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Posts Tagged ‘Cactus Garden’

Designing with Succulents

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on December 11, 2012| 2 Comments »

A while back I was asked if I had any examples of how to use succulents in a landscape. It can be a bit tricky to only use succulents because people tend to use the same textures and colors. The trick is to mix it up, using different height and shapes, as well as different textures and colors. For example, using a large Agave Attenuata or Barrel Cactus with Senecio Mandraliscae planted around it would be beautiful.

Below, I have collected a couple of examples.

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A great mix here — Kalanchoes, Senecio, Agaves, Barrel Cactus, Kangaroo Paws, and Sago Palms

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They mixed shape, texture and color beautifully! (Barrel Cactus, Senecio & Torch Aloe)

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The color contrast here between the blue of the Echeveria and the green of the Barrel and Opuntia is stunning.

Succulents and Cactus are perfect plants and when mixed well they can produce a gorgeous garden with little maintenance.

Another great resource is Jammie Friday’s board on Pinterest called, Arid Garden.

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An Overgrown Courtyard Turned Simple Rock Garden

Posted in Home, Projects, tagged , , , , on September 15, 2012| 2 Comments »

The client’s wish —

a rock garden with cactus and as little maintenance as possible.

Before

After

Every garden needs a focal point. With this courtyard, since it was long and narrow, the focal point is a floating bed centered in the middle. We used Barrel Cactus and Agave for both the low maintenance factor, as well as for their sculptural element.

As this garden matures the perfectly shaped barrel cactus will continue to grow wider and a bit taller, while the Agave will reach up to 4 to 5 feet — demanding quite a presence.

The Golden Barrel Cactus, Echinocactus Grusunii

Red Barrel Cactus, Ferocactus Glaucescens

Red Barrel Cactus and Agave

At the end of the garden, Red Colorado boulders were added for color and interest.

For this garden we kept the plant material minimal, however, they are picked with purpose. The cacti supply that wonderful sculptural element while the Nandina (above) serve several purposes. As the Nandina mature they will spread out creating a screen masking the home’s foundation and electrical boxes. They will frame the courtyard, directing one’s eyes towards the focal point bed in the middle, and, they will help soften the overall space.

Thank you to the client who was wonderful to work with, and to Perry Shankle with Perry Shankle Landscaping, who put all my ideas into motion!

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