Growing variety in the succulent garden
The beauty of nature is often seen in the almost infinite variety of plants. One way to experience that variety, says Brian Kemble, curator at the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek, is through experimentation and discovery.
Kemble, speaking at Our Garden, says no one knew for certain whether some of the succulents and cactuses at the Ruth Bancroft Garden could be grown in this climate. But through experimentation, including some failures, the garden world has learned just how adaptable plants can be.
For example, Kemble says, Bancroft is fond of gasterias, which are native to the coast of South Africa, where it is never subjected to freezing temperatures.
But Bancroft wanted to try them and in doing so, learned the gasterias, also known as tongue plants, do very well in our colder climate. They thrive in the shade, but when they were planted in partial sun, they produced different colors — red, purples and oranges.
“You don’t learn without trying,” Kemble says.
Here are some tips for your succulent garden:
Don’t think you know n all about a plant because you have one variety. For an interesting garden, branch out.
Learn all you can n about a plant to improve your chances of growing it successfully.
There is great joy and n excitement that comes from planting a small plant and seeing it grow. Succulents are slow growers, but they are worth the wait as they reveal themselves over time.
You can’t generalize n about succulents. To diagnose problems, such as too much water or not enough, you have to consider the specific plant and species, and its individual needs. The plant will tell you what it needs.