Succulents and More™

One of the best features of fall is the golden light of late afternoon. The way it backlights and sidelights the (spiky) plants in our garden is nothing short of spectacular. Here is an assemblage of snapshots taken over the last few days to show you what I mean. This is one of those instances where I’m glad I’m a maximalist when it comes to the garden, squeezing far more plants into a small space than conventional “wisdom” dictates. All I can say is this: Long live cramscaping! What you see as you enter the front garden from the driveway Hechtia ‘Silver Star’, a hybrid between Hechtia argentea and Hechtia marnier-lapostollei Hechtia ‘Silver Star’ and Agave nickelsiae Hechtia argentea Ferocactus pilosus , Agave applanata ‘Cream Spike’, Aloe peglerae One of my favorite views Dasylirion longissimum in tall Corten planter, Hechtia ‘Silver Star’ (yes, another one) bottom left, and Hechtia ‘Oaxaca Sunset’ bottom right Hechtia ‘Silver Star’ top, Agave parrasana ‘Fireball’ bottom × M...

There are so many plants in our garden that beg to be looked at more closely. Often I'm simply too lazy to get out my macro lens because it typically involves putting the camera on a tripod. But afterwards, I'm always happy that I went to the extra trouble. This post is proof of that. It features close-ups of a variety of spiny, spiky, and prickly characters in the garden. Many are cacti and agaves, but not all of them. In fact, there are a few surprises. I enjoyed this exercise so much that I will do my best to keep at it. Hopefully, I'll have more close-ups for you soon. Note: The photos below are loosely arranged by color, not by genus and species. Sea holly ( Eryngium maritimum ), not a succulent at all, but a type of thistle native to most European coastlines. Mine (from Xera Plants in Portland, OR) grows happily right alongside agaves and aloes. And yes, the leaves do prick you when you touch them! Dyckia marnier-lapostollei , arguably one of the most beautiful Dycki...