This is an awesome book on container gardening. Ms. Baldwin accepted the challenge of demystifying succulents and how to grow them. And she did a wonderful job! She starts off by pairing plants with various pot types and styles. From there she talks about the many types of succulents along with some companion plants to consider. At the same time, you can see colorful photos with crisp detail. If you are a visual person like me, I can't say enough good things about the importance of well-developed pictures.She talks about displaying your plants, the proper care and, lastly, she gives you some wonderful plant lists. If you are ever considering growing this family of plants, I would tell you to consider investing in the hard copy. It is money well-spent; you will get much use from this book. When I received Succulent Container Gardens by Debra Lee Baldwin I liked succulents, but now that I have read it, I absolutely love them. This is the best container gardening book I’ve found. I always pick out a plant and put it in the right size pot with no consideration to color and shape. This book helps the reader make their container gardens into works of art.Succulent Container Gardens is divided into four parts. In part one Pairing Plants with Pots, the book shows how the shape and color of the plant and pot can compliment each other. Different pot styles are discussed, including ideas for using items around the house or thrift store finds. For a quick crash-course there is a section, Ten Quick and Easy Plant-Pot Combos.Part 2 is Plant Palette with a description of the different kinds of succulents and their growing needs. Also included is information on the use of some nonsucculent plants as companion plants.Part 3 is Creative Designs and Displays which shows plant groupings, hanging baskets, wreaths, stacked displays and even working with miniatures. These are some of the most beautiful succulent displays I have ever seen.Part 4 is Planting, Care, and Propagation to make sure your plants stay healthy and prolific.The photographs throughout the book are outstanding and numerous. They inspired me to begin planning for both indoor and outdoor displays. My favorite quote of the book is in the preface: “These are the plants that allow you to be lazy.” I highly recommend this book.
What do You think about Succulent Container Gardens: Design Eye-Catching Displays With 350 Easy-Care Plants (2010)?
I'm not a big fan of gardening books, but this one is absolutely gorgeous and eye-opening.
—rachel
Well-considered advice on choosing containers and succulents, and caring well for them.
—Limlim
Beautiful picture, great ideas for succulents! Loved the book!
—Bianca
