Fall Planting Tips: 3 Flowering Succulent Plants For Drought Tolerant Gardens And Containers

Succulents are plants that are able to store water in their stems and leaves, enabling them to live for long periods of time without water. They are similar to cactus but without the thorns (usually). This is a very large grouping of plants with many different colors, leaf shapes and growth habits.  Most flowering succulent Read More…

Flowering Lavender Herb Plants in My Sunny, Dry Southern California Garden

Here is one of my favorite plants; lavender. I have two French lavender plants growing in my garden. Both have been flowering for months now and both have proven to be extremely drought tolerant and beautiful. Even lavender leaves are sticky with essential oils and perfume the air. I use the flowers and leaves for Read More…

Fall Planting Time: Four Flowering Shrubs for Dry Southwestern Gardens

Fall is just around the corner and for gardeners in the southwestern US, it is a great time to think about planting perennial, flowering shrubs. This is also a great time to plan out your landscape for next year, including preparing for more drought!  Benefits of planting in autumn is a little extra free water Read More…

Newest addition to the family a variegated portulacaria succulent plant

Here’s my new baby, a variegated portulacaria, also called baby jade, or elephant food. Normally these succulent plants are lime green with brown stems.  This little cutie has has white edges with a little red here and there. I’m working on a new portulacaria succulent plant page for main website so I just HAD to Read More…

Growing Kalanchoe for Drought Tolerant Gardens or as House Plants

You may not think of kalanchoes as succulent plants, but they are. Kalanchoes are another member of the Crassulaceae or Stonecrop family. They are reliable dry garden bloomers known for their bright flowers. Most varieties are perennial and evergreen, making them perfect candidates for my hot, dry landscape. Their flowers bloom in small bouquets of Read More…

Color Changing Succulent Plant Aeonium

I love my succulent plants. They change color with the seasons too! Here’s my aeonium.  Normally it’s green with a little bit of red on the tips. In winter the centers get creamy white. I have cuttings of this plant sprinkled around the garden – but I can’t remember which ones they are until they Read More…

Daffodil Flowers in Sparkling Waterford Crystal: Friday Floral

Yes, it is January, but I already have daffodils flowering in my garden.  I planted these bulbs years ago.  We’ve had a little rain here in southern California so they’ve taken that as their big chance to flower.  I know we’re still in the dead of winter, but they seem to have their own schedule.  Read More…