You’re invited to subscribe to my “Celebrating the Joy of Succulents” newsletter—a fast-growing community of several thousand subscribers. I’m primarily interested in serving a select and savvy group who share my passion for “plants that drink responsibly.” Recent “Celebrating the Joy of Succulents” topics include Succulent Windowsill Pots DIY, How Rain Benefits Succulents, How to Grow Succulents Indoors, [...]
Debra Lee Baldwin
Bill’s Best: A Top Designer’s Favorite Aloes
April 6, 2018 – Posted in: SucculentsLooking for great succulents for your garden? Plant aloes in well-draining soil and “they’ll soon become your favorite succulents,” says Bill Schnetz, one of Southern CA’s most sought-after landscape designers. Bill uses aloes of all sizes in mild-climate residential gardens. For a natural look, he suggests mixing one or two kinds with tough, drought-tolerant ornamental grasses [...]
Don’t Let the Evil Weevil Get Your Agaves!
March 21, 2018 – Posted in: SucculentsI first suspected that agave snout-nosed weevil had arrived in my rural community north of San Diego when I noticed a collapsed Agave americana in a friend’s yard. I could barely believe it. She lives atop a rocky hill surrounded by acres and acres of chaparral. Either the weevil had arrived via infested nursery stock (on a different [...]
Spring, Succulents and Scorching Blooms
March 6, 2018 – Posted in: SucculentsHere in California, a spring garden’s most vivid blooms often are those of succulent ice plants. Aloes, bulbine and numerous arid-climate companions are bright and beautiful from March through mid-May. Increasing temps tend to put the kibosh on delicate spring flowers. If you live near the coast, you’ll enjoy a longer spring, but you may [...]
“The Less is More Garden,” Book Giveaway
February 3, 2018 – Posted in: Contests and Giveaways, Garden DesignUpdate, Sat. Feb. 10: AND THE WINNER IS…Susie Johnson! I’ve notified her and “The Less is More Garden” will soon be on its way to her from publisher Timber Press. Many, many thanks to all of you for participating! — Debra I’ve long admired the wit and wisdom of Bay Area landscape designer Susan Morrison, [...]