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…

Read More

Succulent Centerpieces

Learn About My Online Class! Succulent centerpieces last months and look good long after the occasion you made them for. Shown here are ideas for tabletops, floral-style arrangements, groupings and more. Follow the links for additional info and how-to help. Above: Jeanne Meadow of Fallbrook, CA, keeps this succulent centerpiece on her patio table. Jeanne’s…

Read More

Plant an Undersea Succulent Clamshell

Undersea succulent clamshell planter

Undersea Succulent Clamshell Planter Succulents that resemble coral-reef flora lend themselves to containers that immerse the viewer in an undersea experience. This succulent clamshell planter sits atop lava rocks near my home’s entry. It’s semi-shaded by Texas privet, the trunks of which frame the arrangement and repeat the upright lines of Senecio anteuphorbium. Certain succulents…

Read More

How to Make a Succulent-Decorated Hat and More

Garden hat decorated with succulents by Laura Balaoro for Better Homes & Gardens (c) Debra Lee Baldwin

Here’s how to make a succulent-decorated hat and other projects, with design ideas from attendees at succulent events I’ve been to. Wearing succulents at succulent-themed events is a great ice-breaker. Everyone wants a photo of you. The easiest way to attach cuttings to a hat brim, visor, hair ornament or bracelet is with the moss-and-glue method…

Read More

Succulent Projects and Activities for Kids

Introduce children to gardening with succulents (c) Debra Lee Baldwin

Ask avid gardeners how they started, and most recall a parent, grandparent or neighbor who introduced them to plants and nature. Now it’s your turn to transform a special child into a plant-lover. Easy-care succulents are perfect starter plants. Find fun ideas, activities and projects below. — Plant a toy truck with succulents. This one,…

Read More

Use Colored Sand to Hold Succulent Bouquets

I like to display bouquets of succulent rosettes in clear glass containers filled with layers of sand. Practical as well as pretty, the sand lends color and interest, and serves as to anchor the stems so top-heavy rosettes don’t tumble out. A jay appears interested in the spring succulent bouquet I made for the 2018 Super…

Read More

Succulent Color Wheel Centerpiece

For the rainbow centerpiece, you’ll need: 18-inch pot saucer. Mine is terracotta. No worries; drain holes aren’t needed. It’s so shallow that water simply evaporates. Approximately six plants in 4-inch pots for each pie-shaped section. Potting soil to fill gaps Succulents come in all colors Enjoy browsing and selecting them at your local garden center…

Read More

Make a Succulent Cornucopia

[With Video] A succulent cornucopia makes a refreshing update on the traditional Thanksgiving centerpiece, and then after the holiday, you can remove the plants and pot them.  As early as midsummer, craft stores begin stocking holiday containers like this wicker cornucopia

Read More

DIY Floral-Style Succulent Centerpiece

Check Out My Online Class! Make a lush, colorful succulent combo It looks difficult, but it’s simple once you know how. With the help of the step-by-step instructions and photos that follow, you’ll soon be making your own lovely DIY floral-style succulent centerpieces, gift arrangements, and more. Design by Fresh Chic, a division of CW…

Read More

Make a Bouquet of Succulents

Elaborate succulent bouquet of wired rosettes

When I need a hostess gift, thank-you present, or an arrangement for a special friend, I make a bouquet of succulents. I start by selecting a coffee mug or glass container (usually a jar, thrift-store vase, or clear bottle), the size of which determines the size of the arrangement. Then I head into the garden with clippers.…

Read More

Create a Cactus Curio Box

Cacti are succulents with simple shapes, and none illustrate the plants’ elegantly elemental geometry as well as spherical varieties. To showcase the beauty of these often-ignored succulents, I went with an open wood box with a dozen partitions, each just right for cacti in 2.5-inch pots. My goal was to elevate textural, glowing orbs to the status of jewelry or artwork.

Read More