Cool Potting Ideas for Tucson

Keeping it "LIVE, LOCAL, LATEBREAKING!", I'm reporting from around Tucson.  Today I'm presenting some fun potting ideas from the Tucson Botanical Gardens.  (And my aspirations as a plant lover to create better potting arrangements at my own home. )

Of course, the hot plants that explode in our summer heat are beginning to produce some nice fruit.  Pomegranates grow here in Tucson very well.  This fruit is really expensive in stores and is taken for granted in the Old Pueblo.  Many times the fruit will just fall off or dry up on the trees because people don't know how to eat them.  They can be messy to eat but they do taste good.

But we're talking about potted plants today.  Several of my favorite plants utilized in filtered shade are the Caladiums.  Mix them up for that "WOW" effect.  Also notice the ice plants below.  In my opinion, I'm not sure that that particular plant is good to put with Caladiums as it requires a little less water but it seems to work for the TBGs.  I would substitute the Ice Plant with a purple Sweet Potato plant to hang over the pot.   Remember to think, "Thriller, Filler, Spiller"  The spiller would be the Sweet Potato vine, the "Thrillers and Fillers" are the Caladiums.  Also keep in mind, when placing annuals, etc in their pots, that you should always keep plants that require similiar watering and lighting needs together.  I learned much of this the hard way and continue to make an occassional blunder now and again as most of us do in our gardens:)

Remember to keep plants that require more watering near the entrance to your home.   Here is another example below of some potting fun with cacti.  In Tucson, you can buy planters like these from local artists, nurseries, and at events like the 4th Ave St Faire.

And check this piece of magic out.  This was my favorite set up.  Let's go closer......

Oh heck yeah!  Brilliant use of succulents with this tea set.  In fact, succulents are fantastic to use in garden art pieces.  Here the artist captures an English tea moment with some fun succulents like the "Crassula argentea 'E.T.'s Fingers'" on the far left in the tea pot. Blow the pic up larger and look at the tips of this plant.  Use your imagination, but if you've seen E.T., you can see why the name applies:)I think what makes this group of plants exciting are not only the choices and shapes for each plant but the names are fun and so are the artistic things you can do with them!  Here in Tucson, succulents require morning light with shade protection in the afternoon during the hot summer.  And don't forget to water regularly...but don't overwater.  In winter, protect from freezing temps.  They can be tricky to grow here....especially this group below but when utilized in art like this, they make a spectacular presentation.  

My best ideas always seem to come from others and that's why I'm thankful for botanical gardens like our own Tucson Botanical Gardens. More tomorrow...