Succulent – in the food world it means delectable; luscious.  In the plant world, the same adjectives may come to mind as you gaze on succulents’ richly textured and subtly colored forms. Thick leaves that store water, leathery surfaces that reduce moisture loss and soft, muted colors that reflect light rather absorb it; all are ways that these plants survive a less-than-hospitable environment.

Give succulents good light, allow them to dry out between waterings and fertilize them frugally.  Use them inside, outside, in containers and in the ground.   Their diverse forms grace any sunny garden setting.  For a preview of the season’s succulents, click on the video below.