Backyard Farmgals

You all know by now that I have a seriously (un)healthy addiction to succulents.  I love their fat little leaves and stems.  I love how they hold onto water and find a way to thrive where it would seem impossible.  I especially love their texture... it is scrumptious!  They make me happy.  I recently re-potted my succulent pot in my kitchen and thought I would give you all a little eye candy to drool at. I approached this planting with a go big or go home attitude.  I used 4-inch plants instead of the usual 2-inch ones that I love.  I was going for big texture and big effect, and it worked, even in my skinny succulent pot that I love so much.  This planting was more about gracefully crowding the pot.  Succulents don't grow quickly, so crowding isn't really a huge problem.  I got into some height with the planting as well, which was fun and unexpected. But enough words... you get the idea!  

Because it's raining and because I have at least a million and one things to do, I potted a fabulous succulent pot this morning.  I was feeling rebellious.  Go away to-do list... a little Scarlett O'Hara moment rising up, "I'll think about that tomorra".  I guess I need a little fun.  I did finish planting the farm this weekend and I need to celebrate (this year was rough - too much school, two orthopedic injuries, and one horrible case of bronchitis that became a sinus infection from you-can-guess-where; May was not a good month for me).  This not-so-little nursery near me sells a big variety of tiny succulents in 2-inch pots.  They are so cute, I could buy a truckload of them, but I settled for enough to fill this stellar skinny metal pot that I have. I love succulents, they have texture and color in all shades of greens and purples, even a little pink.  I love the chunky leaves and stout fat shapes.  They are a texture freaks dream ...

It's hot, really hot, and it seems the whole West is on fire.  The smoke in the air makes me feel sticky, like a thick gray brown film has covered me.  This is what summer in the West has become, a race against the heat of fire and the cool of water.  One thing that thrives in this desert inferno is succulents.  They somehow manage to survive the heat, wind, and drought. I have to share a few photos of my favorite pot.  I planted an old white iron pot that has rusted through with succulents.  The pot is perfect for these plants.  It is one of the most delightful things to glance at as I walk past the porch.  I love the texture of them.  Some are thin and whispy, others are fat and squat their thick round leaves hoarding the water and the sunshine.  The textures play off each other, enhancing the fineness of one and the lumpiness of another.  It's great fun.  I feel like a kid in a candy store picking them out at the n...