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"Possibility and promise greet me each day as I walk out into my garden. My vigor is renewed when I breathe in the earthiness and feel the dirt between my fingers. My garden is a peaceful spot to refresh my soul." Meems






Welcome to my Central Florida Garden Blog where we garden combining Florida natives, Florida-Friendly plants, and tropicals.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Succulents

I'm very taken with succulents lately. My tastes and drifts toward particular plants varies with time. That's how it is for gardeners. I'm sure it's like that for you too.
 I put this succulent container together a few months ago and positioned it in a spot of afternoon sunlight.
Now that my maturing garden is mostly planted out (did I just say that?), I find myself turning to plants I had little time or desire for in the past. Succulents and agaves have always intrigued me, but mostly in other people's gardens. It's not that I've never planted succulents. It's just that recently I can feel myself being drawn to them increasingly and thinking of ways to use them as accents. Sufficient sun requirements are always an issue in my garden for those plants that like more than I have to offer... time will tell how this container performs. For now I am happy with it.
I put pea gravel (for good drainage) about 2" thick in the bottom of this (drainless) container, then a couple of inches of spaghnum moss and my usual potting soil to plant. I water it sparsely about once a month.  
When the Christmas decorations were removed this year, I replaced the centerpiece in my sunny kitchen eat-in area with a bowl of succulents. I gathered some odds and ends that were hanging around as stragglers in the potting area (cuttings and pass-alongs) together with a couple that I purchased.

I'm having fun with succulents for now. One of these days I'm going to get around to hanging some orchids in my oak trees. I can see it in my minds' eye ... so I know it will happen  ... eventually.

Do you love the ease and simplicity of succulents?

Happy gardening,
Meems

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11 comments:

  1. Yeah!!! Good to get your email. Funny thing, I won a beautiful succulent at a garden club event I attended. Don't remember what it is called and pray I don't kill it. I am notorious for over watering. I am going to take a page from your book and try watering about once a month. Wish me luck!

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  2. I don't own a single succulent, but I think they are so amazing! Your planting looks lovely. These must be the perfect plants for those who want to garden, but don't necessarily have a green thumb. Watering once a month? Wow!
    Thanks so much for sharing this on The Maple Hill Hop today! So good to see you there!
    Happy Spring, Meems!

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  3. Your pots are lovely! I have over watered mine in the past. Do you have drainage holes in these pots? and what about fertilizer, and when to repot?

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  4. Yes, once again you gave me inspiration to gather succulents from around the yard, place them in a decorative pot that was used for odds and ends, and voila!!! I love it!

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  5. I love succulents but I find there are so few that can survive our winters. I drool over the dark colors that are available now. Ic an't wait to see how your collection grows. I can also see orchids in your garden.

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  6. I have been drawn to succulents for the recent year, and have bought so many home. Love your center piece! Maybe I will do a post about succulents too;)

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  7. I do not grow succulents except for some Hens & Chicks but you do inspire me. I love the arrangement in the blue bowl. It is just beautiful. Have a great weekend.

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  8. Hi Meems, just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
    http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/

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  9. Barbara... I put a 2" layer of small pea rocks in the bottom of each of my succulent containers. Some have drainage and some don't. They really don't need much water at all! I let them get completely dried out before watering.

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  10. Have you ever tried growing aloe vera? I've recently been reading about the therapeutic power of its juice. Happy Green Day everyday by the way!

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  11. Robert... I've grown aloe for many years. It's one of those you put in a pot and forget about it. I use the inside of the leaves for burns and even small cuts... great healing powers indeed.

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Have a blessed day,
Meems


September 2010

Back Garden: October 2010

Louise Philippe: Antique Rose

Tropical Pathway