flowers

When you hear the words “English Garden,” what do you think of? Succulents and cactus baking in the hot sun, right?

OK, maybe not, but there were many succulents growing in lots of the gardens and nurseries I saw in England last summer. Succulents (including even a cactus here and there!) were clearly the new darlings of English gardeners.

Succulent Inspiration from England

Many succulents, especially Sedum, are hardy enough to be planted right in the ground in England (even in Minnesota!)

Others can be houseplants in the winter, but live outdoors in the summer. It’s an interesting idea to keep the succulents in their pots, bury them in the ground for the summer, and surround them with flowers.

Above: The green “roses” are Aeonium and the orange spikes are Isoplexis.

Above: The dark burgundy “roses” are also Aeonium, one called ‘Zwartkop’ that will be at the sale.

Above: Here is one of many collections of succulents at Beth Chatto’s nursery.

Above: Row after row of succulents are being tested in the trial gardens at the Royal Horticultural Society’s garden at Wisley. If a group of plants makes it here, you know that there is already intense interest in it.

Starting to feel inspired by succulents?

Succulents Available at the sale
This year we have ordered many more succulents for you than ever before. Some we have grown ourselves or have seen in photos or in one of our growers’ greenhouses. Others will be a surprise for everybody since one succulent grower is on a buying mission for us to “bring us whatever looks great!”

Above: Opuntia polyacantha