, found the grey stone fireplace my uncle built in his home much more to her liking and featured that on the front page. Again, a missed opportunity to feature extraordinary design work and craftsmanship for the sake of a narrow focus and the exclusion of the newsworthy item.
Hi Cathleen — Thank you! Re your uncle, it’s astonishing when you think of the visual aspect of the story that the stagecoach wasn’t the lead photo. When I wrote and directed photography for feature articles, I knew they would end up in scrapbooks, be framed and hung on walls, and sent out with holiday cards. During one assignment, the photographer with me noticed one of his photos—taken of the subject two decades earlier—in pride of place on the wall of his home office. Really put things into perspective!
Congrats Debra!!! You are a wonderful resource and expert. Wonderful!
Oh, Kit, I’m swooning! You’re an incredible floral designer—thank you!!
Congratulations! You deserve it!
Wonderful Debra Lee. So proud of you.
Hi Jody! Thank you. So nice to hear from you!
thanks for the heads up. I’m delighted