Comments on: Book review: Hardy Succulents

By: melissa ureksoy

melissa ureksoy — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:49:55 +0000

First of all your daughter is absolutely beautiful! Congratulations. Secondly thanks for the info on botaniwipes. I’m always looking for healthy organic ways to keep my plants happy and healthy.

By: kate

kate — Sat, 24 May 2008 19:31:13 +0000

Ah, my weakness, which is probably why I grow so many sempervivums and haul the succulent/cactus collection outdoors every spring.

I hope you are having a great time with Lila – and that she is letting you get enough sleep!!

By: Andrea Bellamy

Andrea Bellamy — Thu, 22 May 2008 17:36:02 +0000

Amy – fascinating. Who would have thunk it? That’s what I think I learned most from this book, too – that microclimates can make all the difference.

Melanie – I’m curious as to which are your favourites for zone 6. Perhaps a post is in order!

TeacherA – you’re moving to Washington? We’ll be neighbours!

Paula – so true. I know Germi, for example, would tell me she wishes she could grow Japanese maples like I can up here in the rain. And I’m jealous of her agaves!

Jenn – thanks for the link – looks like a great resource.

Germi – speak of the devil ;) I think you’re right – compensation is key. And in my case, that means sharp, gravelly soil. I’ll give it a try!

Kim – re: pushing the car – I know, my husband was mortified. Not because I might go into labour, but because “what would people think?”!

Elaine – thank you so much! Please do leave more lovely comments :) Glad to “meet” a fellow Vancouver gardener. I’m going to go check out your blog right now.

By: Elaine

Elaine — Wed, 21 May 2008 04:40:38 +0000

Hello, Andrea. I owe you so many comments because each of your posts have given me something: e.g., information, inspiration, new ideas to try, a few minutes of pleasure and virtual gardening during the workday. So a blanket “thank you” to cover everything.

But in particular, thanks for this very helpful book review. I’m slowing adding succulents to my south-facing balcony garden. I too live in Vancouver so need to make adjustments for all the rainfall.

You probably noticed how good the cover of the book looks with your website design. Very pretty.

And congratulations (belated) on the little sprout that you’ve welcomed into your and your partner’s lives.

I promise to write my comments more regularly instead of just keeping them in my head.

By: Kim

Kim — Mon, 19 May 2008 01:47:56 +0000

Thanks for the warning–I mean review. I SO cannot get this book. I already have a huge problem with succulents, which is only mitigated by my limited sunny window space! lol.

Btw, I just reread your mushroom post and realized that you also pushed a car around the day before you gave birth. You were a very fit pregnant woman, but… I am just giggling at the thought of someone seeing a pregnant woman pushing a car, and having to do a double take. :)

By: germi

germi — Sun, 18 May 2008 20:43:09 +0000

Hey, Mamma! How’s the girl?

I’m sure you’ve already done this, but have you checked out the agave section at Plant Delights? He has several hardy agaves listed, and they are some of my favorites.

When I was in the French Alps a couple of years ago, I saw agaves thriving in freezing weather. All of them were growing in what seemed to be very dry, gravely soil – some were in troughs filled with pebbles and all were in full sun.

I think compensation is the key. If you live in a cold, dry climate – sun is the answer. If you live in a cold, wet climate – extra sharp soil (maybe in raised beds, berms, or pots) could mean success. Shady, wet, and cold? Hmmmm….

I encourage you in your agave lust! I’m going to buy this book right away…

By: jenn

jenn — Sat, 17 May 2008 22:28:22 +0000

Try browsing this catalog for your hardier agaves - they have loads of information, and I suspect they would be available for questions as well... High Country Gardens Good luck with your search!

By: Paula

Paula — Sat, 17 May 2008 14:14:29 +0000

I have zone envy. My zone 3″ish”( I can get to a 5, if I try hard) with minimal rain does not support my love of English garden flora. I am trying hard to like plants more tolerant of my dry, sandy soil-maybe I can learn to love the succulent. The grass is always greener…sigh.

By: Teacher A

Teacher A — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:07:28 +0000

I love succulents. They’re one of the few non-edible things that I like to grow. It’s good to know that I won’t have to go totally without when I move from sunny San Diego up to Washington.

By: Melanie

Melanie — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:31:50 +0000

Thanks for this review. I’m just crazy about succulents and have found many varieties that are quite hardy here in our long, wet, zone 6 winters.