Many of you know Debra Lee Baldwin. She has written three books on designing with succulents and is widely credited with inspiring global interest in their use in gardens and landscapes. Because of her expertise and influence in the field, she is often referred to as the “Queen of Succulents”. In fact, her YouTube handle is @QueenofSucculents.
I first met Debra in 2011 at the first Succulent Extravaganza put on by Succulent Gardens, back when the nursery was still run by the legendary Robin Stockwell. (For those of you who might be wondering what Robin is doing in his retirement, he now makes high-end surfboards.) I hadn’t seen Debra in quite a few years, and I was happy to run into her at the 2025 CSSA Convention in San Diego. She told me she was filming a new video in which succulent growers and enthusiasts were all asked the same question: “What would your recommendation be for the perfect collectible succulent for beginners?” She asked me if I wanted to participate, and of course I said yes.
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Before I knew it, Debra had mic’d me up and gotten the camera rolling. Even though I hadn’t had any time to prepare, I knew exactly what I was going to talk about: agaves. As luck would have it, I happened to be standing at one of
Jeremy Spath‘s table in the sales area so I could conveniently point at his agaves to underscore my message.
Watch the video below to hear me rambling on about why agaves are so cool. My segment starts at the 11:52 mark:
All things considered, I think I sound reasonably coherent in the video even though I speak too fast. But then, I’m not exactly used to being in front of the camera.
What succulents would you recommend as easy starter plants for novices? Please leave a comment below.
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I enjoyed the video, and thought you were great! *Is it just me or was Debra's voice a lower octave than I'd ever heard from her before? I can't narrow down one I would recommend, I think that something bites you - and the addiction begins.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, standing up for agaves! Agave attentuata is my go-to as a garden filler - it's easy to grow, forms nice clumps (and pups to use elsewhere), and has yet to bloom in my garden (which I consider a good thing). It's also less prickly than many other agaves. I like variegated Agave desmettiana too, although it blooms more readily. I'm also very fond of Agave 'Blue Glow'. Euphorbia tirucalli 'Sticks on Fire' is easier yet to grow but can get out of control within a few years.
ReplyDeleteHi Gerhard -- What a delightful surprise! Thank you! It was wonderfully serendipitous to run across you at the convention at Jeremy Spath's agave table in the sale area. You didn't talk too fast...just right. And as for my voice being lower, it might have to do with my having to dub some it. Audio is always my biggest challenge (sigh). But it was great fun!
ReplyDeleteOops, I didn't mean to comment as "Anonymous." Guess you could figure out who wrote it, LOL.
DeleteExcellent choice, Gerhard! Agaves are what drew me into the world of succulents too. They may not be the easiest or least dangerous succulent, haha, but they are the most beautiful, and I like that we can grow some species outdoors here in Texas.
ReplyDeleteI always watch Debra's videos, and I was surprised to see you answering the question of the day!! You were perfect and didn't speak too fast at all!
ReplyDeleteAgaves! Yes... well done. #agavesaremyfavorite
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