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Mediterranean Succulent Containers
I’ve been excited to write about succulent containers since I snapped the above picture outside a cathedral in Moneglia, Italy. This tiny town, set picturesquely on the Italian Riviera, was full of succulent inspiration. Outoor cafes, storefronts, and the beautiful brick archways that lead to the beach all sported succulent plantings. Its a less common style for containers, where full blossomed beauty is prevalent. The stark, geometric appearance has come to be associated with “modern” design. But instead of considering them modern, why not think of them as Mediterranean? Their simplicity emulates all things Mediterranean, with few blooms and an emphasis on texture. Water wise and full-sun loving, succulents thrive in containers providing maximum impact for minimal effort. There’ll be no need for dead heading or heavy fertilizing here, just a willingness to venture from petunias and marigolds.
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Beauty for the Balcony in Valencia, Spain
Near my apartment is Valencia’s Mercado Central. It’s a huge farmers market that’s open from about ten in the morning until the early afternoon when everything gets packed up and taken down just before siesta. Vendors set up their booths inside a gorgeous old building just across from La Lonja {Valencia’s ancient silk merchant market}. Ever since we happened upon the Mercado my husband and I have enjoyed wandering through the market, experiencing all the different sights and smells.
The market is definitely a shock for the senses. There are stacks of farm fresh eggs in white and speckled brown. Huge containers of pickled sardines sit below dried squid strung on large hooks from the ceilings of the stalls. Tall, narrow bottles of locally produced olive oil catch morning sun streaming through the arching entrances, causing the amber liquid to sparkle. Baskets of warm, freshly baked bread, bunches of dried herbs and spices, and crates overflowing with picked-this-morning lemons and oranges crowd the narrow walkways. The other day as we finished picking out a watermelon and some freshly baked baguettes we stumbled upon a garden stall. That’s when I saw her…
Bougainvillea has long been one of my favorite plants. I remember the first time I noticed its incredible hot pink color absolutely enveloping an arbor near Disneyland’s Rancho del Zocalo restaurant. Ever since then I’ve been hooked on this climbing vine that’s suited for more tolerant climates than my own. So when I caught a glimpse of this one as I walked past with my baguette, I couldn’t help myself. I gave my husband my best Marcus pleeease eyes and for just €8 it was mine.
Our apartment happens to have the perfect exposure to support this blooming beauty: full and hot southern sun on our balconies. Bougainvillea is a wonderful container plant because of their love of hot sun and preference of dry soil. Also, container planting of Bougainvillea allows you to winter the plant in a sunny spot indoors {if you live below zone 10}. They’re great for smaller spaces because they aren’t aggressive growers and provide a ton of color for minimum effort. Go out and grab one for your patio or balcony!
Moorish Style. . .put Moor into your garden
I spent this past weekend traveling to Seville and Málaga. My husband and I visited the palace of Alcázar and the Alcazaba fortress. We srtolled through the high walled courtyards, listened to the trickling water in fountains and pools, inhaled the heavy purfume of jasmine, roses and orange blossoms while admiring the contrast between terra cotta pavers and brightly colored ceramic tiles.
In the eighth century the Moorish invasion of Spain introduced a style of garden design that would remain long after their rule had ended. Islamic and Persian gardens where among the first pleasure gardens in the world, creating a fragrant refuge from the desert. These gardens were very much like our own gardens today; places of sanctuary and escape.
It could be fun to incorporate elements of Moorish style into your garden, Here’s how!
English Garden Style
I’ve just spent a few days in London. Amid the beauty of Westminster Abbey, Parliament, and Buckingham palace, I couldn’t help but admire the presence of English garden style. English gardens are renowned for their splendor. Deep shades of green and dashes of bright color. Sculpted boxwood and long expanses of velvet lawn. Most envision large English garden estates or majestic city parks, but the beauty of English gardens is alive and distinct in urban England. Container gardening is a wonderful way to adorn your garden with English style. First, begin by selecting a few plants in different shades of green. Consider plants of varying heights, including trailing or vine-like plants. Remember to mix different textures together to add interest. Pick one color or one blooming variety to add to your container. The green shades of foliage create a wonderful backdrop for bloomers. Remember to keep it simple. English landscapes are formal in appearance and limiting your plant selection to three or so plant varieties will better achieve this style.
Must haves for an English garden container: ivy and boxwood. Ivy can tolerate part sun, but if your location is too sunny (usually more than five hours of direct sunlight a day), consider an alternative like potato vine. Here’s a few other plant suggestions. Trailing Vines for Sun Potato vine-chartreuse, variegated, or dark purple TrailingVines for Shade/part-sun Wire vine-dark green English or California ivy-dark green or variegated with light green and white Silver falls Dicentra- grayish green Medium height Licorice plant- either chartreuse, gray, or variegated green Tall Plants for the Center Tru dwarf boxwood- medium green Italian cypress- blue green Lemon cypress-bright chartreuse green. Find your inner Brit!
‘Tis the Season- by Lacey
Usually the branches remain bare until the late months of April
when it finally bursts into an amazing dark purple.
(for those who haven’t seen a weeping purple beech I’d recommend it)
Its the uncommon warm weather we’ve experienced, the bright sunny
days that make you say “Is this really March, seriously?”.
Swelling buds, emerging tulips, and developing crab apple blossoms,
all things I love about the garden.
Is there anything better than the smell of warm topsoil and the feeling of
a good trowel in your hands? To a gardener in spring, probably not.
It makes me anxious for the time when I can take out the tomato cages, pull out the
Adirondack chairs, and hang the garden lanterns.
What are you doing to prepare your garden for spring?