Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Tuesday Inspiration: Succulents


I'm a sucker for succulents these days!

I love them for their organic and rustic feel, and for how they always seem to be perfect planted in unexpected containers like above. Once a sconce for pillar candles, now repurposed to hold succulents.

Sandy Koepke
In fact, seeking out the unusual containers to hold these wonderful plants is half the fun.
I'm inspired by how Sandy Koepke uses succulents in her design.

Sandy Koepke
Here, she used colorful California pottery to hold a collection of succulents outside.

Sandy Koepke
An outdoor room designed by Sandy Koepke, using succulents. These plants were made for our climate in California!

My friend Lisa displays organic succulent arrangements on her windowsills. A collection of branches, moss and succulents, they are a wonderful juxtaposition to the silver collection in her formal living room. She retrofitted the sills with soapstone to accommodate them!

The first time I saw a succulent wreath was at Lisa's house. She knows a talented florist who specializes in succulents and will make just about anything. However, the wreath above is from Viva Terra and can be purchased online for $89.

They have two versions available.

It's hard to resist this little guy! Viva Terra again for $79.

I'm loving this driftwood container from Viva Terra! At $89 though, I don't think so!

They also have a trio of little plants for sale in cement containers. The three for $79.

I picked up my trio of succulents for my kitchen window at Home Depot! Only $5 each, they are so sweet in their crackled pots.

I just planted this container with succulents. It looks like it's made of stone, but is actually resin. I found it at Jo Ann's Fabrics of all places.

A similar version of my "rock garden" is available at Viva Terra online.

In the wine country, succulents are perfect because of the dry, hot climate most of the year.
We planted quite a few containers last year, including the cement pillars outside the living room doors.


I had these cement containers from Ballard Designs forever, and when I planted them with succulents, they came alive!

When I found this cement suitcase in an antique store, I knew it would be perfect for a succulent garden in Asti. It has held up well through the winter.

Succulents allow you to be creative. After all, how many plants can you make a wreath out of that will last almost forever! It's also fun selecting different varieties for arrangements. They come in so many different colors and sizes--all needing very little water!

Stephanie Williams Photography
Succulents have even become popular for weddings.

Stephanie Williams Photography
This particular wedding used succulents entirely. Click here to see one of the most beautiful weddings ever!

Martha Stewart
A wedding, or also a garden would be lovely with a succulent "kissing ball!"

Cottage Gardens of Petaluma
Succulents and flowers mixed together make for a lovely centerpiece for the holidays.

So why are succulents so popular? The "The Queen of Succulents," Debra Lee Baldwin says it is because they are easy to care for and draught tolerant. And because of their rosettes and geometric shapes with striking colors.

I couldn't agree more! Her two books are a must, and a great place to begin if you are considering succulents for your home and garden. Both books are available on my sidebar from Amazon. Just one of the many conveniences I offer!

So, how do you feel about succulents? Are you as crazy about them as I am?

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23 comments:

Julie Harward said...

I love them too and how they grow everywhere so easily. Love them on the turtle..too cute! ;D

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

They're all just wonderful, I especially like the little turtle, puts a smile on your face.
hugs~lynne~

Agni said...

They are my big love ! Great Ideas !! Ag

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Delores, I love them and looks like I need to go to Home Depot.

Nita Stacy said...

I've been wanting to try some in my garden. But don't think they will withstand the winters here in Oklahoma. I think those wreaths are fantastic. So glad you mentioned that online store. I didn't know about it and they have lots of good things.

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

I was just at HD today but looking for palm trees:) I will go back to get some succulents, I DO love them! That turtle stole my heart but the cement suitcase is my favorite!!!! Love how you did your pillars too! XO, Pinky

Kathysue said...

Hi D, the suitcase and the orb are my favs. I never liked succulents before but now they are showing so many eveywhere and when done in mass I can appreciate the sculptural look and the color and texture variations. I have a few in pots in the yard but not too many. Your displays are beautiful and perfect in the setting you have them in, xo Kathysue

Babs said...

I've had a pot of succulents on my deck for the last couple of years and they always look beautiful, especially in the heat and drought of our summers.
Great inspiration... now I have to look for some new ones. :)
Babs

Stephanie said...

LOVE the succulent wreath!

Sarah said...

Delores, I saw succulent wreaths for sale at Lowe's at Christmas. Wish I had brought one home.
I do like them planted in containers, and they are also great for Texas weather. Love that suitcase container! ~ Sarah

Sarah said...

Delores, I saw succulent wreaths for sale at Lowe's at Christmas. Wish I had brought one home.
I do like them planted in containers, and they are also great for Texas weather. Love that suitcase container! ~ Sarah

Sarah said...

Delores, I saw succulent wreaths for sale at Lowe's at Christmas. Wish I had brought one home.
I do like them planted in containers, and they are also great for Texas weather. Love that suitcase container! ~ Sarah

Tricia Rose Rough Linen said...

The thing I love best about succulents is the word itself - ssssucculent! and how easy they are to propagate.

Marlis said...

I am I am!!! Wow the ideas are fabulous. I've got some growing in concrete bowls that I made myself, and they are perfect in the hot and dry heat we have here. And now I want more more more! happy wednesday.

Patricia said...

What a coincidence! I spent half the day yesterday looking for a live succulent wreath - FYI all:
I found the lovliest and least expensive on Etsy!

Tracy F. said...

I love them! How cute is that turtle!

The French Hutch said...

I love how easy they are. Your photos are so inspiring to use them in unexpected places. The photo of the outdoor room is my favorite, with the succulents planted and hanging over the wall. This post is a feast for the eyes. Thanks for sharing......

~Emily
The French Hutch

Linda said...

I love them too and have many different varities.....thanks for the inspiration!

Maureen said...

Thank you for sharing! I love all the inspirational planters especially the suitcase. I am going to check out those books because I have become a fan of these plants.

Upscale Downhome said...

Succulents are the only plants I can keep alive long enough to truly enjoy. I'd love the picture of the outdoor California room with the fireplace. I just want to go there and have a glass of wine with friends.

Unknown said...

Your pictures always make me drool! Those succulent wreaths are just beautiful!

Cyndy said...

FABulous photo finds. You never cease to amaze me

LOVE succulent displays, very Feng Shui. And the containers...really need to seek out and find some new creations for all of my succulent vignettes

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real estate philippines said...

I love this post it was very cool and amazing. You are very creative. I love this entire succulent wreath. Thank you for sharing and keep posting.


Charles A

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