Megan Boone of Nature Containers Vintage Garden Art designs in three dimensions, using cast-off objects to showcase succulents and vice-versa. As exemplified by the pick above, Megan brings elegance and whimsy to her artistry by reinterpreting the forms and lines of utilitarian objects. I love how the aloe perfectly repeats the shape and color of the rusty metal, and also emphasizes its[...]
Oh No, My Succulents Froze!
– Posted in: Succulents January 6, 2016Can succulents recover from a hard frost? It depends. Let’s look at a southern California nursery’s display garden before nighttime temperatures dropped into the mid-20s F: Here’s the same Euphorbia ammak ‘Variegata, after the frost: Likelihood of recovery: Nil. Too much of the tissue was damaged. But what about the Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’ behind it? It’s hope of recovery[...]
The Twelve Days of Cactus
– Posted in: Succulents December 21, 2015Feel free to hum along. On the first day of cactus, my true love gave to me: A dove in a prickly pear tree. On the second day of cactus, my true love gave to me: Two agave pups and a dove in a prickly pear tree. On the third day of cactus, my true[...]
Succulent Gift Bouquet in Colored Sand
– Posted in: Succulents November 29, 2015For a great hostess gift, arrange a bouquet of succulent rosettes in a glass container filled with layers of colored sand. Despite no roots, soil or water, cuttings wired onto faux stems and wrapped with floral tape last for months, living on the moisture in their leaves. The sand lends color, style and interest, and serves as ballast so top-heavy rosettes don’t[...]
Succulent Wreath Tips and Ideas
– Posted in: Seasonal Gardening, Succulents November 21, 2015Do you like the succulent wreath that my friend Denise made during a wreath party at my home? To create a similar one, you’ll need about 100 cuttings, a wire wreath form, 24-gauge florist’s wire, a chopstick, and a bag of sphagnum moss. The form, moss and wire are available at any craft store. Cuttings will root[...]