Presentations by Debra Lee Baldwin

Debra Shares the Joys and Benefits of Growing and Designing with Succulents

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.
rogers-nursery-logo

“One of the best speakers we have here.”

Ron Vanderhoff

Roger's Gardens Nursery, Corona del Mar, CA

LET'S discuss a topic for your group!

Debra's presentations are customized for every group and updated often.

Event Publicity

Debra routinely helps promote the host venue via social media, her website and her e-newsletter. 

 

SLIDE SHOWS

A SLIDE SHOW at your venue requires a digital projector, screen, microphone, and a room that can be darkened. 

VIRTUAL PRESENTATIONS can be via Zoom or the program your group uses routinely.

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

Debra Lee Baldwin addresses the San Diego Horticultural Society after being named "Horticulturist of the Year"
Debra Lee Baldwin addresses the San Diego Horticultural Society after being named "Horticulturist of the Year"

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