As some of you may know, I had the privilege of heading down south to California for American Thanksgiving! It was so fantastic to get to the land of warmth, sunshine, palm trees, and all things happy - the happiest place on earth (Disneyland!). Last year I posted about some epic succulent plantings they had at the Rancho Del Zocalo Restaurant in Disneyland Park. So I thought I would start a series of happiness from California by re-visiting a favourite spot!
This is holiday colours SoCal style - agave cornelius and cyclamen!
But where succulents containers are concerned, I'm all about the exuberant colourful combinations that evoke the feeling of warmth and sunshine.
And If any plant says sunshine and happiness it has to be agave attenuata variegata. LOVE!
There's just something about that Southern California sunshine and the warm exuberance of succulents that makes my heart skip a beat. In those moments I wish I could find the "pause" button.
Whilst making me exceedingly jealous, this succulent bowl inspires me to put together some epic planters next season.
I'm always on the search of my style. Some days tropical asian, some days Southwestern, some days Moroccan, and some days Mediterranean. But more than anything, I feel like this could be my style - my hearts style that is. Lush, fun, somewhat wild, and totally summer sunshine loving!!
*sigh*
I believe this is agave 'blue glow.' After losing one last winter I am now determined to replace it.
I have also determined that my succulent collection is far to limited! Uh oh!
Which do you prefer, bowl or strawberry planter? Right now I saw bowl.
But when strawberry planters contain agaves and the petals of fallen bougainvillaea I absolutely love!
I think I enjoy the gnarly trunk of the olea europaea the most in this group of happiness.
And while epic on its own, the olive trunk is the perfect backdrop to a group of succulents. It adds the right touch of rugged to the smooth bold lines of the yucca and agave. *Note to self: plant succulents around my olives!*
I just love succulent loving fun in the SoCal sunshine.
Eternal summer...I like that concept...just don't visit So Cal May-June, since that's their chilly, dark "June Gloom". Looks like so many great containers - and coastal California can do that better than most places.
ReplyDeleteThat may be your Olea europaea, some day!
Eternal summer is a wonderful thought. Especially SoCal 75F summer in November. I honestly don't think it's possible to complain about that kind of heavenliness. I love the variety of plants you see in coastal california. It's the combination of the cooler ocean air, mild temperatures, and slightly higher moisture that allows them to get away with so much!
DeleteI hope my olive looks like that one day!!!
So please tell me you grabbed that Agave attenuata and ran....that is one sexy plant!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the brief visual reprieve from the grey rain...it did wonders for my soul.
Oh I wish I grabbed that agave. It is perfect in every way! I love it!
DeleteI am so happy you found a brief reprieve. We are about to get pummelled tonight with rain and high winds so I'm looking at my California pictures for some solace. But as my friends remarked, I still have my glow. That is, my sunshine tank has been filled. I tend to talk much faster, laugh louder, and bulge my eyeballs with excitement when I've had sufficient doses of sunshine. Oh the wonders of sunshine!
But you do not give us a shout out to visit any of us here in Portland.....Whats that all about?
ReplyDeleteThis time I flew down. We got an epic deal on flights out of Vancouver which is pretty rare. Next time I'm through Oregon I'll make sure to do some stops along the way :)
DeleteSigh...you went south. I would so love to garden in California. I can almost feel the sunshine through your post.
ReplyDeleteIt was so happy to get some sunshine. Wouldn't cali gardening be swell!? Although I fear I would end up in some SoCal zone 10 and only dream of the possibilities of the SoCal zone 11 you know? We actually have it pretty good as compared to much of the US and Canada.
DeleteOh Louis, I can tell by your pictures you were like a kid in a candy store, eh? THOSE SUCCULENTS ROCK! I especially like the cute little hanging wall planters...I could really REALLY see that here....very pretty. Thanks Louis. Looks like you had a fab trip!
ReplyDeleteIt was like being a kid in a candy store! I looooved it! Aren't those wall planters fabo?!?! I could have taken them all home!
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