Speaker Introduction
Debra Lee Baldwin is the bestselling author of Designing with Succulents, Succulents Simplified, and Succulent Container Gardens---Timber Press classics that launched worldwide interest in water-storing plants. A contributor to Sunset magazine for over a decade, Debra applies the “Sunset aesthetic” to her books, photos, presentations, newsletters, articles, and YouTube videos.
Fun facts about Debra Lee Baldwin:
- Debra grew up on an avocado ranch near San Diego.
- Her hillside garden gets frost and high heat, and has poor soil (just like yours).
- She grows everything shown in her books---hundreds of varieties of succulents and companion plants.
- She was a scout and writer for Sunset, Better Homes & Gardens and San Diego Home/Garden magazines, among other publications.
- Debra is credited with launching the worldwide succulent craze in 2007.
- She calls succulents “plants that drink responsibly."
- Her YouTube videos have had over 9,000,000 views (and counting).
- The San Diego Horticultural Society named her its 2017 Horticulturist of the Year.
- Debra's presentations to garden groups include Epcot Center, the Huntington, and the Honolulu Garden Club.
Selected Accolades
“The growing interest in succulents on the part of the gardening public can be attributed primarily to one person: Debra Lee Baldwin.” ~ Australian nurseryman and author Attila Kaptitany, in his address to the biennial convention of the Cactus & Succulent Society of America.
"For the last 2 years I’ve had attendees call to get your speaking schedule before they arranged their vacation." ~ Sherry Larson, San Francisco Flower & Garden Show
"You received many accolades at our board meeting for your presentation. There were over 400 people there, an all-time record. It will go down as one of the most memorable evenings. What you are doing is magic." ~ Judy Bradley, events chairperson, San Diego Horticultural Society
"Presentation was superb...Very articulate, interesting, humorous and enthusiastic...Great speaker--best of the day--I never wanted succulents before but I now have a list to incorporate into my garden...Lively and dynamic speaker. Beautiful photos, relevant subject...Great slideshow--didn't want it to end...Loved it--we need more classes like this...Bring her back!" ~ Attendees at the UCCE Master Gardeners spring symposium
"Debra Lee Baldwin and her books have lit up the gardening world." ~ Ron Vanderhoff, nursery manager, Roger's Gardens, Orange County, CA
"Debra, you have given so much and have so much more to give. If there is any one thing I am convinced of about you, it is that while you have been a force in helping and motivating people to be adventurous with succulent plants, you are uniquely you...a writer, teacher, artist and more." ~ Robin Stockwell, owner, Succulent Gardens Nursery, Castroville, CA
"Just wanted to tell you what an incredible impact you've had on our island. We think of you with such warmth. A neighbor and I were chatting about our Garden Club and she said, 'you know, my favorite of all the speakers we've ever had was Debra Lee Baldwin.' You really opened our eyes to, and gave us a love for, succulents." ~ Clare Doyle, president, Boca Grande Garden Club (a Garden Club of America affiliate), Florida
"I put to use many of the things I learned from you and your books and my garden is now a show-stopper. I should put up a sign giving you credit!" ~ Christy Bradley, Junior League of Pasadena Garden Club, CA
Past Speaking Engagements
Epcot Center International Flower & Garden Festival, Orlando, FL
Sunset Magazine's Spring Weekend Festival
Eco-Xpo, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Succulent Celebration near San Diego
Iowa Arboretum
Honolulu Garden Club
Garden Club of America National Hort Conference
Philadelphia International Flower Show
San Francisco Flower & Garden Show
Huntington Botanical Gardens
Northwest Flower & Garden Show, Seattle
Succulent Extravaganza near San Francisco
Yard, Garden & Patio Show, Portland
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Denver Botanical Garden
San Diego Botanic Garden
Los Angeles Arboretum
Water Conservation Garden, El Cajon, CA
Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, CA
Master Gardener Seminars, San Diego and Orange counties
University of California, Davis
University of California, Berkeley
Charleston, S.C. Horticultural Society
Roger's Gardens nursery, Corona del Mar, CA
Sherman Gardens, Corona del Mar, CA
Descanso Gardens, La Canada Flintridge, CA
Spring Garden Show, South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, CA
San Diego County Fair
San Diego Horticultural Society
Spring Home/Garden Show, San Diego
Cal State Flower & Garden Show, Cal Expo, Sacramento
Junior League of Pasadena
Cactus & Succulent Society of America (CSSA) biennial convention
CSSA affiliates in California, Arizona and Texas
Public libraries, various locations
Garden clubs, various locations
Bookstores, various locations
Nurseries, wholesale and retail, various locations