How to Pick Succulents for Special Pots

Plant-pot pairing at Oasis (c) Debra Lee Baldwin

  You know you’ve created an effective plant-pot pairing if every time you look at it, it delights you. Ideally, it exceeds the sum of its parts. But how to make that happen? You’re about to find out: Succulent plant-pot pairing—an art form in itself—is the topic of my latest video. In it you’ll learn…

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See a Succulent Tidepool Terrace

A terrace adjacent to an outdoor sitting area is perfect for a colorful, easy-care succulent garden. This one, in Laguna Beach, CA suggests a tidepool. When you visually immerse yourself in it, you might as well be snorkeling.

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Make a Mounded Succulent Arrangement

Add soil to fill gaps (c) Debra Lee Baldwin

Many eye-catching succulent arrangements are mounded, meaning plants are massed atop the container. Mounded arrangements look established right away and are quick and easy to assemble.

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Jim Bishop’s Steep, One-Acre Garden

(c) Debra Lee Baldwin

Jim Bishop’s steep, one-acre terraced garden in San Diego is unlike any other, except perhaps Jardin Exotique d’Èze near Monaco, overlooking the Mediterranean. “But there, they have to dig basins into

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Pick the Perfect Succulent for Your Pot

Pairing succulents with a teal pot (c) Debra Lee Baldwin

If you have a special pot that needs pairing with the perfect succulent, take the pot with you to the nursery or have it nearby when you’re shopping online. Plant-pot pairings are a lot like picking throw pillows for your sofa or a

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How Succulent Designer Laura Eubanks Does It

Succulent designer Laura Eubanks of Design for Serenity is no stranger to crises. The challenges she’s had to overcome—including a horrific childhood—have given her wisdom, compassion and a keen desire to mentor and inspire others. Due to an unfortunate turn of events, she’s now the one in need of help..

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Six Holiday Designs to Inspire You

Succulent topiary tree

To inspire and entertain you, I’ve selected six new, never-seen-before holiday design ideas featuring succulents. Do consider each as a launching point for your creativity, and feel free to share them with friends. I’d love it if you’d post photos of what you come up with on Instagram or Facebook, and tag me @DebraLBaldwin. Regardless, have…

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Jim Sudal’s Cactus Pad Holiday Tree

Cactus Christmas tree

Jim Sudal’s cactus pad holiday tree is a great 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…

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Showcase Succulents in Large Pots

Gallery of large pots of succulents

For a dramatic, memorable enhancement to a garden or patio, showcase succulents in large pots. Big containers are both sculptural and eye-catching. Add succulents and you have a dynamic, ever-changing display as plants grow and seasons shift. Examples here are from my own garden and others I admire. Find more great ideas for succulents in…

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Nancy Englund’s Succulent Mermaid’s Garden

A succulent mermaid's garden

Having a theme for part or all of your garden is certain to spark your creativity. Nancy Englund’s succulent mermaid’s garden “has made going to nurseries more fun,” she says, “because I’m not attracted to every plant. I can narrow it down…you know, to just the weirder ones.” Admittedly “a big fan of weirdo plants,”…

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Succulent White-Pot Pairings

White pots are a simple, effective way to display your prized succulents and cacti. Here I’ve paired colorful, geometric cacti and sculptural succulent euphorbias with an assortment of white-glazed containers. Solo or in groupings, succulent white-pot pairings would look good on your patio, deck, entryway or sunroom. See the 4-min. video: Succulent White-Pot Pairings. #1…

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