As water concerns in California continue to build, smart gardeners are embracing gardening which is not so reliant on water. Roger's Gardens, a premier gardening shop in Orange County, has been conducting seminars called Gardening Naturally on the weekend to learn how to garden with Nature.

Succulents are becoming more prevalent in landscape design. New installations showcase these hardy, drought tolerant plants.

reBlogged to succulents on Jun 8, 2008, 11:34AM

Posted by noreply@blogger.com (earlysnowdrop) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-06-09, 06:29:09

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reBlogged to succulents on May 12, 2008, 11:16AM

Posted by noreply@blogger.com (earlysnowdrop) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-05-13, 06:43:34

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Posted by noreply@blogger.com (earlysnowdrop) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-05-12, 06:37:44

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Posted by Iowa Gardening Woman Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-05-10, 05:23:43

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When we first moved into our house it had a garden, but not a great garden. It had a lot of weedy plants that spread throughout the garden and even into the grass. I can’t remember the name of this simple green leafed plant, but it was everywhere and it’s notoriously invasive. ..

reBlogged to succulents on Apr 20, 2008, 2:46AM

Posted by Tricia Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-04-21, 01:05:08

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reBlogged to succulents on Apr 17, 2008, 11:09AM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-04-18, 06:23:52

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In Milan, April is the month of sedum and it has to be my choice for this month's gardener's Bloom Day. Stand in any residential area of town, look up and you'll see balconies lined with yellow - sometimes there'll be container after container across whole apartments. It looks great - from below it's just a mass of colour. . . .

reBlogged to flowers succulents

Posted by Sue Swift Reblogged by Old Roses to flowers, succulents on 2008-04-17, 06:23:01

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reBlogged to succulents on Apr 10, 2008, 6:11PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-04-12, 06:05:28

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High alpine saxifrage growing in Tufa rock

I have a long history with Saxifraga, or saxifrages. 30 years ago, while in high school, my first summer job was not scooping ice cream at Cape Cod, or cutting lawns, nor flipping burgers; rather, it was kneeling on burlap for what seemed like the entire summer, extracting grass and weed seedlings with tweezers and fingertips, from an extensive collection of "silver saxifrages" at a well known local estate designed by Fletcher Steele, that of a philantropist, Helen Stoddard.

After three years of maintaining Mrs. Stoddards amazing collection of these alpine plants, I expected that I might have had my fill of these alpine plants, but rather, the opposite has happened. Now in my 40's, I continue to collect these alpine treasures, but it has only been recently, I admit, that I have been able to actually keep them alive! Not the easiest plants to please, these alpione plants, native to the highest peaks of the alps and European mountain ranges, require somewhat specific conditions to thrive, mainly, boyant cool air, fast draining soil which retains moisture at the same time ( not the easiest condition to achive) and bright light, if not sun, without burning.

Attempting to grow these Saxifrages in normal garden conditions will result it unsatifactory results. They grow best in Tufa rock, but this is a material which is practically impossible to find ( tufa is a porous, limestone rock, perfect for so many alpines which love to grow in it), or you could try them in pots and containers, troughs, if you will, which contains a fast draining potting soil.

Thanks to Wrightman Alpines, the plants can now be purchased already growing in Tufa rock, which has redefined how my collection looks. I urge anyone in the Northern USA to try these, and elsewhere, search for these tiny buns at online and local nurseries and try taking cuttings, to plant in Tufa rock ( drill tiny holes, fill with Tufa rock powder, in June, and sit back and wait). Here are some photos of the denser growing forms of Saxifraga, a genus with 430 species of all sizes, with the higher alpine forms such as the kabischia types most suited for Tufa rock growing. Tufa rock keeps these lime lovers dense, tight and hard, which shows off their lime encrusted foliage, as well as seems to give them the hard growing conditions which seems to stimulate blossoming.

Kabischia Saxifrages surviving a New England winter in Tufa rock

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Posted by Matt Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-04-08, 18:08:32

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Angeregt durch Astrantias Post über Sempervivum habe ich mich aufgemacht, die kleinen Dachwurze, wie wir sie nennen, zu fotografieren. Seit meiner Kindheit habe ich Töpfe mit Wutze, es werden immer mehr! Wer welche hat, gibt welche ab und bekommt welche von mir. Ich kaufe keine in Gartenmärkten, meist sind sie überdüngt, groß und leiden später unter Blattläusen und anderen Schädlingen. Schließlich sind es Magerköstler, die ich nur gelegentlich mit einem Schlückchen sehr verdünntem Flüssigdünger gieße.

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Posted by Hillside Garden Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-04-08, 07:13:54

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This  "Living Tapestry"  succulent pillow" was created by Shirley Bovshow My eyes are ready to close as I put the finishing touches on my presentation on "10-Ways to Incorporate Art in Your Garden," for the the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival  this weekend. I'm going to miss posting on my blog and ...

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Posted by Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-04-04, 06:36:28

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Macy's on State Street in Chicago has a large plant display for spring that features succulents.



Let's see, I see Orchids of course, and an aloe and agave. Lot's of Euphorbia tiriculi, maybe some rhipsalis and I suspect they must have some bromeliads too.


Continue reading "Macy's Garden"

reBlogged to succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-03-28, 18:02:08

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reBlogged to cacti succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to cacti, succulents on 2008-03-26, 18:03:18

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reBlogged to cacti succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to cacti, succulents on 2008-03-26, 18:03:08

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Grant Ave.
Aeonium urbicum

Low-growing ground cover, spreads pretty quickly. Lots of yellow flowers. You could plant a field of them, and then you'd have a succulent green field. . . .

reBlogged to succulents on Mar 24, 2008, 3:31PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-03-25, 17:44:14

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We get questions from Oklahoma. It seems they want to grow plants outside, even in Oklahoma.

Q: Hi,
I live in Central oklahoma ... (zone 7) I would love to have a succulent bed, the only thing I have are hen and chicks and they do great here... Can you recommend some items that I could order, that would be good for this area? My bed is about 3 foot wide and 18 feet long.. I want something really awesome looking, with low maintenance... Can you help?

Beautiful website.. best I have seen....
Annette

A: I would recommend Lewisia, which are zone 3, and have amazing blooms. We do have many different species of the Sempervivum (hen and chick) that would work. This summer we should have in Delosperma congestum which is hardy. Most of the sedums (all that we carry) are hardy. For Euphorbias, the spurges, like E. characias, and others, should all do fine. Kniphofias and maybe even Bulbines should work. For cactus, you could try Echinocereus viridiflorus, Opuntia fragilis, Opuntia basilaris.

That's all I can think of right now.
Hap

reBlogged to succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-03-25, 05:46:17

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I've seen varying reviews of buying plants on Ebay but as of today I'd like to say I'm all for it. I've ordered other stuff from E and all of my buying experiences have been positive but I've only browsed plants for auction, never having the nerve to actually buy one. These 2 pictured below were bought way back in December of 2007. What I loved was the fact that these 2 sellers offered to hold the plants until whatever date that I wanted them shipped. I picked March 15th. In hindsight, I should have waited longer. So, ever since December, I've been sitting around wondering if I just gave away money. I mean of course they wanted their money right away. But just as they promised, these 2 sellers shipped right on time and the plants arrived looking pretty healthy. The one on the left is Purple Smoke Tree and the one on the right is Tamarisk. I fell in love with both these last summer on the garden walk. I ordered one each for GB and myself. . ..

reBlogged to trees succulents

Posted by Gina Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents, trees on 2008-03-23, 23:45:48

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reBlogged to succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-03-23, 22:29:17

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reBlogged to blogs succulents on Mar 20, 2008, 10:30AM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to blogs, succulents on 2008-03-21, 18:09:39

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reBlogged to succulents on Mar 13, 2008, 12:40PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-03-15, 00:21:56

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reBlogged to succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-03-05, 17:53:04

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reBlogged to succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-03-05, 17:52:45

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reBlogged to succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-03-03, 18:16:10

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reBlogged to cacti succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to cacti, succulents on 2008-03-03, 00:28:37

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Traveling in Africa for a plant enthusiast can be very rewarding indeed. There are native succulents of the most spectacular types. Some may prefer the animal safaris, but what can beat the sight of a forest of aloe trees?

We pick our way along vertiginous, boulder-strewn ledges and down slick limestone slopes where only the tiniest indentations give hoof purchase. At one point, a succulent aloe cactus proves too tempting for Seputsoe, creating multi-horse gridlock around a hairpin bend. By the time we splash across the river, thereÂ’s no doubt which of us is best qualified to navigate.

OK, so the article from London was really about a trip on horseback across the highlands of southern Africa, where they did not come across any aloe trees at all. Still, I'm just saying, there are aloe forests in southern africa and they are pretty neat.

reBlogged to succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-02-29, 06:24:01

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toast crumb has a Succulent Family Portait. There are 6 little succulents, including cactus, in a nice little grouping. A pleasant portrait of a featured family.

reBlogged to succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-02-25, 06:34:52

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reBlogged to succulents on Feb 16, 2008, 10:25PM

Posted by Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-02-18, 04:39:38

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A

reBlogged to succulents on Feb 11, 2008, 3:13AM

Posted by soekershof Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-02-12, 07:11:14

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reBlogged to succulents on Jan 24, 2008, 4:39PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-01-26, 06:26:33

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More info from the Sweet Cactus Farms website, to fill in details from this morning's post.

SCF Agave Nectar is at least 25% sweeter than sugar so you can use less and save on calories.

The Glycemic Index has been measured at 10-11. This GI, certified by the University of Sydney, is based on Agave Nectar produced from 100% Blue Weber Tequilana. Agave Nectar produced from a blend of Agave plants or "Wild Agave" has a higher Glycemic Index. Do not be confused!

Turns out it's not just related to Tequila, it comes from the Tequila Agave. Good to know. Maybe we should carry it at the nursery.

reBlogged to succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-01-25, 06:13:55

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reBlogged to succulents on Jan 19, 2008, 11:45AM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-01-21, 00:29:15

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Nancy George's North Florida Gardening Guide recommends succulents for your North Florida garden. I wonder what constitutes North Florida? The top half of the state, or just the panhandle area? My parents moved to Sarasota which is in the middle of the Gulf Coast area, an hour south of Tampa. Looking at a map, one wonders....

Looking for plants with a contemporary element, unusual forms, vibrant colors, striking foliage and extraordinary flair while remaining low maintenance? Then look to succulents and cactus. Whether planted in large numbers or used as a single specimen these plants are both beautiful and enduring. The colors, shapes and textures are endless. There are so many varieties that can be either planted in the landscape or used in containers and a lot of these beauties are totally hardy to frost.

I would guess anything north of Tampa would be North FL, but then that would include Orlando.

reBlogged to succulents on Jan 17, 2008, 10:19AM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-01-18, 06:01:09

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reBlogged to succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-01-16, 18:13:23

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reBlogged to succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2008-01-16, 18:13:09

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reBlogged to cacti succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to cacti, succulents on 2007-12-28, 20:35:47

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reBlogged to succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2007-12-23, 15:00:13

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reBlogged to succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2007-12-21, 19:49:49

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reBlogged to succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2007-12-19, 00:29:33

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The Courier Journal reprints an old column, seemingly every year now, that gives houseplant advice. Like this:

Succulents. Most are pretty easy to keep going. There are lots of succulent desert-type holiday mixed gardens out there.

The main succulents this year are the new Calandiva series of Kalanchoe with more spectacular, roselike flowers that hold for almost two months.

The column was originally printed in 2005, so do you think the "new" calandivas are still the hot new plant? Come by the nursery some day and find out for yourself. (Hint: the older style, less-rose-like Kalanchoe blossfeldiana are all the rage this year.) Anyway, shouldn't an editor have checked the column for dated info before they reprinted it as current? I'm just saying.

reBlogged to succulents on Dec 13, 2007, 4:57PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2007-12-15, 00:44:24

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Remember when I went to Grand Cypress and loved their succulent planters? Well, I've been growing my own for several months and really enjoy it. I was just re-reading a comment from Julie about how she grows her succulents. Check out her blog for more on succulents. . . .

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Posted by ldybug Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2007-12-05, 00:21:44

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reBlogged to succulents on Dec 1, 2007, 11:47AM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2007-12-03, 00:16:34

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reBlogged to succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2007-11-26, 00:30:39

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reBlogged to succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2007-11-04, 00:26:47

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I got some starts from a succulent from a Chacala neighbor a couple of years ago. . . .

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Posted by Andee Reblogged by Old Roses to succulents on 2007-11-03, 06:11:55

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In the UK, they crown National Champions in vegetables. Here is the tale of the National Champion Cactus, as told by the Evesham Journal, from the Vale of Evesham, of southern Worcestershire, England, along the valley of the River Avon.

Allen Young, of Wick, Pershore, [from the Vale of Evesham,] won the championship with his tomatoes in the National Vegetable Society championships....

In the flower classes, Sheila Townley, of Evesham, did particularly well in the cacti and succulents classes, picking up two firsts, a second and two thirds.

I really don't understand any of this.

reBlogged to cacti succulents on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to cacti, succulents on 2007-10-12, 17:58:25

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