succulent love

I recently got back from a trip to Southern California. Succulents are everywhere spreading their roots in the ground and adding their classy geometric textures.

echeveria's in the gardens of The Getty in LA

I love succulents. My first encounter with them was when I was a freshman in college. I was studying vigorously for a horticulture houseplant ID class when I fell head over heals for the Jade plant, Crassula argentea. It's bonsai like trunk and thick supple leaves, whats not to love? I loved it so much that I sold Jade plants to fellow students in cute planters for dorm/apartment therapy and extra cash.

What makes a plant a succulent? They have thick water storing juicy leaves or stems due to the dry environments in which they originate. If kept indoors they require the same environment. Little water in the winter months and lots of vital sunshine.

Now for some succulent finds...

My friend Mackenzie from college -whom I met in Floral Design class- lives in Southern California and makes her own succulent planters. Don't you agree with me that she should start an online shop selling these?

indoor/outdoor concrete planter circle from tortoise loves donkey:

butter cream pedestal and succulents by greenwaredesign:

spider web hens and chicks by succulents galore:

brenda by livingarrangements:

I am smitten with the shop succulentLOVE and their blog:

I hope my love rubs off on you a little, especially in the gray of winter.
<3 Christina