At last fall’s Succulent Extravaganza, I had fun showing creative designs by members of the Succulent Fanatics, a Facebook group founded by San Jose master gardener Laura Balaoro. My presentation and ensuing YouTube video went over so well, I’m doing something similar at the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show on March 19. Designers whose ideas, [...]
To make a succulent wreath, you’ll need about 100 cuttings, a wire wreath form, 24-gauge florist’s wire, a chopstick or ballpoint pen for poking holes, and a bag of sphagnum moss. The form, moss and wire are available at any crafts store. You don’t need soil; the cuttings will root right into the moss. [...]
I’m often asked to recommend sources of succulent cuttings for wreaths, topiaries and other projects. Unfortunately, most online sources sell cuttings for around $1/apiece, which means a wreath—not counting its moss-packed wire donut—may cost $100 to make. But pre-made wreaths available this time of year not only cost much less, they’re also a great source [...]
The door has swung open on a new decade, so I’ve decided to swing open some garden gates. See if you don’t agree that each gate hints at the garden beyond and the owner’s personality and style. My dog’s silhouette is similar to that of a Scottie, so I’m starting with a gate I wish were mine. I like its color and watering-can door knocker, [...]