As this blog shows, I’ve been fascinated by succulents for some time now. These graphic little plants, sometimes funny, sometimes downright sculptural, have invaded the house…
I haven’t yet (not yet!) created a real succulent garden, but I’ve immersed myself in the subject in full, “I want to know everything before I take the plunge” mode. And since I’m sure I’m not the only one dreaming of a dry little corner, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned with you here – in the hope that it will inspire you too.
Why do I love succulents so much?
I think it all started when I discovered that a plant could look like a rose. Echeveria completely charmed me. Then came the little zebra Haworthia, the drooping Sedum…
What I love:
- They’re easy to live with if you control the watering.
- They require very little water (and are therefore easy to forget).
- They add a real decorative touch, especially if mixed in terracotta pots or colorful containers.
- They are fun to cut.
- I like their colors
My current dream: a real succulent garden
The question I’ve been asking myself is: how do you go from a little pot on the windowsill to a real succulent garden, indoors or out?
Here’s what I’ve discovered, through my readings, videos …
1. Choose the right location
First of all, succulents love the sun. They need at least 5 to 6 hours of direct light a day. If you want to create an outdoor garden, the ideal spot is sunny, a little dry and, if possible, with soil that doesn’t retain moisture and is sheltered from the rain. That’s kind of my problem!
No garden? No problem! It’s easy to imagine a mini garden in a large planter, on a balcony, or even in a salvaged wooden crate. The important thing is to be sheltered from the rain and cold for certain plants.
2. Prepare the soil (or pot)
The key to a successful succulent garden is drainage. These plants don’t like their feet in water. I’ve read that a mixture of cactus potting soil, sand and fine gravel (or pozzolan if you can find it) is ideal.
In pots, always put a layer of clay balls at the bottom and choose a perforated container. Indoors, you can create a garden effect by grouping pots with different plants. But that’s not exactly what I’d call a garden!
3. Choosing the right plants
Here are the stars of the succulent garden:
- Echeveria, elegant and colorful. But not all of them can stand winter outside.
- Sedum, perfect for ground cover or cascading. There are many varieties for outdoor use
- Crassula (jade plant), very resistant
- Aloe vera, always useful and graphic but can become very large
- Sempervivum, ideal for rock gardens and resistant to cold and humidity, therefore more suitable for outdoor use.
- Aeonium for height. Holds well down to zero. Easy to grow.
- Cactus
- Prickly pear
In short, mix shapes, heights and colors to create relief, rather like a flower arrangement.
Read: 25 plants for a dry, arid garden (including many succulents!)
4. Think about the layout
In a garden, as in a window box, you need to play with the layout: place the larger plants in the center or at the bottom, and the smaller, creeping ones on the edges. You can add stones, coloured sand or even Zen decorations (small statuettes, pebbles, etc.).
I love the idea of a miniature garden that gives the impression of a small desert.
5. Maintenance? It’s easy!
Water only when the soil is completely dry, as with pot plants. In summer, this may be once a week. In winter, once a month may be enough. Too much water is the main cause of mortality in succulents. Let’s not forget it! So we learn to be patient.
Also remember to remove dead leaves and keep an eye out for pests.
Review: coming soon?
I haven’t yet taken the plunge into a real succulent garden, but I don’t think I’ve got the right garden to embark on this dream. Even though droughts are on the increase in Brittany, winter and spring can be very wet. Would you be tempted?
Have you ever tried a succulent garden? Any favorite plants to recommend? I’d love to hear about your experiences and ideas in the comments!
Read to dream: Singapore’s large greenhouses to see as many succulents as possible!
