Succulent Destinations
Annie and Me at The Succulent Cafe
During succulent celebrity Annie Schreck’s week-long visit to Southern CA, of course we went to The Succulent Cafe in Carlsbad near San Diego. As we sit amid walls of succulents and chat over lavender mocha coffee, Annie tells how she has “the coolest job in the world” despite its location
Read MoreHow to Grow Tree Aloes (Aloe barberae)
If you have room in your garden and a mild climate, consider adding a tree aloe or two. Aloe barberae (Aloe bainesii, Aloidendron barberae), Africa’s largest aloe, is sculptural,
Read MoreTom Cole’s Remarkable Rare Aloe Nursery
Tom Cole’s aloe-collecting hobby has turned into a unique nursery. Hundreds of seed-grown African aloes thrive in pots or in the ground at his Cold Spring Aloes near Lotusland in Montecito, south of Santa Barbara, CA.
Read MoreSeaside’s Superb Botanical Garden Near Santa Barbara
Seaside’s display gardens have always been lovely, but I was amazed at how world-class they’ve become. The nursery itself also is grander and more impressive
Read MoreSee Hidden Agave Nursery’s Rare Agaves
Hidden Agave Nursery is more than a source of rare and unusual agaves, it’s fast-tracking this popular succulent genus to its full potential. Owner Jeremy Spath specializes in species and cultivars that don’t get overly large, perform well in gardens, and are exceptionally beautiful. I share his fascination with
Read MoreLaguna Beach Succulent Gardens
On the Laguna Beach Garden Tour I go hunting for succulents. Nearly all varieties thrive in Laguna’s mild coastal climate. But what gets me every time are the flowering annuals and perennials that snuggle up to the succulents.
Read MoreVisit Pigment, San Diego’s Chic Succulent Boutique
See Pigment’s simple-but-sophisticated pots that frame succulents perfectly. Colors range from intense hues to white, cream and pastels. Many customers are young professionals living in apartments and condos with no space for gardening. Succulents are their pets,
Read MoreRojas Succulents Nursery Tour
If you’re looking for a great succulent nursery to tour, head for family-owned Rojas Succulents on 1-1/2 acres in Fallbrook, CA. They do everything right. Superb plant material ranges from garden succulents to collectible rarities, including unusual variegates (striped or multicolored leaves).
Read MoreWhat You Should Know about Saguaro Cactus
Are you intrigued by saguaro cactus—those desert icons depicted on everything from bath mats to baby rompers? If you’re wondering if you might be able to grow one, here’s what you should know.
Read MoreWhere do YOU shop for 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.
Read MoreA Garden of Collectible Succulents in Corona
Do you collect special succulents that you’d like to grow outdoors in your garden? If you’re in Southern CA, do visit the cactus and succulent garden at Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona Del Mar, CA. It offers so many great tips and ideas! Pat Roach and I in Sherman’s succulent garden. Imagine…a dear friend…
Read MoreCritique: Newport Beach’s Grand Succulent Garden
Discover what I like and what dismays me about Newport Beach’s grand Civic Center succulent garden. Do its plusses and minuses apply to your garden as well?
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