Landscapes & Gardens
To Tree or Not to Tree? Ask Your Succulents
Do consider the need for shade when installing a succulent garden, especially if you—like me—live in a hot, dry region of the Southwest where winter frost is also a concern. Tree canopies moderate temperature extremes and create the dappled sunshine succulents love. Dappled shade enhances my garden’s succulent sitting area Of course, not all succulents…
Read MoreGreat Plants and Ideas from Arizona Gardens
These plants and ideas inspired by the annual spring Phoenix Garden Tour will work throughout the Southwest. What grows effortlessly in Arizona typically does well in dry, hot areas of Southern California—except of course for
Read MoreGap Fillers for New Succulent Gardens
A subscriber asks: “What should I do to fill garden gaps while waiting for succulents to get big? I’ve put in a variety and left room for future growth. How can I make my new garden look finished?” I have several ideas, but first…
Read MoreDesign Ideas from an Arizona Artist’s Garden
Wait ’til you see these desert garden design ideas at Arizona artist Janet’s Orr’s home! Her whimsical outdoor gallery shows her eye for design, skill as a ceramic artist, love of color, and superb succulent savvy.
Read MoreSucculent Driveway Essentials
The succulent driveway essentials I’ve compiled here illustrate low-water, easy-maintenance options for driveway plantings throughout the Southwest. Loaded with ideas, you’ll find these tips, must-know’s, and 75-photo Gallery certain to inspire you.
Read MoreHannah’s Stunning Succulent Reef
Hannah Eubanks, 24, shows us a stunning succulent reef garden she created for a client in Vista, CA. The youngest of three daughters of celebrity landscaper Laura Eubanks, Hannah expedited the project start-to-finish. “My mom was totally hand’s-off,” she says proudly.
Read MoreSee a City Hacienda Succulent Garden
Bright colors inspired by Mexican tile and Talavera pottery enhance an urban succulent oasis with a hacienda theme. See how owners have utilized minimal space, created inviting and practical living areas, muffled neighborhood noise, and maximized their privacy.
Read MoreShould You Use Weed Barrier Fabric?
No doubt you’ve seen black fabric laid over bare soil with holes cut out for plants. But how important is it to use weed barrier fabric, really? What are the do’s and don’ts?
Read MoreDid Succulents Protect These Homes from Wildfires?
Southern CA homeowners in Rancho Santa Fe and Bonsall say succulents protected their homes during two different wildfires. In each case, nearby homes burned to the ground.
Read MoreThree Problem-Solving Palos Verdes Succulent Gardens
I show you three very different gardens in Los Angeles on the Palos Verdes Peninsula: slope, patio and streetside. Each showcases beautiful, problem-solving ways to display and enjoy succulents.
Read MoreSee a Seven-Room Succulent Garden I Love
This standard-sized back yard has 7 outdoor living areas: spa, bar/barbecue, dining, fireplace, vegetable garden, bonsai/mosaic garden, and fountain/aeonium garden. There are even more if you count…
Read MoreSucculent Slope Before & After
See a problem-solving, terraced succulent garden landscaped on a budget. Challenges include hillside erosion, large area, and steep grade. Before-and-after photos, video and plant gallery.
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