UP THE GARDEN PATH
Louise Tomlin takes a look at gardens and plant related topics.
This time it’s Succulents that have caught her eye…
I couldn’t help but notice that everywhere I look recently there seem to be succulents. The rise
in the popularity of this group of plants in recent years is undeniable,they have successfully infiltratedmany areas of our lives: the mini-pot sporting a grey-green cute and compact plant as a table decoration in chic restaurants and as centre- pieces at weddings. They are featured in many modern garden designs looking beautifully Zen-like nestling amongst gravel, or as the plant of choice for green roofs. Fans of home decorating shows and lovers of interior design can’t help but have observed the influx of the ever present trendy plants that add colourful accents or tasteful colour co-ordinations within many living rooms and offices.
What is it that makes them so popular?
There’s little doubt that the range of colours that succulents come in is very ‘on trend’ making them the designers’ friends. There is a subtlety to the succulents’ spectrum of soft greens and greys, the many rosy shades and muted pinks, and much stronger reds and darker greens, that mean they look great on their own but also work well with many other types of plants. The wide range of colour is matched by the diversity of their shapes, from low growing rosettes and clusters, to tall, spikey and pointy, and with many textures: soft, furry and spiney!
Perhaps it’s the succulent’s ability to survive the neglect of the busy humans whose lives they
share? They typically have juicy,fleshy leaves that store water, which makes them low maintenance. Theyoriginate from Africa where strong sun and low humidity is typical, whichgives them a fighting chance againstdrought. I guess the name is a bit of a giveaway, not that I’m claiming to be any kind of scholar but it comes from the Latin, succulentus which means ‘having juice’.
My knowledge of these beauties is in the realm of the novice but having fallen in love with them, I’ve rounded up just a few here to hopefully whet your appetite…
Catch up with me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or email: Louise@louisetomlin.co.uk
