Succulents

Succulents don't prefer a rich, improved soil like most other plants, but instead they like their soil on the lean side. So before planting, prepare a potting mix that combines a store-bought soil mix with an equal amount of coarse builder's sand. By doing this, you've created a potting media that's not too rich and drains well.

Fill a container roughly three-quarters full with the prepared potting mix. Plant the succulents in the pot and top off with more soil.

Succulents can also be planted in rock gardens or inserted into small holes or niches in rockery around a water garden or garden border. To do this, simply stuff some soil mix into the planting pocket and add a succulent.

Since many succulents are native to Mexico or arid regions of South America, they may not survive cold winters, but you can overwinter them indoors as houseplants, provided they receive plenty of light.

Figure A

There are cold-hardy selections, including Sedum, also known as stonecrop, and Sempervivum, or hens and chicks. Check out Sedum 'Vera Jameson'.

Figure B

'Voodoo' is another great selection.

Figure C

Or take a look at Sempervivum 'Royal Ruby'. These three plants are hardy to USDA Zone 3 and will return year after year.

Figure D

Besides the fact that succulents are drought tolerant and easy to grow, they're incredibly easy to propagate. For example, you can take a piece of baby toes (Fenestraria sp.) and pot it in well-draining potting mix. In no time at all, it will grow.