Agaves Handle Summer Heat

Late summer is when tough succulents really shine. Large agaves handle summer heat, and are unfazed by harsh sun, high temps and lack of rain. Their statuesque, fountainlike forms lend a sculptural element to any landscape, and contrast beautifully with fine-textured ornamentals. They also make good firebreak plants and security fences. With the exception of a few…

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Use Vintage Containers for Succulents

Megan Boone of Nature Containers Vintage Garden Art uses cast-off objects to showcase succulents. As shown by the planted pick above, Megan brings elegance and whimsy to her artistry. I love how the aloe perfectly repeats the shape and color of the rusty metal, and also emphasizes its arc.

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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…

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Ensure Perfect Pairings With These Design Basics

How to pick the perfect succulent for a pot (c) Debra Lee Baldwin)

Simple design principles can take your potted succulents from ho-hum to WOW. My 3-min video is a must-see if you’ve ever wondered which succulents to choose for a container—especially if it’s a collectible piece of art pottery. Apply these guidelines and you’ll be amazed at how polished your important plant-pot pairings look! Surprisingly effective Knowing…

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What Reviewers Are Saying About “Designing with Succulents”

Above: I introduced the new edition at Succulent Gardens nursery in Northern CA.  Below are reviews of  “Designing with Succulents” completely revised and updated 2nd edition.  Book reviewers are important. It’s not the author or a publicist telling you how good a book is, it’s editors, radio show hosts, columnists, industry pros and peers whose…

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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.…

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Make “Stunning Succulent Arrangements” in My Online Class

Succulent design class (c) Debra Lee Baldwin

You’ll love creating succulent designs in my online class, Stunning Succulent Arrangements! During the 7-lesson class, I explain succulent varieties, care and propagation; and show how to make wreaths, terrariums, floral-style arrangements, a succulent color wheel and more. Craftsy’s student-oriented approach allows you to take the class anywhere and anytime; pause, rewind and restart at…

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Debra’s Own Garden

Debra Lee Baldwin in her succulent garden

  My goal with my own garden is to create a three-dimensional art form that serves as a backdrop for videos, photo shoots and casual get-togethers. Whether in books, photos, videos or presentations—or with plants, rocks, and sweat—I’m invariably about entertaining and sharing in equal measure. It’s one way I define joy. Yours truly in the lower garden with…

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Holiday Decorating with Succulents

Above: Using succulent cuttings from my garden, I create a wreath suitable for an entry, garden wall or gate. Such wreaths also work well as table centerpieces (laid flat) and make great hostess gifts. Quick & clever decorating ideas This time of year, the succulent elves bundle up, go into the garden, and transform it into…

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