Succulents basking in the heat
The succulent wall pleases me to no end, and from unexpected angles of viewing. I particularly like this view from below, as I climb the steps to the upper patio. I even love the gray, matte color of the blocks juxtaposed with the soft mauves and cool green-blues of the succulents. That’s our native rock penstemon (Penstemon baccharifolius) blooming so jauntily in front of it. And there’s Moby on the left, my big ‘Whale’s Tongue’ agave (A. ovatifolia).
An echeveria in a container on the steps is about to bloom.
And this one in the wall planter is in bud. You’ll notice that something has been chewing on the leaves, even though it’s planted on the top of the wall. Sigh.
Well, no succulents here, but the stock-tank pond plants love the heat too. The lilies (I have three now) are all in bloom, and the surrounding scene is of deep green. We just need rain for all to be well on Tecolote Hill.
All material © 2006-2011 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
We would gladly trade you some rain for a good blast of sunshine.I have to keep reminding myself to take joy in the fact that my monthly water bills are still unseasonably low…
That is a definite plus, Weeder. I’d do a trade in a minute if I only knew how. —Pam
Your block wall looks wonderful Pam. Some rain wouldn’t hurt my feelings either.
Let’s do a rain dance for the South, Darla. —Pam
Looking nice – I think I see a Rock Penstemon in photo #1! I have a bunch, assuming I water them again…
Yep, that’s a rock penstemon blooming its little head off. —Pam
Oh, yes…we do need rain. I can’t imagine how awful the summer might be, without it. We’ve already been put on stage 2 water restrictions.
Your garden always looks so nice and lush.
Have a good weekend. Stay cool.
The green trees and shrubs help with the lush look, Linda. But my garden too is bone dry. We desperately need rain. I’m watering more than normal, but it’s not really making a dent. —Pam
Your pond looks GREAT! My lily’s leaves are all standing above the water instead of flat on the water, and it’s not blooming yet. Does that perhaps mean it’s too crowded or maybe the lily is too big for the pond? Or do some varieties do that? Let me know if you have any insight!
Hm, I really don’t know why they’d be doing that, Robyn. But I know whom you can call to ask. Hill Country Water Gardens is my go-to place for pond questions and supplies. Ask for Christopher. —Pam
Oh that is a good angle for the succulent wall! Of course Moby really makes the picture.
Still no heat here, Saturday is predicted to hit 81…but then next week we are back to the 60’s and rain. With this extremely cool and wet spring you are going to be in for a lot of green during your PNW visit!
Green is good, Loree, and frankly I’m hoping for cool (but sunny) weather when I’m there. No heat wave for us Texans at the Seattle Fling, please, weather gods! —Pam
Such a beautiful corner you have created, Pam. So inviting. Lilies are lovely. Do animals get in the pond at night? And the succulent wall is perfect for your locale. So creative!
Thanks, Kathryn. Now and then some of the pond plants will be tipped off their rock supports, and I suspect a raccoon at work. But the pond is straight-sided and two feet deep, so there’s no way for a raccoon to wade in. Besides, I only keep mosquito fish in it now, and they aren’t as tempting as koi or goldfish might be. —Pam
Lovely! I love the subtle colors of the succulents, and I love the stock tank pond.
Thanks, Linda. 🙂 —Pam
LOVE your succulent wall, Pam! This is something I could do, with hardy succulents and alpines, methinks. Somewhere that the longsuffering spouse is unlikely to whack into it with the snowplow in winter (not a danger you’ve ever had to deal with, I’m sure…)
Nope, a snowplow is unheard of around here, Jodi. But I bet a cinder-block wall planter would be perfect for cold-hardy alpines. I can’t wait to see your interpretation! —Pam
Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous, Wonder Pam!!! The wall is fantastic – I’m planning a garden fluff for next year, maybe i can squeeze one in somewhere. Even though it must be sweltering, your garden looks super cool!
XOXOXOXO!!!!
Oh yes, it is sweltering under the Death Star, but the live oaks do offer some protection from its glare. You’re planning a “garden fluff?” I can’t wait to see whatever it turns out to be! —Pam
The heat has certainly set in here and you are right, the succulents have not missed a beat! I, on the other hand need to grow some skin like those echeverias in the post.
Yes, it’s hot out there, and earlier than usual. We will all have to grow tougher skins. —Pam
Well I wish I could send you some of ours! We have too much here and it is freaking out my succulents. They can only take so much you know! Another storm is expected this weekend. This is so unusual for here. I just love your succulent wall and your back yard is so amazing!
Thanks, Candy. Of course, I only show the good parts, you know. 😉 —Pam
A succulent wall is something I have lusted after for a while. I’ve shown my husband yours a few times and he just mumbles something about “yes lovely…too busy…” so I’ve decided I don’t need him. I’m quite capable of making a wall myself. Yours is amazing.
Missy, you ARE quite capable of making a wall like this yourself. It really wasn’t hard at all since I placed it on an existing, sturdy base (a patio). Go for it! —Pam
I’ve liked that planter/wall since you built it. It’s looking great as the succulents get bigger. And I’m in zone 8a lust over your huge A. ovatifolia!
You can grow one, Jane. They are fully hardy to zone 7, I’ve read. You can often find A. ovatifolia for sale at Yucca Do and Plant Delights catalogs. —Pam
I really like your garden wall a lot. An idea worth borrowing. The succulents are very happy I am sure in this uniquely constructed home for them. they must be loving the heat too, but I hope you get your rain. Wish we could send some your way as we had more than our share.
I wish you could too, Donna! We are desperate for it. —Pam